The only swine now are bankers?

A rather strong statement indeed. The global economic crisis and the accompanying credit crunch have not only focused more attention on bankers but evoked strong and caustic comments from people who would normally be weighing every word before saying it.

According to India's leading business daily, The Business Standard, AirAsia Bhd’s Tony Fernandes has said that the biggest threat to the global airline industry isn't the swine flu outbreak. 'We've been through SARS, bird flu, tsunami, you name it,” Fernandes the founder and chief executive officer of Southeast Asia's biggest discount carrier, said at the Paris Air Show this week.” “The only swine now are bankers.”

He is not alone in showing anger at bankers. In March this year, the MICE industry website, MEETINGS:review reported how Dr. Daniel Thorniley, Senior Vice President, CEEMEA, Economist Intelligence Unit, outlined in very graphic terms the frightening truth about the economic downturn. He didn't mince his words either.

Listen to Dr. Daniel Thorniley …

'Swine' bankers shun jet loans, leave $36 bn gap ...

'flydubai' spreads its wings

Dubai's first low-cost airline took to the skies on June 1, 2009 with its first commercial flight to the Lebanese capital of Beirut. Underscoring Dubai's position as a regional hub, it continued with inaugural flights to Amman, Damascus and Alexandria in the following days.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai said: "This region is very dependant on air transport. It is a great credit to the vision and leadership of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that this airline has now taken off, thereby ensuring residents and visitors alike will be able to travel to more places more often."

A welcome move indeed during a time of increasing prices, job losses and depressing incomes. The flydubai model is simple, with cusotmers only paying for the services they want, according to a statement issued to the media by the airline. The ticket price includes all taxes and one piece of hand baggage, weighing up to 10kg per passenger.

Passengers have the option to purchase checked-in baggage in advance at just 40AED for the first piece and 100AED for the second, weighing up to 32kgs, subject to availability. Checked baggage is strictly subject to availability and passengers are advised to book early to secure the space, as only pre-purchased baggage can be guaranteed.

A nominal payment of 5AED allows customers to select their seat and just 50AED secures the extra legroom. Tickets are changeable for a small fee, plus any difference in the fare, and food and drink can be purchased on board.

"flydubai aims to make travel a little less complex, a little less stressful and a little less expensive," explained flydubai's CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith. "Our passengers have the option to customise their travel experience depending on what services they want and how much they want to pay.

Read more ...

Bing Bangs Google

I typed www.google.com on IE, and lo and behold, BING opens up. Try it for yourself.

Britain's got 'Hulk'

Its an international brand using 'raw meat' to promote their new brand of 'meat-scented' perfume. No blue waters, no sleek yacht, no romance. Only a stripped down version of Britain's famous talent judge.

No doubt everyone's going to be watching whether this is going to be a 'hot' sell or another marketing disaster.

Its in the Guardian ...