FFC announces profit of Rs. 7.51 Billion

Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited (FFC) announced Nine-Month Financial results for 2016 with levy of super tax translated into net earnings of Rs. 7.51 billion for the period with an EPS of Rs. 5.90. A record production of 1,876 thousand tones attributable to restored natural gas quota and consistent efforts to enhance production efficiencies.

The Company also achieved 13.7 million man-hours of safe operations without lost work injury. Sales revenue and dividend income witnessed decline due to the ongoing unprecedented adverse market conditions which coupled with levy of super tax translated into net earnings of Rs. 7.51 billion for the period with an EPS of Rs. 5.90.

The prevailing adverse market conditions have shown signs of stability during the quarter, however, due to lower off-take during the first half of the year, the industry urea sales for the period witnessed a decline of 12%. Concerted efforts by Company resulted in urea offtake of 1,597 thousand tones, lower by only 6% compared to last year.

Company’s Annual Report - 2015 has been declared overall winner in the Best Corporate Report Awards competition by joint committee of the ICAP and ICMAP, besides being awarded the first place in the Chemicals Sector. The Company’s Sustainability Report - 2015 has also been awarded first prize in the relevant category. Pakistan Stock Exchange acknowledged outstanding financial and management performance of the Company by adjudging it overall winner of ‘PSX Top 25 companies’ for sixth consecutive year.

Better returns to farmers from major crops due to slightly improved commodity prices and lower input costs (subsidized fertilizer) will affect the market positively in upcoming months. Further, persistent decline in international urea prices and poor farm economics continue to pose pricing constraints to the Company.

Iqra University Islamabad catches the Huawei Live fever

After Amanat Ali’s mesmerizing presence at University of South Asia, Lahore; the Huawei Live caravan moved on to shakeup Iqra University with Amanat Ali as the lead.

Students of Iqra University were thrilled to have Amanat Ali amongst them for hours. Many students lined up to audition after his live performance there. The energy level was usch that the audience demanded more and more of Amanat Ali’s performance even after hours of a live session.The crowd’s reaction was a testament to his status as a youth heartthrob. He stole the show with his singing and was humble enough to guide a few students to fine-tune their singing skills as well.

Huawei Live is a groundbreaking opportunity for people with a budding singing talent. The auditions are being conducted at a brisk pace while simultaneously adding the value of entertainment and fun all around the country. Youngsters are exhilarated with the opportunity itself and the cherry on the top is the chance to meet their favorite celebrities one on one.

Anyone with the desire to be part of this mega extravaganza needs to lookout for the one-of-a-kind Huawei Live Float,visiting their Universities and markets nearby and have their voices auditioned. For those who missed the Float somehow, may record their songs using Huawei Live application

The songs shortlisted by the judges would then be uploaded in Huawei Live application for audiences’ voting. The initially shortlisted contestants would qualify for final auditions out of which 3 finalists will be chosen by the judges.

Those interested to keep track of coverage and insights of the campaign, can download theHuawei Live application.

This immersive opportunity provided by Huawei for the younger generation to groom their singing skills has received overwhelming response from the audience and comes in the make of other equally successful engagement campaigns done by the brand.

UC browser, the top mobile browser in Pakistan was recently announced  as the digital partner of Huawei Live. With UC browser, users can browse fast and stay on top of the latest updates of Huawei Live.

Samsung offers Free Bluetooth Headphones; LEVEL-U with Galaxy Note-4 & Galaxy A5 (2016)

Samsung Pakistan has launched a new offer whereby every customer purchasing a Galaxy Note-4 or Galaxy A5 (2016) device will get a Free Wireless Bluetooth Headphones set – LEVEL-U, that offers exceptional sound quality with a stylish design. The Samsung LEVEL U Wireless is a versatile Bluetooth headset that provides premium sound to let you enjoy music and movies, as well as make and receive voice calls on-the-go. The dedicated “Level App” offers even more in features with enhanced functionality.

