Via Dubai Magazine | May 2013 by Nadd Al Shiba PR & Event Management

Monthly Newsletter Issued by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority

Volume 1 – Issue 1- May 2013

Inside DCAA Screener Licenses take Dubai airport’s security to next level DCAA wins BP Award for ramp safety

DCAA inks MoU with DTTAG 75 years of Open Skies: Dubai’s soaring success

Flying High

An artist’s impression of Concourse D

Dubai Aviation : The Next Big Leap AED22 billion investments in DWC projects Khalifa Al Zaffin

The Airport USP for success Dieter A. Heinz Remarkable resilience of ME aviation industry

Suzanne Al-Anani

30 airlines to operate from DWC by 2015 9

Heathrow & Istanbul airports need 10 years to compete Dubai

Jamal Al Hai

Up, up and away: flydubai takes off in the black

Airports need to improve their efficiency Iyad Hindiyeh 19

Ghaith Al Ghaith

Dubai lands another first: World’s only 10 A380 concourse open for business DXB is now world’s

second busiest lean and smart flying: Why 22 Green, 12 an open sky movement is a must? i n ternati o nal ai r port 18 20 Airport Show: One-stop terminal to travel hubs of the future 13 15 t Dubai receive 10 million tourists 21 t Annoying habits of airline passengers Terminal Emirates-Qantas deal Expanded Dubai Expo 2020: 25 t Carbon law hands airlines a windfall 2 to handle 7 million Georges Hannouche

11 changes rule of the game 13 passengers

Daniyal Qureshi

Technology

Dubai prepares strategic aviation plan for 2045

Environment

Cargo & Logistics

Bid to connect the world

Flashback

27 t UAE Logistics market

worth $9.4 billion

Message from the President In 2007, the functions of the Department of Civil Aviation were restructured. Accordingly, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) was established as a regulatory body, by a decree of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, on proclamation of law No. 21 of 2007, as amended by law No. 19 of 2010, to undertake development of Air Transport Industry in the Emirate of Dubai and to oversee all aviation-related activities.

Flying High

Via Dubai is the official bilingual monthly newsletter of DCAA, designed to highlight the industry initiatives and developments in aviation and act as a knowledge-sharing platform for all the stakeholders and aviation industry professionals.

Honorary President

Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

His Excellency Mohammed Abdulla Ahli

Coordinator

Hanan Al Mazimi

Executive Editor

Mohammed Abdul Mannan

Creative Manager

Mohamad Abdulrahman

Online Edition

www.viadubaionline.com E-mail: viadubai@naddalshiba.com Legal Disclaimer: The views expressed in the articles are of the writers and not necessarily belong to DCAA. We take all reasonable steps to keep the information current and accurate, but errors can occur. The information is therefore provided as is with no guarantee of accuracy, completeness or timeliness. The DCAA or Via Dubai does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the quality, accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. Via Dubai does not endorse or recommend any article, product, service or information mentioned in the newsletter. Any perceived slight of any person or organization is completely unintentional.

PR, Marketing & Communications

Nadd AlShiba PR and Event Management Tel +971 4 25 66 707 Fax +971 4 25 66 704 info@naddalshiba.com www.naddalshiba.com Printed by Printwell Dubai

When you talk about the progress of the aviation industry in Dubai, it’s truly amazing to think about all the significant milestones that this vital economic sector has achieved. These phenomenal achievements have not come out of nothing, but are the fruits of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which has enabled the aviation industry in Dubai to reach ever greater heights. We are progressing briskly on our plans to build the biggest airport in the world, and the passenger terminal of our second international airport will become operational in October 2013. Also operational now is Concourse A, the world’s first terminal dedicated solely for A380 aircrafts. Dubai celebrated 75 years of its ‘Open Skies’ policy, which has created vast avenues of growth since it was launched in 1937. Our skies are open for everyone, and we allow fair competition so that all in the industry may have their share of the high-potential aviation market. As a result of the liberal aviation policy, Dubai recently overtook Hong Kong as the world’s third busiest international airport, and soon after surpassed Paris Charles de Gaulle in the ACI rankings to become the world’s second busiest international airport.

In the first two months of this year, Dubai International recorded 13 per cent growth in passenger numbers. This continued growth will bring us much closer to our dream of becoming the world’s busiest airport for international passengers. We are not resting on our laurels. We are continually working toward many more milestones. The unending endeavor to turn our dreams into reality requires commitment, passion and teamwork – qualities which we have in abundance, as reflected in the dynamism that Dubai possesses. I would like to express my pleasure at the efforts of everyone in Dubai for the aviation industry’s success story, though we cannot be complacent. We must continue to meet the challenges ahead, and brace ourselves to continue our journey of success and excellence. Via Dubai is Dubai Civil Aviation Authority’s (DCAA) latest achievement. I am proud that this knowledge-sharing initiative will help in creating better understanding and networking for industry stakeholders, and is an ideal tool to share with you our achievements, expansion programmes, future plans and goals for the aviation industry. I congratulate Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) for the success of this new bilingual monthly newsletter.

Our Vision

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority is driven by the vision of Dubai to become the global Aviation Capital contributing to prosperity and enabling growth for Dubai. Our Mission Dubai Civil Aviation Authority is committed to support the aviation sector in:

E-mail: dcaa@dcaa.gov.ae Website: www.dcaa.gov.ae Tel: (971) 4 216 2009 Fax: (971) 4 224 4502 P.O.BOX 49888 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

u u u u u u u

Capturing the full value potential as a global passenger, tourism, trade, cargo and logistic hub Providing the capacity, connectivity and leveraging existing assets to meet the aviation sector and economic growth plans of Dubai Ensuring sustainable and responsible growth committed to safety, health, environment and security Providing and creating customer-focused services to gain competitive advantage from innovation, knowledge and efficiency Building and retaining capabilities, for the aviation sector, while offering career opportunities for Nationals Ensuring a transparent, effective and commercially balanced regulatory framework that reflects the interests of the aviation industry, Dubai and the UAE Providing efficient and cost-effective services to the aviation sector

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twitter.com/DcaaDubai

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Via Dubai - May 2013

Inside DCAA

Message

from Director General

Screener Licenses take Dubai Airport’s security to next level

Mohammed Abdulla Ahli

Why Via Dubai? The aviation sector in Dubai has seen significant achievement in many areas during the last five decades. This continuing success is the outcome of a strong vision and the ongoing development strategies to strengthen the present and builds the future. For us, aviation is an important industry to be pursued with determination, passion and commitment. The aviation industry, at present, accounts for about 28 per cent of the total GDP of the Emirate of Dubai. The phenomenal strides that the aviation industry has made are based on the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and are the outcome of the unfaltering support and encouragement of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Their dynamic leadership, team spirit and commitment to excellence have guided us in our journey of success. In order to document our achievements and share the knowledge about what’s coming up in the future, we have initiated this bilingual monthly newsletter. Going forward, Via Dubai will be an influential promotional and marketing tool for the aviation industry. It will help us to highlight the aviation industry’s achievements, future strategies of the aviation sector in Dubai, challenges we encounter and industry-wide best practices. And, of course, you will learn more about Dubai Civil Aviation Authority’s (DCAA) initiatives. Aviation industry veterans will contribute through guest columns for Via Dubai. These will include news about the industry trends and developments in addition to exclusive interviews. The newsletter will also cover technology, the environment, cargo, logistics, safety and security.

ecurity at Dubai International Airport is now at a level that not only meets its own high standards, in accordance with the National Civil Aviation Security Training (NCAST) Programme, but also encompasses The International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Regulations and Recommended Practices. The latest facet to strengthen Dubai International’s security is the Screener Licences Project, launched by Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and Major General (Pilot) Ahmed bin Thani Hareb, Director, General Department of Airports Security. The project, while improving the standard of security at Dubai Airports also enhances the scope of support the DCAA provides to the Dubai Civil Aviation Training Centre, as part of a MoU signed in October 2012. t

No complacency, only complete safety Dubai Aviation Safety Culture Conference shows the way to a secure flying future

he future of aviation safety went under the microscope at the region’s first-ever Aviation Safety Culture Conference.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and organised by the DCAA, about 300 officials representing the spectrum of agencies involved with airport and flight security studied the challenges that lay ahead.

Mohammed Ahli addressing the conference

culture with world-class safety management systems. Boeing and Honeywell reviewed and exhibited the latest products and technologies in the field of aviation security. t

Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General, DCAA, urged representatives of airports, airlines, regulators and industry stakeholders attending, against a sense of complacency. “There is no question that aviation safety is today at an exceptionally high level, but there is always room for improvement,” he said. Speakers included senior officials from American Airlines, IAEA, Maximus Air and Boeing. The two-day conference covered topics like evolution and integration of a global aviation safety

Mohammed Ahli with officials during the launch of the project

DANS brings the latest flight data technology to Dubai ir traffic controllers in and airport capacity. Flight A Dubai airports are now data transactions are autousing the latest technology to mated and can be configured manage critical flight data.

The technology, developed by NAV CANADA, allows air traffic controllers to manage flight data online with a touchscreen application, eliminating the need for traditional paper flight strips. It provides immediate access to key information and permits more efficient use of airspace

to generate flow management statistics. Technology development and installation work was done in conjunction with DCAA and controllers of the Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS) to tailor the system to the operating environments of Dubai International and Dubai World Central airports. t

DCAA inks MoU with DTTAG he Dubai Civil Aviation T Authority (DCAA) and Dubai Travel and Tour Agents Group

(DTTAG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for closer cooperation that would facilitate civil aviation development in the emirate. DCAA Director General, Mohammed Ahli, said both parties intend to recognise and build on the benefits for the travel industry, thereby ensuring a strong and sustainable growth in the travel and tourism sector. As per the MoU, the areas of

cooperation include support and benchmarking of policies concerning regulation of the industry to ensure best practices are followed by holders of travel trade licenses. Provision of training for travel consultants in both focused travel and customer service skills to international standards will be pursued. The provision of a consultancy service to review new trade license applications to ensure capability and ability to meet international standards will be actively promoted. t

A section of participants posing for a photograph

DCAA wins BP award for ramp safety

ir BP presented Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) with its Global Operational Excellence Award for ‘Best Partnership in Safety’. The awards recognise best operational safety initiatives and a total of 100 entries were shortlisted across 15 categories in 2012. The award was presented to Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General, DCAA, by COO of Air BP, David Gilmour. The award recognised the positive impact that the ‘Safety Marathon’ initiative has had in raising awareness of key risks at Dubai International for its 15,000 ramp users. Air BP also recognised Dubai Airports, Emirates Airline and dnata as key stakeholders in the success of the Safety Marathon. t

As we progress, Via Dubai will become richer through your suggestions on how to make the content even more beneficial to the industry. We also intend to reach out to everyone in the industry outside Dubai, for which, we have created a dedicated website for the online version. We look forward to your support and cooperation in making this initiative a real success, and I wish the team members all success in their endeavors.

Via Dubai - May 2013

Flight data is crucial for smooth airport operations

Mohammed Ahli, Director General, DCAA, and DTTAG officials at the signing ceremony

Mohammed Ahli, Director General, DCAA, receiving the award from COO of Air BP, David Gilmour

Via Dubai - May 2013

Inside DCAA

75 Years of Open Skies: Dubai’s soaring success Dubai marked a major milestone in its aviation history when H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Prsident of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports, launched the celebrations of ‘75 years of the Open Skies in Dubai’ at Hotel Le Meridien, Dubai. When late Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, and Captain Hickinbotham, the then British Political Agent in the Trucial States, signed the Dubai Commercial Air Agreement on July 22, 1937, few realised it would pave the way for creating the world’s second biggest passenger hub in just 75 years.

