EoW September 2007

The International Magazine for the Wire and Cable Industries

Jobs, work and more! A nything that leads to an increase in work and jobs – directly or otherwise – has to be good news for the wire and cable industry. Whilst in America the ISM (Institute for Supply Management) factory index grew during June at the fatest pace in more than a year – a clear indicator of growth in the American economy – it is the‘open skies’agreement between the US and Europe that is also likely to boost the coffers and put thousands of workers into employment. The first phase comes into effect next year and, in essence, should provide a massive boost to transatlantic business and travellers. In a nutshell the agreement opens up air travel between the US and Europe, increasing compe- tition and decreasing fares. All restrictions are to be lifted on landing rights for European airlines in the US and vice versa. US and European aircraft will be able to fly into each other’s airports and proceed to other destinations without having to return to the home hub, eliminating the limitation on the number of flight destinations. London’s Heathrow – the main hub of British Airways – may no longer restrict landing rights to only two British and two US airlines. This effectively ends the domination by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic – and by the US carriers American Airlines and United Airlines – of the lucrative route between London Heathrow and New York’s John F Kennedy aiport. Landing rights are to be awarded by competitive bidding. European Union nationals may now hold more than 50% ownership of a US airline. Landing rights in the US are granted to any airline owned or controlled by EU citizens registered in non-EU countries, including 18 countries in Africa. European airlines may now, for the first time, participate in the so-called ‘Fly America’ programme and carry US government officials – with the exception of the Department of Defense – and operate certain cargo flights. All this is expected to create around 80,000 jobs on both sides of the Atlantic while the cargo transportation market will also see an upsurge in freight haulage, creating a further 5,000- 9,000 jobs.

* US$28 purchase only Front cover: Travar SpA See page 124 for further details E ditor :.......................................David Bell F eatures E ditor (USA) :........Dorothy Fabian E ditorial A ssistant :..............Christian Bradley D esign /P roduction :..............Julie Tomlin P roduction :.............................Lisa Benjamin S ales M anager :......................Paul Browne S ales & M arketing :...............Giuliana Benedetto (I nternational ) Italian speaking sales Hendrike Griffin German speaking sales Linda Li A dvertisement C oordinator :...........................Liz Hughes A ccounts M anager :..............Richard Babbedge S ubscriptions :.........................Liz Hughes P ublisher :.................................Caroline Sullens F ounder :...................................John C Hogg Chinese speaking sales Jeroo Vandrevala Indian sales

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