Airlines & airports Emirates agreement EMIRATES, the Dubai-based international airline, has signed a $265 million financing agreement with the US-based Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im) for two B777-300ER aircraft, scheduled for delivery in February and March. This is the first time that Emirates has used support from the US Ex-Im Bank, and creates a new source of aircraft financing for the airline's rapidly-expanding fleet. The financing for the two aircraft is fully arranged and funded by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). The innovative 12-year financing, which combines an Ex-Im supported loan with commercial funding, carries a weighted average cost of funds of 0.67 per cent over three- month Libor (London Inter Bank Offered Rate). "This US Ex-Im financing opens up yet another new and important source of financing and is a vote of continued confidence in Emirates. Our strengthening relationship with the US Ex-Im Bank will help us finance a number of Emirates future Boeing deliveries. We are appreciative of the support of RBS, which is one of the leading financiers of aircraft in the world," said Riyaz Peermohamed, Emirates' Senior Vice-President Corporate Treasury. Emirates is one of the world's fastest growing international airlines, and the second most profitable. Independent and financially self-sustained, the airline operates an all wide-bodied fleet of 87 aircraft comprising: 29 Airbus A330-200s, 12 Boeing 777-300s, nine Boeing 777- 200s, 10 Airbus 340-500s, eight A340-300s, 10 Boeing 777-300ERs, one Airbus A310, two Airbus A310F and six Boeing 747 freighters. Emirates flies to over 75 cities in 54 countries in Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian sub- continent and the Asia-Pacific region. So far this year, the airline has launched services to a number of new destinations, including the Seychelles, Seoul and Alexandria. Live television on board Lufthansa flights STARTING 23 January, Lufthansa passengers are able to receive four live television channels on board directly on their laptops. Depending on the region of the world, BBC World, CNBC, Euronews or MSNBC can be picked up via satellite. This is being made possible by Lufthansa FlyNet with its high-speed Internet provided by its partner and service-provider Connexion by Boeing. The trend-setting service had its world premiere almost three years ago, as a trial on Lufthansa's Frankfurt- Washington route. Lufthansa FlyNet has been an integral part of the long-distance service since 17 May 2004, when the Munich-Los Angeles route was the first to herald in the new technological age. Currently, 50 long-haul aircraft are equipped with the facility. By the end of next year, the entire long-range fleet with more than 80 aircraft is set to be equipped with Lufthansa FlyNet. The FlyNet service includes the free Lufthansa-FlyNet portal which the airline runs in cooperation with Tomorrow Focus AG. It hosts more than 1,000 pages, among other features such as news updates every hour, travel information and shopping opportunities. From the FlyNet portal, the passenger has access to the Connexion by Boeing service for which a fee is charged. Unlimited high-speed Internet access above the clouds will cost only between $9.95 an hour and $26.95 for 24 hours. A new feature is that the new 24-hour rate applies for unlimited access on longer connecting flights. Via the high-speed Internet access, Lufthansa passengers may surf the Internet, send and receive e-mails with attachments and gain access to their company's Intranet (Virtual Private Network). Use is possible without cables via Wireless LAN (WLAN). British Airways ambassadors IF YOU believe they're just a pretty face, then think again -- they are knowledgeable, approachable, professional, well presented and discreet. They are the British Airways' Ambassadors. The British Airways Ambassadors are a select group of volunteers who proudly represent the airline, mostly in their own time. And now the Middle East region boasts its own group of BA Ambassadors, reflecting and representing the cultural diversity of British Airways as a company. The BA Ambassadors are staff members who work in various departments of the airline including sales, finance, marketing and as cabin crew. The selection process for ambassadors is demanding and is based on various criteria such as motivation, business knowledge, communication skills and personality. "The introduction of the British Airways Ambassadors creates a team of business champions in each market with strong links to the airline's core. It increases our pool of mixed ethnic talent for commercial events, photo opportunities and marketing activities," said Terry Parry, Marketing Services Manager of the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia. He added that they are chosen from various professional and cultural backgrounds within British Airways and therefore offer beneficial insights within each department. "They are passionate, dedicated British Airways personnel carefully selected from hundreds of applicants." All ambassadors undergo training with experts based in London and are kept up-to-date with the very latest developments in the aviation industry. They also receive updates on the British Airways brand, products and services, as well as relevant local and international political decisions. News The model of e-commerce in Africa and the Middle East RECENTLY, www.intoegypt.com was selected by the EU as a model of e-commerce companies in the Middle East and Africa. An affiliate of the EU, Meditorst Project organisers have conducted a series of research studies on e-commerce companies worldwide in association with the Cabinet of Ministers in Egypt. The study was published in their book released to cover the findings of their worldwide research titled Rising to the Digital Challenge, Lessons from Mediterranean Enterprises. Tariq Howeidi, CEO of intoegypt.com, and Eman Mansour of the Egyptian Cabinet of Ministers took part in conducting this research. www.intoegypt.com is Egypt's top Internet booking engine and travel portal. It has become the trusted business partner