Now Beds in Economy Class in Flights

PR Log (Press Release) – Jan 27, 2010 – Air New Zealand is to offer flat beds in economy on its new fleet of Boeing 777-300 ER, which is being rolled out this November.
The so-called “Skycouch” is made up of three standard seats that can be changed into a single, horizontal space by removing arm rests and covering over the footwell, although the seats do not fully recline.
Dubbed “Cuddle Class”, it is being pitched at couples and families with young children. Passengers would need to buy the three seats together, and pay the full price for two economy seats and half price for the third.
http://www.travelchacha.com/flights.htm
The airline says the new seating will transform international air travel, creating a flexible space ideal for couples, and for those travelling with children.
“For the past three years we have been designing a new long haul experience that will reignite the passion of today’s travellers,” said Rob Fyfe, Air New Zealand’s chief executive officer. “For those who choose, the days of sitting in economy and yearning to lie down and sleep are gone.”
Fyfe also announced an overhaul of the airline’s premium economy cabin, which he claims will offer improved dining and comfort.
22 Skycouch seats will be fitted on the new aircraft, making up the first 11 rows of the economy class cabin. They will be launched on Air New Zealand’s services between Auckland and Los Angeles, and will become available on the carrier’s Los Angeles-London services from April 2011.
http://www.travelchacha.com/new-zealand-travel-guide/
Seems Air New Zealand heard the sleep calls from economy class consumers and is making a change. Air New Zealand will be reconfiguring their Boeing 777 cabins to make room for lie flat seats in economy seating. These lie-flat beds make that endless flight to Australia seem a little more relaxing.
The catch: You need to buy three seats to make use of the new economy class luxury.  These seat changes will make a huge difference for flyers with economy-class airline tickets. Most flights to Australia offer lie-flat seats in first and business class cabins.
The “Skycouch” is three economy seats that unfold to create a space where people can stretch out and relax, and possibly sleep.  While it’s necessarily to buy three seats together in order to make this happen, the airline said the price of a third seat will be about half the price of the second seat (a deal when you consider the stranger who might by the seat instead).
http://us.travelchacha.com/india-holidays/
How does it work? Simple engineering (and a little creativity). The leg rests on each seat rise up to fill the space between rows of seats, and a thin mattress and full size pillows are provided for comfort. Air New Zealand says about a quarter of all longhaul economy seats will convert to Skycouches, taking up the first 11 rows in the economy cabin of the airline’s new Boeing 777-300 planes.
Maybe this new initiative is a sign of things to come in the airline industry…

"Hong Kong Freight Transport Report Q1 2010" now available at Fast Market Research

