PRESS RELEASE

August 06, 2014: South African Airways (SAA) and SkyNRG announced today they are collaborating to make sustainable aviation biofuel from a new type of tobacco plant. This initiative broadens cooperation between Boeing and SAA to develop renewable jet fuel in ways that support South Africa's goals for public health as well as economic and rural development.

"It's an honor for Boeing to work with South African Airways on a pioneering project to make sustainable jet fuel from an energy-rich tobacco plant," said J. Miguel Santos, managing director for Africa, Boeing International. "South Africa is leading efforts to commercialize a valuable new source of biofuel that can further reduce aviation's environmental footprint and advance the region's economy."

SkyNRG is expanding production of the hybrid plant known as Solaris as an energy crop that farmers could grow instead of traditional tobacco. Test farming of the plants, which are effectively nicotine-free, is underway in South Africa with biofuel production expected from large and small farms in the next few years. Initially, oil from the plant's seeds will be converted into jet fuel. In coming years, Boeing expects emerging technologies to increase South Africa's aviation biofuel production from the rest of the plant.

"By using hybrid tobacco, we can leverage knowledge of tobacco growers in South Africa to grow a marketable biofuel crop without encouraging smoking," said Ian Cruickshank, South African Airways Group Environmental Affairs Specialist. "This is another way that SAA and Boeing are driving development of sustainable biofuel while enhancing our region's economic opportunity."

"We strongly believe in the potential of successfully rolling out Solaris in the Southern African region to power sustainable fuels that are also affordable," said Maarten van Dijk, Chief Technology Officer, SkyNRG.

In October 2013, Boeing and SAA said they would work together to develop a sustainable aviation biofuel supply chain in Southern Africa. As part of that effort, they are working with the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials to position farmers with small plots of land to grow biofuel feedstocks that provide socioeconomic value to communities without harming food supplies, fresh water or land use.

Boeing is the aviation industry's leader in the development of sustainable aviation biofuel, working with partners in the United States, Europe, China, Middle East, Brazil, Japan, South Africa, Australia and other countries. When produced sustainably, aviation biofuel reduces carbon emissions by 50 to 80 percent compared to petroleum jet fuel through its lifecycle. Airlines have conducted more than 1,500 passenger flights using biofuel since the fuel was approved in 2011.

PRESS RELEASE

August 04, 2014: The national carrier of Azerbaijan - "AZAL - Azerbaijan Airlines" announce the start of scheduled flights from Baku to New York commencing the 24th September 2014. Flights to John Kennedy Airport (JFK) of New York City will run weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays with departure from Baku at 06.00 and arriving to the biggest city of North America at 09.30 local time.

The return flights will be operated on the same days of the week leaving New York at 11.30 and coming to the capital of Azerbaijan at 08.00 the next day. Direct non-stop flights to New York are a milestone in the modern history of "Azerbaijan Airlines" and show the movement to a new, higher level of its development.

The flights will be operated by modern and high-end comfortable liners Airbus-340, which are designed for travel on long-haul routes. Introducing direct flights linking the capital of Azerbaijan with probably the most famous city of the North American continent, the financial and political center of the global scale, AZAL makes a confident step towards transforming Baku in air transport hub of continental importance.

"Azerbaijan Airlines" strive to create an equally convenient schedule for both direct passenger flying to New York and those traveling further, using Baku as its transfer point. Flights will be as comfortable as possible for travelers to Tbilisi, Aktau, Tehran, Bishkek - for all these destinations convenient connections provided.

In Baku, the passengers will be served in the newly opened airport terminal, which has become one of the capital's attractions because of compliance with all standards of aviation security and the highest level of passenger service as well as due to its unique architecture.

PRESS RELEASE

August 05, 2014 – CEVA Holdings LLC, one of the world's leading non‐asset based supply chain management companies, today reported results for the three months ended 30 June 2014.

Xavier Urbain, CEO of CEVA, said, "Our performance improvement coupled with the strong increase in our new business pipeline points to the company being on the right track for growth. Since joining CEVA in January, I have focused on strengthening the executive management team, expanding our current talent base with additional industry experience to drive forward our strategy, building revenue and improving operational efficiency for the benefit of our customers. The numbers show we are gaining traction and are positioned well to make further progress in the future.