of more than 200 international hotel chains and travel agencies. The portal had previously received similar recognition from the WTO and the UNCTAD for pioneering e-tourism in the region. US boom TOURISM from the US, according to Minister of Tourism Zoheir Garana, has witnessed a 37 per cent increase in 2004. It also witnessed another increase by 15.2 per cent in the period between January and November 2005 compared to the same period in 2004. Garana considered that as an indication of the improvement of that particular market that suffered a drastic drop by 34 per cent in 2002, after the 11 September attacks. He added that despite this increase, the US market has not yet reached the expected numbers that reached its peak in 2000, when 341,000 US travellers visited Egypt. This statement was announced in a meeting held by the minister with a high level US delegation that included a number of renowned American travel writers and TV representatives. Second nations fair THE PHARAONIC Village organised its second Nations Fair during the Great Biram (Eid Al-Adha). A number of countries, including Azerbaijan, Mali, Iran, Romania, Sri Lanka, Yemen and Egypt, took part. Each country presented some of its folkloric dances, music, clothes, handcrafts and products. Ambassadors of these countries visited the fair and expressed their satisfaction, and expressed their willingness to participate in the village's coming events. At the end of the fair, gifts were distributed to all participants and a special gift was given to Mali which won the Best Booth competition. Chairman Abdel-Salam Ragab declared that the aim of organising such an event is to encourage cultural exchange between countries and to give visitors to the Pharaonic Village the chance to learn about the history of other civilisations. Tourism increase in 2005 MINISTER of Tourism, Zoheir Garana recently announced Egypt's goal to attract 16 million tourists by 2014, each of whom is expected to spend 10 nights on average in the country. He added that Egyptian tourism succeeded in achieving new record figures in 2005, with an increase of 6.2 per cent over the last year in tourist figures and 4.3 per cent in tourist nights despite the terrorist acts which took place last year in Sinai and Cairo. He attributed that to the successful campaign carried out by the Ministry of Tourism and its sound crisis management strategies. He made his statement during the inauguration of the annual International Public Relations Association (IPRA), in which about 100 key international PR figures participated along with a number of leading international PR companies. Garana stressed that about 12 per cent of labourers in Egypt work in the tourism industry, whether directly or indirectly and that tourism provides new job opportunities. Statistics show that every million tourists provide 200,000 new job opportunities. He added that, over recent years, Egypt has secured an increase in the number of arrivals estimated by 10 times the world average for growth. To face this increase, the government and the private sector developed tourist infrastructure and set up new tourist establishments. It also developed and expanded various spots in Sinai, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, stretching from Alexandria to Marsa Matrouh. Hotels and resorts Air France, KLM-Mövenpick agreement THE SWISS international hotel chain Mövenpick signed an agreement with Air France and KLM that enables members of the Flying Blue frequent flyer programme to collect air miles not just when flying with their airlines but also whenever they stay at any Mövenpick Hotel worldwide. The agreement, which came into force on 1 January, rewards members of the frequent flyer programme with 500 bonus miles each time they stay at one of the world's 54 Mövenpick Hotels. In addition, until 28 February 2006, Flying Blue members can even earn triple miles (1,500 bonus miles) with every stay. This offer applies to all standard rack rates. Air France and KLM are the fifth companies to sign similar agreements with Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts. Other frequent flyer members who are able to collect miles on land are those of Swiss International Airlines (until April 2006), Czech Airlines, Qatar Airways and Gulf Air. Conrad in the Gold List SEVEN Conrad hotels have been voted amongst the best hotels in the world by up to 28,000 subscribers of US Condé Nast Traveler magazine. The results of the readers' choice poll were published in the Gold List 2006 of the January issue. Conrad Hong Kong received the high score of 88 per cent for the quality of its "phenomenal staff", contemporary design and its Brasserie on the Eighth restaurant. The Conrad Bangkok was praised for its elegant rooms and the "limitless smiles" of its staff. Its famous bar, 87+, was also mentioned by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. The Conrad Centennial Singapore's "fantastic downtown views" were noted, as well as the quality of its guest rooms and the Golden Peony restaurant. In Europe, three other Conrad hotels made the prestigious Gold list: the Conrad Brussels -- for its location, interior and Loui restaurant -- the Conrad Dublin -- for its central location and service -- and the Mount Juliet Conrad in Kilkenny, for its magnificent estate, friendly service and delectable Irish cuisine, enjoyed whilst overlooking the championship golf course. In the US, the Conrad Chicago was voted for its location and "superplush beds", for the promptness of staff, for its drinks terrace and for its French restaurant, Cerise. New appointments in Mövenpick Hotel Cairo-Media City AHMED Abdel-Moghni has recently been appointed by Beat Klarer, general manager of the Cairo-Media City Mövenpick Hotel as the establishment's communications manager. Abdel-Moghni is joining the venture with more than 11 years of experience gained with various international hotel chains including the Sheraton, the Baron and Iberotel. Fine dining at InterContinental Citystars THE CHAINE Des Rotisseurs selected InterContinental Citystars Cairo to organise and host their annual gala dinner. Founded in Paris in 