SWISS raises its first-quarter Adjusted EBIT to CHF 106 million

Quarterly financial results

SWISS raises its first-quarter Adjusted EBIT to CHF 106 million

SWISS generated total income from operating activities of CHF 1.18 billion in the first three months of 2018, an eight-per-cent increase on the prior-year period (Q1 2017: CHF 1.09 billion). The additional capacities created by the current fleet renewal were successfully sold on both the passenger and the cargo front. In addition to efficiency gains deriving from the fleet renewal programme, earnings for the period were also boosted by non-recurring items. As a result, SWISS improved its adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (Adjusted EBIT) for the first-quarter period from CHF 35 million to CHF 106 million[1].

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) delivered a strong business performance in the first quarter of 2018. Total income from operating activities was raised 8 per cent to CHF 1.18 billion (Q1 2017: CHF 1.09 billion). The additional capacities provided by the current fleet renewal were successfully marketed and sold. Results for the period were also boosted by various non-recurring items deriving mainly from project deferrals. The revenue growth, which was driven by strong sales efforts, also helped raise earnings for the period. As a result, first-quarter Adjusted EBIT was improved 200 per cent to CHF 106 million (Q1 2017: CHF 35 million)1.

Investments in modernization reaping rewards

SWISS put two further Boeing 777-300ERs into long-haul service and two further Bombardier CS300s onto its short-haul network during the 2018 first-quarter period. The new aircraft types help effect a substantial improvement in the company's cost structures, particularly through their superior profitability credentials.

SWISS was also able to sell the extra capacity offered by these larger aircraft in its various markets. The 3.7 million passengers who were transported in the first three months of 2018 represent a 1.9-per-cent increase on the prior-year period. Total traffic volume for the period, measured in revenue passenger-kilometres, was up 3.0 per cent. In addition to the favourable passenger traffic trends, the airfreight business of Swiss WorldCargo also showed highly positive developments in both price and volume terms.

"We are delighted to have had such a successful first quarter," says CEO Thomas Klühr. "But the rising price of fuel will be felt increasingly, and will have a corresponding impact on our earnings, as the year progresses. So it's all the more vital that we continue to work consistently to meet our customers' wishes even better by offering them products that are tailored as closely as possible to their specific air travel needs."

Outlook

SWISS will continue to benefit from efficiency gains deriving from its current fleet renewal. But the countertrends – particularly intensified competition and the added cost burden of an ever-rising oil price – are likely to make their presence increasingly felt. These adverse trends will also impact even more as the year progresses and the benefits of current fuel hedges increasingly expire.

Continuous further development of the travel experience

2018 will remain dominated at SWISS by further enhancements to its customers' travel experience. The second quarter will also see the opening of the modernized Business and Senator Lounges in Zurich Airport's Terminal A.

SWISS will also be launching 'SWISS Saveurs', its new inflight foodservice concept for European routes from Geneva. From the end of May onwards, passengers on the flights concerned will be able to tailor their inflight food and drink to their own wishes and needs. In addition to a continuing basic product, travellers will be able to purchase quality local items made by the Geneva branch of Swiss retailer Globus. The new SWISS Saveurs programme has been developed in response to the growing demand among customers for a personalized air travel experience.

1) SWISS replaced EBIT with Adjusted EBIT as its prime financial indicator in its reporting from the beginning of 2018. An EBIT of CHF 37 million was previously reported for the first quarter of 2017.

SWISS.COM

 

Banyan Tree Debuts in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

An Urban Oasis in the Garden City of Lights - opening 15 June

Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce the opening of Malaysia's first Banyan Tree resort, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, on June 15 2018. Set amidst the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle, the commercial, shopping and entertainment hub of Malaysia, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur offers a modern city sanctuary with signature local experiences.

Occupying the top seven floors of Banyan Tree Signatures Pavilion Kuala Lumpur building, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur features 55 exquisite rooms and suites, ranging from 51 square metres to 200 square metres in size, with a contemporary flair. Most of the rooms and suites overlook the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur Tower. With Banyan Tree's signature aromatherapy essentials and chromotherapy shower in all room categories, and private relaxation pool in the suites, guests will enjoy a Sanctuary for the Senses.

The urban resort is home to four exciting dining venues, each designed to stimulate great sensory and culinary experiences for the guests. From a French-inspired bakery at the Arrival Lobby – Bake by Banyan Tree, sky high afternoon tea and wine lounge on 53rd Floor – Altitude, to an exquisite steakhouse on 58th Floor – Horizon Grill and the highest hotel rooftop bar in the city centre on 59th Floor – Vertigo, the finest Kuala Lumpur has to offer.