Its sophisticated, ergonomic design comprises of a flexible Neckband and Comfortable Ear-tips to deliver best-in-class sound, with two Mics for clearer voice calls and a 12mm Dynamic Speaker Unit to deliver deep bass and powerful sound. The Text-To-Speech (TTS) feature available through the Samsung Level App promises multi-purpose usage.  The Samsung Level App notifies you about a range of essential information, including missed calls, alarms, scheduled events, vibration alerts and an interactive onscreen icon. Using the TTS or the Level App, you can easily check how much battery your Samsung LEVEL U has left.

With its soft and flexible urethane joints, the LEVEL U offers exceptional wearing comfort, even during longer listening periods, while you can easily adjust the neckband for a perfect, customized and secure fit. The head-set is extremely light-weight – a mere 33 grams. Its Magnetic ear-tips ensure a neater and more stable wearability experience when the headset is not in use. Its new hybrid-type ear-tips combine noise-cancelling and echo-reducing properties of canal-type ear-buds with the comfortable fit of an open-type headphones set. Rubber-band / Ear Tips are also available in Medium and Small Size.

A range of built-in control buttons on the LEVEL U allow users to adjust volume, Rewind, Fast-Forward, pause, play, pair or skip a track with ease, without having to reach for their paired device. Raised buttons ensure easier controls while you are on-the-go. It has a powerful, long-lasting battery, promising up to 10 hours of usage time, and it features a Universal 5-pin charging port. 

The Samsung Level App has (downloadable) compatibility with Samsung mobile devices that run on the Android Operating System 4.2.2 or later editions. In order to use the application, please ensure that your devices are paired using Bluetooth. The Bluetooth 4.1 and the apt-X Codec in the LEVEL U allow users to enjoy high-quality audio without the fuss of wires. Designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, the headset is ideal for use while you work-out in the Gym and it is also enriched with EC technology.

The innovative Samsung LEVEL U comes in a choice of four exciting colors: blue black, classic white, gold and blue. It features a stylish, accessory-like design that suits all kinds of outfits you need to sport. 

Huawei Wins Big at the 3rd Teknotel Awards

At the 3^rd Teknotel Tech Awards this year, Huawei has taken home “Best Wearable” and “Dual Lens Smartphone” Awards.

3rd Teknotel - The Best Awards organized by Teknotel Magazine, the leading Arabic technology publication in the MENA region, honored the best smart phones and consumer electronics for 2016. The event was held in Dubai on the sidelines of GITEX Technology Week on Tuesday evening, October 18, 2016. The Awards were divided by forty percent of the jury members' votes and sixty percent of the final grade via online voting.

The Huawei Watch with a 1.4-inch full circle AMOLED display, 400x400 screen resolution, 286 ppi 10,000:1 high contrast ratio and Bluetooth 4.1 BLE WiFi, pairs with any Android phone and is also one of the first watches powered by Android Wear™ that works with an iPhone. Its Classic Swiss design meets smart technology to create an enduring timepiece. The Huawei Watch’s exquisite profile and hand-polished finish reference years of watch making expertise. Innovative, high-performance materials bring that tradition into the present. Customers are provided with a range of premium casings and fine leather or stainless steel straps. It also offers a smart perspective on customers’ fitness.

The Huawei P9 co-engineered with Leica creates a stunning dual-lens camera in a smartphone with more light and better clarity, for amazing photos and videos. It captures more light with two sensors, one RGB and one monochrome with built-in dual-core ISP, professional DSP, and the depth measurement ISP for improved image focusing and speed processing. With an 8 megapixel front-facing camera, customers can achieve superior selfies even in low light. The Huawei P9 is sculpted using aerospace-class unibody aluminum and a superior-grade 2.5D glass with a stunning 5.2" FHD display with 96% color saturation and high contrast.

The dual-lens camera in Huawei P9 proved to be a breakout technology and not only inspired the customers, but also gave inspiration and a challenge to its competitors some of whom incorporated it in their upcoming smartphones.

