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

Monthly Newsletter issued by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority

www.viadubaionline.com

Issue 34 March 2016

Inside DCAA DCAA participates in Car Free Day

DCAA provides free medical checkup to employees

UAE in Focus UAE drone 12 enthusiasts asked to fly into official clubs UAE air traffic reaches 77,887 in January

1814

Concourse D opens at Dubai International Airport

Flydubai CEO charts 14 sustained growth trajectory for 2016 Opinions

Remote towers are a game changing technology

Airlines expected to deliver $3.6 billion profit in 2016

Tony Tyler

Technology 44

Jeff Poole

2015, a record year for DCAA in growth

ICAO bans lithium-ion batteries as cargo

Cargo & Logistics 42

Airlines 39

Christopher Suresh

ATM 36

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 March 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

Workshop on pensions and social security

General Supervision Mohammed Abdulla Ahli

06 DCAA participates in Car Free Day

Coordinator Hanan Al Mazimi Creative Manager Mohammed Al Jarouf 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 organisation is completely unintentional.

Advertise with us Editorial, Production, PR & Marketing Nadd AlShiba PR and Event Management

DCAA Interview 2015, a record year for DCAA in growth

Tel +971 4 25 66 707 Fax +971 4 25 66 704 info@naddalshiba.com www.naddalshiba.com

Christopher Suresh

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

http://www.facebook.com/DCAADubai

twitter.com/DcaaDubai

Marchyoutube.com/user/dcaadubai 2016

CONTENTS

UAE in Focus

Emergency exit: Entire cabin detaches from aircraft

12 UAE drone enthusiasts asked to fly into official clubs

13 UAE air traffic reaches 77,887 in January

13 Sharjah International Airport awards Enova contract

44 38 Leidos’ $5bn deal

14 Flydubai CEO charts sustained growth trajectory for 2016

for Lockheed’s IT businesses

40 Civilian drones ’real threat ’ to commercial aviation safety

Singapore Air Show 22 2

March 2016

Message

from the President

‘Concourse D, another milestone in Dubai’s aviation’

ubai continues to invest in the development of top-flight infrastructure to augment service levels for our international airlines and their customers while providing the capacity needed to meet growing demand. The opening of the Concourse D is another milestone for Dubai’s aviation and will strongly support the consistently high growth in this sector. With this opening, the Dubai International has increased its capacity from 75 million to 90 million. The US$1.2 billion investment toward the environment-friendly Concourse D will enhance service and boost capacity for more than 70 international airlines that will now call it home. Concourse D has been designed with the customer at its heart. Shorter walking distances, more comfortable seating areas, more choice in lounges and a world-class retail and F&B offering are sure to impress and delight our passengers and our airline partners.

Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

This historical opening is in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE’s Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who has always inspired us to excel and focus on ensuring happiness of our customers. I would like to specially thank the Dubai Aviation City Corporation, Dubai Airport and all the stakeholders, who have worked relentlessly for several months to bring Concourse D to reality. With the successful opening of Concourse D, Dubai has once again proved its commitment to excellence.

March 2016

Message

from the Director General

A big success T

he opening of Concourse D is a big achievement for Dubai’s aviation industry, which contributes over 27 per cent to the emirate’s GDP and accounts for almost 21 per cent of total employment. The new Concourse will allow Dubai to further enhance customer experience by offering better services, ensuring satisfaction of passengers as well as the airlines. Concourse D has numerous customer-centric features such as the dedicated airport train, which links the Concourse to the newly renovated Terminal 1 and can transport 300 passengers per trip. Designed around a central atrium, travelers can board directly from the waiting area as the Concourse offers short walks to open gates, giving them more freedom and time to enjoy the full array of exciting food and beverage outlets. Travellers also get to enjoy a plenty of comfortable seating spaces and wellbeing concepts such as ‘Be Relax’ and the ever-popular ‘SnoozeCubes’ which provide a convenient way to rest between flights. The Concourse features 9 lounges spread over nearly 7,000m2, a brand new Al Majlis lounge, two Dubai International Hotel lounges and a Marhaba VIP lounge. On the apron, Concourse D provides 21 contact stands, of which four will be able to accommodate Airbus A380 or Boeing 747 aircraft, and 11 remote stands with a design capacity for 18 million passengers.

March 2016

Mohammed Abdulla Ahli

At a time when the Dubai International has retained its position as Number 1 in terms of international passenger traffic, for the second year in row, after traffic exceeded 78 million in 2015, we are proud to say we are continuously able to improve passenger experience while catering to this growing demand. As we celebrate this big success, we are proud to say we look forward to welcoming over 85 million passengers in 2016. 

Inside DCAA

Workshop on pensions and social security and said: “The DCAA is keen on providing our employees with all information related to their career life, enabling them to take advantage of all the benefits provided by Federal Pensions Law, get the best services submitted by GPSSA, and take all their decisions based on full awareness of the rights provided by the law and the consequent obligations. This event was organised in line with the goal of raising the necessary awareness among employees.”

he Dubai Civil Aviation Authority’s (DCAA) Human Resources Department, Corporate Support, in cooperation with the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA), held an introductory workshop about pensions and social security for its employees.

The workshop was attended by the Directors of Departments, Heads of Sections and employees. Abdul Rahim Al Mulla, DCAA Director of the Corporate Support, thanked GPSSA for responding to DCAA invitation to implement the workshop,

During the workshop, the employees were explained about participation and retirement systems. Abdul Rahim Al Mulla, Director of Corporate Support, presented a Memorial Shield and a Certificate of Thanks to Khalifa Al Falasi, GPSAA Acting Director of Dubai Operations Center, in recognition of their continuous cooperation and communication. 

March 2016

Inside DCAA

DCAA participates in Car Free Day T

he Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) participated in ‘Car Free Day’ an annual initiative by the Dubai Municipality. The initiative aims to encourage employees use public transport to reach their work instead of using their private vehicles. Mohamed Abdulla Ahli, DCAA Director General, said: “DCAA is keen

March 2016

on annually participating in the Car Free Day initiative, which seeks to build a culture that values the importance of environment protection and sustainability of national natural resources. The DCAA encourages its employees participate in such events aimed at preserving our environment. We urge all residents to be environment conscious and take steps to ensure that they contribute to preserving our environment.”

This year, the DCAA’s participation included prizes including coupons provided by Dubai Duty Free meant to encourage and motivate use of public transport. By having its employees participate and by actively and constructively contributing to such societal initiatives, DCAA aims to activate its response level to corporate social responsibility. 

Inside DCAA

March 2016

Inside DCAA

DCAA provides one day free medical checkup to employees T he Dubai Civil Aviation Authority’s (DCAA) Corporate Communication Section of Corporate Support Department organised a one-day free medical checkup for DCAA employees. Organised in cooperation with Prime Medical Center, the checkup included blood sugar, blood pressure and BMI tests. Coinciding with International Cancer Day, employees were also educated about breast, cervix and prostate tumors. The medical team also gave free offer for staff to get their cholesterol levels tested. The DCAA has designated February as ‘Health Month’ with an aim to generate awareness on good health. 

March 2016

Inside DCAA

DCAA organises Health Week T

he Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), in cooperation with Al Ittihad Cooperative Society, organised a ‘Health Week’, during which

the regulatory body provided fruits to its staff members for one week and also took feedback from the employees on the benefits consuming fruits.

Aimed at raising awareness about the health benefits of fruits, the initiative also focussed on fostering healthy eating habits amongst its staff. 

March 2016

DCAA Interview

Christopher Suresh, Head of Finance and Administration Affairs Section, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA)

2015, a record year for DCAA in growth Records 14% increase in revenues

he Dubai Civil Aviation Authority’s (DCAA) has been expanding its services to the end users consistently and is recording a growth in revenues for its services, reflecting the solid foundations and strength of Dubai’s aviation sector, says Christopher Suresh, Head of Finance and Administration Affairs, DCAA.

In an interview with Via Dubai, he spoke about the role of and ways in which Finance and Administration Affairs Section contributes to enhancing efficiencies in line with the goals of the DCAA. Excerpts from the interview: What are the main functions of your section? The main role of our department is to support the operations of the core departments in the DCAA to regulate aviation in the emirate of Dubai. We facilitate the operations by providing financial planning, funds, maintain records, financial feasibility, information for decision making and implementation of projects and procurement. Our department is responsible for purchasing, budgeting, revenue

March 2016

billing, cash collection, disbursement of payments, banking, Management Information Reporting and inventory of stock and fixed Assets, prepare, compile and submit the yearly fiscal budget of the DCAA, finalise yearly accounts, prepare financial statements, revenue development & price revisions. We ensure effective implementation and compliance of all applicable laws, rules, regulations, standards and policies in the financial procedures of the DCAA. We are implementing the Performance Based Budgeting which implies that the budget and implementation are linked to indicate the performance for the achievement strategic objectives, vision and mission of DCAA. The department aims to provide maximum value

DCAA to provide ePayment facility for 100 per cent services by year end adding services to all the stakeholders of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority for the achievement its vision of “Dubai to become the Global Aviation Capital contributing to the prosperity and enabling growth. While continuously working toward facilitating the achievement of DCAA’s goal to make Dubai the global aviation capital, we also ensure we keep updating our facilities and implement the latest technologies.

