Via Dubai Magazine | August 2016 by Nadd Al Shiba PR & Event Management

Monthly Newsletter issued by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority

Inside DCAA DCAA receives 5 delegation from Dubai Civil Defence First drones trading platform

Workshop on civil aviation emergency scenarios

www.viadubaionline.com

Emirates is world’s best airline

Issue 39 August 2016

This device wants to make your airplane air less dry Middle East records largest increase

UAE in Focus Air Cargo volumes rise 14 3.8 per cent DXB wins ‘Best Airport’ award

Nile Air begins 16 operations from Al Ain International Airport

Air Arabia reports AED 17 245 million net profit for first half of 2016

DXB Plus to provide capacity for 118 million passengers by 2023

Progressive and friendly work culture at DCAA 10

Juma Al Falahi

Technology 38

Airways trains next contingent of Saudi Arabian air traffic controllers

Cargo & Logistics 34

IATA Cargo XML standard accepted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency

Airlines 32

Opinions 30

Our Smart Services DCAA Smart App will allow the customers the below services: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Issuance of Landing permissions Issuance of No Objection Certificate for Carriage of Restricted Articles Issuance of No Objection Certificate for Aerial Work Issuance of No Objection Certificate for Aircraft Warning Light Issuance of No Objection Certificate for Heliport Issuance of No Objection Certificate for Pyrotechnic Display Issuance of No Objection Certificate for Building Height (Below 300m) Issuance of No Objection Certificate for Building Height (Above 300m) Issuance of Approval for Heliports Certification Issuance of Approval for Crane Operation Issuance of Approval for GSM or other communication tower Issuance of Approval for Balloon Operations Issuance of No Objection Certificate for Sky Trackers / Space Cannon

Registration Requirements: • • • • • • •

Company Name Company Address Telephone Number Fax Number PO Box City Choose one secret questions

• • • • • • •

Username Password Email Address Name Mobile Number Emirates ID Number Category (Individual - Airline - Agency - Expert - Provider)

You can download the application

by searching in App Store and Play Store by typing DCAA or scan the QR code

For more information, please call technical support on: +971 56 6810685 August 2016 2 email: it.support@dcaa.gov.ae

www.dcaa.gov.ae

CONTENTS 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 AlMaktoum, 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.

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

Inside DCAA 05

DCAA receives delegation from Dubai Civil Defence

First drones trading platform

General Supervision Mohammed Abdulla Ahli Coordinator Hanan Al Mazimi Creative Manager Mohammed Al Jarouf Editor Shveta Pathak E-mail: viadubai@naddalshiba.com

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s make this summer green

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 organisation is completely unintentional.

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DCAA Interview

Editorial, Production, PR & Marketing Nadd AlShiba PR and Event Management

Progressive and friendly work culture at DCAA

Juma Al Falahi

Printed by Printwell Dubai

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

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Augustyoutube.com/user/dcaadubai 2016

CONTENTS

Emirates is world’s best airline

‘Safely integrating drones into airspace’ 30

Michael Huerta,

Committed to effective leadership 31

Alexandre de Juniac

Facebook messenger to check flight info 39

Airbus has launched the iflyA380.com website for travellers who want to experience the A380 aircraft

IATA Cargo XML standard accepted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency

Global demand for travel slow but rising 25

Airways trains next contingent of Saudi Arabian air traffic controllers

August 2016

Message

from the President

‘Surpassing goals’

e are delighted to say that the performance of Dubai’s aviation sector is well ahead of the goals for 2016.

Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

Dubai has a vibrant aviation sector, which contributes over 27 per cent to the GDP. The consistent surge in international passenger traffic and our efforts toward capacity expansion will increase this contribution to over 35 per cent in the next five years. This year we witnessed the opening of the AED 1.9 billion Concourse D, constructed as part of Dubai Airports Strategic Plan 2020, which has helped us increase our passenger capacity to 90 million. We expect to handle to 100 million passengers by 2020 at the Dubai International Airport and are well-prepared to handle the rise in numbers. Dubai Airports’ new programme, DXB Plus, will enhance DXB’s capacity to 118 million passengers per year by 2023 without building any additional infrastructure. The coming months will witness further efforts alongwith the growth. We are also witnessing a solid performance by airlines and airports, rise in employment, increased benefits for

passengers alongwith an enhanced passenger experience and all of these factors clearly indicate not only a brighter and better 2016 but an equally successful 2017 too. All our efforts and achievements are the result of the inspiration and guidance of our visionary leader His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE’s Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who has always encouraged us to be Number 1. We continue our journey to excellence and look forward to surpassing our goals for 2016! 

August 2016

Message

from the Director General

Ensuring an efficient air transport system

ur achievements are our motivation to aim higher and achieve more.

We have had a record first half of the year in terms of growth in passenger numbers as well as air cargo volume. Passenger numbers at the Dubai International have been consistently rising and Dubai International recorded passenger traffic crossing 40.5 million in the first six months of the year. Air Cargo volume at DXB reached 1.28 million, a growth of 3.8 per cent over last year. This consistent and strong growth is a clear reflection of Dubai’s robust aviation sector, which contributes over 27 per cent to the GDP and over 21 per cent to the employment. The success of the aviation sector is the result of the vision and inspiration of our great leaders and we continue to walk the path to excellence shown by our visionary leadership. The UAE’s recently opened “Sector Yankee”, air traffic control centre, which would help manage ever-growing demand for airspace, portrays the GCAA’s strong efforts to providing safe and efficient air navigation.

August 2016

Mohammed Abdulla Ahli

The navigation centre, which controls the airspace around Dubai International Airport, also handles international flights arriving, departing to all UAE airports and overflying the UAE from other continents. We are front runners in aviation security and continue to make optimal and most innovative use of technology to enhance efficiencies and achieve our goals while keeping a firm focus on safety, all of which reflects in the major initiatives we undertook. We take pride in our successes and achievements and we have many more milestones to cross in the future. 

Inside DCAA

DCAA receives delegation from Dubai Civil Defence

he DCAA received a delegation from Dubai Civil Defence headed by Lt. Col. Expert Hussain Mohammed Al Rahoomi. Khaled Al Arif, Director of Stand-

ards and Regulations; Abdul Rahim Al Mulla, Director of Corporate Support; and Mohammed Linjawi, Director of Incident Investigation and Aviation Security, from the DCAA, welcomed the delegates.

The delegates were presented with two books, titled ‘Standard Procedures Guide for Operating a Civil Defence Centre’, and ‘Emirates Guide to Machinery and Equipment’. 

RAKDCA delegation visits DCAA

CAA hosted a delegation from the Department of Civil Aviation, Ras Al Khaimah, as part of a field visit. The delegation was received by Majed Al Sarrah, Head of Aviation Security at DCAA. The field visit included visiting the terminal of Dubai International Airport and the Dubai International Airport Cargo Gateway, and aimed at benchmarking best practices and applicable security procedures. Such visits seek to improve cooperation and benefit from best practices and local and international standards applicable by Dubai government authorities active in the field of civil aviation. 

August 2016

Inside DCAA

Royal Brunei Airlines’ delegation visits DCAA

aood Abdulaziz Kankazar, Director of Air Transport and International Affairs at Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), welcomed Karam Chand, CEO of Royal Brunei Airlines, during the

latter’s visit to the DCAA, aimed at consolidating the continual cooperation and coordination ties between DCAA and its strategic partners, and strengthening the ties and enhancing cooperation.

The meeting included a on different practices and mutual relations that contribute to boosting cooperation. Kankazar hailed the strong relation that binds the Emirate of Dubai and the Nation of Brunei with respect to air transport services. At the end of the visit, Kankazar presented a trophy to Chand and stressed the necessity of supporting and continuing these meetings with a view to enrich expertise and exchange points of view in related matters, with the aim to achieve and develop means of cooperation relevant to boost the air transport sector. The meeting comes as part of a series of continued meetings DCAA seeks to achieve with the various aviation sectors to forge stronger ties. 

