GLOBAL A
I
R
C
A
R
G
O
W
E
E
K
MANAGEMENT
A
I
R
C
A
R
G
O
W
E
E
K
WORLD AIRPORTS .COM ACW Digital is sponsored by FREIGHTERS.COM
FREIGH
FRE
tabloid page sample.indd 1
11/01/2022 14:22
The weekly newspaper for air cargo professionals No. 1,164
::
24 JANUARY 2022
EMIRATES DOES IT AGAIN!
Page 8
INSIDE
PRADAL HEAD OF CRYOSURE SALES
SEBASTIEN Pradal has joined Envirotainer as the new head of CryoSure Sales. As part of Envirotainer’s CryoSure initiative, the ... PAGE 2
CARGO DIGITAL FACTORY AND WIREMIND CARGO LAUNCH CARGOTECH E CS Group’s Cargo Digital Factory and Wiremind Cargo are co-ordinating their digital expertise under a new technology-focused and autonomous company: CargoTech. The pandemic has spotlighted the importance of digitalisation across all air cargo processes. With the launch of CargoTech, ECS Group’s in-house solution developer, Cargo Digital Factory, and the French software and data-science company, Wiremind Cargo will focus their efforts on intelligently digitalising the air cargo industry. CargoTech also supports one of the four pillars of ECS Group’s new augmented GSA concept, comprising commercial, technology, sustainability and new abilities. Based in Paris, Cargo Digital Factory and Wiremind’s newly-established dedicated cargo business unit will collaborate to digitalise as many air cargo processes as possible. Existing Cargo Digital Factory products such as its APOLLO BI and Reporting System, PATHFINDER Track & Trace solution, and QUANTUM pricing sup-
port system, and Wiremind Cargo’s shipment volume evaluation & flight planning system SKYPALLET, form the basis of CargoTech’s product portfolio. The two divisions will jointly innovate and design additional digital solutions to expand the standard product portfolio, as well as tailor individual products for all actors of the cargo supply chain: airlines, GHAs, GSAs and freight forwarders. “ECS Group and Wiremind have been business partners since June 2018. ECS became a customer of Skypallet in its early days and we helped enhance the product as a key user. We both share a common vision and ambition to digitalise the industry in a way that removes complexity and manual work and focuses completely on the user experience. “We believe that whatever can be digitised should not remain manual but are also aware that not everything can be automated. ECS Group offers solutions for both scenarios. Whatever requires human expertise is covered by our New Abilities portfolio, whereas CargoTech takes care of automating and digitalising
routine processes to reduce costs and optimise revenues while fostering innovation,” Cedric Millet, ECS Group chief strategy and digital officer, explains. “Under the CargoTech umbrella, we will enhance and develop digital products both for the benefit of our existing ECS Group customers, as well as for all other airlines in the world. Our solutions are modular, and customers can subscribe to one or several products as required.”
UPS: NEW BILLUND TO COLOGNE
A new UPS flight has introduced daily air cargo connections between Billund to Cologne, Germany. Businesses in Jutland exporting packages ... PAGE 2 WACO SCORES AT FIFA ARAB CUP
MEMBERS of The WACO System (WACO), headed by Dimotrans Group, combined collective expertise and experience to ensure the successful ... PAGE 4
Next level “Our intensified collaboration with Cargo Digital Factory will enable us to deliver more quickly on our vision of becoming a leading provider of endto-end software solutions to the air cargo market,” Nathanaël de Tarade, board member at Wiremind and CEO of Wiremind Cargo, says. “Not only will we be taking SkyPallet to the next level, but we will also be introducing new products to the market that we are developing together.”
BREXIT: ONE YEAR ON
THIS time last year, the logistics was industry facing one of the most significant changes to its operations in working memory. Brexit had ... PAGE 4
Follow Us:
aircargoweek.com
NEWS
A
Groundforce Portugal sets new record in air cargo
LAST December, Groundforce Portugal reached a new monthly maximum for handling air cargo at the airports where it operates. In total, 14,148 tonnes of cargo were handled at the company’s various terminals, in the set of import, export and transhipment activities, which represents a growth of 46% compared to December 2020. According to Groundforce: “This new maximum demonstrates the resilience and increasing importance of our customers’ air cargo business and proves Groundforce Portu-
gal’s ability to accompany them in this growth.” Air cargo continues to play a key role during the pandemic due to its ability to quickly and safely transport essential goods, such as medicines and other perishable products, and the prospects point to the business continuing to evolve positively at national airports. Groundforce Portugal is the largest handling company operating in Portugal, and provides services to aircraft, passengers and cargo at Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Funchal and Porto Santo airports.