DCAA Interview

Can you share with us the progress of your department in the last five years? The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), the regulatory body for Aviation Industry, which contributes 28 per cent to the GDP and also provides 19 per cent of employment opportunities, is financially very strong. As DCAA is a regulatory department of the Aviation Industry in Dubai, our financial performance is an indicator of the strong performance of aviation industry. Since 2009, DCAA have recorded an average of 9 per cent increase in revenues per annum. In 2015, we recorded a 14 per cent rise in revenues. 2015 was a record year in revenues. Increase in passenger and aircraft movement, rise in tourism and growth of national carriers have been instrumental in this growth. The Finance and Administration Section plays the important role in the financial performance of the regulatory body as it initiates and implements financial discipline through budgeting and financial control systems and procedures to achieve excellent performance, cost effective utilisation of resources. The department ensures effective implementation of all applicable laws, rules, regulations, standards and policies in the financial procedures of the DCAA. For instance, we have 100 per cent revenue collection efficiency in outstanding amounts.

How does your department ensure a high customer satisfaction rate? We have been adding new facilities to make procedures easier for our customer, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction levels. Toward this, we have adopted ‘e-payment’ for collection of revenue. It enables all our customers including the airlines, to submit their applications and make the payments online and saves their time. We have extended the ‘e-payment’ for 80 per cent of our services. By the end of this year, we are planning to cover 100 per cent of DCAA services under the ‘e-payment’. We are also planning to make ‘e-supply’ for the registration of suppliers online to be available this month. How many customers are using the e-payment facility? The ePayment facility is combined with the online DCAA eServices which both cash and credit customers apply for the services. Therefore, more than 90 per cent of the customers both cash and credit customers are already using DCAA eServices, which is around 10,000 transactions a year. How do you ensure efficiencies within the department? Do you rely on technology? The DCAA follows procedures of the Financial Law, Rules & Regulations of Dubai Government. Accordingly process maps are made, documented for different finance functions, which include budget

DCAA’s strong financial performance is an indication of the strength of Dubai’s aviation sector process, procurement, receivable, payable, fixed assets and supplier satisfaction survey, in addition to others. The processes are part of ISO 9001, which are audited internally and by ISO External Auditors. Using the latest technology also contributes to enhancing efficiencies. The Policies and Procedures, for example, are inbuilt in the Government Resources Planning ( GRP ) system which provides better internal check and control over transactions. The interdepartmental financial transactions between Dubai Government Departments are online through AGIS of GRP System. What are your plans for 2016? In addition to extending e-payment to 100 per cent of the services, we will focus on increasing automation in the coming days within the department as well as extending to customers, suppliers with more online access and services. We are also studying with other departments to improve and increase our services to the aviation industry. 

March 2016

UAE in Focus

General Civil Aviation Authority launch outreach campaign to stream-line light-air sports

UAE drone enthusiasts asked to fly into official clubs

he General Civil Aviation Authority, GCAA, has called upon light air sports enthusiasts to practice their hobbies in designated clubs accredited by the authority in order to maintain their security and safety.

The call falls within the framework of the campaign organised by the authority to raise awareness about light air sports. The campaign was launched in cooperation with the Air Support Department at the Directorate General of Security Support at the General Secretariat of the Office of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and continues for two weeks during February. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of GCAA, noted that light air sports are a relatively new hobby, saying, “It is not merely a flying game, but a sport that requires mental focus and accuracy to enable users

to harmonise mental commands and hand movements to fly their drone.” He called upon those who wish to practice this hobby, to undergo training and practice programmes, to go through the basic stages of learning and developing control and command skills. He also warned them against equipping their aircrafts with laser devices, cameras, or projection devices in order to maintain their safety and security, and avoid violating other people’s privacy. He also called upon light air sports enthusiasts to avoid violating related laws and regulations.

GCAA campaign

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) held a nationwide outreach campaign focusing on light air sports in cooperation with the Air Support Department at the Directorate General of Security Support, the General Secretariat of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of GCAA, pointed out that the Authority seeks to promote light air sports, in cooperation with strategic partners. “This is achieved within the framework of national legislation and laws, which ensure aviation safety and the safety of air sports lovers,” he said. Additionally, he said that “light air sports legislation entered into force, as of October last year. They include light sports aircraft, remote controlled aircraft and aviation clubs. “They cover all related activities, which include organising the movement of light aircraft that weigh less than 650kg, and remote controlled aircrafts of all weights.” 

March 2016

UAE in Focus

UAE air traffic reaches 77,887 in January

otal air traffic movements in UAE airspace reached 77,887 in January 2016, according to Sheikh Zayed Air Navigation Centre latest reports. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, GCAA, announced that air traffic movements in the UAE witnessed an increase of 5.8 percent in January, 2016, compared with the

same period last year. The January report indicates that Dubai ranked first with 35,298 air traffic movements. Over-flights stood second at 13,818 air traffic movements. Abu Dhabi ranked third with 13,449 air traffic movements. According to the report, air traffic movements in Sharjah International Airport came next with

6,180 movements. Local flights between UAE airports totalled 5,758 movements. Fujairah International Airport witnessed 71 movements, while Ras al-Khaimah International Airport had 514 air traffic movements and Al Ain Airport had 176 air traffic movements. Al Maktoum International Airport witnessed 2,628 movements. 

Specialised facilities management and air field services

Sharjah International Airport awards Enova contract

harjah International Airport has awarded a contract to provide technical and specialised facilities management services for its buildings to Enova. The contract comprises MEP, FIDS, Security System and Civil, as well as air field services including airfield lighting, runway civil maintenance and communications, navigation systems. After an extensive evaluation that included representatives from the Directorate of Public Works Enova was appointed. Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Airport Authority, said: “Sharjah International Air-

port enjoys an excellent reputation for its operational efficiency, which came as a result of efficient management of the highest international standards, in addition to the ongoing maintenance works in all its facilities to ensure pleasant travelling experience for our passengers and satisfactory level of services to our clients at the airport. “Enova is one of the leading companies in this field; it has proven through the years its ability to manage the airport facilities efficiently. We are confident that the company will continue to provide the best level of services and we wish Enova all the best in coming years.”

He added: “Our aim is to ensure the highest level of maintenance is made to all the airport’s facilities and infrastructure in order to operate efficiently around the clock. We are confident that this partnership with Enova will lead to excellent results, which all stakeholders and passengers will benefit from. Sharjah international Airport is the first airport in the region to be awarded its ‘Airport Carbon Accreditation’. This step highlights the role that the emirate of Sharjah is playing to achieve the overall sustainability.” 

March 2016

UAE in Focus

Reports profits of Dh100.7 million for 2015

Flydubai CEO charts sustained growth trajectory for 2016

lydubai reported profits of Dh100.7 (USD 27.4 million) for 2015 following a stronger second half-year which saw increased numbers of passengers travel across its network.

Total revenue for the full year was Dh4.9 billion (USD 1.33 billion), an increase of 11 per cent compared to 2014. The overall yield, in terms of fils per Revenue Passenger Kilometre (RPKM), was under pressure attributable to the strong dollar; the challenging trading environment across the network; disruption resulting from the suspension of flights on some established routes and a large number of

March 2016

recently launched routes with a lead time required to reach maturity. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Flydubai, said: “2015 was an important year for flydubai. It was a year in which through determination and commitment we continued to realise our vision to increase connectivity in support of the UAE’s economic development. The year culminated in two achievements: the delivery of our 50th aircraft; and

our fourth full-year of profitability.” Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Flydubai, added: “The overall trading environment has remained challenging but we have maintained our growth story and ended the year positively. “Our robust passenger growth of 30 per cent, in terms of RPKM, underlines the demand for travel within our geographic focus; the continued ap-

UAE in Focus

peal of Dubai as a destination; and the popularity of our service.” “Our network is maturing and so we continue to monitor capacity and review the opportunities for existing routes as well as for new routes. “In response to the changing environment, considered, balanced adjustment and management will be required. “Our prudent outlook will help flydubai remain well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities within our flying radius and continue our sustained growth trajectory,” added Al Ghaith.

Cost performance

A stronger performance in the second half of the year coupled with cost management efforts has resulted in a positive end to the year. Fuel costs reduced to 30.3 per cent of operating costs benefitting from lower fuel prices with 59 per cent of fuel costs unhedged. In line with flydubai’s active fuel hedging policy, 16 per cent of the fuel requirements for the next 24 months are currently hedged. This will provide a level of certainty and control to its fuel costs due to the ongoing fluctuation in fuel prices.