“

During the mid-1930s, His Majesty’s government had been in search of landing bases in the Trucial States for the flying boats of Imperial Airways, largely for the Empire Air Mail Scheme,” Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General¸ Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), said. When approached by the British government, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum, the then Ruler of Dubai, granted landing permission to Imperial Airways flying boats in July 1937. 4

Via Dubai - May 2013

Runway to the top u Captain

British Consul General Edward Hobart receiving a memento

British Consul General Edward Hobart (left)

Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline

Mohammed Ahli welcoming the guests

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed with VIP guests at the ceremony

Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum signed the Dubai Commercial Air Agreement with the British Government in July 1937, allowing Imperial Airways Flying Boats to land in Dubai’s Creek. The Imperial Airways launched air services to India, which included transits at Alexandria, Baghdad, Basra, and Bahrain. On October 3 the same year, an Imperial Airways Short S.23 seaplane, Canopus, landed in Dubai with 28 passengers and five crew members. The plane came from Southampton, Britain, en route to Karachi. The agreement between Dubai and Britain was considered to be the first open skies agreement to be signed by any

two countries in the world. Mohammed Ahli points out that the industry thought it would take about 100 years before the large airport was properly used. Those projections have been stood on its head as it is now accepted that 90 million passengers will use Dubai International airport within the next six years. Speaking on the occasion, British Consul General Edward Hobart said: “The aviation in-

dustry tells the story of what Dubai has achieved. I have been here three months and the story of the airports, Emirates (Airline), the aviation industry... blows my mind in many ways.” Mohammed Ahli felicitated DCAA staff members for their contribution to this success and praised their hard work and determination towards reaching this important milestone and further embellishing the already illustrious aviation history of Dubai. t

Hickinbotham, British Political Agent in Trucial States, signs Dubai Commercial Air Agreement on July 22, 1937. u Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum, the then Ruler of Dubai, granted landing permission to Imperial Airways flying boats in July 1937. u Imperial Airways launches air services to India, including transits at Alexandria, Baghdad, Basra and Bahrain. u On October 3, 1937, Imperial Airway’s Short S.23 seaplane, Canopus, lands in Dubai with 28 passengers and five crew members. u Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, as Ruler of Dubai in 1959, commissions construction of Dubai International Airport and creates Dubai National Air Travel Agency (dnata). u In 2012, Dubai International becomes world’s third biggest airport for international passengers. u In first quarter of 2013, Dubai overtakes Paris as the world’s second busiest airport for international passengers. u Dubai International aims to be the world’s busiest airport for international passengers by 2015

DCAA officials with H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, H.E. Mohammed Ahli, and H.E. Edward Hobart after the conclusion of the ceremony

DCAA Director General Mohammed Ahli felicitated DCAA staff members for their contribution to the success of the official celebrations of 75 years of Open Skies in Dubai. He praised their hard work and determination towards making this important milestone in the emirate’s aviation history memorable.

Via Dubai - May 2013

UAE InFocus

AED22 billion investments in DWC projects

u flydubai and other carriers to operate some of their flights from Al Maktoum International

In an exclusive interview with Via Dubai, Engineer Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, revealed that the investments in DWC projects has so far reached AED22 billion, while the passenger operations at Dubai’s second international airport, Al Maktoum International, is due to take off in October with a capacity of more than five million passengers a year.

luggage at service stations in Dubai and then take a dedicated metro to new airport

during DI’s northern runway closure for maintenance u 60 % work on AED2 billion-Dubai Airshow facility is complete u 60 logistics/cargo companies started to build their own buildings at DWC u All private business jets to fly from Al Maktoum International by 2015 u 11 % work on AED3 billion-Concourse D is complete u Phase II of Terminal 2 expansion to be complete by year-end u A project is being studied to let Al Maktoum International passengers check in and sort u Al Maktoum International handled 219,000 tonnes of cargo since its opening u Al Maktoum International’s passenger operations to start in October u Most of Emirates SkyCargo flights to be shifted to Al Maktoum International after their

new cargo terminal is ready Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation

e also announced that flydubai and other carriers will operate some of their flights from the Al Maktoum International Airport during Dubai International’s northern runway closure for maintenance, for about three months. Over 60 per cent work on an AED2 billion dedicated facility for hosting Dubai Airshow and about 11 per cent work on the AED3 billion-Concourse D has been completed till date. He announced for the first time that most of Emirates SkyCargo flights would be shifted to Al Maktoum International Airport after their new cargo terminal is ready. The industry veteran said about 60 logistics/ cargo companies will have their own buildings at Al Maktoum International. All private business jets will fly from Al Maktoum International Airport by 2015. The Phase II of Terminal 2 expansion is due to be completed by year-end. A project, being studied for implementation, will allow Al Maktoum International passengers to check in and sort luggage at service stations in various parts of Dubai and then take a dedicated Metro train to the airport in Jebel Ali. Al Maktoum International had handled 219,000 tonnes of cargo since its opening in 2010. As many as 36 all-cargo airlines are operating from the airport. Upon completion, Al Maktoum International will become the world’s largest airport with five runways and an ultimate capacity of 160 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo per annum.

Via Dubai - May 2013

Most of Emirates SkyCargo flights to 2013 with very satisfactory results; the second one for regular passenger flights will move to Al Maktoum International Khalifa Al Zaffin said that the opening of Al Maktoum International’s passenger operations will ease some of the pressure on Dubai International. He pointed out that the bulk of the Emirates SkyCargo flights will be shifted to Al Maktoum International once their new cargo terminal is completed. flydubai and other carriers are scheduled to operate some of their flights from the Al Maktoum International during the maintenance work on Dubai International’s northern runway. Maintenance works are expected to run for a period of not less than three months, and this will open up an opportunity for the carriers to experience the Al Maktoum International’s facilities.

Private jets to fly from Al Maktoum International The Al Maktoum International, according to Al Zaffin, had started to receive private and business flights from the beginning of this year, and the traffic volume is expected to rise through the year 2013. He added that the new airport will become the first choice for business jets and private plane owners due to the flexibility of travel timing offered here. The commercial operation at Al Maktoum International for the passengers’ movement would take place in three stages. The first stage of handling private jets began in early

start in October; and the third and final stage will begin in November, with the Dubai Airshow 2013.

60% work on Airshow facility complete Construction of the new dedicated facility at Al Maktoum International is in full swing to host the Dubai Airshow in November this year. Sixty per cent of the work has been completed and the facility should be ready at least one month before the start of one of the world’s top-league airshows. He stressed that the AED2 billion budget allocated for the Aviation City, including the Airshow building, is more than enough to cover the costs. More than 60 logistics and airfreight companies (e.g. Aramex, Panalpina, Kuehne + Nagel) have started constructing their own buildings in Al Maktoum International airport complex. Emirates Group is launching another cargo project in Al Maktoum International to accommodate the operations of its subsidiary, Emirates SkyCargo. Since its inauguration, Al Maktoum International Airport has handled 219,000 tonnes of cargo. More than 25 freight companies are currently operating at Al Maktoum International and it is expected that it will attract more companies during this year.

Passenger Service Stations

Dubai Airport Expo Centre revamping

Terminal 2 expansion

To promote passenger movement through Al Maktoum International Airport, a project is being considered under which certain highlypopulated areas within Dubai will have service stations with direct links to the new airport. Passengers can finish their check-in procedures at these stations. The facilities will also include luggage sorting, so that all that a passenger needs to do is reach the airport via a dedicated Metro line exclusively for Al Maktoum International Airport passengers. The project is currently being studied by all relevant parties, and will be implemented through a common vision of Dubai Airports, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Emirates Airlines, other flight operators and all concerned institutions.

Al Zaffin also said that the old Dubai Airport Expo Centre was being revamped, with all the old structures pulled down and replaced with new infrastructure.The centre consists of three projects. The first one, which will have priority implementation, includes an aircraft parking area to accommodate the growing Emirates Airline fleet; the second is a freight handling area; and the third is a building to maintain the airport’s field services vehicles.

The first phase of the Terminal 2 expansion at Dubai International was completed in April. The expansion includes a new departure building for flydubai passengers in addition to other carriers. The second phase of the expansion of Terminal 2 is designed to improve the arrival hall to cope with the passenger traffic growth. The work is being done without stopping or even disturbing the passenger movements. It is expected that these works shall increase the capacity of the building from three to seven million passengers at least. t

DI facilities enhancement Facility enhancement projects are also under way at Dubai International. The main contract to carry out the Concourse D project had been awarded to Al Jaber Contracting Company and sub-contracts have also been handed out. Over 11 per cent of the work has been done so far and the entire project is due to be completed by the end of 2014. The project will increase the Dubai International’s annual capacity to 92.5 million passengers. The project cost, estimated at AED3.1 billion, is being funded mainly through co-operation between Dubai Airports, Dubai Duty Free and Emirates Group.

Via Dubai - May 2013

UAE InFocus

DWC to launch passenger operations in October D

ubai World Central (DWC) will open its doors to passengers on October 27 with Saudi Arabia’s nasair and Hungary’s Wizz Air as its launch carriers. nasair plans to operate over 50 flights per week between Dubai and a number of destinations in the Kingdom.

Dubai prepares strategic aviation plan for 2045 Plan will help increase passenger handling capacity to 200 million a year

ubai plans to increase passenger handling capacity to 200 million a year by 2045, up from the current target of 100 million a year by 2020.

The proposal is being considered as a key objective for the next phase of development of Dubai’s aviation sector and is set to be submitted to Dubai government’s aviation sector board at its next meeting in May 2013. The board is responsible for overseeing the strategic development of aviation in Dubai and is chaired by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group. If approved, the ambitious programme will drive the development of Al-Maktoum International Airport at Jebel Ali. Dubai Airports is currently into an US$7.8 billion investment programme, launched in 2010 in line with its Strategic Plan 2020 (SP 2020), which aims to deliver 90 million passengers a year through Dubai by 2020. Suzanne Al Anani, CEO, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), told MEED: “Taking into account the phenomenal performance of the Dubai airports and the volume of passengers and cargo handled in the past few years, our 2020 plan looks outdated and needs review to set new targets.” DAEP, which is tasked with the delivery of aviation infrastructure in the business capital of the Arab world’s second biggest economy, is giving finishing touches to an extensive study on Strategic Plan 2045 which will give direction on the way forward for the handling of 8

Via Dubai - May 2013

A computer generated view of Concourse D

Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports

A new era in Dubai’s already proud aviation story is set to begin, says Paul Griffiths

The Hungarian budget carrier expects to carry at least 250,000 passengers on its UAE network in the first year of operations.

Following the approval of the Strategic Plan 2020, Dubai Airports and DAEP developed two new terminal buildings at Dubai International, along with two new concourse buildings connecting the terminals and a raft of major associated facilities.

DWC Passenger Terminal is planned to become the city’s main airport hub in the mid-2020s, when with its five runways and a capacity of 160 million yearly passengers it will be the largest airport infrastructure in the world.

In January 2013, Dubai opened the world’s first purpose-build terminal for handling the A380 aircraft. About 66 million passengers are forecasted to pass through the Dubai airports in 2013.

DWC first opened for cargo operations in June 2010 and has quickly established itself as an emerging cargo airport in the region with 36 airlines (scheduled and chartered) handling 219,092 tonnes of air freight on 16,317 aircraft movements during 2012. Dubai Airports launched general aviation operations at DWC on April 28, 2011 following the General Civil Aviation Authority’s (GCAA) regulatory approval for flights carrying up to 50 passengers and crew on February 24, 2011. Construction of the passenger terminal building was completed in 2012. “While the airport’s passenger operations will commence with two carriers this year, I expect around 25-30 airlines operating from DWC by 2015. And that will be a mix of international and regional carriers,” said Jamal Al Hai, Executive Senior VicePresident for International Affairs and Corporate Communications, Dubai Airports. t

“A new era in Dubai’s already proud aviation story is set to begin,” said Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths, adding that the introduction of passenger services from DWC is the first step in the long term development of the airport.

Dubai’s aviation sector contributed about 28 per cent of Dubai’s economic output in 2012 with the figure expected to top 32 per cent by 2020 and account for 22 per cent of the emirate’s total employment.

Suzanne Al Anani, CEO, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP)

It has a fleet of 40 Airbus A320 aircraft operating over 1,500 weekly flights to 93 destinations. Wizz Air will commence services to Dubai from Budapest (Hungary), Bucharest (Romania), Kiev (Ukraine) and Sofia (Bulgaria). It will be the first European low cost airline operating to Dubai and a launch customer for DWC.

the targeted 200 million passengers by 2045.

Concourse A is a vital element of our US$7.8 billion investment in the continued expansion of Dubai International which will see it become the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic by the end of 2015. Concourse A boosts capacity at Dubai International from 60 million to 75 million passengers per year. t

The carrier already operates 950 weekly flights to 28 destinations with a fleet of 21 aircraft comprised of Airbus A320s and Embraer E190s. Wizz Air, which provides low-cost air transport across 30 countries with 16 bases across Europe, will provide non-stop services linking Dubai’s second airport to Central and Eastern Europe.

Air, said: “For us this is a hugely significant milestone, with our 10 year’s story now crossing borders far beyond Europe, sharing the benefit of efficient airline operations and low fares with many more international customers. I am confident that our investment to grow traffic between Dubai and Europe will result in many more routes to be announced in Dubai.”

Saudi Arabia’s nasair and Hungary’s Wizz Air are launch carriers

Captain François Bouteiller, CEO of nasair, said: “Dubai’s strategic location with its continuous growth in travel demand has encouraged nasair to expand its operation to DWC, the city’s future hub. nasair’s business travellers will have the opportunity to enjoy same-day travel between DWC and all major Saudi cities due to our convenient and seamless flight timings.“At the same time we will maintain our longstanding flights from Dubai International.” József Váradi, Chief Executive Officer of Wizz

DWC Control Room

Via Dubai - May 2013

UAE InFocus

Dubai opens world’s only A380 concourse for business C

oncourse A, the world’s first purposebuilt airport terminal for the Airbus Superjumbo A380, also home to Emirate’s A380 fleet at Dubai International, is now fully open for passenger and cargo traffic.