UPS launches new Billund to Cologne A new UPS flight has introduced daily air cargo connections between Billund to Cologne, Germany. Businesses in Jutland exporting packages to Europe and the rest of the world will benefit from later pick-up times. The new flight path allows Danish businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to have greater flexibility. With collection up to two hours later in place
such as Vejle, companies can take advantage of reduced transit time for packages being exported internationally, and potentially increase time in production for goods.
“We are continuing to develop our European network to meet the growing e-Commerce demand for the region. The launch of the Billund flight will present opportunities for businesses of all sizes in Denmark to expand into global markets faster, thanks to a new connection to our global air network,” says Michiel van Veen, managing director, UPS Nordics.
STILL reading a printed copy of Air Cargo Week?
Consider switching to the digital version.
Contact subs@azurainternational.com and say you would rather read the weekly publication online. 2
ACW 24 JANUARY 2022
I
R
C
A
R
G
O
W
E
E
air cargo India put off until May MESSE Muenchen India, the organisers of air cargo India, have announced the postponement of the biennial trade show and conference for the air cargo fraternity, the new dates are May 31 – June 2, 2022 at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai. The decision was taken by the organiser owing to the current COVID-19 restrictions and was made in close consultation with all exhibitors, sponsors, industry associations and partners. Bhupinder Singh, CEO, Messe Muenchen India Pvt. Ltd. said: “We would like to thank all partners for their continued support and co-operation in making this difficult and time sensitive decision. “We are pleased that together we could have a general consensus and arrive at the new dates without affecting the plans of all involved and intended outcomes.” Glyn Hughes, director general TIACA said:
“TIACA supports the decision of Air Cargo India to postpone until May considering the current situation in India and we look forward to participating fully at that time with many international delegates. “We also look forward to welcoming delegates to the joint TIACA/Messe Muenchen event in San Francisco, scheduled for the end of March. “With the 2022 edition of air cargo India, the focus is on the future trends, sustainability, latest innovations in the air cargo industry,” said Hughes.
Swissport acquires AGS Aviation Ground Services in Aruba SWISSPORT has announced it has finalised the acquisition of AGS Aviation Ground Services in Aruba and assumes the Dutch Caribbean company’s ground handling operations at Queen Beatrix International Airport in Oranjestad (AUA). With the acquisition of AGS Aviation Ground Services, a ground handling services company first incorporated in Aruba in 1991, Swissport extends its service portfolio on the Caribbean island to include airport ground services and aviation security services. The consolidation of the Dutch Caribbean company with Swissport also adds a dozen new interna-
tional carriers from North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean region to the Swiss aviation service provider’s network of global airline customers. “Following significant regional growth in the previous year, Swissport looks forward to strengthening its footprint in the Caribbean with the acquisition of Aviation Ground Services,” said Rene Pascua, Swissport’s head and managing director for Latin America and the Caribbean. “The expansion in Aruba uniquely positions Swissport as the ground services provider of choice for all of the Dutch islands in the Leeward Antilles: Aruba,
Bonaire, and Curaçao.”
On the heels The acquisition of AGS Aviation Ground Services comes on the heels of Swissport’s purchase of Bonaire Air Services and taking over ground handling at Flamingo International Airport in 2021. Prior to 2021, Swissport provided ground handling at Curaçao International Airport. The new services in Aruba is an expansion of Swissport’s existing operations at Queen Beatrix International Airport, where the Swiss services provider currently maintains an air cargo warehouse established over 50 years ago.