The recognition by Teknotel Awards is a testament to Huawei’s efforts to enhance overall customer experience.

EcoStar Series of 4K UHD LED TVs’ for Everyone

EcoStar is a nationwide brand of electronics, reflecting technological excellence and innovation. It is the leading producer of LED and Smart Televisions with world-class quality and cutting-edge features. By keeping in mind the comfort and ease of its consumers EcoStar provides multiple sizes of 4K UHD LED Televisions. These LEDs’ are a perfect blend of aesthetics with quality.

These TVs are available all over the Pakistan market, in various sizes, including; 42 inches, 43 inches, and two different designs of 49 inches. The fabulous 55 inches screen is also available in two spectacular designs. These innovative products offer up to 4-times higher screen-resolution, compared to the traditional/simple HD LED televisions. The variety of sizes and designs are suitable for all kinds of rooms and can enrich the entertainment-spectrum in any home, promising highest quality and unmatched aesthetics – all at very affordable prices.

The EcoStar VERO 4K UHD resolution (3840x2160) gives a picture with 4 times more detail than Full HD. The viewers can now enjoy the ultimate 4K experience of sharp contrast with deep black richness and bright white which makes picture livelier.  Best adaption Resolution (3840*2160) makes an unmatched picture quality. EcoStar 4K pixels count with help of excellent resolution & wider screen creates desire of being drawn into image more deeply with high class colors and contrast resulting into terrifically amazing picture.

The team of experts and innovators at EcoStar bring fascinating entertainment, beyond the consumers’ expectations. These products are enriched with connectivity and access to social-media, ‘Networking’ features. Instead of creating just another TV, EcoStar has combined the latest technologies to create a piece of art. It is much more than a TV, as it becomes your High-Definition (HD) window into a whole new world. EcoStar’s 4K UHD Series can be rightfully stated as; “Loud and clear on the wall”. 

It is also enriched with many android features like; Facebook, YouTube & Netflix videos, call Skype and many more. 4K UHD series is an ultimate zone of pure entertainment where your web browsing, Facebook, Skype calling, YouTube and many other applications can be enjoyed on your TV.

The slim & thin panel of this LED TV, along with its sleek base-stand makes it a beautiful addition to your home interior. The consumers get the greatest ‘Value-for-Money’ whenever they purchase these durable televisions.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS TO FLY ITS B787 DREAMLINER TO TOKYO

• §  Boeing 787 Dreamliner offers Etihad Airways’ luxurious First Suites, Business Studios and Economy Smart Seats on the Abu Dhabi-Tokyo Narita route for the first time
• 
  
• §  An onboard Chef, Food and Beverage Manager and Flying Nanny offer innovative hospitality services inflight 

From 1 December 2016, guests flying between Abu Dhabi and Tokyo Narita will enjoy the luxury and comfort of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner when Etihad Airways upgrades its service on the route.

  

The state-of-the-art aircraft, configured in three classes, features the airline’s ground-breaking First Suites, Business Studios and Economy Smart Seats. It will replace the Airbus A340 which currently operates the non-stop service. 

Kevin Knight, Etihad Aviation Group Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, said the upgrade to the B787 Dreamliner reflected the importance of the Japan route and the airline’s commitment to the market.

“The B787 Dreamliner is an exceptional aircraft from an operational and guest experience perspective. 

“Its unique design and our innovative and stylish cabins offer a guest experience that’s superior in terms of luxury and comfort

“These product attributes and the Etihad inflight service and hospitality – onboard Chefs, Food & Beverage Managers and Flying Nannies – make ours a winning proposition.”

Etihad Airways’ three-class B787 Dreamliner has 235 seats with eight First Suites, 28 Business Studios and 199 Economy Smart Seats.

