Cathay Pacific Aggressive Expansion

Cathay Pacific Airways is asking its Facebook and Twitter followers to guess where it will be flying next: Boston, Miami, Newark or Seattle?

In an innovative online route launch, Cathay Pacific has posted photos of four cities on its Facebook and Twitter sites.

The airline will launch a new service to one next week, reads the accompanying caption. But visitors to the websites must guess which.

"The countdown begins today! We’ve excited to announce a brand new route next week to one of the four locations below. Can you guess where it is?"

Tweets with the right answer can win a model B777, adds the airline.

The four photos show Boston, Miami, Newark and Seattle – but sharp-eyed surfers are betting on Newark (EWR).

A Cathay Pacific emblem already appears next to Newark in the scroll-down menu on the Cathay Pacific booking site – a sign the city may become a destination on the airline’s own metal.

Cathay Pacific wants to boost the number of flights between Australia and Hong Kong ahead of an expected increase in demand for travel between the two countries.

The airline has already reached a Government-imposed limit of 70 flights per week out of Australia, covering most capital cities as well as Cairns, and is now reliant on a relaxation of that cap before adding more services.

Cathay Pacific sees flights to London and Europe via Hong Kong as major drawcards for Australian travellers, along with shorter hops flights into China on Cathay and its sister Dragonair.

During a speech today at Sydney's Australia Pacific Aviation Summit, Cathay's Chief Operating Officer Ivan Chu quoted the old Chinese proverb of "digging a well before you are thirsty."

"When the market grows we want to have the capacity to allow us to grow" he said.

Chu later told Fairfax aviation reporter Matt O'Sullivan that the Australian and Hong Kong governments would soon begin talks about bilateral air rights.

"At the end of the day the governments should look after the public interest, and expansion will provide more public interest. If there is more capacity, we will take advantage of that."

However, Cathay will find itself going up against Jetstar Hong Kong, which is expected to launch by year's end with flights from Hong Kong to China.

The low-cost carrier is a joint venture between Qantas, China Eastern Airlines and the investment firm Shun Tak Holdings, led by Hong Kong business magnate and multibillionaire Stanley Ho.

Cathay's predicament is that all its Australian flights are served by Airbus A330 jets with some 242 seats spread over business class, premium economy and economy cabins.

Airline Perks For Luxury Travel

While many airlines offer extras to those who pay more, some take it one step further. CNBC has collected a list of airline perks that only super-rich fliers will be able to take advantage of.

Showering Mid-Flight – Currently only Emiratesoffers this to passengers of its A380s, and even then fliers must make a reservation and limit their showers to five minutes.

In-Flight Massages - Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited use to offer this as a service to super-rich fliers. The company now offers discounted or free massages and manicures at some of its spas to make up for cancelling the service.

Beds on Planes – Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Deutsche Lufthansa offer first-class fliers an actual bed. Emirates and Japan Airlines cover their lie-flat seats with mattresses.

On-board Chefs - Etihad Airways and Austrian Airlines both allow fliers to order food made by a chef during the flight. American Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlinesallow fliers to order food from a special menu before the flight.

Personal Minibars - Emirates and Etihad both offer fliers who shell out the money for a suite a personal minibar filled with drinks and snacks.

Chauffeur Services - Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa and Emirates all offer to chauffeur premium-class passengers to and from airports.

Source : CNBC

JetBlue New Business Class

Flying on a JetBlue Airways flight across the country just got a little more comfortable.

The New York-based airline, which is the third-largest commercial carrier at Orlando International Airport, is adding spacious lie-flat seats in an effort to lure more high-spending executives and business-class travelers, the Los Angeles Times reports.

The seats will be added to 11 Airbus planes for flights from California to New York.

The move signals that JetBlue is ready to go head-to-head with other major airlines for the highly competitive and profitable cross-country traffic that typically includes bankers, entertainment executives and more.

Air France Adds Another A380 To Shanghai

The national carrier will increase the number of superjumbos on the service from three weekly to four on October 28.

The A380 service itself from Charles De Gaulle to Pu Dong begins on September 2.

It will see Air France outflank Lufthansa to become the first airline to deploy an A380 between Europe and Shanghai.

The wide-bodied aircraft will leave Charles De Gaulle airport three times each week at 2320, arriving in China the following day at 1620 local time.

Its return schedule is more unusual, being overnight, leaving Shanghai at 2320 and landing in Paris at 0535 the next morning.

However, an advantage of an early morning arrival into Charles De Gaulle is that passengers then have all day to make connections throughout Europe and Africa.

At the same time, Air France will cancel its Charles De Gaulle to Singapore A380 service.

There are currently up to two Air France flights between Paris and Shanghai each day.

Lady Gaga Strips Naked in NSFW Video

The video is centered on the artists's "Abramovic Method" of exercise, which her website says will "heighten the participants’ awareness of their physical and mental experience in the present moment."

