10 AUGUST 2009
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Air France Foundation boxes
The Barcelona hotel under construction
Passengers are downgrading to economy
Heathrow passengers vote with their feet
Stratford International is nearly complete
Charles de Gaulle is not a good airport for sleeping in
Jean-Claude Baumgarten
Walters in the air
Some more senior members of the airline business may remember Brian Walters as Lufthansa London Sales Manager in the glory days when most airlines had offices in or near Bond Street. In his semi-retirement Brian, now a bubbling 75, is these days better known as an aviation journalist who has in recent years covered most of the world’s flying shows. We don’t’ know what got into him, perhaps it was the lack of sun and something exciting to do but he has now taken up wing walking. Not even for charity. Just for fun. The aircraft is a Boeing type 75 Stearman built in 1941 and younger that Brian. The editorial team at AERBT will not be following suit.
These days we don’t have a Minster for Aviation, just Lord Adonis, Baron Adonis of Camden Town, of clearly high intellect but little knowledge of the airline industry and what it means to Britain.
In a previous life Andrew Adonis was an Oxford Don and sometime journalist with both the Financial Times and The Observer. Adonis served time in Tony Blair’s Policy Unit and is known to be a bit of a railway buff. He has been described as a mini Mandelson, all charm but yet haughty. And just like Mandelson he sits in the protected world of the House of Lords.
Since his appointment Adonis has been very visible, clearly having leant the value of being seen around during his stint in Downing Street.
The airline industry has very quickly forgotten about his predecessor Geoff Hoon.
It is amazing to think that since Alistair Darling’s long tenure (May 2002 – May 2006) there have been no less than four holders of the position, Douglas Alexander, Ruth Kelly, Hoon and now Adonis. In fact since this government came to power 12 Ministers have stumbled along yet we have had only two Chancellors (or two Prime Minsters if you like) which says a lot for the whole attitude of the administration towards aviation.
With the House of Commons away on their extended summer holiday Andrew Adonis has chosen The Guardian to expound on his policies towards the railways, and by innuendo aviation. Trains are the way ahead with (subsidised) high speed lines spreading their tentacles all around the country according to the Peer. Compare what is being done in France and Spain he says quietly forgetting that we live in a compact island with enormous planning restrictions and a lack of money. No debate from Lord Adonis, he just pontificates.
Flying Matters, the pro-aviation lobby group, summed up the airline industry’s feelings which have also been articulated by others. "The idea that you could get rid of all domestic plane travel and use high speed rail is pie in the sky," a spokesman said. The distinguished Adam Smith Institute calls it a terrible idea.
The problem for Lord Adonis is not just the trains. Aviation is being attacked with regard to APD (Air Passenger Duty) set to double over the next 16 months. He will say it is nothing to do with him but the Treasury. But is he representing at Cabinet level all who need air travel or looking after the railway lobby? An even more vital question is why aviation is not represented by a dedicated Minister? “No taxation without representation” – that was the call of the 13 British Colonies in 1776. They chucked the government out. Adonis might be in for a short tenure.
Next month his Lordship will speak to the Aviation Club at the Institute of Directors. Assuming he is still around (the last guest of the club was fired while he was actually addressing the members), he is likely to be coldly received. And unlike a previous Minister he cannot duck out of the appointment claiming the Division Bells are ringing.
Malcolm Ginsberg
Editor in Chief
American Airlines JFK 2008
Businss travellers not that interested in the environment
Male waterfront
Kingfisher Chairman VJ Mallya has ambitious international plans
Royal Jordanian is now in T3
The old and new
Kirov at Kizhi Island and the wooden Cathedral of the Transfiguration
Volga canal
Typical cabin
Panorma lounge over the bow
A quiet corner of the ship
There are two similar suites on board
For the children at Mandrogy
The Svir River
The market at Uglich
Six-metre plus diameter
Arik Airlines has a fine bar in Business Class
Free flights from the US
Samer Majali is now at Gulf
Airport machines could have a short life
World's unfriendliest airline
The Hondajet might be at Oxford
IN BRIEF followed by this month’s road test, SEAT’S executive class bargain
THE VEHICLE SCRAPPAGE SCHEME: Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) for July show 21% of the total 157,149 new car registrations were as a result of the scrapping incentive scheme, giving a much-needed boost to the UK motor industry. In the commercial vehicle sector, 499 vans were registered under the plan, accounting for 1.5% of the total scrappage registrations and 3.6% of overall van registrations in July.
AUDI: A new low emission fuel efficient 1.6 TDI diesel engine has been introduced by Audi for its A3, A3 Sportback and A3 Cabriolet models priced from £17,485 to £20,645. Replacing the 1.9 TDI units, the new engine is claimed to return up to 68.9 mpg with the help of start-stop technology and to emit as little 109g/km.
HPI: The motor trade secure buying agency advise buyers of used cars to insist on paying by cheque as crooks don’t like to be traced when dealing in stolen cars. The organisation also suggests that one should always buy from the registered keeper’s address and beware of deals that are for less than 70% of the market value. HPI provide a checking system for buyers that can cover buyers up to £30,000. Details on www.hpicheck.com
ROLLS-ROYCE: The new Rolls-Royce Ghost, due to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September will have 563 bhp, be capable of reaching 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and will have a top speed of 155 mph.