The ultra-luxurious First Suites are private living spaces with a Poltrona Frau leather-upholstered seat that coverts to a fully flat six-foot-eight-inch bed. The centre suites can be opened up to create a double bed for guests who are travelling together. A unique curved aisle offers more personal space inside each suite. The First Suite also has a 24” LCD TV monitor, a personal wardrobe and a chilled refreshments cabinet. A professional onboard Chef, exclusive to First Class, offers guests a bespoke, made-to-order dining experience with dishes prepared inflight from a larder of fresh produce.

In Business Class, the Business Studio offers direct aisle access from every seat, a fully flat bed of up to 80.5 inches long, and an increase in personal space of 20 per cent over the aircraft it replaces. Upholstered in the finest Poltrona Frau leather, the Business Studio is equipped with an in-seat massage and pneumatic cushion control system which enables guests to adjust the firmness and comfort of their seat. Each Business Studio has an 18-inch personal touch-screen TV with noise-cancelling headsets.

For inflight dining, Business Class guests are offered a choice of three main course items, with a dine-on-demand option for guests to choose when they would like to eat. A specialist Food and Beverage Manager, dedicated to service in the Business Class cabin, is on hand to offer guests expert advice on the menu and to make recommendations on wine pairing.

Business Class guests also receive comfortable loungewear and slippers and a limited-edition Etihad Airways LUXE amenity kit which includes a range of personal care items.

In Economy Class, the Economy Smart Seat provides superior comfort with a unique ‘fixed wing’ headrest on each seat, adjustable lumbar support, an innovative multi-purpose pillow, a seat width of approximately 19 inches, and an 11.1” personal TV monitor.

Etihad Airways’ Dreamliner fleet is equipped with the latest Panasonic eX3 entertainment system which provides more than 750 hours of on-demand entertainment including seven live TV channels, improved gaming and high definition screens across all cabins. The aircraft has full mobile and Wi-Fi service, with USB and power points at every seat.

These features are complemented by the airline’s world-renowned hospitality which includes multinational and Japanese-speaking cabin crew and innovative services such as the Flying Nanny. A Flying Nanny, trained by the world-renowned Norland College in the UK, is on board every B787 Dreamliner flight to provide assistance to families travelling with young children.  

Etihad Airways commenced service to Japan on 1 February 2010 with five weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Nagoya, via Beijing. This increased to daily on 30 March 2014. Tokyo Narita was added to the Japan route on 27 March 2010 with five weekly non-stop flights, going daily on 31 March 2013.

Schedule between Abu Dhabi and Tokyo Narita, effective 1 December 2016

Flight No.	Origin	Departs	Destination	Arrives	Frequency	Aircraft
EY878	Abu Dhabi	22:10	Tokyo Narita	13:05	Daily	B787-9
EY871	Tokyo Narita	21:25	Abu Dhabi	04:45	Daily	B787-9

Note: All departures and arrivals are listed in local time.

PepsiCo announces 2025 Sustainability agenda focused on Product, People and Planet

PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE: PEP) has announced an ambitious global sustainability agenda designed to foster continued business growth by taking important steps to address environmental, health and social priorities all around the world.

 According to an announcement of the company on Monday 17th October, the company’s efforts, which focus on creating a healthier relationship between people and food, include specific 2025 goals to continue transforming PepsiCo’s food and beverage product portfolio, contribute to a more sustainable global food system and help make local communities more prosperous.

 In this context, PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi said that “to succeed in today’s volatile and changing world, corporations must do three things exceedingly well: focus on delivering strong financial performance, do it in a way that is sustainable over time and be responsive to the needs of society”.

 She said that “the first ten years of PepsiCo’s Performance with Purpose journey have demonstrated what is possible when a company does well by also doing good. We have created significant shareholder value, while taking important steps to address environmental, health and social priorities all around the world.”

 “PepsiCo’s journey is far from complete, and our new goals are designed to build on our progress and broaden our efforts,” Nooyi continued. “We have mapped our plans against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and we believe the steps we are taking will help lift PepsiCo to even greater heights in the years ahead. Companies like PepsiCo have a tremendous opportunity – as well as a responsibility – to not only make a profit, but to do so in a way that makes a difference in the world.”

