Ever wondered how flowers are transported around the world? - by Better Homes and Gardens
Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates airline, has unveiled a unique decal featuring a rose on one of its Boeing 777-F freighter aircraft ahead of Valentine’s day. The decal, installed at the Emirates Aircraft Appearance Centre in Dubai, is the first of its kind for Emirates SkyCargo and highlights the strong contribution made by the air cargo carrier to the floriculture industry through the transport of fresh flowers across the world.
One of the first ports of call for the aircraft will be Nairobi in Kenya, where the aircraft will be loaded with a consignment of flowers headed to Amsterdam- the world’s largest flower distribution centre.
Every day Emirates SkyCargo transports fresh flowers across its global network of over 150 destinations. This includes the flowers transported on board dedicated freighters from major flower exporting countries such as Kenya and Ecuador directly to Amsterdam, as well as flowers transported in the belly hold of the aircraft from countries as far and diverse as India, New Zealand, Vietnam, Zambia, and Ethiopia. Between January and December 2016, Emirates SkyCargo transported over 70,000 tonnes of fresh flowers around the world.
Although the transportation of flowers is a year-round activity, there is a marked increase in the volume of flowers - in particular roses - being transported around Valentine’s Day which is the single most important annual date for floriculturists worldwide. It is estimated that close to 250 million stems of roses are grown worldwide exclusively to cater to the increased demand for flowers around Valentine’s Day. Emirates SkyCargo adds supplementary cargo capacity every year in the major flower trade lanes to be able to bring the additional volumes of flowers to Aalsmeer - the world’s largest flower auction house in Amsterdam - and from there onwards to other global destinations.
In the week running up to Valentine’s this year, Emirates SkyCargo has operated 4 freighters over and above the daily scheduled freighter service from Nairobi bringing close to an additional 350 tonnes of flowers into Amsterdam. Additional capacity was also deployed to supplement the thrice weekly freighter service between Quito in Ecuador and Amsterdam in order to cater to the demand around Valentine’s Day.
By facilitating the global export of flowers from countries such as Kenya and Ecuador, Emirates SkyCargo also makes an important economic contribution to these regions where the cultivation of flowers is an important local industry. The floriculture industry supports employment for an estimated half a million people in Kenya and over 100,000 people in Ecuador.
The journey of a flower usually begins in a farm where it is harvested by hand. The freshly harvested flowers are then sorted, arranged in bouquets and hand packed into boxes which are then loaded on the aircraft. In order to ensure maximum freshness and shelf life, the temperature in the cargo hold of the aircraft is maintained between 1 and 3 degrees centigrade.
Emirates Skycargo also offers a range of innovative cool chain solutions to ensure that the flowers are maintained at the right temperature from the origin to destination. One such solution is ‘White Cover’- an innovative temperature protection solution that is cost efficient and environmentally friendly. Designed to shield temperature-sensitive cargo from solar heat during transportation, it is water resistant, yet breathable making it ideal for the transport flowers.
Emirates SkyCargo has been at the forefront of the cargo industry operating a young and modern fleet of 255 aircraft including 15 dedicated freighters- 13 Boeing 777-Fs and two Boeing 747-400ERFs. The carrier also offers a number of specialised transportation solutions for customers across different business verticals such as pharmaceuticals and automobile.
Skoda are making a push toward battery-powered transporters at its factory.
To try and make them more energy-efficient, a tractor towing two trailers full of solar panels is being put to the test on its 70-km (43-mi) route.
By harvesting solar energy on its daily errands, Skoda expects it to lower its energy usage by around 10 percent annually. Should the trial be successful, the full fleet of battery-powered tractors at the factory will be kitted out with the solar chargers.
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Trade Minister Todd McClay will visit Mexico today to meet his counterpart, Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo and discuss the future of trade between our two countries.