Ebitdar reduced slightly compared to the previous year, but remained healthy at 20.5 per cent of revenue. The closing cash and cash equivalents position, including pre-delivery payments for future aircraft deliveries, was robust at AED 2.4 billion. “The solid foundation we laid when the airline launched has ensured that we are best placed to respond quickly to manage the challenging socio-economic environment, in a controlled manner, both in the short term and for the long term,” said Al Ghaith.

Operational performance Ready for business

Business Class was introduced on 17 new routes in 2015 representing 87 per cent of all departures from Dubai. flydubai saw the number of passengers from across its network who travelled in Business Class increase by 72 per cent compared to 2014. Highest demand came from Africa followed by the Subcontinent and the Middle East, highlighting the demand for business class air travel, especially in the markets that have not had access to this service before. Demand for this service is also reflected in the UAE’s position as an internationally recognised centre for business and trade.

Driving demand at second hub

The start of flydubai’s new operations at Al Maktoum International-Dubai World Central saw services become available to Amman, Beirut, Doha, Kathmandu and Kuwait while flights to these destinations continued to be available at Dubai International.

March 2016

UAE in Focus

Services started on 25 October 2015 and during these first 10 weeks of operations passengers welcomed the choice and convenience offered by the new airport. Al Maktoum International-Dubai World Central continues to provide passengers from across Dubai with increased opportunities for travel. Increased accessibility to previously underserved markets has benefited cargo revenues which remain strong, posting an increase of 28.4 per cent with 40,441 tons carried during the year.

Increased spending aids ancillary revenue

Continued strong performance for pre and onboard sales including inflight entertainment, food, seat preferences,

March 2016

checked baggage allowance, car rental, hotel bookings, travel insurance and visa facilitation services contributed 15.1 per cent of revenue.

Customer care

The introduction of new technology has provided more flexibility and opportunity to increase sales.

Feedback through the onboard survey came from 230,016 passengers and covered 36 touch points.

Flydubai’s onboard survey continues to provide the airline with unique insights into emerging travel trends.

Growing in experience and Flydubai reviews and analyses the talent data on a weekly basis and uses it to In support of its growing fleet flydubai staff numbers rose to a total of 3,393 including 658 pilots, 1,435 cabin crew and 273 engineers representing 114 nationalities.

drive innovation across the airline. This approach further emphases its commitment of putting the customers’ experience at the core of its operations.

This is a reflection of the opportunity created by opening previously underserved markets and flydubai’s ability to attract some of the best talent in the aviation industry.

Real connections

Flydubai’s strategy to support the vision of the Government to create a globally recognised centre for trade and tourism has seen:

UAE in Focus

- Flydubai launch 18 new destinations including Asmara, Astana, Chennai, Gizan, Jouf, Quetta and Shiraz.

and Lebanon) grew by 37 per cent. - Demand for travel between India and the UAE remained strong.

- An increase in business and leisure travel between KSA and the UAE contributed to flydubai’s market growth of 26 per cent.

flydubai accounted for 15 per cent of the total passenger growth which represented 4.5 per cent of the overall market. In March, Chennai became the 8th point on flydubai’s network in India with three flights a week.

Flydubai took delivery of seven new aircraft during 2015

- With 11 points in Europe and 9 points in Russia flydubai passenger numbers grew by 14 per cent across these markets however passenger numbers between Russia and Dubai decreased by 22 per cent reflecting the current economic situation.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, commenting on flydubai’s operational performance, said: “We have been focused on increasing access to Dubai and during the last two years we have launched 41 new routes.

Flydubai’s commitment to open direct air links between KSA’s regional airports and Dubai saw the number of flights increase by 29 per cent including the start of the first international flights from Jouf Airport. - flydubai’s comprehensive network across the GCC (including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman) saw passenger numbers grow by 18 per cent. - Passenger numbers from 14 points in the Middle East (including Jordan

- Passenger numbers from the Caucasus grew by 21 per cent and from Central Asia by 15 per cent. - The start of flights to Quetta and Faisalabad saw the network in Pakistan increase to five points and a 77 per cent increase in passenger numbers contributed to an overall market growth of 12 per cent. Since its launch, flydubai has opened 59 destinations on its network that were previously underserved or that did not have direct air links to Dubai. 2015 saw flydubai increase connectivity offered by Dubai’s aviation hub and contributed 29 per cent of the total increase in passengers using Dubai’s airports.

Optimising the fleet

Flydubai took delivery of seven new aircraft during 2015 which included its 50th aircraft, marking the last delivery from the first aircraft order made at the Farnborough Airshow in 2008. Aircraft utilisation was 13.6 block hours together with an industry-leading record of 99.77 per cent technical dispatch reliability.

In support of our expansion plans, we have continued to create demand for travel whilst maintaining the efficiency of our operations and meeting the needs of our passengers.”

Outlook

Starting in May, flydubai will take delivery of 16 new aircraft over the next 24 months. This includes five new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft due to arrive in the second half of 2017. In line with its strategy to maintain a young and efficient fleet these aircraft will support flydubai’s continued growth as well as replace some of the original aircraft in the fleet. During this period, seven aircraft will be retired. The continued focus on cost improvement and efforts to increase operational efficiencies are expected to contribute further cost savings to the airline. The airline’s route network will continue to strengthen as it sees all the 41 new routes launched in the last two years mature. flydubai has a network of 89 destinations in 43 countries. 

March 2016

Cover Story

Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number one international airport gets bigger and better

Concourse D opens at Dubai International Airport

ubai International, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number one hub for international passenger traffic, increased its capacity from 75 million to 90 million today with the opening of Concourse D, the result of a US$1.2 billion investment to enhance service and boost capacity for the more than 70 international airlines that will now call it home.

March 2016

Cover Story

Two airlines will operate from Concourse D on day one (British Airways, Royal Jordanian) with the remainder phasing in operations over the next several weeks. “Aside from its many customer-centric features, Concourse D continues our legacy of providing timely capacity,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. “Today we also announce our 2016 forecast which projects 85 million passengers will visit Dubai International this year. With the addition of Concourse D, Dubai International is getting both bigger and better.” Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum “We continue to invest in the development of top-flight infrastructure to augment service levels for our international airlines and their customers while providing the capacity needed to meet growing demand,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports; President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group. “Concourse D has been designed with the customer at its heart.

The trial volunteers played the role of passengers arriving at, departing from and transiting through Concourse D, testing way-finding signage, food and retail outlets and the flow of passenger traffic within the new building.

The concourse is linked to the newly renovated Terminal 1 by a dedicated airport train that can transport 300 passengers per trip. Designed around a central atrium, Concourse D offers short walks to open gates, which will allow travellers to board directly from the waiting area, giving them more

Shorter walking distances, more comfortable seating areas, more choice in lounges and a world-class retail and F&B offering are sure to impress and delight our passengers and our airline partners.” The first flight to be welcomed at the facility was today’s British Airways’ flight 105. This historic first operation followed months of intensive testing and a successful operational trial involving 2,000 members of the public earlier this month.

March 2016

Cover Story

freedom and time to enjoy the full array of exciting food and beverage outlets.

Kitchen which will offer passengers creations from the renowned celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck.

A number of world renowned brands will be introduced to Dubai and the region for the first time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including a casual dining concept The

Dubai Airports will also introduce the first Pret a Manger in a Middle Eastern airport. Other firsts for DXB include Butlers Chocolate

March 2016

CafĂŠ and Camden Food Company which will bring healthy yet tasty dining options using organic and natural products. For those who enjoy a little theatre with their food, YO! Sushi will be a popular addition to the airport,

Cover Story

while the CNN News Café will be a favourite for news junkies who want to stay connected to world affairs over coffee. Other new outlets include Lebanese favourite Sharwarmanji and Taqado Mexican Kitchen, both popular local examples of street food, in addition to a second Masale by Taste of India outlet but on a larger scale. Concourse D will also have established traveller favourites such as Giraffe – which will open its second outlet at Dubai International – Starbucks, KFC, Krispy Kreme, McDonald’s, Brioche Doree, The Noodle House, Cavier House & Prunier, Draft House sports bar, and Costa Coffee.

new Al Majlis lounge, two Dubai International Hotel lounges and a Marhaba VIP lounge. JC Decaux will exclusively operate Concourse D’s advertising concession, introducing Dubai International’s largest provision of digital and other advertising structures to date. In addition, the existing successful partnership with JTI will see the provision of three additional smoking lounges in Concourse D. Dubai Duty Free has a total of 175 vendor installations in Concourse

D spread over an area of 7,000m2, bringing the operation’s total retail space at DXB to 33,000m2. Fashion offer covers a total of 1,000m2 divided into two zones, perfumes and cosmetics cover a total area of 1,500m2 while liquor and food occupies nearly 1,000m2. On the apron, Concourse D provides 21 contact stands, of which four will be able to accommodate Airbus A380 or Boeing 747 aircraft, and 11 remote stands with a design capacity for 18 million passengers. 

