Plane spotting photos: Two 'Top shots' in two days. Night photography at Mumbai airport

Earlier this year, the Aviation Photographers India Foundation, had a chance to go airside at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and take photos, thanks to the support by the DGCA and MIAL.

Two night pictures in the spirit of Christmas both of which made 'Top Shot' at JetPhotos.

British Airways Boeing 777-300ER G-STBB. Observe the "Sky Interior" with the soft blue mood lighting showing through the windows in the premium classes while economy gets a full dose of regular simulated daylight. The pilots conduct final checks in the cockpit before lights out and taxi, and who can overlook the massive and beautiful GE90-115B engines.

The Star alliance ramp at the international terminal at Mumbai. Left to right: Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER, Austrian Airlines Boeing 767 with winglets, Thai Airways A330-300, Continental (United) Airlines Boeing 777-200ER.

To see more photos, please click on the photo images in the boxes on the top right.

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The downside of complimentary class upgrades of US airlines

Recently, on an on-line forum, there was a great debate on how the legacy domestic carriers could deal with the issue of an empty premium class on many of their flights.

Be it Air India, Jet Airways, or Kingfisher, many a time, fliers will observe just about three or four passengers in the premium class which has 20 or more seats.

One of the forum members suggested these airlines follow a liberal upgrade policy akin to that practised by legacy US carriers like Delta, United, Continental, American, etc., as this would build brand equity.

While both Jet Airways and Kingfisher do offer a limited number of upgrade vouchers for their premium passengers, unlimited upgrading, in my humble opinion, has become a bane for the US airline industry causing a huge blight on their premium class service levels.

Class upgrades do bring brand loyalty. It is but natural for a customer to prefer a provider of freebies; but how long before the benefit becomes an expectation, and then the upgrades actually become a slippery path for the airline and makes it impossible for the carrier to withdraw the service.

Secondly, as the premium classes start getting filled with upgrade passengers, there is a significant decrease in per seat revenue and proportion of income to cost is no longer maintained.

Passengers experience the end result of this flawed policy of US carriers on a daily basis. Thanks to liberal upgrades, resulting in a significantly lower revenue per seat, the carriers in the US have been forced to curtail services in their premium classes.

The so called US domestic "First Class" does not hold a patch to the domestic Business Class in India and most other countries, be it seat comfort, food and beverages, reading materials, or service, both in the air and on the ground. Even on international flights, let's face it, US carriers are not highly rated when it comes to their premium class.

Very frequently, there are hardly any passengers in the premium cabin who have actually paid for a "first class" seat. Due to the enforced lower levels of service, these paying passengers feel denied and short-changed, which further lowers the incentive to actually buy a premium class ticket, which in turn deepens this already vicious downward cycle.

On the other side of the spectrum is Singapore Airlines (SQ), an airline I had the pleasure of being an ultra-frequent flier with. I have often wondered how does Singapore Airlines manage to charge fares that are close to double that of their competitors, including fellow Star Alliance carriers, and still go full, in all classes.

From past experience, the airline is fanatical about protecting and maintaining the levels of their premium classes and does not resort to upgrades unless absolutely forced to, due to extreme overbooking. Despite flying more than a million miles with the airline and being one of their top passengers from India, I got a free upgrade only twice in about 1,000 flights that I have taken with them.

The net result is the airline receives full revenue per seat and in return offers a premium class that offers one of, if not, the best, travel experience in the sky. One that passengers both frequent and otherwise are happy to pay a significant premium for.

This still begs the question, how does Singapore Airline retain the loyalty of its passengers, and the simplest answer is service. The airline perceives itself as a full service carrier and offers exactly that -- full service. Customers get a lot more than they pay for.

What are your views on complimentary upgrades? Are they a boon or a bane? How would you implement a customer loyalty program? Post a comment.

Images courtesy Kingfisher Airlines and Singapore Airlines

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Video: Repainting a United Airlines Boeing 777 to the new United-Continental livery

A neat time-lapse video of how a Boeing 777 in the old United Airlines livery being re-painted in the new United-Continental livery. While I don't particularly like the new livery, the video does show the enormous effort involved.