“Mexico is already our largest trading partner in Latin America, and there is huge scope to further advance our economies, boosting trade and investment, and working together more closely in the Asia-Pacific region,” Mr McClay says.
This will be the Government’s first formal contact with Mexico since the United States withdrawal from the TPP agreement.
“It is timely that we sit down and discuss how to move our trading relationship forward. I expect our discussion to include next steps for TPP, bilateral trade opportunities and greater involvement with the Pacific Alliance,” Mr McClay says.
“New Zealand is a trading nation, trade liberalisation and fair access to markets are essential for the continued growth and stability of our economy. The Government will continue to push for better access for New Zealanders and our exporters in all parts of the world.”
On the trip, Mr McClay will also meet with New Zealand companies in Los Angeles who are successfully doing business in the US and creating jobs both in New Zealand and the US.
| A Beehive release | February 14, 2017 ||
New figures released by Chorus have shed light on New Zealanders’ broadband habits, including the busiest day of the year for surfing the internet.
On an average day, data usage on the Chorus network is at its lowest at 5am and begins to rise between 6am and 8:30am. Usage remains consistent during the day and jumps sharply from 3:30pm.
“It is unlikely to be a coincidence that it’s the same time certain data-hungry members of the family wander in from school,” says Chorus network strategy manager Kurt Rodgers.
“We slow down again over dinner time, and from 7:30pm we climb to our highest usage period of the day – between 8pm and 10:30pm – as we get through one or two Netflix shows, upload the homework or plan our next tropical holiday.
“Daily usage is higher in the weekends and we’re online slightly less at night on weekends too. But if you look at the numbers we’re generally following the same routine every day.”
However, New Zealanders’ online patterns change during the summer holidays.
“A lot of us may have been doing some Christmas shopping on 14 December at 9:30pm as that was the busiest 15 minute period on our network during 2016.”
Average consumption dropped 30 per cent on Christmas Day and more than 40 per cent on New Years’ Eve.
Data consumption in Chorus’ Auckland Central exchange dropped by 25 per cent over the Christmas/New Year break. However, it is likely Aucklanders were not giving up their binge watching, just relocating it, as data use in the Coromandel increased by 44 per cent over the same period.
“Here at Chorus our analysts collect and interpret national and regional data consumption figures to help us plan for and manage traffic flow through our network in the future.
“We need to do that to make sure our national network has the capacity to get everyone’s favourite show to them; whether they’re watching it on the couch at home, or from their favourite holiday spot.
“Interesting trends aside, what these numbers are overwhelmingly telling us is that as a nation our average data use is growing fast. As a country we chewed through 1.5 exabytes (or 1,500,000,000 gigabytes) of data last year. That’s a lot of information, emails, movies, music, and more being bundled and carried all over the country.”
Despite the growing role of broadband in our lives, about 60 percent of homes and businesses on the Chorus network could have a better broadband connection and a more enjoyable online experience, often at no extra cost.
People can check here to make sure they are on the best broadband available.
| A Chorus release | February 14, 2017 ||
Air Canada has unveiled a bold new livery inspired by Canada for its entire fleet, elegant new uniforms for its employees, and a taste of some of the new on-board menu offerings that its customers can look forward to.
“Air Canada’s new livery signals a pivotal inflection point in our 80-year history,” said Benjamin Smith, president, passenger airlines.
“On the occasion of Canada’s 150th anniversary year, with our new livery, new uniforms for our employees, the award-winning international cabin standard introduced with the launch of our Boeing 787 aircraft, and enhanced on-board offerings, the future Air Canada represents the strength of our nation and the future-looking spirit of our airline.
“On behalf of our 30,000 employees world-wide, it is a privilege to fly Canada’s flag, and we are proud to showcase some of the best of this nation’s talent as we continue to expand Air Canada’s horizons to fly to more than 200 destinations on six continents.”