The video begins with Gaga, wearing all-white, laying flat on a wooden floor and begins to sing "a." It then segues to the singer standing in a shallow river, wearing a jumpsuit and her eyes covered in a horn mask. After that, it's naked Gaga time, with the singer alternately walking in grass, bent over in a yoga pose and doing various things with a large crystal-looking rock. In one part of the video, Gaga and Abramovic sit with their backs facing each other.

Abramovic is perhaps best known for her 2010 performance titled "The Artist Is Present," where she spent 736 motionless hours in a chair at the Museum of Modern Art, gazing one-on-one with over 1,500 visitors.

In late July, Abramovic launched a Kickstarter campaign for her Marina Abramovic Institute. The artist is seeking help to fund the design process of a "Interdisciplinary performance and education center, home to long durational work and the Abramovic Method." Over 1,200 backers have pledged more that $233,500 of her $600,000 goal, with 17 days to go. More here.

Both artists have been keeping busy. Abramovic can be seen gazing at Jay Z in his new performance film for "Picasso Baby." Gaga is poised to release "Applause, the first single off "ARTPOP," on Aug. 19.

Source : Billboard

Cathay Pacific Offers Langham Inflight Menu

Cathay Pacific has teamed up with The Langham, Hong Kong to launch a new inflight menu.

The special menu features 16 dishes inspired by T'ang Court, the Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant at the luxury hotel.

They will be served to passengers in first, business and premium economy on select Cathay Pacific flights.



The dishes have been designed by Langham executive chef Kwong Wai-keung and will feature on Cathay Pacific menus until the end of October.

Among the food on offer is Australian abalone with jelly fish, and wok-fried prawns with black truffle paste.

James Ginns, the carrier's general manager inflight services, said: "We know that our passengers like to see a variety of food options and enjoy trying exciting new dishes from time to time.

"We are delighted to partner with the world-renowned T’ang Court once again for our latest inflight menu, and I’m sure that passengers will enjoy these fabulous creations – a true taste of Hong Kong at 38,000 feet in the air."

LCCs To Dominate APAC Aviation By 2015

Low cost carriers continue to grow market share in the Asia Pacific region and are set to dominate the aviation landscape by 2015, according to an industry expert.

CAPA Centre for Aviation executive chairman Peter Harbison told delegates at the Australia Pacific Aviation Summit in Sydney pointed to the success of AirAsia X in the Australian market as an indicator of the trend.

"By the end of this year AirAsia x will become the fourth largest foreign airline in Australia - for an airline that didn't exist 10 years ago and just IPO'd this year, that's a major development," he said.

"It's already overtaken Malaysia airlines in the local market - the flag carrier is changing."

Also speaking at the conference, AirAsia X chief executive Azran Osman-Rani underlined the carrier's intention to double its Australian capacity by late 2014. The carrier confirmed last month that it would commence Adelaide services from October 30.

The number of LCCs present in the Asia Pacific region has risen to 45 accounting for a major proportion of all regional aircraft orders.

Meanwhile, regional full service carriers are "stagnating", according to Harbison.

"That's partly because cargo has gone very quiet," he said. "They're also suffering greatly from traffic being diverted via the Gulf."

He highlighted the main advantages of Middle Eastern aviation product as frequency, the offer of one-stop connections and the new aircraft.

It's a fight that is unfightable, which is why Qantas pretty much succumbed in the end - it realised it was better to join them."

Other carriers are devising different strategies to overcome those obstacles while avoiding heavy discounting. Singapore Airlines was such an example, with its establishment of low cost subsidiaries to tap into the growing market segment.

Etihad To Operate A380 On Australian Routes

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has announced a major revamp of its Australian operations including new aircraft, new routes, additional flights and new airport facilities.

As part of the overhaul, the airline plans to introduce the jumbo Airbus A380 aircraft on its Sydney and Melbourne routes and launch nonstop flights between Perth and Abu Dhabi.

Etihad will also operate additional flights from Melbourne and Brisbane to the UAE capital and construct premium lounges in the Sydney and Melbourne airports from 2014.

The new plans were announced by Etihad president and CEO James Hogan during the CAPA Australia Pacific Aviation Summit in Sydney.

Hogan said Australia was a key and long-term market for the airline.

He also confirmed that Etihad was moving to increase its equity in Virgin Australia, following recent approval by the Foreign Investment Review Board to increase from a 10 per cent shareholding to 19.9 per cent.

“Virgin Australia is a key member of our ever-expanding airline equity alliance, and Etihad Airways is an active and long-term investor in Virgin,” Hogan said. “We have a significant presence in Australia, with 28 weekly departures, annual expenditure of over $100 million, direct employment of 106 staff and engagement of 415 local contractors,” he said.

“The Virgin Australia partnership enables us to connect with 45 destinations in Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia, while we reciprocate by providing connections via our Abu Dhabi hub to a wide range of destinations in Europe, UK, Ireland and Africa.”

Etihad’s equity alliance – an alternative to legacy airline alliances – now has five members, following a deal last week to buy 49 per cent of Serbia’s national airline, JAT, now rebranded Air Serbia, and a five-year management contract to run it.