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American Express expands Airport Club access program to include US Airways lounges

American Express has expanded it's Platinum Card® Airport Club Access benefit program to include access to 17 US Airways Clubs across 13 cities.

The most interesting part of this tie-up is that unlike the program's existing arrangements with American Airline's Admirals Club®, Continental Airline's Presidents Club, Delta Sky ClubTM, which require card-holders to be flying that particular airline, cardholders can access US Airways Clubs regardless of the airline the card holder is flying.

The lounge access does require the card holder to present their American Express Platinum Card® along with a government issued identification.

The card-holder's spouse and children or up to two travelling companions can also gain access to the airport lounges.

Full details are available from the American Express website.

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Continental to join the Star Alliance today

Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) is poised to join Star Alliance today following months of preparations for the first-ever transition of a major airline from one global alliance to another.

A live video webcast of the joining ceremony where Continental will become a member of Star Alliance is available via a link at continental.com or via this link

Within the last 48 hours, Continental has entered into bilateral commercial agreements with all of the existing 24 Star Alliance members, including reciprocal earning and redemption of frequent flyer miles.

In addition, Continental has signed code-sharing agreements with four Star Alliance members – United, Lufthansa, Air Canada and bmi. Code-sharing with additional airlines in Star Alliance will be implemented in the coming months.

Continental has pursued an extensive transition plan to facilitate the alliance change, including:

Airport co-locations: By the end of this year Continental will physically move airport operations at 11 airports around the world to be closer to other Star Alliance partners. Today Continental moved to Terminal 1 at Frankfurt and on November 1, to the South Wing of Terminal 1 at Tokyo's Narita airport. Co-location moves have been made at Beijing, Chicago, Honolulu and Shanghai.

Airport and aircraft sign replacement: Continental has removed all signage referring to its former alliance and is in the process of deploying extensive Star Alliance branding throughout its airport facilities and on its aircraft. To remind customers of the transition, every main cabin entry door in Continental’s fleet will display a message saying, “You’re About To Get The Star Treatment.”

Booking class realignment:In order to make its 23 single-letter fare codes compatible with Star Alliance airlines Continental has revised the fare codes stored in over 6 million passenger reservation records that are active during the transition.

Customer service policies: The complimentary baggage allowance for Continental’s Platinum and Gold Elite customers, as well as Star Alliance Gold customers from other member carriers, has increased to three bags weighing up to 70 pounds each, for consistency with the established Star Alliance Gold benefits.

Frequent flyer program changes and elite customer recognition: Recently, Continental’s OnePass frequent flyer program unveiled a new reward chart that enhances OnePass and makes it more compatible to other programs in Star Alliance. OnePass members will be able to accrue mileage and book reward travel on Star Alliance airlines (and vice versa) effective today.

Technology and systems changes: Projects large and small, have been completed in order to facilitate the change to Star Alliance, including:

• updating customer information systems and booking records to ensure frequent flyer elite recognition across the Star Alliance network
• implementing new frequent flyer processes for mileage accrual and award redemptions
• developing through check-in abilities with all Star Alliance members
• connecting to the Star Alliance Data Network for real-time alliance flight information

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Continental Airlines to Join Star Alliance on October 27

Continental Airlines has announced that it should join Star Alliance on October 27, 2009. Continental will end its participation in SkyTeam after its last scheduled flight on Oct. 24, 2009.

Continental's transition from SkyTeam to Star Alliance is a strategic change, originally announced in June 2008.

Continental's OnePass members do not need to make any changes to their OnePass accounts and will continue to utilize their mileage as normal. Mileage balances will not be affected by the transition.

Through Oct. 24, 2009, OnePass members can continue to earn and redeem miles and make reward reservations on SkyTeam partners.

When the transition to Star Alliance occurs on Oct. 27, 2009, OnePass members will begin earning base miles and Elite Qualification Miles/Points and be able to redeem miles on Star Alliance airlines.