 PepsiCo’s Performance with Purpose agenda for the coming decade is focused on three core priorities i.e. helping to improve health and well-being through the products it sells; protecting our planet and empowering people around the world.

 Across its business and in partnership with others, PepsiCo is taking a holistic approach to achieving progress in all three areas. The company’s plans have been informed by current scientific research, consumer expectations and dialogue with key stakeholders, as well as by the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

 In pursuing these goals, the company’s actions will be consistent with responsible capital allocation, commitment to its financial targets and the creation of shareholder value. The company believes that achieving these goals will enhance its long-term financial performance and returns.

 In the field of products, PepsiCo’s ambition is to enable better nutrition at scale by continuing to develop a broader portfolio of food and beverage choices and increasing access to great-tasting, nutritious options. 

 Informed by the latest dietary guidelines of the World Health Organization and other authorities, the company will continue to refine its food and beverage choices to meet changing consumer needs by reducing added sugars, saturated fat and sodium levels in its product portfolio.

 Under the company’s new goals set for 2025, at least two-thirds of its global beverage portfolio volume will have 100 calories or fewer from added sugars per 12-oz serving. At least three-quarters of its global foods portfolio volume will not exceed 1.1 grams of saturated fat per 100 calories. At least three-quarters of its global foods portfolio volume will not exceed 1.3 milligrams of sodium per calorie.

 The rate of sales growth of what the company refers to as Everyday Nutrition products will outpace the rate of sales growth in the balance of PepsiCo’s portfolio. Everyday Nutrition products include those that deliver whole grains, fruits and vegetables, dairy, protein and hydration.

  It will provide access to at least three billion servings of nutritious foods and beverages to under-served communities and consumers.

 The company also reaffirms its commitment to deliver on its Global Labeling and Responsible Advertising to Children Policies. PepsiCo has and will continue to support industry actions in these areas.

 The second area where initiatives have been taken is related to our Planet. PepsiCo’s ambition is to reduce the environmental footprint of the food system through operational efficiencies and mobilization of its suppliers and business partners.

 As part of its focus on protecting the planet, PepsiCo will work to achieve positive water impact; significantly lower its carbon emissions, with significant efforts to reduce emissions related to agriculture and packaging; promote sustainable sourcing of crops; and reduce waste.

 Specifically, PepsiCo plans to improve the water-use efficiency of its direct agricultural supply chain by 15% in high-water-risk sourcing areas by 2025. These savings equate to the same approximate volume of water used in PepsiCo manufacturing operations. It plans to improve the water use efficiency of its direct manufacturing operations by 25% by 2025. This is in addition to the 25% improvement in water-use efficiency the company has achieved since 2006 and will include a focus on high-water-risk areas.

 With the PepsiCo Foundation and its partners, work to provide access to safe water to a total of 25 million people in the world’s highest water-risk areas by 2025, a continuation of efforts that began in 2006.

 It will reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions across the company’s value chain by at least 20% by 2030, with a focus on collaborating with suppliers, business partners and customers to reduce emissions related to agriculture, packaging and transportation.

 It will achieve zero waste to landfill across its direct operations by 2025 and reduce the food waste it generates in its direct operations by 50% by 2025.

 It will design 100% of its packaging to be recoverable or recyclable by 2025, while partnering to increase packaging recovery and recycling rates.

 On the people end the company said that PepsiCo’s ambition is to empower people and social development across its operations, supply chain and communities.

 Building on its support for the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human rights, PepsiCo is significantly broadening its focus on respecting human rights across the company’s supply chain.

 PepsiCo plans to expand its Sustainable Farming Initiative (SFI) to approximately 7 million acres by 2025, covering crops that collectively comprise approximately three-quarters of its agricultural-based spend. PepsiCo’s SFI is focused on promoting environmentally responsible agricultural practices, improving crop yields and growers’ livelihoods, and respecting human rights.

  It will extend the principles of the company’s Supplier Code of Conduct to all franchisees and joint venture partners. These principles already apply to PepsiCo’s direct suppliers.

