Airbus: Plane numbers to double

19 September 2011 Last updated at 15:48 GMT The A380 superjumbo is Airbus' flagship model The number of passenger planes worldwide will more than double over the next 20 years, planemaker Airbus has predicted.

The number of planes made by all manufacturers of more than 100 seats will grow from 15,000 this year to 31,000 by 2030, it forecast.

China, the US and Germany are predicted to generate the greatest demand.

"Over the next 20 years, Asia-Pacific will account for 34% of demand, Europe 22% and North America 22%," it said.

Airbus, speaking at its annual global forecast meeting, predicted that the number of low-cost airlines will make up around 19% of all air traffic by 2030, compared with around 5% currently.

Middle-class growth

It claims the number of middle-class people - traditionally more likely to fly - will grow from 1.84 billion this year to almost 5 billion by 2030.

Airbus's forecast also includes 900 newly built freighter aircraft for commercial use. Two thirds of the world's cargo planes have been converted from conventional passenger planes.

The European firm, which makes the giant double-decker A380 superjumbo, believes long-haul air traffic will grow three-fold over the next 20 years.

It could even launch an extra-large version of the A380 by the end of this decade, it said.

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Velvet Rolls Out the Red Carpet for the Exclusive Double Primetime Telecast of Miss Universe

Feel the the thrill of the universe’s grandest night with a gathering of the most beautiful! Check out Shamcey’s stunning photo on the runway…

Velvet, home of the biggest red carpet events, cordially invites everyone as it rolls out the red carpet once again for the exclusive double primetime telecast of the 2011 Miss Universe®, straight from Credicard Hall, Sao Paolo, Brazil on September 13, 7p.m. and 10 p.m.

Now on its 6th decade of showcasing the universe’s most regal-looking and intelligent women, this year’s Miss Universe pageant will be hosted by American TV executive Andrew Cohen and news anchor Natalie Morales.

Home to Miss Universe for four years in a row now, Velvet takes pride in setting the spotlight on our very own Binibining-Pilipinas Universe Shamcey Supsup, who’s currently making buzz in the competition and gaining lots of support from her fellow Filipinos. In an interview, Shamcey shares “Thank you for always praying for me and supporting me. It has been a roller-coaster ride and I’m getting my strength from all the Filipinos who kept on sending me messages on Facebook and Twitter. Thank you. I will be doing my best,”

If Shamcey will make it as the third Filipina to be hailed as Miss Universe, her shining moment will even be more illuminated by the intricately designed, diamond-filled crown from renowned jewelry firm Diamond Nexus Labs. The crown, arrayed with over a thousand diamond simulants, is accented by a series of gorgeous, deep red lab-created rubies to represent Miss Universe’s tireless campaign to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and education. The crown’s repeating oval pattern was inspired by the crowns of modern monarchs to reflect the regality and grace of this exquisite woman.

Different multimedia outlets say that among Shamcey’s tough contenders are candidates from Miss Netherlands, France, Nicaragua, Malaysia and Aruba.
In a Q and A challenge video uploaded on Miss U’s official Youtube page, Miss Netherlands Kelly Weekers said that women’s advantage over men is going “all the way in doing hair and makeup… Woman can also give birth to a beautiful baby.” Shamcey’s reply to the same question was “One advantage we have as women is we rely on intuition. Our intuitions are usually right. We know if you’re lying or not. So guys, don’t ever fool us.”

Witness how a Filipina shines brightly once again amid other equally beautiful and talented women representatives from over 80 countries.No one has confirmed on what evening gown will Shamcey wear at the competition, but it’s rumored to be a dashing pink evening gown, which was designed by Alfredo Barraza, a Colombian fashion designer who is the official designer Binibining Pilipinas winners’ wardrobe for the past years. The venue for the 60th installment of the pageant, the 8000-seater Credicard Hall which was named after a Citigroup-owned credit card operator, is considered to be one of the largest entertainment venue in Brazil and one of the largest in Latin America.

Know more interesting facts on the 2011 Miss Universe by always tuning in to Velvet! Viewers also get the chance to win a Velvet Pamper Weekend Promo, where two girlfriends will be treated to a weekend shopping and relaxation spree. Mechanics and other information on the promo will be aired during the telecast.

Check out our coverage of Shamcey Supsup at the Miss Universe pageant here.

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Toyota to double India production

27 July 2011 Last updated at 10:57 GMT Toyota said it would hire new staff in India; it currently employs about 5,400 people in the country Toyota, the world's biggest carmaker, has said it plans to nearly double its production capacity in India by 2013.

The Japanese firm said it would invest a further 17.2bn yen ($220m; £135m) and hire new employees "to meet the rapid growth of India's automobile market".

Output capacity in India will rise from its current level of 160,000 vehicles a year to 310,000 in 2013, Toyota said.

Last month, Toyota said it would invest 4.9bn yen in India and boost output to 210,000 cars in the first half of 2012.

Toyota operates in India through a joint venture with Indian company Kirloskar Group.

Toyota Kirloskar employs about 5,400 people.

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