PR Log (Press Release) – Jan 25, 2010 – Throughput at Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals (HACTL) fell by 30.9% year-on-year (y-o-y) in January 2009, with the company's imports slumping by 34.7% and its exports by 32.6%. Imports from Europe were down 41.7% y-o-y in the month, while exports to Europe declined by 28.2% y-o-y. Industry observers believe that the economic downturn in Western markets has resulted in waning demand for Asian goods globally, and that it is the main reason behind HACTL's cargo decline. Moreover, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) notes that the airfreight industry is in its worst decline since the technology bubble burst in 2001. One of the worst affected regions is Asia Pacific. In BMI's view, the global economic slowdown is having a more negative impact on Hong Kong than was originally expected. Hong Kong's transport businesses - which are mainly organised around shipping and airfreight - face short term contraction and medium term low growth. Maritime freight volumes will continue to be affected by competition from other regional ports such as Shenzhen, Singapore and Shanghai. In terms of total freight (across all subsectors) measured in million tonnes, our forecast is for Hong Kong to experience average annual growth of 1.3% in the 2009-2013 period. This is a significant decline from the 2004-2008 period, when the average growth was 3.3%. According to our latest estimates, transport and communications (T&C) GDP rose by 3.4% in 2008 - 0.9 pps faster than overall GDP, which we estimate to have increased by 2.5%. For the 2009-2013 forecast period, we expect the T&C sector to outpace the economy as a whole in value terms (although by a smaller margin than in 2008). It will achieve average annual growth of 2.7%, versus 2.5% again for the overall GDP. The total value of T&C GDP will rise to US$29.8bn in nominal terms by 2013, representing 11% of Hong Kong's GDP. The T&C sector employed 374,100 people, or 11.3% of the labour force, in 2008. We see that figure rising to 386,600 by 2013, whilst not changing as a proportion of the total labour force. The powerful economic boom in mainland China - notwithstanding what will be a one to two year 'pause' - will continue to create a complex mix of opportunities and threats for Hong Kong. In a slower growth scenario, the balance will tip a little more towards the threats. In general, as the Special Administrative Region (SAR) repositions itself, we believe it will be the higher-value/lower-bulk transport freight modes that are most resilient. So, despite the current downturn, we remain relatively confident about longer-term prospects for airfreight, particularly in terms of regional trade in electronics, IT products, and express/parcel delivery. BMI forecasts that airfreight volume (measured in million tonnes/km) will grow by an annual average of 2.8%, slower than the growth rate of the preceding five years. We continue to trim sea-borne freight forecasts to take account of the growing competitive threat from rival ports, particularly those in mainland China with lower labour costs, such as Shanghai and Shenzhen. We expect throughput to grow by an annual average of 1.4%, a decline from the 3.9% figure over the preceding five years. Rail freight, always relatively marginal in Hong Kong, will grow at 2% - an increase on the average rate over the preceding five years.
For more information or to purchase this report, go to:
-  http://www.fastmr.com/prod/43417_hong_kong_freight_trans ...
About Business Monitor International
Business Monitor International (BMI) offers a comprehensive range of products and services designed to help senior executives, analysts and researchers assess and better manage operating risks, and exploit business opportunities, across 175 markets.  BMI offers three main areas of expertise: Country Risk BMI's country risk and macroeconomic forecast portfolio includes weekly financial market reports, monthly regional Monitors, and in-depth quarterly Business Forecast Reports.  Industry Analysis BMI covers a total of 17 industry verticals through a portfolio of services, including in-depth quarterly Country Forecast Reports.  View more research from Business Monitor International at http://www.fastmr.com/catalog/publishers.aspx?pubid=1010
About Fast Market Research
Fast Market Research is an online aggregator and distributor of market research and business information. We represent the world's top research publishers and analysts and provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available.
For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at http://www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156.

MIR Corporation Releases New Trans-Siberian Railroad Brochure

PR Log (Press Release) – Jan 22, 2010 – Seattle, WA -- Seattle-based MIR Corporation is pleased to announce the publication of an exciting new brochure, Experience the Tran-Siberian Railway, Your Route – Your Way, detailing an extensive selection of journeys on the legendary Tran-Siberian Railroad. Described as "The world's longest continuous rail line and one of its greatest train journeys," in the best-seller, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, the Trans-Siberian Railroad is an experience that many people only dream about.
Available both online via the catalog request page (http://www.mircorp.com/free_catalogMIR.asp) or by calling MIR at 1-800-424-7289, the new brochure simplifies the daunting task of selecting among a variety of trips along the Trans-Siberian Railroad. From luxury train itineraries aboard the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, to comfortable, though not luxurious, trips aboard the Tsar's Gold to a small group tour using scheduled local trains, the brochure offers numerous ways to enjoy a tour to Russia along the Trans-Siberian Railroad and gives travelers the information they need to select the best tour for them. The newly published piece can be used as a point of reference for both travelers themselves and travel agents hoping to guide clients through an easy tour selection process.
Two of the highlighted journeys include both a tour to Russia and attendance at Mongolia's extraordinary Naadam Festival, set for July in the capital, UlaanBaatar, one of which is a tour by luxury train.
MIR is also announcing a special discount on tours aboard the Tsar’s Gold private train in 2010, the first time they have offered a discount on tours aboard this train. Book any cabin category on any 2010 Tsar's Gold Trans-Siberian Railroad tour before April 1, 2010, and receive $200 per person off. See http://www.mircorp.com/tour_tsar.asp for more details.
About MIR Corporation
MIR, whose name means "peace" and "world" in Russian, has specialized in the crossroads of Europe and Asia for 23 years, since founder Douglas Grimes organized his first tour to Russia as a young volleyball player. MIR and its Seattle-based experts design imaginative small group trips and work closely with local affiliates to carry them out. MIR has unmatched expertise in assisting you with a tour to Russia, a journey on the Trans-Siberian Railroad via luxury train or scheduled local train, or attendance at the Naadam Festival. MIR has twice been named one of National Geographic Adventure's "Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth," and is a preferred operator of travel for museum, alumni and special interest organizations across the country. For more information, please visit http://www.mircorp.com or call 800-424-7289.
Contact:
Liz Riley
MIR Corporation
85 S Washington St Ste 210
Seattle, WA 98104
800-424-7289
liz@mircorp.com
http://www.mircorp.com