The ambitious UAE carrier is also awaiting regulatory approval for investment in a sixth airline, India’s Jet Airways.

“There is ample evidence to show that the traditional airline model and legacy airline alliances are no longer relevant to today’s operating environment and that progress for the industry is unlikely without radical change,” said Hogan.

“A sustainable future for global aviation relies on a bold vision and a willingness to break with tradition and past practices.”

Mid Valley Tower

Commanding the southern end of an active dining boulevard this new 60-storey office tower represents the final piece in the highly successful Mid Valley development. Inspired by the incised trunks of the rubber plantations each of its three curved faces is different, having been tailored to the intensity of sunlight that will be incident upon it. The slender horizontal lines of the aluminium fins are complimented by the sweeping white gossamer screens of glass, etched with geometric patterns. Providing over 80,000 sq m of prime office space, the towers sits atop a prow-shaped podium containing restaurants, roof gardens and a panoramic prestige car showroom that arrays its contents in full view of the elevated road that wraps the site.

Source : http://www.civicarts.com/

The Second A350 XWB MSN003 In Action

Last Thursday evening the 2nd flight prototype MSN003 was moved from Long Range P18 to Jean Luc Lagardère plant P18, in order to perform on Friday the Fuel Ground Test. This test is done under “ATEX condition”; ATEX stands for ‘Atmosphères Explosibles’, atmosphere capable of exploding.



During Monday and Tuesday there have been performed different activities of drainage and defuel, as well as other activities related with the cabin pressure and navigation.

Partly Over

Two and a half weeks since I sat down and face myself. I never plan it to be this way but somehow when it hits me, I just have to face it as it hits me. Anyhow, I ain't gonna wind it here on this post. I am now on my flight just having some me time and I guess it is just about time to come back to reality. 

Every time when something right comes it's way, we as human sometimes just don't see it. We overlook it somehow. But what can we do when we realize that is the case? Sometimes, people tells us take it one day at a time. Some people will just tells you to follow your heart. But what exactly could we do?

Something really close to who you are, smoking cigarettes in the dark night, thinking that you were about to lose your mind. Always wondering what is sneaking up to you next. But what we always overlook is what we know. We always know the way to go. We tend to forget that sometimes life is beautiful. Sometimes I just wish that it was me.

Taken off from LAX to HND. Somehow glad I am taking Japan Airlines. The JAL Sky Wifi is actually quite fast. Anyhow, I am glad I have finished the new template for my blog and revamp the whole playlist on my player too. I know it has been a while since I sit down and write something that meant something to me.

Honestly, the past few weeks has been intense. Work wise, health wise, life wise, everything isn't just that easy some how. But sometimes, we just had that crazy look in our eyes. To think the things that ought to be. And makes it just harder to breath.

But I know all will be over soon somehow. I am flying on a journey to my safe haven. I know when I land in Haneda International Airport in Tokyo, I will see you there with your open arms. At least after all that struggle after so many weeks, it just seems to be right. I will be having just me and you time. It doesn't seems really long but it definitely feels that way. Maybe with the working timetable, and the treatment period is being so intense, I didn't even have that space to just breath. Now listening to Kellie Pickler's "Someone, Somewhere Tonight" on my iPod, I could finally smile somehow. The loneliness that was building inside somehow subsided. There is so much I wanna say but nothing seems to matters now. I will be seeing you soon.

August 6th is definitely a special day to me. Andrew, happy birthday to you and with many great wishes returns. There ain't nothing I would wish for but just your good health and lotsa love from me. I know that you will be having a great celebration back home. Just wished that I could be there to tell you in person and give you a hug right now but I know that ain't long for me to do that.

Life is just a roller coaster ride. When we see the things that happens around us as they are, we will definitely be in that emotion that we were program to be. Suffering is inevitable, but to feel the pain is a choice. Life is definitely still beautiful to me. 

Rihanna Scores 20th No. 1 on Dance/Club Play Chart; Second-Most No. 1s Ever

Rihanna's latest No. 1 smash on Dance/Club Play Songs, "Right Now," is a special one. It marks her 20th No. 1 on the chart, putting her alone in second place for the most No. 1s in the 37-year history of the chart.

She steps ahead of Janet Jackson, who has 19 leaders. Rihanna trails only Madonna, with 43 No. 1s. The new Dance/Club Play Songs chart, where Rihanna is No. 1, will appear on Billboard.com this Thursday (Aug. 8).

Rihanna's 20 No. 1s were collected in less than a decade, starting with her debut single "Pon De Replay" on Oct. 8, 2005 -- less than eight years ago.

"Right Now," which features David Guetta, hits the top in its sweet 16th week on the chart. It ties for the longest climb to No. 1 this century, matching the slow rises of Rihanna's own "Where Have You Been" (June 9, 2012) and Blaze Presents U.D.A.U.F.L. featuring Barbara Tucker's "Most Precious Love" (June 4, 2005).

"Right Now" debuted at No. 50 on the chart in early February, shortly following the release of Rihanna's "Unapologetic" album last November. "Right Now" hung out in the lower region of the chart for 10 weeks, peaking at No. 33, until it fell off the chart in late April.

