bigdelta

We usually send a mix of A and B team players.If we sent all the studs,it would be basically everyone else playing for 2nd and 3rd and they know it.

I like it and consider it a bargain.The building is quiet as I understand many owners live in BKK or elsewhere.Even the weekends are quiet.The large pool hasn't been busy since I got here.There's a gym across Jomtien 2nd Rd also.On the bottom floor many shops have most everything needed if you didn't want to leave the complex for any reason.Security is good both at the gate and in the building and maintenance is quck to respond.The beach is an easy 4 minute walk as is the baht bus which is 20b to Patts. Since I arrived late on the 18th,I suppose that I was under a certain level of elec usage and there was no charge for August as the office said "promotion" and I paid 40b for water.I use my a/c at least 10 hrs a day,so.......I can give a better example on Oct 1 for utility costs.ATM is a 2 minute walk south on Bch Rd and 7-11 about 4 minute walk the other way.Several convenience stores in both buildings here also.Correction to earlier post-my internet is 200b per month. All in all,I'm pleased with it for a short term stay but would want something bigger for a stay longer than my 4 months here.Any more specific questions,feel free to ask. Actual cost is paid at main office downstairs,no add-ons from owner.

Similar question from US traveller from US via TPE,changing carriers.He rang originating carrier to verify and they said yes.Always good to make a call and have the agent you speak with put a note in your record (PNR). Imagine having to visit Pook Bar in your flying clothes.

Brazil doesn't pay football,they play SOCCER! At least Villa finally have manager,of sorts.At least they didn't take the American-too bad for us.

No,it's football.

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is allowing its turboprop operation, Firefly, to add 737-400s. Firefly operates a fleet of seven ATR 72-500s out of Subang Airport, but the move to jets means it must establish a second base at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), AirAsia’s base. The Malaysian authorities do not allow scheduled passenger airlines to serve Subang with jets. Some industry executives are concerned that a second base at KLIA will be costly to Firefly’s business and add complexity, because its staff will have to shuttle between airports. Firefly managing director, Eddy Leong, is tight-lipped about when the airline will start operating 737-400s, but later this year seems probable as Firefly has already advertised for 737-400 pilots. Leong also declines to say where the 737-400s are coming from. But MAS, which starts phasing out its 737-400s in October as its on-order 737-800s begin to arrive, seems the likely source. Garuda Indonesia mainline has steered clear of competing in the low-fare segment because it has succeeded in catering to the local business traveler. But when it completes its initial public offering in the coming months, it plans to expand its low-cost carrier, Citilink. “We need to fix our main[line] business first and then we need to focus on Citilink,” because the low-fare market is where the growth is, says Elisa Lumbantoruan, Garuda executive vice president for corporate strategy. The premium travel market in Indonesia has single-digit growth, whereas the low-fare market has double-digit growth, he says. By 2014 they want Citilink to account for 40% of Garuda group revenue, whereas now it is less than 5%, he says. Citilink has six 737-300/-400s and Garuda plans to transfer its -400s to Citilink as Garuda takes delivery of 737-800s, he adds. Garuda President/CEO Emirsyah Satar also says they plan to order 20-25 new aircraft next year for Citilink. A320s, 737-700/-800s, Bombardier regional jets and Embraer regional jets are being considered. Garuda is also looking for Citilink investors, but Garuda will maintain majority control, he says, adding that Citilink will get its own air operator’s certificate rather than continue to use Garuda’s. While it’s early times for Citilink’s expansion, Airphil Express’s plans are well advanced. Airphil Express, previously known as Air Philippines, is the sister carrier to Philippine Airlines and operates two A320s, three Bombardier Q300s and four Q400s. The carrier’s chief executive adviser, Brian Hogan, says it is taking delivery of one A320 in September followed by one A320 in October and two in November. All are leased. Six A320s will be added next year; leases have been secured on three. The airline serves 24 domestic destinations and plans a daily service from Manila to Singapore in October, marking its first international foray. “We’re also looking at serving Singapore and Hong Kong from Cebu,” says Hogan. Other planned destinations include Jakarta, Indonesia, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as well as Bangkok and Beijing. Japan and South Korea are also being considered. Hogan, who formerly worked at Philippine carrier Cebu Pacific, says Airphil Express will grow by stimulating the market, rather than by cannibalizing market share from others. “When Cebu Pacific grew, Philippine Airlines’ traffic was still growing.” The country is large enough to support Airphil Express’ expansion, Hogan says. “In 2009, 45 million [Filipinos] traveled by ferry. All we need [is] 10%” of that group and carriers here will have double-digit passenger growth, he says. Potential for large market growth is evident in most Asia-Pacific countries. The region boasts 62% of the world’s population, yet only accounts for 28% of global passenger traffic, according to AAPA, which forecasts that from now to 2028, Asia-Pacific’s traffic growth will average 6% per annum. In 2028, Asia-Pacific RPKs would have overtaken Europe and North America. From:AviationLeak & SpyTechnology