The new concourse will offer plenty of comfortable seating spaces and wellbeing concepts such as Be Relax and the ever-popular ‘SnoozeCubes’ which provide a convenient way to rest between flights. It will also feature a total of nine lounges spread over 6,926m2, including five airline lounges, a

March 2016

Special Report

Singapore Air Show Industry Stakeholders Leverage Emerging Opportunities, Dialogues and Technologies at Singapore Airshow 2016 Asia’s biggest for aviation’s finest receives show of confidence from exhibitors and stakeholders

he 6-day Singapore Airshow 2016 concluded on a successful note recording over 14 per cent increase in business deals, including 10 deals with a total value of US$12.3 billion, 10 per cent rise in trade visitors and more than 70 per cent exhibitors confirming their participation in the next edition of the show, to be held from 6 to 11 February 2018 at Changi Exhibition Centre. The biennial event is also a platform for high-level conferences dedicated to leading players in the global aviation industry with the Singapore Airshow Aviation Leadership Summit and coo-located events A*STAR Aerospace Technology Leadership Forum and the Singapore Aerospace Technology and Engineering Conference. Exhibitors and trade visitors gave thumbs up to the wide range of emerg-

March 2016

ing opportunities, dialogues and technologies that were the main themes of this year’s event, which is among the most important aerospace and defence exhibitions in the world. More than 1,000 exhibiting companies from over 50 countries participated in the show that also welcomed 20 groups/ country pavilions. “This edition of the Singapore Air-

show has been an excellent success for all the members of GIFAS, and more particularly for our SMEs. The status of Feature Country has clearly given a deeper dimension to the relationship between our two industries which we are looking forward to grow further.” said Vincent Gorry, Director, European and International Affairs, GIFAS. The Philippines also made event history by participating as a country pa-

Special Report

Singapore Airshow 2016 saw close to 10 per cent increase in trade visitors, as well as a nearly 5 per cent increase in the number of VIP delegations vilion for the first time at the Singapore Airshow, and commemorated its debut by announcing deals with Airbus, Harris Corporation and RollsRoyce. 2 “We first visited the show with our official delegates two years ago and saw that there would be potential. This year, we felt that we are ready to introduce ourselves and offer our interest in partnerships with many of the aerospace companies,” said Glenn Peñaranda, Commercial Counsellor, Philippine Trade & Investment Centre, Embassy of the Philippines. “We are heartened to hear that people are looking forward to what the Philippines has to offer and have had very positive meetings with major players and even potential partners in this industry.”

Changing Nature of Business Deals

A total of 50 deals were made at Singapore Airshow 2016, representing an increase of 14% over 2014. These

included 10 deals with a total value of US$12.3 billion, as well as 40 deals with undisclosed values announced by 20 companies. In line with changing business trends, and as the industry becomes more sophisticated and competitive, a growing proportion of the announcements and deals included undisclosed values. More deals were announced by LCCs and aircraft leasing companies compared to 2014. In addition, eight MOU signings were made compared to four in 2014 as industry stakeholders look to build future capabilities.

Key Highlights

Singapore Airshow 2016 saw close to 10 per cent increase in trade visitors, as well as a nearly 5 per cent increase in the number of VIP delegations. There was also an increase in the number of local companies exhibiting in the Singapore Pavilion, with 36 companies taking part this year, compared to 29 companies in 2014.

Emerging Opportunities

The wide array of opportunities at the Airshow spanned the commercial, defence, MRO, R&D and even manufacturing sectors. These opportunities not only emerged within industry sectors, but also from Asian countries and markets that displayed significant potential and were key focal areas for exhibitors and visitors. Industry heavyweights like GE Aviation announced new investments in new MRO facilities in Singapore, which includes establishing a new advanced technologies centre for R&D on repair applications, while Pratt & Whitney opened its first Singapore manufacturing facility on Monday, the only facility outside of the US to manufacture components for the company’s latest engine, the PurePower® engine. 3 Among the growing spectrum of MRO opportunities are the agreement signed by Airbus and SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) to form a joint venture based in Singapore.

March 2016

Special Report

The joint venture company will provide airframe maintenance, cabin upgrade and modification services for Airbus A380, A350 and A330 aircraft to airlines in the Asia Pacific and beyond, and marks SIAECâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first collaboration with a major aircraft manufacturer for airframe maintenance.

Creating Opportunities for Future Generations

The inaugural Singapore Airshow Aero Campus (SAAC) was held on 18 and 19 February, which saw close to 3,000 secondary school and tertiary students, full time national servicemen and young working professionals visiting the show. A new initiative designed to foster deeper interest and provide insights about the industry, from exploring higher education to embarking on rewarding careers in the aviation field, the SAAC showcased the wide range of education and career development opportunities that are available in the aviation and aerospace sector in Singapore. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the exhibition and static aircraft display, watch the

March 2016

A new initiative designed to foster deeper interest and provide insights about the industry aerial display performances, and also participated in workshops where they gained valuable industry insights by speaking to exhibiting companies and educational institutions.

Emerging Dialogues

The Singapore Airshow offers a unique platform for thought leadership through its high-level conferences, forums, and co-located events, helping

to shape the future agenda of the industry. The Singapore Airshow Aviation Leadership Summit (SAALS) 2016 brought together some 300 key stakeholders in aviation, including top government representatives, civil aviation authorities and senior executives of airlines, airline operators, aircraft manufacturers as well as the heads of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to exchange valuable insights, network and strengthen the nexus between governments and the aviation industry. 4 In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) concluded a milestone Maintenance Implementation Procedures (MIP) agreement on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow. This agreement allows for reciprocal acceptance of safety oversight requirements, as well as the mutual recognition of procedures for the approval and monitoring of aircraft maintenance organisations.

Special Report

About 70 per cent of exhibitors have already made reservations to participate at the next Singapore Airshow Emerging Technologies

The new Aerospace Emerging Technologies Zone and Emerging Technologies Business Forum were introduced at Singapore Airshow 2016, focusing on some of the key trends in aviation such as augmented reality and unmanned airborne vehicles (UAVs).

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) also made significant announcements that focused on emerging technologies in the aviation space. CAAS signed an agreement with the Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R) to establish a joint laboratory to advance air traffic management (ATM) research and development (R&D), as well as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU with Airbus Helicopters to conduct Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Proof-of-Concept Trials, named the Skyways Project,

in Singapore. An agreement was also signed by CAAS with air traffic surveillance system supplier Aireon LLC to obtain and use space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data for the Singapore flight information region (FIR).

Looking to the Future

About 70 per cent of exhibitors have already made reservations to participate at the next Singapore Airshow, with GMF from Indonesia, UAC from Russia and SAAB from Sweden among the exhibitors looking to increase their presence at Singapore Airshow 2018. “We are heartened by the continued support and show of confidence from exhibitors and visitors for the Singapore Airshow as the global platform to tap into emerging opportunities, engage in emerging dialogues, and showcase emerging technologies in the fast growing Asia Pacific market,” said Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia Events. “We are committed to creating carefully curated programme elements and are looking forward to delivering a 2018 edition that will further contribute to growing industry capabilities.” Singapore Airshow 2018 will be held from 6 to 11 February at Changi Exhibition Centre. 

March 2016

Special Report

Middle East leads global growth in passenger volumes, records 11.5 per cent increase in total passengers in 2015

he Middle East outperformed other regions in the world in passenger traffic growth in 2015, boasting a strong double-digit 11.3 per cent increase in total passengers, driven primarily by international passenger traffic growth, according to a latest report by ACI.

The traffic growth in the Middle East was especially pronounced in the second half of the year, when over the course of six consecutive months the region consistently outperformed all other regions. In air freight growth, Middle East demonstrated a strong 10.7 per cent increase in 2015, whilst other regions grew marginally.According to ACI, global passenger traffic grew by 6.1 per cent for the period from

January to December 2015, which is the strongest growth since 2010. This represents the strongest growth rate in passenger traffic since 2010, the year in which passenger traffic rebounded from the Great Recession, said ACI. In fact, despite weak economic growth estimated at 3.1 per cent in 2015, passenger traffic growth last year approached pre-recessionary growth levels seen in 2004â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2007.

The leading aviation markets of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman reported double-digit growth rates in total passenger traffic figuresâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;11 per cent, 17.1 per cent and 17.3 per cent respectively. The three major aviation hubs of the region reported impressive growth on an annualized basis: Dubai (DXB, +7.5 million), Doha (+4.5 million) and Abu Dhabi (AUH, +3.4 million). In total, the three airports generated an additional 15.5 million passengers in the region over the course of the year.Â

Air freight markets

Air freight markets saw a modest 2.3 per cent growth in total freight largely due to subdued growth in emerging markets and developing economies, along with a more modest recovery in advanced economies. This growth is comprised of +2.5 per cent in international freight and +1.8 per cent in domestic freight on an annualized basis. The faster-than-expected slowdown in Chinese imports and exports reflects weaker capital investment and manufacturing activity, which were key drivers for global economy over the last two decades.

