December 2021 – Page 3

December 28, 2021

JETEX TRIUMPHS AT WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jetex has received three prestigious recognitions at the World Travel Awards Grand Final:

• World’s Leading Private Jet Experience;

• World’s Leading FBO Brand; and

• World’s Leading Private Jet Terminal for Jetex Paris.

Jetex, an award-winning global leader in executive aviation, triumphed at the 28th annual World Travel Awards. Established in 1993, World Travel Awards acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, they are recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. The voting process is online and engages qualified executives working within travel and tourism and the consumer travel buyer.

Jetex private terminals were voted the world’s number one, which isn’t the first time they won the top accolade since the first Jetex FBO opened in 2009. Paris Le Bourget is the busiest private jet airport in Europe and Jetex Paris has set a gold standard for the highest levels of comfort and efficiency both for passengers and crews. In August, it enjoyed global media limelight when hundreds of football fans cheered the arrival of Lionel Messi at Jetex Paris to join Paris Saint-Germain. Today, it has been voted the World’s Leading Private Jet Terminal.

In 2021, Jetex has further improved the entire travel journey to let travelers enjoy a safer and more seamless experience across all 34 international locations. It all contributed to Jetex being recognized for having implemented the World’s Leading Private Jet Experience, from departure to arrival. From the superior comfort of luxurious lounges and exceptional hospitality to the highest levels of aircraft handing expertise and on-time performance, Jetex FBOs around the globe continue leading the industry.

“At Jetex, we strive to enhance our products and guest experience to ensure we are delivering the industry’s highest standards and leading the way when it comes to innovation. We are honored that these awards have been voted for by travel and tourism professionals and consumers worldwide, and on behalf of the entire Jetex family, we extend our sincerest thanks to our partners and passengers worldwide,” said Adel Mardini, Founder and CEO of Jetex.

Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, commented: “Jetex represents the very best of the private aviation universe and I congratulate them on these achievements. It plays a leading role in spearheading the executive aviation sector, facilitating seamless cross-border travel during the most trying times.”

Best known for the dramatic transformation of the FBO model, Jetex works closely with leading designers to create bright and airy terminals with luxury amenities ranging from entertainment lounges to lush outdoor gardens and state-of-the-art flight support centers. The company witnessed a substantial increase in private jet movements this year across its entire network and continued to benefit from the momentum to reinforce its brand recognition and awareness, which has now been cemented as the World’s Leading FBO Brand.

About Jetex:

An award-winning global leader in executive aviation, Jetex is recognized for delivering flexible, best-in-class trip support solutions to customers worldwide. Jetex provides exceptional private terminals (FBOs), aircraft fueling, ground handling and global trip planning. The company caters to both owners and operators of business jets for corporate, commercial and personal air travel. To find out more about Jetex, visit www.jetex.com and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Attachments

Oleg Kafarov - Director of Portfolio Development & Corporate Communications
Jetex
+971 4 212 4900
teamorange@jetex.com

December 28, 2021

JETEX CHRISTMAS IN THE SKY

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — For the wealthiest of the wealthy, only the most extravagant and expensive gifts are acceptable during the holiday giving season. This inspired Jetex to design the ultimate ‘Christmas in the Sky’ private jet experience, priced USD 27,000 for up to 10 passengers.

Jetex, an award-winning global leader in executive aviation, invites the lucky few to celebrate style, taste and disposable income with one brilliant idea: a glamorous Christmas onboard a private jet soaring high in the festive skies.

The magical journey will commence with the passengers picked-up by a chauffeur limousine from their residence or hotel and driven in style to Dubai’s iconic Jetex VIP Terminal. Upon arrival, they will be welcomed by not one, but 28 spectacular Christmas trees lined up in front of the terminal dressed in more than 15,000 lights as well as Jetex ambassadors who will take care of seamless departure formalities.

This season, the flagship Jetex terminal is a festive wonderland in its own right: from exquisite decorations and live musicians to carefully selected Dom Pérignon vintages paired with caviar and gourmet refreshments to delight the senses. Kids will be welcomed by Santa Klaus who will look after them and let them discover the magnificently decorated Christmas trees and Insta-worthy entertainment facilities of the world’s most luxurious private jet terminal. As soon as the passengers are in the mood to board, they will be driven to their private aircraft in timeless elegance in one of the Jetex Rolls-Royces.