Asia’s low-cost carriers will be coming under more competitive pressure as full-service airlines move into the low-fare segment. In the move to capture market share, the new entrants are likely to spark a price war, leading to what some of the incumbent low-cost carriers predict will be a “blood bath” one or two years from now. Survival in the new market dynamics will depend on which low-cost carriers have the deepest pockets and commitment from stakeholders. However, the new entrants can claim to have strong financial backing thanks to some of the area’s large network carriers. All Nippon Airways (ANA), Garuda Indonesia, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines and Thai Airways International are just some of the players entering the low-cost carrier market. This comes as Asia-Pacific passenger traffic experiences a sharp “V-shaped” recovery, with traffic bouncing back steeply after a sharp drop-off. The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) says Asia-Pacific-based carriers had a record 17.2 million international passengers in July, 20% higher than the same period last year. Passenger demand was particularly strong on busy regional routes served by low-cost carriers. Thai Airways had been pushing Nok to re-enter the international market, particularly on routes such as Bangkok-Penang, where Thai felt competition was needed against AirAsia. Nok launched services to India and Vietnam in 2007 but withdrew in late 2007 and early 2008, respectively. The losses from domestic and international routes were so great in 2007 that the carrier downsized to three aircraft from 10. Since then, Nok has rebuilt its business and is now profitable with a fleet of six Boeing 737-400s and two ATR 72‑200s serving domestic routes. Nok plans to add four leased 737‑400s and four leased ATR 72-200s this year so it can develop its domestic network, says Nok CEO Patee Sarasin. It will re-enter the international market “within one or two years,” he says. Nok is based at Bangkok’s Mueang Airport, which only permits domestic services, so it will have to establish a second base at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport for international services. “We have to find a way to separate the profit and loss so we can be sure of the performance of that operation, rather than subsidize it from Don Mueang.” Patee also says that prior to the Thai Tiger announcement, the president of Thai Airways, Piyasvasti Amranand, sounded him out about Nok expanding internationally. “My reply was we . . . learned from the 2007 saga and need more time [to address domestic issues] first. “He told me he was in a rush . . . and he didn’t want to let AirAsia grow with no competition,” Patee says. AirAsia now faces no domestic competition in Malaysia from low-cost carriers, but that is about to change. Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is allowing its turboprop operation, Firefly, to add 737-400s. Firefly operates a fleet of seven ATR 72-500s out of Subang Airport, but the move to jets means it must establish a second base at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), AirAsia’s base. The Malaysian authorities do not allow scheduled passenger airlines to serve Subang with jets. Some industry executives are concerned that a second base at KLIA will be costly to Firefly’s business and add complexity, because its staff will have to shuttle between airports. Firefly managing director, Eddy Leong, is tight-lipped about when the airline will start operating 737-400s, but later this year seems probable as Firefly has already advertised for 737-400 pilots. Leong also declines to say where the 737-400s are coming from. But MAS, which starts phasing out its 737-400s in October as its on-order 737-800s begin to arrive, seems the likely source. Garuda Indonesia mainline has steered clear of competing in the low-fare segment because it has succeeded in catering to the local business traveler. But when it completes its initial public offering in the coming months, it plans to expand its low-cost carrier, Citilink. “We need to fix our main[line] business first and then we need to focus on Citilink,” because the low-fare market is where the growth is, says Elisa Lumbantoruan, Garuda executive vice president for corporate strategy. The premium travel market in Indonesia has single-digit growth, whereas the low-fare market has double-digit growth, he says. By 2014 they want Citilink to account for 40% of Garuda group revenue, whereas now it is less than 5%, he says. Citilink has six 737-300/-400s and Garuda plans to transfer its -400s to Citilink as Garuda takes delivery of 737-800s, he adds. The full-service airlines’ move will likely affect AirAsia, the region’s leading low-cost carrier group. AirAsia has operations in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and, very soon, Vietnam. In a sign that the low-fare airline is already feeling the pressure, its group CEO and founder, Tony Fernandes, says full-service carriers should focus on what they do best. He points out that full-service carriers in other regions tried to start low-cost carriers and failed. “It is uncanny how history repeats itself. You’ve seen it before. In Europe there was British Airways’ Go and KLM with Buzz,” says Fernandes, referring to low-fare operations that failed. “[Legacy] airlines are bereft of ideas,” he says, adding that “it may look easy running a low-cost carrier but it isn’t.” One issue a low-cost carrier faces when its parent is a full-service carrier is the potential for a clash of cultures, says Fernandes. To be successful, the low-cost carrier’s management has to be focused, he says. That is hard to do because the interests of the parent often takes precedence over the interests of the low-cost carrier. The track record of U.S. and European carriers suggest Fernandes is correct, although operating conditions, such as labor rules, are very different in Asia. Fernandes, however, is adamant that Asia’s second wave of low-cost carriers will struggle. ANA President/CEO Shinichiro Ito has announced that ANA is establishing a low-cost carrier in a joint-venture with First Eastern Investment Group, a Hong Kong investment firm. The yet-to-be named carrier will be based at Osaka Kansai International Airport and will start flying in 2011’s second half using a single aircraft type. It will serve domestic and international markets, Ito says, but be managed as a completely separate business and will stimulate the market using low fares. Japan Airlines has announced that it too is considering establishing a low-cost carrier, but its immediate focus is on getting out of bankruptcy. In Thailand, national carrier Thai Airways has signed a memorandum of understanding with Singapore’s Tiger Airways to launch Thai Tiger Airways, a low-cost carrier to be based in Bangkok that will serve international and domestic routes. The aim is to have it start flying in March with Airbus A320s. Thai Airways partnered with Tiger after becoming frustrated with Nok Air, which is considered to be Thai Airways’ low-cost carrier, although Thai Airways only owns 39%. As a consequence, Thai has no management control over Nok.