For alliance updates from Continental please visit continental.com/alliancenews

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Continental Airlines apologises to President Kalam but is trapped between conflicting laws

Faced with an uproar in India, a criminal compliant, and unanimous condemnation across party lines in the Indian parliament, Houston, Texas based Continental Airlines apologised to former Indian President A P J Abdul Kalam for frisking him at the IGI airport at New Delhi.

Read related story.

In its apology to Dr. Kalam, Continental said it did not intend to offend the former President or the sentiments of the people of the country, however, as per media reports Dr. Kalam has indicated he has not yet received the apology.

Continental staff would be well aware of India's Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) rules and it was intriguing that Continental's security staff proceeded to frisk Dr. Kalam even after they were reminded of his exempt status being a former President. By extrapolation this would imply, the Continental staff were well aware they were violating the rules by conducting the check.

Why on earth would Continental risk such a backlash ?

It turns out that Continental was following the rules and policy of the Transport Security Administration (TSA) of the US Department of Homeland Security. The TSA issued this statement to Bangalore Aviation and also put it up on its website.

On 21 April 2009, former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was traveling aboard Continental Airlines flight 083 from Delhi to Newark. Dr. Kalam was required to undergo pre-board screening in accordance with the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) regulatory requirements immediately prior to boarding the aircraft. TSA requires that all passengers and their accessible property are screened for any items listed on the prohibited items list.

There are reports that the government of India has an official list of VIP's and their spouses that are exempt from pre-board screening procedures. However, such a list does not mirror U.S. requirements for passengers that are exempted from pre-board screening when traveling aboard U.S. commercial aircraft. While traveling from an international location to the U.S. on an U.S. commercial aircraft, former Heads of State, and other VIPs, are screened according to the same screening procedures as for any other passenger. If requested, private screening can be provided.

TSA has reviewed the circumstances of Dr. Kalam's travel and confirms that Continental Airlines implemented security measures in compliance with TSA regulations. TSA regrets any inconvenience that Dr. Kalam may have experienced as a result of our standard security requirements. TSA works closely with our international counterparts and our stakeholder air carriers to ensure a safe and secure transportation network.

It is further understood that passengers may be exempt from the screening process if they are active Heads of State and are travelling under protective escort of the US Secret Service or are high level active foreign dignitaries under the protective escort of the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service and have been vetted through the Department of State and the TSA.

This incident and the clarification of the TSA raises additional questions.

• What happens when the rules and policies of the TSA are contradictory with the rules and policy of another country?
• Is there any resolution mechanism? and if yes, has Continental initiated this?
• Have their been similar incidents in the past involving US carriers having to follow TSA rules which conflict with the laws of another country in which they operate? and if yes, how have those incidents been resolved?

Unfortunately both the airline and the administration are mum on these questions.

Currently four airlines operate non-stop flights between India and the United States. Three of them are US carriers on whom the TSA regulations are binding - American Airlines, Continental Airlines, and Delta Airlines. The fourth is Air India on whom the TSA "pre-boarding checking" regulation does not apply.

Surely, it is not the intent of the TSA or for that matter, any government of any country, to knowingly put it's citizens, including corporations in to perilous situations. The two governments should sit together and resolve this contradiction at the earliest.

Till this matter is resolved, may be the US carriers American, Continental and Delta, should very politely decline reservations from any person in the BCAS exempt status list, and avoid this conflict.

For members of the exempt status list who want to fly non-stop to the United States from India, may I with utmost respect, recommend Air India. Apart from the symbolism of supporting the national carrier, they will probably get better service on board, and we all know, Air India can sure use the ticket money.

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Government files criminal complaint against Continental Airlines for frisking Abdul Kalam

This story is sure to raise the hackles of many in India as former President APJ Abdul Kalam is a highly respected and loved figure.

Upon the directions of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has today registered an FIR (First Information Report) against Continental Airlines for carrying out pre-embarkation body check of the Former President of India, Shri APJ Abdul Kalam, in gross violation of BCAS Circular No.6/2008 which exempts specified VVIPs/VIPs (Very Very Important Persons) from pre-embarkation security checks.