Envirotainer names Pradal as head of CryoSure sales SEBASTIEN Pradal has joined Envirotainer as the new head of CryoSure Sales. “As part of Envirotainer’s CryoSure initiative, the company has developed a new role and new team, which will focus entirely on CryoSure, which is one of our main strategies in 2022. Since Sebastien Pradal has a very solid background within the Pharma supply chain, he will be a key player in the implementation of Cryosure,” says Eddy Cojulun, CSO Envirotainer.
aircargoweek.com
“I am very excited to be part of Envirotainer. With this innovative solution, it positions Envirotainer at the forefront of supporting customers with cold chain shipping challenges, enabling delivery of
critical temperature-sensitive products such as Cell and Gene Therapy and other biologics. “Helping research to advance and facilitating access to health for patients are one of our main priorities,” comments Pradal. Environtainer says CryoSyre is a “revolution” in cold chain transportation of pharmaceuticals, a -70°C solution, designed with today’s and tomorrow’s high demands in mind.
K
tabloid page sample.indd 1
04/01/2022 12:43
NEWS
A
I
R
C
A
R
G
O
W
E
E
Brexit: One year on, new challenges Andrew Austin, group operations director at Priority Freight THIS time last year, the logistics was industry facing one of the most significant changes to its operations in working memory. Brexit had introduced fundamental changes which many feared would dampen UK trade. One year on and we are entering stage two of the phased approach, with 2022 marking the introduction of full customs control on goods moving between the EU and the UK. On the face of it, these latest regulations should not be too arduous for importers as the new process is, in principle, reasonably straightforward; however, it adds to the list of additional declarations and increases the amount of supporting paperwork required. The biggest customs changes happened at the beginning of 2021 and we already have a year’s experience to draw on, so there is at least now some familiarity with the processes.
The industry was hopeful that the GVMS system already in use for transit would facilitate the smooth transition of goods through UK ports of entry in this latest development. However ready ‘we’ were, the system and some shippers and carriers were not and administrative problems brought GVMS issues on day one, causing congestion, delays and an acute need for Inland Border Facilities to be utilised. In situations such as this, the advantages of using a 4PL provider become more pronounced. With a sole provider handling the goods’ preparation, documentation, and transport from door-to-door, the process is seamless and gives the customer greater visibility throughout the shipment. It also alleviates the administrative burden on the customer and, in many cases, can even expedite the shipment where the provider has Authorised Economic Operator Full (AEOF) and/or ‘Clearance on Wheels’ status. Those who submit the vast majority of customs declarations are the businesses that historically process huge volumes day-in-dayout, many of whom did not use the easement process that has now ended and declared
goods as they went. Those who fail to navigate the new system successfully will be businesses that have relied on the 175-day supplementary declaration window or did not train staff and scrutinise their supply chain ahead of the new year. Priority Freight is licensed to manage both the physical movement of the goods and the customs obligations around it, dependent on the customer supplying the relevant information. To handle the new customs process, the engaged haulier needs to hold a GB EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) and be registered for GVMS. This complete end-to-end solution will quickly become the panacea for customers who entrust their shipments to experts proficient in the new procedures and able to ensure goods are in circulation quickly – irrespective of rule changes. Whatever teething problems arise, the ultimate aim should be to keep customers happy by keeping their supply chains moving. The logistics sector has a critical role in ensuring that the UK continues to trade with the EU successfully and, if we embrace the new regulations from a position of knowledge and positivity, it will ultimately benefit us all.
WACO members make FIFA Arab Cup a success MEMBERS of The WACO System (WACO), headed by Dimotrans Group, combined collective expertise and experience to ensure the successful delivery of 600 tonnes of tournament equipment in time for the recent FIFA Arab Cup event in Doha, Qatar. The combined project required WACO members to organise 100 sea freight containers and 200 tonnes of airfreight formed of three charter flights for 100 tonnes and the rest moved by regular scheduled flights. “It took representatives from Qatar, France, UK, Germany, Belgium, and The Netherlands to make this international sporting occasion a success,” said Eric Abballe, events manager, Dimotrans. “A major challenge was to coordinate local operations and international transport from multiple countries to such a strict deadline, which was further complicated by ongoing capacity struggles across airlines and shipping lines.” “As a member of WACO, we were able to call
on our partners across the network to navigate the tight market conditions and ensure the diverse cargoes were transported safely, in full, and on time.” The cargo consisted of items such as exhibition demonstration material, assorted furniture, display stands, and other construction items required for large-scale tournaments. “This project highlights both the benefit of being a WACO member and the effectiveness of The WACO System combining local knowledge, multinational collaboration, and diverse expertise to deliver for a world-class event,” said Richard Charles, chief executive officer, WACO. WACO is a long-established and exclusive network of global freight management companies that have a combined annual turnover of USD four billion across 120 members in 116 countries, employing over 21,000 freight professionals who handle over 1.85 million shipments each year.