1950, the International Gastronomic Society is devoted to promoting fine dining and preserving the camaraderie and pleasures of the table. The event, themed "Christmas under the stars" was held at Al-Hambra ballroom, which was especially decorated for the occasion with delicate arrangements of blue and gold tableware, while yellow orchids hung down from the ceiling. The dinner was attended by key figures and professionals of the hospitality industry. Le Meridien AFIO conference ON THE BANKS of the Nile in the historic city of Luxor, general managers of Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts AFIO division gathered for their annual conference that was headed by Hassan El-Ahdab, regional director AFIO. The 52 general managers, including financial controllers and director of sales and marketing enjoyed their stay, which bordered between business and pleasure. Main lectures were sponsored by Cornell University, home to the most renowned hotel management school in the world. Le Meridien Luxor organised an exquisite dinner in Luxor temple, another at Habou Temple and a lavish oriental meal in the middle of the Nile. The opening cocktail party that took place at the Winter Palace Hotel was honoured by the presence of President of the Supreme Council of Luxor Samir Farag, Chairman of the Holding Company for the Tourism and Cinema Ali Abdel-Aziz and Chairman of the Sound and Light Show Salah Abdel-Nabi. Qatari press trip SHERATON Doha and Sheraton Montazah hotels, together with San Giovanni Travel and Qatar Airways, organised a four-day press trip for Qatari journalists to Alexandria. Journalists were representing Qatar Today, Gulf Times, Hua & Hea, Arraya and Woman Today. The delegation visited the Qaitbey Fort, Pompey's Pillar, the Catacombs and historic mosques and churches. The trip was meant to enhance the tourist movement from Doha to the Mediterranean city. At present there are direct flights between Doha and Alexandria. The virtual concierge in Marriott THE VIRTUAL Concierge is the latest innovation of the Cairo Marriott Hotel that aims at providing the most up- to-date service to the traveller. It is a web-based communication tool that offers guests the opportunity to request amenities or services specific to their needs prior to their arrival. It is an online experience that combines the best of the Marriott with the latest techniques for a positive online interaction. The programme focuses on the total guest experience from point of reservation to check-out. Celebrate Valentines with the Semiramis FOR THOSE of you who want to celebrate Valentine's Day in style, Semiramis InterContinental Hotel offers exclusive dinner experiences ranging from Italian delicacies to Thai and Lebanese specialties. For Italian food lovers, talented chefs Mr and Mrs Valdo Verreschi bring exciting Italian specialties to Pane Vino for all to enjoy. Authentic Italian cuisine is prepared with the expert know-how and loving spice that only a creative married couple can bring. If you prefer to celebrate Lebanese style, go to Sabaya. A revolutionary concept in Lebanese cuisine that mixes authentic with contemporary and brings the fine art of Lebanese dining to a higher level. The spirit and flavours of Thailand are more your thing? This is the place. With tranquil waters and a serene setting of the Bird Cage certainly capture the air of Thailand. Experience sizzling sounds and enticing aromas rising from chef Narong's cuisine. For a truly memorable night, celebrate Valentine's Day where oriental musicians and famous performers and stars will dazzle you. An outstanding oriental floorshow featuring Egypt's top stars and superb dinner menu in Haroun Al-Rashid night club will give you all that you and your sweetheart could desire. For more information call +202 797 1818. Top Score BASED on a yearly tradition, Conrad Cairo's team members conducted an annual survey directed by Bare Associate International, an international equitable renowned company, responsible to ensure efficient results that are gathered and monitored at their headquarters in the US. The survey's varied questions covered different aspects of the hotel, and were intended to reflect team members' honest opinion on salary benefits, work environment, human resources, immediate supervisor, management team and overall views. In all, team members gave their work experience a result of 97 per cent, mirroring their high spirit and sense of satisfaction -- which are the source of their genuine smiles when they greet guests. Abu Soma promotions SAAD Ramsi of InterContinental Abu Soma Resort was promoted by John Lagos, general manager of the resort, to the position of finance business support manager. Ramsi has 24 years of experience in the hospitality business. He joined InterContinental Hotels and Resorts 18 years ago, when he started with Semiramis InterContinental in Cairo. He then moved to InterContinental Tashkand in Uzbekistan, to InterContinental Dubai, to Crown Plaza in Oman and then finally to InterContinental Abu Soma Resort. Best company to work for FOR THE NINTH consecutive year, employees at the Four Seasons have named the company one of Fortune Magazine's 100 best companies to work for. The accolade put Four Seasons once again in the Hall of Fame, a prestigious group of only 19 companies that have appeared for nine consecutive years on the list since it was introduced in 1998. The results of Fortune 's survey are based on a poll completed by tens of thousands of employees from companies all over North America. Candidate companies are also asked to submit information about human resources policies and workplace culture, though the final scores are weighted most heavily on the responses from employees. "We are deeply gratified by this recognition from such a prestigious publication," said Cesare Rouchdy, senior director of marketing of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Egypt. "We are so proud of our dedicated employees who distinguished us with this acknowledgment which further supports the company's commitment towards its staff as it continues its dynamic global expansion," he added. ----------------------