August 2016

Inside DCAA

First drones trading platform

he Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), a government body that oversees trade, projects and products in the Dubai, in collaboration with the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), plans to create and launch a platform for trading drones (UAV), a first of a kind initiative in the UAE. Gautam Sashittal, CEO of DMCC, welcomed a delegation from DCAA, headed by Michael Rudolph, head of Aviation Regulation and Safety in the Authority. The delegation of the Authority expressed its appreciation for DMCC with respect to working closely with the Economic Development Department of Dubai with the purpose to develop a regulatory framework for the new platform. Gautam Sashittal said: “DMCC seeks to identify new opportunities and achieve maximum benefit from emerging technologies. We are part of a new era in the field of aviation, and we are delighted to be the first free zone to issue UAV permits in the Emirate of Dubai; the

thing that would make aerial surveys and data collection easier and safer.”

Vision

Michael Rudolf from DCAA said: “RPAS play an important role in modern life. From a civil aviation perspective, drones are key to promoting the Dubai Smart Government vision, and DCAA is ensuring flight safety of Dubai’s airspace. They are also essential for law enforcement organisations to maintain and monitor security on the ground. We look forward to seeing the con-

tinued expansion and impact of this technology unfold across both the public and private sector, and we are pleased to contribute to enabling that outcome.”

Demand

Growing demand for air surveillance and remote sensing is expected to drive the commercial drones market over the coming years. Commercial drones are widely used in a broad range of applications, including law enforcement, aviation, agriculture, infrastructure, media and entertainment, and scientific research. 

August 2016

Inside DCAA

Introductory workshop on civil aviation emergency scenarios

ubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), in coordination with Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans), organised a workshop on ‘Civil Aviation Emergency Scenarios’. Dedicated to a group of officers at the General Directorate of Operations at Dubai Police with a view to ensuring skies security and safety and the safety of all matters related to this vital sector, the workshop aimed at introducing the terminology and symbols they can use to deal with such cases

according to their applicable procedures and in coordination with the authorities in Dubai.

stronger ties with strategic partners with the aim of serving the community.

The workshop included a familiarisation tour to the Aircraft Control Radar Centre and a visit to the Control Tower of Al Maktoum International Airport.

The DCAA is a member in Dubai’s Permanent Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management headed by Dubai Police.

The visit provided an opportunity to exchange information and expertise, and enhance communication and coordination, in addition to forging

The workshop was attended and supervised by Abdulla Al Hammadi, Head of Accident and Incident Investigation Section, and Thani Al Thani, Operations Manager of dans. 

DCAA participates in “Min Al Aydeen”

CAA recently participated in “Min Al Aydeen” TV Programme that was broadcasted on the first day of Eid Al-Fitr on Sama Dubai TV Channel, and presented by TV presenters Hamed bin Karam and Roaa Al Sabban. DCAA co-sponsored the programme and offered a number of gifts to the programme’s guests and the chil-

August 2016

dren of Sharjah Cooperative Society. DCAA also answered questions on subjects related to the authority during the program. The participation is in line with DCAA’s initiatives to participate in such meaningful programs and community initiatives, as it aims to achieve communication among all members of the society. 

Inside DCAA

Let’s make this summer green D

ubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) recently hosted ‘Let’s make this summer green’ campaign organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). The campaign aims at achieving the vision of

Dubai of reaching the desired environmental sustainability, in addition to raising public awareness among all segments of the society on the importance of energy conservation and preservation of natural resources.

DCAA continually seeks to host similar community events, which contribute to serving the society and achieving sustainable development. 

August 2016

DCAA Interview

Juma Abdalla Al Falahi, Senior Manager, Standards and Regulations, Standards and Regulations Department, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA)

Progressive and friendly work culture at DCAA

s a part of implementation of Law No (7) of 2015 on aviation safety in the emirates of Dubai, issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) is taking several steps to further enhance efficiencies in line with the law, that aims to enhance safety and security measures in Dubai's airspace to ensure smooth aviation according to the international standards approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority. One of the steps being taken is re-organising the functions and responsibilities of the employees within the DCAA with an increased focus on specialisation, Juma Abdalla Al Fa-

August 2016

lahi, Senior Manager, Standards and Regulations, Standards and Regulations Department, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), told Via Dubai in an interview. Al Falahi spoke about his responsibilities and how an innovative and progressive work culture within the civil aviation authority has contributed to his career growth. Excerpts from the interview: How is the Standards and Regulations Department contributing to the vision of DCAA and what is your role. The department has 3 sections- Environment and Obstacles Control, Aviation Regulations and Safety, and Airport Certification Section, which are associated with forming rules and regulations to ensure safety and security of civil aviation in

the Emirate of Dubai. In my present role, I am responsible for assisting the Director of the department in implementing the strategies, utilizing the budget and other areas. These days, I am dealing with the internal restructuring of functions, with a focus on specialization. This is in line with the civil aviationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategy to ensure proper implementation of Law No 7 of 2015. The Law aims to organise the activities and profession in the civil aviation industry, apply best practices to ensure best usage of Dubai's airspace and prohibit all acts that may endanger airplanes, airports or any facility related to aviation services. Within this, I hold discussions in order to understand the existing roles and help define the new roles effectively.

DCAA Interview

What will be the impact of the change in roles? This is not a change. It is more of defining the roles and specialisation. The functioning becomes more specific and eventually specialization will lead to improved efficiencies in terms of performance, time and other factors. The DCAA has always been active when it comes to working toward improving efficiencies and there are many other areas it continues to make efforts toward by encouraging innovation and creativity and adopting the latest technologies, with the ultimate goal of ensuring safety of Dubaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skies.

How has working with the DCAA contributed to your growth? I have been associated with the civil aviation for over 16 years now. The DCAA has a very progressive, growth oriented work culture and our Director General encourages innovation and creativity. Employees are encouraged to learn more and keep their knowledge and skills updated. Working in the DCAA has also helped me interact with people from other government departments. Overall, I am quite happy and see a bright future working with the DCAA. ď&#x201A;&#x192;

August 2016

Cover Story

DXB Plus to provide capacity for 118 million passengers by 2023

Dubai Airports launches DXB Plus

ith a view to providing capacity for over 118 million passengers per year by 2023 without adding any additional infrastructure and delivering an exceptional customer experience at the same time, Dubai Airports has unveiled DXB Plus, a new programme, as part of its revised masterplan. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said in his message to Via Dubai: “The aviation sector in Dubai has been witnessing a significant infrastructural development in the recent months, which is

August 2016

the result of our commitment to cater to the growing demand for capacity and, at the same time, ensuring seamless passenger experience. The next decade will be even more challenging as we expect passenger numbers to rise to 118 million by 2023. We are determined to provide the best customer experience and also realise that with the changing times,

there is little room for the addition of major infrastructure at the Dubai International. This calls for an innovative approach and ‘DXB Plus’, an initiative wherein Dubai Airports is working with its key stakeholders to design product innovation and operational improvements, is a step in the direction.”