"I am especially pleased with the progress made in rebuilding the leadership team, particularly the new additions. They know the industry and our customers. This allowed them to hit the ground running and make immediate contributions. Volume trends as we exited the quarter were encouraging and I am looking for even more from the entire team in the near future."

Revenue of $1,978 million declined 4.2% in the second quarter compared to $2,064 million for the same period a year earlier, driven by the prior year's successful recapitalization, and termination of lower margin business.

Second quarter revenues were up 6.1% sequentially compared to the first quarter. Airfreight and Oceanfreight reported export volumes up both sequentially and year-on-year. Oceanfreight volumes were up 7% from the prior year, evidencing the company's early success in the 2014 tender season and well above industry growth. Airfreight volumes increased 1% from the prior year, strengthening as we exited the quarter, with three week rolling volumes up 4% in June.

For the second quarter, adjusted EBITDA of $60 million was 40% ahead of the previous quarter, and adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue improved from 2.3% to 3.0%, reflecting continuing strength in Contract Logistics and the termination of lower margin business. EBITDA came in 25% lower than in the same period a year earlier as Freight Management revenues were impacted by lower rates in the market. CEVA, however, was able to maintain net revenue margins versus the prior year.

The company's new business wins were up 31% over the prior year, increasing to $763 million, compared to $582 million for the same period in 2013. CEVA's investment in its tender management, trade lane management and field sales force each contributed to the improved level of wins in the quarter. CEVA is accelerating plans to improve productivity and on a like-for-like basis, and expects more than 5% cost reductions in the second half of the year.

August 04, 2014: Accenture is offering a new version of its Air Cargo Operations software, part of the Accenture Freight and Logistics Software portfolio, intended to help air cargo carriers run more efficient and flexible cargo operations from acceptance of cargo at origin through delivery of cargo at destination. New features offer air carriers better visibility into cargo discrepancies and better asset and warehouse management.

Accenture Air Cargo Operations version 6.0 is an intuitive, easy-to-use product that allows carriers to:

• Better Manage Discrepancy Handling: Visibility into cargo discrepancy (cargo that is missing, found or damaged) has been improved with status updates and reports to facilitate better tracking and closure of discrepancies. This enables carriers to ultimately reduce cargo discrepancy for increased profitability and better customer service.
• Audit Airway Bills (AWB): Real time tracking of transactions on the Airway Bill, which evidences the contract between the carrier and customer. This results in increased transparency and better customer communications.
• Integrate Station Accounting: New capabilities are integrated with cargo operations, providing information related to cargo charges and payments to streamline payment handling processes when station accounting is used.
• Improve Warehouse Management, Unit Load Device (ULD) and Cargo Delivery: Enhancements in Air Cargo Operation's Warehouse Management, ULD and Cargo Delivery modules enable more accurate asset management and help increase operational efficiencies. Users have real-time visibility into ULD stock inventory details, including warehouse location information, at any cargo station.

"With massive amounts of cargo to manage, carriers need to be able to spot any potential issues before they occur," said Malcolm McNamara, global managing director of Accenture Freight and Logistics Software. "Using Accenture's Air Cargo Operations software, our clients can gain real-time visibility into the entire shipment life cycle, enabling the proactive management and control tactics that ultimately help save time and costs."

The new version of Accenture Cargo Operations can be implemented as part of Accenture Freight and Logistics Software Air Cargo Suite. Combining an experienced team with leading-edge software and a global delivery capability, Accenture Freight and Logistics helps organizations realize value from their technology investments and manage the escalating challenges of volatile markets.

PRESS RELEASE

August 04, 2014: The South African air cargo security systems have received the nod from the European Union (EU) as well as the United States' Transport Security Administration (TSA).

The announcement was made by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), a Department of Transport entity tasked with regulating aviation safety and security through oversight that is in line with international standards.