Then, when official remixes of "Right Now" were released and promoted to club DJs last month, the track re-entered the chart at No. 44. It jumped to No. 1 six weeks later.

"Right Now" was remixed for club floors by the likes of by Dyro, Sick Individuals, Justin Prime and Ralphi Rosario.

"Where Have You Been" followed a similar trajectory last year. It also debuted in early February as DJs gave it unsolicited play it after the "Talk That Talk" album release. "Where" charted from January through April of 2012, and then returned to the chart in May after it was promoted as an official single.

Here is a recap of Rihanna's now 20 Dance/Club Play Songs No. 1s

• "Pon De Replay," Oct. 8, 2005
• "SOS," May 13, 2006
• "Unfaithful," July 29, 2006
• "We Ride," Feb. 3, 2007
• "Umbrella" (featuring Jay-Z), July 7, 2007 (two weeks at No. 1)
• "Don't Stop the Music," Sept. 8, 2007
• "Shut Up and Drive," Dec. 8, 2007
• "Disturbia," Sept. 13, 2008
• "Russian Roulette," Feb. 20, 2010
• "Hard" (featuring Jezzy), March 6, 2010
• "Rude Boy," May 15, 2010
• "Only Girl (In the World)," Nov. 13, 2010
• "Who's That Chick?" (David Guetta featuring Rihanna), Feb. 2, 2011
• "S&M," April 2, 2011
• "California King Bed," Sept. 24, 2011
• "We Found Love" (featuring Calvin Harris), Nov. 19, 2011 (two weeks)
• "You Da One," Feb. 18, 2012
• "Where Have You Been," June 9, 2012
• "Diamonds," Dec. 15, 2012
• "Right Now" (featuring David Guetta), Aug. 17, 2013

Source : Billboard

Mudajaya Tipped To Win Subang Skypark Rail Link

Mudajaya Group Bhd is tipped to win a RM300 million civil contract to help build a railway link in Subang, Selangor, said people with first-hand knowledge on the matter.

The contract will be awarded by the Skypark Link-Lion Pacific (Slip) venture.

In April, Business Times reported that Slip won a RM500 million rail job from the Transport Ministry to build the Subang Jaya-Sri Subang-Subang Skypark Rail Link.

The project alignment is to lay a 4km double tracking railway line on the existing Keretapi Tanah Melayu alignment from the Subang Jaya station to Sri Subang and to construct a 4.5km to replant its existing land to correct its plantation age profile, thus improving productivity.

“FGV is on an aggressive replanting exercise.

We are allocating about RM300 million to replant 15,000ha a year using our award-winning DxP Yangambi seeds and clones as well as elevated alignment near the roundabout, leading to the car park area opposite the Subang Skypark Airport Terminal.

The rail link, which is slated for completion by end-2015, is the first of a three-phase contract.

“Slip had a meeting last week and the management awarded the civil job to Mudajaya.

Mudajaya will construct the elevated alignment and build a station at Subang Skypark,” sources said.

Meanwhile, KL Consult Associates Sdn Bhd, the design consultant for the project, had requested all bidders for the electromechanical portion of the contract to resubmit their bids, a source said.

The contract, which is worth RM60 million to RM65 million, involves signalling, electrification and communication works, as well as installing a ticketing system and closed-circuit television cameras.

A tender for the contract was called by KL Consult early this year and six groups had submitted bids.

They are Intelligent Essence Sdn Bhd-Siemens Malaysia-Balfour Beatty Rail Sdn Bhd, Artic Rail Sdn Bhd-India’s E to E Engineering, Global Rail Sdn Bhd-Thales-Siemens Malaysia-Bombardier, Pestech Sdn Bhd-ABB Malaysia, CMC Engineering with a Chinese firm and Nakoda with a European party.

A source said only three groups, led by Artic Rail, Global Rail and Intelligent Essence, were qualified for the initial round of tender evaluation.

“Although the other three groups were not qualified, KL Consult had called for all of them to resubmit their revised technical and commercial offers by/before noon on August 1,” the source said.

It is understood that only two groups submitted their revised technical and commercial offers before noon. The rest came in later.

According to a source from the Transport Ministry, Slip is expected to award the contract next month as the project has been delayed without site progress since the joint-venture company won the project.

Airbus Delivers 8,000th Aircraft

Airbus has delivered its 8,000th aircraft – an A320 for the Indonesian wing of AirAsia. The aircraft took off from Toulouse, France on Saturday 3rd August and arrived earlier today at its new base in Jakarta.

The delivery of the 8,000th Airbus aircraft highlights the manufacturer’s position as leader in the civil aircraft market, delivering airlines the most advanced, fuel efficient family of aircraft available today. The product line is also the most comprehensive ever offered by an aircraft manufacturer, covering every segment of the market from 100 to over 500 seats.