Cover Story

pected to rise to 118 million passengers by 2023. Dubai Airports is joining forces with its key stakeholders to design product innovation and operational improvements that will deliver on the sector’s ambition and ensure ongoing contributions to Dubai’s economy. Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports, said: “DXB Plus is all about facilitating fast and efficient movement through the airport. What that requires us is to be at the leading edge of new process ad new technology. It means so we have to measure and anticipate what exactly what our customer flows look like and work out ways at getting through security, immigration, check in, all administrative processes associated with travel and getting through those very quickly increasing level of security assurance we provide. “

For the next 10 years, as Dubai’s aviation hub, DXB needs to meet rising customer expectations and growing demand for capacity, which is ex-

The focus of DXB Plus is to integrate the sector’s efforts to meet airline demand and ensure a worldclass customer experience from ‘cloud to curb’ – vital for delivering unconstrained sector growth. As part

of the overall SP 2050 strategy, DXB Plus will enable the unconstrained growth of Dubai’s aviation sector until the mid-point of the next decade, when the next phase of Dubai World Central is targeted for delivery. Its primary aim is to provide capacity for 118 million passengers in 2023 – without adding any additional infrastructure – while delivering an exceptional customer experience. In many ways DXB Plus will facilitate the smooth transition to Phase 2 of Dubai World Central, which will be the world’s biggest and best airport, with a ground-breaking approach to airport customer experience. This in turn will enable Dubai’s aviation community to lead the innovation of future products and services that enhance hospitality and create meaningful connections. Experts representing all key s, DXB plus will include over 350 projects which will help enhance capacity and customer experience over the next ten years, paving the way for the successful opening of Dubai World Central Phase 2. 

August 2016

UAE in Focus

DXB passenger traffic reaches record 40.5 million in H1

Air Cargo volumes rise 3.8 per cent

ubai International’s (DXB) passenger traffic reached a record 40.5 million passengers in the first half of 2016 according to the traffic report issued today by operator Dubai Airports.

According to the report, DXB handled a total of 40,506,456 passengers during the first half, up 5.8 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2015 when the airport welcomed 38,299,288 passengers. Owing to the impact of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan on travel patterns during an already traditionally slow month, traffic in June dipped 1 per cent to 5,857,503, compared to 5,914,671 recorded during June 2015. In the first half of the year, the top five country destinations in terms of total passenger volumes were India (5,677,188), Saudi Arabia (3,213,868), the UK (2,850,437), Pakistan (2,134,012) and the US (1,626,032).

August 2016

Aircraft movements in the first half totalled 207,439, up 3.8 per cent compared to 199,820 recorded during the corresponding period last year. In June aircraft movements totalled 32,368, up 0.6 percent compared to 32,166 during June of last year. During the first half of 2016, air cargo volumes rose 3.8 per cent to 1,282,025 tonnes compared to 1,233,378 tonnes during the same period in 2015. Dubai International handled 226,175 tonnes of freight in June compared to 217,896 tonnes during the same month last year, an increase of 3.9 per cent. “We’ve had a record first half and the second half is underway with what

could be a banner month thanks to the start of the holiday season in July and the week-long break for the Islamic festival of Eid Al Fitr,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. “In July we have seen very high volumes, particularly in connecting traffic as vacationers increasingly choose Dubai as an intercontinental hub as well as being a popular destination in itself. We deployed additional staff at touchpoints across the airport and launched the Hangout@DXB campaign to reach out to travellers, keeping them informed of the latest DXB, and travel tips to make their journey easier,” he added. 

UAE in Focus

DXB wins ‘Best Airport’ award

ubai International (DXB) has been named as the Best Airport in the Middle East at the Asian Freight, Logistics, and Supply Chain Awards (AFLAS) held in Shanghai recently.

The awards, which are organised by Asia Cargo News, recognise leading air and shipping lines service providers, air and sea ports, logistics and other associated industry professionals. DXB is currently the second busiest airport globally for international air freight volumes having handled 2.5 million tonnes in 2015. “We are very pleased to have been chosen as the best airport in the region particularly because the award is given based on the choice of thousands of readers, many of whom have experienced the state of the art facilities, service quality and efficiency of Dubai International,” said Anita Mehra, Senior Vice President of Communications & Reputation at Dubai Airports. 

August 2016

UAE in Focus

Nile Air begins operations from Al Ain International Airport

bu Dhabi Airports announces the launch of flights by the Egyptian based carrier, Nile Air (NIA), into Al Ain International Airport. The new operation introduces four weekly flights between Al Ain International Airport and Cairo International Airport.

Mohammed Al Katheeri, Acting Chief Operations Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “We are delighted that Nile Air has begun operations to Al Ain, as this will further strengthen tourism between the UAE and Egypt and build Al Ain’s prominence as a growing international tourist destination. The airline anticipates high demand for this route, particularly during the busy summer season, and we wish them every success.” The NIA 147/8 flights, operated on Airbus A320 aircraft, will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays

August 2016

and Sundays. Between July 1 and October 1 the flight will depart from Cairo at 1005 GMT, arriving in Al Ain at 1340 GMT, and the return flight will leave the UAE at 1440 GMT and arrive back in Egypt at 1830 GMT. In October the service will become bi-weekly, with flights on Fridays and Sundays. A free shuttle service is available for passengers wishing to connect from Al Ain Airport to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This is Nile Air’s first flight to any destination in the United Arab

Emirates, and commenting on this new service, Ahmed Aly, Chief Executive Officer of Nile Air said: ”Nile Air is pleased to announce our entry to the Emirati market, our 7th country, with a new route connecting Cairo and Al-Ain city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The new service to Al-Ain will provide an easy and convenient travel option between both cities for business travelers and tourists visiting Egypt, and the estimated 100,000 Egyptian nationals residing in the city of Al-Ain and its surrounding region who wish to travel home.”

UAE in Focus

Al Thani: Optimistic about low-cost travel in wider region

Air Arabia reports AED 245 million net profit for first half of 2016

ir Arabia (PJSC) today announced strong financial results for the first half of 2016 ending June 30, 2016 as the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier continued to deliver robust, sustained performance.

Air Arabia reported a net profit of AED 245 million for the first half of 2016 ending June 30, 2016, an increase of 3.5 per cent compared to the AED 237 million reported for the same period last year. The company’s turnover for the first six months of 2016 reached AED 1.84 billion, compared to AED 1.75 billion in the corresponding period last year, an increase of 5.5 per cent. Marking robust growth in passenger demand, Air Arabia flew 4.1 million passengers during the first half of 2016 – up 14 per cent on the corresponding period last year. The airline’s average seat load fac-

tor for the first six month of 2016 - passengers carried as a percentage of available seats – stood at impressive 79 per cent.

ated with the regional economic outlook, Air Arabia continues to deliver solid financial performance and momentum growth”.

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohamed Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia said: “Air Arabia’s strong financial results are a testament to the airline’s unwavering commitment to delivering on its value-added proposition for customers combined with its operational efficiency and the effectiveness of its wider growth strategy.

He added: “We remain optimistic about the outlook of low-cost travel in the wider region as we continue to focus on further expanding our network and operational efficiency as well as leveraging on emerging travel trends by delivering even more value to our customers”.

Despite the continuous pressure on yield margins that airlines are witnessing and the challenges associ-

Air Arabia today operates flights to over 120 global destinations in 33 countries from five hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt and Jordan. 

August 2016

Special Report

Global aircraft fleet to double in 20 years

Airbus predicts a need for 33,000 new aircraft in the next 20 years

Global Market Forecast by Airbus has predicted air traffic to grow at 4.5 per cent annually, requiring some 33,000 new passenger and dedicated freighter aircraft at a value of US$ 5.2 trillion over the next 20 years.

Entitled “Mapping Demand” this new forecast, the forecast shows a Maintenance Repair & Overhaul (MRO) business totalling US$1.8 trillion and the need for in excess of a 500,000 new pilots over the next 20 years. The global forecast for 2016-2035 gives a forward-looking view of the air transport sector’s evolution – accounting for factors such as demographic and economic growth, tourism trends, oil prices, development of new and existing routes, and ultimately highlighting demand for aircraft covering the full spectrum of sizes from 100 seats to the very largest aircraft over 500 seats.