As per the FIR, on 21 April, 2009, Shri Abdul Kalam was travelling by Continental Airlines Flight CO-083 from IGI Airport, New Delhi to New York. As he proceeded towards the aircraft, the staff of Continental Airlines carried out frisking of Shri Abdul Kalam in contravention to the BCAS rule even as the CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) personnel pointed out that he was exempt from such checks. An enquiry was ordered into the matter which established that the airline staff had wrongfully, under the direction of their Security-in-Charge, Country Director and Station Manager, carried out pre-embarkation body check of Shri Abdul Kalam.

A Show Cause Notice was issued on 9 July, 2009 to the Station Manager of Continental Airline asking as to why action should not be taken against them under Section 11A of Aircraft Act, 1934. The airline was given seven days to respond. No reply has been received from the airline till date. The BCAS has, thus, registered an FIR with the IGI Airport Police Station against all the concerned staff of the Continental Airlines under Section 11A of Aircraft Act, 1934 for wilful violation of the directions issued by BCAS.

One will have to go deeper in to why Continental Airlines security staff insisted on performing the check even after being told by the CISF of Mr. Abdul Kalam's status.

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Continental to take delivery of new aircraft in retro livery to celebrate 75th anniversary

Continental Airlines will be celebrating it's 75th anniversary on July 15th. To commemorate the occasion, the airline is taking delivery this week of a new Boeing 737-900ER, which is painted with a retro livery


The retro livery originally used on aircraft beginning in 1947 and called The Blue Skyway, was selected by Continental employees. Continental will fly the new aircraft to its three hubs at Houston, Newark and Cleveland for anniversary celebration events for employees and retirees.

The new Boeing 737-900ER will be equipped with an advanced technology GPS Landing System (GLS) that will take advantage of the new Next Generation Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) being installed later this year at Newark Liberty.

Continental's 75 year history

The Early Years: Water Varney

Continental traces its history to Varney Speed Lines, started in 1934 by Walter T. Varney primarily to carry U.S. mail. On July 15, 1934, the airline launched its first flight, carrying 100 letters and no passengers between Pueblo, Colo. and El Paso, Texas. At the time, Franklin Roosevelt was president, the average U.S. annual income was about $1,600, a new car cost $625 and a gallon of gas cost 10 cents.

Walter Varney focused on the new airline's fleet, called Continental "America's Fastest" due to its speedier aircraft. Varney had earlier started a different airline, which became United Airlines. History has come full circle; the two carriers founded by Walter Varney will become alliance partners when Continental joins the Star Alliance later this year.

Longtime Leader: Bob Six

Varney Speed Lines became Continental Airlines in 1937 under the leadership of Robert F. Six, who captained the airline into the "jet age" and expanded its reach for more than 40 years and laid the groundwork for Continental's reputation for top-notch service and a customer focus.

In 1944, passenger revenue exceeded revenue from carrying mail for the first time in the airline's history. Under Six's leadership, Continental in the late 1940s became one of the first carriers to experiment with coach fares, and established first-class "Gold Carpet Service" in the late 1950s.

Bob Six also secured a Continental stronghold in the pacific by creating Air Micronesia, which remains a wholly-owned Continental subsidiary today.

Times of Tumult

In the late 1970s, following the Airline Deregulation Act, through the early 1990s, Continental went through some of its darkest days, struggling through years of financial losses, a gaggle of challenging mergers and acquisitions, two bankruptcies, as well as labor relations that strained to the breaking point. Even through these grim times, several bright spots emerged: in 1987, Continental established its OnePass frequent flyer program, and in 1992, the airline launched its premium product, BusinessFirst, which provides first-class service at business-class fares.

Continental's current domestic hubs were also formed during this period with Continental's presence in Houston, which began with the airline's first flight into the city in 1951, strengthening into a true hub. In February 1987, Continental's merger with People Express provided the foundation for it's hub at Newark Liberty. Continental remains the largest carrier in the New York area today. In July 1987, Continental's Cleveland hub opened, tripling the airline's presence in the city.