According to Ms Poppy Khoza, who heads the SACAA as Director of Civil Aviation, the two affirmations place South Africa in a unique position, making the country the only one on the continent with such recognition and agreements in place. "This essentially means that, following audits by the European Union and the United States, South Africa is acknowledged as one of the countries where the level of aviation security is regarded as robust and reliable. This will benefit air carriers operating between South Africa and the two regions."

In the case of the United States (US), the Transport Security Administration carries out yearly assessments of South Africa's aviation security regime with the last audit conducted in June 2014. The results of the audit indicate that South Africa did not attract any findings or observation and in some instances the standards were found to be higher than in previous years.

"The TSA audit comes after almost a year since the SACAA and the TSA concluded a recognition agreement on air cargo security programmes, thus acknowledging that South African systems are on par with the stringent requirements of the USA. This agreement also enhances air cargo security measures and initiatives between the two countries. Most significantly, the agreement enables quicker facilitation of goods between the two countries, and helps eradicate duplicative or redundant measures while still ensuring the highest levels of security that both the TSA and the SACAA require," Khoza explained.

The EU recognition means that South Africa has been included on the list of third countries where air carriers are exempted from the application of the ACC3 (Air cargo and mail carrier operation into the EU from a third country airport) regime of which the requirements are viewed as stringent to operators from countries outside the EU.

"This recognition by the EU is a significant milestone for the country and South African carriers, as this means that they can now benefit from an exemption from the ACC3 regime, provided that the level of risk remains similarly low, commensurate with a robust oversight system being in place. SACAA works closely with the industry to ensure that we maintain this level. As such, airlines will be absolved from paying the costs involved in validation exercises," Khoza elaborated.

PRESS RELEASE

August 06, 2014: Emirates, a global connector of people, places and economies, has commenced a daily nonstop passenger service to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

"The Chicago route extends our passenger network to America's third-largest city and complements our existing dedicated freighter service that operates to O'Hare," said Adel Al Redha, Emirates Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer.

"Launching Chicago-Dubai nonstop passenger service is another important step in establishing Chicago as one of the top tourism destinations in the world and achieving our goal of hosting 55 million visitors by 2020," said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. "Increased connectivity with Dubai will expose more international guests to the world-class hospitality, shopping districts, cultural attractions and architectural achievements that make Chicago one of the greatest cities in the world."

The new service will operate as flight EK235, departing from Dubai International airport at 9:45 a.m. and arriving at O'Hare at 3:25 p.m. The return flight, EK236, will depart O'Hare at 8:35 p.m. and arrive in Dubai at 7:10 p.m. the next day. The route will be served by the U.S.-built Boeing 777-200LR aircraft powered by GE90 engines.

In addition to passenger service, the Chicago-Dubai flight will carry up to 17 tons of cargo per flight and increase trade links between the two cities. Emirates began operating cargo service to Chicago in 2013. Currently, Emirates SkyCargo flies a twice-weekly, dedicated freight service out of O'Hare that carried nearly 12,000 tons of cargo last year.

"This connection will deepen the ties between two of the world's busiest airports in terms of commercial travel, with a combined traffic flow approximately 133 million passengers in 2013," said Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino. "We look forward to building on O'Hare's successful relationship with Emirates and know that many international travelers will take advantage of this new route."

Emirates began passenger services to the U.S. in 2004 with services to New York. The airline has steadily added more U.S. routes over the past decade. Chicago is the ninth U.S. gateway to join the Emirates network, following the launch of the Boston service in March.

PRESS RELEASE

August 06, 2014: Southwest is inviting nonprofit hospitals and medical transportation organizations to apply for the 2015 Medical Transportation Grant Program. The program is designed to ease the financial burden on families confronting serious medical problems that require travel for treatment.

Southwest donates roundtrip airline tickets to nonprofit hospitals and medical organizations in the program, and empowers the organizations to distribute the tickets to patients as they see best based on individuals' needs.

In 2014, Southwest donated more than $2.8 million in complimentary airfare through the program. Hospitals and medical transportation charities can apply by visiting http://www.southwest.com/medicalgrant now through Tuesday, Sept. 30.

