Beijing's Capital Airport will test its three runways this coming October, in the configuration designed for the 2008 Olympic Games.
The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) said that it had signed a contract with the Boeing Company to conduct a study of the operating mode for the three runways, using Atlanta International Airport as a comparison.
After six months of trial operation, the three runways, two old ones and the newly constructed one, will begin official operation in May 2008.
Computer simulation modeling and analysis will maximise the efficient operation of the three runways.
Under CAAC's air traffic control plan for the 2008 Olympic Games, the Capital Airport will upgrade its existing facilities and build two new radar navigators and a series of signal processing systems for communication and weather observation.
The Capital Airport is being expanded to cope with rising passenger volumes, and the inflow of tourists expected for the 2008 Olympic Games.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Friday, August 18, 2006
Anti Terror Training
Chinese State Councilor Zhou Yongkang has called for the strengthening of anti-terrorism training for security guards, in order to ensure the safety of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Quote:
"As the international security situation is very complicated, anti-terrorism efforts are of great importance to the safety of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games."
He has asked for the establishment of a system to ensure a quick response to terrorist emergencies. Additionally he has noted that all the security guards must be given anti-terrorism training courses, and that the Olympic stadiums' security facilities must be improved.
Finally, he has called for China's Exit and Entry Administration to improve their anti-terrorism capabilities prior to the Games, and for intelligence on terrorist activities to be intensified.
Quote:
"As the international security situation is very complicated, anti-terrorism efforts are of great importance to the safety of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games."
He has asked for the establishment of a system to ensure a quick response to terrorist emergencies. Additionally he has noted that all the security guards must be given anti-terrorism training courses, and that the Olympic stadiums' security facilities must be improved.
Finally, he has called for China's Exit and Entry Administration to improve their anti-terrorism capabilities prior to the Games, and for intelligence on terrorist activities to be intensified.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
China Educates The Uncouth
As the 2008 Beijing Olympics draws ever near, the authorities in China are aware of the PR and image issues associated with the Games. Specifically, they are focusing their attention on the impression that their own citizens make on the rest of the world. After all, the best/worst ambassadors for a country are usually its own citizens.
As such the Spiritual Civilisation Steering Committee, the Chinese etiquette watchdog, has launched an education campaign to correct the embarrassing habits of Chinese tourists at home and abroad.
The Committee's "Campaign to Promote Civilised Chinese Travellers" will last until after the Olympic Games.
The Committee states:
"Currently, the behaviour of our country's tourists is not compatible with the rapid development of the tourist industry, nor with China's international standing."
The official Xinhua news agency has already quoted Singapore media reports of airline and hotel staff complaining about Chinese tourists spitting, talking loudly and being rude. That being said, Singapore has very high standards indeed with respect to behaviour in public.
The committee has highlighted a number of areas of concern including; appearance, hygiene, courtesy, the law, the environment and public infrastructure, as damaging "the image of China as a civilised country" and generating "widespread attention and criticism domestically and overseas."
The China Daily said:
"Many tourists clear their throats loudly and spit, take off shoes aboard planes and trains, squat and smoke in public places, and often appear uncouth."
Civil servants and state company executives will be targeted for training, the general public will be educated via the media and pamphlets distributed at public transport stations, hotels, travel agencies, tourist spots, schools and work places.
I would venture to suggest that other countries could also benefit from applying such an education programme.
As such the Spiritual Civilisation Steering Committee, the Chinese etiquette watchdog, has launched an education campaign to correct the embarrassing habits of Chinese tourists at home and abroad.
The Committee's "Campaign to Promote Civilised Chinese Travellers" will last until after the Olympic Games.
The Committee states:
"Currently, the behaviour of our country's tourists is not compatible with the rapid development of the tourist industry, nor with China's international standing."
The official Xinhua news agency has already quoted Singapore media reports of airline and hotel staff complaining about Chinese tourists spitting, talking loudly and being rude. That being said, Singapore has very high standards indeed with respect to behaviour in public.
The committee has highlighted a number of areas of concern including; appearance, hygiene, courtesy, the law, the environment and public infrastructure, as damaging "the image of China as a civilised country" and generating "widespread attention and criticism domestically and overseas."
The China Daily said:
"Many tourists clear their throats loudly and spit, take off shoes aboard planes and trains, squat and smoke in public places, and often appear uncouth."