I've been to the lunch/dinner buffets at Lek and I should have spent that money at McDonalds instead-awful.

A lady goes to her priest one day and tells him, 'Father, I have a problem. I have two female parrots, But they only know to say one thing.' 'What do they say?' the priest asked. They say, 'Hi, we're hookers! Do you want to have some fun?' 'That's obscene!' the priest exclaimed, Then he thought for a moment..... 'You know,' he said, 'I may have a solution to your problem. I have two male talking parrots, which I have taught to pray and read the Bible... Bring your two parrots over to my house, and we'll put them in the cage with Francis and Peter. My parrots can teach your parrots to pray and worship, And your parrots are sure to stop saying... That phrase... In no time.' 'Thank you,' the woman responded, 'this may very well be the solution.' The next day, She brought her female parrots to the priest's house.... As he ushered her in, She saw that his two male parrots were inside their cage holding rosary beads and praying... Impressed, She walked over and placed her parrots in with them... After a few minutes, The female parrots cried out in unison: Hi, we're hookers! Do you want to have some fun?' There was stunned silence... Shocked, One male parrot looked over at the other male parrot and says, 'Put the beads away, Frank, Our prayers have been answered!

lol,maybe even 20b

HEADLINES FROM THE YEAR 2029 Ozone created by electric cars now killing millions in the seventh largest country in the world, Mexifornia, formerly known as California . White minorities still trying to have English recognized as Mexifornia's third language. Spotted Owl plague threatens northwestern United States crops and livestock. Baby conceived naturally! Scientists stumped. Couple petitions court to reinstate heterosexual marriage. Iran still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least 10 more years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels. France pleads for global help after being taken over by Jamaica. No other country comes forward to help the beleaguered nation! Castro finally dies at age 112; Cuban cigars can now be imported legally, but President Chelsea Clinton has banned all smoking. George Z. Bush says he will run for President in 2036. Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces mail delivery to Wednesdays only. 85-year $75.8 billion study: Diet and exercise is the key to weight loss. Average weight of Americans drops to 250 lbs. Global cooling blamed for citrus crop failure for third consecutive year in Mexifornia and Floruba. Japanese scientists have created a camera with such a fast shutter speed they now can photograph a woman with her mouth shut. Abortion clinics now available in every High School in United States . Senate still blocking drilling in ANWR even though gas is selling for 4532 Pesos per liter and gas stations are only open on Tuesdays and Fridays. Massachusetts executes last remaining conservative. Supreme Court rules punishment of criminals violates their civil rights. A Couple Finally Had Sexual Harmony, They Had simultaneous Headaches. Average height of NBA players is now nine feet seven inches with only 3 illegitimate children. New federal law requires that all nail clippers, screwdrivers, fly swatters and rolled-up newspapers must be registered by January 2030.. IRS sets lowest tax rate at 75 percent.. Floruba voters still having trouble with voting machines. Now, send this to whomever you want and as many as you want, then, guess what....NOTHING will happen. No miracles, no money, absolutely nothing, except you might make someone smile or be very very scared. I Love This Country! It's The Government That Scares Me!