STILL reading a printed copy of Air Cargo Week? Consider switching to the digital version. Contact subs@azurainternational.com and let them know that in future you would rather read the weekly publication online.
4
ACW 24 JANUARY 2022
aircargoweek.com
K
A
I
R
C
A
R
G
O
W
E
E
NEWS
K
2021: AIRFREIGHT STILL SOARS AS PANDEMIC FLOORS PASSENGER TRAFFIC
THE Central German airports once again benefitted from strong growth in air freight volumes last year. The air cargo that was handled, however, also safeguarded supply chains for the population and industry. Leipzig/Halle is Europe’s fourth-largest cargo airport and is playing an increasingly important role in this process. Passenger traffic, on the other hand, was subject to global travel restrictions and quarantine regulations and continued to be severely impaired. Passenger traffic developed in two different ways. The numbers of passengers passing through Dresden and Leipzig/Halle Airports 1,001,270 overall rose 9% compared to the previous year’s figure. However, the picture was very different at the two airports. 331,384 passengers were registered at Dresden Airport, which is dominated by scheduled and business travel traffic, 14.1% fewer than in the previous year. But the numbers of passengers at Leipzig/Halle Airport, where holiday traffic plays the major role, rose by 25.8% to 669,886.
Significant growth in airfreight Freight volumes at Leipzig/Halle Airport increased by 15% from approx. 1.3 to almost 1.6 million tonnes in 2021. This set a new record high. The growth during the fourth quarter was particularly significant. A new record was set in terms of volumes in each of the months of October, November and December. The figure in December was 149,123 tonnes, which represents an increase of 5.8% compared to
the same month in the previous year. “The constant increase in air freight volumes is not just contributing to the economic development of our corporate group. Increasing quantities of cargo, growth in employment and new companies setting up in business have also made a long-term impact. The whole of Central Germany is benefitting from this. We’re expecting growth in freight volumes in 2022 too,” says Götz Ahmelmann, CEO of Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG, and adds, “We’re hoping that passenger traffic will continue to recover too – depending on how the pandemic develops – and this also includes business travel. Demand here is still below our expectations in contrast to tourist flights to warm water destinations.”
Greenplan in MBO from DHL Group DEUTSCHE Post DHL Group has divested itself of Greenplan, a DHL route planning solution provider, through a management buyout (MBO). Dr Clemens Beckmann, CEO of Greenplan, led the acquisition together with Florian Merget, former head of strategy and business development at Greenplan and now co-owner with a 25% share and managing director of Greenplan. They will continue to manage and strategically develop Greenplan’s business of cloud-based, dynamic route optimisation. Greenplan provides a solution for logistics companies to improve business performance and customer satisfaction in an environment-friendly way. “The commitment by Dr Clemens Beckmann and Florian Merget to invest in and further develop the Greenplan solution, marks an important step in the successful growth story of Greenplan. With the management buyout the team will now accelerate the growth of that unique route planning solution provider”, says Katja Busch, chief commercial officer at DHL. “Smart route planning, based on a powerful algorithm, helps forwarders and customers with large fleets to optimise the utilisation of their vehicles, to improve route planning, and ultimately reduce CO2 emissions by driving fewer kilometres.” “Greenplan, having its roots in the world’s leading logistics company DHL and the renowned Mathematical Institute of the University of Bonn, Germany, has created a superior solution to improve the efficiency and reduce the costs of the transport industry,
and is making a big impact in fighting climate change”, says Dr. Clemens Beckmann, CEO of Greenplan. “Together with the team we have the right industry knowledge, skill set and expertise needed to capture the global business opportunity. We are enthusiastic about this opportunity to drive the growth of Greenplan together as a team.”