Civil servants and state company executives will be targeted for training, the general public will be educated via the media and pamphlets distributed at public transport stations, hotels, travel agencies, tourist spots, schools and work places.
I would venture to suggest that other countries could also benefit from applying such an education programme.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
A Foretaste of 2008
There is a foretaste being provided this week for those people keen to see what the 2008 Olympics in Beijing may be like, as Beijing hosts the 11th IAAF World Junior Championships.
1,400 athletes from 182 countries will compete in track and field events at the Chaoyang Sports Centre in Beijing. The competition kicks off today, and runs until Sunday.
Beijing is using the event as a dry run for the 2008 Summer Games.
1,400 athletes from 182 countries will compete in track and field events at the Chaoyang Sports Centre in Beijing. The competition kicks off today, and runs until Sunday.
Beijing is using the event as a dry run for the 2008 Summer Games.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Free Press For The Beijing Olympics 2008
The Chinese have announced that China will guarantee the freedom of foreign journalists to cover news in China during the games.
Jiang Xiaoyu, Executive Vice-President of the Beijing Olympic Committee, said that Beijing has:
"..made a solemn promise to provide the service necessary for the media during the Olympic Games.
If there is any conflict between the Chinese media rules and those of international practice, China will follow the International Olympic Committee (IOC) guidelines as well as the established norms of international practice."
Liu Qi, President of the Beijing Olympics Organising Committee, last September also made a similar undertaking.
Jiang stated that all foreign journalists, not just those who are accredited by the IOC, will enjoy free access to news coverage during the Olympic Games.
However, he noted that foreign journalists need to abide by Chinese rules and understand the "national conditions" of China.
Jiang Xiaoyu, Executive Vice-President of the Beijing Olympic Committee, said that Beijing has:
"..made a solemn promise to provide the service necessary for the media during the Olympic Games.
If there is any conflict between the Chinese media rules and those of international practice, China will follow the International Olympic Committee (IOC) guidelines as well as the established norms of international practice."
Liu Qi, President of the Beijing Olympics Organising Committee, last September also made a similar undertaking.
Jiang stated that all foreign journalists, not just those who are accredited by the IOC, will enjoy free access to news coverage during the Olympic Games.
However, he noted that foreign journalists need to abide by Chinese rules and understand the "national conditions" of China.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Beijing Environmental Standards
The Chinese state that they expect that Beijing will meet environmental standards for clean air for athletes in the 2008 Olympic Games.
Beijing expects to keep sulphur dioxide levels down to an acceptable level for over half of the year, which would allow the air to meet an international standard of "moderate" or better.
Unfortunately China uses coal as its primary source of energy, this makes it the world's largest producer of sulfur dioxide pollution. Add in the construction sites and car pollution, and the ability to meet this target comes into question.
That being said it is more than likely that, if required, there will be some form of political "fudge" to enable the Games to go ahead.
Money comes first.
Beijing expects to keep sulphur dioxide levels down to an acceptable level for over half of the year, which would allow the air to meet an international standard of "moderate" or better.
Unfortunately China uses coal as its primary source of energy, this makes it the world's largest producer of sulfur dioxide pollution. Add in the construction sites and car pollution, and the ability to meet this target comes into question.
That being said it is more than likely that, if required, there will be some form of political "fudge" to enable the Games to go ahead.
Money comes first.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Olympic Failure
Following on in the true spirit of the Games, ie it's the money not the sport that counts, over a dozen government officials and executives from major property and construction companies have been detained/questioned by Chinese officials as they investigate Liu Zhihua the ex vice mayor of Beijing responsible for 2008 Olympic projects.
Liu Zhihua oversaw much of the $40BN being spent on the Beijing Olympics. This means that many people are very nervous as to what will be uncovered.
Liu was dismissed in early June for corrupt acts, there is also an explicit six-hour videotape of Liu cavorting with prostitutes in Hong Kong that was sent to Chinese leaders.
Chinese leaders have told the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that the Games would be a fine example of environmental protection, cultural preservation and government openness.
Unfortunately the reality is a little different.
In the rush to build the Olympic infrastructure vast swathes of old Beijing have been knocked down, despite the protest of the residents.
The air quality in Beijing is the worst in five years, leading many to question the city's development model.
