http://www.iata.org/
Partnerships Key to Securing Aviation‟s Benefits
Singapore - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed partnerships among all stakeholders, including governments, to help aviation fulfil its important role as a catalyst for global economic growth and development. “Airlines will transport 3.8 billion passengers and 53 million tonnes of air cargo this year. In doing so, they will support some $2.4 trillion in economic activity and some 58 million jobs. In Asia-Pacific, the corresponding numbers are over $700 billion in GDP and 33 million jobs. By 2034, global demand will reach 7 billion passengers, but that demand can only be accommodated through a working together approach by all aviation stakeholders including governments,” said Tony Tyler, IATA‟s Director General and CEO.
http://www.iata.org/ IATA Releases 2015 Safety Performance - No fatal jet hull losses Montreal - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for the 2015 safety performance of the commercial airline industry. The 2015 global jet accident rate (measured in hull losses per 1 million flights) was 0.32, which was the equivalent of one major accident for every 3.1 million flights. This was not as good as the rate of 0.27 achieved in 2014 but a 30% improvement compared to the previous five-year rate (2010-2014) of 0.46 hull loss accidents per million jet flights. There were four accidents resulting in passenger fatalities in 2015, all of which involved turboprop aircraft, with 136 fatalities. This compares with an average of 17.6 fatal accidents and 504 fatalities per year in the previous five-year period (2010-2014). The 2015 jet hull loss rate for members of IATA was 0.22 (one accident for every 4.5 million flights), which outperformed the global rate by 31% and which was in line with the five-year rate (2010-2014) of 0.21 per million flights but above the 0.12 hull loss rate achieved in 2014. The loss of Germanwings 9525 (pilot suicide) and Metrojet 9268 (suspected terrorism) that resulted in the deaths of 374 passengers and crew are tragedies that occurred in 2015. They are not, however, included in the accident statistics as they are classified as deliberate acts of unlawful interference (i). “2015 was another year of contrasts when it comes to aviation‟s safety performance. In terms of the number of fatal accidents, it was an extraordinarily safe year. And the long-term trend data show us that flying is getting even safer. Yet we were all shocked and horrified by two deliberate acts--the destruction of Germanwings 9525 and Metrojet 9268. While there are no easy solutions to the mental health and security issues that were exposed in these tragedies, aviation continues to work to minimize the risk that such events will happen again,” said Tony Tyler, IATA‟s Director General and CEO.
http://www.emirates247.com/
Etihad Airways wins Airline of the Year 2016 Award Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi-based national airline of the UAE, was presented with the coveted Airline of the Year 2016 award by the prestigious US-based aviation industry publication Air Transport World (ATW) on Monday. The accolade acknowledged Etihad Airways‟ strong executive leadership team in developing a profitable strategy of organic growth and unique equity partnerships; introducing ground-breaking products and services; creating the foundations for building a motivated workforce; and engaging in a diplomatic, dignified defence of its business model in the wake of fierce opposition by US carriers. Etihad Airways was chosen for the top honour by ATW‟s distinguished editorial board in a highly contested competition, with entries from more than 100 airlines around the world. The award was presented at a Gala Dinner attended by industry peers at the 42nd edition of the annual ATW Airline Industry Achievement Awards on the eve of the Singapore Air Show. James Hogan, Etihad Airways‟ President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "This award recognises what we set out to do as an airline 13 years ago – to be safe, profitable and simply the best. "It is a reflection of our strengths - a robust business model and innovative products and superior service delivered by our 27,000 dedicated employees. I am delighted to accept this award on their behalf. As an airline, we have offered a unique proposition to the travelling public and expanded our business to help shape the changing global aviation landscape." To earn the top accolade, ATW said an airline must demonstrate exceptional achievements and capabilities across its operations, financial performance, customer service, safety and employee relations. The executive leadership team must also clearly show innovation and strategic thinking that sets the company apart. Karen Walker, Air Transport World Editor-in-Chief, said, "Etihad Airways is clearly an airline apart from the pack and one that sets its own course. It is a pleasure to celebrate the achievements of the Etihad Airways team at the 2016 ATW Airline Achievement Awards in Singapore. Etihad is highly deserving of our top award, Airline of the Year. James Hogan puts it best - it's not about being the biggest, it's about being the best." * On products and customer service, Etihad Airways was described by ATW as being bold and innovative, highlighting the introduction of unique Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 cabin interiors as setting industry benchmarks. These include The Residence – the world‟s first three-room on board apartment comprising a bedroom, lounge and ensuite shower. * On airline tie-ups, ATW noted Etihad Airways‟ equity stakes in selected airlines around the world as being the foundation of its business model. Equity stakes in airberlin, Swiss-based Darwin Airline, Air Serbia, Alitalia, Jet Airways, Air Seychelles and Virgin Australia helped Etihad Airways create a unique proposition of more passenger choice, greater scale for negotiation with key suppliers, enhanced shared training resources for crew and other employees, and heightened network integration. * On US carriers‟ accusing