Latest news with #ACAP
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Canadian Airports Council Response to the Competition Bureau's Airline Market Report
OTTAWA, ON, /CNW/ - Canadian airports are in a period of growth and investment. More of us want to travel by air and our entire air travel ecosystem is growing, innovating and investing to support increased demand. We fully agree that in a country of Canada's size, air travel is not a luxury, but a necessity. The right set of policy recommendations could help unlock more growth and development. Today's report highlights challenges and provides a timely opportunity to assess the current state of the aviation ecosystem and chart a collaborative path forward. In the view of Canada's airports, the recommendations in the report could be more focused in areas that will actually drive growth and air service for communities. "Cabotage is not the answer to competition in a country as sparse and large as Canada. A foreign carrier is not going to service our smallest towns and thin volume routes," noted Monette Pasher, President of Canadian Airports Council. "We need to package the right policy solution for the specific problem at hand." Canada's airports have been working with government and industry stakeholders to identify practical, policy-driven solutions to ensure that our country remains competitive, connected and prepared to meet the challenges of a shifting global environment. Airports compete for air service globally and support a competitive marketplace. Airports of all sizes are investing in innovations and infrastructure to make their operations more predictable, more sustainable, more safe and more efficient. These airports will need to invest $28-billion over the next decade to keep up with growth and support the communities they serve, which depend on air services for economic opportunity, access to healthcare and social connectivity. Facilitating this growth requires a supportive air policy ecosystem. Airports have put forward a set of policy recommendations for the government to consider this year, including: Extend airport leases by 50 years so they can unlock growth on airport campuses; Establish a Regional Air Connectivity Fund to support equitable air access in remote and northern regions; Support airport infrastructure development through projects of national significance and trade diversification programs; and Recapitalize the Airport Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) to $150-million annually in order to support regional, rural and northern airports with safety infrastructure. This report does recognize that Canada's airline sector is more competitive than it has been in a decade. Major airports are seeing increased demand for direct flights and more diverse consumer needs in terms of destinations and services. This will support competition as we develop innovative infrastructure to improve productivity and meet demand. Canada's airports appreciated the opportunity to engage in this dialogue and feed in to these topics, which are important for the connective tissue of our country. There is a clear focus on strengthening a sector that is vital to our economy, our communities and our global competitiveness. About the Canadian Airports Council The Canadian Airports Council (CAC), a division of Airports Council International-North America, is the voice for Canada's airports community. Its 60 members represent more than 100 airports, including all of the privately-operated National Airports System (NAS) airports and many municipal airports across Canada. Canada's airports support 435,800 jobs, provide $32.9 billion in annual wages, generate $49.6 billion in GDP and produce $123.5 billion of annual economic output.
Time Business News
3 days ago
- Time Business News
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit Guide: TIMS & ACAP Explained
Introduction Planning an Annapurna Base Camp trek requires proper permits. Every trekker needs two permits to visit this popular Nepal destination. These permits are the TIMS card and the ACAP permit. This guide explains everything you need to know about getting these important documents. You need two main permits for the Annapurna Base Camp trek: TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) Permit Both permits are mandatory for all trekkers. Trekking without these permits can result in fines or being turned away from checkpoints. TIMS stands for Trekkers' Information Management System. It helps track trekkers for safety purposes. The system helps authorities locate trekkers in case of emergencies. Here are key details about the TIMS card: Cost : $10 for individual trekkers, $5 per person for group trekkers : $10 for individual trekkers, $5 per person for group trekkers Validity : One entry, valid for a single trek : One entry, valid for a single trek Where to get it : Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara : Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara Required documents: Passport, passport-sized photos, and filled form The TIMS card contains your personal information. It also has your emergency contact details. Always carry it with you during your Annapurna Base Camp trek. The ACAP permit allows