Designed to be an urban oasis, the resort adds a sense of luxury and comfort to every stay by offering a comprehensive suite of facilities. This includes three spacious and fully equipped boardrooms for those seeking to host intimate executive meetings or private engagements, an open-air pool with a stunning towers view and a state-of-the-art gym.

For those seeking a complete physical, mental and spiritual renewal, Banyan Tree Spa is guaranteed to impress. As one of the pioneers and award-winning oriental spas in Asia, it reintroduced an exotic blend of ancient health and beauty practices which have been passed down from generation to generation. The massage treatments are based on a 'high-touch, low-tech' approach that celebrates the human touch and the use of natural herbs and spices. The spa in Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur boasts four couples' spa suites with features of several Banyan Tree Spa well-loved treatments such as Royal Banyan and Thai Traditions. Guests will be fully pampered by the intuitive touch of professional spa therapists.

"Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur is designed for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the excitement of

urban adventures, but still desire their own private haven to relax in," said Mr. Anders Dimblad, General Manager of Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur. "We have brought together the best of Banyan Tree's signature touches including the Resort Host service to offer a Sanctuary for the Senses to our guests, in the midst of cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur".

Open for booking from May 1 until September 30 2018, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur is inviting all guests to experience the urban resort with the Opening Celebration Offer. For only MYR878 nett, the package includes daily breakfast for two, RM150 worth of Banyan Tree Spa credit per stay redeemable towards a massage or treatment package, two complimentary Sunset Mocktails at Vertigo and a 15% discount each for afternoon tea at Altitude and Banyan Tree Spa essential products. Guests may make the booking directly with the property via telephone +603 2113 1888, email reservations-kualalumpur@banyantree.com or the resort's website https://www.banyantree.com/en/malaysia/kuala-lumpur.

About Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts
 
The Banyan Tree Group is a leading international operator and developer of premium resorts, hotels, residences and spas, with a collection of award-winning brands. Banyan Tree offers a Sanctuary to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul in awe-inspiring locations around the globe. Rediscover the romance of travel as you journey to iconic destinations where authentic, memorable experiences await. Angsana brings the adventure back into travel whatever your age or reason to visit.  Intertwining local chic and a vibrant fun-filled atmosphere, Angsana offers amazing destination playgrounds across the world. Cassia is a bold new proposition in the extended stay sector, offering stylish, cutting edge hotel residences for holidays and business travel. It offers incredible choice for families, friends and couples. Dhawa is a casual and contemporary full-service hotel that fuses imaginative design, absolute comfort and seamless technology into a single stay experience. It curates a plethora of choices to achieve a truly customised stay.

 

PETRONAS launches premium passenger car motor oil in Australia

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PETRONAS LAUNCHES PREMIUM PASSENGER CAR MOTOR OIL IN AUSTRALIA

PETRONAS Syntium with °CoolTech™ Developed to Fight Excessive Engine Heat

PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) today launched their flagship Passenger Car Motor Oil Lubricant, PETRONAS Syntium with °CoolTech™, in Australia. PETRONAS Syntium with °CoolTech™ lubricant is uniquely formulated to fight excessive engine heat, keep smooth oil flow and maintain optimum engine performance for a trouble-free drive.

The engine oil is expertly engineered with strong oil chains to effectively absorb and transfer excessive engine heat caused by modern driving conditions such as traffic congestion, driving up steep inclines and continuous acceleration on highways. It was developed & tested at the PETRONAS state-of-art laboratories in Turin, Italy to ensure it performs well as the first line of defense against excessive engine heat.

The launch, which marks PETRONAS Syntium's debut into the Australian market, was attended by the Vice President of Downstream Marketing, PETRONAS, Dato Sri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohd Tahir and PETRONAS Lubricants International Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Giuseppe D'Arrigo, who unveiled the new lubricant alongside four-time Formula One World Champion and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport driver, Lewis Hamilton.

"PETRONAS takes great pride in redefining automotive fluid technology with our new product. PETRONAS Syntium with °CoolTech™ is not only another breakthrough. It is the trusted lubricant brand for millions of drivers in 80 markets globally. Our strong footing in these markets provides us with the right foundation to capture new growth opportunities to seal our position as one of the World's Top Lubricant Companies in the coming years," said PETRONAS Vice President of Downstream Marketing, Dato' Sri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohd Tahir.