“AirAsia has a long-standing, special relationship with Airbus. This is a very special moment for all of us. The people behind Airbus and their commitment in delivering the best product are key to our fruitful relationship, and we are extremely proud to have the 8,000th Airbus as a member of our fleet. It’s the same pioneering, forward-looking mindset and a lot of hard work that have brought both AirAsia and Airbus to their respective leading positions today,” said Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia. “The excellent fuel efficiency and economics of Airbus aircraft are key contributors to AirAsia’s success – we are confident that these modern aircraft will enable us to continue our ambitious growth plans.”

“It’s particularly fitting that our 8,000th delivery goes to AirAsia - one of the world’s fastest growing airlines,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. “In an increasingly challenging and diverse worldwide economic context, we are more than ever focused on delivering real value to our customers. We will achieve this by continuing to innovate, together with our customers, in all fields of the business to stay ahead of the game and offer the most efficient products and services.”

AirAsia Group is the largest low-cost airline in Asia and operates an all-Airbus fleet. The airline is the largest customer for the A320 Family, having ordered a total of 475 aircraft, comprising 264 A320neo and 211 A320ceo. Meanwhile, Airbus widebody aircraft are the choice of the group’s long haul affiliate AirAsiaX, which has ordered a total of 26 A330-300s and ten A350 XWBs. A total of 141 Airbus aircraft are flying today in AirAsia’s colours out of its 16 bases in the region, which include Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.

The Airbus product line comprises the best-selling A320 Family in the single aisle market, the popular A330 and all-new A350 XWB in the mid-size widebody category and the flagship A380 in the very large aircraft segment. In the freight market Airbus currently offers the new-build A330-200F and the A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (A330P2F) programme. Over 13,000 Airbus aircraft have been ordered and 8,000 delivered to nearly 500 customers and operators worldwide. Every two seconds an Airbus aircraft takes off or lands.

‘The Originals’ Spoilers: Adding Gay Character In Recurring Role

So, who is this mystery character in question? His name is Josh! And Steven Kruger will be playing the part.

New Orleans will be sizzling when “The Originals” premieres Oct. 15. The spin-off of “The Vampire Diaries” is looking to add a “hot” gay recurring character to interact with the big bad in the French Quarter. The role of Josh in The Originals has been cast. He will be played by Steven Krueger, who played Ben Coogan on “Pretty Little Liars” show from 2010 to 2013. According to TV Guide, Steven will appear as Josh in up to three episodes in The Originals series, which will have their premiere episode on October 3rd, 2013, at 9:00 ET, after the season 5 premiere of The Vampire Diaries at 8:00 ET. Following the premiere episode, The Originals will move to it’s regular Tuesday night starting on October 8th, 2013.

According to a casting call, the CW cast Steven to fill the role. Josh is described as a “hot and naive but curious gay tourist partying with friends in New Orleans.” But like most people who cross paths with the supernatural world of “The Vampire Diaries,” Josh ends up in “the wrong part of the French Quarter” -- and unfortunately his trip has “dire consequences.”

Josh isn’t the only casting news to be leaked this month. In mid-July, TV Guide revealed that viewers will be meeting Celeste, “a stunning Creole woman.” Unlike Josh, Celeste will have some history in New Orleans. The character was not only “entangled” with Klaus in the 1800s, but also had a “fondness” for Elijah.

TV Guide teased that Elijah “wasn’t as busy as his brother keeping the residents of New Orleans in check,” leading us to believe some inappropriate behavior may have occurred between Celeste and Elijah behind Klaus’ back. (Sounds very familiar to the Katherine situation.)

“The Originals” follows Klaus and his family as they try to reclaim the city from Marcel, Klaus’ progeny. But nothing is easy, and the Original vampire family hits interesting little twists -- like angry witches and a pregnant werewolf, Hayley.

Besides Marcel, other regular newcomers on the show include witches Sophie and Davina, as well as a human named Camille. Camille, a bartender and psychology student, is set to get herself into a bit of trouble when she befriends Klaus, but catches the eye of Marcel.

“The Originals” will premiere on the CW Oct. 15. While the backdoor pilot already aired, fans won’t want to miss the official first episode as it is set to retell the story from Elijah’s perspective.

Twisted Review: Confessions of a Dangerous Mind

Twisted has finally hit the Pretty Little Liars level of creepiness. Of course, the whole show is based on a murder case, but "Docu-Trauma" featured pranks that brought things to a whole new level.

The question of the night is this: do you believe the final confession?



So things kicked off pretty well. Danny and Lacey were hot and heavy, basking in the glow of new love... or at least lust. Jo was even getting asked out by Tyler, played by Chris Zylka. It's too bad Tyler turned out to be a grade A d-bag because Jo could really use the distraction! Danny referred to her as being "like a sister." Ouch, it must've hurt to get friend-zoned like that! Then again Rico has been feeling that pain for weeks, probably even months.

He told someone I was like his sister. Unless we’ve time travelled back to the middle ages I’m pretty sure that rules out anything ever happening.

Then the prank with the jump-ropes happened on the front lawn. Jarring yes, but not full on terrifying. I never realized until this episode that Lacey and Jo had seen Tara Desai's dead body. I guess we forget how traumatic that day was for them too. It's sure to stir up awful memories.