It's certainly not as onerous as the $100 fee Chile charges to enter but at least it's good for the life of your passport.

Visitors to the U.S. will today start paying a $14 fee to promote travel from overseas under a law sought by companies such as Marriott International Inc., Walt Disney Co., American Express Co. and Loews Corp. The fee, which may generate about $105 million a year, will pay for advertisements, trade-show participation and journalist visits “to convince travelers around the world that we want their business,” Jeff Freeman, executive vice president of the U.S. Travel Association, said in an interview. The tourism industry is betting the fees will help overcome a 2.4 million decline in overseas visitors last year from 25.9 million in 2000, according to a report by the association. The Washington-based group’s 1,700 members include Disney, Avis Budget Group Inc. and Carnival Corp., according to its website. Airlines and the European Union are among critics of the fee. “If the idea is to make the United States more welcoming, raising a tax seems to be counterintuitive,” Steve Lott, spokesman for the Montreal-based International Air Transport Association, said in an interview. Ending long waiting lines and revising complicated entry procedures would lure more travelers than ads, he said. Travelers from 36 countries will pay the charge when they register to visit the U.S. for as long as 90 days without a visa. The countries include the U.K., Japan, Germany, France, South Korea and Australia. An overseas traveler will pay the fee once during a two-year period. President Barack Obama signed legislation in March to institute the fee. The travel association, formerly called Discover America Partnership, had pushed for the levy since 2007. The travel-promotion fee is $10, with the Homeland Security Department keeping $4 for application processing. The law expires Sept. 30, 2015. ‘Additional Onus’ Cecilia Malmstroem, European commissioner for home affairs, said in a statement last month that the fee “will be an additional onus” for European visitors to the U.S. “We’re getting to be a rather overtaxed industry,” Simon Talling-Smith, British Airways Plc’s executive vice president for the Americas, said in an interview. “That’s not stopping people, at a time when their treasury coffers need to be full.” Other countries might adopt similar charges in retaliation, or because they like the concept, said Lott, whose group represents 230 airlines worldwide. The U.S. is “the only developed nation in the world that is not promoting itself to attract visitors,” Freeman said. “Other countries have been at the game, and we’ve been standing at the starting line.” To contact the reporter on this story: John Hughes in Washington at jhughes5@bloomberg.net.

Thanks everyone and I should have said so earlier.I decided to load Softmaker Office per jk's recommendation.I like it.

LOL! LoBama should hope the Dems lose the majority come Nov so he can continue to blame the next 26 months of his screwups on the other party.

Second 787 Taxis For Flight Test Second 787, ZA002, in ANA colors, taxis at Seattle's Boeing Field on a sunny, springlike day. In the background is the Seattle skyline.

OT.I have to laugh every time I see your screen name.It was the 1st one I used eons ago when my airline 1st required a password for sign in.