Funny that the IOC remain silent on all of this?
Liu Zhihua oversaw much of the $40BN being spent on the Beijing Olympics. This means that many people are very nervous as to what will be uncovered.
Liu was dismissed in early June for corrupt acts, there is also an explicit six-hour videotape of Liu cavorting with prostitutes in Hong Kong that was sent to Chinese leaders.
Chinese leaders have told the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that the Games would be a fine example of environmental protection, cultural preservation and government openness.
Unfortunately the reality is a little different.
In the rush to build the Olympic infrastructure vast swathes of old Beijing have been knocked down, despite the protest of the residents.
The air quality in Beijing is the worst in five years, leading many to question the city's development model.
Funny that the IOC remain silent on all of this?
Monday, July 31, 2006
Couch Potatoes
Beijing residents have said that TV will be the most important medium for them to experience the Beijing 2008 Olympics, followed by newspaper and radio.
Those are the survey results released by researchers from the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences (BASS).
Approximately 85% of those surveyed said they would watch the Games on TV, while 42% would use newspapers and 35% would listen to the radio.
Only 24% would go to the sports venues.
Over half of those surveyed, 52%, said that high prices would prohibit them from buying tickets to events.
The results are published in the book "The Social Development Report of China's Capital (2006)".
Those are the survey results released by researchers from the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences (BASS).
Approximately 85% of those surveyed said they would watch the Games on TV, while 42% would use newspapers and 35% would listen to the radio.
Only 24% would go to the sports venues.
Over half of those surveyed, 52%, said that high prices would prohibit them from buying tickets to events.
The results are published in the book "The Social Development Report of China's Capital (2006)".
Monday, July 24, 2006
Brown's Olympic Woes
The 2012 London Olympic Games appear to be mired in controversy even though they are still six years away.
Gordon Brown, Chancellor of The Exchequer, is being held to account by MP's over allegations that he has held private meetings with Bechtel, a firm trying to win the right to build the Olympic Games site in east London.
Bechtel, a controversial US construction giant, is one of four groups hoping to win the multi-million-pound contract.
Liberal Democrat MP Don Foster has tabled questions over the issue in the Commons, which are due to be answered today.
The Treasury admitted that it is overseeing the Olympic procurement process.
Foster said:
"There is now clear evidence that the Treasury is going to be involved in the decision over who is the main contractor for the London 2012 Olympics.
In the light of John Prescott's dealings with Philip Anschutz, it is even more vital that the Treasury admits whether it has met with any companies or representatives of those vying to become the 2012 delivery partner."
Bechtel has been called by some "the working arm of the CIA". It was the first firm the US government turned to when it awarded contracts to rebuild Iraq. It is also the British government's favourite contractor, and has advised the Treasury on nuclear energy as well as working on the Channel Tunnel rail link, the Jubilee line and the West Coast Main Line rail upgrade.
Bechtel is currently tarnished by the costliest road project in American history - Boston's 'Big Dig' road tunnel - which this month was hit by the biggest scandal of its troubled history after a concrete roof collapsed, killing a woman.
Needless to say, the budget for the Games is spiralling out of control. It is likely that by the time the Games are held, the costs will exceed £10BN.
Gordon Brown, Chancellor of The Exchequer, is being held to account by MP's over allegations that he has held private meetings with Bechtel, a firm trying to win the right to build the Olympic Games site in east London.
Bechtel, a controversial US construction giant, is one of four groups hoping to win the multi-million-pound contract.
Liberal Democrat MP Don Foster has tabled questions over the issue in the Commons, which are due to be answered today.
The Treasury admitted that it is overseeing the Olympic procurement process.
Foster said:
"There is now clear evidence that the Treasury is going to be involved in the decision over who is the main contractor for the London 2012 Olympics.
In the light of John Prescott's dealings with Philip Anschutz, it is even more vital that the Treasury admits whether it has met with any companies or representatives of those vying to become the 2012 delivery partner."
Bechtel has been called by some "the working arm of the CIA". It was the first firm the US government turned to when it awarded contracts to rebuild Iraq. It is also the British government's favourite contractor, and has advised the Treasury on nuclear energy as well as working on the Channel Tunnel rail link, the Jubilee line and the West Coast Main Line rail upgrade.
