Chinese pilots on STRIKE

When I read “strike in China”  this evening, I was wondering because “China” and “strike” in one phrase were unfamiliar to me. Furthermore, this is not a usual strike like in western countries, but a special one. The way some Chinese pilots want to express their resentment is even more unusual than a strike in [...]

Continental calls off merger with United

There won’t be a merger between Continental Airlines and United Airlines. Continental’s CEO Larry Kellner ruled out the deal with United because the risks would outweigh the chances. Furthermore, Continental considers quitting the Skyteam alliance. According to Kellner, Continental has several advantages over other airlines and does not want to put them at risk.
United Airlines considers [...]

The most energy efficient place in America

New York City is a role model for energy efficiency. Its per capita energy use is much lower than in other parts of the US. Cities in general seem to be an eco-friendly place – at least for their hinterland and the environment. In this regard the global trend of urbanization – more than 50% [...]

The most precious resource II

Security of supply of food and energy is definitely the topic of our time. But even more important will be the security of the supply of water.
The United Nations estimates that the available water that is safe for drinking per capita will be one third less than today in 20 years.
This scarcity derives [...]

The most precious resource I

People worry about the soaring oil price. Well, oil is a very important resource; it is required for chemistry, energy, mobility and it fuels globalization. With oil supplies being limited, mankind will face serious problems in the future unless alternatives are available in an adequate amount. Disrupted oil supplies would force any country into a [...]

Airfares on the rise

Delta Airlines’ CEO Richard Anderson plans to increase fares by 15 to 20 % and justifies this step by rapidly rising fuel prices. Delta Airlines, as well as most major US airlines, suffers from the massive increase in fuel prices and huge losses are the results.
Analysts suggest to reduce the airlines’ capacities to cut costs [...]

Airbus and Boeing in trouble – could a competitor jump at the chance?

Two major projects, two aircraft manufacturing giants and enormous delays. It will take a long time until Airbus can turn a profit on its super jumbo, if Airbus manages to break even. Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner seems to be both, a remarkable engineering achievement - as it is mostly made of carbon-fiber composites – and a commercial [...]

Germany has increased its competitiveness

Germany’s Federal Statistical Office (DESTATIS) has compared European labor costs and non-wage costs and the comparison shows that labor costs in Germany have increased by just one percent in 2007 which is the smallest increase of all EU countries. However, German labor costs are the 7th highest in the EU behind Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Luxembourg, [...]

The Baltic Sea – “One of the most polluted seas in the world.”

The Baltic Sea is a brackish inland sea located in the northeast of Europe. It has a very low average depth, thus it contains not more water than Lake Baikal.
Pollution is a severe threat to its ecosystem, fishery and tourism. Massive algae blooms occur regularly and a dangerous species of jellyfish is spreading. Tons of waste [...]

Flying on the ground – but no further flying in Germany! III

The Transrapid story and its undeserving end in Germany.
- Series
III: The German government is also to be blamed.
The Transrapid would not only have been a flagship project for Bavaria, but for Germany and its industry. It would not only have been a benefit to those traveling to Munich’s airport. It’s safe and friendly to the environment, [...]