March 2016

Special Report

2015 strongest year in passenger traffic growth in five years Middle East was the only region to demonstrate a strong 10.7 per cent increase in 2015 in air freight growth, whilst other regions grew marginally.

Regional markets: Passengers Africa:

In Africa, passenger traffic declined by 0.4 per cent in the sole month of December and by 0.1 per cent from January to December.

Asia-Pacific:

In Asia-Pacific, passenger traffic grew by 8.1 per cent in the month of December, in line with the 8 per cent increase on an annualized basis. China and India remain the major driving forces in the robust air passenger growth in the region at 8 per cent and 16.4 per cent respectively. Other major contributors to the region’s strong passenger growth are Thailand (+21.2 per cent), Korea (+10.7 per cent), Hong Kong (+8.3 per cent) and Japan (+4 per cent). Of all major countries, Indonesia was the only one ending the year with a passenger traffic loss of 1.2 per cent.

Europe:

In the sole month of December 2015, Europe grew by 5.1 per cent in terms of total passengers, which is consistent with a 5 per cent growth from January to December during the same year. Domestic passenger traffic outperformed international traffic by

0.4 percentage points (+5.2 per cent versus +4.8 per cent), driven largely by strong domestic passenger traffic growth in Turkey (+13.4 per cent), Russian Federation (+8.2 per cent), Spain (+6.2 per cent) and Greece (+20.6 per cent). With regard to international traffic for the twelve months of 2015, half of the growth came from the four key markets of Spain (+5.9 per cent), Germany (+4.6 per cent), United Kingdom (+4.5 per cent) and Italy (+7.3 per cent). The top airports in terms of growth in the region are Istanbul-Atatürk (IST, +5.2 million), Madrid (MAD, +5 million), Istanbul-Sabiha Gökçen (SAW, +4.7 million), Dublin (DUB, +3.3 million) and Amsterdam (AMS, +3.3 million).

Latin America-Caribbean:

In the Latin America-Caribbean region, total passenger growth for the twelve months amounted to 5.5 per cent. This is the result of strong growth in both international (+7.4 per cent) and domestic (+5.2 per cent) passenger traffic despite the recession in Brazil and the economic problems in other countries in the region.

North America:

Passenger traffic in North America grew by 4.9 per cent in the sole month of December 2015, slightly below the year-end figure of 5.6 per cent. Over the course of the year, international passenger traffic saw an increase of 6.1 per cent, whilst domestic traffic grew by 5.5 per cent, testament to the resilient US recovery and the appreciating US dollar vis-à-vis the basket of other major currencies. Canada, dependent on oil exports and transborder traffic, however, achieved only 3.7 per cent growth in total passenger traffic. Atlanta (ATL) reached the important milestone of 100 million passengers with its additional 5.3 million pas-

sengers in 2015. Impressive growth was also observed at Chicago-O’Hare (ORD, +6.9 million), Dallas-Love Field (DAL, +5.1 million), Seattle (SEA, +4.8 million) and Los Angeles (LAX, + 4 million). In terms of international traffic, four airports in the region added over one million international passengers during 2015: Toronto (YYZ, + 1.8 million), New York (JFK, +1.8 million), Los Angeles (LAX, +1.6 million) and Miami (MIA, +1.1 million).

Passenger traffic grows 6 per cent in 2015 Air freight

In nine out of twelve months over the course of the year, the Middle East outstripped all other regions in international freight growth, and in ten out of twelve months the region outperformed the rest of the world in total freight. At the country level, the United Arab Emirates reported a 4.4 per cent growth in international and total air freight, while the second largest air freight market, Qatar, reported impressive growth of 47.3 per cent in total freight. Over the course of the year, Doha (DOH) added an additional 463,000 tonnes of air freight, which represents an average of nearly 39,000 additional tonnes of air freight every month. Put differently, this impressive growth is equivalent to an additional 340 movements of a Boeing 747-400 Freighter at maximum revenue payload every month. 

March 2016

Middle East News

Saudia receives 2 Dreamliners and B777-300ER

oeing and Saudia marked the triple delivery of two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and a 777-300ER (extended range).

“The delivery of our first Dreamliners marks yet another exciting chapter in Saudia’s long-standing relationship with Boeing that began in the early 1960s,” said Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, Director-General, Saudi Arabian Airlines. “This delivery to Saudia is an outstanding moment in a partnership that has grown phenomenally over the last several decades,” said Boeing commercial airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner. A third Dreamliner will be delivered to Saudia within the next week. The airline ordered eight 787-9s in 2010. The airline will now have 48 Boeing airplanes in its fleet that currently include 777-200ERs, 777300ERs and 747-400s. 

March 2016

Saudia awarded for service excellence Global Traveler Magazine, a leading business and luxury travel magazine in the USA presented Saudia, Saudi Arabian Airlines, with the Publisher’s Recognition Award for Service Excellence and Reliability in ceremonies held during the recent inauguration of the airlines’ new offices in Los Angeles. Saudia was recognised for its steady and consistent service, having started its operations from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to New York back in 1981. In presenting the award, Global Traveler publisher Francis Gallagher cited Saudia’s continuous improvements in its quality services marked by its

acquisition of the latest wide-bodied aircraft, state-of-the-art entertainment system and expansion into new markets. Receiving the award for Saudia were top executives headed by Sulaiman Al Hamdan, President of General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia and Saudia’s Chairman of the Board and Saleh Al Jasser, Saudia’s Director General. Also on hand were Dr. Faisal Al Sudairy, Saudi Consul General in Los Angeles, Rashed Al Ajmi, Vice President Passenger Sales, Abdulrahman Alfahad, Vice President Sales and Musaed Almusaed, Saudia Manager USA. 

Middle East News

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain to operate 107 flights per week between countries

amal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Bahraini Transportation and Telecommunications Minister, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sulaiman Al Hamdan, President the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) during the Bahrain International Airshow 2016. The MoU, which aims at further strengthening the civil aviation links and cooperation between the two countries, will enable the national carries of

NAS-ExecuJet expands Saudi FBO services

both countries to operate 107 flights per week in both directions, which will have a positive impact on providing air transport services that meet the passenger requirements of both citizens and residents, Saudi Press Agency, SPA, stated. According to the agreement, Gulf Air will increase the number of flights to Jeddah to 28 flights per week with 4 flights daily and 35 flights to Riyadh with 5 flights daily in addition to 37 flights per week to Dammam and 7 flights a week to Medina. 

Qatar Airways commences second flight to Hong Kong from February 2016

atar Airways has introduced a second flight to Hong Kong from February 2016.This follows the announcement that Cathay Pacific would cancel its daily service between Doha and Hong Kong effective February 16, 2016. Qatar Airways announced that rhe operating carrier change for the Hong Kong-Doha flights will be from Cathay Pacific (CX640 & CX645) to Qatar Airways (QR640 & QR645) after February 15, 2016.

AS-ExecuJet, a partnership between ExecuJet Middle East and National Air Services (NAS Holding), is expanding its FBO services in Saudi Arabia with the opening of an additional FBO facility in the Royal Terminal at King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh, on February 10, 2016.

Privilege Club members who have not yet claimed their Qmiles, can still claim retro miles up to six months from the date of travel. Qatar Airways’ current codeshare arrangements on Cathay Pacific beyond Hong Kong to Australia, New Zealand, Korea and Japan remain unchanged. 

The FBO expansion at the Royal Terminal, utilised by royalty, government dignitaries and VVIPs, is in addition to the existing FBO services provided in the airport’s Private Aviation Terminal. To facilitate this expansion, NAS-ExecuJet has acquired a full set of ground support equipment to the value of $600,000 and will increase its highly trained team from 25 to 34. 

March 2016

International News

Airports stepping up efforts A

irports are stepping up efforts to reduce populations of mosquitoes that transmit the Zika virus in order to prevent its spread. “The management of the outbreak is currently focused on reducing the populations of the Aedes mosquito that transmit the virus at airports (vector control),” the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) said in a statement. Vector control refers to the spraying of insecticides or other pest control measures. The Montreal-based agency urged airlines and airport authorities to follow World Health Organization guidelines on the testing and use of

insecticides for aircraft, including new guidance specifically related to the Zika virus. Meanwhile, “aviation stakeholders will continue to share information and resources in order to assist with controlling the outbreak,” it added, saying it was working closely with the WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In most cases, Zika causes mild flu-like symptoms including fever, headache and body aches. But it has been linked to a rapid rise in the number of children born with microcephaly -- abnormally small heads and brains -- to mothers infected during pregnancy.There is currently no cure or vaccine for Zika.

Confirmed cases have been found in 26 countries, spanning 7,000km (4,400 miles) from Mexico to Paraguay, according to the Pan American Health Organisation. Brazil has been most affected by the outbreak, with 1.5 million people infected since early 2015, followed by Colombia. 