Update-the bookstore just added more books,including a ton of travel books and many more titles as of Wed afternoon.Most are 75% off.

Boeing Conducts Remote 787 Testing Attn:wacmedia read the last sentence EVERETT, Wash., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Four of the five Boeing (NYSE:BA - News) 787 flight test airplanes are conducting remote test operations this week. ZA005 continues testing from its base of operations in Seattle. ZA001, the first 787, is taking a break from operations out of Edwards Air Force Base in California for a week's worth of testing in Roswell, N.M. This is ZA001's second visit to Roswell. Last month the airplane conducted wet-runway testing there. Testing in the days ahead will include rejected-takeoff conditions. ZA001 has been on remote deployment to Edwards Air Force Base for several weeks, with a focus on takeoff- and landing-performance conditions. The second 787 is conducting high-latitude and cold-weather testing at Keflavik Airport in Iceland. "We've been watching for the right weather conditions for some time," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "The team was happy to see the forecast in Iceland met our needs and we deployed to Keflavik earlier this week." The hot weather in Yuma, Ariz., with temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), has provided the necessary conditions for another set of tests happening on ZA003. Its deployment is expected to last about another week. ZA004 has spent an extended time operating out of Victorville, Calif., conducting flight loads survey testing. This testing measures external pressure distributions throughout the flight envelope. ZA004 is set to do testing in Glasgow, Mont., after it wraps up its California testing. Artificial ice shapes have been affixed to the leading edges of the wings and horizontal and vertical stabilizer of the fifth 787 to complete another group of tests required for certification. Ice-shape testing verifies the airplane's performance in the presence of ice. Natural ice testing has already occurred. "Flight test is staying very busy," said Fancher. "We continue to be very pleased with the performance of the airplane. We're definitely putting it through its paces, subjecting it to the harshest environments and conditions to ensure it is ready for revenue service." The 787 flight test fleet has conducted more than 1,650 hours of flying over more than 540 flights.

Agreed.Many of us in the travel industry regard him as a buffoon. They are not wider.Only making the aisle more narrow could you widen the seats.Believe me,IF the seate were wider,any airline including mine would be all over touting it.

Three strangers strike up a conversation in the passenger lounge in the Bozeman , Montana airport, while waiting for their respective flights.. One is an American Indian passing through from Lame Deer, another is a Cowboy on his way to Billings for a livestock show and the third passenger is a fundamentalist Arab student, newly arrived at Montana State University from the Middle East .. Their discussion drifts to their diverse cultures. Soon, the two Westerners learn that the Arab is a devout, radical Muslim and the conversation falls into an uneasy lull. The cowboy leans back in his chair, crosses his boots on a magazine table, tips his big sweat-stained hat forward over his face, and lights a cigarette. The wind outside is blowing tumbleweeds around, and the old windsock is flapping; but still no plane comes. Finally, the American Indian clears his throat and softly he speaks, 'At one time here... my people were many... but sadly, now we are few.' The Muslim student raises an eyebrow and leans forward, 'Once my people were few,' he sneers, 'and now we are many. Why do you suppose that is?' The cowboy removes his cigarette from his mouth and from the darkness beneath his Stetson says in a smooth drawl . . 'I reckon that's 'cause we ain't played Cowboys and Muslims yet, But I do believe it's a-comin'.'