entry to the Annapurna Conservation Area. This protected region covers most Annapurna trekking routes. Your permit fee helps with conservation efforts. Here's what you need to know: Cost : 3,000 NPR (approximately $25) for foreign nationals : 3,000 NPR (approximately $25) for foreign nationals Validity : Valid for the duration of your trek : Valid for the duration of your trek Where to get it : Same offices as TIMS (Nepal Tourism Board) : Same offices as TIMS (Nepal Tourism Board) Required documents: Passport and one passport-sized photo The ACAP permit helps protect the natural environment. It funds local development projects and wildlife conservation initiatives. Getting your permits is straightforward. You can get both at the same time. Follow these simple steps: Visit the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara Bring your passport and passport photos (2-3 copies) Fill out the application forms (available at the office) Pay the fees in local currency Receive your permits on the spot Most trekking agencies can arrange permits for you. This service often adds a small handling fee. Getting permits yourself saves money but takes time. You'll encounter several checkpoints during your Annapurna Base Camp trek. The main ones are: Birethanti (first TIMS checkpoint) Tikhedhunga (ACAP checkpoint) Ghorepani (permit verification) Chhomrong (final major checkpoint) Officials will check and stamp your permits at these points. Keep your permits accessible in a waterproof bag or pouch. Recent updates to the permit system include: Slight fee increases for both permits Digital registration system at major checkpoints New requirement to carry a physical copy despite digital registration Additional checkpoints added on some routes These changes aim to improve trekker safety and environmental protection. Here are some helpful tips about permits: Get permits before starting your trek Keep permits in a waterproof container Make photocopies as backups Register at every checkpoint you pass Respect local regulations and guidelines Following these tips ensures a smooth trekking experience in the Annapurna region. Proper permits are essential for your Annapurna Base Camp trek. The TIMS card and ACAP permit support safety and conservation efforts. The process is simple and can be completed in one day. These permits protect both trekkers and the stunning natural environment. Start your trek preparations early. Get your permits sorted before heading to the trailhead. This avoids delays and ensures a worry-free trekking adventure in the magnificent Annapurna region. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
ACAP third-grade test results released — how Baldwin and Mobile schools scored (complete list)
Editor's note: News 5 has added the full ACAP 2024-2025 results. A previous version of this article included a prior year's results. We regret the error. MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — The Alabama Comprehensive Assessment of Progress third-grade scores have been released by the Alabama State Department of Education. Santa Rosa County woman accused of attacking husband with hammer now in memory care facility According to the results, Orange Beach and Satsuma city schools are the only school districts in the viewing area that had 100% of their students make above the cut-off score, which is 444. The 2019 Alabama Literacy Act was created to help improve reading skills and ensure that students are reading on grade level by the end of the third grade. In Mobile County, 3,891 third-graders were tested, with 626 of those being below grade level and 3,265 being on or above grade level. As for Baldwin County, 2,395 third-grade students took the assessment. 246 students scored below level and 2,149 students scored on or above level. Mobile secures historic funding for affordable housing The scores can be found on the spreadsheet below. RD_SP_2025612_ACAP-Reading_v1.0_80983eDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Alabama third grade reading scores show growth
Tracie West, the Alabama State Board of Education District 2 representative, looks at a bar graph as State Superintendent Eric Mackey presents the 2024 Alabama Comprehensive Assessment of Progress reading scores at the board's June work session in the Gordon Persons Building in Montgomery, Alabama on June 12, 2025. The scores revealed that Alabama's third graders have improved since the 2023-2024 school year. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector) Alabama third grade students appeared to improve on a test of reading comprehension last year despite a slight increase in testing standards, according to numbers released by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) on Thursday. According to the department, a smaller percentage of students who took the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment of Progress (ACAP) fell below the score considered 'sufficient' for grade-level reading. The ALSDE said 13.7% of third graders fell below the mark, known as the cut-off score, in the 2024-25 school year. That was an improvement over the 2023-24 year, when 20.8% of third graders tested fell below the cut score. The state increased the cut score from 435 to 444 in October. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX According to a Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) report, a student can score between 270 and 740 on the exam. 473 is the grade level score, but the lowered cut score allows for more statistical confidence that the correct students will be retained. According to the data, 6,470 third-graders scored below 444 out of the 55,930 that were tested (11.57%). 'If we take the current cut score and then apply it to last year's data and the data before, you see that we would have seen growth,' Alabama State Schools Superintendent Eric Mackey said during a meeting of the Alabama State Board of Education on Thursday. 'So that tells me that not only do we have 11.6% below grade level, but we are seeing growth across the board.' The 2019 Alabama Literacy Act requires students reading on grade level by the end of third grade. Students who fall short on the test and don't meet an alternative requirement can be held back. The cut score will increase to 454 for the 2026-27 school year. The data also showed that 44 schools around the state had no students score below the 444 cut off on the test. Mackey said only two school systems had no students score below a 444. 'So we're excited to see that,' he said. 'A lot of them tested around the mid 90s, but we do have some districts that are around 70% still, and so we're working on that.' One of those systems was Orange Beach City Schools in Baldwin County. Randy Wilkes, the superintendent of the system, said in a statement the score reflects the dedication of the system's teachers and leadership. This is the second year in a row the system had 100% of students scoring above the cut off, even with the increased cut score. 'It's a signal that every child in our district is being prepared for long-term academic success,' Wilkes said. 'We believe that strong readers become strong learners. Our goal is not only to meet the standard but to set it.' Satsuma City Schools in Mobile County was the other system to record all students reading at a sufficient level or higher. A message seeking comment from Superintendent Dana Price was left Thursday afternoon. Although the number of students scoring above 'sufficient' reading improved, Mackey said that the students between the cut score and grade-level scores are not necessarily proficient in reading. 'They're reading on grade level statistically, but they are so close that they could easily slip below grade level the next year. So we want parents to know that,' Mackey said. 'We don't want them to think that because their students were promoted to the fourth grade, that they're in the clear.' Montgomery County's Chisholm Elementary School had the highest percentage of third grade students scoring below a 444 at 47.25%. The school reported testing 91 students, so 43 of those scored below the cut score. Huntsville City's McDonnell Elementary School is the second lowest, with only 75 students tested, at 41.33% of students scoring below a 444. Bessemer City's Charles F Hard Elementary School tested 55 students with 22 scoring below a 444, the third lowest percentage. Bessemer City Schools has been under state intervention for almost a year.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
New Tesla sales in Spain, Portugal fall in May, while other EV sales soar
HighlightsNew Tesla car sales in Portugal dropped by 36% in the first five months of 2025, according to the country's automobile industry association, the Automóvel de Portugal (ACAP). In Spain, Tesla experienced a 29% year-on-year decline in sales for May 2025, while overall sales of electric vehicles, including hybrids, surged by 72%, as reported by the Spanish Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers (ANFAC). The decline in Tesla sales across Europe is attributed to factors including limited model availability, increased competition from European and Chinese brands, and the controversial political positions of CEO Elon Musk, which have alienated some potential buyers. Tesla's new car sales in Spain and Portugal fell in May from the same month in 2024, registration data released by industry groups in both countries showed on Monday, while sales of electric cars from other brands soared. The U.S. EV maker sold 794 cars in Spain and 292 cars in Portugal in May, year-on-year drops of 29% and 68%, respectively. Over the first five months of 2025, sales of Tesla cars in Spain fell 19% from the same period of 2024. Total sales of electrified vehicles, a category that includes both fully electric vehicles and hybrids, were up 72%, ANFAC said. New Tesla sales in the first five months of the year fell 36% in Portugal, the country's automobile industry association ACAP said. Sales of Tesla cars have continued to fall in Europe as CEO Elon Musk's embrace of far-right parties puts off buyers, adding to pressure from a limited range of models and increased competition from European and Chinese brands. Musk left U.S. President Donald Trump's administration last week. He has said he will resume working '24/7' at his companies. In Spain, sales of Chinese automakers BYD, MG and Omoda were up 745%, 87% and 213%, respectively, so far this year, ANFAC's report showed.