August 2016

The global aircraft fleet is predicted to double to almost 40,000 aircraft, and 13,000 aircraft replaced to more fuel-efficient types. It is predicted that by 2035, 62% of the population will live in cities, and the number of aviation mega cities will rise from 55 to 93, which will account for 35 percent of world GDP with daily long haul passengers travelling to, from, or via aviation mega cities, increasing to 2.5 million.

ahy, Airbus, chief operating officer, Customers.

“We are ramping up production to meet market demand for our leading aircraft products and we will also ramp up our customer service offerings to meet the increasing demands of air transportation,” said John Le-

Airbus is also set to expand its global services business over the next 20 years as a requirement for one million pilots and engineers (560,000 new pilots, 540,000 new engineers) to fly the and maintain new aircraft . 

Special Report

Boeing projects a worldwide demand for 39,620 new airplanes over the next 20 years

Forecasts demand for 1,170 new airplanes in Russia, CIS region

oeing forecasts market demand for 1,170 new airplanes in Russia and the CIS region over the next 20 years, valued at $140 billion.

The company released the numbers as part of its annual Current Market Outlook (CMO) for Russia and the CIS region. International traffic is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.8 percent and Boeing predicts Russian and CIS

airlines will need 810 single-aisle and 170 widebody airplanes to handle the increase. With strong demand for replacing an increasingly aging fleet of Russian-built airplanes, 47 percent of deliveries will be used to replace older, less-efficient airplanes.

“Russia and CIS region continues to have a strong commercial aerospace market,” said Sergey Kravchenko, president, Boeing Russia and CIS. “We are ready to meet any customers’ demands and expectations, offering them the most fuel-efficient, reliable and capable airplanes.” Boeing estimates 190 regional jets, both western and Russian built, will be required over the next 20 years; this demand is being driven by the growth that the intra-CIS region has been experiencing. Boeing projects a worldwide demand for 39,620 new airplanes over the next 20 years with Russia and the CIS requiring nearly three percent of the total global demand. Boeing’s Current Market Outlook is the longest running jet forecast and regarded as the most comprehensive analysis of the aviation industry. 

August 2016

Special Report

Middle East among highest growth regions

Air transport supports nearly 63 million jobs, $2.7 trillion in global GDP

viation is vital to the modern, globalised world, supporting millions of jobs and driving economic growth. But the benefits of connectivity must be protected with appropriate support from governments if the air transport sector is to fulfil its potential as a connector of people, trade and tourism and a driver of sustainable development. These are the conclusions drawn in a new report, Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders, launched by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) at the United Nations High Level Political Forumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sustainable Devel-

August 2016

opment Goal Business Day in New York. Worldwide, aviation supports 62.7 million jobs and generates $2.7 trillion in gross domestic product (GDP). Not only does air transport provide significant economic ben-

efits, but it also plays a major role in the social development of people and communities all over the globe, allowing people to travel for educational opportunities and cultural exchange. For example, 54 percent of

Special Report

The highest forecast growth will be in regions with fastdeveloping aviation sectors

all international tourists and 35 percent of international trade by value travels by air. ATAG executive director, Michael Gill, says that the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the United Nations highlights a number of goals that the international community should strive to achieve by 2030: “We found that air transport in some way supports 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, from decent work and economic growth to quality education and reduced inequalities.

this will depend on governments supporting sustainable aviation growth, particularly with efficiency measures such as airspace modernisation, infrastructure development and capacity improvements and the continued liberalisation of the sector – a factor which has delivered a substantial reduction in airfares and access to air transport in those regions that have embraced it.

Gill comments that “a significant factor in our work on sustainable development is the industry’s world-leading climate action plan. We need support from governments around the world to agree on a key part of that plan at the upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly, where we hope an agreement can be reached on a global offsetting scheme for air transport. It is a vital part of our industry’s future role in helping to support development worldwide.” 

By continuing to grow in a sustainable manner, aviation can strive to be a force for good for many years to come.” In the next 20 years, the report forecasts that aviation-supported jobs worldwide will increase to over 99 million and GDP to $5.9 trillion. The highest forecast growth will be in regions with fast-developing aviation sectors, such as Africa, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. However,

August 2016

Middle East News

Emirates expands travel choices for its customers with nine daily flights to Doha

Enhanced schedule adds two daily flights to Doha

mirates will boost its services to Doha with two additional daily flights, taking the airline’s total operations to nine daily services, effective from 30 October 2016. Emirates currently serves Doha with seven daily flights, and the addition of the two services will grow the airline’s presence in Qatar and take the total number of weekly Emirates flights to 63. The airline situated its newly scheduled services between the cities to provide business and leisure travelers with convenient travel choices throughout the day, enabling them to benefit from the

ease and convenience of short day trips between Dubai and Doha. So far in 2016, over half a million passengers have travelled on the Dubai-Doha service. Dubai continues to be an attractive destination for visitors from Qatar, offering them an extensive array of leisure and family activities, in addition to world-class business and commercial facilities for those coming to do business. In the first three months of 2016, there was a 26 per cent spike in visitor volumes to Dubai from Qatar over the previous year (according to Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing). 

Oman Air offers 23,000 more seats to Salalah

man Air has provided a substantial boost to its services to Salalah over the summer months, in respond to customer demand. The national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman is expanding its capacity to the principal city of Dhofar, in Southern Oman by an additional of almost 23,000 seats, compared with the previous year. The unprecedented increase will see Oman Air offer a total of 317,600 seats to and from Salalah. The increased capacity has been enabled by an increase in flight frequencies between Salalah and Muscat, and between Salalah and Dubai. Eleven flights per day are now operating between Salalah and Muscat. In addition, the deployment of Boeing 737, Boeing 787 and Airbus 330 aircraft on the Salalah/Muscat/Salalah sectors is complementing the increased frequencies and further enhancing capacity. 

To launch 17 new destinations in 2016-17

Qatar Airways Group announces 8.6 per cent operating profit

atar Airways Group announced a 3 billion QAR operating profit for fiscal year 2016 - nearly three times greater than fiscal 2015 profit of 1.1 billion QAR, resulting in an 8.6 per cent operating profit margin, an improvement of nearly six percentage points from the prior year,

from 35.6 billion QAR in revenues. The company reported a net profit of 1.6 billion QAR, resulting in a net profit margin of 4.5 per cent. Net profit for fiscal 2015 was 1.1 per cent, at 374 million QAR. Qatar Airways growth rate (CAGR) in ASK term since the relaunch in 1997 to

31st March 2016 is 28 per cent. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways continues to lead the industry in all aspects of the business, from our strong financial performance to our award-winning on board product. Our fiscal 2016 year was the best yet for Qatar Airways Group, and our results reflect the discipline and dedication of the more than 39,369 men and women who proudly represent our airline and its associated brands.” 

August 2016

Middle East News

Kuwait sanctions Jazeera Airways’ new terminal project

Jazeera Airways today announced that its request for land to build a terminal at Kuwait International Airport has been approved by the Kuwait Council of Ministers. The terminal is a solution proposed by the airline to help ease the congestion at Kuwait International Airport, the country’s only primary airport, which is currently operating over capacity. The airline said it received yesterday a letter from Kuwait’s Directorate General for Civil Aviation notifying the airline of the Cabinet’s approval for designating land for construction and operation of a dedicated passenger terminal and car park buildings. The project’s investment value is KD14 million, and its total construction time frame is 15 months, including the permits acquisitions phase. The terminal is part of the airline’s ‘Next Big Thing’ series of value boosting projects and initiatives tasked with creating a better travel experience on ground and in the air. Other initiatives include a remote check-in facility, inflight broadband internet, a business class lounge, and long-haul flights. 

