Author: Christine Druce, Civil Aviation Senior Consultant, VEGA

Introduction
Through the dual effect of astronomical fuel prices and decreases in passenger loads primarily caused by recession-like conditions in both the US and Europe, the aviation industry is facing its biggest challenge yet.

Already in 2008 at least 25 airlines have ceased operations,. There have also been profit warnings from prominent airlines, along with announcements of schedule reductions, staff cuts and grounding of aircraft as a means of managing spiraling fuel costs.
Read more: The Aviation Industry is in turmoil…yet opportunities exist
Blyk announces further European expansion … Germany, Spain and Belgium to go live in 2009 …

Core Facts

• Blyk, the new mobile network for 16-24 year olds funded by advertising, announces its next wave of European expansion into Germany, Spain and Belgium in 2009, following its announcement to enter the Dutch market earlier this year. Blyk’s rapid expansion is subsequent to its UK success where members embraced the Blyk concept so quickly that its annual member targets of 100,000 were reached six months ahead of schedule, establishing it as a powerful new media for connecting advertisers with young people.
Read more: Blyk announces further European expansion …Germany, Spain and Belgium to go live
Delivering more for less is the prediction of CIO Connect membership

25th June 2008, London, UK – IT managers predict they will be under even more pressure to deliver more for less next year, new research from CIO Connect revealed this week. In a survey carried out ahead of CIO Connect’s annual Team Connect conference for IT Managers in London on July 1st, managers confirmed they will have to batten down the hatches in the coming 12-18 months, as board-level executives demand IT departments focus on driving more value from existing infrastructure.

When asked what would impact most on the role and structure of the IS Department until the end of 2009, respondents predicted executive demands for increased value (80%), increased focus on business processes and process efficiency (73%) and executive demands for cost containment (71%).
Read more: IT Managers Batten Down the Hatches for the Year Ahead
Sigma Systems selected by Suddenlink Communications to power advanced IP voice services for small and medium business

Toronto, ON – June 25, 2008 – Suddenlink Communications (www.suddenlink.com) and Sigma Systems (www.sigma-systems.com) today announced that they are extending their long-standing relationship to power a new addition to the Suddenlink services portfolio: Advanced Commercial VoIP services for small and medium businesses (SMB). Sigma was selected based on its successful multi-year track record in fulfilling all VoIP and high-speed data services for Suddenlink’s residential customers.

“Suddenlink’s advanced commercial VoIP services will provide value-added capabilities and reduce communication expenses for our SMB customers,” said Kevin Stephens, Senior Vice President of Commercial and Advertising Operations for Suddenlink Communications.
Read more: Sigma Systems selected by Suddenlink Communications to power advanced IP voice
June 24th

Petrostar to Commence Drilling Bakken Oil Play in SE Saskatchewan

Petrostar Petroleum Corporation (TSX VENTURE:PEP)(FRANKFURT:LMQ) (\"Petrostar\" or the \"Company\") announces that it has finalized its agreement with its Joint-Venture partner on leases that are located in the Bakken Oil Play, in SE Saskatchewan.

Petrostar will drill three initial wells in what we believe are three new pools of Bakken Oil in SE Saskatchewan.

Upon the success of each of these wells, the joint venture will be expanded to nine or more additional wells to develop these three pools and any additional pools that can be identified.

The drilling locations have been surveyed and permitting applications submitted, which are anticipated to be approved on or before June 30, 2008. Petrostar, as operator, has contracted the services of Terroco Drilling Ltd. for a drilling rig and other ancillary services to initiate drilling as soon as the permits are received.
Read more: Petrostar Petroleum Corporation ( PEP )