From Worst to First

Then, in 1994, Gordon Bethune became CEO and led the company through one of the most dramatic turnarounds in business history, taking it from "worst to first."

Much as Six set the tone on customer satisfaction, Bethune brought to the forefront a culture of employees working together. Bethune and Continental's senior management team also instituted the Go Forward Plan to make sure the whole team had their eyes on the same target. The same working-together culture and Go Forward Plan continue to underlie Continental's success even today.

Continental Today

Current Chairman and CEO Larry Kellner, who has been with the company since 1995, took the helm when Gordon Bethune departed in late 2004. Larry credits Continental's co-workers for the airline's success in recent years and he stays focused on open, honest and direct communication with co-workers across the system, taking input from all directions as the company faces today's opportunities and challenges. Kellner continues to focus on the fundamentals that his predecessors laid down before him: employee relations, customer satisfaction, and building a strong fleet.

During Larry Kellner tenure, Continental has received more awards for customer satisfaction than any other airline, including being named FORTUNE magazine's most admired global airline for six consecutive years on the magazine's annual airline industry list.

Other firsts being initiated in Continental's 75th anniversary year are the introduction of DIRECTV(R) service, installation of flat-bed seats in BusinessFirst, and service to Shanghai.

Continental has a website featuring historical photos and information on Continental's 75-year history.

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Video: NTSB says Continental 3407 rolled violently before crashing

Video clip from CNN showcasing Steven Chealander of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) discussing the last moments of the crash of Continental flight 3407.

The NTSB indicates the plane rolled violently before the crash in Buffalo, New York, USA.

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49 killed in Continental Airlines crash in Buffalo, NY

Aviation Herald is reporting a Colgan Air De Havilland Dash 8-400 on behalf of Continental Airlines, registration N200WQ performing flight 9L-3407/CO-3407 from Newark, NJ, USA to Buffalo, NY, USA with 44 passengers and 4 crew, crashed into a home in a surburb of Buffalo about 5 nm (10km) from the airport and burst into flames while on approach to Buffalo's Niagara Airport at about 10:17pm local time (03:17 GTM). All 48 occupants and one person on the ground died.

This is the second accident Continental is suffering in recent past. On December 20, 2008, a Continental Boeing 737 crashed at Denver airport.

The airplane was on the approach frequency, had been cleared down to 2300 feet, guided via radar vectors (heading 330 then heading 310) and cleared for an ILS approach to runway 23 and had just been handed over to the tower. The crew confirmed the frequency change, but didn't contact the tower anymore and also could not be reached on the approach frequency about one minute after hand over. A following Delta flight 1998 could not see the Dash 8 due to being in cloud, but also could not see the plane on their TCAS.

The home on 6050 Long Road is reported to be completely destroyed and reduced to rubble. Twelve homes along Long Road, Goodrich Road and Clarence Center Road near Clarence Town Hall in Clarence Center had to be evacuated. Two more residents on the ground were treated for injuries and brought to a hospital. Fire fighters were on the scene within seconds since their fire house on Clarence Center Road just next to the crash site.

A witness on the ground saw the airplane flying low with the left wing slightly low before it impacted ground.

The tower controller reported, that the airplane dropped off his radar without any anomaly beforehand.

Following the recognition, that the airplane was on the ground, the tower checked the ILS equipment of the airport sending Delta 1998 into a hold, found the ILS in the clear but transmitted a warning to all aircraft on tower and approach frequencies. Delta 1998 coming from the North reported upon request by the approach, that they were not building any significant ice, however reported a quarter of an inch. Another airplane, Cactus 1452 (US Airways/America West) coming from the South like the crashed Colgan Air, reported that they were picking up some ice for about 10 minutes for about 20nm. Subsequently Delta 1998 was commanded to not perform an autoland for possible localizer fluctuations.

The aircraft is new and was delivered 16th April 2008.