Research co-operation “Tech company Greenplan started off as a research co-operation between DHL and the Mathematical Institute of the University of Bonn in 2016, initially being a research project to optimise transportation and route planning for the world-leading logistics company DHL,” Merget says. “In the last years, Greenplan successfully expanded its customer base, solutions and won blue-chip external clients for its algorithm. We are confident that we can release our full potential going forward and grow into new markets. We are convinced that Greenplan has an excellent future.” With the transaction Deutsche Post DHL Group is following its commitment to focus on its core business of transportation and logistics services; as Deutsche Post DHL does not consider the commercial scale-up of software start-ups to be a core activity. The new management will now lead the global scale-up of the business and further development of the algorithm, while DHL is looking forward to remaining an important long-term customer.
ACW 24 JANUARY 2022
5
AIRCRAFT CHARTER A
I
R
C
A
R
G
O
W
E
E
High demand for leasing and more enquiries for charters Scott Glasser, VP business development, Airborne Global Solutions, Air Transport Services Group (ATSG)
“
2021 has been another very busy year in air cargo,” says Glasser. “ATSG realised a high demand for freighter leasing and more enquiries for air cargo charters as well. This trend has been very strong throughout the pandemic. “ATSG has focused on long-term stability with global leasing partners. This has led to high demand for capacity from all three of our airlines. With the market demand for our medium widebody freighters on the rise due to eCommerce, we have found it increasingly challenging to meet the large number of charter requests received. “Throughout the pandemic we have tried to accommodate as many charters for medical needs as possible to get equipment and supplies where they were needed most. Most of these charters were contracted with our existing ACMI/CMI customers. We continue to review all requests to ensure that we meet the demands of our customers while serving the vital needs of our friends and neighbours around the globe.” Will high demand for charters continue post pandemic? “We get asked this question a lot because of our fleet size and long history operating around the world,” Glasser says. “The current trends on some regional belly capacity show it is getting closer to 2019 levels, but Omicron could derail that recovery. “Full freighter demand should remain strong even after belly capacity recovers because the consumer expectation of e-Commerce is driving the demand. “Elimination of the passenger freighters by a number of operating authorities will also tighten the capacity.
“Our focus on converted freighters has given us an opportunity to meet our customers increased demand. Feedstock is very challenging because we prefer single source suppliers with multiple aircraft available for continuity in our fleet. That is why we have chosen to expand our freighter offering with Airbus airframes to be converted from a passenger
configuration to full freighters. The A321 and A330 will help support the growing e-Commerce customers while providing us a larger source of feedstock. The continuity between the cockpits in these two aircraft make them a good choice to expand capacity while controlling the time and cost of crew training.”
Air Partner appoints vice president CHAPMAN FREEBORN PROMOTES COETZEE of global freight division TO REGIONAL MANAGER IMEA
A
ir Partner has appointed Pierre Van Der Stichele as vice president of the global freight division. He will be responsible for bolstering and expanding the freight business across all Air Partner locations by continuing to hire key talent and target specific market sectors after an exceptionally busy year in 2021. Van Der Stichele has extensive experience within the aviation sector in a range of senior roles, with more than 25 years’ experience in the air cargo industry. Van Der Stichele joins Air Partner after a 19-year tenure with Chapman Freeborn in Gatwick, where he most recently held the position of group director of cargo. Van Der Stichele has arranged a variety of complex global cargo charters, air bridge for
6
ACW 24 JANUARY 2022
humanitarian missions and provided support for the industrial and military sectors. His knowledge of the aviation industry is built upon a career with time spent at Evergreen International Airlines, Antonov Airlines, Southern Air Transport Inc and Northwest Airlines. Commenting on his appointment, Van Der Stichele, said: “I am delighted to be joining the Air Partner team. The Freight division has had an unprecedented past two years, and the industry as a whole has felt the knock-on effects of the pandemic. “I look forward to assisting in the global freight team’s continued successes following on from the team’s expert management of emergency vaccine and PPE deliveries. “I’m confident we will continue to grow and serve our customers in 2022.”