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Air Canada’s fleet of 300 mainline and regional aircraft are being repainted in a bold black and white design that highlights its iconic red maple leaf encircled ensign, or “rondelle,” that returns to the tail of the flag carrier’s fleet after an absence of 24 years.
With the new livery providing a sleek, contemporary backdrop, Air Canada premiered elegant charcoal grey and black employee uniforms with red accents and accessories by Canadian designer Christopher Bates.
In 2016, Air Canada significantly increased its global footprint with the launch of 28 new routes including 15 new international and 12 US trans-border routes.
With new service to Morocco, the airline joined the elite club of global carriers serving all six continents.
In 2017, Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge will continue its global strategic expansion.
To date, Air Canada has taken delivery of 23 new Boeing 787 Dreamliners with 14 more planned by 2019 – all offering the new international cabin standard.
Find out more about the design overhaul in this Air Canada guide.
| An AirCanada release | February 13, 2017 ||
DoubleTree is set for WellingtonThe Hilton is opening its first property in Wellington this year under the DoubleTree by Hilton brand.
The seven-story hotel, expected to open late 2017, will be located in the T&G Building on Lambton Quay.
When complete it will have 108 rooms (including 21 suites), a restaurant, bar, boardroom and gym.Dianna Vaughan, senior vice president and global head, DoubleTree by Hilton says: ‘The hotel boasts an ideal location for both the business and leisure traveller with close proximity to the central business district and walking distance to Te Papa Museum and the cable car as well as numerous shops and cafes.
’The property is operated by Sarin Investments, which has signed a franchise agreement with DoubleTree by Hilton.
Ξ NZManufacturer February17 Edition
Time for exporters to share their success stories
Trade Minister in talks with Mexico
Reserve Bank senior adviser receives Central Banking Award for Economics
While you were sleeping: Wall St hits fresh records
PM welcomes Australian PM to NZ
MaxiTRANS appoints new Managing Director
FEBRUARY 13, 2017 — All American Marine, Inc. (AAM), Bellingham, WA, who are Teknicraft Design's North American builder have won a contract to build a 600-passenger aluminum monohull passenger vessel for San Francisco's Red and White Fleet.
To be christened Enhydra, the vessel will be 128 ft long with a molded beam of 30 ft and will be the first aluminum hulled, Lithium-Ion battery-electric hybrid vessel built from the keel up under U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter K passenger vessel regulations and the latest guidelines for structural fire protection.
All American Marine partnered with BAE Systems to design and integrate the complete battery electric hybrid system. BAE Systems will supply a HybriDrive Propulsion System that includes a generator, control system, and AC electric traction motor. The generator will mount to a variable speed Cummins QSL9 diesel engine developing 410 hp at 2,100 rpm.
The motor generator offers diesel-electric operation of the AC traction motor which is coupled directly to the propulsion shaft. With this configuration, torque is immediately available for the propeller and the speed can be precisely controlled without the need for a reduction gear.
The hybrid system will also incorporate battery power from two 80 kWh Lithium-ion battery packs with Corvus Energy's next generation Orca Energy batteries.
The BAE HybridDrive system automatically utilizes full electric battery operation at slower speeds and when maneuvering in and out of the harbor, at higher speeds, the generator will automatically engage and augment the additional power demands of the traction motor.
The battery system is sufficient to meet the entire demand of the vessel's hotel load while at the same time providing silent and emission-free operation of the propulsion system during an evening sunset cruise.
"We are very pleased with the team All American Marine has put together to deliver this unique vessel and are eager for our guests to experience San Francisco Bay from the silent decks of the Enhydra in 2018," said Red and White Fleet's Vice President of Operations, Joe Burgard. "We see the propulsion configuration on the Enhydra as phase one in our move toward the full electrification of our fleet. Stay tuned for phase two."
Enhydra is specifically designed for harbor tours of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Guests on board Enhydra will be able to experience amazing views of the bay and cityscape from each of the three decks, complete with their own convenient snack bar.
