Someone shared this incredible slideshow (with commentary )of the Antonov An-22 Mriya, the largest plane ever built.  Stunning to say the least.

A few nuggets of data from the slideshow:

• It takes a crew of 6 people to fly this plane.
• Wingspan: 88 meters (290 feet) Length: 84 meters (275 feet)
• 32 wheels supporting a maximum take-off weight of 640 tonnes (1,411,000 pounds).
• hold up to 300 000 kg of jet fuel; about 98,000 gallons (apparently, the cargo hold is longer than the Wright Brother’s first flight!)

Pretty crazy numbers.  Anyways, enjoy the slide show below.

And here is a video of the plane taking off at the Zurich airport.  To see this beast of a plane gliding in the air is a sight to behold.

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Date & Time: Tuesday, November 19, 2013 

• Seminar 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Reception 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

For the United States, Japan is the fourth largest market in bilateral passenger air services. More than ten million people fly between these two countries every year.

Unfortunately, while other Asian aviation markets, such as U.S.-China, have rapidly developed, the U.S.-Japan market experienced a downward trend during the last decade. This may reflect the difference in economic and social circumstances among the U.S.-Japan and other bilateral markets. Some might argue that the U.S.-Japan market has and will continue to exhibit relatively softer demand than in the past.

However, conditions in the U.S.-Japan market are changing. The Open Skies agreement, airport expansion in Tokyo, and recovery from the recent economic downturn in both countries and the Great East Japan Earthquake could factor in the revitalization of the market.

In this seminar, JITI’s distinguished speakers will review the current dynamics of the U.S.-Japan aviation market and discuss whether it can be reinvigorated, including what the key to an eventual resurgence might be.

Click here to see the agenda, speakers line up and registration information.

(Source: HeraldSun)

Image Courtesy: Australian International Design Awards

The Qantas A380 Economy Seat beat a pool of 154 entries to win the 2009 Australian International Design Award of the Year, announced in Melbourne tonight.

Mr Newson, an industrial designer and Qantas Creative Director, said he was honoured to receive the award. 

“An enormous amount of energy was put into the A380, but particularly the economy seat, which, of course, accommodates the bulk of passengers,” Mr Newson said.

Judges described the seat as a “world class result” in a notoriously restrictive design category. 

They praised the seat’s “revolutionary” footrest, the entertainment unit and the selection of materials, which included lightweight carbon fibre to help reduce weight. 

“There are so many thoroughly considered elements in one very simple and elegant package. This product cannot be faulted,” a statement from the judges said. 

The design award’s program director Stephanie Watson said the winning product was not selected until the last day of judging after a week of intense scrutiny. 

“The products were beyond exceptional and the competition was tough,” she said. 

Other finalists included Swiss-designed socks which keep your feet cool, a toilet cistern that can be hidden from view and a hearse which shows off the coffin.

By Andy Palanisamy