Iberia and Spainish Airport Authority invest €100 Million into new cargo terminal at Madrid

Iberia's chairman Antonio Vázquez, and the head of Spain's national airport and traffic control authority Aena, Juan Ignacio Lema, today signed an agreement to build a new Iberia cargo terminal at the Madrid-Barajas airport. Publics Works and Development Minister José Blanco attended the signing.

Iberia will spend 60 million euros and Aena will spend 40 million euros to build the new facility, which will ensure capacity for the future growth of air cargo. It will make the Madrid-Barajas airport Europe's largest hub for air cargo to and from Latin America.

The 39,000-sq.m. terminal will stand on a 92,000 sq.m. site between runways 15 and 33 and near the apron of the T4 satellite building that is used for most Latin American flights. The new feasibility will substantially reduce aircraft loading and unloading times, while boosting the efficiency and quality of Iberia's air cargo handling services at the airport.

Strong Growth

In 2010 the Madrid-Barajas cargo terminal handled more that 373,000 tonnes of freight, a 23.3% increase from the previous year. Of this total, Iberia shipped more than 175,000 tonnes,  or 47%. The new terminal is expected to lead to strong growth in Iberia's cargo handling business in the 2015-2030 period, tripling the 175,000 tonnes to some 650,000 tonnes by 2030.

The commissioning of the new terminal in 2015 is expected to create 400 direct jobs and up to another 1,000 indirect ones in such services as customs, security services, ground transportation, etc. as well as in other services such as health, hospitality, and retail.

The project will be handled by Aena's Clasa unit, responsible for development and management of airport logistical operations to ensure the efficiency and quality of freight handling operations at all Spanish airports.

The New Cargo Complex at Madrid-Barajas

More than 200 logistics and transportation companies and related firms are located in the 60-hectare air cargo complex at the Madrid-Barajas airport, in the heart of the Madrid region's industrial district,

where they have access to advanced technologies and infrastructures for the movement and storage of freight.

Iconic Protea Hotel Marine reveals its new finery

The iconic Protea Hotel Marine on the Port Elizabeth beachfront has undergone a R30 million refurbishment that has completely transformed the majestic property to its former glory.

Hotel owner, The Hospitality Property Fund, financed the refurbishment across both public and private areas of the property. The hotel’s “tower block” was gutted internally. The existing 74 rooms underwent an extensive bedroom and bathroom facelift, while 15 rooms were added in the converted Skyroof. All wooden window frames were removed and replaced with aluminum. Bathrooms were also stripped, retiled and equipped with walk-in showers. The refurbishment created a new Presidential Suite, two disabled and six family rooms to cater to a broader market spectrum.

Protea Hotel Marine general manager Danie Smit said the room interiors were not ignored. “Every room was completely redone with new carpets, furnishings and fittings. The style is classic and the colours are calm neutrals enhanced by mahogany woodwork. Each room has a refreshment station with a bar fridge, electronic safe and LCD TV. There is wi-fi throughout the hotel.”

In the public areas a classic look was created by relocating the reception and tiling the area. All other public areas were recarpeted and the outside deck completely overhauled to provide comfortable yet elegant couches and chairs to accompany the dining tables. The balustrade was also replaced by frameless glass panels that now give an unrestricted view over the ocean from the deck. Smit said the exterior of the building was totally repainted.

Included in the refurbishment was a move to energy efficiency with heating pipes and new lighting.

Smit said: “The Protea Hotel Marine has always been a landmark in Port Elizabeth that has been restored to her former glory and the physical product now matches the outstanding service that is the signature of the hotel.”

“For Protea Hotels to maintain the high standards that GUESTS have become accustomed to, we believe there should be continual investment in the properties,” said Danny Bryer, Group Sales and Marketing Director for Protea Hospitality Group. “The new Protea Hotel Marine is a credit to its owners and to Protea Hotels.”

Protea Hotel Marine is only 7km from the Port Elizabeth airport and is within walking distance of pristine beaches, side walk cafes and the renowned Oceanarium.

1time Holdings concludes BEE deal

JSE listed aviation group finds aviation-focused partners

                                      

Wednesday, 9 March 2011: Main board–listed 1time Holdings Limited has concluded its anticipated deal with a BEE consortium for a purchase consideration of 70 million ordinary shares at a 10% discount to the 30 day volume average weighted price. The transaction is effective 2 March 2011.