Then we get to the uber-creepy part. Danny and Lacey are making out and having a picnic in the dark woods, which is just asking for trouble. Ever heard of just going to some random restaurant a few towns away? Anyway, suddenly these guys with Danny masks and hair pop out and stand there with red jump ropes around their neck. Obviously Lacey and Danny were followed, so could Archie have made this plan? Are Archie and Tyler in cahoots? It seems likely that Tyler was the one behind the prank at the party. The masks part just really reminded me of PLL.

Also who do you think was filming Danny and Lacey at the end? It probably wasn't Tyler at that point, he was never in the outfit and mask at the party. How long do you give it until Jo finds out about them? Lastly, what was up with Karen's confession? Does anybody believe she'd actual kill Regina?

Karen is shady, but it seems likely she is covering for Danny and trying to spare him more humiliation. She walked in and saw that horrible prank and she loves her son more than anything. She loves him enough to go to jail for him. Or perhaps maybe Karen is a lot shadier than we thought and she knew about Regina's possible affair with Vikram. Things are getting more intense each week!

Hit the comments with your thoughts and theories on the latest episode of Twisted!

Runways To Reach Early Saturation Point

The two runways at Hong Kong International Airport will reach maximum capacity by 2017 - or three years earlier than originally projected, according to the Airport Authority.

It estimated two years ago that the runways would reach saturation point by 2020, and called for a third runway.

However chief executive officer, Stanley Hui Hon-chung, said yesterday the runways are likely to be saturated by 2017 at the earliest.

During an exhibition on the third runway, Hui said the airport is undergoing rapid growth. "Therefore, the need for a third runway has become even more pressing," he said.

The airport saw an 8percent rise in passenger capacity, flight takeoffs and landings last month, compared to July last year. Cargo-carrying capacity also recorded a slight increase.

By 2030, Hui said, passenger trips through Hong Kong will increase to 102.3 million and freight traffic will reach 8.9 million tonnes a year.

Furthermore, there will be 607,000 aircraft movements a year.

The environmental impact assessment of a third runway should be completed at the end of this year or by early next.

The restricted area at the north of the airport will be extended to minimize the impact on the Chinese white dolphins, Hui said.

Green Sense spokesman Roy Tam Hoi-pong slammed the authority for failing to detail the impact of seven reclamation projects in Lantau.

Samantha Lee Mei-wah, of WWF Hong Kong, said the assessment should address whether reclamation will further reduce the number of dolphins.

Professional Commons policy convener Albert Lai Kwong-tak said the assessment is limited and will fail to assess the social impact of a runway.

The Professional Commons, together with Friends of the Earth and Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society, has begun a study into the effects of a third runway. It has asked British think-tank New Economics Foundation to offer advice.

Elite Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

 

Elite Pavilion is a showcase of branding and luxury lifestyle, a manifestation of a developer’s quest for excellence. The proposed project at Jalan Bukit Bintang is envisaged as an extension to the existing Pavilion KL. The site is flanked by Grand Millennium KL at the southwest, the Pavilion KL at the northeast and faces Starhill Gallery and Fahrenheit 88.

The project is realised from the need for additional retail area to Pavilion KL Shopping Centre to maintain its position as a world-class shopping destination in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Upon completion, the additional 10 levels of retail, with bridge connections at various points to existing mall, would further strengthen the successful shopping environment currently enjoyed by Pavilion KL. With a retail-lined underground link to the existing Fahrenheit 88 shopping centre, this new retail podium will be more accessible and connected with easy links to other shopping malls in the vicinity.

A 50 storey tower comprising of 369 units of high-end serviced apartments will crown the new podium. The ‘seamless’ full height glass curtain wall facade gives rise to a sleek tower, which stands out distinctly as an iconic residential block. The tower is topped with a light box and with strategic up lighting, the tower is imparted with its own unique identity in the Pavilion precinct.


SITE
1.3 acres
GROSS FLOOR AREA
1,700,000 sq. ft.
NETT FLOOR AREA (RETAIL)
429,000 sq. ft.
NO. OF FLOORS
3 floors of car park
10 floors of retail
38 floors of apartments
1 floor of recreational amenities

GlaxoSmithKline Pharma Loses Patent Claim On Beast Cancer Drug Tykerb

The Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) has revoked the patent granted to the British drug major Glaxosmithkline Pharma Ltd for its breast cancer drug - Tykerb.

However, the Board has upheld the patent for Lapatinib compound, which is the active ingredient in Tykerb, citing innovative merit. Tykerb is the salt form of Lapatinib compound that is sold in the country.

The ruling was delivered on July 27 by Justice Prabha Sridevan, Chairperson of the Chennai Bench of the patent appeals agency which functions under the Commerce Ministry.

When contacted today, a GSK Pharma India spokesperson said the Board's ruling was a mixed bag for the company.