 The company plans to invest $100 million in partnership with the PepsiCo Foundation to support initiatives to benefit 12.5 million women and girls around the world by 2025.

  PepsiCo’s Product, Planet and People goals are more fully discussed in the company’s 2015 Sustainability Report, available at www.pepsico.com/purpose.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS MAKES ITS FASHION RUNWAY DEBUT IN STYLE

• The national airline of the UAE completes its first sponsorship of six Fashion Weeks in partnership with WME | IMG

• Airline is a long-term partner of the fashion industry, supporting 17 Fashion Week events around the world annually

·         Partnership is a cornerstone of Etihad Airways’ wider sponsorship strategy, focused on the key lifestyle pillars of fashion, food and football

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has successfully completed the sponsorship of its first six Fashion Weeks, in partnership with WME | IMG.

Etihad Airways’ support of global fashion began with Fashion Weeks in Sydney, Berlin and Mumbai, culminating with the three major Fashion Weeks in New York, London and Milan.

Patrick Pierce, Etihad Airways Vice President Sponsorship, said: “Our custom partnerships with global Fashion Weeks began in style, with inspirational activations taking place across Europe, Asia and Australia, coupled with unique designer collaborations in each location.

“This alignment is a natural one for our commercial business, but also presents significant brand visibility and advocacy opportunities. It also gives us valuable access to influencers, opinion leaders, media and other stakeholders within the industry, in a manner previously not possible.”

The long-term sponsorship represents an ideal fit for the airline, building a strong link between the quality of the Etihad Airways brand and the ever-evolving fashion industry. The partnership allows the airline to boost its reputation as a provider of world-leading service, hospitality, design and style through the unique association, by promoting passenger and cargo services to the industry in markets which are strategically important to Etihad Airways and the Etihad Airways Partner airlines.

Over the past five months, Etihad Airways has worked with fashion designers and influencers including Oscar de la Renta in Sydney, Manish Malhotra, a favourite designer of Bollywood stars at Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai, Jimmy Choo for its 20^th anniversary celebrations in both New York and London, and more recently with Richard Mortimer, the editor of Rollacoaster magazine, who curated a photo exhibition for the airline on display at the Press and Buyers lounge at London Fashion Week. At Milan Fashion Week, Etihad Airways and its partner Alitalia collaborated with fashion illustrator Megan Hess by hosting a dedicated space at the Unicredit Pavilion, where she personally sketched over 200 of Etihad Airways’ VIPs and special guests.

To celebrate the opening of New York Fashion Week, Etihad Airways flew a NYFW-branded Airbus A380 from Abu Dhabi to New York’s JFK International Airport on 8 September 2016. Upon the aircraft’s arrival, the airline staged a photo shoot in the Etihad Airways First and Business Class Lounge with supermodel Amber Valetta, who features prominently in Jimmy Choo’s 20^th anniversary campaign.

For more information on Etihad Airways’ fashion sponsorship please visit - http://www.etihad.com/en-us/about-us/our-sponsorships/

A selection of images highlighting Etihad Airways’ sponsorship of Fashion Weeks is available for download on the following link: https://we.tl/VFjDZ7Y7wK

Yet Another Heartthrob steals the show At University of South Asia Lahore

Without a doubt, Huawei Live has succeeded in creating an atmosphere of entertainment and fun all around the country.  Youngsters are overwhelmed with the opportunity itself and cherry on the top is the chance to meet their favorite celebrities personally. After breathtaking performances by Ali Sethi and Nabeel Shaukat during their visits to local universities; Amanat Ali takes the lead.

On last Friday, Amanat Ali’s mesmerizing presence was witnessed at University of South Asia, Lahore; the crowd’s reaction was a testament to his status as a youth heartthrob. He stole the show with his live singing and was humble enough to guide a few students to fine-tune their singing skills as well. Students were thrilled over the moon to have him amongst them for hours.