IATA welcomes new CO2 aircraft emissions standard

he International Air Transport Association (IATA) has welcomed the decision by representatives at the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to agree a CO2 efficiency Standard for commercial aircraft.

The Standard, which has taken six years of painstaking negotiation and technical work, was approved by ICAO’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection. The Standard, to come into force from 2020,

will ensure that CO2 emissions from new aircraft will have to meet a minimum baseline (defined as a maximum fuel burn per flight kilometre which must not be exceeded). From 2023 this will also apply to existing aircraft designs still in manufacture at that date. “The agreement of this CO2 Standard is a vital and very welcome development. The CO2 Standard does not solve aviation’s climate challenge on its own, but it is an important element in our comprehensive strategy for tackling carbon emissions. “The next milestone will be the implementation of a market-based measure to address CO2 emissions, which we hope to see agreed at the ICAO Assembly in September. 

March 2016

International News

US, Cuba sign bilateral agreement to restore regular flights T

he United States and Cuba have signed a bilateral agreement to restore regular flights between the two countries after more than half a century, the State Department said. “While US law prohibits travel to Cuba for tourist activities, this arrangement will facilitate authorized travel,” the State Department said Friday in a statement. The United States announced plans to resume the flights in December, on the one-year anniversary of the start of reconciliation between Washington and Havana.

1960 after Fidel Castro came to power in a communist revolution remains in effect. The State Department said flights are expected to be re-established later this year and will “enhance traveler choices and strengthen people-to-people links between the two countries.” Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Assistant Secretary of State

Charles Rivkin will travel to Havana for the signing. Commercial flights between Cuba and the United States were cancelled 53 years ago but since the mid-1970s authorized charter flights have been allowed under certain conditions. The State Department said that the new arrangement “will continue to allow charter flight operations.” 

Under the new arrangement, airlines in the two countries can now strike deals in such areas as code-sharing and aircraft leasing, the Cuban Embassy said at the time. However, tourist travel still remains illegal because the trade embargo that the Americans slapped on Cuba in

Germania to take Lapland flights to new level

irect flight connections to Lapland will reach a totally new level in winter 2017 when Germania commences flights from Berlin to Rovaniemi and from Düsseldorf to Kittilä. Finnish airport operator Finavia warmly welcomes the newcomer to Finavia airports and promises to give 100 per cent effort to help make these new routes a success. “There has been brilliant travel product development in Lapland for a

March 2016

long time and all the while, Lapland has appealed to an increasing number of international travellers. “Germania coming to Lapland means that the region’s tourist destinations will be easier to reach than ever. This would not be possible if it were not for the effective cooperation between the operators”, says Joni Sundelin, SVP, Finavia.“Lapland is the perfect destination for travellers seeking the real winter holiday atmosphere. 

March 2016

Opinion

Remote towers are a game changing technology airports open and viable through the cost savings made. This has major implications in developing countries such as in Africa, where ANS infrastructure is underdeveloped, and remote towers can improve the connectivity that boosts tourism and Jeff Poole Director General, CANSO

his century we have seen big advances in technology in Air Traffic Management (ATM) and remote towers are an example of the many technologies and new procedures that are transforming air traffic management performance globally. These are early days for remote towers, with the first one in operation (Ornskoldsvik operated from Sundsvall in Sweden) for less than a year. But we are already learning useful lessons and this gives us the opportunity to address any concerns and improve their operation as others come on stream. Partnership is one of the three pillars of CANSOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategic plan for the ATM industry, Vision 2020, and partnership is vital to the development of remote tower operations: with the regulators to ensure the new systems are safe and can provide effective air traffic services; with the airports for which we provide these services and which need to be assured that ATS will actually be enhanced; and of course, with the people who have to operate the system, ATCOs and ATISs, for whom this is a huge change. Remote towers offer huge possibilities, particularly in enabling ATS at remote airports and keeping those

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March March2016 2016

provides access to markets, which in turn boosts GDP. Remote towers are a genuinely game changing technology for all partners and I strongly believe that everyone benefits. So, my challenge to this Remote and Virtual Tower Conference is to match the four key CANSO commitments that are embedded in Vision 2020: Embrace change and new technologies as drivers of transformation, improved safety and enhanced efficiency, enhance safety as our number one priority, focus on delivery through structured programmes at global, regional and local levels, with strong programme management. And to do this in strong partnerships with all key stakeholders. ď&#x201A;&#x192; (Excerpts from remarks during the Remote and Virtual Tower Conference in London)

Opinion

Airlines expected to deliver $3.6 billion profit in 2016 A

viation industry will play a long-term role in driving healthy economies.

With hard work and the confluence of some critical factors, we expect that airlines will deliver a $36 billion profit in 2016, for a 5.1 per cent net margin. Even more significantly, airlines are starting to provide a normal return to their investors—without whose support we cannot meet the forecast demand for air travel. What has happened? Certainly lower oil prices have helped—but that impact has been diluted in many parts of the world due to forward hedges at higher than market levels, as well as the rise of the US dollar against local currencies. Efficiency gains across the board are also making a significant difference. Airlines now regularly fill over 80 per cent of their seats. Finally, demand for our product remains very strong. Last year we saw the strongest traffic growth in five years. But, airline profits are still fragile in the face of any new taxes that our partners in government might be planning. Furthermore, the profitability is not evenly distributed. Why is this region, with so much potential, lagging in profitability inspite of being home to many wellmanaged airlines that enjoy excellent reputations for good customer service.

Tony Tyler Director General and CEO, International Air Transport Association (IATA)

tough. There are severe challenges to improve the value proposition with improved technology and processes. And thirdly, this region is home to ever-intensifying competition. Of course competition is always a good thing. But preserving a healthy air transport sector in Southeast Asia—and the economic and social benefits that it delivers—is much wider than an airline challenge. Governments and infrastructure providers will also need to contribute with efforts to keep costs low and efficiency high.  (Excerpts from remarks at the Singapore Airshow Aviation Leadership Summit)

First, fuel prices have fallen, but over the last 18 months US dollar has risen by 20 per cent, significantly limiting the positive impact of the decline. Secondly, Asia-Pacific accounts for some 40 per cent of global air cargo and the business has never been so

March 2016

ATM

Why streamlining of region’s air traffic could yield estimated $16.3 billion

Jets, a joint venture between Private Jet Charter and Jet Connections, the newly established regional company based in Dubai, has said that streamlining the traffic in the Middle East’s upper airspace would be a powerful catalyst to the region’s aviation sector. X Jets, which has reported strong response to its aircraft management options, is upbeat on the growth prospects of the region’s private jet industry in 2016. Hugh Courtenay, co-founder of the company, quoting the findings of a new report commissioned by NATS, the UK based global air traffic management specialists, says that an estimated Dh16.3 billion in economic benefits can be achieved in the Middle East over the next ten years by delivering enhancements to air traffic control systems. 

SkyFusion available to pilot users from March 2016 and commercially as of July 2016

IATA and Harris launch SkyFusion to improve air traffic management

he International Air Transport Association (IATA) and

Harris have partnered to develop SkyFusion — a new cloud-based tool through which airports, airlines and air navigation service providers (ANSPs) can exchange operational information across flight information regions. Better information sharing will allow users to align their planning around disruptions and other ATM-related events, as well as to reduce costs of accessing and sharing information. SkyFusion information is powered by the System-Wide Information Management (SWIM) data exchange protocol, which aligns with

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommendations and the ICAO Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP). The SkyFusion product will be available to pilot users from March 2016 and commercially as of July 2016. Airlines, airports and ANSPs share the common goals of improving efficiency, lowering operating costs and reducing emissions. 

US panel approves legislation to privatise air traffic control

Republican-controlled US House of Representatives panel approved legislation to privatise the US air traffic control system as part of a six-year bill to authorise funding for the Federal Aviation Administration, Reuters reports. Democrats failed in their attempt to amend the legislation to retain the flight service as part of the FAA. By a 32-26 vote along party lines, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee sent the measure to the floor for considera-

March 2016

tion by the full House. Republicans, including committee Chairman Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania, say air traffic control must be transferred to the private sector to protect the system from deficit reductions and government shutdowns and to ensure timely upgrade of decades-old technology. The failed Democratic amendment to keep air traffic control within the FAA would have made FAA funding mandatory, protecting it from political squabbles over the budget. 

ATM

Perth flight path to change to study noise A

ir services will conduct a short study in Perth to compare modelled and actual aircraft noise data as part of the organisation’s ongoing efforts to explore opportunities to reduce aircraft noise, airtrafficmanagement.net reports. During the study, residents living to the south of Perth Airport will notice some changes to flight paths between 15 February and 10 April 2016. The study follows an environmental assessment conducted by Airservices in 2015 for a night-time respite trial for departures off Runway 21 that indicated it would not yield an overall noise improvement for the Perth community.