Bechtel is currently tarnished by the costliest road project in American history - Boston's 'Big Dig' road tunnel - which this month was hit by the biggest scandal of its troubled history after a concrete roof collapsed, killing a woman.
Needless to say, the budget for the Games is spiralling out of control. It is likely that by the time the Games are held, the costs will exceed £10BN.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Six Kidnapped Officials Released
Gunmen who kidnapped 30 people from an Iraqi Olympics Committee meeting in Baghdad have released six.
Two sports officials, a former shooting champion and a retired soccer player, and four bodyguards are among those freed a day after being snatched.
However, the fate of the others remains unknown.
Two sports officials, a former shooting champion and a retired soccer player, and four bodyguards are among those freed a day after being snatched.
However, the fate of the others remains unknown.
Friday, July 14, 2006
The cost of the London Olympic Games in 2012 will balloon from the budgeted £1.5BN, to an whopping £5BN. This being the result of reappraisals of facilities, costs and the proposals for redeveloping the Lea Valley, where the games are to be held.
This of course is merely the start of "budget creep", you can rest assured that by the time the Olympics are held the budget will have broken the £10BN level.
Politicians should never be allowed anywhere near a budget.
This of course is merely the start of "budget creep", you can rest assured that by the time the Olympics are held the budget will have broken the £10BN level.
Politicians should never be allowed anywhere near a budget.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
The Olympics Lottery
The British lottery operator, Camelot, has announced that it will launch a new twice-weekly game to raise money for the 2012 London Olympics.
Tickets for the Dream Number game, priced at £1, will go on sale from July 13. Draws will take place on Saturdays and Wednesdays, alongside the main lottery game.
Camelot is hoping to raise £1.5BN, to help build stadia and the Olympic village.
Camelot will of course also make a profit out of this.
Tickets for the Dream Number game, priced at £1, will go on sale from July 13. Draws will take place on Saturdays and Wednesdays, alongside the main lottery game.
Camelot is hoping to raise £1.5BN, to help build stadia and the Olympic village.
Camelot will of course also make a profit out of this.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Olympics Party
One year on since winning the rights to host the 2012 Olympic Games, London will be holding a celebration party this Thursday in Trafalgar Square.
The party will kick off a national roadshow, aimed at generating interest in the Olympics and explaining the benefits of hosting the Games to the rest of the country.
People will get the chance to try out Olympic sports such as fencing, rowing, cycling, basketball, wheelchair basketball and sprinting.
The party will kick off a national roadshow, aimed at generating interest in the Olympics and explaining the benefits of hosting the Games to the rest of the country.
People will get the chance to try out Olympic sports such as fencing, rowing, cycling, basketball, wheelchair basketball and sprinting.
Monday, July 03, 2006
London Olympics On Target
Lord Coe, head of the London 2012 Olympics, has insisted that everything is on target and that deadlines will be met.
This in spite of the ongoing Wembley stadium fiasco.
Well he would say that, wouldn't he?
This in spite of the ongoing Wembley stadium fiasco.
Well he would say that, wouldn't he?
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Water Shortage Hits London Olympics
As unlikely as it seems, given the image of London as being fog bound and perpetually wet, the 2012 Olympic Games in London could be hit by water shortages.
That will be the case, unless Thames Water (the company that leaks/wastes vast quantities of water because it does not fix its pipes) gets its act together in time.
Labour MP Harry Cohen said that Thames Water's network lost 894 million litres a day, enough to fill 350 Olympic swimming pools.
Cohen said that the company's claim that it is doing all it can to tackle the problem was "a fib".
Quote:
"If we don't get this right, we will also have drought order restrictions in the lead up and during the 2012 Olympics and that would be to the detriment of those Games."
The good news is that Thames Water's profits leapt to £346M last year.
That will be the case, unless Thames Water (the company that leaks/wastes vast quantities of water because it does not fix its pipes) gets its act together in time.
Labour MP Harry Cohen said that Thames Water's network lost 894 million litres a day, enough to fill 350 Olympic swimming pools.
Cohen said that the company's claim that it is doing all it can to tackle the problem was "a fib".
Quote:
"If we don't get this right, we will also have drought order restrictions in the lead up and during the 2012 Olympics and that would be to the detriment of those Games."
The good news is that Thames Water's profits leapt to £346M last year.
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