Emirates-Qantas deal changes rule of the game Both airlines jointly offers 98 weekly flights between Australia and Dubai

ubai aviation industry achieved another milestone on April 1, 2013, when Australian airline, Qantas, officially commenced operations from Dubai after announcing in November 2012 that it was moving its Asian hub from Singapore to Dubai.

All of its 20 two-deck contact gates have been built as per A380 specifications and have Emirates’ luxurious First Class and Business Class lounges covering 29,000 square metres.

Superjumbos land here First Class and u Business Class lounges have dedicated floors with direct access to aircraft boarding gates. Lounges are the u largest in the world. Connected to u Concourse B and Terminal 3 via underground train.

The move is to better serve long-haul traffic between Europe, Asia and Australia. The move, which also involved a tie up with Emirates was approved by the Australian aviation regulator.

Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline, said: “With a current fleet of 31 A380s and a further 59 on order, Emirates is the largest operator of this aircraft in the world, and it is only fitting that we have a worldclass facility that meets this need and represents our leadership in this regard.” Concourse A is part of the Terminal 3 complex built for the use of Emirates. With 11 floors and a total built-up area of 528,000 square metres, Concourse A is connected to Concourse B and Terminal 3 via an underground train. Unlike any other airport facility in the world, the First Class and Business Class lounges have dedicated floors that offer direct and convenient access to aircraft boarding gates. The lounges, which extend the entire length of the concourse, are the largest in the world. Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports, said: “Concourse A is a vital element of our US$7.8 billion investment in the continued expansion of Dubai International which

On March 31, two Airbus A380s flew in formation over Sydney’s world-famous Harbour Bridge to celebrate the launch of the tie-up between Emirates and Qantas. The super-jumbos - one from each of the carriers - coasted up the harbour, passing the Sydney Opera House and city centre before flying in tandem over the bridge.

Tim Clark (left) and Paul Griffiths will see it become the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic by the end of 2015.” Concourse A also offers an enhanced duty free shopping and dining experience and boosts capacity at Dubai International from 60 million to 75 million passengers per year.

This was believed to be the first time anywhere in the world where two commercial airline A380s have flown in formation and also the first time that two separate airlines have flown together in formation. The pilots have been training in simulators for months in preparation for the spectacular flyover, which was done at 1500 feet.

It is a vital part of Dubai Government’s Strategic Plan 2020, which will increase airport capacity to 90 million by 2018. t

Australia’s competition regulator formally approved the Qantas-Emirates tieup in late March 2013, allowing them to combine operations for an initial period of five years.

Tourism contributes $53 billion to UAE economy T

Burj Khalifa is a major tourist attraction. Photo by DTCM 10

Via Dubai - May 2013

he UAE’s travel and tourism industry is growing significantly faster than the world growth average, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). It said the tourism sector contributed 14 per cent to the UAE economy in 2012 - well above the global trend of 9 per cent. Taking account of direct, indirect and induced impacts, US$52.7 billion of the UAE’s GDP came from the industry last year and that contribution is expected to rise by 3.2 per cent by the end of the year. One in nine of all jobs in the country are resulting from the industry, which beats the global average of one in 11 jobs, the WTTC said. A total of 383,500 jobs were supported by travel and tourism in the UAE in 2012 and by the end of this year, the number is expected to further rise by 2.6 per cent to 393,500 jobs, compared with a global expected increase of 1.7 per cent, its data showed.

About 23 per cent of the country’s total investment in 2012 - Dh82.8 billion - was directed into the industry last year and investment is set to increase by an additional 12 per cent this year.

Qantas shifted its hub for European

flights from Singapore to EK’s Dubai base, ending a 17-year-old partnership with British Airways on the London route. The partnership enables Qantas to restructure its services to Singapore to improve onward connections within Asia as well as increase dedicated capacity on these routes by 40 per cent. The alliance with Emirates allow Qantas to sell more than 30 one-stop destinations in Europe, as well as points in the Middle East and North Africa, and coordinate on sales, marketing and pricing with Dubai-based Emirates. Under the partnership, Qantas will use Dubai, rather than Singapore, as the carrier’s stopover point for its flights to London. Both the airlines signed a 10-year code share deal, creating a global partnership offering the UAE passengers access to additional 50 destinations in Australia. The two airlines jointly offers 98 weekly services between Australia and Dubai including four daily A380 flights, said Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline. Without any equity stake, Emirates has succeeded in opening up Qantas’ Australian domestic network of more than 50 destinations and nearly 5,000 flights per week to its customers. It currently operates 70 weekly flights from its Dubai hub to four Australian points – Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney. Also, the partnership saw Qantas, along with anchor tenant Emirates, as the only other airline operating at Dubai International’s Terminal 3. Qantas become the first Australasian carrier to operate scheduled services to Dubai, delivering an additional 900 seats daily from Melbourne and Sydney, as a part of the deal. Qantas’s international operations made a loss of US$460 million for the financial year ending June 2012. t

Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline

By 2023, international tourist arrivals to the country are forecast to total 25.8 million, generating visitor expenditure of US$56.4 billion, an increase of 5 percent per annum. The UAE, according to WTTC, accounts for 41 per cent of total investment in the travel and tourism sector in the Middle East and the volume of investments in the tourism sector in the UAE would grow by seven per cent yearly. Tourist arrivals in the UAE are forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.3 per cent between 2012 and 2022. In 2012, the UAE drew an estimated 10 million tourists. t

Solid Strengths: Emirates & Qantas fleet

Via Dubai - May 2013

UAE InFocus

11% work on Concourse D complete E leven percent of work on the construction of the fourth concourse at Dubai International is complete.

The project to build the new 150,000 square metre Concourse D is being led by an UAEbased contractor.

The concourse will comprise 16 boarding gates to serve foreign airlines as part of the expansion to achieve a capacity of 90m passengers per annum by 2018. It will connect to existing Terminal 1 via an automated people mover link, awarded earlier to Bombardier. Other components include remodeling works and ancillary projects. Dubai Airports’ current commissioning of additional terminal space and concourse areas adds up to an extra 675,000 square metre of floor space – twice the footprint of London Heathrow Terminal 5. Concourse 4, for which the contract allocates 28 months, is expected to be completed in 2014.

Event to bring industry experts from across the world to Dubai The new facility will be called Concourse D and is part of the airport’s expansion programme that will increase its capacity to deal with 90 million passengers per year by 2018. t

DXB is now world’s second busiest international airport Moves ahead of Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport for the first time; has London Heathrow in its sights for top slot

ubai International has been confirmed as the world’s second busiest airport for international passenger traffic, moving ahead of Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport for the first time. Dubai International now has London Heathrow’s title as the world’s busiest international airport firmly within its sights. Dubai International took over as the world’s third ranked airport for international passenger numbers in 2012, vaulting ahead of Hong Kong airport in the global rankings. “It is extremely gratifying to see Dubai International leap up two places in the international passenger rankings in a single year. It is a clear signal that more people are choosing Dubai as their preferred hub,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports. He added: “Given our surging growth rate and London Heathrow’s capacity 12

Via Dubai - May 2013

Airport Show: One-stop terminal to travel hubs of the future

constraints we are well placed to overtake them as the world’s busiest airport for international traffic by 2015.” Passenger traffic surged 13.2 per cent to 57,684,550 in 2012, up from 50,977,960 passengers recorded during 2011. Dubai Airports has maintained its impressive passenger growth in 2013, with passenger traffic at Dubai International rising 13 per cent to 10,640,120 passengers in the first two months of this year, up from 9,413,286 for the same period in 2012. Dubai Airports says it is well placed to become the world’s busiest airport for international traffic by 2015. The ACI figures show the top five international airports were London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Hong Kong, Dubai International and Amsterdam Schiphol. t

A computer-generated view of Concourse D

Terminal 1 refurbishment begins A major refurbishment of Dubai International’s Terminal 1 is now underway. complete next year-end, the facility O nce will offer passengers a vastly improved

Qatar’s New Doha International Airport (NDIA) is slated to open in April.

Within the next decade, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries believe air traffic to the region will witness an unprecedented rise.

The industry’s unprecedented boom is reflected in the 13th Airport Show. According to Reed Exhibitions, organizer of the event, the show has not only been sold out weeks ahead of its opening date, but has also seen remarkable growth in exhibition space, number of Hosted Buyers and pre-registered participants.

ubai is once again setting its sights high, placing itself among the world’s major air-travel hubs. A promising $90billion of investments is expected to keep fuelling the aviation industry until 2020, pointing to a blockbuster decade.

The UAE will investing up to Dh183 billion (US$50 billion) in new airports and expansion of the existing ones over the next 15 years. Bahrain aims to boost airport capacity by 50 per cent by 2015. Kuwait International Airport has also announced expansion plans to double its capacity.

Saudi Arabia plans to expand and build 28 airports.

This year’s show will occupy a gross 11,000 square metres and will host 220 exhibitors, 6 country pavilions and 56 high-ranking Hosted Buyers from Iran, Turkey, Jordan, Kuwait, Tunisia, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Pakistan, Egypt, Iraq and India. The event has also recorded a 65 per cent increase in visitor pre-registrations from last year.

of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and Chairman of Dubai Airports, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), the Airport Show will introduce two new features, the Airport Passenger Experience (APE), an airport terminal-format zone offering a ‘touch and feel’ of the airport of the future, and the Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF), an international conference aiming to create a platform where industry experts and thought-leaders can share knowledge and expertise to address issues of common interest. The APE zone will provide insight into the airport of the future. It will be laid out like a real terminal – i.e. starting with baggage handling systems, check-in, passport control, passenger scanning, duty free and ending with gate lounge solutions where passengers board the aircraft. t

travelling experience. The project includes the reconfiguration and expansion of arrivals hall where all ‘meeters’ and ‘greeters’ will be accommodated within a fully air-conditioned space with new food and retail outlets.

Oman has approved massive expansion plans for Muscat and Salalah airports in addition to the building of four regional airports.

The arrivals immigration hall will also be overhauled to improve passenger flow and reduce processing times for arriving passengers.

Terminal 2 capacity increase to 7 million after expansion

The refurbishment will pave the way for work to begin on a new elevated train system which will link the facility to Concourse D, which is currently under construction. Upon completion Concourse D will become the new home of more than 100 international airlines that fly to and from Dubai International when it opens in 2015. The terminal’s previous major renovation and expansion of Terminal was done in March 2001. Terminal 1,or Sheikh Rashid Terminal, which can accommodate a total capacity of 40 million passengers is used by 113 airlines and is connected to Concourse 2 by an underground 300-metre tunnel. t

To be held under the patronage

of Dubai InternationTheal’scompletion Terminal 2 expansion in April has increased the capacity of the terminal to seven million passengers. Presently more than 50 airlines operate out of this terminal. Recent expansions and refurbishment increased annual capacity from three million passengers to seven million passengers. Inaugurated on May 1, 1998, Terminal 2 caters to scheduled, chartered and

H.H Sheikh Ahmed with officials at the Airport Show-2012

EK among the world’s safest mirates and E Etihad are among the world’s safest

carriers, according to Jet Airliner Crash Data Evaluation Centre that examined 60 of the world’s air carriers. The roster is based on annual safety calculations which include all hull loss accidents and serious incidents in the operations in relation to the Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs) performed. t

special flights during special occasions. Anita Mehra, Vice-President, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Dubai Airports, said the new facilities will offer passengers better flying experiences. Terminal 2 is home to Dubai’s budget airline flydubai as well. The low-cost carrier accounts for around 80 per cent of the total passenger traffic at the terminal. t

Anita Mehra

EK is among the world’s safest airlines

Via Dubai - May 2013

UAE InFocus

Emaratech Group launches e-Gates in Jordan

DWC promotes Business Park facilities

WC, the world’s first purpose-built aerotropolis, will be showcasing a variety of office solutions available at its Business Park during the 13th edition of the Airport Show from May 6 to 8. It has booked a 60 sq m stand at the Airport Show.

atel Jordan, a member of Emaratech Group (Emarat Technology Solutions) launched Jordan electronic gates during the inauguration of the new Queen Alia International Airport Terminal on March 14. The ceremony was attended among others by Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Chairman of Emaratech and Director General of the Dubai General Directorate for Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA), Emaratech Director General, Thani Abdullah Alzaffin, and Chief Operations Officer, Mohammed Jaafar Karzoun. Jordan Electronic Gates is a result of a strategic partnership between Datel Jordan and Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission in Jordan. “Verifying identities is becoming more complex with the rapid growth of international travel in and out the region; especially at Queen Alia International Airport. Jordan eGates reduce the long queues at passport control counters in and out the airport and displays stature of Jordan in coping with latest advanced information technologies,” said Major General Al-Marri.

e-Gate

Jordan eGates are equipped with a ‘smart card chip’ and a finger print scanner. This will enable gates verify travelers’ identity with the biometric and passport in-

Jordan’s King Abdullah receiving a memento from Major General Mohammed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA, at the launch of e-Gate project in Amman

formation that is stored on the ‘smart card chip’ in the eGate card. eGates are also equipped with a boarding pass reader to identify and match traveler’s flight details. Jordan eGates system uses an advanced infrastructure that enables consultation with the databases of concerned government agencies. The first phase of launching Jordan’s eGates will only be applicable for the five-year Jordanian passports with a National identity number. The company has been investing in the technology to ensure the success of the project in Jordan. investments include engineering, installing and powering eight electronic gates at the new Queen Alia International Airport; four eGates in the departure terminal and four in the arrivals. t

Emirates needs 30 more A380s for new routes Emirates added 15 destinations last year, including Rio, Buenos Aires, Barcelona and Seattle

Emirates is set to offer the A380 on routes to Barcelona and Glasgow. If Emirates carried out its ambition of operating a fleet of 130 A380s, adding 40 to its current order of 90, it would control a fleet worth over US$50 billion at list prices. t

mirates Airline is looking at “ways and means” to accommodate an order for 30 more Airbus A380 super jumbos.