Gulf carriers of anti-competitive practices, ATW said James Hogan and his team maintained dignity by consistently defending Etihad Airways‟ business model focusing on the facts rather than personal attacks. ATW editors showered particular praise on Etihad Airways on this issue in which James Hogan said: "Many stones were thrown at us, but we responded calmly and with facts, showing that we bring new competition to markets." * On employees, ATW defined Etihad Airways as a „good citizen‟ describing its workforce as „our family‟ and for embarking on aggressive plans to grow its local workforce and offer UAE nationals, now numbering 3,000 within the group, with career paths through various programmes and initiatives. Staff are supported with a 24/7 HR number, a dedicated welfare team, onsite medical centre, gyms to promote wellness and healthy living, top of the range staff accommodation and an onsite nursery. * On sustainability, ATW commended Etihad Airways for a number of initiatives focused on fuel-saving, pioneering alternative fuel research with key partners, and engaging employees in recycling programmes. During 2015, Etihad Airways launched six new routes on three continents taking its global network of destinations to 116 with a fleet of 121 aircraft. More than 17 million guests flew on Etihad Airways last year, up from almost 15 million in 2014. Etihad Airways also launched its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner – the first of 71 on order – and phased in the first of 10 Airbus A380 aircraft into its fleet. Etihad Airways was recognised by ATW‟s editorial board for "fast but thoughtful growth, consistently delivering against its targets and always thinking ahead." The airline was also applauded for its "excellent numbers on financials, cargo and safety”. ATW‟s Airline Industry Achievement Awards were created in 1974 to recognise excellence across a broad range of airline operations and are widely considered as the most coveted in the aviation industry. The magazine is based in the United States with an editorial team that reaches across the world.
http://www.businessworld.in/ Qatar Airways Chief Slams India Air Traffic Restrictions Disappointed at India's decision to auction air-traffic rights, Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker has said it was against the country's interest to "restrict" foreign carriers from operating freely in its air space. "It is not in the interest of India to restrict foreign airlines from operating freely in the Indian air space," he said at a press conference held at the Singapore Airshow 2016 on Monday. Al Baker said he was very disappointed at India's decision to auction air traffic rights called bilaterals. "I am very disappointed to note that the aviation policy in India... the Indian authority wants to auction traffic rights into India," he said. The chief executive of the Doha-based premier Gulf airline stressed that the air traffic rights were a sovereign property and should not be auctioned, pointing out the risks in auctioning such rights, for it could be given to an entity in which India might not have a strategic interest. In a submission to the government, the International Air Transport Association has earlier said such a policy could lead to distortions among carriers and lead to higher fares. Al Baker said foreign airlines should be given freedom to operate in India as it will boost the country's trade and tourism and also generate millions of jobs for Indians. Opening the tourism sector would create millions of jobs for Indians, he said. "India has one of the highest number of tourism spots anywhere in the world... full of history." He called on authorities not to lose the opportunity to develop India's aviation and tourism markets, saying there is a huge demand from tourists and the Indian diaspora to have a seamless travel to India. Earlier, the Qatar flag carrier had evinced interest in picking up stake in budget carrier IndiGo airlines but Al Baker in December had said it has "no intention" to invest in any Indian airline. Al Baker highlighted the business growth of Qatar Airways, saying the airline recorded a compounded average growth rate of about 30 per cent for nearly two decades. He estimates the carrier's passenger traffic should reach 30 million by the end of the current fiscal year in March, up from 24.3 million passengers a year ago. It grew from 400,000 passengers when it began operating at full scale in 1996. Qatar Airways currently operates from 13 Indian cities.
Abu Dhabi set for first ME Aviation Careers Conference Aviation and aerospace enthusiasts will be able to get an overview of the exciting opportunities to look out for in these industries over the coming years at the inaugural Middle East Aviation Careers Conference and Exhibition (MEAC) in March. The conference is held as part of the Abu Dhabi Aviation and Aerospace Week and will be in parallel with Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2016. From March 8 to 10, the first MEAC will bring leaders from the airline, aerospace, airports and related logistics industries, under one roof, to discuss workforce related issues. Plenary panels will feature speakers from across the sectors, including representatives from leading brands such as Etihad Airways, Boeing, Gulfstream, Dassault Aviation, and Bombardier. The Advanced Military Maintenance repair Overhaul Center (AMMROC), the UAE‟s specialized military MRO service provider to all ranges of military aircraft in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia regions, is the official sponsor of the pioneering conference being held at the Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS), in Al Bateen Executive Airport. The theme of the conference is “Strengthening Human Capital Capacity in the Abu Dhabi aerospace and aviation sectors”. It will highlight specific challenges related to Emiratisation, empowerment through training, skill development and education. Career progression, the latest trends recruitment, and the important role of women in aviation and aerospace, will also be discussed.
