Aviation Lease & Finance Co., (Alafco) will probably not make any purchases next year because airlines are struggling to emerge from recession. The Kuwaiti company currently has 70 planes on order with Boeing Company and Airbus SAS. Chairman Ahmed Al Zabin said they will meet their target of delivering 18 aircraft to six customers this year but are planning to lease two less new planes in 2010.
Al Zabin said “We did remarkably well considering that the financing wasn’t always available.”. He said if the market comes back to normal, and if there is more demand, then they would make more purchases. He said they are slowing down their purchase of aircraft but will continue to look for opportunities for aircraft that are available on a sale and leaseback basis. Alafco just received their first new planes after previously limiting their business to buying planes, then renting them back to carriers.
South Ari Atoll (Alifu) is one of the most exciting dive locations in Maldives with several world-class dive sites and magnificent tropical plantation. It has thilas and outer reefs which are much better for diving rather than channels. These thilas include: Hangngnaameedhoo Thila, Dhangeti Bodu Thila, Omadhoo Thila, Tinfushi Thila, Kudarah Thila, Broken Rock Thila, Anga...
The only submarine that Finland is allowed to own, Vesikko dates way back to the World War when it malfunctioned and sank a Finnish ship. Since then the Paris Peace Treaty has forbidden Finland the use of submarines for any purpose whatsoever! Vesikko, has been made into a museum since 1973 and it’s open to visitors from mid May to August from 11 am to 6 pm. Admission fees for adults is 4 ...
Just 25 km southeast of the city, Can Gio is a mangrove forest with natural, untouched beauty. The 75,000 hectares have a wealth of animal and plant species and a wildlife museum and monkey sanctuary. For nature enthusiasts, Can Gio is a worthwhile trip, though it’s more of a retreat for locals than a popular tourist destination. &n...
This house was built in 1846 and is Brisbane’s best known heritage site. Inside you’ll find period antiques, Victorian furnishings, clothes and displays. Phone: 3216 1846 Website: www.newsteadhouse.com.au Location: Breakfast Creek Road Newstead Opening Times: Mon-Thurs 10am to 4pm Admission: adult/child $6/5 ...