Huawei Live is a groundbreaking opportunity for people who are blessed with a signing talent. Anyone with the desire to be part of this mega extravaganza needs to look out for the one-of-a-kind Huawei Live Float, visiting their Universities and markets nearby and have their voices auditioned. For those who missed the Float somehow, may record their songs using Huawei Live application.

The shortlisted songs would then be uploaded in Huawei Live application for audiences’ voting. The initially shortlisted contestants would qualify for final auditions out of which 3 finalists will be chosen by the judges. The Huawei Live application would provide coverage and insights of the campaign as well.

This venture of Huawei has surpassed expectations in terms of response from the youth by providing immersive opportunity for the younger generation to groom their singing skills and meet their true potential.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS AND TOURISM AUSTRALIA TO BRING WORLD’S CULINARY ELITE TO AUSTRALIA

Etihad Airways has signed an agreement with Tourism Australia to be the Official Airline Partner of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards in 2017.

Under the agreement, the airline will fly the world’s best chefs and food media to Australia for the programme, a celebration of the best in global gastronomy.

The events, in Melbourne from 1-7 April, will showcase Australia’s outstanding food and wine culture to an international audience of industry professionals and food lovers including world-leading chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, media and influencers.

Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, Peter Baumgartner, said the airline was delighted to partner with Tourism Australia and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants on such an exciting culinary tourism initiative.

“Australia is world-renowned for the exceptional quality of its food and wine offering and the diversity of its culinary experiences.

“Bringing the world’s culinary elite to Australia next year to experience its food and wine culture first-hand will further enhance Australia’s reputation as one of the world’s best holiday destinations.

“It will also enable us to showcase our own food philosophy and hospitality offering to some of the biggest names in food and wine in the world today.

“The culinary inspiration we draw from The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards will bring us another step closer to our goal of being the best restaurant in the sky.”

Tourism Australia Managing Director, John O'Sullivan, said Etihad Airways was a natural fit as airline partner for World's 50 Best Restaurants.

"Etihad Airways has gained an enviable reputation within the airline industry for the quality of the dining experience it offers its passengers, both in the air and on the ground. They have truly embraced our Restaurant Australia campaign and are a natural choice as airline partner for a culinary event of this stature," he said.

Etihad Airways offers its guests a dining experience which is unique among the world’s airlines. Its innovative approach to hospitality is inspired by the world’s best restaurants and cutting-edge culinary and beverage trends.

In its First Class cabins, professional Inflight Chefs, many with fine-dining experience, use their expert culinary skills to deliver a highly personalised à la carte dining experience, tailored to each guest’s taste. Equipped with a pantry of fresh ingredients, they are even able to go ‘off menu’ to offer guests a made-to-order meal.

In Business Class, specialist Food and Beverage Managers oversee the preparation and service of a contemporary, healthy à la carte and dine anytime menu. They can also recommend the perfect beverage from the airline’s boutique inflight cellar.

Etihad Airways currently has 223 Inflight Chefs and 487 Food and Beverage Managers, offering its premium cabin guests a hospitality experience for which the airline is widely considered the world’s best.

Etihad Airways also has the finest collection of airport lounges in the world, reflecting its commitment to providing guests aspirational hospitality experiences on the ground as well as in the air. Premium Lounges are located in Abu Dhabi, Sydney, Melbourne, London Heathrow, Manchester, Dublin, Paris, Frankfurt, New York JFK, Los Angeles, and Washington DC.

In its flagship First Class Lounge and Spa in Abu Dhabi, the Executive Chef has a long and distinguished career with leading hotels including The Ritz-Carlton, Shangri-La, and InterContinental. With his team of Sous Chefs, Demi Chefs, and Chef de Partie, they create haute cuisine which is served in an elegant and expansive à la carte dining area. Menus, which are changed frequently, feature a choice of Arabian, Indian and international cuisine made to order at any time of day. The kitchen prepares everything in-house using the freshest, locally sourced, seasonal produce.