PEUGEOT: An ultra clean version of the Peugeot 207 will launch in October. Called the 207 Economique is will have emissions of only 99g/km from its 1.6-litre 90 bhp HDI diesel engine. Price will be £12,995 on the road.
HUMBERSIDE POLICE: The North East force have taken delivery of a Lexus IS-F in order to make life more difficult than ever for those looking to travel to the region to commit crime. Specially trained officers spent 12 months evaluating a number of high performance vehicles that are set to replace the current Subarus which have proved highly successful in enabling the Roads Crime Section to target organized criminals in the area. Following a stringent evaluation process the decision was taken to purchase the Lexus IS-F after the vehicle proved to be exceptionally capable of remaining stable in high speed operational policing environments, despite carrying the extra weight provided by the £30,000 worth of on-board computers and communications equipment.
SEAT Exeo 2.0TDI CR SE
Executive Class Bargain
Not so many years ago SEAT produced a competent saloon model called the Toledo, it reminded me of a BMW 3 Series and actually received praise from a former BMW executive colleague. As a regular driver in Spain I saw a lot of those Teledos obviously being used by business drivers and when the car was replaced by the more family orientated Toledo hatch back I commented that Spain’s business executives had been left high and dry.
So the arrival of the SEAT Exeo must be just what executive car users, primarily in Spain but I suggest probably throughout Europe were waiting for, especially in these more stringent times.
This new executive class offering comes with good credentials, the basis is the previous Audi A4 but seriously reworked to take advantage of the Volkswagen Group’s recently introduced common rail diesel engines and to enhance the handling and ride qualities as well as a new nose job to meet the NCAP pedestrian safety tests.
Launched in the UK this spring, the Exeo took just 18 months to create, a notable feat that involved moving the ‘old’ Audi A4 production line to the ultra modern SEAT factory just outside Barcelona.
Currently the range is based on a pair of 2.0-litre diesel engines rated at 141 and 168 bhp and a 2.0 petrol unit delivering 198 bhp. Future plans include a less potent entry level diesel unit due soon plus a Sport Tourer version. A CVT automatic transmission is planned as an option on the petrol version in place of the across range manual 6-speed manual unit.
Tested here is the 141 bhp SE diesel powered version which sits approximately in the middle of the seven-car line-up and comes with an impressive standard of trim and equipment in what is close to an Audi in most respects but with a price tag that benefits from short cut development and the strong component buying power of the Volkswagen empire.
The SEAT has a good chance of attracting those company car buyers who are given a budget and told to make the most of it.
Visually it has modern looks (let’s face it the old Audi A4 only came out eight years ago and was refreshed less than five years ago) and is sized I would say close to a BMW 3-Series yet will take five adults providing those in the rear seats are none too lanky or are the uncomplaining type. Boot capacity and the size of aperture could prove critical – roll on the Sport Wagon!
Internally there is a ring of quality about the cabin and no wonder as it is virtually a straight lift from Audi which means a battery of metal rimmed air vents, clear no-nonsense instrumentation and strategically located switch gear. There is an air of substance about the interior, making me feel that in one action SEAT has made a great leap forward in the quality saloon sector.
The driving position is comfortable with good support and lateral location, bags of adjustment and is complemented by well above average driver visibility.
I have always praised the driving characteristics of the Audi A4 though I respect the views of colleagues who complained that it was a bit unsettled.
Well, SEAT’s team has further developed the fully independent suspension system in two directions – a firmer one for the Sport model and a more compliant one for the other models including this SE. I would say that if they have done a good job, the handling easy but with sufficient character to satisfy those who enjoy their drive and also those who want to achieve long journeys with minimal effort. The ride reasonably well insulated and stability is also a strong point, aided by an electronic Stability Programme.
Add to that a braking system aided by both ABS and EBA that one soon takes for granted plus a positive changing six-speed gearbox with cruise control (now necessary for all those tediously long speed limited road works!) and the verdict is a very satisfying car.
So far so good but what does this engine deliver? For a start it is a lot quieter than the Pumpe Duse engines used for so long by the Volkswagen family and also a lot smoother. There’s great flexibility with the confines of diesel engine speeds and sufficient power to provide a top speed of 133 mph (according to SEAT) with 60 mph possible from rest at around nine seconds. Importantly the engine power and gearbox work well together to an extent that it is easy to forget this is a diesel car.
Equipped to the dictates of the modern business life, the SEAT Exeo is an agile car that seems just the job for those that have to do a job. Welcome back to the junior executive class SEAT!
Main Rivals: Renault Laguna 2.0 TDCI Dynamique 150 Expression £18,815,
Citroen C5 2.0 HDI SX £18,595
STAR RATINGSPerformance 9
Handling 9
Transmission 8
Noise 9
Economy 9
Ride and Comfort 9
Accommodation 8
Styling 8
Brakes 9
Finish 8
TOTAL: 86%
From £18,345 on the road.