C
hapman Freeborn has promoted Gerhard Coetzee to regional manager IMEA – Cargo. Coetzee has worked at Chapman Freeborn for almost seven years, starting in 2015 as cargo account manager – South Africa, and then as cargo charter manager – South Africa from 2018. His new role as regional manager IMEA – cargo will see him develop and grow the cargo team in this region, supporting and delivering on the wider IMEA strategy. Coetzee comments: “I am very excited to take on this new role, especially with our recent region merge between Africa, India and the Middle East. “I will encourage the sharing of fresh ideas and innovative solutions within our established
aircargoweek.com
team, giving a fresh perspective on business growth and further developing and guiding our IMEA cargo brokers. “In 2022 I am hoping the circumstances will allow for opportunities to meet with more of the teams in person.” Coetzee will work closely with Sharon Vaz-Arab, regional director – IMEA. Vaz-Arab said: “Gerhard’s history at Chapman Freeborn, together with the energy and passion he puts into everything he does, is reflected in the strong and lasting relationships he maintains within the industry.” “I am confident that under his leadership and direction we will take the IMEA region to new heights.” Coetzee is based in the Chapman Freeborn South Africa office in Johannesburg.
K
A
I
R
C
A
R
G
O
W
E
E
K
NEWS
AFKLMP AND ENVIROTAINER INTENSIFY PARTNERSHIP E
nvirotainer and Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP Cargo) have collaborated on sustainability where each has a strong focus on sustainability and is pursuing multiple initiatives with a view to achieving more sustainable operations. Being long-term close partners, both organisations sought to strengthen the initiatives by collaboration. AFKLM Martinair Cargo has approved the newly introduced Envirotainer Releye container and is in the process of implementing it in its booking system as part of its product portfolio. The Releye provides outstanding environmental performance, delivering up to 90% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to available passive solutions, based on life-cycle analysis. Envirotainer will reduce the impact of the use of its containers on the environment by investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). SAF offers a cleaner alternative for conventional jet fuel. It is produced from sustainable feedstock, such as cooking oil, animal waste or solid waste from homes and businesses. It reduces CO2 emissions by up to 85%, when compared to conventional jet fuel. The reduction occurs throughout the entire lifecycle of producing and using sustainable aviation fuel compared to that of fossil fuel. “We are very happy that a close partner of ours since many years keeps delivering top quality service and secures that the pharmaceutical industry, together with us, provides further capacity of latest technology,” comments Don Harrison, head of global key accounts, airlines at Envirotainer. Marcel Kuijn, global head of pharmaceutical logistics at AFKLMP Cargo says: “We really appreciate our long-term partnership with Envirotainer. “Sustainability and pharmaceuticals are among our strategic focus areas. That is why this initiative is of such great importance to us.”
AEI receives transport Canada STC approval for B737-800SF
T
ransport Canada Civil Aviation has approved AEI’s STC (ST02690LA) for the 12-pallet position B737-800SF freighter conversion. AEI currently has FAA, CAAC, EASA and now TCCA approvals for its B737-800SF. Last month AEI announced a contract to provide Chrono Aviation with a B737-800SF freighter conversion, which represents AEI’s first Canadian-based customer. The AEI converted B737-800SF freighter offers a main deck payload of up to 52,700 lbs (23,904 kg) and incorporates eleven full height 88” x 125” container positions, plus an additional position for an AEP/AEH. The conversion also incorporates new floor beams aft of the wing box, a large 86” x 137” Main Cargo Door with a single vent door system. AEI’s design allows for containers to be loaded into the aircraft a full 16.5” aft of the forward door jamb, ensuring ground operators have sufficient manoeuvring room which minimises potential door and aircraft strikes. The AEI B737800SF includes a flexible Ancra Cargo Loading System, a rigid 9g barrier, five supernumerary seats, a galley, and full lavatory.