Relatives and friends of those traveling on flight 3407 who want to give or receive information about those on board may telephone the family assistance number at 1-800-621-3263.

Hear ATC conversation at Buffalo at the time of the accident.

For an edited version click here.

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Continental successfully completes bio-fuel flight, more airlines should follow

Following the successful bio-fuel test at Air New Zealand just 9 days ago, Continental Airlines, became the first U.S. airline to conduct a successful bio-fuel test yesterday, January 7.

The test at Continental was very similar to the one at Air New Zealand. The air-frame manufacturer was Boeing, at Continental it was a Boeing 737-800, while at Air New Zealand it was a Boeing 747. The technologist was UOP in both cases. The fuel was the same 50 per cent Jatropha mixed with 50% Jet A-1. The engine manufacturer at Continental was CFM, while at Air New Zealand it was Rolls Royce.

I applaud the efforts of Virgin, Air New Zealand, and Continental, and other participants in the bio-fuel tests, and exhort other airlines to also move towards aviation bio-fuels, most especially, Indian carriers. India is a major source of Jatropha, a major source for one the components of the aviation bio-fuel.

Thanks to the global economic slowdown, the price of oil may be low today, but it will rise once again, in the future. For much too long, the world has entrusted it's complete energy needs, in the hands of one of the most volatile regions on earth, the middle east, and Russia, a nation reverting back to it's pushy Soviet-era bullying.

We have to develop and implement alternatives sources of energy, if for no other reason, economic security. The savings and benefits to our planet, is an added bonus.

The flight designated CO9990 was conducted from Houston (KIAH) airport. Taken up to FL380 (38,000 ft), and descended as low at 4,300 feet, and was tested at varying altitudes and speeds, and with normal and non-normal flight maneuvers.

The full track of the flight can be seen here, image is below.


The full press release by Continental provides the full details.

Continental Airlines Flight Demonstrates Use of Sustainable Biofuels as Energy Source for Jet Travel

HOUSTON, Jan 07, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today is demonstrating the use of sustainable biofuel to power a commercial aircraft for the first time ever in North America. The demonstration flight -- which is being conducted in partnership with Boeing, GE Aviation/CFM International, and Honeywell's UOP -- marks the first sustainable biofuel demonstration flight by a commercial carrier using a two-engine aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 equipped with CFM International CFM56-7B engines.

"This demonstration flight represents another step in Continental's ongoing commitment to fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Larry Kellner. "The technical knowledge we gain today will contribute to a wider understanding of the future for transportation fuels."

The biofuel blend includes components derived from algae and jatropha plants, both sustainable, second-generation sources that do not impact food crops or water resources or contribute to deforestation. The algae oil has been provided by Sapphire Energy, and the jatropha oil by Terasol Energy. This is the first time a commercial carrier will power a flight using fuel derived in part from algae.

Continental's Boeing 737-800, tail number 516, will depart from and return to Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport operating under a specially-issued "Experimental" aircraft type certificate, and will carry no passengers.

During the flight, which will last approximately two hours, Continental test pilots will engage the aircraft in a number of normal and non-normal flight maneuvers, such as mid-flight engine shutdown and re-start, and power accelerations and decelerations. A Continental engineer will record flight data onboard.

The flight will operate with a biofuel blend, which consists of 50 percent biologically-derived fuel and 50 percent traditional jet fuel, in the No. 2 engine. This biofuel blend will result in a significant net decrease in carbon emissions relative to traditional jet fuel, as both jatropha and algae consume carbon during their lifecycles.

The aircraft's No. 1 engine will operate on 100 percent traditional jet fuel, allowing Continental to compare performance between the biofuel blend and traditional fuel. As Continental has worked with Boeing, GE Aviation/CFM and UOP for more than nine months to carefully evaluate and test the biofuel in engines on the ground, no difference in performance is expected.

The biofuel is a "drop-in" fuel, and no modifications to the aircraft or engine are necessary for the flight to operate. The biofuel meets and exceeds specifications necessary for jet fuel, including a flash point and a freezing point appropriate for use in aircraft.

