Zero emissions in 50 years
Giovanni Bisignani, director general and CEO of IATA, called upon government and industry to develop a zero emissions aircraft within 50 years.

He was speaking at the association’s annual meeting. Currently, the industry estimates that aircraft emissions contribute 1.6 per cent of global greenhouse gases, but that is expected to double to three per cent by the middle of the century. Bisignani called upon governments to sponsor scientific research and develop cleaner burning fuels, and aircraft manufacturers to build ever more efficient, aerodynamic planes.

Budget carrier, in-flight meal
A new Sri Lankan airline said it would offer the cheapest fares from Dubai to South Indian cities, if it wins Indian approval this summer. Mihin Lanka, which owns just two aircraft, an Airbus A320 and A321, began daily flights to Dubai in April from Colombo. According to reports, the budget carrier, which distinguishes itself from other no-frills airlines by offering an in-flight meal, said it is awaiting approval from the Indian government to fly to two cities in Tiruvanandapuram and Trichi.

Saudia rolls out e-tickets
GALILEO, a leading global distribution system (GDS) and subsidiary of Travelport, has recently announced the activation of e-ticketing with Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV)  According to new IATA regulations all airlines have to be e-ticket compliant by May 31 in an attempt to save a significant amount of time for both travel agents and customers and to save the airline industry at least $3 billion per year.

Air Arabia flies to Chittagong
Air Arabia has launched its new twice-weekly service between Sharjah and Chittagong, Bangladesh. The news comes shortly after the airline’s announcement that it is to buy 34 new aircraft, and expects to increase its fleet to reach 52 aircraft by 2015, thus marking a further step in its rapid expansion across the region. The airline will also begin operating two additional flights per week to Mumbai, India.