The short-term change will see some aircraft departing from Runway 21 at Perth Airport between 10 pm and 5 am for destinations to the north and west and continue flying in a straight line without turning until they are adjacent to Jandakot Airport. They will then turn south-west until they reach 8000 feet before turning again to continue on to their destinations. In order to collect sufficient data, the study will see the proposed trial flight path flown between 15 February–6 March and 21 March–10 April between 10 pm and 5 am. Flights will follow existing flight paths between 7-20 March. 

London Airspace Management Programme implemented by NATS

Point Merge arrival system for London City Airport

he airspace change proposal for the first phase of the London Airspace Management Programme (LAMP) has been implemented by UK air navigation service provider NATS.Following approval by the CAA in November 2015, the changes pave the way for wider modern-

isation of airspace to deliver more efficient flights, saving fuel and reducing CO2 emissions, and reducing noise, keeping aircraft higher for longer and minimising areas regularly overflown. The changes include a Point Merge arrival system for London City Airport. This is over the sea

and will replace conventional routes which are over land New alignments for London City departure routes that pass over Essex and Kent. Other existing routes at the airport are being replicated to RNAV standard, which will enable aircraft to climb to higher altitudes more quickly. Daytime traffic departing Stansted that today heads towards the south will move onto the existing eastbound routes to allow aircraft to climb higher more quickly. High level changes, at 7,000ft and above, will also be implemented along the south coast affecting Bournemouth, Southampton and TAG Farnborough airports. This will mean fewer flights over land.  (Source: airtrafficmanagement.net)

March 2016

ATM

Leidos’ $5bn deal for Lockheed’s IT businesses

eidos Holdings Inc is nearing a deal to merge with the government information technology and services businesses being shed by Lockheed Martin Corp in a deal that could value these assets at around $5 billion, people familiar with the matter said.

The deal will create the largest government services provider in the United States, putting Leidos on a stronger footing to cope with lower government spending, increased competition and delays in new contracts. It will also end Lockheed’s reign as the largest provider of IT services to the federal government, leaving the Pentagon’s No. 1 supplier to focus more on sophisticated military hardware. Reston, Virginia-based Leidos submitted an offer earlier this month that prevailed over rival US defense contractor CACI International Inc and is in the process of finalizing terms with Lockheed, the people said on Tuesday. Leidos, whose market capitalisation is close to $4 billion, plans to merge with the Lockheed businesses for sale under a so-called Reverse Morris Trust, which allows a parent company to divest a unit in a tax-efficient manner, according to the sources. If the potential agreement is finalised, Leidos and Lockheed Martin could announce a deal as early as next week, the people added. Lockheed is due to announce fourth-quarter earnings on Tuesday.

March 2016

The sources asked not to be identified because the negotiations are confidential. Lockheed and Leidos declined to comment, while CACI did not immediately respond. Leidos shares were up 1.4 percent while Lockheed shares were down 0.8 percent on Tuesday afternoon “This would be a transformational event for Leidos,” said Jim McAleese, a Virginia-based defense consultant. “It would give them enormous scale and have a strong positive impact on operating margins, lifting them up to close to 9 percent.” He said the move would also help Lockheed pay down about $8 billion

in debt following its agreement in July to acquire Sikorsky Aircraft, the helicopter unit of United Technologies Corp, for $9 billion. Loren Thompson, chief operating officer of the Lexington Institute, said the move would give Leidos unparalleled “heft and reach” in the government services sector. “It will really be in a class by itself,” said Thompson, who has close ties to Lockheed and other weapons makers. “Leidos will define the terms of competition for many lesser competitors.” Another larger player in the market besides CACI is SAIC , but many smaller companies work in the sector. 

Airlines

Industry profitability remains fragile despite record $36 billion airline profits forecast for 2016

Airlines reject criticism of fares after oil price drop

lobal airlines countered allegations of profiteering from low oil prices on Monday after renewed criticism that air fares have failed to come down in line with tumbling fuel costs. The head of the International Air Transport Association told an audience of airline chiefs and regulators in Singapore that industry profitability remained fragile despite a record $36 billion in airline industry profits forecast for 2016. “Certainly lower oil prices have helped, but that impact has been delayed and diluted in many parts of the world due to forward hedges at higher than market rates, as well as the rise of the U.S. dollar against local currencies,” IATA director general Tony Tyler said on the eve of the Singapore Airshow. Politicians and consumer groups in the United States and Europe have called on airlines to cut air fares as Brent oil prices tumbled from $114 in mid-2014 to around $30 today.

A year ago, as Brent hovered around $53 a barrel, UK Finance Minister George Osborne tweeted: “Vital this is passed on to families at petrol pumps, through utility bills and air fares”.

costs come down so will fares, and the public is getting an extremely good deal from the industry right now.”

On Sunday, Graham Stringer, a member of the UK parliament’s transport panel, told Britain’s Sunday Telegraph airlines were exploiting passengers by failing to pass on lower fuel costs.

Airlines argue they are only starting to develop a sustainable profit for their investors due to high capital costs, regulatory constraints and intense competition. But the industry is facing mounting consumer and political pressure as some airlines seem slow to unwind fuel surcharges.

“It is nonsense...It is simply not the case that anyone is profiteering,” Tyler told Reuters, asked about the report.

The majority of this year’s industry profits, or $19.2 billion, will be generated in North America, IATA says.

“While fuel is still a big element of airline costs, there is still a huge chunk that is not affected, so to expect fares to tumble just because fuel has come down is wholly unrealistic,” he said.

Tyler reiterated a warning over the profitability of carriers in Southeast Asia, home to cut-throat competition between low-cost carriers. While fuel has fallen, the dollar has risen by 20 percent against regional currencies in the last 18 months, he told a pre-air show conference. 

“Look at the market in the UK and the number of airlines all competing. As

March 2016

Airlines

Civilian drones ‘real threat’ to commercial aviation safety

ivilian drones are increasingly becoming a “real and growing threat” to the safety of commercial aviation, industry group IATA warned Monday, calling for regulations to be put in place before any serious accidents occur. “They are here to stay. But we cannot allow them to be a hindrance or safety threat to commercial aviation,” he told industry executives and air transport officials. “We need a sensible approach to regulation and a pragmatic method of enforcement for those who disregard rules and regulations and put others in danger,” he added. As the use of drones expand from military to commercial and even recreational purposes, experts fear that these radio-controlled flying devices, if not regulated, could one day collide with a commercial aircraft with dire consequences.

Tony Tyler, director-general of the International Air Transport Association, said the threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles is still evolving as people are only starting to discover the many potential, non-military applications of the technology. “I am as excited as you are about the prospect of having pizza delivered by a drone,” he said at an aviation conference in Singapore on the eve of the Singapore Airshow.

March 2016

“The issue is real. We have plenty of pilot reports of drones where they were not expected, particularly at low altitudes around airports... There is no denying that there is a real and growing threat to the safety of civilian aircraft (coming from drones),” said Tyler. Rob Eagles, an expert on drones in IATA, said the industry group did not have figures on the number of drones in operation worldwide but anecdotal evidence showed they were mushrooming. When the US Federal Aviation Administration ordered a registration of drones weighing up to 55 pounds (25 kilograms) last year, 300,000 were registered within just the first month in December, he said.

Airlines

Middle East records strongest growth in air freight While 55-pound drones are considered small, “this just gives you an indicator of the number of vehicles,” Eagles told AFP at the conference. “There’s going to be an increase in vehicles across the whole scope and range from small to medium size to the larger unmanned vehicles.”

‘Close encounters’

IATA’s primary concern are drones flying at low altitudes near airports which could threaten planes that are taking off or landing, Eagles said. Aviation regulators also want to make sure that the radio spectrum used to control the drones does not interfere with air traffic control systems, he said.

The Center for the Study of Drones at New York-based Bard College said in a report that it recorded 921 incidents involving drones and manned aircraft in US airspace between December 2013 and September 2015. Thirty-six percent of these were considered as “close encounters”, it said.

“We found that over 90 percent of all incidents occurred above 400 feet, the maximum altitude at which drones are allowed to fly,” said the report posted on the centre’s website. In 28 of the incidents, the commercial pilot had to manoeuvre to avoid collision with a drone, it said. Of the 191 states within the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), 63 so far have regulations already in place for drones, Eagles said. Nine states have pending regulations, while five have banned their use, he said. “But there’s not a consistency across the regulations,” he said, adding IATA aims to help harmonise global rules. “There is an urgency associated with it because it’s such a fast-moving industry,” said Eagles. 