Following the flight, Continental will participate with its partners in post-flight engine analysis to ensure that the effect on the engine and aircraft, in addition to performance, is substantively no different between biofuel and traditional fuel.

"Through their leadership Continental Airlines is helping aviation pioneer a greener, more diverse fuel supply for the future," said Billy Glover, managing director, Environmental Strategy for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Having a broader, more sustainable fuel portfolio is vital to our industry and demonstrating the viability of these renewable fuels addresses that goal, while potentially helping to further reduce environmental impacts."

"UOP's goal with renewable technology is to produce real fuels that perform as well as or better than their petroleum-based alternatives and that leverage the existing fuel infrastructure and fleet technology to lower capital costs and simplify adoption," said General Manager of UOP Renewable Energy and Chemicals Jennifer Holmgren. "With our proven technology and the commitment of aviation leaders like Continental and Boeing, sustainable biofuels for aviation are a real near-term option. We believe that production levels could reach hundreds of millions of gallons per year by 2012."

"We still have a lot of work to do in terms testing various biofuels but we are very pleased with, and encouraged by, the results we have achieved to date," said Eric Bachelet, president and CEO of CFM International. "What we have found is that the second generation fuel being tested today comes closer to simulating the characteristics of traditional jet fuel in terms of engine performance and operability, such as fuel consumption, engine start and other parameters. We have also found that engines running this mix emit less smoke even than those fueled by traditional jet fuel."

"The simple combination of sunlight, CO2 and algae to produce a carbon-neutral, renewable fuel source has the potential to profoundly change the petrochemical landscape forever," said Jason Pyle, Sapphire Energy CEO. "Today's flight puts us one step closer to moving away from fossil fuels and energy dependency, and with no impact on the transportation infrastructure, food sources or the environment."

"We are excited to be pioneering the development of bio-based jet fuels along with Continental Airlines," said Sanjay Pingle, president, Terasol Energy. "Jatropha is one of several next generation fuel sources that we are working on in order to develop sustainable, scalable and renewable alternatives to petroleum-based products."

About Continental

Continental has a company-wide commitment to environmental responsibility. On average, Continental burns approximately 18 gallons of fuel to fly one mainline revenue passenger 1,000 miles, which represents a 35 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption since 1997. This is due in large part to the efforts of its employees in streamlining operational procedures and to an investment of more than $12 billion to acquire 270 fuel-efficient Boeing aircraft and related equipment. Continental remains committed to further improving fuel efficiency in the decade to come, including investing in its fleet with orders for more than 50 Boeing 737-900 Next Generation aircraft, and 25 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Continental has also reduced, by 75 percent, nitrogen oxide emissions from ground equipment at the carrier's largest hub in Houston through switching to electric ground service equipment and other new technology. This technology is now being tested for use in cold climates.

Through these investments and other projects, including the construction of airport facilities in an environmentally responsible manner, the testing of alternative fuels in ground service equipment, offering a credible carbon offsetting program based on the actual fuel burn of the Continental fleet, and an expansive recycling program, Continental will continue to manage the environmental impact of its business.

Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,500 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 134 domestic and 131 international destinations. More than 675 additional points are served via alliance partners. With more than 43,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with Continental Express, carries approximately 69 million passengers per year.

Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture. For the fifth consecutive year, FORTUNE magazine named Continental the No. 1 World's Most Admired Airline on its 2008 list of World's Most Admired Companies. For more company information, go to continental.com.

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Continental Boeing 737 crashes at Denver

In a second incident involving a commercial jet mishap at a major airport in just about twelve hours, as per Reuters, a Continental Airlines Boeing 737 plane went off the runway and caught fire at Denver International Airport at 18:18 December 20, (01:18 GMT December 21).

Less than 12 hours earlier, at 13:51 GMT, December 20, a Gulf Air Airbus 321 plane caught fire at Mumbai airport.

None of the injuries at Denver were life-threatening, but the injured passengers were taken to area hospitals, as per DIA spokesperson, Kim Day at a news conference, but CBS Denver is reporting one critical injury.