1time Group CEO Glenn Orsmond says that the equity capital of R49 million will be used to expand the airline as well as its airline maintenance and charter businesses.

“Our vision has always been to create a diverse aviation group consisting of the best low cost airline in southern Africa and a world class maintenance facility. This transaction has significantly strengthened our BEE credentials and shareholding and we believe that the move will assist us in realising our vision,” he said.

The BEE consortium was funded by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and comprises Mtha Aviation (Pty) Ltd, Sunrise Investment Group (Pty) Ltd and Oakleaf Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd, whose sole purpose will be to acquire and hold an equity stake in 1time.

Orsmond continues, “We are pleased that Sipho Twala, a founding shareholder and chairman of 1time, is also part of the BEE consortium. The funding will give impetus to our growth plans for the airline by introducing new routes into Africa and the Lanseria operations, as we as facilitate the planned growth of the aircraft maintenance business:”

Busiwe Magongo, MD of Mtha Aviation, has been appointed as executive director on the board of 1time Holdings. Blacky Komani, Chairman of Mtha Aviation, will serve as non-executive director in addition to his role as Executive Director: American Express Foreign Exchange and other directorships. He has 20 years experience in travel and tourism.

Says Komani, “There are already a number of synergies and we intend to leverage maximum value from the anticipated growth in passenger numbers in Africa, utilising the BEE consortium’s expertise to maintain and enhance 1time’s competitive edge. We anticipate growth in our market share through an improved range of offerings and have expansion plans in place.”

Ethiopian Airlines to start New Flights to Hangzhou, its Fourth Destination in China

Ethiopian Airlines is pleased to unveil its plan to commence new flights to Hangzhou, one of the most renowned and prosperous cities in China effective May 1, 2011. Hangzhou, located in Zhejiang province, is famous for its picturesque scenery, rich history, and is without question one of the most beautiful cities in China.

Hangzhou is a great alternative to the busy Shanghai airport for those traveling to/from Shanghai as it is only 45 minutes away via Shanghai–Hangzhou high-speed train. Hangzhou is also ideally located for both business people and for traders. Yiwu, a famous commodities trading center, is also only 100km away from Hangzhou with convenient and frequent coach services. Ethiopian’s new flight service to Hangzhou provides travelers from all over Africa an easy and fast way to the strategic Chinese business hub of Shanghai and Yiwu.

With the opening of the 4th destination in China, Ethiopian Airlines will expand dependable passenger and cargo handling services to traders, business people and tourists between China and Africa via the strategic business hub at Addis Ababa.

In addition to the five weekly flights to Hangzhou, Ethiopian provides daily services to Beijing and Guangzhou, plus four weekly flights to Hong Kong. “This new operation to Hangzhou reinforces our commitment to the Chinese traveling public and the strong ties between China and Africa”, said Mr. Tewolde G. Mariam, CEO of Ethiopian.

Ethiopian Airlines is the first African airlines to connect the People’s Democratic Republic of China with Africa, starting with its first flight to Beijing on November 07, 1973. Since then Ethiopian has been facilitating trade, tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations between Africa and China. No airline provides more links between Africa and China than Ethiopian Airlines.

60 airline tickets to win to the destination of your choice!

Until Wednesday 9 March 2011, Air France Facebook page fans are invited to play a new game*, ‘Travel Challenge’, with an exceptional competition prize of 60 airline tickets to be won to the destination of their choice!

The principle is very simple: every day, on the ‘Travel Challenge’ page, fans discover the ‘photo of the day’ and link the photo to a city or the corresponding place from three possible choices. To increase their daily chances of winning, fans can invite their friends to join the
Air France Facebook page; if one of the winning entrants is a sponsored entrant, their sponsor will also be declared a winner. Prize winners shall be designated by an electronic prize draw carried out at 8pm (Paris time) each day and immediately informed that they have won by email via their Facebook account and their names will also be published on the Air France page.

The competition prize comprises 30 prizes of two round-trip tickets in Voyageur (economy) class valid on all Air France routes**.

Launched in July 2010, the Air France Facebook page currently has close to
170,000 fans who are mostly non-French. Thanks to this ‘Travel Challenge’ game posted since 23 February, Air France has more than doubled its number of fans in less than
a week!