Rypos Names Don Simoneau Chief Financial Officer

PR Log (Press Release) – Jan 21, 2010 – Rypos recently appointed Don Simoneau Chief Financial Officer. Simoneau joins the clean air technology leader with over 23 years experience in finance and operational leadership at global high-tech companies. Simoneau will be based at Rypos corporate headquarters in Holliston, Ma.
“We continue to build the most talented and respected team in the clean air arena to lead the company forward,” comments Peter Bransfield, CEO of Rypos. We believe that Don will be a tremendous asset to our team.”
Rypos, Inc is the leader in the design and manufacturing of active exhaust control systems for the reduction of harmful emissions from diesel engines. Rypos’ flexible and scalable designs utilize patented electrical regeneration strategy and technology The filters have applications in on-road, off-road, stationary generator, small auxiliary power unit, and marine markets.
Mr. Simoneau was most recently the Sr. VP of Operations for cyber security firm Industrial Defender where he was responsible for worldwide sales, professional services, and managed security services.  Prior to joining Industrial Defender Inc., Simoneau was CEO at Longwatch, Inc., where he raised venture capital, set up company operations, built the brand and established a North American distribution channel.  He began his career in the technical workstation business at Apollo Computer and HP before becoming CFO of SCADA software company Intellution, which grew in sales from $20M to $70M during his tenure.  Simoneau also served as CFO of privately held Altair Avionics and supported the sale to United Technologies.  He has an MBA from Bentley College and a BS in finance and computer science from Boston College.
Rypos’ HDPF filters are CARB Level 3+ Verified and reduce particulate matter by up to 95% with virtually no increase in fuel consumption; using only 1% or less of the energy output to regenerate. The only technology on the market that does not rely on exhaust gas temperature to complete this process, Rypos filters are virtually maintenance free and provide the lowest cost of operation.
For more info on Rypos visit www.rypos.com.
Safe Harbor Statement:
This  release  may  contain  forward-looking  statements,  which  are  made  pursuant  to  the safe  harbor  provisions  of  the  U.S.  Private Securities Litigation Reform A ct of 1995. Forward-looking statements are commonly identif ied by words such as ‘‘would,’’ ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘will,’’ ‘‘expects,’’ and other terms with similar meaning.  Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs, assumptions and expectations and speak only as of the date of this release and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

BMW_In-car engine repair procedure.Manual

PR Log (Press Release) – Jan 19, 2010 – This very handy e-book about repair of BMW Car engine repair while it is still mounted in car.
It is very helpful from a novice to an expert professional DIY.
This is an easy to follow step by step guide.
Repair operations possible with the engine in the vehicle
Download here..
http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/56696043-bmwin-ca ...
Below are the all the steps this book cover.
Camshaft - removal, inspection and refitting
Compression check
Crankshaft rear oil seal - renewal
Cylinder head - removal and refitting
Cylinder head - dismantling and inspection
Drive belt check, adjustment and renewal
Engine - removal and refitting
Engine mountings - check and renewal
Engine oil and filter change
Engine overhaul - general information
Exhaust manifold - removal and refitting
Flywheel/drive plate - removal and refitting
Front oil seals - renewal
General information
Intake manifold - removal and refitting
Oil pump - removal, inspection and refitting
Repair operations possible with the engine in the vehicle
Rocker arm and shaft assembly - dismantling, inspection
And reassembly
Spark plug renewal
Sump - removal and refitting
Timing belt and sprockets - removal, inspection and refitting
Timing belt covers - removal and refitting
Timing chain and sprockets - removal, inspection and refitting
Timing chain covers - removal and refitting
Top Dead Centre (TDC) for No 1 piston - locating
Valve clearance check and adjustment
Valve cover - removal and refitting
Valves - servicing
http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/56696043-bmwin-ca ...