Saudi Arabia gives green light to two Nigerian Hajj operators

he National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia (GACA) has given the go ahead two of five Nigerian carriers appointed to operate Hajj charter flights this year, reports ch-aviation. Nahcon director, Alhaji Mohammadu Goni, said that while Med-View Airline and MaxAir had been given the nod, DANA - Dornier Aviation Nigeria, Top-

Brass Aviation and Azman Air had not. “In fact, a delegation was send to appeal to the Saudi Arabian Authority to allow the three carriers to fly their route but they insisted that those airlines must acquire designation status because they only applied as charter flights,“ he told Nigeria’s Daily Trust newspaper. As per any Hajj agreement, Saudi Arabia has designated Flynas to operate its charter flights to Nigeria. 

Qatar Airways initiates recycling programme

atar Airways and Qatar Aircraft Catering Company (QACC) have launched a new waste reduction and recycling programme in Doha. Over the past three months Qatar Airways and QACC have recycled 266 tonnes of materials including cardboard, plastic wrapping and a variety of plastic containers. These materials have been collected by two local firms for recycling, along with 6,300 litres of cooking oil which will be converted into biodiesel. Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “QACC’s focus on reducing waste is a core part of Qatar Airways’ commitment to the environment. Our promise to provide travellers with the highest quality service extends to delivering sustainable and environmentally responsible servic-

QACC’s focus on reducing waste is a core part of Qatar Airways es across our global network. Recycling not only delivers efficiencies but reduces environmental impacts arising from waste disposal and the consumption of natural resources. “Qatar Airways and QACC recognise that through the provision of support and investment, our local recycling supply chain can evolve to further drive environmental change in Qatar and provide an excellent revenue opportunity for local commerce.” 

August 2016

International News

Non-aeronautical revenues could increase with rise in customer satisfaction

new research paper by ACI paper analyzing the influence of customer service quality on airports’ nonaeronautical revenue has found that a 1 per cent increase in the global passenger satisfaction generates an average growth of 1.5 per cent in non-aeronautical revenue, significantly outperforming the impact of commensurate increases in both retail space and passenger traffic. ACI World has launched its latest 2016 publication, “Does passenger satisfaction increase airport non-aeronautical revenue? A comprehensive assessment”, which is based on the analysis of the ACI Airport Service Quality (ASQ) annual global survey carried out at over 300 airports across the world and surveying over 550,000 passengers per year. It is further supported by data generated from the annual ACI Airport Economics Survey.

August 2016

“ACI’s Airport Service Quality research and analysis suggests that, for most airports, prioritizing customer service results in the greatest positive impact on non-aeronautical revenue - it can potentially deliver an even greater return on investment than can be achieved through traffic increases or expansion of commercial space,” says Angela Gittens, Director General, ACI World. The research paper provides crucial guidance to airports of all sizes on the most effective path

toward raising non-aeronautical revenue, with the key learning from the paper being that satisfied passengers spend more. Airports of all sizes across the world can use ASQ data to analyse their service performance and target their investment to drive the most effective enhancement of overall service quality. “Of course, each airport faces unique issues in determining its investment programme, but traditionally, most airports have looked to traffic volume and retail space increments as the key engines of revenue growth. We now see that increasing customer satisfaction may well be the optimal route,” continued Director General Gittens. “The in-depth tailored data provided by the ASQ programme not only gives each airport its own pathway to maximizing service quality, but also helps deliver the best return on its carefully targeted investment.” 

International News

Global demand for travel slow but rising T

he International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global passenger traffic data for June showing that demand (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose by 5.2 per cent compared to the year-ago period. This was up slightly from the 4.8 per cent increase recorded in May (revised). However, the upward trend in seasonally-adjusted traffic has moderated since January. June capacity (available seat kilometers or ASKs) increased by 5.6 per cent, and load factor slipped 0.3 percentage points to 80.7 per cent. “The demand for travel continues to increase, but at a

slower pace. The fragile and uncertain economic backdrop, political shocks and a wave of terrorist attacks are all contributing to a softer demand environment,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

“The latest figures show that aviation and aviation related tourism delivers $2.7 trillion in economic impact and supports some 62.7 million jobs worldwide. It is a powerful force for good in our world.

Middle Eastern carriers posted a 7.5 per cent traffic increase in June. Capacity rose 14.3 per cent.

It is too soon to know whether recent terrorist attacks will have a longterm negative influence on demand, nor what will be the impact of Brexit and the events in Turkey. But it is vital that governments recognize and support aviation’s ability to contribute to global economic well-being and better understanding across cultural and political borders,” said Tyler. 

Demand for domestic travel climbed 5.7 per cent in June compared to June 2015, while capacity increased 4.3 per cent, causing load factor to rise 1.1 percentage points to 83.2 per cent. All markets reported demand increases with the exception of Brazil.

Boeing opens collaborative autonomous systems lab

oeing has opened a new research laboratory to test hardware and software that will make a new generation of autonomous air, sea and land vehicles work together more effectively as a team or unit. The lab will serve as the company’s leading location for collaborative autonomous technology development

with academic institutions and research partners, including government agencies and other companies. “Collaborative technology is at the forefront of innovation for taking advanced vehicles that already carry out dull, dirty or dangerous work, such as assisting in search and rescue, firefighting and military missions, and

making them even more effective,” said Nancy Pendleton, leader of the Boeing Research & Technology Missouri research center. “This lab provides us an outstanding environment to experiment and innovate with a variety of autonomous vehicles and the systems and sensors that drive them, from small unmanned aerial vehicles to unmanned undersea vehicles.” 

August 2016

ATM

NASA pulls together national data to sleuth out air traffic improvement mysteries

or the first time ever, air traffic researchers can view and analyze archived flight data collected and merged from all air traffic facilities across the U.S., with fast update rates ranging from one second to 12 seconds for every flight’s position.

Previously, researchers only had access to national flight data that was similar to internet flight tracking, with one-minute flight updates and no information about flights on the ground at airports. Or, they had access to separate flight data sets from 77 different Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic facilities, which made research very challenging. NASA’s newly improved tool, the Sherlock Air Traffic Management (ATM) Data Warehouse, merges all of the air traffic facility data to produce analysis-ready, end-to-end flight information at these improved resolutions for the entire U.S. airspace. NASA is committed to transforming aviation by dramatically reducing its environmental impact and improving efficiency while maintaining safety in more crowded skies. Sherlock will help air traffic management researchers quickly perform large-scale analyses of the U.S. air traffic system, to look for areas where ideas for improvement will have the most benefit in terms of environment, safety and efficiency. In development since 2009, Sherlock is a crucial piece of the air traffic management research infrastructure used by NASA and its partners. Sherlock includes a traditional database, a big data analytics system, web-based user interfaces and several tools for query and visualization. Located at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s

August 2016

Silicon Valley, the Sherlock ATM Data Warehouse team overcame challenges in correlating and rationalizing data from the 77 different FAA air traffic facilities, often with overlapping and conflicting positions, flight plans, as well as time and airspace references. The raw data include a variety of flight information from live streams of operational facilities, weather observations and forecasts, and other information collected from the FAA, such as traffic advisories and delay status. Sherlock contains over 36 terabytes of raw data, with more collected daily. The merged flight data will soon be available for all of the archived data going back to 2011. This will en-

able researchers to look at very large data sets of many billions of flight tracks, and at trends in the national traffic picture over the past five years, which in turn will help predict future traffic. While in development, Sherlock supported many research studies with separate FAA flight data. Sherlock’s merged data will streamline future research, such as estimating fuel savings and predicting the time savings that new air traffic control tools will provide. Planned enhancements include the capability to integrate the national flight data with weather data, to show, for example, how flights moved in relation to thunderstorms or other weather events. 