PETRONAS, in its efforts to drive innovation of unique and customised fluid and lubricants based on the needs of their partners, recently launched their USD 60 Million, state of the art Global Research and Technology Centre in Turin, Italy. The new facility will house PETRONAS' leading technologist and engineers; while serving as the nucleus in PETRONAS' global network of research and technology centres. The Global R&T Centre is expected to enhance PETRONAS' ongoing work with automotive OEMs in co-designing engines and their fluids for markets worldwide.

PETRONAS Lubricants International began their Australian operations back in 2000, with partnerships with CNH Industrial and Iveco. In 2016, PETRONAS began progressively offering its high performance product portfolio to the Australian automotive industry, a highly lucrative market with strong potential for growth.

"Since opening our Australian office in 2016, we've seen increasing demand for our high quality synthetic motor oils by all user groups. This launch officially provides Australian drivers with access to a premium motor oil that delivers optimum driving performance and reliability," said Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI), Giuseppe D'Arrigo.

PETRONAS Syntium with oCoolTech™ is proven to outperform conventional oil by up to +63% better in heat transfer capacity to better handle escalating heat inside the engine and up to +51% more efficient than conventional oil in dissipating damaging excessive engine heat. These benefits help to keep engine temperature running close to normal engine operating temperature, even under severe driving conditions.

"PETRONAS Syntium with °CoolTech™ is the product of our commitment to technology and collaboration with the Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Motorsport in top tier racing. Through the application of our Fluid Technology Solutions™ approach, the same on-track engineering and expertise are brought into the development of products for the benefit of users on the road," added D'Arrigo.

At the Geneva International Motorshow in early March, D'Arrigo pledged PLI's commitment to invest in technology, sharing their aspiration to be the world's leading Fluid Technology Solutions™ partner committed towards sustainability and business growth. Championing CO2 emissions reduction through their unique approach to technology and co-engineering came up top in their agenda. With that, they will be committing 75% of all future R&T investment behind emission reducing projects.

*PETRONAS Fluid Technology Solutions™ is an intelligent approach to fluid requirements that maximizes performance through tailor-made product offerings and expert services for the automotive sector and more.

Please visit www.pli-petronas.com/petronas-syntium for more information.

 

AC/DC's Malcolm Young is 'Back in Black'

Moved to:

http://www.motorweb.ws/2018/03/acdcs-malcolm-young-is-back-in-black.html

The Kids on the Street

There’s a common misconception in the motorcycle industry that so-called ‘millennials’, or typically 20-somethings, are not riding or buying bikes.

This story moved to: https://www.harleyheaven.com.au/blog/the-kids-on-the-street/

Australian startup Cyclevision launches world’s first Dual Camera Cycling Helmet on Kickstarter

A world-first Dual Camera Cycling Helmet, launching today on Kickstarter, is designed to make cycling safer while recording the rider's adventures (and misadventures). Invented by cyclists, for cyclists, Cyclevision EDGE is the world's first bicycle helmet to incorporate in-built front and rear cameras.

Inventor Rob Asker, a helicopter engineer for 38 years, and his medical technologist wife Suzanne were motivated to develop Cyclevision EDGE by the acute vulnerability of road cyclists. An average of 35 cyclists are killed each year on Australian roads, and thousands more sustain serious injuries, 85% as a result of collisions with motor vehicles.

Mr Asker himself has been the victim of not one, but two hit-and-run incidents.

"Just two weeks ago there was a court report in the Australian media about an elderly motorist who has denied dangerous driving -- he was accused of killing a cyclist after hitting her at a roundabout, dragging her body along the road and then driving off to go to the library," Mr Asker said.  "These kinds of issues have led organisations like Bicycle Queensland to urge cyclists to use bike mounted cameras."

The drawback, Mr Asker said, is that other cameras have to be removed from the bicycle frame when the cyclist leaves the bike unattended and then refitted, whereas the Cyclevision EDGE helmet simply goes with riders wherever they go.

At the touch of a button, the Cyclevision EDGE helmet records Full HD footage simultaneously from both cameras onto twin 32GB of internal memory. The free App and built-in Wi-Fi lets you stream live vision from the rear (or front) cameras to a mobile device mounted on the handlebars to create an electronic rear-view camera.

"We are passionate about rider safety and we look forward to delivering the Cyclevision EDGE helmet to the world's cycling community, not only to make road cycling safer, but as a platform to record their commuting and recreational cycling experiences," Mr Asker said.

"The fact it is App-based means we can add new features as we progress simply by updating the software."