The world’s biggest airline by international traffic operates a network of routes by A380s for which it opened the world’s first dedicated A380 terminal at Dubai International. He said: “We know what we want to do; we know where we could put more than 90 A380s today. It’s a question of can we actually fit them in?”

Via Dubai - May 2013

Rashed Bu Qara’a, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said: “The Business Park is an important component of the mega development concept, serving as a fully

EK has biggest A380 fleet

The ground breaking aerotropolis is designed to become the future business hub in the region with its fully integrated facilities, modern infrastructure and multi-modal logistics platform. Paolo Serra, Director of the DWC Business Park, said: “Dubai World Central is strongly committed to help its business clients succeed and grow. The Business Park is an important step in this direction as it delivers unrivalled value in terms of services, infrastructure and business-friendly regulations. ” Moreover, the Business Park provides facilities management services, safety and security services, and a dedicated customer service team. The competitive leasing and free zone licensing cost is a major attraction of the Business Park, making it ideal for foreign-owned companies and local businesses looking to take

Dubai receive 10 million tourists D ubai has recorded an increase of 9.3 per cent in its tourist numbers last year, with the city welcoming more than 10 million visitors.

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) Director General, Helal Almarri, said: “For the first time in Dubai’s history we have crossed the ten million threshold in visitor numbers. This continual year-onyear growth is due to a number of factors including the coordinated city-wide destination management strategy; our world-class infrastructure; our location at the crossroads of East and West; and our unrelenting efforts to enhance our already diverse and compelling tourism offering.” Hotel guests and cruise passengers rose to approximately 10.16 million in 2012– an increase of 9.3 per cent on 2011 figures. Hotel guests numbered 9.96 million – up 9.5 per cent compared with 9.1 million in 2011. Guest nights increased by 14 per cent, numbering 37.4 million in 2012; while

Emirates President Tim Clark said the airline wants another 30 A380s, on top of 90 already on order.

Emirates took the delivery of its first Airbus A380 ‘superjumbo’ in 2008. In July 2000, Emirates became the first airline to sign a firm commitment and place a deposit for the world’s biggest commercial aircraft, initially for seven aircraft, with five further options, collectively worth US$1.5 billion.

Developed in the heart of the aerotropolis, the Business Park helps its corporate occupants acquire the space and flexibility they need to grow. The Business Park caters to the specific needs of companies from diverse industries, offering a range of choices from single shared desks to sprawling 15,000 sqm offices, which is achieved by combining the same floor levels of three connected buildings. Medium and small businesses can also avail of fitted out offices delivered as per their specific designs.

equipped business hub that complements the dedicated aviation and logistics infrastructure at Al Maktoum International.”

hotel revenues increased by 17.9 per cent at AED18.82 billion. The number of hotel establishments increased from 575 to 599 and the hotel apartments inventory increased by 10 per cent to more than 23,000 flats. The average room rate climbed from AED563 in 2011 to AED588 in 2012. DTCM, which participated in the ITB exhibition in Berlin, won, for the third consecutive year, two awards: Best Representative Office in Germany and Most Popular Touristic Destination in the Middle East. Eyad Ali Abdulrahman, DTCM Executive Director of Business Development and Media Relations, received the awards. DTCM also won an award for Best Promotional Film for Definitely Dubai campaign. t

Business Park provides facilities to businesses to grow

advantage of DWC’s multi-modal logistics platform. DWC is taking part at the Airport Show to meet airport suppliers and potential customers, and to explore more ways to support the growth of different businesses in the region. t

Aircraft MRO project launched at DWC

WC, Al Habtoor Trading and Altran, in cooperation with Aéroports de Paris International (ADPI), have pooled their expertise to create an innovative services maintenance centre dedicated to business jets and helicopters. The Wings Valley at

Rashid bu Qara’a

Aviation District has a maintenance capacity of 60 business jets and 40 helicopters per month. Rashed Bu Qara’a, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said the centre has been designed to handle of all types of aircraft from Dassault, Gulfstream, Bombardier and Embraer to Airbus Corporate Jets and Boeing Business Jets. DWC occupies an area of 140 square kilometres and its unique multimodal capabilities are supported by links to all main motorways in the UAE and the DWC, which, once complete, will handle up to 160 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of air cargo per year. t

Tourists visiting a traditional souq in Dubai (Photo by DTCM)

Via Dubai - May 2013

UAE InFocus

Up, up and away: flydubai takes off in the black

Dubai’s aviation sector in many ways forms the foundation of what makes it a favourite to host the World Expo 2020. Here’s why?

ambition and success embody the spirit of the city it represents. Flydubai has firmly established its place in the region.

Underserviced destinations within a 5-hour flying radius of Dubai next on radar

lydubai, Dubai’s first budget airline launched in June 2009, recorded a net profit of Dh152 million (US$ 41.4 million) in 2012, with revenues of Dh2.77 billion (US$756 million). Those numbers stand out impressively when measured against an industry flying into strong headwinds of economic uncertainty and high oil prices. flydubai’s fleet of 28 aircraft presently operates to 52 destinations. In the first three-and-a-half years of operations, the airline has carried 10.4 million passengers, including 5.1 million in 2012. Those passengers have been transported on 1,000 flights a week putting the carrier second, behind Emirates Airlines, in terms of bringing passengers to Dubai. Six new aircraft from its 50 Boeing 737-800 order book will be delivered in 2013, enabling the rapid expansion of the network. Already, since the beginning of the year, two new routes - Malé in the Maldives and Ha’il in Saudi Arabia - have been added to the network. Multan and Sialkot in Pakistan joined the network in March. The number of passengers in flydubai’s GCC network grew by 63 per cent in 2012. In the CIS, flydubai’s passenger traffic grew 72 per cent. “These figures highlight flydubai’s role in growing these new and existing markets by encouraging travel, rather than switching traffic between airlines,” the airline said in a statement to Via Dubai. Launched to support Dubai’s thriving commercial and tourism sectors, flydubai’s

“It has opened up new markets; contributed to increased tourism to Dubai and made a major contribution to the growth and connectivity of Dubai’s aviation hub,” said H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai. “I am proud to celebrate the success of this young, ambitious airline and its positive impact on the UAE,” he remarked.

Dubai Expo 2020: Bid to connect the world flying high

flydubai so far has raised Dh4.5 billion ($1.2 billion) in competitive financing to fund the acquisition of its aircraft fleet to-date, enabling the airline to order 50 aircraft before its first flight. Of the remaining aircraft deliveries, flydubai has recently mandated nine deliveries for sale and leaseback financing, with bids received for more than five times the requirement.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, explained the importance of the Dubai’s role as an aviation hub in allowing the airline to flourish - and become profitable within the third year of its operations. “When we launched in 2009, our objective was to make air travel more accessible and offer real value for passengers. “We quickly identified and capitalised on opportunities offered by our geographical proximity to the world’s centres of population, facilitating trade and tourism with the opening of new and underserved routes,” Al Ghaith said. “The success of our sustainable business model is evident in our financial and operating performance. We moved into the black for the second half of 2011, delivering three consecutive semi-annual periods of profitable growth.” The launch of the cargo operations earlier this year also means that flydubai is now involved in all four key sectors of Dubai’s economic diversification - trade, tourism, transportation and logistics, he added. Dubai’s aviation sector, which contributes 28 per cent to Dubai’s economy, is expected to contribute approximately US$45 billion in revenues to the emirate’s GDP by 2020. t

Future strategy Ghaith Al Ghaith

Via Dubai - May 2013

Supporting the Dubai government’s vision to establish Dubai as an international aviation hub

Growing the fleet to 34 aircraft by the end of 2013, and 50 aircraft by 2016

Exploring additional opportunities in the Indian Subcontinent, GCC, CIS and CEE regions

Identifying underserviced destinations/additional routes within a 5-hour flying radius of Dubai

Capitalising on UAE’s expected growth in trade and tourism

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed with BIE and Dubai officials during the airports tour

n November 2013, the BIE Executive Committee, will announce which city has been chosen to host the World Expo 2020, following voting by its 163 membernations. All early indications are that the city will be Dubai. Dubai’s theme to host Expo 2020 “Connecting minds, creating the future” reflects clearly the objectives of the event and addresses the global dimension of the exhibition devoted to the idea of communication between peoples. Every facet of the emirate has been under the microscope of the BIE inspectors in the past months and Dubai itself has been leaving no department untouched, no sector unnoticed, no effort spared as it ensures that its bid to host the prestigious event is successful. At the heart of Dubai’s Expo 2020 bid lies its aviation industry and the BIE inspectors were not out of place in visiting the Dubai International and Al Maktoum International to personally see the extensive facilities that will be able to handle 100 million passengers. Dubai’s Expo 2020 visitors are expected to reach more than 30 million and expected to enhance the economy with US$28 billion contribution. H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Hosting 2020 World Expo, told the visiting panel: “Dubai is fully committed to delivering an exceptional World Expo in 2020 - an Expo that the BIE will be proud of and an Expo that will truly be for the world. Our goal is to present the best Expo in its 150 year history.” Dubai’s strategic location at the crossroads of the East and the West makes it the most connected destination for the expo. The proposed Expo site, Dubai Trade Centre in Jebel Ali, is situated next to the new Al Maktoum International Airport.

Dubai’s two airports - Dubai International and Al Maktoum International are best geared to handle the expo traffic in 2020. Dubai is competing against four other candidate cities including Ayutthaya in Thailand, Ekaterinburg in Russia, Izmir in Turkey and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Emirates gives wings to bid Emirates Airline is putting the full force of its A380 fleet behind Dubai’s bid to land the 2020 World Expo. The airline has attached giant stickers to its A380 fleet, promoting the UAE’s bid to hold the event in Dubai. Emirates has 31 A380s and the Expo message will eventually be taken to all of its A380 destinations - currently numbering 21.

