The Louvre goes to Lens

Japanese architecture firm Sanaa has taken over the planning for the 127-million-euro (Bt5.2 billion) project. The Lens branch will consist of five buildings situated in a natural park. (www.LouvreLens.fr) – DPA

 

Cape Town named World Design Capital

Cape Town has been named World Design Capital for 2014. The title is awarded every two years by the International Design Alliance Congress in Taipei. The executive mayor of Cape Town, Patricia de Lille, said for many years people have been using design to transform various aspects of life. Numerous exhibitions around the theme of design have been planned for 2014 in Cape Town. The Finnish capital Helsinki is World Design Capital 2012. Visit www.CapeTown2014.co.za – DPA

 

Changi enjoys passenger growth

Passenger traffic at Singapore Changi Airport increased 11.2 per cent to 3.77 million in February 2012, which this year had 29 days. There was strong travel demand across all regions with traffic between Singapore and the Middle East growing by more than 20 per cent Other regions – the Americas, Europe, South Asia and Southeast Asia – also grew by double digits. Aircraft landings and take-offs increased 13.1 per cent to 24,900 flights, corresponding with the growth in passenger traffic. As at March 1, Changi Airport was serving some 100 airlines operating more than 6,100 weekly flights connecting Singapore to over 220 cities in 60 countries and territories.

 

Dreamliner gets the nod

Boeing received an amended type certificate from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the 787-8 Dreamliner equipped with General Electric GEnx engines. The approval recognises that the 787 with GE engines has demonstrated compliance with rigorous federal regulations. The new Boeing aircraft offers two choices of engine – General Electric Genx and Rolls-Royce Trent 1000. More than 60 customers around the world have ordered more than 870 Dreamliners.

 

Third runway approved for Hong Kong

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) gets government approval for three-runway option as the future development direction for Hong Kong International Airport. Part of HKIA Master Plan 2030, the proposal underwent three months of public consultation before the Hong Kong government gave the green light for the airport development plan. The three-runway system is crucial for maintaining Hong Kong’s status as a leading international and regional aviation centre. With 53 millions of passengers to manage per year, Hong Kong International Airport is the tenth busiest airport in the world. 

 

Copenhagen gets new urban district

The Danish capital of Copenhagen is to get a new district right in its urban centre. The tip of Nordhavn was previously a depressing industrial area but work is set to begin this year on the construction of a new jetty for cruise liners, which from 2013 will already be able to accommodate three ships at a time.