The Queensland Government has given strong backing to this project with a substantial financial grant from the Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas fund, and the state's Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development and Minister for the Commonwealth Games, Hon. Kate Jones MP, has become an enthusiastic supporter of this Queensland invention.

When given a demonstration of a working pre-production prototype this week, she acknowledged the Cyclevision EDGE helmet as a fine example of Queenslanders developing world-leading technological products, with the potential to make cycling safer for millions of cyclists around the world.

Bicycle Queensland and CycleLaw are two organisations that have also endorsed the Cyclevision EDGE helmet.

Bicycle Queensland's CEO, Anne Savage, congratulated Cyclevision for the innovation:

"This helmet is a game-changer," Ms Savage said. "Professional and amateur riders will be able to ride safely and capture their trips on camera for other riders and the community to enjoy, showcasing all that cycling has to offer.

"High quality camera footage from a helmet has not been viable, until now. We welcome this innovation from Cyclevision and are proud to see a world-leading product like this one come out of Queensland."

Cyclevision EDGE - $660 AUD

Full HD 1080P front and rear cameras are fully integrated into an advanced bicycle helmet. With the ability to record 4 hour loops of footage from both cameras and at least 2.5 hours run-time from its 3,200mAh battery (extendable with auxiliary packs), the water-resistant (IP67) Cyclevision EDGE helmet is ready to capture all of your cycling adventures. The Cyclevision EDGE helmet will be certified to Australian/ NZ, North American (suitable for use in Canada), European and UK cycle helmet safety standards.

The Cyclevision EDGE helmet will be available for an Early Bird price of $550 AUD for a limited time only on Kickstarter.

• Dual Wide Angle 160° Cameras, Full HD 1920x1080P @ 30FPS +/- 0.03
  
• Twin 32GB in-built flash cards – 1 for each camera
  
• Record recording loop is 4 hours, the useable run time of the helmet is up to 3 hours
  
• Water resistant (IP67)
  
• 48kHz audio recording
  
• Wi-Fi connectivity
  
• 'Live Time' Rear View Link
  
• LED mode and battery indicators
  
• In-built rechargeable 3200mAh lithium battery
  
• Micro-USB charging 4 hours from flat on most chargers
  
• Certified to the following standards:
  
• Australian and New Zealand standards AS/NZ 2063-2008
  
• Europe standards EN 1078:1997
  
• UK standards BS EN 1078:1997 and BS 6863:1987
  
• USA standards (ASTM) F1447-12 and (ASTM) F-1446-11a
  
• Weight 410g (14.5oz)
  
• Available in two colours; white and blue
  
• Size: medium/large (57-62cm)
  

Gorilla Forest Camp Uganda

For a truly sublime wilderness escape, it is hard to surpass Uganda, the undiscovered pearl of Africa. A lush landscape of deep lakes, glacial alpine mountains, wide-open savannah and dense rainforests, the country boasts wildlife not found anywhere else, making a safari here an unforgettable one.

But Uganda is perhaps best known for its concentration of primates, including its most celebrated residents – half the world's remaining mountain gorilla population. And one of the best places to see them is Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp located in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the country's southwest.

Featuring eight private luxury tents tucked away on a on a flat ridge deep within the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is ecologically respectful, contemporary yet classic in style, and blends in sensitively with the dramatic African mountain landscape. It's also uniquely situated right inside the national park, where you are only minutes away from the start of your gorilla trekking adventure.

2018 has seen the recent re-launch of this extraordinary escape by boutique luxury travel operator Sanctuary Retreats, following the completion of an extensive refurbishment program. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp's unique interpretation of camp living offers unrivalled seclusion and space in an ancient rainforest located in one of Africa's most remote areas.

Each comfortable canvas space is dressed with indigenous prints and furniture made from natural materials. Beds are draped in neutral-toned linens, with local artefacts artfully displayed both inside and out each tent. Tents also boast spacious stonewall bathrooms and a freestanding baths for a relaxing soak after a day's trekking. Or for guests looking for a truly indulgent experience, specialist therapist, Precious delivers by specialist therapist, Precious, a range of treatments at the Camp Spa including herbal massages, hydrating facials and foot massages.

The Camp's small size ensures it retains an intimate, exclusive feel, enabling guests to experience Africa's magic with the lightest of footprints, while enjoying practically every mod con. Even better, its unique location means the Camp is frequently visited by gorilla families, making it the perfect base for a once in a lifetime encounter with Uganda's endangered mountain gorillas.

If you're contemplating ticking a gorilla trek off your bucket list, take advantage of Sanctuary Retreats' great-value extended stay offer.