Why Dubai is favourite? In a recent report, the London-based International Centre for Development Studies, stated that the city of Dubai has more competitive advantages than other cities competing on hosting Expo 2020. The report predicted that Dubai’s Expo 2020 will promote SME with a growth rate close to four per cent of annual GDP and increase commercial, tourism- and cultural activities as well as the growth of multiple sectors such as banking and services sectors. The report indicates that the strategic geographical location and the stable social environment in addition to the promising economic climate and diverse population are all factors that make Dubai’s opportunities larger than other competing cities. According to the report, Dubai has earmarked nearly US$5 billion to support its infrastructure and is working constantly to increase the capacity of its airports.t

Via Dubai - May 2013

Interview

Heathrow & Istanbul airports need 10 years to compete with Dubai Gulf airline mergers is the fast route to attain top global position u

n this exclusive interview, George Hannouche, Chairman and CEO of Bayanat Airports Engineering Supplies, tells Via Dubai exactly where the penny is going to drop for the aviation industry. What has led to the unprecedented growth of the aviation sector in the region? The growth of the aviation industry in this region is due to a number of factors including the vision-driven growth of economies in the region that is very well situated between the two important zones – the Americas/Europe and Asia/Africa/Australia – thus well placed to attract transit passengers to and from each zone through an open skies policies. This goes with investment in the aviation industry, backed by the prosperity of the Gulf and Asian countries, which are becoming the world’s growth engine, and the development of the concept of services excellence which has almost disappeared in the West. Besides, the outstanding quality of Middle East airport infrastructure and modern airline fleet, supported by an increase in Middle East domestic travel, backed by the creation of strong, local

The Middle East will see sustained growth in the aviation industry for the next two decades Managing fast growth comes with its own set of challenges

low-cost airlines are also playing instrumental role in boosting air traffic across the region. What are the future challenges to the aviation industry? There are many challenges facing the aviation industry in the future, such as solving airport capacity problems; having a unified sky policies especially for the Gulf region; facing Western countries’ growing concerns of the phenomenal growth of local airlines which they see a threat to the existence of their carriers. Besides, enhancing security measures, developing aviation competence among local youth, implementing green airport measures and facing unfair taxations such as the carbon tax are some of the key challenges that regional airlines are facing. Could you underline some key challenges as Dubai International looks set to become the world’s leading airport in terms of international passenger numbers? Besides the points mentioned above which are general to the region, Dubai may face future

competition from London or Istanbul. But we’re talking about at least 7 to 10 years until London gets a new mega airport (if any) or Istanbul completes building a big airport as has been announced. Mergers between Gulf airline companies could be a rapid way to grow to the number one position. How do you envision green airports of the future? Twenty years ago issues like environment, saving energy, green buildings or green airports were not common in the Gulf as many people would question the interests of the world’s biggest oil producing nations. Today’s economic outlook is different. Economies are diversified. Issues like energy saving, green building and green airports are taken seriously and many initiatives are in process. Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City and Emirates’ green flights are examples of such initiatives. The UAE’s leaders have a vision for sustainable development and that there is no doubt that the UAE will set the pace towards green airports in the region. t

Middle East airlines record highest growth for international traffic T

he highest growth for international traffic has been registered by the airlines of the Middle East followed by Latin America and the Caribbean. The Asia/Pacific region was the world’s largest air transport market in 2012, with a 30 per cent share in terms of world RPKs (Revenue Passenger -Kilometres). The Middle East accounting for 8 per cent of the world RPKs, recorded the fastest growth rate at 16.8 per cent in 2012 compared to 2011. The overall air transport capacity offered by airlines, expressed in available seat-kilometres (ASKs), increased globally by 4.0 per cent in 2012, according to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). On the air cargo side, traffic ex18

Via Dubai - May 2013

pressed in freight tonne-kilometres (FTKs) posted a decline of about 1.2 per cent leading to approximately 51 million tonnes of freight carried. This reflects much slower growth in global trade in 2012 than in 2011. Moreover, the heavier economic climate in Europe, coupled with a slowdown in Chinese exports and strong competition in maritime transport, adversely affected cargo traffic. Some 2.9 billion people used air transport to help them conduct their business and tourism needs in 2012, according to preliminary figures on scheduled services released by the ICAO. The annualised passenger figure is up 5 per cent since 2011 and is expected to reach over 6 billion by

2030, according to current projections. African carriers registered growth almost seven times higher than their 2011 results, at 7.4 per cent compared to 1.1 per cent, the third fastest growing international market in 2012, mainly due to the improved performance of airlines registered in North Africa due to increased political stability in the sub-region. The world’s two major aircraft manufacturers, Airbus and Boeing, have delivered more than 940 new aircraft in 2012 and they have recorded an impressive number of orders, approaching 1,500 new aircraft, to be delivered in the coming years. t

Heathrow hits record as flights to Middle East soar

eathrow Airport recorded a surge in passengers from the Middle East. Almost 70 million passengers passed through the gates of Britain’s busiest airport last year, a rise of 0.9 per cent. Heathrow is effectively full – 471,341 flights were made.

Systems to success: Airport technology drives the future Iyad Hindiyeh, Head of Airport IT Business Development, Amadeus IT Group SA, explains why investing in the latest in airport technology and processes is a must

oday’s airports need to improve their efficiency, particularly given increased competition, higher traveller volumes, security constraints and government regulations to secure more environmentfriendly operations for the ever-complicated task of finding and retaining talent within the airports.

A good number of airports in the Middle East region, especially the Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat, Salalah, Saudi Arabia and Amman airports, are known for having invested in new IT systems in the recent years. Some countries have not invested enough to upgrade their ITsystems and infrastructure to the level that is required to compete internationally. t

All players within the travel ecosystem are generally under pressure to do more with the existing resources. In essence, we are witnessing how travel providers want to put all their resources into what they do best and are relying on external providers for areas where they don’t have the expertise that a third party can bring to the table. The rationale behind airlines going for Amadeus Altéa passenger service system (PSS), a community platform that permits airlines to share a common system, is to benefit from the latest innovation at a lower cost. One tangible example of what technology can bring to the whole ecosystem is the adoption of collaborative decision making (CDM) at the operational level, engaging all key partners. That’s a first – but a very important step towards a truly integrated airport ecosystem that could help reducing runway congestion, cutting delays in takeoff and landing, and shortening taxi times. Munich was one of the first European airports to implement CDM and since then, 94 per cent of flights have met their air traffic flow management slots.

Amadeus airport ecosystem

Emerging nations now the first worlds of air travel

IATA forecasts airlines will handle 3.6 billion passengers in 2016

he International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts that airlines are expected to handle 3.6 billion passengers in 2016, about 800 million than numbers carried by airlines globally in 2011. Quoting its Airline Industry Forecast 2012- 2016, IATA said the industry’s consensus outlook for system-wide traffic growth sees passenger numbers expanding by an average of 5.3 per cent per annum. The 28.5 per cent increase in passenger numbers over the forecast period will see almost 500 million new passengers travelling on domestic routes and 331 million new passengers on international services. The emerging economies of Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East will see

the strongest passenger growth. Passenger numbers are expected to grow to 1.45 billion in 2016, bringing 331 million passengers for a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3 per cent. Five of the 10 fastest growing markets for international passenger traffic are among the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), alongwith Latin America, Africa and the Asia- Pacific region. By 2016, the top five countries for international travel measured by number of passengers will be US, UK, Germany, Spain and France. China is expected to account for 193 million of the 831 million new passengers over the forecast period.. t

Middle East passenger traffic growth is driving global aviation

ccording to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) annual report of 2012, the year-on-year increase in passenger traffic hit 5.3 per cent, while the Middle East saw a whopping 15.4 per cent growth. Middle East airlines contributed almost a third of the total expansion in international passenger markets ahead of the 8.9 per cent growth recorded in 2011. The surge in passenger demand in the Middle East is mainly driven by airports capacity increases in the Gulf Arab region. Growth and high aircraft utilisation combined to help airlines deliver an estimated $6.7 billion profit in 2012 despite high fuel prices.

Via Dubai - May 2013

News

Opinion

The Airport USP: Emotional, exciting and stress-free A

ir Transport in Europe is undergoing more important changes now than at the time of introduction of jets or wide body aircraft. The above statement was made in 1989. That year, Berlin Wall came down, the Iron Curtain became more than leaky and China entered the world economy.

Dieter A. Heinz

u Dieter A. Heinz is the

President of German Association for Airport Technology and Equipment (GATE) since 1992 and has been keenly involved with airports industry in the UAE/GCC.

At that time, Dubai airport handled less than five million passengers and Frankfurt 28 million travelers. In 2012, Frankfurt had 57.5 million passengers and Dubai 57.6 million passengers. So, it was not Europe that experienced the predicted change, but the quantum transition happened in the Gulf region. Airports carry the increasing load of passengers and freight, had to transform themselves from simple buildings into the most sophisticated technology-driven travel hubs in the shortest period of time.

Their operation is taken for granted. They have to cope with technical and commercial challenges of tremendous impact to meet the growth with construction, to receive, handle and distribute passengers, luggage and cargo, the logistics and infrastructure, the demand for comfort, security and safety – and are supposed to be profitable. On top of it, the competition of airports is growing and is lurking just around the corner – in Europe as well as in the Far and Middle East. Airports remain dedicated to serve the airline and their passengers. Everybody wants to use an iPhone or drive a Porsche, but who decides to fly or change flights because of the attraction of a particular airport? If an airport develops a strong brand with an USP (unique selling point) which tells the customer “Use my product, and you will get this specific benefit, it becomes more competitive.

This proposition must be one that the competition either cannot, or does not, offer. It must be unique and emotional — either a uniqueness of the brand or a claim not otherwise made. Perhaps it sounds strange at the first glance – same as the prediction many years ago that airports will run into competition. Reinvent your airport – make it emotional, exciting and stress-free. The proposition must be so strong, that it can move the mass millions, i.e. pull over travellers to my airport and convert passengers into dedicated customers. Look at Dubai: The unique growth rate of the Dubai International is a result of the image (USP) of Dubai – creating a worldwide desire to experience the opportunities. It is the airport that made Dubai and vice versa - and this is a compliment to the Government and the People who created and live that image. t

Middle East aviation strategy to fly through the strong headwinds T

he Middle East aviation industry has shown remarkable resilience in the face of the global economic turmoil and pandemics, regional conflicts and natural disasters over the last ten years. Over this period alone, the Middle East share of global international traffic has more than doubled. IATA predicts this growth will continue, expecting Middle East aviation to show the third highest global growth of 6.6 per cent up to 2016. Much of this is attributed to the visionary leadership of the Gulf States, who have continued to pump in billions of dollar to expand their airlines and airports. The region is also blessed by its strategic location, with almost two-thirds of the world’s population within eight hours flying time from its aviation hubs, making it a natural choice for intercontinental air connectivity. However, despite all this optimism, there are several serious challenges that have to be overcome

in order to meet the growth aspirations. Key among these is the better management of the airspace so that expansion on the ground is not hampered by the expansion in the air. Airspace reform in the region is overdue and requires a huge commitment to share data, resources and planning from all the governments and stakeholders if the region is to be able to significantly increase its air traffic. Another important issue is for the region’s airlines to deliver profitability and value to their owners, in the face of declining profits across the airline industry globally. It is imperative for regional airports to look after their carriers if they are to grow traffic and this requires huge technology investments to make the passenger experience more efficient and friendly. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are great models of airport-airline cooperation that have produced exceptional results. A final challenge lies in the ability of the region to liberalise its aviation market. Histori-

cal evidence confirms that liberalisation has resulted in higher passenger growth, new route development, lower fares and a boost to the aviation entrepreneurial spirit. The Middle East has been one of the most successful markets in an otherwise struggling global aviation landscape. With some of the most dynamic industry leaders and a keen desire to maintain this growth, it can be expected to rise to these challenges and lead international aviation growth over the next decade as well. t

By Daniyal Qureshi, Show Director - The Airport Show

Via Dubai - May 2013

GCAA rule to bring crew fatigue down to zero risk New rulemaking draft fully aligned with ICAO Fatigue Management SARPs, including FRMS

espite its size being relatively small when compared to other countries, the airspace that the UAE manages is the third-busiest in the world.

Hence, despite the latest systems and technology being in place the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is taking great care not to lose sight of the one factor that rises above all in terms of air care for flying personnel – fatigue. The size of the ULR operation from the UAE is believed to be the largest in the industry and this kind of operation requires a very sophisticated fatigue monitoring system and an equivalent level of regulatory oversight. Thanks to Emirates and Etihad airlines, pioneers in this type of operation, UAE is one of the leaders in that field when it comes to Fatigue Risk Management Systems. In April last year, GCAA held the First Fatigue in Aviation Safety Conference in association with FRMS International and ICAO’s newlyintroduced Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) and its implementation within the State Authorities and the Operators was studied, reviewed and discussed. Over the past decade, the aircraft accident rate had been improving continuously and is now essentially stable. As the industry grows and departures increase, the total numbers of accidents are at risk of increase.