Attn jasonbalmer-when I said I was positive we would not be adding seats,the capacity in coach remains the same (338) with more legroom and the capacity in BusinessElite is reduced from 65 to 48. As I mentioned earlier-Delta Revitalizing Boeing 747-400 Fleet with New Interiors TOKYO, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL - News) today unveiled plans for the complete revitalization of its fleet of Boeing 747-400 aircraft flying primarily from the Tokyo-Narita hub. Between summer 2011 and 2012, Delta will equip each of its 16 747-400s with new fully horizontal flat-bed seats in the BusinessElite cabin and new Economy class seats featuring personal, on-demand entertainment, increased personal space and added under-seat storage. To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/delta/45973/ (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100902/MM58255) (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100902/MM58255) (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090202/DELTALOGO ) (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090202/DELTALOGO ) The investments are the latest in Delta's previously announced plan to invest more than $1 billion in enhanced global products and services through 2013. When complete, Delta will offer full flat-bed seats on more than 100 trans-oceanic aircraft, including all Boeing 777s, 767s and 747s, and will feature personal, in-seat entertainment for both BusinessElite and Economy class customers on all widebody flights. "The multimillion dollar investment we are making to completely revitalize our trans-oceanic fleet speaks to our strong commitment to the Asian market," Delta President Ed Bastian said in a press briefing here today. "While we have solidly positioned ourselves as the leading U.S. carrier across the Pacific in terms of flights and destinations, we are now taking steps to enhance the products and services offered across our Asian-Pacific network to position Delta as a leader in in-flight service." BusinessElite enhancements The 747 upgrades will bring substantial changes to both decks of the aircraft's BusinessElite cabin. The new, custom-designed product will feature 48 horizontal flat-bed seats with direct aisle access at each seat. Window seats will face the window for improved privacy and center seats will be angled toward each other for the convenience of customers traveling together. The new seat, manufactured by Weber Aircraft LLC, will be 81.7 inches in length and 20.5 inches wide, similar to the flat-bed product currently offered on Delta's 777-200LR fleet. It also will feature a 120-volt universal power outlet, USB port, personal LED reading lamp and Panasonic's 15.4 inch personal video monitors with instant access to 250 new and classic movies, premium programming from HBO and Showtime, video games and more than 4,000 digital music tracks. "The design of our flat-bed product meets customers' desire for comfortable sleep, direct aisle access and ample storage and work space when they travel on long-haul flights," Bastian said. "We have had great success from a customer service and business standpoint with flat-bed service since it first rolled out on our 777 fleet, and we expect similar results when customers experience our new trans-Pacific 747 and 767 BusinessElite product beginning next year." In the last year, Delta has improved meal service in BusinessElite across the Pacific with the introduction of personal, hand-served entrees, signature dishes created by celebrity chef Michele Bernstein and master sommelier Andrea Robinson, expanded dessert options and improved Japanese meal options created by Delta's flight kitchen in Tokyo. Economy class improvements Customers in Economy class on the 747-400 will benefit from the industry's first seat designed collaboratively by a seat manufacturer and an in-flight entertainment company, Weber Aircraft and Panasonic Avionics Corporation, to fully incorporate seat and entertainment functionality into one product. Using a nine-inch screen, the new seat's embedded touch-screen entertainment system will offer each customer access to 250 movie titles, hundreds of television shows, 4,000 digital music tracks, personalized music playlists, more than a dozen interactive games and a USB port to charge iPods and other personal electronic devices. The new seats offer up to 1.5 inches more personal space and increased under-seat storage through a "slimline" design that more efficiently uses cabin space than the older, heavier seats they replace. The upgraded seats also feature adjustable headrests and deliver environmental benefits through the Panasonic Eco 9i Integrated Smart Monitors that use 30 percent less energy and are 60 percent lighter than entertainment systems installed on other Delta aircraft. Delta's 747s are dedicated largely to trans-Pacific and intra-Asia flights to and from the Tokyo-Narita hub, including routes connecting Tokyo to Detroit, Honolulu, Manila, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York-JFK and Shanghai. When reconfigured, the 747s will accommodate 386 customers with 48 BusinessElite seats and 338 Economy class seats. Delta in Asia During the last several years, Delta has significantly increased its service across Asia-Pacific, expanding from 222 weekly departures in summer 2006 to 275 in summer 2010. Recently added routes include Tokyo-Narita to New York-JFK and Salt Lake City (June 2009); Shanghai to Detroit (June 2009); Sydney to Los Angeles (July 2009); Osaka to Seattle (June 2010); Beijing to Seattle (June 2010); Seoul-Incheon to Detroit (June 2010); Hong Kong to Detroit (June 2010); Nagoya to Honolulu (December 2010); and Tokyo-Narita to Palau (December 2010). Delta also has announced plans to begin new nonstop service between Tokyo-Haneda and Detroit and Los Angeles in 2011. "As the leading U.S. carrier to the region, we are solidly positioned to continue to expand convenience and choice for Asia-originating or Asia-bound travelers in one of the world's fastest growing travel markets," Bastian said. "Our history of investment in the region is underscored by our more than 2,300 Pacific-based employees in nine countries and our continued commitment to expansion and product renewal." Additionally, Delta continues to expand its alliance relationships across the region with Vietnam Airlines joining the global SkyTeam alliance in June and the announcement that China Eastern Airlines will join the alliance in 2011.