ATM

SAE seeks bird strike expertise S

AE International, a global association of technical experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial-vehicle industries, is seeking members for a new technical committee that will establish international standards for artificial birds in the development and certification of structures and engines for bird strike testing. The SAE International G-28 Committee, Simulants for Impact and Ingestion Testing, will define standard test requirements and manufacturing criteria for simulants. Issues to be covered by the committee will include: Definition of test requirements for approval of artificial simulants (e.g. birds). Means of correlation of artificial simulant test results with real object test results.

Substantiation and definition of manufacturing procedures for artificial simulants and guidelines for usage. The SAE G-28 Committee plans to hold its first meeting August 31 – September 1 at SAE International’s World Headquarters in Warrendale, PA, USA. Julian Reed, engineering fellow – impact, Rolls-Royce, will serve as the committee chair.

The committee is seeking members who are familiar with bird-strike testing or have an interest in developing test requirements and manufacturing criteria for artificial birds. similar types of work. Subject matter experts from operators, aircraft OEMs, engine OEMs, pilots, testing laboratories as well as civilian and military aviation regulatory authorities are encouraged to participate. 

Chilean Civil Aviation Authority and Indra complete modernisation of five air traffic control centres

ndra, a global technology and consultancy firm and one of the world’s leading developers of technological solutions for aviation, and the Chilean Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC in its Spanish acronym) have completed the modernization of en route control centers at Iquique, Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas, as well as approach control centers at Concepción and Antofagasta. It has also deployed simulators to support continuous air traffic controller training at Iquique and Puerto Montt.

Indra has equipped all of these centers with its advanced air transit management system, designed to handle traffic in even the most complex air spaces, such as Europe. The system furnishes the DGAC with outstanding safety and efficiency standards.

between aircraft, thus driving up Chilean airspace capacity. The system also allows aircraft to select the shortest routes in order to cut fuel consumption and environmental impact. All of which has been achieved while also making for safer aviation operations.

The Indra technological solution also significantly automates control tasks.

These capabilities will allow Chile to manage air transit control services more efficiently, helping to ensure strict compliance among air traffic controllers. 

Deployment of the system will help reduce the separation distance required

August 2016

ATM

Airways trains next contingent of Saudi Arabian air traffic controllers

audi Arabia has sent 30 students to New Zealand to start air traffic control training with air traffic services provider Airways.

This is the fourth group of students to be trained by Airways from Saudi Arabia’s civil air services provider, the GACA – helping to fill a critical gap in the Middle East region for the training of air traffic controllers. The students will spend their first year in New Zealand studying English with either Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) in Nelson or Kaplan International College in Auckland, before commencing a 12-month air traffic control course at Airways’ Palmerston North training campus. They will complete an intensive Aviation English module during their first eight weeks on campus.

August 2016

“Airways’ programme is structured so that students complete all English language requirements upfront, giving them the best foundation for their air traffic control training,” says Sharon Cooke, head of training at Airways.

simulators, in an environment as close to the real thing as possible, and we customise their training to incorporate their home environment and culture wherever we can,” Ms Cooke says.

“Following their full year of English study with our training partners, the GACA students will be expected to achieve ICAO Level 4 English Language Proficiency, which is required for on-the-job air traffic control training.”

Airways has been training GACA students for the past five years as part of a longstanding partnership with the Saudi Arabian authority. The New Zealand air traffic control training provider has a strong reputation across the Middle East for providing high quality training.

“We’re providing total immersion training for these students. They get to train in our state-of-the-art

The Chilean Civil Aviation Authority and Indra complete modernisation of five air traffic control centers. 

August 2016

Opinion

‘Safely integrating drones into airspace’ Now we’re taking the next step, and formalizing this partnership.

Michael Huerta, Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

We’re also establishing a Drone Advisory Committee which will help us prioritize our unmanned aircraft integration activities, including the development of future regulations and policies.

nmanned aircraft are transforming industries; they’re improving the safety of our transportation infrastructure and are tackling jobs that can be dangerous for people or other aircraft to do.

We are educating users on how to fly their unmanned aircraft safely and are also putting a regulatory framework in place to address the commercial use of drones as well.

There are countless ways drones have the potential to change our world for the better.

On August 29th, our first regulation for the routine commercial use of small unmanned aircraft takes effect.

Unmanned aircraft have sparked excitement among hobbyists and businesses alike – and manufacturers are stepping up to meet this interest. The unmanned aircraft industry is moving at the speed of Silicon Valley. We need to incorporate unmanned aircraft and their users into our culture of safety and responsibility. But we need to do it in a way that doesn’t stifle the enthusiasm for this growing industry. We’ve found that the best way to accomplish this is to partner with a wide range of government, aviation, and technology stakeholders. We’re receiving valuable input on regulations, and building consensus around public education campaigns.

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The FAA is chartering an Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team to analyze safety data to identify emerging threats that drones may pose to aircraft, people, and property.

August August 2016 2016

We hope to propose a rule on unmanned aircraft operations over people by the end of this year. Safely integrating drones into our airspace is one of the FAA’s top priorities, and we’re determined to get it right. It’s essential for our economy, and our role as a global aviation leader. 

(Excerpts from Speech on ‘White House Drone Day’)

Opinion

Committed to effective leadership T

hank you for the honor of confirming me as the seventh Director General and CEO of the International Air Transport Association. IATA has a tradition of strong leadership. Each Director General has brought his own flavor to this important role and they have all contributed to making our industry stronger by ensuring that IATA is focused on airline needs and equipped to represent, lead and serve all its members. I look forward to continuing that tradition.

Alexandre de Juniac Director General and CEO Designate, International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Under Tony’s leadership IATA has embarked on major programs that will have a transformational impact on our industry. And we owe a great debt of thanks to Tony for partnerships that he has strengthened across the industry, and with governments. One of our most important partnerships is with governments—where I have spent part of my career. I understand how governments operate. I shall be a tireless advocate for government policies to keep pace with the challenges that you—IATA’s members—face. I will be guided by a similar focus at IATA, but with the broad interests of the entire industry at heart. IATA is where airlines come together to agree on a common way forward so that air travel is safe, secure, efficient and sustainable. As your Director General and CEO, my only objective is to help you—IATA’s members—to be more successful by advancing our common interests. I am committed to leading an effective association that is worthy of the strong support that you give to it. I look forward to helping all of our members “fly better, together.” 

(Excerpts from acceptance speech during the 72nd annual general meeting)

August 2016

Airlines

Emirates is world’s best airline

t the World Airline Awards held at Farnborough Airshow, Skytrax announced the world’s Top 100 Airlines in 2016, voted for by airline customers around the world.

Emirates was named the World’s Best Airline 2016 at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards 2016. Based on the results of the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey in the industry, the World’s Best Airline Awards are considered a global benchmark of airline excellence. This year’s Skytrax awards were based on a total of 19.2 million completed surveys covering 280 airlines, by customers hailing from more than 104 countries. The Skytrax survey measures quality standards across 41 key performance indicators of front-line products and services in the airline industry. Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, said: “We are honoured to be recognised by the prestigious Skytrax awards. Emirates has always put our customers at the heart of what we do, and we work hard to deliver the very best experience possible to our customers at every touchpoint, every day, all around the world. We constantly invest in our product and services, both on the ground and in the air. We listen carefully to our customers, and then relentlessly challenge ourselves to deliver and exceed expectations. The fact that these awards are based on the direct feedback from passengers is gratifying and wonderful recognition for all of the hard work that’s gone into creating the Emirates experience.” Commenting on the Award, Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said: “This fourth World’s Best Airline title for Emirates is a fantastic achievement

August 2016

and true testament to the airline’s popularity. To satisfy customers from such a wide and diverse passenger base is not an easy task, but Emirates continues to gain superlative feedback from customers for its product and service offering from the front to the back of the aircraft. The IFE that Emirates provides is a continued focal point for passenger praise and it is important to note that customers were not only impressed with the programming but also the superior hardware standards, particularly for the A380 fleet.” Skytrax World Airline Awards, described as “the Oscars of the aviation industry”, are most coveted Quality accolades for the world airline industry, and a global benchmark of airline excellence. 