Study Just Published: Belgium Freight Transport Report Q1 2010

PR Log (Press Release) – Jan 18, 2010 – The Port of Antwerp, one of the Europe's largest, registered a throughput increase of 4% year-on-year (yo- y) to 190mn tonnes in 2008. The port recorded a rise of 7.7% y-o-y in the shipment of containerised freight to 102mn tonnes in the same period. The port also reported container volumes of over 8.6mn twenty-feet equivalent units (TEUs), up 6% y-o-y in 2008. Belgium's geographical location allows it to play a multimodal hub role, located close to the major French and German economies and with Antwerp as a significant north European port. In 2004, Antwerp Port handled 135.5mn tonnes of goods, making it Europe's second-largest port. It ranks among the top 10 ports in the world. The latest figures show it was ranked number 13 worldwide in terms of container throughput. The port's business development manager, Annelies De Jongh, was recently quoted by London-based trade publication  Lloyd's List saying it was focusing on capturing a greater share of Chinese box traffic into Europe once a recovery begins to make itself felt: 'We are looking beyond the crisis,' she said. The port had sent trade missions to the Yangtze and Pearl River regions of China in 2008. 'We want to move more Chinese cargo and so we want to raise our visibility in that market and have more recognition,' said De Jongh, adding, however, that Antwerp's traditional trade routs to North and South America and Africa would not be neglected. In our latest Belgium Freight Transport Report, however the overriding story is about the impact of the recession on the freight sector. We are now expecting Belgian GDP to fall by 2.3% in 2009, and for zero growth in 2010. As a result, average annual GDP growth across the 2009-2013 five-year forecast period will be only 0.7%. We expect annual average growth in freight carried across all modes, measured in million tonnes-km (mntkm), to be 0.7% during the forecast period, on a par with the economy as a whole. Despite the poor market conditions, this rate will be supported by greater infrastructure investment. Although we are relatively confident of its resilience, the risks to the freight sector do lie on the downside, particularly because of the intensity of the European and global recession. For the 2009-2013 forecast period, we expect the value of activity in the transport and communications sector to continue outpacing the economy as a whole. It will achieve average annual growth of 1.1%, versus 0.7% for overall GDP. The total value of transport and communications GDP will rise to US$19bn in nominal terms by 2013, representing 6.8% of Belgium's GDP. Our overall forecast for freight carried in Belgium is for low growth based on a mature industry, good infrastructure, a reduced economic growth rate, and the country's openness to foreign trade. We see the best performing sector to be airfreight, which - with annual average growth of 1.0% - will come through another period of relative turbulence in the sector caused by a new peak in energy costs. As a smaller European carrier,  SN Brussels Airlines looks like being absorbed by  Lufthansa in the next round of regional consolidation, but this will not necessarily be negative for airfreight volume growth, and could conceivably boost it further. Rail freight and pipeline throughput are both expected to grow by an annual average of 0.8%, just ahead of GDP expansion - this is due to new investment in infrastructure. We see road freight broadly in line with GDP, with an average annual growth of 0.7%, reflecting the impact of the recession on freight demand. Sea freight will grow by an annual average of 0.7%, also in line with the economy. Inland water transport will bring up the rear, with growth of 0.4% per annum.
For more information or to purchase this report, go to:
-  http://www.fastmr.com/prod/43393_belgium_freight_transpo ...
About Business Monitor International
Business Monitor International (BMI) offers a comprehensive range of products and services designed to help senior executives, analysts and researchers assess and better manage operating risks, and exploit business opportunities, across 175 markets.  BMI offers three main areas of expertise: Country Risk BMI's country risk and macroeconomic forecast portfolio includes weekly financial market reports, monthly regional Monitors, and in-depth quarterly Business Forecast Reports.  Industry Analysis BMI covers a total of 17 industry verticals through a portfolio of services, including in-depth quarterly Country Forecast Reports.  View more research from Business Monitor International at http://www.fastmr.com/catalog/publishers.aspx?pubid=1010
About Fast Market Research
Fast Market Research is an online aggregator and distributor of market research and business information. We represent the world's top research publishers and analysts and provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available.
For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at http://www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156.

Freightquote.com Promotes Executive to COO / CIO

PR Log (Press Release) – Jan 15, 2010 – LENEXA, Kansas – Jan 15, 2010 – Shawn McCarrick has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer in addition to his role as Freightquote’s Chief Information Officer. As COO / CIO, Shawn is responsible for Freightquote’s Operations and Technology functions as well Freightquote’s subsidiaries, Rockwell Transportation Services and Twin Modal, Inc.
Shawn has been instrumental in moving the company forward on many fronts including technology management, subsidiary integration, process re-engineering, and overall operational management. His business acumen and strong technology skills continue to make a meaningful impact to Freightquote’s freight management business.
Shawn has a BS in Computer Information Systems from Central Missouri State University and over twenty years of experience in delivering IT business solutions to large organizations. He was the Division Information Officer within the US Tax Division of H&R Block prior to joining Freightquote.com.
About Freightquote.com
Freightquote.com is the leading provider of web-based freight transportation management services. Founded in 1998 and based in the Kansas City area, the company and its subsidiaries have annualized revenues of $400 million and more than 800 employees. More information can be found at www.freightquote.com.