Two old guys talking. One said to the other: "My 85th birthday yesterday. Wife gave me an SUV". Other guy: "Wow, that's amazing! Imagine, an SUV! What a great gift!" First guy: "Yup. Socks, Underwear and Viagra!"

Oil Fire Suspected In Trent 1000 Failure-maybe they should just hang the RB211-524 on it and be done.RR got that right! New details of last month’s Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 uncontained failure are emerging that have impacted the Boeing 787 delivery schedule once more. Indicators point to a fault with the oil system which led to a fire developing inside the engine and damaged not just the engine, but also the infrastructure involved in the trial. The Aug. 2 incident on a ‘Package A’ configuration engine later prompted Boeing to push back first 787 deliveries to launch customer All Nippon Airways to February 2011; the aircraft maker had planned to hand over the first aircraft by year-end under the latest of several schedule revisions. Boeing says “the delivery date revision follows an assessment of the availability of an engine needed for the final phases of flight test this fall,” and subsequently confirmed that the affected shipset had been due to power 787 Line No.9, an aircraft added to the extended twin-engine operations performance standards (ETOPS) test effort. Rolls says the failure specifically concerned the intermediate pressure turbine (IPT) but refuses to comment further on the incident which caused substantial damage to the engine maker’s ‘Bed 58’ indoor test site in Derby, U.K. However, industry sources say an oil fire broke out within the engine during high-power runs. The heating is believed to have ‘softened’ the intermediate pressure (IP) shaft which subsequently failed. The unconstrained IPT then reached an over-sped condition and ultimately disintegrated; parts thrown loose penetrated the casing. By coincidence, the FAA is poised to ratify a European Aviation Safety Agency airworthiness directive (AD) for the Airbus A380’s Trent 900 engine IP shaft which, if not performed, could result in similar issues to those experienced by the closely derived Trent 1000. The AD says wear beyond normal limits has been identified on the abutment faces of the splines on the Trent 900 IP shaft rigid coupling on several engines during strip. As the shaft-to-coupling spline interface provides the means of controlling the turbine axial setting, the wear through of the splines would permit the IP turbine to move rearwards, it adds. This rearward movement “would enable contact with static turbine components and would result in loss of engine performance with potential for in-flight shut down, oil migration and oil fire below the LP turbine discs prior to sufficient indication resulting in loss of LP turbine disc integrity.” Although the AD, which requires inspection of the IP shaft coupling splines, appears to bear an uncomfortable resemblance to the Trent 1000 issues, industry sources maintain the two are unconnected. The engines installed on the first four 787s are configured with ‘Package A’ improvements, devised to tackle part of the 4-5% specific fuel consumption shortfall identified in early development tests. However, a further series of improvements developed during the subsequent two-year program delay will be introduced in the so called Package B, which will be retrofitted to test aircraft ZA004 later this year. The delay to the start of 787 flight tests in 2009 meant some of the later ‘B’ improvements were sufficiently mature to be introduced during initial flight tests with units which Rolls described last year as “a hybrid version of the Package A” and “a robust engine to support the flight test program.” Rolls-Royce’s Trent 1000 built to the improved ‘Package B’ standard is designed to bring performance to within 1% of Boeing’s original specification. Package B includes enhanced aerodynamics in the six-stage low pressure (LP) turbine, improved cooling flow for the IP turbine and changes to the secondary air system to take off sealing and cooling air at a lower pressure stage. The root-to-tip twist of the fan blade is also slightly altered to match changes in the pressure ratio caused by a concurrent reduction in nozzle area. Rolls has run at least three Package B performance engines and, when last reporting on progress, says all were in line with expectations. In March Rolls was flight testing the first Package B engine on its company 747 flying testbed ahead of delivering finalized engines to Boeing for installation on ZA004.

You're kidding,right? Did anyone say there was a new order?