Any appreciable increase in the total number of accidents would be unacceptable to the general public. Technology improvement, reliable engines and navigation systems aside, the majority of today’s accidents can be attributed to human or organizational factors, with a few notable exceptions. There is little scope for technological solutions to such types of accidents. The introduction of Safety Management Systems, Flight Data Monitoring and FRMS can mitigate risks up to a point This is why the GCAA is in the process of issuing new regulations to reduce operational risk by eliminating fatigue-related crew error. To address this task, the Flight Operation Department has held a meeting with experts within UAE aviation industry to announce the

formation of the rulemaking draft group. These new rules will be fully aligned with the ICAO annex 6 Fatigue Management SARPs, which include FRMS. The GCAA is fully aware that mitigating fatigue risk can only be achieved in partnership with the industry and has to be supported by the related subject matters experts that can provide knowledge, the skills and the ability required for this successful project,” said Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General, GCAA. The rule making group will take into consideration all other relevant recent publicly available regulations, studies, studies and operational experience. The GCAA believes that this is a balanced approach and the way forward for a bright future of the international aviation industry.t

Airline passengers’ most annoying cabin habits

Habits that Cabin Crew finds most annoying

nce in the air, the Cabin Crew on board is the passenger’s only real friend. So it might make sense for travelers to know what keeps the crew in a good mood and what drives them crazy. Skyscanner, a global travel comparison website, has published the findings of a recent survey of what passenger habits are most annoying to the crew. What topped the list? Finger clicking! In fact, the survey which covered more than 700 cabin crew from around the world, found that clicking

ones fingers to get their attention was the biggest gripe, receiving double the number of votes in comparison to its closest rival. t

Clicking your fingers to get cabin crew attention (26%) u Leaving the seat at the end before the light goes off (13%) u Stuffing too many bags into overhead locker (11%) u Complaining there’s no space in the locker (10%) u Talking through the safety demo (9%) u Asking for more blankets/pillows (8%) u Stuffing rubbish in the seat pocket (7%) u Asking for a different meal (6%) u Ringing the attendant bell to complain about temperature (6%)

Via Dubai - May 2013

In Focus

The CO2 effect and billions saved

Green, lean and smart flying:

very minute time of ‘wasted’ flying consumes 62 litres of fuel, delivering more than 162 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. If these wasted minutes could be avoided, a total of 73 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions can be cut. US$13.5 billion in extra costs can also be avoided.

process more aircraft, enhancing throughput. In other words, A-SMGCS allows ATM departments to handle more aircraft in a shorter time.

Why an open sky movement is a must? A minute of flying time saved per an aircraft adds up to billions of dollars in savings and a major cut in CO2 emissions. Here’s how the experts believe it can be done.

he world is getting smaller. Not least because of the impact of internet and mobile communications, but also because air traffic is at an unprecedented level, never seen before in history.

more than 162 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. If these wasted minutes could be avoided, a total of 73 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions can be cut and US$13.5 billion in extra costs avoided.

This presents a three-pronged challenge to the aviation industry to ensure that there is no traffic jam in the one place there can least afford to be – the open skies.

Many airports around the world are running at full capacity, including London Heathrow, Paris Orly, Dusseldorf and the John F. Kennedy (JFK) airport in New York.

Reducing costs, fighting pollution and raising capacity at airports is the way forward, not least because the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) expects air traffic in the Middle East region to grow by 5.2 per cent annually until 2030. ICAO also stipulates that the landing and takeoff distance between aircraft should not be less than one mile.

Cesare Bernabei, of the European Commission’s Directorate for Energy and Transportation, thinks that the main problem is the shortage of airport surface area. “Overcoming the chronic shortage of airport surface area cannot be achieved through one measure only. A package of integrated technological solutions that can be implemented by all partners in the air industry is needed… especially (by) aircraft manufacturers, who hold big sway over the course of the solutions to be adopted,” said Cesare.

This restriction, combined with the growing inability of some airports to absorb new air traffic, not only forces aircraft to unnecessarily circle overhead, wasting fuel and polluting the environment, but also creates possibilities for catastrophic accidents. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), every minute time of wasted’ flying consumes 62 litres of fuel, delivering 22

Via Dubai - May 2013

Aviation experts are calling for a dramatic overhaul of commercial air traffic routes, which in most cases are fixed from departure to arrival destinations because of security and/or military concerns, regardless of weather conditions and economic factors.

Technology plays an important role by alleviating the burden of air congestion and a dramatic overhaul of commercial air traffic routes is required. New technologies can be used to make the landing of aircraft easier at existing airports in almost any weather.

Two systems to fly more with less Balaji Srimoolanathan, an aerospace expert at Frost & Sullivan consultancy, says there are a number of technologies which can dramatically improve airport capabilities, including Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control (A-SMGCS) and Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM). A-SMGCS is a pan-airport surveillance infrastructure system consisting of microwave and optical sensors that allow airport authorities to monitor all airport facilities and infrastructure resources simultaneously. A-SMGCS gives an airport’s air traffic 23 control an almost continuous picture of movement on the runways and taxiways, in all weather conditions, which provides better control of incoming and outgoing flights. This allows the Air Traffic Control (ATC) to

By contrast, A-CDM is a concept that will allow every main airport partner – ATCs, airlines, etc. – to share operational data transparently, providing situational awareness and maximising the use of available airport infrastructure.

(MALT) allows airports to increase capacity, maximise security and reduce costs, without having to sacrifice in any of those areas. Some of Europe’s busiest airports use this system to monitor ground movement, spot and analyse the divergence of time-of-arrival signals collected by the system sensors, optical fibers and radio-frequency (RF) enabled devices.

It has a particular focus on aircraft turnaround and pre-departure sequencing. One of the main effects of this will be more accurate target take-off times to improve en-route and sector planning of the European ATM network. Implementation is ongoing via the introduction of departure planning information messaging to the Control Flow Management Unit.

MALT carries a number of advantages when compared with traditional radar systems (SSR), which are currently used by most ATM departments. Unlike traditional systems, MALT consists of 70 per cent software and only 30 per cent hardware, which dramatically reduces unexpected mechanical failures. In addition, MALT is easy and economical to operate.

Technology to re-route

Crowding out the Middle East

In addition to the role that can be played by technology to alleviate the burden of air congestion, aviation experts are calling for a dramatic overhaul of commercial air traffic routes, which in most cases are fixed from departure to arrival destinations because of security and/ or military concerns, regardless of weather conditions and economic factors.

The Middle East is not an exception to the crowded skies problem. The ICAO expects air traffic in the Middle East to grow by 5.2 per cent annually until 2030 and Boeing’s forecast estimates that the region’s fleets will add more than 2,370 new aircraft by 2030. It goes without saying that the expected increase in the region’s travel volumes will add more pressure to ATMs already stretched beyond sustainability. t

This system dates back to a time when aircraft did not possess the navigational prowess that modern generations of commercial aircraft possess today. Aviation experts say that achieving flexibility within air traffic routes could save up to six minutes of flying time on average, resulting in a two per cent savings in fuel consumption and removing 3,000 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during a standard 10hour international flight. There are a number of technologies that can help make air traffic routes more flexible, like the Tailored Arrival System (TAS), which enables aircraft to use air/ground data-link technology to land with minimal intervention from the ATM. TAS allows pilots to determine the best route for landing from a specific point enroute to the airport runway, without having to endlessly hover over the airport, or be put into hold patterns or a structured landing. According to studies, TAS could save 39 per cent of fuel consumption on average, depending on the type of aircraft, and take 500,000 pounds (approx. 226,800 kilogrammes) of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. In addition, the Multilateration System

Via Dubai - May 2013

GO Green

Technology

Mobile for the masses: Paperless, seamless travel from buying a ticket to take-off

E3 Gate system opens doors to the green airports of the future

Surge in bookings on mobile devices

he move by the aviation industry across the world towards a paperless environment is gaining serious momentum and technological advances in the mobile and internet industry makes what was once the stuff of fiction a reality. An IATA study – The Future of Airline Distribution – A Look Ahead to 2017 – has identified major trends transforming the travel distribution landscape and revealed that travel is the largest e-commerce category, led by airline ticket sales. By 2017, IATA expects 50 per cent of online direct bookings will be made on mobile devices – with even more ancillary purchases made through mobiles, given factors like portability and ease of use. The study says that airlines have morphed into retailers – true merchants of the skies. As merchants, airlines need systems that can help them not just to distribute flights, but push their products and value across

Surge in bookings on mobile

channels that make sense – online and offline, direct and indirect – at sensible costs. The study believes this new approach will be supported by the emergence of value creation hubs (VCH). VCHs will represent an evolutionary “pivot” from the current Global Distribution System approach. In 2012, IATA launched the New Distribution Capability (NDC) which will enable airlines to offer more options to customers and to reach them seamlessly across all distribution channels. t

Mobile Airport Terminals: Move 200 passengers in just two hours A

n Austrian company that launched the world’s first mobile airport terminal at Geneva International Airport is promoting the unique product in the Middle East region. TMT Management has appointed the Dubai-based Airpo-Tech as the sole authorized representative of The Mobile Terminal.

400 aircraft to Gogo to Kuband satellite connectivity

The base model comprises a TMT Departure module and a TMT Arrival module, which include all necessary facilities and equipment to handle a single flight, such as an A320 or 737, in a low-cost configuration – around 180-200 passengers – within just two hours. t

ogo, a global leader of in-flight connectivity and a pioneer in wireless in-flight digital entertainment solutions, will outfit more than 400 aircraft with its Kuband satellite connectivity services across several major airlines internationally. Gogo has its Air to Ground (ATG) solution installed on more than 1,700 aircraft and its next generation ATG technology – ATG-4 – installed on more than 100 aircraft, bringing its total number of installed aircraft to more than 1,800 across nine major airlines. Gogo continues to play a leading role in helping passengers connect at 30,000 feet in the US and, soon, around the world. In addition to its roll-out of in-flight Internet, Gogo has been able to continue to deploy its wireless in-flight entertainment solution, Gogo Vision, which allows passengers to watch a movie on their own Wi-Fi enabled tablet or laptop. Gogo expects to have more than 1,500 aircraft installed with Gogo Vision by the end of 2013. Using the Gogo exclusive network and services, passengers with laptops and other

The biggest winners are likely to be EU airlines, projected to gain €758 million, almost twice the €400 million they were estimated to make in 2011, according to new analysis

Chandrashekhar Sardesai, Regional Technical Sales Leader (Middle East) for Honeywell, said new technologies that uses Video Analytics and RADAR Video Surveillance are soon likely to be installed across many airports.

Via Dubai - May 2013

Regulations forcing carriers to surrender permits to cover carbon emitted on all flights in and out of EU airports came into effect at the start of 2012.

stand to make around A irlines €1.3 billion in “windfall profits”

Paul Crombie, Solutions Development Leader and Airport Specialist Critical Infrastructure Protection at Honeywell, said that many airports over the world had installed localised security solutions that do not cover the entire periphery of the airport.

commissioned by campaign group Transport and Environment (T&E).

Middle East airports in $10bn technology safety investments uthorities at Middle East airports are implementing projects worth US$100 million to adopt the latest technology and systems to ensure safety of the infrastructure, aircraft and the passengers alike.

working closely with customers and industry bodies in order to develop a fully-integrated gate concept that is energy-efficient, reduces fuel costs and minimises the use of auxiliary power units. He said that given the high temperatures in the UAE and region, implementing the E3 Gate System was much needed to increase the energy efficiency, reduce airport congestion, reduce or even eliminate APUs (auxiliary power units) and GSE vehicles, and lead to a more hassle-free travel experience for the passengers and airport staff. t

When the environment gives back: EU carbon law hands airlines a windfall

Wi-Fi enabled devices can get online on more than 1,800 commercial aircraft.

John R. Diedam, Vice-President of Ingersoll Rand, said that in today’s world security was no longer someone else’s problem and that most international airports have been making conscious efforts to protect themselves and remain the safest spots.

A panoramic view of the world’s first mobile airport terminal

nvironment-friendly policies are no more seen as hindrances to the aviation industry’s growth and development, but now are at the heart of planning. The industry had seen the cost benefits for itself by improving turnaround times, cutting emissions and enhancing safety. One of the great steps forward in this regard is the new E3 Gate system. Edward Christie of Lugano, Switzerland-based Cavotec, says the new E3 Gate system – focused on environment, ergonomics and economy - had been conceptualized by

over 2012 as a result of EU carbon regulations.

Although airlines were given 85 per cent of the allowances for free, they had claimed that regulations would impose costs upwards of €10 billion by 2020.

E3 gate: Cavotec’s E3 provide support to DI’s operations

Unique ‘green’ car for airports A

irports in the Middle East region could potentially benefit from Dragonfly, a green high-tech urban vehicle for runways and tarmacs.

Catecar, a Swiss company which launched the prototype at the Geneva International Airport in September 2012, said Dragonfly has been designed to be inexpensive while maintaining a focus on local production. Dragonfly will enable users to get rid of the logistical nightmare of transporting people within busy airports. Dragonfly is all set to hit the world’s key airports in its first phase of manufacturing.

The report finds airlines have not only been raising fares to cover the cost of the 15 per cent of permits they need to purchase, but they have also been passing on the supposed “cost” of the free permits, resulting in windfall profits. t

Boeing’s zero-carbon growth = 80,000 cars off the roads

SAS $10m ‘Go Green’ initiative

oeing is one of the industry B behemoths who are at the forefront of showing that the terms

Aviation Services (SAS) has launched a ‘Go S harjah Green’ initiative in order to offset carbon emissions at

zero-carbon and growth are not mutually exclusive.

Since the beginning of 2008, Boeing has reduced cumulative carbon dioxide emissions by more than 400,000 metric tonnes, equivalent to removing 80,000 cars from the road for one year. Kim Smith, Boeing’s Vice- President of Environment, Health and Safety, announced that Boeing was committed to zero-carbon growth from operations for the period 2013-2017.