Students from high schools, colleges and universities in the UAE will participate in workshops, giving them the chance to understand sector related workforce issues in greater depth, through case studies and partnership examples. Ali Majed Al Mansoori, chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Aviation and aerospace are among the key sectors identified by the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. The Middle East Aviation and Careers Conference and Exhibition is the perfect platform to raise awareness of career prospects, as well as to attract and retain the skilled workforce required to support the rapid growth of these sectors in the Emirate.
http://atwonline.com/
Ethiopian Airlines opens upgraded aviation academy
Ethiopian Airlines Group has invested $100 million in expanding and upgrading its aviation academy at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The Ethiopia flag carrier said this project is in line with its Vision 2025 strategic road map and is the largest aviation academy in Africa. It will be able to take 4,000 students a year at the end of 2025. As an Authorized Training Organization, the Ethiopian Aviation Academy offers Boeing 777, 787, 737, 767/757 and Bombardier Q400 full flight simulators. The carrier is also considering extending its training center to add anAirbus A350 simulator. “We have already started discussions with Airbus and CAE,� Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam told ATW recently. It offers also a full range of fleet cabin emergency, evacuation and door trainers, fitted with standard swimming pool for cabin crew ditching exercises and more than 20 pilot training aircraft. In other news, a new cargo terminal at Bole airport is expected to be operational toward the end of 2016. The facility will have an annual storage of 1.2 million tons with the capacity to handle eight Boeing 747-8Fs at one time. Construction of the first phase will cost $150 million.
http://www.theedgemarkets.com/
Malaysia aviation sales to grow 10.3% per year across 2016-2020 KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 15): Malaysian commercial aviation industry sales are forecast to grow at 10.3% annually in nominal US dollar terms over 2016–2020, according to US-based research firm IHS Global Insight. In a statement today, the firm's chief economist for Asia-Pacific Rajiv Biswas forecasts the rapid pace of growth will be boosted by rapidly growing middle class incomes in Malaysia as well as in neighbouring economies in East Asia, which will help to boost air passenger traffic flows in Malaysia. "The decision of the Malaysian government in the revised Budget 2016 to remove the visa requirement for Chinese tourists has the potential to substantially boost long-term air passenger traffic and tourism flows to Malaysia if the policy remains in place in future," he said. Biswas stressed that the rapid growth in air travel in China and India will be key drivers for Asia-Pacific's aviation industry growth over the medium term. "With continued rapid rise in Chinese household incomes expected over the medium term, the Chinese air transport industry's sales growth is forecast to grow at an average annual rate of 11.3% per year over 2016–2020 in nominal US dollar terms, a pace that is well above the Asia-Pacific regional average growth rate," he said. Apart from that, Biswas said India is forecast to be one of the world's fastest growing aviation markets, with total sales growth per year in the Indian air transport industry forecast to be 14.2% per year over 2016– 2020 in nominal US dollar terms. "The Asean Open Skies policy for liberalisation of air transport will also help to support the growth rate in the aviation industry," he added. Meanwhile, Biswas said the Asia-Pacific's commercial air transport sales are forecasted to grow at 9.2% per year in nominal US dollar terms over 2016–2020, which is significantly faster than the 7.5% growth rate forecast for world commercial air transport sales over the same period. "Strong growth in passenger numbers together with the significant fall in the Asia-Pacific's air transport operating costs due to the sharp decline in oil prices are also boosting aviation industry profits, which are forecast by the IHS World Industry Service to grow at around 9% per year over 2016–2020," he explained. Biswas also noted that growth in Asia-Pacific's passenger numbers over the medium term will also underpin strong growth in capital expenditure (capex) by the region's airlines in fleet modernisation and expansion with capex forecast to grow at an average annual rate of 8.1% per year over 2016–2020. Locally, he said Malaysian commercial aviation gross profits are forecasted to grow at 10.9% annually across 2016–2020, helped by the impact of the sharp decline in world oil prices since mid-2014, with only a gradual recovery expected in oil prices over the medium-term outlook. "Capital expenditure growth for the Malaysian commercial aviation industry is forecast to grow at 10.9% per year over 2016–2020, due to the rapid expansion in air passenger traffic in Malaysia," Biswas said. "The Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) industry in Malaysia is forecasted to grow rapidly in order to support the strong growth in airline fleets, and will be an important source of new high value-added jobs as well as building Malaysia's aerospace industry cluster," he added. Nevertheless, Biswas said Singapore is forecasted to continue to strengthen its role as a leading commercial aviation and MRO hub for the Asia-Pacific region. Singapore's commercial aviation industry sales are forecasted to grow at 6.2% per year over 2016–2020 in nominal US dollar terms. The island nation's MRO hub already has over 100 aerospace companies, creating an international cluster of excellence to service the rapidly growing jet aircraft fleets of Asian airlines, Biswas noted. In the Asean region, Biswas said Malaysia and Indonesia are forecast to be the two fastest growing commercial aviation markets in Southeast Asia, helped by rapidly growing Asia-Pacific tourism flows and the strong growth of regional low-cost carriers such as AirAsia Bhd.
ادارة العالقات العامة -الشركة القابضة لمصر للطيران