"We are disappointed that the IPAB has revoked our expiring patent for the Lapatinib ditosylate salt. This ruling only relates to the Lapatinib ditosylate salt patent in the country and does not affect our basic patent for Tykerb or corresponding patents in other countries.

"We are studying the IPAB decision but maintain our belief in the inventiveness of the Lapatinib ditosylate salt and will consider the possibility of taking further steps before the appropriate authorities to validate this," the spokesperson said in an e-mail response.

"The company, however, is happy that the IPAB has upheld our basic patent for the Lapatinib compound, which is the active ingredient in Tykerb. This patent has an expiry date in January 2019," the spokesperson said.

"Tykerb has been providing significant benefit to Indian women with HER-2 positive breast cancer for over four years it has been available here," the statement said.

"As part of our access strategy, we already offer significantly discounted prices for Tykerb here. We will continue to take steps to ensure that Tykerb is available to women with breast cancer," GSK added.

Emirates’ A380 Cruises Into 5th Anniversary & Offers 'Street View'

Emirates has carried more than 18 million passengers on its double decker A380 as the airline marks the fifth anniversary of the aircraft joining its fleet. 

Emirates operated its first scheduled Airbus A380 flight to New York on Aug. 1 2008. Now, the airline flies to 21 A380 destinations including London Heathrow, Rome, Moscow, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Auckland. More than 7,000 cabin crew support a world-renowned fleet of 35 A380s, along with nearly 670 flight deck crew.

Over the five years of operation, over 35 million meals have been served during 20,000 trips, spanning 265 million kilometers. In all, 37 airports have been visited, either for scheduled flights, one off special appearances or because of diversions. 

“Five swift years have gone by since Emirates changed the face of air travel with this remarkable aircraft,” said Tim Clark, president, Emirates Airline. “Its popularity is now firmly rooted across our six continent network, while our customers continue to enthuse about our onboard product; the overall quietness of this huge aircraft, a unique sense of spaciousness in Economy Class, mini-pod lie-flat seats in Business Class and the sanctuary of Private Suites in First Class with access to two Onboard Shower Spas.” 

The main talking point amongst those who have flown on the upper deck of the A380 is the Onboard Lounge, where Business Class and First Class travelers can exchange tales and talk business over a drink at 40,000 feet. 

The A380’s longest nonstop route on the Emirates’ network is Dubai to New York, covering 11,023 kilometers during a flight of 13 hours and 26 minutes. The shortest A380 route is between Hong Kong and Bangkok — a distance of 1,900 kilometers with a flying time of two hours 20 minutes. 

Some of the more quirky statistics are that since August 2008, 14 million bread rolls have been loaded onto Emirates’ A380 flights leaving Dubai, along with more than 157,000 fresh flower displays, 538,500 baby food jars, over 1 million toothbrushes and more than 4 million teabags.

Gulf carrier Emirates today said it has partnered with global search engine Google to launch the world's first 'Street View' of the double decker A380, the world's largest commercial jet aircraft.

'Street View' is a technology featured in Google apps and Google Earth that provides panoramic views from positions along many streets in the world.

"Users can explore online the Emirates A380's luxurious first class private suites, expansive business class cabin, on-board lounges, shower spas, cockpit and more on 'Street View' now," an Emirates press release said here.

The partnership with Google also marks the five-year of operations of Emirates' A380 fleet, it said.

The Gulf-based airline is the world's largest operator of A380 with 35 aircraft in its fleet, besides 55 of these planes on order.

The World's 7 Best First Class Airline Amenity Kits

Whether you’re the person who gives the airline amenity kit a cursory rummage before stowing it away or a hoarder who drools over deluxe eye masks and luxury cosmetics, the first class amenity kit is an essential part of luxury flying.

Amenity kits promote the airline’s brand image as well as promoting the brands that make the goodies.

Ultimately they colour the whole flying experience. So who makes the best amenity kits?

British Airways

Back in the glory days of Concorde you used to get beautiful gifts. I still have a lovely Concorde wallet that I use when I’m travelling. These days, First is top of the line for BA and their amenity kit is less glamorous but still high quality. Inside the Anya Hindmarch-designed Gladstone style bag you’ll find a D.R. Harris & Co toothbrush, an eye mask with adjustable straps, cotton socks, and a number of cosmetic products from Ren. Unfortunately, whilst it used to contain Marvis toothpaste, it now stocks the ubiquitous Colgate, and the bag is perhaps too small and rigid for effective reuse.

Etihad Airways

Etihad won the 2012 TravelPlus award for the best first class male amenity kit, and it’s easy to see why. Contained in a soft leather box you’ll find La Prairietoiletries, a Schick razor and shaving cream along with the typical items. When you’ve finished with the contents, you can use the kit as a cufflink box. The female version is presented in a clutch bag designed by Swarovski, complete with a little grid of Swarovski ‘crystals’.

Emirates

The Bulgari-designed brown leather bags contain a wealth of Bulgari products. The female kit features Bulgari au Thé Rouge perfume and a small mirror alongside the usual goodies, whilst the male kit includes a razor, aftershave, a comb and body lotion. Nestled amongst these, however, are Colgate toothpaste, Gillette shaving cream, and Axe deodorant, all of which sit awkwardly amongst the high end products.