Boeing also reaffirmed its commitment to help the global airline industry meet its goal of achieving zerocarbon growth after the year 2020. She said: “Airlines, research institutions and companies in the UAE and the region are leaders in developing a cleaner future for the global aviation industry. “The region’s airlines operate some of the world’s modern, most-fuel efficient fleets of aircraft. These airlines are leading participants in international efforts to minimize the environmental footprint of aviation.” t

the Sharjah International Airport.

As part of the ‘Go Green’ initiative, SAS implements ambitious environmentally friendly initiatives in an effort to generate cleaner air, lower emissions and increased energy efficiency, influencing all aspects of the airport’s ground handling operations. Recommendations include expanding the use of advanced technology ground support vehicles by replacing Sharjah Aviation Services fleet of 200 diesel and petrol-powered vehicles by 2020. In the next five years, the company is expected to invest at least Dh10 million in purchasing 20 nine-tone electric baggage tractors, 15 pieces of 25-tone electric baggage tractors and 20 electric belt loaders. t

Via Dubai - May 2013

Logistics & Cargo

Logistic & cargo

dnata City cargo facility at heart of Heathrow Airport d

nata will take its logistics expertise London with the setting up for a purposebuilt cargo logistics centre at the heart of Heathrow Airport.

Dnata City will include a 20-acre cargo complex centred around five air freight warehouses, a transportation facility and a yard for airside operations enclosed in a security-fenced area. Two of dnata City’s buildings — the 140,000 square feet Cargo Point and 79,000 square feet West Point — current-

ly handle 21 wide-body flights daily for Virgin Atlantic, with a 60,000 square feet facility nearby at Bedfont Road dedicated to Cathay Pacific’s passenger and freighter cargo operations.

The dnata City complex will also encompass the existing 60,000 square feet self-contained handlers’ transport yard, where it has a fleet of 85 trucks providing 24/7 coverage with 4,000 truck movements currently servicing 656 flights every week. In

December,

dnata

said it added Air India to its growing number of clients in the UK, following its business deals

with Pakistan’s Airblue in Manchester and Aeromexico at Heathrow. t

The Middle East has the third fastest growth rate in the International Freight Developments category at 6.6 per cent. “In particular, we are strengthening our presence in key markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which continue to witness a surge in cargo volumes year on year.

Barloworld’s assessment is in fact in line with how emerging markets and GCC states have fared on the Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index. The index ranks 45 major emerging markets and identifies the attributes that make them attractive for investment by logistics companies, air cargo carriers, shipping lines, freight forwarders and distribution property companies.

Africa’s most populous country is seeking to reduce dependence on oil exports, which account for about 80 per cent of government revenue and more than 95 per cent of export income.

contributing 16.2 per cent of the airline’s total transport revenue. Based out of Dubai International, its US$327 million 43,600 square metre Cargo Mega Terminal is designed to handle 1.2 million tonnes of cargo a year.

Middle East to top global growth by 2016 he Middle East is expected to be T amongst the five of the ten fastest growing international freight markets in

the next four years, according to a forecast published by IATA.

The region, which is expected to have the third fastest growth rate at 6.6 per cent in the International Freight Developments category, will see its international cargo demand growing at 4.9 per cent in 2016.

Via Dubai - May 2013

In fact, the UAE’s logistics market is expected to reach US$9.4 billion by 2014. Frank Courtney, Chief Executive of Barloworld Logistics EMEA region, said the UAE is projected to generate logistics revenues in excess of US$9.4 billion by 2014.

An artist’s view of dnata City at Heathrow Airport

igeria is building cargo terminals at 12 airports to help boost export of farm produce.

mirates SkyCargo has significantly boosted its total cargo capacity and expanded its dedicated freighter network with the addition of three new Boeing 777F aircraft.

loworld’s growth plans in 2013 being the world’s sixth largest freight market with up to 2.5 million tons of air cargo, he said.

Emerging Markets are the hot spots

Three new 777s boost EK capacity

Tony Tyler

he UAE continues to evolve as a key hub for the global movement of goods and is expected to grow sharply in the coming years.

The country remains central to Bar-

Cargo terminals to boost farm exports

The three new freighters, each capable of carrying up to 103 tonnes of cargo, take SkyCargo’s freighter fleet to 10 aircraft and its dedicated freighter network to 12 destinations. Ram Menen, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo, said: “As one of the largest air cargo carriers in the world, we continue to invest in our fleet and expand our route network, enabling us to provide our customers with even greater flexibility, increased frequencies, additional capacity to handle larger cargo volumes and charter flights.” In the FY 2011-12, SkyCargo carried 1.79 million tonnes of cargo across its network,

UAE logistics market worth $9.4 bn

The UAE will be the world’s sixth largest freight markets with 2.5 million tonnes of air cargo, behind the United States (7.7 million tonnes), Germany (4.2 million tonnes), China (3.5 million tonnes), Hong Kong (3.2 million tonnes) and Japan (2.9 million tonnes). “Despite the current economic uncertainty, expected demand for connectivity remains strong. That’s good news for the global economy. Growing air transport links generate jobs and underpin economic growth in all economies,” said IATA Director General and CEO, Tony Tyler. t

Nigeria plans to increase food production by 20 million metric tonnes by 2015 and save the US$10 billion spent on food imports every year. t

Asia Pacific records poor demand sia Pacific is witness-

A ing a “solid growth in

international air passenger demand, but weaker market conditions for international air cargo”, according to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA). Airlines in the region carried 207 million international passengers in 2012, up seven per cent from the previous year. International revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) increased by 5.8 per cent. Capacity growth was 3.9 per cent, resulting in a load factor of 77.9 per cent, up 1.5 percentage points. t

GCC countries led by Saudi Arabia performed well, ranking 4th in the index, followed by UAE at 6th place. Qa-

tar (12), Oman (13) and Kuwait (16) performed well in the overall rankings. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Jordan had the highest “market compatibility” scores, meaning they had comparatively well-developed service sectors and population centers, good distribution of wealth, high foreign investment, low barriers to market entry and good security. The UAE (1), Oman (3) and Saudi Arabia (5) were also leaders in “market connectedness,” a measure of the frequency and reliability of sea and air links, the strength of their transport infrastructure, and efficiency of customs/border systems. t

Emirates among repeat winners in Air Cargo Excellence Survey

mirates SkyCargo won Diamond Award at the Air Cargo World’s Air Cargo Excellence (ACE) awards ceremony held in Doha, Qatar. The three airlines won the top awards in their respective tonnage categories at the 9th annual ceremony. Carriers were given scores for customer service, performance, value and information technology. Ten airports from around the world received Air Cargo Excellence awards. They were rated on performance, value, facilities and operations. The awards are based on surveys done by Air Cargo World readers. Emirates won the top prize in the Air

Carrier – 800,000 or More Tonnes category. “This award draws attention, not only to the excellence of our operations, but the excellence of our team throughout the network,” Ram Menen, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo, said. “It has been a pleasure to see Emirates SkyCargo not only take to the skies, but become one of the world’s leading air cargo carriers.” Dubai International scooped the award for the Middle East. Of the 100 airports on the survey, only 46 were rated above the industry average and 31 of the 62 airlines achieved higher ratings than the industry average.

Roadmap to accelerate E-Cargo

Paperless surge

has been created by the Global Air Cargo AdAroadmap visory Group (GACAG) to accelerate the industry’s

government-funded €1.2 million ADutch scheme to encourage paperless air cargo

adoption of e-Cargo in 2013. Air cargo represents less than 10 per cent by volume and more than 30 per cent by value of international trade. Using the roadmap, GACAG members aim to create an environment, by the end of 2015, where the core transportation documents are paperless on at least 80 per cent of the world’s trade lanes, and where the traditional cargo pouch accompanying the shipments would be removed for a large set of shipments. GACAG was formed in November 2010 and its four founding members are FIATA, IATA, GSF and TIACA. t

DWC Cargo facility

at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has been hailed as a success. The project also helped establish a help desk and the e-Freight@NL Online Academy, to provide online training to the industry and potential users. By December 2012, the annual total had risen to 21,176 paperless shipments, up from 1,665 in 2010. By the end of 2015, it is hoped that e-Freight will be live in 80 per cent of all world trade lanes. t

DHL to open AED100 million facility HL’s new AED100 milD lion ground operations facility - the largest in the

MENA - will open in Dubai’s Meydan free zone in Q3 2014. Frank-Uwe Ungerer, Country Manager, DHL Express UAE, said the new facility will improve transit shipment times. With the 185,844 sq.ft facility, DHL will have 40 per cent extra capacity as the new facility is strategically placed between Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports. “This facility offers us the opportunity to expand for up to 20 years, so we will not be constrained by our growth… we are investing in our future,” he said. t

Frank UweUngere

Via Dubai - May 2013

‫من الماضي‬

Flash Back

From the Creek to the Skies D

ubai witnessed an important event in the 1930s: a small plane flew over the city and landed on the waters of Dubai Creek on March 6, 1930. The then Dubai Ruler, Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum expressed his displeasure about the unannounced landing of an aeroplane and refused to grant permission to the commander to land on the shore. He initially agreed to accord to Imperial Airways the facilities required for the establishment of an air station at Dubai. He agreed that Imperial Airways aircraft would be allowed to land in Dubai Creek; construction of a rest house on the creek, and the responsibility of the safety of the aircraft, personnel, passengers and establishments. In return, the British government agreed to pay the wages of 30 guards with two chiefs at Rs20 per guard and Rs.40 for the chiefs, Rs2,400 per annum as rent of the rest house, Rs500 per month rent of creek and a landing fee of Rs5 for every aircraft that alighted in the creek. There was also a subsidy of Rs300 per month in return for the responsibility assumed by Dubai. The proposal was, however, eventually turned down. On July 22 next year, Sheikh Saeed signed a one-year agreement allowing Imperial Airways a specific, 1,800-yard area of the Dubai Creek as a landing facility and fuelling facilities. On October 3, the first Short Empire flying boat of Imperial Airways, called ‘Canopus’, with 28 passengers and five crew members on board, arrived in Dubai Creek in front of the present day City Centre on a flight from Southampton to Karachi. In February 1938, the number of planes using Dubai Creek increased to three weekly (two of them to Karachi and one to Singapore) and Imperial Airways saw more profits. In May 1939, Sheikh Saeed signed an agreement with the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, Ltd, to provide flying boats touching down at Dubai Creek with fuel. In 1947, major developments took place in Dubai’s aviation industry as BOAC informed the British Foreign Office about its intention to cease using flying boats. This step meant ending of the use of Dubai Creek as a landing facility. In the 1940s, Sheikh Rashid – who had been the deputy ruler since 1938 – implemented the ‘Open Skies’ policy, an international policy concept that calls for the liberalisation of rules and regulations in the international aviation industry. Sheikh Rashid started allocating funds for the airport development in the fiscal years 1958 and 1959, meaning almost half of all financial resources were allocated to the projects of the Creek development and Dubai Airport. A sum of Rs200, 000 was allocated for the airport alone. D F Hawley of the Political Agency for Trucial States, in a confidential letter dated July 3, 1959, wrote that the initial cost of an airport in Dubai would be 56,000 Sterling. British officials presented a detailed report to Sheikh Rashid about the proposed airport at Jebel Ali comprising Category A and Category B. In Category A, International Aeradio Limited (IAL) conducted a feasibility study to build a 7000-squarefeet sand airstrip, a temporary terminal and some additional facilities.