The special flight will take two hours and the crew will select the most optimal altitude and cruising speed to ensure passengers enjoy sensational window views, including Dubai’s world-famous skyline, iconic landmarks, Arabian Gulf and the rolling dunes of the desert.

To take experience personalization further, a Jetex in-flight culinary expert will contact passengers in advance to discuss their dining preferences and design a bespoke menu which will complement many delectable festive treats offered onboard.

Once back on the ground, passengers will be invited to enjoy the rest of the evening in one of the lounges with elegant service and amenities at their leisure, as well as receive signature Jetex Christmas presents.

Adel Mardini, Founder & CEO of Jetex, commented: “Once again, Jetex redefines private jet travel experience as we celebrate the season of togetherness. ‘Christmas in the Sky’ is the epitome of luxury and festive celebrations above the clouds. Dubai is a city of superlatives and this extraordinary package is taking it to new heights. It is a perfect gift, an excellent way to discover the world of private aviation, and to create a treasured memory to cherish for years to come.”

By inviting passengers to share a delightful holiday-themed pursuit among friends and family, Jetex provides a safe, relaxed, and joyful haven of kinship and good cheer.

“Christmas in the Sky” private jet package is priced from USD 27,000 (AED 100,000) for up to 10 passengers and will be available between 24 December 2021 and 7 January 2022.

For reservations, please contact Jetex Premier Experience at experience@jetex.com.

– END –

About Jetex:

Attachment

JETEX CHRISTMAS IN THE SKY

Oleg Kafarov - Director of Portfolio Development & Corporate Communications
Jetex
+971 4 212 4900
teamorange@jetex.com

December 28, 2021

China Slams US Over Space Station’s ‘Close Encounters’ With SpaceX Satellites

Beijing on Tuesday accused the United States of irresponsible and unsafe conduct in space over two “close encounters” between the Chinese space station and satellites operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Tiangong, China’s new space station, had to maneuver to avoid colliding with one Starlink satellite in July and another in October, according to a note submitted by Beijing to the United Nations space agency this month.

The note said the incidents “constituted dangers to the life or health of astronauts aboard the China Space Station.”

“The U.S. … ignores its obligations under international treaties, posing a serious threat to the lives and safety of astronauts,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a routine briefing on Tuesday.

Starlink, a division of SpaceX, operates a constellation of close to 2,000 satellites that aims to provide internet access to most parts of Earth.

SpaceX is a private American company, independent of the U.S. military and civilian space agency, NASA.

But China said in its note to the U.N. that members of the Outer Space Treaty — the foundation of international space law — are also responsible for actions by their nongovernment entities.

Addressing reporters, U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price declined to respond specifically to the Chinese accusations.

“We have encouraged all countries with space programs to be responsible actors, to avoid acts that may put in danger astronauts, cosmonauts, others who are orbiting the Earth or who have the potential to,” Price said.

SpaceX has not responded to a request for comment.

Evasive maneuvers to reduce the risk of collisions in space are becoming more frequent as more objects enter Earth’s orbit, said Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

“We’ve really noticed the increase in the number of close passes since Starlink started getting deployed,” he told AFP.

Any collision would likely “completely demolish” the Chinese space station and kill everyone on board, McDowell added.

The core module of China’s station Tiangong — meaning “heavenly palace” — entered orbit earlier this year, and it is expected to become fully operational next year.

‘Prepare to boycott Tesla’

Beijing’s complaint about Starlink prompted criticism on Chinese social media of SpaceX’s billionaire founder Musk, who is widely admired in China.

One hashtag about the topic on the Twitter-like Weibo platform racked up 90 million views Tuesday.

“How ironic that Chinese people buy Tesla, contributing large sums of money so Musk can launch Starlink, and then he (nearly) crashes into China’s space station,” one user commented.

Musk’s electric car maker Tesla sells tens of thousands of vehicles in China each month, though the firm’s reputation has taken a hit this year following a spate of crashes, scandals and data security concerns.

“Prepare to boycott Tesla,” said another Weibo user, echoing a common response in China to foreign brands perceived to be acting contrary to national interests.