March 2016

Cargo & Logistics

Why streamlining of region’s air traffic could yield estimated $16.3 billion

March 2016

ICAO bans lithium-ion batteries as cargo

he International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has banned the transportation of lithium-ion batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft, saying they pose a serious fire hazard. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) says the temporary measure will last until it adopts new packaging standards in 2018. “Safety is always our most fundamental priority in international civil aviation,” stressed Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, ICAO Council President. “This interim prohibition will continue to be in force as separate work continues through ICAO on a new lithium battery packaging performance standard, currently expected by 2018.” The 36-state ICAO Governing Council adopted a new aviation safety measure which prohibits, on an interim basis from April 2016, all shipments of Lithium-ion batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft. In its latest update, ICAO said of passenger baggage: Lithium ion batteries carried by passengers in their personal electronic devices, whether in their carry-on or checked baggage, are not affected by this new restriction. Passengers must not pack spare lithium ion batteries in

checked baggage. Spares must be packed in carry-on baggage or carried on the person. For baggage shipped by air as cargo, ICAO added: Lithium ion batteries may no longer be packed in baggage shipped independently as cargo. Lithium ion batteries in mishandled baggage, or excess passenger baggage shipped as cargo, are permitted so long as they also satisfy the requirements of points 1 and 2 above. ICAO added that passengers “should verify local government and airline regulations which are set out in order to ensure full compliance with all applicable requirements specific to their voyage. “The new prohibition is not voluntary and must be adhered to by all 191 State parties to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention).” 

Cargo & Logistics

Emirates SkyCargo wins International Air Cargo Carrier of the Year award in India

Fedex expanding on Amazon’s home turf

he company has leased at 152,155 square-foot facility on 15 acres in Auburn, Washington, just south of Seattle. The building will be used as a primary distribution and sorting facility. It is also just six miles from an Amazon fulfillment center, and close to the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, the Union Pacific and BNSF intermodals and major freeways including Interstate 5. The building features 40 exterior docks, 17 drive-in doors and hundreds of trailer positions said The American Journal of Transportation. The location will allow FedEx Ground to reach 10.7 million consumers in one day and 44 million people for two-day deliveries.

mirates SkyCargo has been named International Air Cargo Carrier of the Year at the Economic Times Logistics’ Awards in India. Organised by The Economic Times, India’s largest financial daily and the world’s second largest financial daily after The Wall Street Journal, the awards aim to recognise excellence in logistics that can set benchmarks for the respective industries in India. KPMG India, one of India’s largest auditing and advisory company, rated the nominees on a set of criteria, including connectivity offered, the annual turnover and growth of the company.

The winners were selected by a panel of judges nominated by the organisers. Emirates SkyCargo is one of the key facilitators of cargo from India and operates stations in nine locations, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Cochin, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Thiruvananthapuram. In 2015, the cargo leader transported over 168,000 tonnes of cargo from India.

Logistics real estate developer CenterPoint Properties acquired the building for FedEx. E-commerce accounted for 9 percent growth in package volume for FedEx Ground in the 2015 quarter ending Nov. 30. FedEx Ground’s revenue rose 32 percent year-over-year to $4.05 billion in 2015. 

Key exports from this market include pharmaceuticals, chemicals, automotive parts, engineering spares, perishables and electronic items. 

March 2016

Technology

Emergency exit: Entire cabin detaches from aircraft T he fact that one aircraft crashes every 1.2 million flights is dangerously balanced against a 24 per cent survival rate of passengers on a fatal crash.

In fact, there were 111 plane crashes in 2014 and 138 in 2013.

gers to safety using built-in parachutes.

All said and done, when you book an air ticket and board a plane you expect to land safely.

“Surviving in a plane crash is possible,” Vladimir Tatarenko, aviation engineer, was quoted by the LiveLeakwebsite.

Vladimir Tatarenko, a Ukranian aviation engineer at the forefront of inventions relating to aircraft safety in emergency situations believes his craft design can guarantee that. How? The plane will detach its entire cabin in the event of an emergency and ‘drop’ passen-

March 2016

Tatarenko, that mastermind behind the design, has been working on this project for the past three years, according to the ‘Independent’ newspaper. The prototype design shows an aircraft with a detachable cabin that releases in emergency situations -

take-off, landing or flight -safely landing on the ground or water– saving everyone’s lives on board. Parachutes are attached to the roof of the cabin that are instantly released when the cabin is detached from the plane. There are also rubber tubes that inflate to cushion the impact to the ground or water, and the inflatable devices seem strong enough to keep the cabin afloat. “The existing technology of using of Kevlar and carbon com-

Technology

Aviation engineer claims design will guarantee surviving a plane crash posites for fuselage, wings, flaps, spoilers, ailerons, tail will be used during the design,” Tatarenko explained. “It allows to partly compensate the weight of parachute system.” The design includes a storage space that holds passengers’ luggage underneath the cabin, so there won’t be any lost luggage during the flight if it has to detach.

Observers have raised more than a few reservations pertaining to various factors, including potential impact on the rest of the plane and the possibility of manouvering the detached cabin. However, a questionnaire conducted by the inventor claimsthat 95 per cent of people will be willing to buy a more expensive ticket in order to use such a safety system.

This isn’t the first design the Ukrainian engineer has produced. Last year, Tatarenko received patents for an invention with an escape capsule system willbe released within seconds of the emergency situation and through a rear hatch at the tail end of the plane. According to Tatarenko, it could not save lives if the plane explodes inside or comes under a rocket attack. 

March 2016

Technology

‘Dubai favourably positioned to harness enormous value presented by Internet of Things’

hief Information Officers (CIOs) from over 35 companies from Energy, Logistics, Finance, health, Aviation, Government, Construction, Oil and Gas, Education and other sectors explored ways on tapping into the multibillion opportunities by harnessing the Internet of Things (IoT) during the first CIOMajlis session at the Emirates Golf Club.

The UAE’s first ever CIOMajlis is an initiative aimed at taking economic growth to the next level by bringing Chief Information Officers (CIOs) from public and private sector companies in the UAE on a common platform to share international best practices and explore business solutions in line with the UAE’s Innovation Strategy and the government’s goal to make it the world’s most innovative country by 2021.

people will also drive orgnaisations to quantify the value of improving experiences, which is what IoTs enables.

Christopher Reberger, Director, CISCO, while addressing the first CIOMajlis session on ‘Internet of Things’, said: “Dubai is embarking on its next evolution to enable Life, Economy and Tourism. With the government’s keenness to make it a Smart City, there is an enormous value that can be created by harnessing the IoT, which is consistent with the broader strategy of the UAE. This is a big opportunity for public as well as private sector enterprises and the benefits accrue in terms on not only cost savings and revenues, but also in enhancing customer satisfaction and the value transcends to organisations and industries.”

Sharing his experience attending the first CIOMajlis session, Ajay Rathi, CIO, Meraas Holding, said: “The CIOMajlis has given us a strong platform to learn from experts who are best in their fields and gives us an opportunity to all members to understand how they can leverage some of the experiences that CIOs from across different sectors share.

He said the UAE’s focus on Customer Satisfaction and Happiness of its

March 2016

The Internet of Everything (IoE) which Cisco defines as the networked connection of people, processes, data and things, is transforming industries, countries, and communities and serves as the foundation for a global economic opportunity.

Many times organisations view IT as expenditure only. The CIOMajlis platform empowers us and helps us build an environment where we can foster a change in mindsets across organizations and look at Information Technology not only as expenditure but from the perspective of the monetary benefits an organisation can reap.”

CISCO: IoE presents over $ 19 trillion global “value at stake” by 2022 Ahmad Al Mulla, Senior Vice President, Information technology, Emirates Global Aluminium, Chairman of the CIOMajlis, said sharing of experiences will lead organisations across the UAE to take economic growth to the next level. “The high level of engagement at the first session itself shows we need more of this. The CIO Majlis will help organisations connect and benefit from networking, sharing knowledge and learning from global experts. It is not just ideas, but also about implementing those ideas,” he said. Going further, we plan to start benchmarking, share case studies and carv-

Technology

Al Mulla: CIOMajlis to set industry benchmarks, foster a culture of idea and knowledge sharing ing pathways for organizations as well on a macro level, based on emerging needs and trends,” he added. Abdulqader Obaid Ali, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Smartworld, said:

“We are very pleased at the response to the first meeting. The CIOMajlis initiative aligns with the government’s strategy both at federal and local levels and we are confident this platform will go a long way in contributing to encouraging innovation across all sectors and driving growth not only on a regional but also a global level in a friendly and collaborative environment. With nearly half of the world population estimated to have network access by 2020, over 50 billion physical objects will be connected to the internet. The outcomes that the connections make possible is what is the real power of the IoT. With this definition, IoE represents a material economic opportunity for both the public and private sectors. A conservative, “bottom up” economic analysis conducted by Cisco

Consulting Services, focusing on use cases that can be operationalized in the short to medium term, estimates a global “value at stake” of $19 trillion over 2013 2022. CISCO studied the IoE areas align with the Dubai Smart City vision IoE’s ability to help public sector organizations manage assets, optimize performance, and create new business models. For Dubai, opportunities for public and private sector estimate of AED 17.9billion over the 5 year period. The CIOMajlis members will have regular monthly meetings during which the members get an opportunity of learning from local and world renowned leaders on topics relevant to them and their businesses as well as participating in local and overseas field trips and educational sessions. 

March 2016