Qantas

Quantas’s latest first class amenity kits feature products from SK-II, a beauty brand often considered to be one of the most expensive in the world. The female kit, enclosed in a red clutch bag, includes a face cleanser, face cream, small mirror and all the other usual amenities. The male kit (pictured) features two sorts of moisturiser, a razor, Gillette shave cream, and Rexona deodorant.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines ’ kit is atypical in that it only contains skin care products, with the rest of the usual suspects provided separately. The products, however, are all from Sothys and include body lotion, lip balm and moisturiser to combat the tight, dry skin and puffy eyes of air travel.

Cathay Pacific

To accompany the recent redesign of its first class suites Cathay Pacific is rolling out its latest first class amenity bags. The bag for men, designed byErmenegildo Zegna, contains skincare products from Acca Kappa, whilst the clutch bag for women (pictured), designed by Trussardi, includes products from high-end Australian brand Aesop. You can also expect a shoehorn, a compact hairbrush or comb, mouthwash and the usual trappings. (But hey, Cathay Pacific, I’m still waiting for my Marco Polo Diamond card, after nearly three months!)

Malaysia Airlines

 

Malaysia Airlines ’ kit is a typical in that it only contains skin care products, with the rest of the usual suspects provided separately. The products, however, are all from Bulgari (Bvlgari) and featured a toothbrush and toothpaste, mouthwash, a comb, eye shades, socks and a few lotions.

What are your favourite airline amenity kits? What would you like to see added?

Malaysia Airlines Increases Australia Services

Malaysia Airlines in Northern Winter 2013/14 season is increasing operations to Melbourne and Perth. Planned operation as follow.

Kuala Lumpur – Melbourne 21NOV13 – 26JAN14 Planned service increase from 14 to 16 weekly, however new flights are not available for reservation at present time
MH129 KUL1015 – 2110MEL 333 D
MH147 KUL2000 – 0645+1MEL 772 46
MH149 KUL2210 – 0905+1MEL 333 D

MH128 MEL0045 – 0605KUL 333 D
MH146 MEL1000 – 1500KUL 772 57
MH148 MEL1500 – 2020KUL 333 D

Kota Kinabalu – Perth eff 30OCT13 Service increases from 1 to 2 weekly
MH121 BKI1800 – 2335PER 738 37
MH120 PER0040 – 0620BKI 738 14

Raya Cheers On-Board Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines is offering a special menu on-board its flights during the first and second day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. The special menu consist of mouth-watering meals of compressed rice (nasi impit) with chicken rendang, braised mixed vegetables with coconut gravy and peanut sauce on business class and ghee rice with chicken rendang and mixed vegetables on economy class.

Malaysia Airlines Director of Customer Services, Dato' Mohd Salleh Ahmad Tabrani said, "It is important to us at Malaysia Airlines to celebrate various festivities with our esteemed guests. We wish to deliver the experience and feel of Hari Raya to those who are travelling on these days. In other words, to experience a little bit of home, away from home. These meals were specially designed by our in-house chefs and was mainly aimed at recreating an authentic local taste,” he added.

The national carrier will also be serving popular Malay delicacies, ‘dodol’ and pineapple tarts as an extra offering to passengers on various routes on the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

During this festive season all travelers are encouraged to arrive at the airport early for check-in. To save time and reduce congestion, guests can use web check-in, MHmobile check-in or the Self Service check-in kiosks.

Post Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, Malaysia Airlines will be offering exciting promotional fares for flights across its network. Customers can start booking for these fares from 5 August 2013 - 25 August 2013 for the travel period of 19 August 2013 - 31 May 2014.

Fares to domestic destinations see discounts up to 50% via this promotion. An all-inclusive return airfare on economy class from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu start from only RM290 while the same to Penang and Johor Bahru starts from only RM150 and RM170 respectively. Meanwhile, attractive fares are also up for grabs for travel on business class. For an all inclusive return fare that starts from only RM599 guests can travel to Kota Bahru and Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur. Business class return fares start from only RM1099 for travel from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

Tickets to selected international destinations is also on sale. On economy class, all-inclusive return airfare from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket starts from only RM299 while the same to Kunming is priced starting from only RM799. Customers can choose to fly on business class to Sydney starting from only RM6299 from Kuala Lumpur. Meanwhile, all-inclusive return business class fares to Bali and Bangkok from Kuala Lumpur starts from only RM1229.

These offers are available to customers at all Malaysia Airlines distribution channels mainlywww.malaysiaairlines.com, 24 hours toll free number 1 300 88 3000, MHmobile, Malaysia Airlines’ ticket offices and appointed agents throughout Malaysia.

Malaysia Airlines conveys its Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri wishes to all its customers and wishes everyone happy holidays.

Raya Menu Dish: Malaysia Airlines offering tasty ‘nasi impit’ with chicken ‘rendang’ this Hari Raya for its guests.