The second level offers a full wrap around viewing deck with access to the enlarged bow foredeck. The top deck is completely open and offers ample outdoor seating.
"All American Marine is pleased to have been chosen to construct this innovative new vessel for Red & White Fleet and we are proud to offer a hybrid propulsion system that truly works with instant and tangible benefits," says Joe Hudspeth, AAM's Vice President of Business Development.
AAM's latest contract follows an earlier announcement made by the shipyard of a construction agreement for a 500 passenger aluminum monohull tour boat for Argosy Cruises of Seattle, WA.
Argosy will take delivery of its vessel in the late fall and the Red and White Fleet will receive its new craft in the late spring of 2018.
Both Red and White and Argosy were originally pursuing construction contracts for steel monohulls, but AAM was successfully able to demonstrate considerable savings in construction and maintenance costs with an aluminum design, while ensuring delivery of a robust and solid hull structure.
The contracts bode well for AAM, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary and is in the process of moving into a brand new purpose-built shipbuilding facility at Squalicum Harbor.
| An AMM release | February 13, 2017 ||
Machine tool operator, Haimer has strengthened its commercial partnership with DMG Mori, will become their premium partner and has acquired Microset GmBH.
The cooperation agreement means that DMG Mori will purchase all products related to tool pre-setting, balancing and shrinking including shrink fit holders as well Tool Rooms exclusively from Haimer.
The agreement also means that DMG Mori will continue to display Haimer Microset products during exhibitions that they will continue to distribute these products through their worldwide sales and service companies.
According to the company, DMG Mori’s Microset Tool-Presetting Technology complements its existing product portfolio. In addition to high-precision tool holders in all popular interfaces and lengths, the current product portfolio includes a variety of shrinking and balancing machines.
Haimer chief executive officer Claudia Haimer said that the company’s operations will change somewhat with the new acquisition.
“Since the company location of Haimer Microset GmbH with about 35 employees will remain in Bielefeld, Germany, this will be our second HAIMER production site, including our main headquarters in Igenhausen, Augsburg, Germany,” Haimer said.
“The Bielefeld facility will be further expanded to become our Northern Germany sales and marketing hub, where we will be able to present the complete process chain that surrounds the machine tool to current and prospective customers.”
| Published in Manufacturers'Monthly | February 14, 2017 ||
Prime Minister Bill English has announced Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will make an official visit to New Zealand this week.
Prime Minister Turnbull, Treasurer Scott Morrison and Industry Minister, Senator Arthur Sinodinos, arrive in Queenstown for the annual Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ meeting on Friday 17 February.
New Zealand’s Finance Minister Steven Joyce and Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges will also join the meeting.
“I am looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Turnbull to Queenstown. His visit continues the tradition of holding trans-Tasman Leaders’ meetings early in the year,” Mr English says.
“This visit will be a good opportunity to discuss global economic trends and our shared interest in advancing the trade agenda in the Asia-Pacific.
“We will also review progress towards our trans-Tasman economic integration ambitions.
“We will continue discussions on the situation of New Zealanders in Australia, particularly following Prime Minister Turnbull’s welcome announcement in 2016 of a pathway to citizenship.”
During the visit, the two Prime Ministers will engage with business leaders from both countries and lay a wreath at the Arrowtown War Memorial.
| A Beehive release | February 13, 2017 ||
Palace of the Alhambra, Spain
By: Charles Nathaniel Worsley (1862-1923)
From the collection of Sir Heaton Rhodes
Oil on canvas - 118cm x 162cm
Valued $12,000 - $18,000
Offers invited over $9,000
Contact: Henry Newrick – (+64 ) 27 471 2242
Mount Egmont with Lake
By: John Philemon Backhouse (1845-1908)
Oil on Sea Shell - 13cm x 14cm
Valued $2,000-$3,000
Offers invited over $1,500
Contact: Henry Newrick – (+64 ) 27 471 2242