New lounge opens in Rio

Star Alliance has opened its new exclusive Alliance Lounge at Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão – Tom Jobim International airport. The brand new facility is located on Level 3 of the new international departures pier in terminal 2 and is accessible to eligible Star Alliance customers around the clock.

The 600 plus square metre facility offers seating for more than 150 guests and provides beautiful views across the airport and beyond, with key Rio de Janeiro landmarks, such as the Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer, visible in the distance.

“This new facility is the latest addition to our line-up of Star Alliance branded lounges, and the only alliance lounge available in RIOgaleão airport,” commented Star Alliance CEO Mark Schwab. “The Star Alliance lounge concept has proved hugely popular with the many customers who want to relax before their flight in an exclusive area that has been specifically designed to meet the needs of today’s international frequent traveller.”

In line with the design concept of Star Alliance lounges, local touches and flavours have been combined with global branding elements. Brazilian natural woods, stone and concrete elements have been used to reflect the architectural heritage of the city while introducing greenery and moments of colour that accentuate the city’s close relationship with nature. Handmade Brazilian furniture from renowned designers add a special touch to the overall design and feel, which can best be described as exclusive and at the same time welcoming.

The lounge was designed by Hong Kong-based architecture firm MSA, which was appointed by Plaza Premium, the company which will operate the lounge for Star Alliance.

Kruckeberg Industries enters into agreement with Stinar Corporation

With immediate effect, Kruckeberg Industries has entered into a Management Agreement with Stinar Corporation.

For over 70 years Stinar has been a GSE manufacturer, supplying quality products to both commercial and governmental agencies globally. Primary customers include most major airlines and airport service companies, as well as the US Air Force and Navy.

Kruckeberg Industries is a holding and management company with a top-tier management team. The company pursues strategic mergers and acquisitions, as well as joint ventures and business development turnaround opportunities. Under the Management Agreement, Kruckeberg Industries will provide management and oversight services of Stinar’s day-to-day operations. This represents the first phase of co-operation that will lead to an eventual acquisition of Stinar by Kruckeberg Industries.

“The Kruckeberg team is pleased to have the opportunity to work with Stinar to move the company forward,” noted Craig Kruckeberg, CEO of Kruckeberg Industries.

The initial Stinar management team will include Jim Richards and Christopher Thorpe of Kruckeberg Industries; they will serve as General Manager and CFO respectively. Robert Harvey and Robert Gregor of Stinar will continue as CEO and Vice President of Sales & Marketing respectively.

“Stinar’s brand strength and manufacturing expertise paired with Kruckeberg Industries’ strengths in leadership and marketing are a tremendous fit,” Richards adds. “We will work towards elevating Stinar to a world-class level, one which positively impacts customer service, product quality, and operational performance.”

American Airlines launches Dallas-Madrid service

American Airlines announced the launch of a new 787-9 service between Dallas/Fort Worth and Madrid Barajas in Spain.

The widebody service will provide enough space for up to 36 LD3 positions or 12 pallets of freight. Already in operation by the 787-9 is a service from Dallas to São Paulo, with plans to add on the Dallas to Paris Charles de Gaulle route in January next year, followed by Dallas to Incheon a month later.

David Vance, American’s VP Cargo Operations, commented: “The introduction of the 787-9 brings another more fuel-efficient aircraft type with even greater cargo capacity into the American Airlines fleet. On routes where we operate the aircraft, our cargo customers will see notable capacity improvements.” Vance went on to say that increased capacity on the US to Spain route has been in demand for some time.

The airline anticipates the inauguration of four new 787-9s to its network by the end of 2017.