Source: Voice of America

December 28, 2021

The Euro: How It Started 20 Years Ago

As Europe rang in the New Year 20 years ago, 12 of its nations said goodbye to their deutschmarks, French francs, liras and pesetas as they welcomed the euro single currency.

On January 1, 2002, euro notes and coins became a reality for some 300 million people from Athens to Dublin, three years after the currency was formally launched in “virtual” form.

Here is a recap of the event, drawn from AFP reporting at the time:

In a far cry from the austere New Year’s celebrations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic 20 years later, fireworks, music and lights blazed at midnight into the early morning of January 1, 2002, to mark the biggest monetary switch in history.

AFP reported that many people passed on their traditional New Year’s Eve parties, choosing instead to queue up at cash dispensers in their enthusiasm to get hold of the first pristine euro notes.

In Berlin, Germans said hello to the euro and goodbye to their beloved mark at a special ceremony at the Brandenburg Gate, as up to 1 million people thronged the streets for the traditional giant New Year’s Eve street party there.

The euro cash was also a hit in the coffee shops and red-light district of Amsterdam.

Irish revelers were, however, less in a hurry to welcome the euro, continuing to pay for Guinness, Ireland’s favorite tipple, in the national currency, leaving the headache of the changeover until the next day.

As many feared, the euro switch provoked sporadic price hikes across Europe.

From Spanish bus tickets, which jumped by 33%, to a Finnish bazaar, where “everything for 10 markka (1.68 euros)” was now “everything for two euros,” many price tags were a bit heftier since the single currency became legal tender.

The European Central Bank president at the time, Wim Duisenberg, who warned merchants not to take advantage of the euro launch to increase prices, said he had not seen signs of widespread abuse.

“When I bought a Big Mac and a strawberry milkshake this week it cost 4.45 euros, which is exactly the same amount as I paid for the same meal last week,” Duisenberg told reporters.

Europe surprised itself with the almost glitch-free transition to the single currency, AFP reported.

The Germans — reputedly skeptical about the single currency and nostalgic for their mark — turned out to be among the most enthusiastic.

An editorial in the popular German tabloid Bild proclaimed: “Our new money is moving full speed ahead. No problems whatsoever in saying adieu to the mark, no tears to be shed.”

Initial “europhoria” was, however, tempered as a few hiccups appeared, such as cash shortages and long lines in banks, post offices and at toll booths.

France urged citizens to not rush all at once to the banks with their savings, often hoarded under mattresses and in jam jars, since they had until June 30 to get rid of their francs at commercial banks and until 2012 at the Bank of France.

And the European Commission reported minor problems in getting small euro bills and coins distributed in most countries.

Duisenberg said, however, he was sure that January 1, 2002, would be written into history books as the start of a new European era.

Source: Voice of America

December 27, 2021

Un ancien dignitaire marocain lance un nouveau livre sur la voie du développement de la Chine à Pékin

PÉKIN, 27 décembre 2021 /PRNewswire/ — L’édition française du nouveau livre de Fathallah Oualalou, ancien ministre de l’économie et des finances du Maroc, ancien ministre de l’économie et des finances du Maroc, chercheur supérieur au Centre de politique pour le nouveau Sud, économiste, intitulé « La Chine et l’espace arabo-africain» a été publiée en France. L’auteur considère que les Nouvelles routes de la soie ou plus précisément la Ceinture et la Route est sans doute un moyen de redéfinir notre monde et son équilibre, en nous permettant de mieux comprendre la relation entre l’Afrique et les pays arabes et « la Ceinture et la Route ».

L’événement est conjointement organisé par les Éditions de la Route de la Soie et China National Publications Import and Export (Group) Co., Ltd.