Etihad Airways also has a partnership with Taste Festivals Limited, the organisers of food and drinks events worldwide, which complements its new association with The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. A presence at Taste festivals in 14 global cities each year enables the airline to showcase its signature food philosophy and culinary offering to an international audience of food and wine devotees.

Etihad Airways’ partnership with Tourism Australia for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2017 deepens the airline’s existing five-year, $30 million investment in Australian tourism, which was signed in 2015. 

DOUBLE HONOURS FOR ETIHAD AIRWAYS ENGINEERINGAT AVIATION BUSINESS AWARDS

Etihad Airways Engineering has been named ‘MRO Service Provider of the Year (Middle East)’ at the Aviation Business Awards 2016.

The company also won the ‘Engineering Innovation of the Year’ award for developing a unique Flying Testbed – an Airbus A320 aircraft reconfigured for testing new innovations as well as for commercial flights.

Etihad Airways Engineering broke performance records and accomplished many firsts in the MRO industry in the last year. It is the first organisation in the Middle East to be granted an extended Part 21J Design Organisation Approval by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to undertake major cabin design and modification. Etihad Airways Engineering is also the only MRO in the Middle East deemed eligible by EASA to apply for a Production Organisation Approval under EASA Part 21G in 2016.

Jeff Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Etihad Airways Engineering, said: “We have been investing heavily and steadily in developing our 3,300-strong team of aviation professionals, and expanding our MRO capabilities on new and established platforms. These efforts are paying off as our customers are more satisfied and we are growing our global business.

“We continue to implement the most efficient systems and tools across our operations, and these awards are testament to the efforts of our team in delivering industry leading aircraft maintenance and engineering solutions.”

Now in the 10^th year, Aviation Business Awards recognise regional and international players that go above and beyond in terms of their industry contribution. Nominations are invited online and assessed by a prestigious panel of experts selected from within the Middle East aerospace industry, based on exceptional performance in various areas including a world-class service portfolio, facility investments and market innovations.

An Audience favourite Star set the Stage on fire at BNU University for Huawei Live

With each passing day, Huawei Live is building great hype and excitement among the youngsters. The winning strategy of Huawei i.e., to get the jury members, the renowned singers, mixed-up with youngsters on the ground, is taking the energy of the competition to a whole new level. And this is what happened in BNU University where Ali Sethi set the stage on fire with his melodious voice and kept the audience captivated for hours.

Recently, in Lahore, students of BNU University were star-struck to see Ali Sethi performing before their eyes, where he went to promote Huawei Live. Ali Sethi’s star power and lively performance made the crowd go crazy. The lively crowd cheering and singing alongside him was a sight to see. It was no less than a mini concert. The crowd was thrilled to be face to face with their favorite celebrity interacting with them and performing Live. Students willingly gave demos of their singing talent. While on the other hand, the popular Nabeel Shaukat also made a visit to CBM University, Karachi; and received overwhelming response from the youth.

Undoubtedly, Huawei Live has succeeded in creating an atmosphere of entertainment and fun all around the country, with celebrities like Nabeel Shaukat and Ali Sethi among their Jury Panel, who knows how to get the crowd involved.

Youngsters who desire to be part of this mega extravaganza just need to get their hands on the one-of-a-kind Float, visiting their Universities and markets nearby and have their voices auditioned. For those who have not yet made it to the Float, may record their songs using Huawei Live application. The songs shortlisted would then be uploaded in Huawei Live application for audiences’ voting. The initially shortlisted contestants would qualify for final auditions out of which 3 finalists will be chosen by the judges. The Huawei Live application would provide coverage and insights of the campaign aswell.

Huawei’s contribution in CSR activities for the youth is commendable as they are filling-up the gap and latent girth of the lack of immersive opportunities for the younger generation by giving them thechance to groom their skills and meet their true potential.

Huawei Live has surpassed expectations in terms of response from the youth. Be it male or female, belonging to any city, students are thrilled and excited to be a part of Huawei Live and bring their singing talent in the spot light.