Worlds top 10 airlines 1 - Emirates 2 - Qatar Airways 3 - Singapore Airlines 4 - Cathay Pacific 5 - ANAs 6 - Etihad Airways 7 - Turkish Airlines 8 - EVA Air 9 - Qantas Airways 10 - Lufthansa

Airlines

242 tonne maximum take-off weight for high altitude airport operations

Tibet Airlines receives its first A330 L

hasa based Tibet Airlines has received its first widebody aircraft, an A330-200 with increased 242 tonne maximum take-off-weight (MTOW), following a handover in Toulouse, France. The increased MTOW, the first A330-200 in China, allows airlines to operate from the most demanding high altitude airports where take off performance, additional range and improved operating costs are key. Bai Weisan, President of Tibet Airlines said: “We are extremely excited to receive our first widebody airliner – an enhanced A330 from Airbus and are very confident at its high-altitude performance. The A330 Family will become our core widebody to be deployed on our new international routes thanks to its flexibility, comfort and efficiency. With the A330, we are looking forward more passengers from all over the world to flying with Tibet Airlines and visiting Tibet.” Eric Chen, President of Airbus China said: “We congratulate Tibet Airlines on receiving its first A330 and we

express our gratitude for the confidence demonstrated in our leading A330. With an operating base at high altitude Lhasa Airport and routes covering all of Tibet’s civil airports, the airline already benefits from the unrivalled performance of Airbus single aisle. We are proud the A330 is Tibet Airline’s backbone for international route expansion.” Tibet Airlines currently operates an all-Airbus fleet comprising of 14 A319s and 2 A320s. The airline is famous for its high-altitude operations with its op-

erating base at Lhasa Airport which is at over 3,500 metres altitude. With the proven performance of Airbus narrow body, especially the A319 in high-altitude airports, Tibet Airlines has been successfully connecting Tibet with more domestic cities like Beijing and Shanghai. The A330 is the first widebody equipped with the Required Navigation Performance with Authorisation Required (RNP-AR) and the only widebody airliner today flying over Tibet’s sky. 

Soon you can file online complaint against airlines in India

ir passengers in India will soon get a forum to register their complaints against airlines. The Indian aviation ministry has decided to launch a website where passengers will be able to register their grievances, which will be forwarded to the airlines, reported Times of India. The plan to set up this platform, an idea of minister of state for aviation

Jayant Sinha, was discussed and decided on at a meeting convened by him on Thursday. “The platform will be managed by a small cell that will comprise people from the aviation ministry, Airports Authority of India, Air India and the directorate general of Civil Aviation,” said a senior ministry official, according to the report.

The idea is to make the process simpler for passengers, who can just go to the website and register their complaints. “Complaints on the website will be forwarded to the respective airline and the latter will act on it in accordance with the rules,” said the official. However, as per the current plan, airlines don’t have to compulsorily inform the ministry on the status of the resolution of the complaints, he added. 

August 2016

Cargo & Logistics

Cargo demand weakens at Brussels Airport as airlines reduce services

russels Airport saw cargo volumes decline in June as airlines reduced services and cancelled flights in response to weakening demand.

The European airport saw total cargo volumes decline by 8.8 per cent year on year in July to 39,689 tons. The largest decrease in percentage terms was felt by its belly cargo business, which was 16.5 per cent down on a year earlier to 9,827 tons. Full freighter demand was down 9.8 per cent year on year to 12,799 tons and integrator volumes slid 2.9 per cent to 17,063 tons. The airport blamed the decline on companies ceasing operations and the cancellation of flights as a result of business decisions and the economic climate in Asia. It said the Asian economic climate was also to blame for the downturn in integrator demand. In its results for June, the airport revealed that KF Aerospace, which started flights to Brussels Airport in 2015, had ceased operations to the airport,

Yangtze River Express has transferred part of its activities to Schiphol and Saudia Cargo has gradually reduced its operations. KF Aerospace had launched the three times a week transatlantic service from

Toronto and Moncton to Brussels last year to cater for live items, perishables, pharmaceuticals, and other high value goods seamlessly across North America and into Europe. The service utilised a DC10-30 freighter. A KF Aerospace spokesperson said it had announced in March 2016 that it was ceasing those operations as it was unable to secure sufficient volumes at a profitable margin. The aircraft and crew were transferred to flying on behalf of Solar Cargo out of Miami, Florida into South American destinations such as Lima, Peru; Bogota, Columbia; and Caracas, Venezuela; along with charter services. That dedicated service started in April 2016. ď&#x201A;&#x192;

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Cargo & Logistics

UPS Worldwide Express Freight Service expands globally

wiss WorldCargo, the airfreight division of Swiss International Air Lines Ltd., and its partner ground handling companies Cargologic AG and SATS have concluded a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at further enhancing their cargo handling and information services. UPS has announced the latest expansion of its popular UPS Worldwide Express Freight service to nine new countries: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Kuwait, Malta, Morocco, Pakistan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, and Tunisia. Together with the eight additional countries added within the past year, the service is now offered in 66 origin and 64 destination countries and territories. UPS also expanded UPS Worldwide Express Freight™ service to over 2,110 zip codes in Mexico in June. This specialized guaranteed service is designed for urgent, time-sensitive, and high-value international heavyweight shipments over 150 lbs. (70 kg.), making it ideal for customers’ product launches, inventory shortages, and equipment failure replacement parts. Since its launch in 2013, the number of businesses using UPS Worldwide Express Freight™ service has increased more than 250 percent.

The service provides supply chain benefits including: Reduced transit times Improved visibility Reduced inventory safety stock Enhanced customer service levels Shorter order fulfilment cycles/times UPS research has shown that customers who use UPS Worldwide Express Freight™ service have outperformed

those who do not. In comparison to their peers, customers using this service have higher growth rates to international markets, evidence they consider UPS Worldwide Express Freight™ service a competitive advantage to expanding their business internationally¹,². “Companies in the healthcare, retail and automotive industries have grown their international volume, 18, 11 and five times more, respectively, using UPS Worldwide Express Freight service than their peers over the last three years,” said Bill Seward, President, U.S. International Exports, UPS. “The growth of the UPS Worldwide Express Freight™ service in a relatively short time period shows it is fulfilling a critical market need for a reliable, urgent heavy freight international shipping service. We will continue to invest in service expansions as customer and industry needs evolve,” added Seward. 

August 2016

Cargo & Logistics

IATA Cargo XML standard accepted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency

he International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that IATA’s Cargo-XML messaging standard will be utilized by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (US-CBP) to collect advance cross-border data on US export shipments.

The new data format will make electronic communication between the US-CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system, airlines and other air cargo stakeholders simpler and more efficient. In addition it will facilitate growth in trade, ensure cargo security, and foster participation in global commerce through advance electronic data submission for air cargo shipments. “Airlines, freight-forwarders, shippers and border agencies share the common goals of simplifying processes, enhancing efficiency and maximizing safety and security. The key to achieving this is industry collaboration and standardization on a global scale,” said Nick Careen, IATA Senior Vice President for Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security. “Having support for Cargo-XML from the US-CBP, one of the world’s largest federal law enforcement agencies, will positively contribute towards the industry achieving its objective - the global adoption of a standard air cargo messaging system.” The US-CBP’s utilization of the new standards, developed from international regulations, is due to begin within the next few months. The US-CBP is working to reduce the considerable number of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) message for-

August 2016

mats currently supported to process international import, export cargo and cargo release information.

present no security issues, are compliant with trade laws, and reach the customer on-time.