"At Southwest, everything we do is from the heart. Our Medical Transportation Grant Program is no different, as we embrace those individuals and families who require critical and specialized treatment," said Linda Rutherford, Southwest Airlines' Vice President Communication and Outreach. "From lessening the financial burden on families needing to travel for treatment to partnering with medical organizations, we are proud of the many ways this program is making a positive difference in the lives of our neighbors and the communities we serve."

The Medical Transportation Grant Program began as a response to a need that was repeatedly expressed to Southwest—families facing serious illnesses needed to travel for treatment. When the Medical Transportation Grant Program launched in 2008, Southwest donated 1,700 tickets to 13 hospitals and organizations. What started as a small effort to make a difference has grown into a nationwide movement, benefiting thousands of individuals and hundreds of communities.

Southwest has donated more than $13.2 million in free airfare since the program began seven years ago. Last year, Southwest's Medical Transportation Grant Program served patients seeking medical treatment at nearly 100 hospitals and organizations nationwide, including the internationally-recognized Shepherd Center.

"Southwest's Medical Transportation Grant Program has been a tremendous benefit to our patients and their families," said Gary R. Ulicny, Ph.D, President and CEO at Shepard Center. "With catastrophic injuries, it is essential for a patient's loved ones to be part of the rehabilitation and recovery process. This program provides that opportunity for families who might otherwise not be able to afford the travel costs."

More than 33,000 patients' lives have been positively impacted through this unique program. Read personal stories of patients who have benefitted from the Medical Transportation Grant Program on the NUTS About Southwest blog.

PRESS RELEASE

August 02, 2014: Emirates, a global connector of people and places, has now connected Abuja, the Nigerian capital, to its worldwide network. Abuja is Emirates 26th destination in Africa and its 144th worldwide.

Emirates flight EK785 landed at Abuja's Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on 1st August, marking the start of the airline's daily service to its second destination in Nigeria. Services to Lagos were launched just over 10 years ago.

"This new daily flight provides a convenient point to point service for our customers between Abuja and Dubai, and it will meet and further stimulate a vibrant market demand between the two cities. It will also serve our customers in Nigeria and around the network with additional connectivity and daily frequency. Our leisure and business passengers from Nigeria can now better connect to the Middle East, Europe, the United States and Asia via our hub in Dubai. Customers in Abuja can experience our A380 flagship aircraft to 29 destinations around the world, including popular ones like Beijing, Hong Kong, Mumbai, New York, Jeddah and London," said Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates Vice President Commercial Operations, Northern and Western Africa.

"With a fast growing economy, Nigeria is a key market for Emirates. We started operations to Nigeria on 2nd January 2004, with four flights a week from Dubai to Lagos. Since then, our operations have steadily grown with increases in both frequency and capacity between Lagos and Dubai. Today, we fly twice daily to Lagos and now we have added Abuja, giving us a total of more than 12,200 seats a week, which will further stimulate business and leisure travel, as well as trade," he added.

Emirates' Dubai-Abuja route is served by an Airbus A340-300 which offers 267 seats in a three-class configuration - 12 First Class, 42 Business Class and 213 Economy Class seats. Customers on the route experience Emirates' award-winning hospitality - from multi-national cabin crew and gourmet cuisine to the ice entertainment system, which offers hundreds of channels of audio and visual entertainment. Customers also enjoy Emirates' generous baggage allowance of 30kg in Economy Class, 40kg in Business and 50kg in First.

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of the airline, offers over 180 tonnes of cargo capacity a week on the route. The main imports into Abuja are expected to be machinery, chemicals, transport equipment and manufactured goods, while exports include leather, vegetables and foodstuffs. The additional cargo capacity on the new service will see a further strengthening of the bilateral trade between Nigeria and the UAE. According to the UAE Ministry of Economy, the value of bilateral trade stood at US$ 106 million at the start of Emirates' services in 2004. This increased to US$ 857 million in 2009 - a 710 % increase in a five-year period.

Emirates flight EK785 departs Dubai daily at 1050hrs and arrives in Abuja at 1510hrs. The return flight, EK 786 departs Abuja at 1935hrs and arrives in Dubai at 0550hrs the next morning.