ACW 24 JANUARY 2022
7
THE BACK PAGE
Emirates does it again! Scaling up and circling around the Burj Khalifa to put Expo 2020 Dubai on top of the world’s travel agenda
K
eeping with Dubai’s ‘nothing is impossible’ spirit, Emirates is soaring up and around the Burj Khalifa for another edition of its viral ad campaign, this time taking it one spectacular step further with the masterful addition of the iconic Expo 2020 Dubai A380. Emirates hit the global headlines and social media feeds of millions in August 2021 when it took its brand message to new heights atop the Burj Khalifa. This time, the brave stuntwoman is standing at the pinnacle of the Burj Khalifa by Emaar once again, holding up message boards with an invitation to visit the world’s greatest show, Expo 2020 Dubai, on the iconic Emirates A380. She then gestures to her ‘friend’, the eye catching Emirates A380 wearing the Expo 2020 Dubai livery, which gracefully soars in the background as she stands firmly on the spire of the world’s tallest building. The ad also features dynamic aerial views of Dubai and its iconic skyline, and culminates in a flypast over the impressive Al Wasl dome at the Expo 2020 Dubai site. Sir Tim Clark, president Emirates Airline said: “Now at the halfway mark of its six-month run, the excitement and momentum around Expo 2020 Dubai remain strong. Our latest campaign boldly carries the Expo message and invites people to come and experience what is truly the world’s greatest show. There is nowhere else right now that offers the raft of attractions, top-class entertainment and music, riveting sports, vibrant country and themed pavilions, a thriving culinary scene and much more – all in one place. Dubai and the Expo are already top attractions and our aim is to give global travellers even more reasons to choose Emirates and Dubai for their upcoming winter and spring holidays.” While the ad looked like it was shot effortlessly, the whole project involved in-depth planning and meticulous execution involving stakeholders across Dubai’s aviation eco-system, with a strong focus on safety at every juncture when conducting the low flying manoeuvres. The carefully choreographed flypast involved the A380 flying
at a low altitude of only 2,700 feet, the exact height of Burj Khalifa by Emaar. The aircraft also flew at a very low speed of 145 knots. To put that into perspective, the average cruising speed of an A380 is around 480 knots. The low speed ensured the aircraft could efficiently and continuously circle around the Burj Khalifa and achieve a tight radius without drifting away. In total, the Emirates A380 circled the Burj Khalifa 11
times to get a right selection of shots for the ad. The aircraft also appeared as if it was flying very close to the stuntwoman as she was standing on the Burj, when in fact it was over a half a mile away. During the planning stages, Emirates pilots, flight operation teams, air traffic controllers, helicopter pilots, drone operators and the filming teams, the Emirates marketing team, the Emaar team, regulatory teams as well as the UAE GCAA and DCAA worked closely to discuss and deliberate every detail and aspect of the mission, choreographing the flight plan, running risk assessments, accounting for air traffic, areas over flown, as well as gauging potential wind and weather conditions in order to secure the necessary approvals. Pilots also trained multiple times in the A380 flight simulator to ensure every visual reference point was covered and tested and every manoeuvre checked prior to the mission. The simulator visits also helped establish the way all stakeholders would communicate during the flypasts and filming to ensure everyone was operating in a safe environment. In addition, the team closely liaised with Dubai ATC to
ensure that all activity was protected by blocking the airspace through a Temporary Restricted Area during all of its holding patterns. The filming and low flypasts were conducted on October 13 and 14 2021, and the timings of the flights were scheduled outside of the peak departures window at Dubai International as a further measure to mitigate any risk. The new global multi-channel campaign will run in 12 languages, debuting across 19 countries covering TV, cinema, digital and social media platforms. The ad is part of a wider $20 million commitment Emirates has made to help create awareness, generate excitement and ultimately drive more visits to Dubai and Expo 2020 Dubai. Since Dubai re-opened for business and tourism in July 2020, the airline has run close to 15 major global and regional brand and tactical campaigns across 25 countries, starting with its ‘Dubai is Open’ campaign; its partnership with celebrity powerhouse Chris Hemsworth promoting Expo 2020 Dubai’s endless possibilities ahead of the event’s opening date; both its “Emirates crew on Burj Khalifa” ads and its latest winter campaign highlighting the plethora of activities Dubai has to offer for travellers seeking to escape the cold. The airline has also promoted Expo 2020 Dubai through a number of global tactical campaigns, including complimentary day passes for every ticket booked, earning Skywards Miles for time spent in Dubai during the Expo period, early bird discounts, family and SME offers, amongst other special promotions. Running until March 31 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai brings the world together, hosting spectacular events that have encouraged repeat visitation, as it provides a platform for collaboration, showcasing human advances and the latest in technology, culture, art music, gastronomy, sports and much more, in addition to over 190 country pavilions to see and experience.
aircargoweek.com