IATA is assisting in this effort by permitting the US-CBP to publish to the minimal data file specifications for the IATA Cargo-XML messages.

By adopting a common messaging standard - IATA’s Cargo XML – for all air cargo shipments, the industry can be confident that the information being provided to the US-CBP is technically correct.

Each year millions of tonnes of air cargo pass through US airports, from medicines and crucial electronic components, to the latest consumer products. The US CBP is tasked with ensuring that these goods are safe,

The new messaging standard will also make it easier for US-CBP agents to identify freight which contravenes US legislation. 

Cargo & Logistics

Demand for air cargo picks up in June

Middle East records largest increase T

he International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight demand in June 2016 showing a rise in freight tonne kilometers (FTK) of 4.3 per cent year-on-year. This was the fastest pace of growth in 14 months. Freight capacity measured in available freight tonne kilometers (AFTKs) increased by 4.9 per cent year-on-year, keeping yields under downward pressure.

That’s good news. However, we cannot read too much into one month’s performance. Air cargo markets have been in the doldrums for several years during which there were several false starts on indications for improvement. We will continue watching developments closely, keeping in mind that the air freight business environment is fragile.

Freight demand increased yearon-year in June across all regions with the exception of Latin America which recorded a 9.8 per cent decrease, compared to the same period last year.

Global economic growth remains sluggish, world trade volumes continue to trend downwards and the industry faces heightened uncertainty in the aftermath of the Brexit vote,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

The Middle East posted the fastest demand growth in June with yearon-year increases of 8.0 per cent, followed by Europe at 5.1 per cent. “June saw an improvement in demand for air freight.

Middle Eastern carriers posted the largest increase in freight volumes of all regions for the 16th consecutive month in June, 8.0 per cent year on year. Capacity increased by 8.7 per cent. 

Yusen Logistics expands air freight network in Mexico

usen Logistics, third-party logistics provider, is expanding its air freight forwarding network in Mexico with the addition of a branch in Guadalajara. The Guadalajara Branch, which opened on August 1, reinforces the company’s rapidly growing presence in Mexico and enables it to add new capability and flexibility and offer more value-added services to customers. “We see increasing demand for logistics capability in Mexico, particularly in areas like Guadalajara, which has become a critical hub for air freight shipments from Asia,” said Jordan Dewart, president, Yusen Logistics Mexico. “Strategically located, the new branch complements our existing operations in Mexico City, Celaya and at the border in Laredo, TX, and allows us to provide our automotive and other manufacturing customers with justin-time delivery capability.” Guadalajara is the largest manufacturing region in Mexico, particularly for the automotive and electronics sectors, and its airport is the second largest air freight terminal after Mexico City. Located 10 minutes from the airport, the branch supports Yusen Logistics’ customers in the automotive, electronic, textile, chemical, mining, furniture and spirits industries. 

August 2016

Technology

Oman Air implements fuel efficiency software

Oman Air has selected OpenAirlines- Skybreathe to provide its cloud-based fuel efficiency software solution.

he solution will provide both predictive and post-flight analysis by fusing a combination of multiple data sources to identify and realise opportunities for fuel savings and track implementation success.

The software will also cover the airline’s requirements for compliance with the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme. Captain Ali Sulaiman, executive vice president and chief operations officer, Oman Air said: “Oman Air is committed to deploying several of the airline’s known best practices across the airline’s lines of business including Flight Operations, Flight Dispatch, Maintenance and

August 2016

Engineering and leveraging the software capability and future developments to consistently deliver fuel efficient operations in the years to come. Oman Air continues to invest in several frontline operational systems and this additional efficiency layer that OpenAirlines introduces to integrate the multiplicity of our operational systems is an important milestone in this enhancement.

He added: “A unique feature is an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) integration to the Pilot Module MyFuelCoachTM. Managing and optimising fuel costs which remain well over 20 per cent of the airline’s operating expenses is a critical business strategy and we are excited to collaborate closely with OpenAirlines in order to realise these fuel savings as well as coping the terabytes of data that we are now seeing streaming down from our airplanes.” 

Technology

Facebook messenger to check flight info

assengers flying from London City Airport will now be able to use Facebook Messenger to check flight information in real-time.

The airport is the first in the country to introduce the service for its customers, after successfully carrying out a short trial. Passengers with Facebook Messenger installed on their smartphones or tablets will be able to send their flight number on the day of travel to the airport’s Flight Info Facebook page in order to receive personalised flight information. London City Airport chief information

officer Alison FitzGerald said: “The majority of our passengers are connected to social media and many of these are business travellers, so it makes perfect sense to offer flight updates directly to their smartphones via Facebook Messenger. “We already offer free Wi-Fi and a check-in time of 20 minutes or less, and this is another way of ensuring a hassle-free, personalised customer experience.”

The automated messages offer real-time information on a traveller’s flight status, its departure and arrival time, as well as the boarding gate number. Facebook Messenger can also provide flight information to people waiting to greet their friends and relatives arriving at the airport. It was announced recently that there are one billion active users of the app worldwide. 

August 2016

Technology

This device wants to make your airplane air less dry

ir above 15,000 feet is very dry, with a recorded humidity of less than 1 percent. Inside an airliner, humidity is kept around 20 percent. While that’s wetter than the outside air, it’s still drier than the Sahara Desert (itself about 25 percent humidity).

As a result, some passengers get dry throats and dry noses when flying — which is no fun for anyone. According to a report on www.popsci.com a new technology has the answer: to keep passengers from drying out, why not just shoot vortexes of air in their face? The design comes from the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics, says the report, which quoted the institute as saying: “A vortex ring generator humidifies the air in passengers’ breathing zones, thereby increasing comfort levels without any material increase in the overall relative humidity in the cabin,” says Thomas Kirmayr, group manager at Fraunhofer IBP. The basic principle is that a generator produces small vortex rings of humid air – rather like the rings sometimes expelled by smokers. The vortex effect keeps the rings stable over a certain distance while preventing them from mixing to any significant extent with the surrounding air. The researchers have designed the generator so that the vortex rings make contact with the passengers’ upper torso; body heat then causes them to rise towards the nose and mouth. Since the chest area is covered by clothing, it is less

August 2016

sensitive than the face would be to the light airflow. The researchers’ goal is to increase air humidity in the breathing zone by up to 15 percent to reach a level of around 30 percent. This can be done by conditioning a minimal amount of air directed in the form of vortex rings exactly where it is needed. To test the vortex maker, researchers first used smoke, since it has greater visibility. Then they pointed these vortexes into the nose of a dummy robot to analyze how the air worked. For final testing, they’ll get real humans with real noses to experience the air blasts, the report added.

Technology

Airbus has launched the iflyA380.com website for travellers who want to experience the A380 aircraft

s a global leading aviation company we are exploring new digital avenues and IflyA380.com illustrates this transformation journey.” said Marc Fontaine, Airbus digital transformation officer.

“Booking systems today do not allow the passengers to easily choose their preferred aircraft and we decided to fill that gap by easing the access to the iconic A380 aircraft, for everybody. For the first time, a booking service puts the aircraft type as the criteria for flight selection. This seamless experience is a win for Airbus A380, it’s a win for the airlines operators and it’s a win for the passengers.”

The booking assistant will appeal to travellers as it is the only place where all 13 A380 operators can present the on-board services they offer and the destinations they serve. Inspirational information about each city will also help travellers choose their next vacation. It’s simple: users select their departure and destination

airports/cities, dates and class of travel, the number of travellers and hit ‘search’. They can then click on the desired flight and be taken seamlessly to the website of the selected airline, allowing users to book securely and with confidence at no extra cost. A380 operators are supportive in the development of this booking assistant. 

August 2016