Le 16 décembre 2021, le lancement du livre et le séminaire sur les « Opportunités et défis de la coopération sino-arabe et sino-africaine dans le cadre de l’initiative la Ceinture et la Route ont été organisés en ligne et hors ligne. Fathallah Oualalou; Mohammed Khalil, président de l’Association d’amitié Maroc-Chine; David Monyae, directeur du Centre d’études Afrique-Chine à l’Université de Johannesburg, Afrique du Sud; Khaled Elhaj Ahmed, sinologue et doyen du Département des langues orientales, Institut supérieur des langues, Université de Carthage, Tunisie; Sonia Bressler, rédactrice en chef des Éditions de la Route de la Soie; Mohamad Elkhatib, président de Digital Future Ltd., Xue Qingguo, professeur à l’Ecole d’études arabes de l’Université des études étrangères de Pékin (BFSU); Liu Xinlu, doyen de l’Ecole d’études arabes, BFSU; Zhang Yongpeng, chercheur à l’Institut pour l’Asie de l’Ouest et l’Afrique de l’Académie chinoise des sciences sociales ainsi que d’autres experts et universitaires chinois et étrangers ont discuté du contenu du livre.

Les intervenants au séminaire ont convenu que le livre est un ouvrage important qui montre l’initiative la Ceinture et la Route et son impact sur le continent africain et le Moyen-Orient, et qu’il constitue une réponse aux défis de la santé, de la pauvreté, de l’environnement, de la révolution technologique et du remodelage du monde. Les universitaires étrangers ont déclaré qu’une nouvelle structure mondiale se construit tranquillement dans la nouvelle situation, et que l’initiative la Ceinture et la Route apporte beaucoup d’espoir dans le processus de remodelage de la nouvelle structure mondiale, et que la Chine, comme la locomotive du développement mondial, est une force motrice qui devrait mieux participer à la construction de la nouvelle structure mondiale pour créer un avenir plus pacifique, équilibré, mutuellement bénéfique, amical et tolérant.

Le livre est d’abord publié en français, et dans l’avenir, les versions chinoise et arabe seront respectivement publiées par les Editions Guangming Daily de Chine et Digital Future Ltd. du Liban.

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December 27, 2021

Moroccan Former Statesmen’s New Book on China’s Development Path Launched in Beijing

BEIJING, Dec. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — La Chine & l‘espace arabo-africain, the French version of the book titled “China and Arabic & African Regions Pursuing the Belt and Road Initiative” authored by the Economist Fathallah Oualalou, Former Minister of Economy and Finance of Morocco and Senior Fellow at the Policy Center for the New South, came out in France. The author holds that the New Silk Road, or rather the Belt and Road definitely represents a way to redefine our world and the world balance and enables us to get a deeper understanding about how the African and Arabic countries relate to the Belt and Road.

On December 16, 2021, the new book launch and the seminar themed on China-Arabic and China-African Cooperation Opportunities and Challenges were held online and offline, organized by Les Éditions de la Route de la Soie and China National Publications Import and Export (Group) Co., Ltd. (CNPIEC). Fathallah Oualalou, Former Minister of Economy and Finance of Morocco, Senior Fellow at the Policy Center for the New South, Economist; Mohammed Khalil, President of Morocco-China Friendship Association; David Monyae, Director of the Center for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Khaled Elhaj Ahmed, Sinologist and Dean of the Department of Oriental Languages, the Higher Institute of Languages, Carthage University, Tunisia; Sonia Bressler, Chief Editor of Silk Road Publishing House (Les Éditions de la Route de la Soie); Mohamad Elkhatib, President of Digital Future Ltd.; Xue Qingguo, Professor of the School of Arabic Studies, Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), Director of the BFSU Zayed Center for Arabic Language and Islamic Studies, and Vice President of the Chinese Society for the Study of Arabic Literature; Liu Xinlu, Dean of the School of Arabic Studies, BFSU; and Zhang Yongpeng, Researcher of the Institute for West-Asian and African of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences among other Chinese and foreign scholars and experts discussed the contents of the book.

The speakers at the meeting agreed that it is a significant book expounding the Belt and Road Initiative and its impact upon the African continent and the Middle East, responding to the challenges related to health, poverty, environment, technological revolution and world reshaping. Overseas scholars indicate the new world landscape is taking shape under new circumstances and the Belt and Road Initiative has brought many hopes in this process. China is like a locomotive of the world’s development; it is a great driving force. It should better participate in the construction of the world landscape to usher in a more peaceful, balanced, mutually beneficial, friendly and inclusive future.

The French version of the book was first published. In the future, the Chinese version and Arabic version will also be published by Guangming Daily Press of China and Digital Future Ltd. respectively.

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