As in Mumbai, Denver airport reported significant flight delays after the crash, as some runways were shut down.

There were 112 passengers and crew on flight CO 1404, which was taking off Denver International Airport for Houston.

It wasn't immediately known why the plane crashed, but the right side of the plane caught fire after it landed in a ravine between two runways on the west side of the airfield. Denver assistant fire chief Steve Garrod said the plane "crashed, caught fire" and flames extended into the cabin. He said the right wing was cracked, as was the fuselage.

Despite freezing temperatures, officials felt "ice was not a factor".

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Singapore Airlines: a 5-star no more

As a regular flier around the world, I would always experience the mental shock of coming down the levels as I transited from my Singapore Airlines flight, on to a domestic US carrier. It did not matter whether it was American, Continental, Delta, United, or US Airways, it did not matter if the transition was from economy to economy, or from Business class to domestic First class, it was a always a jarring, thud of a drop. Never mind that I was probably the only person in the domestic First class who had actually paid a First class fare, compared to my upgraded cabin mates.

In my life, with over a million flown miles on Singapore Airlines, and the highest level of frequent flier (Solitaire PPS) achieved after 5 continuous years of loyalty, I have been upgraded only once.

I am not complaining. It was this fanatical devotion to non-dilution of their premium classes, and slavish offering of the best customer service, that put the premium classes of foreign airlines like Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad, Singapore Air, Virgin Atlantic, and others, way way above, their full service "cheap" US carriers, even on international routes.

The US "full service" carriers led the world in, to the glamorous world of air travel, and also in, to the decline of mediocrity, with their generally poor service, all the way from the reservation till baggage collection, or in many a case, attempted baggage collection. Distributing free class upgrades like candy, only lowered the quality of service in the premium classes, and with it, brand equity, even further.

Twice, I have faced drinking water rationing on an international flight, both with a US carrier, both in Business or First class. Once with United ex Heathrow to JFK, and once on Delta from LAX to Tokyo. 8 or 10 hours with one small bottle of water ?!?! Why ? The catering department forget to load enough water!!!! Compare this with Emirates which offers its First class passengers showers on-board its Airbus A380.

Global road warriors will agree that Emirates and Singapore Airlines are the two airlines which epitomise the highest levels of commercial aviation passenger comfort and customer focus, in all classes. If Emirates is the King of full service carriers, Singapore Airlines is surely the Queen.

Photo by : Lianhe Zaobao
I was shocked to read, the queen has decided to move its guests out from her full service 5 star palace. On November 4, Singapore Airlines announced it has decided to start charging passengers a US$50 surcharge for confirmed exit row seats in economy class. On the same date the same airline also announced it was lowering its fuel surcharges.

This follows most US airlines deciding to charge for "options" like check-in baggage, flight attendants are resisting US Airways' moves to charge for soft drinks, US Airways even charges for pillows and blankets. What aspect of these airlines' actions would even remotely, make us consider them "full service" ? "Full dis-service" may be.

Many of us have seen this spoof of an airline announcement by MAD TV. In 2007 we all laughed at the ludicrousness of this announcement. No more.

In India, in their quest to show low "airfares", airlines have taken "componentisation" of the total fare to extremes. Basic airfare, fuel surcharge, congestion surcharge, transaction fee, and the list goes on. Gentlemen, we know our basic math, and can total up all the charges. Treat us as adults.

Coming back to Singapore Airlines. Previously, the economy class exit rows were normally occupied by the Krisflyer members. At a time when company budgets are shrinking and executives are required to fly economy, the additional legroom of an exit seat is one of the soft perks the loyal, but harried traveller, can look forward to.

With only 2 to 8 seats per flight, even Singapore Airlines' spokesman Stephen Forshaw will agree, it is not a revenue raiser. My question to CEO Cheong Choong Kong, why risk the alienating your passengers by this move ?

There could be logic in this move, but customer perceptions do not follow logic. Either you are a "5 Star" airline or you are not.

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