In addition to competitions (last month, a 5-day trip to New York was won), Air France invites fans to discover airline news and behind-the-scenes footage from a novel angle. With some twenty videos and more than a thousand photos, the Air France Facebook page is the place to be for the airline’s most avid fans and aviation enthusiasts. With its video chats (new Premium Voyageur offer) or its fun posts (guess the name of a future destination served by the airline), Air France is directly interacting with its customers via several dozens of daily exchanges.   

Shave or spray at Garden Court Sandton City and support CANSA

At Garden Court by Southern Sun we work hard to create a great day. For those touched by cancer, however, experiencing a great day can be more challenging. We know this because our own people have been personally affected by the illness. This is why we have decided to host a Shavathon in support of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). From 3 – 5 March 2011, (8h00 to 16h00) at Garden Court Sandton City, you can shave or spray and show your support too.

“We’re a can-do­ organisation,” says Neil Bald, Operations Director for Garden Court. “Our involvement with the Shavathon reflects the Southern Sun group’s Siyakhanya Values – a philosophy incorporating the view that our caring and enthusiastic people differentiate us. Our people are the ones who constantly strive to deliver, exceeding our guest’s expectations – and as a minimum, meeting them. Our Siyakhanya Values (meaning We Shine) include Innovation, Integrity, People-Centred, Reliability, Respect and Teamwork. They form part of our daily lives and the way we live, and we evaluate everything we do to see if it is in line with these very critical and fundamental values.”

“Our employees’ voluntary participation in the Shavathon reflects how our people truly live the company’s philosophy every day,” says Bald.

“It also shows we are an organisation that cares,” says Anthony Batistich, General Manager, Garden Court Sandton City. “Not only about guests in our hotels but about the broader community. We are not solely bottom line driven, we are people driven.”

Through its Shavathon Garden Court by Southern Sun aims to generate awareness about cancer and raise funds to support CANSA. The Netcare Clinton Clinic in Alberton will supply pamphlets and information provided by its Oncology department while employees from several hotels including Garden Court Sandton, Garden Court Morningside, Garden Court

O R Tambo, Garden Court Brand Office and Southern Sun Katherine Street will assist with shaving and spraying, together with hairdressers from Salon Prive in Northriding Square, as well as Hychem & FMS (who have donated items needed), and family members and friends who are all actively supporting the initiative. Garden Court Sandton City will be selling scrumptious Boerewors Rolls (R17.00 each – R2.00 of which will be donated to CANSA). From 2pm on Saturday 5 March dj percussion band Ctr_alt_del will perform live.

“We want to create an increased understanding about the effects of cancer, and its prevention,” says Bald. “Of course, the Shavathon ultimately aims to raise funds to ensure the financial viability of CANSA’s unique, integrated support services to cancer survivors and those affected by the illness. We hope everyone will adopt our can-do approach to making a great day.”

Garden Court by Southern Sun has found a way to make a real contribution in the fight against cancer. You can too. Shave, spray or donate.

(visit http://southernsuncares.givengain.org) 

The Peninsula crowned Top SA Resort

The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel has been voted as the RCI Best Large Resort 2010 at the prestigious RCI Awards 2011.

This is the fourth year that the Peninsula All-Suite Hotel has received this acclaimed award, certifying itself once more as one of South Africa’s premier hotels.

“We take great pleasure in receiving the RCI Best Large Resort award once more. It affirms that our service standards are as high as ever and that we can look forward to yet another great year ahead”, says Peninsula All-Suite Hotel GM Chris Godenir.

 RCI represents an international timeshare exchange company and its annual “Oscars” awards celebrates  the companies’ valued club partners, developers, affiliated resorts, top timeshare sales professionals’ successes and acknowledges the important role they play in the Vacation Ownership Industry in Africa.

Situated along Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard, the Peninsula All Suite Hotel represents a landmark on the Platinum Mile of the Sea Point promenade. All 110 suites have full views of the Atlantic ocean and - from studios to luxury suites - all contain separate lounges, kitchens and balconies. Along with two restaurants, a Sauna and two swimming pools (one heated), the Hotel also provides wireless internet access, a Business Centre, complimentary Shuttle service within 8km radius and secure on-site parking.