Via Dubai - May 2013

In the first of a series, Via Dubai brings exclusive excerpts from Ghassan Amhaz’s authoritative book, From the Creek to the Skies – History and Future of Civil Aviation in Dubai, about the developments surrounding the Dubai Airport

In Category B, the plan was to build an airport for all weather conditions like the airports in Bahrain, Doha and Kuwait. Sheikh Rashid rejected the Jebel Ali airport project for many reasons, including the high cost, distant location and other factors. Documents show that Sheikh Rashid opened a bank account for the airport project as part of the government’s budget even before receiving a final response from British officials. Sheikh Rashid appointed a British firm, Costain, as consultants. On September 10, 1959, IAL started the execution of its portion of the project. He felt the need for an agency to manage the airport, and in 1959, decided to set up the Dubai National Air Travel Agency (dnata). In 1959, dnata was a small ground-handling operation with just five staff members. Sheikh Rashid granted the refueling and aircraft lubricants rights to BP in a 15-year exclusive contract for its extensive experience in the field. He signed a five-year agreement with IAL, starting on May 28, 1960, by which the company would get £19,500 sterling annually as airport operation costs. He also signed an agreement with the British government on the same day for the Dubai Air Navigation Regulations. The opening of Dubai Airport on September 30, 1960 was conducted successfully. The airport received flights in the first years of operation from 7am to 1 pm. The first ever official air traffic statistics showed that the number of passengers who used the airport at the end of 1961 was 33,200. The number of incoming flights was 1,004, an average of three daily. A few days after the opening of the airport, Gulf Aviation Limited started operating two weekly flights to Dubai, in October 1960, followed by Kuwait Airways (a flight weekly) and other airlines like BOAC, Middle East Airlines, as well as Iranian, Indian and Pakistani airlines. Sheikh Rashid expressed the keenest desire “to attract more airlines with bigger and better aircraft to Dubai”. Sheikh Rashid decided to move ahead with modifications to Dubai Airport by adding a new airstrip to receive jets, expanding the passenger halls. He later asked IAL to prepare development plans for the runway to make it ready for operation and use by big aircraft, and to avoid its closure during the rainy season. Before the end of 1963, Sheikh Rashid asked Halcrow and IAL to start a project at Dubai Airport to build an asphalt airstrip instead of compacted sand. The long-awaited asphalt airstrip was completed in May 1965. The airstrip was 9,200 feet long, and ready to receive large aircraft. It became the second airport in the region, after Dhahran airport in Saudi Arabia, in terms of high technical specifications. In 1966, the airport started receiving scheduled night flights from Arab and foreign capitals. Passenger numbers in 1966 achieved the second largest growth rate in the history of air transport in Dubai; the number rose by 59 per cent to 85,983, while flight numbers jumped to 2,721 (65 per cent higher compared to 1965 figures). The rest is history.

‫تقــدم (عبــر دبــي) فــي بدايــة سلســلتها‬ ‫ مقتطفــات مــن كتــاب‬،‫التاريخيــة هــذه‬ ‫االعالمي غسان أمهز الموثوق تحت عنوان‬

‫(من الخور إلى السماء) – تاريخ ومستقبل‬ ‫ حــول تطورات‬،‫الطيــران المدنــي فــي دبــي‬ .2020 ‫ و‬1937 ‫قطاع الطيران المدني بين‬ ،‫هذه الوكالة عملها من أرضية عمليات صغيرة‬ ‫ ثم منح الشيخ راشد حقوق‬،‫وبخمسة موظفين فقط‬ ‫التزويد بالوقود و مواد تشحيم الطائرات لشركة‬ ‫ وذلك لخبرتها‬،‫ عاما‬15 ‫ ضمن عقد حصري لمدة‬،BP .‫الواسعة في هذا المجال‬ ‫ووقع الشيخ راشد أيضًا اتفاقا مدته خمس سنوات‬ ‫ حصلت بموجبه‬1960 ‫ مايو‬28 ‫ بدءًا من‬،)IAL( ‫مع‬ ‫ جنيه إسترليني سنويا كتكاليف‬19500 ‫الشركة على‬ .‫لتشغيل المطار‬ .‫ بنجاح‬1960 ‫ سبتمبر‬30 ‫وجرى افتتاح مطار دبي في‬ ‫واستقبل المطار رحالت الطيران في السنوات األولى‬ ‫ وأظهرت أول‬،13:00 ‫ حتي‬7:00 ‫ من الساعة‬،‫من العمل‬ ‫احصائية رسمية للحركة الجوية أن عدد الركاب الذين‬ .33200 ‫ كان‬1961 ‫استخدموا المطار في نهاية عام‬ ‫ بمعدل ثالثة رحالت‬،1004 ‫وبلغ عدد الرحالت القادمة‬ .‫يوميًا‬ ‫ قامت شركة‬،‫وبعد أيام قليلة من افتتاح المطار‬ ‫الخليج للطيران المحدودة بالبدء بإرسال رحلتين‬ ‫وتلتها‬،1960 ‫أسبوعيا إلى دبي في سبتمبر عام‬ ‫ ثم تتابعت‬،)‫الخطوط الجوية الكويتية (رحلة أسبوعيا‬ ‫ وطيران الشرق‬،BOAC ‫شركات طيران أخرى مثل‬ ‫ وكذلك اإليرانية والهندية وشركات الطيران‬،‫األوسط‬ .‫الباكستانية‬ ‫وأعرب الشيخ راشد عن رغبته بجذب المزيد من‬ .‫شركات الطيران بطائرات أكبر وأفضل إلى دبي‬ ‫وقرر الشيخ راشد المضي قدما بتطوير مطار دبي عن‬ ‫طريق إضافة مهبط طائرات جديد الستقبال الطائرات‬ ‫ وفي وقت الحق‬،‫ وتوسيع قاعات المسافرين‬،‫الكبيرة‬ ‫ ) إعداد خطة لتطوير‬IAL( ‫طلب الشيخ راشد من شركة‬ ‫المدرج وجعله جاهزا للتشغيل واالستخدام من قبل‬ ‫ وتجنب إغالق المدرج خالل‬،‫الطائرات كبيرة الحجم‬ ‫ طلب الشيخ‬،1963 ‫ وقبل نهاية عام‬.‫موسم األمطار‬ ‫) البدء بمشروع‬IAL(‫راشد من شركتي (هالكرو) و‬ ‫تطوير جديد في مطار دبي يشمل بناء مهبط للطائرات‬ ‫ وتم االنتهاء‬.‫من األسفلت بدال من الرمل المضغوط‬ ‫من مهبط الطائرات المبني من األسفلت الذي طال‬ .1965 ‫انتظاره في مايو عام‬ ‫ بدأ المطار باستقبال الرحالت‬،1966 ‫وفي عام‬ ‫ وحققت‬.‫المجدولة ليال من العواصم العربية واألجنبية‬ ‫ ثاتي أكبر معدل نمو‬1966 ‫أعداد المسافرين في عام‬ ،‫في تاريخ النقل الجوي في دبي‬ ‫ في المائة‬59 ‫وارتفع العدد بنسبة‬ ‫ في حين قفزت أرقام‬،85983 ‫إلى‬ ‫ في المائة‬65« 2721 ‫الرحالت إلى‬ ‫أعلى بالمقارنة مع أرقام عام‬ ‫ هكذا بدأ تاريخ بناء أول‬.»1965 .‫مطار في دبي والبقية تأتي‬

...‫من مياه الخور‬ ‫إلى السماء‬ ‫ ياردة من منطقة‬1800 ‫(امبيريال) للسماح باستخدام‬ ،‫الخور في دبي كمرفق هبوط تستخدمه الشركة‬ ‫ سبتمبر وصلت اول‬3 ‫ وفي‬.‫ومرفق للتزود بالوقود‬ )‫طائرة مائية لشركة (امبيريال) تسمى (كاليبسو‬ ‫ راكبا وخمسة من أفراد‬28 ‫بقدرة استيعابية تصل إلى‬ .‫ وحطت في خور دبي‬،‫طاقم الطائرة‬ ‫ ارتفع عدد الطائرات التي تستخدم‬1938 ‫وفي فبراير‬ ‫ (اثنان منها إلى كراتشي‬،‫خور دبي إلى ثالت اسبوعيًا‬ ‫ قام الشيخ‬1939 ‫ وفي مايو عام‬.)‫وواحد إلى سنغافورة‬ ‫سعيد بتوقيع اتفاقية مع شركة النفط البريطانية‬ ‫ لتزويد الطائرات المائية التي‬،‫الفارسية المحدودة‬ .‫تهبط على خور دبي بالوقود‬ ‫ حدثت تطورات كبيرة في صناعة‬1947 ‫وفي عام‬ ‫ حيث أبلغت امبريال ايرويز وزارة‬،‫الطيران في دبي‬ ‫عزمها على التوقف عن استخدام‬،‫الخارجية البريطانية‬ ‫ مما يعني انتهاء استخدام خور دبي‬،‫الطائرات المائية‬ ‫ أمر الشيخ راشد‬1940 ‫ وفي عام‬،‫كمرفق للهبوط‬ ،1938 ‫ الذي كان نائب الحاكم منذ‬،‫طيب اهلل ثراه‬ ‫ وهو مفهوم‬،)‫بتنفيذ سياسة (األجواء المفتوحة‬ ‫السياسة الدولية التي تدعو إلى تحرير القواعد واألنظمة‬ ‫ و بدأ الشيخ راشد‬،‫في مجال صناعة الطيران الدولية‬ ‫بتخصيص األموال لتطوير المطار في السنوات المالية‬ ‫ مما يعني أنه قد تم تخصيص ما يقارب‬،1959 ‫ و‬1958 ‫نصف الموارد المالية لمشروعات تطوير الخور ومطار‬ ‫ روبية لتطوير‬200000 ‫ حيث تم تخصيص مبلغ‬.‫دبي‬ .‫المطار وحده‬

‫في الكتاب ان دبي شهدت حدثًا هام ُا حوالي‬ ‫و َر َد‬ ‫ حين حلقت طائرة صغيرة فوق‬،1930 ‫عام‬ ،1930 ‫ مارس‬6 ‫المدينة وحطت في مياه خور دبي في‬ ‫واعرب حاكم دبي آنذاك الشيخ سعيد بن مكتوم عن‬ ‫رفضه في بداية األمر للسماح بهبوط الطائرات المائية‬ ‫ ولكنه وافق مبدئيًا‬،‫البريطانية على مياه خور دبي‬ )‫على منح شركة الخطوط الجوية (امبيريال ايرويز‬ ‫ وأشار‬،‫التسهيالت الالزمة إلنشاء محطة جوية في دبي‬ ‫الى أنه يوافق على السماح لخطوط (امبيريال) بالهبوط‬ ‫ وتولي مسؤولية‬،‫ وبناء استراحة على الخور‬،‫في خور دبي‬ ،‫سالمة الطائرة والركاب والموظفين والمؤسسات‬ ‫وفي المقابل وافقت الحكومة البريطانية على دفع‬ ‫ حيث كان راتب‬،‫ حارسا واثنين من قادة الحرس‬30 ‫أجور‬ ،‫ روبية لقائد الحرس‬40 ‫ و‬،‫ روبية‬20 ‫كل حارس يصل الى‬ ‫ روبية كإيجار سنوي لالستراحة‬2400 ‫باإلضافة إلى دفع‬ ‫ روبيات لكل‬5 ‫ روبية بالشهر إليجار الخور ورسم‬500‫و‬ ‫ روبية شهريًا‬300 ‫ هذا باإلضافة إلى‬،‫طائرة تهبط بالخور‬ .‫تدفع مقابل المسؤولية التي تضطلع بها دبي‬ ،‫ومع ذلك فإن االقتراح قد رفض في نهاية المطاف‬ ‫ يونيو من العام التالي قام الشيخ سعيد‬22 ‫وفي‬ ‫بتوقيع اتفاقية لمدة عام مع الخطوط الجوية‬

‫وكتب هاولي المعتمد البريطاني في االمارات‬ ‫ في رسالة سرية‬،‫كما كانت تسمى آنذاك‬، ‫المتصالحه‬ ‫ اشار فيها بأن التكلفة األولية‬،1959 ‫ تموز عام‬3 ‫في‬ ،‫ جنيه استرليني‬56000 ‫إلنشاء مطار في دبي سيكون‬ ً ‫وقدم مسؤولون بريطانيون تقريرًا مفص‬ ‫ال إلى الشيخ‬ ‫راشد عن المطار المقترح في جبل علي يتألف من‬ .B ‫ والفئة‬A ‫فئتني الفئة‬ ‫ قامت شركة ايراديو الدولية المحدودة‬A ‫في الفئة‬ ‫) بإجراء دراسة إمكانية لبناء مهبط الطائرات في‬IAL( ‫ باإلضافة إلى محطة‬،‫ مربع قدم‬7000 ‫الرمال بمساحة‬ ‫ كانت‬،B ‫ أما في الفئة‬.‫مؤقتة وبعض المرافق اإلضافية‬ ‫الخطة لبناء مطار يناسب جميع الظروف الجوية‬ .‫كالمطارات في البحرين والدوحة والكويت آنذاك‬ ‫رفض الشيخ راشد انشاء المطار في‬ ‫ منها‬،‫منطقة جبل علي ألسباب كثيرة‬ ‫التكلفة العالية وموقعها‬ .‫البعيد عن وسط المدينة آنذاك‬ ‫ بدأت‬،1959 ‫ سبتمبر‬10 ‫وفي‬ ‫) بتنفيذ الجزء‬IAL( ‫شركة‬ .‫الخاص بها من المشروع‬ ‫شعر الشيخ راشد بضرورة‬ ،‫وجود وكالة إلدارة المطار‬ ‫ قرر انشاء‬1959 ‫وفي عام‬ ‫وكالة دبي للطيران‬ ‫ وبدأت‬،)‫الوطني (دناتا‬

2013

‫ مايـو‬- ‫عبــر دبــي‬