Monthly Newsletter issued by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority
Inside DCAA DCAA team visits 6 Dubai Municipality DCAA celebrates Kuwait’s 6 National Day DCAA participates in 8 Careers UAE 2018 Job Fair
www.viadubaionline.com
Still flying high Dubai unveils Blockchain Marketplace as tourism soars
Dubai’s aviation sector makes green pledge
Over 4,000 drone users registered in UAE
DCAA INTERVIEW Amna Al Suwaidi
Issue 58 March 2018
International tourism hits seven-year high Australian ATM achieves OneSKY milestone
10
Innovation route to excellence آراء Managing airport operations during construction projects Angela Gittens
21
Step into a new era of aviation Jos Nijhuis
ATM 22
20
Airlines 23
Cargo & Logistics 24
Technology 25
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:
2
email:
+971 56 6810685
March 2018 it.support@dcaa.gov.ae
www.dcaa.gov.ae
Message
from the President
UAE empowering women in aviation
T
he UAE has made significant progress in its mission to empower women in the workforce across various sectors, especially civil aviation. The UAE is an example of a country that takes the education and empowerment of women seriously. Around 70 per cent of university students are girls, and 46.6 per cent of the labour market today is made up of women. In addition, 66 per cent of all government employees are women. Estimates from the International Society of Women Airline Pilots (ISA) show that only three per cent out of the total 130,000 pilots in the world are women. Compared with other countries in the MENA, the UAE has more women pilots, captains, aircraft engineers, mechanics, aircraft maintenance and air traffic controllers.
Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Women have played a key role in the success and development of the aviation industry in the UAE. With the region experiencing high passenger growth, and with more airlines, aircraft and flights in service, as well as more routes being served than ever before, there has never been a better time for women to build a successful career in the aviation industry than now.
Emirates currently employs nearly 27,000 women, making up 42 per cent of the group’s workforce. Over 60 of more than 4000 pilots employed by Emirates are females. Over 16,000 work as cabin crew, while the rest are represented across technical as well as in professional and leadership roles.
A recent poll shows that a vast majority of women in the UAE believe they have achieved gender equality in their workplaces. The UAE is the easiest place in the Middle East and North Africa for women to find a job. More than three-quarters of women in the Middle East said that they believe job offers are based entirely on experience and qualifications, regardless of gender.
Two years ago, the UAE became the first country in the world to launch an all-woman operated airline services company.
We are glad to see that organizations are doing much more to accommodate women and promote workplace equality.
March 2018
3
In 2007, the functions of the Department of Civil Aviation were restructured. Accordingly, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) was established as a regulatory body, by a decree of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, on proclamation of law No. 21 of 2007, as amended by law No. 19 of 2010, to undertake development of Air Transport Industry in the Emirate of Dubai and to oversee all aviation-related activities.
CONTENTS
Inside DCAA 06
DCAA celebrates Kuwait’s National Day
07
DCAA, Slovenian team discuss flight service
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.
General Supervision Mohammed Abdulla Ahli Coordinator Hanan Al Mazimi
08 DCAA participates in Careers UAE 2018 Job Fair
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.
DCAA Interview Amna Suwaidi
Innovation route to excellence
Advertise with us
Editorial, Production, PR & Marketing Nadd AlShiba PR and Event Management
10
Our Vision
Dubai Civil Aviation Authority is driven by the vision of Dubai to become the global Aviation hub 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
youtube.com/user/dcaadubai
Message
from the Director General
Towards the goal of a smooth ATM
A
ny airport in the world today is committed to smooth Air Traffic Management (ATM) as the number of aircraft keeps rising to meet the huge growth in passenger and cargo movements. Dubai airport’s growth since 1960s is a testament to the successful aviation growth story. With of two international airports under an urban conurbation, Dubai stands out. A major challenge has been handling the ATM in a smooth and flawless way as the two airports operate round the clock. In order to maximise the benefits and enable more UAE-based professionals benefit immensely, Dubai has tied up with the organisers of The Airport Show for the 2018 edition to make Air Traffic Control (ATC) a key part of the 18th edition of the popular B2B platform. The Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS), the air navigation services provider (ANSP) for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, has extended its strong backing to the first-ever Air Traffic Control (ATC) Forum in Dubai in May 2018. Dubai leads the region in terms of passenger growth. The growth rate clearly suggests that Dubai International and Al Maktoum International are on a curve of exponential growth. The UAE has been in the forefront of solving congestion in the skies, a problem that threatens the long-term growth of the vibrant and growing aviation industry. The ICAO had projected that the UAE airports will have to handle 1.62 million aircraft movements by 2030. By 2025, airlines are expected to operate approximately 1.4 million flights per annum to/from the UAE. The UAE Air Traffic Management Strategic Plan until 2030, projected that the total number of flights will be approximately 1,856,909 in 2030.
Mohammed Abdulla Ahli
The UAE Airspace Restructuring Project (ARP) is enabling the evolution of “one of the most advanced air traffic management systems in the world.” The airspace change was designed to increase the UAE’s airspace capacity to meet the forecasted air traffic demand for 2022, and increase access to all airports in the UAE. Dubai International is now the world’s busiest international airport. Shifting demographics are driving new travel patterns that will require innovative business models and strategies by airports and airlines. The scene is changing fast with the global aviation industry making leaping advances in technology and the ways in which they conduct business. Technology is the biggest visible influence on the airport experience. The range and the functionality of technologies, systems and services that impact an airport are continually increasing and become critical to airport success.
March 2018
5
Inside DCAA
DCAA team visits Dubai Municipality HQ in knowledge sharing mission
A
delegation from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) visited the headquarters of Dubai Municipality with the aim to share knowledge and expertise in the area of judicial control, since Dubai Municipality is a wellestablished government entity with long standing tradition in this field. During the visit, Abdulla Mohammed Khalfan, Director of the Legal Affairs Department of the Dubai Municipality, and his team reviewed the role of the Department in handling all legal affairs and different related issues. The presentation managed to significantly contribute to enriching the normative comparison between the two sides in the area of introducing best practices. Mr Abdulla Al Hamadi, Director of Accident Investigation and Aircraft Oversight Department of DCAA, reviewed the Authority’s mandate in the regulation and supervision of all civil aviation activities in Dubai. The DCAA delegation accompanying Al Hamadi included Mohammed Al Nasser, Legal Affairs Adviser; Majed Al Sarrah, Legal Consultant; Abdullah Al Balushi, Head of Accident Investigation Section; and Ms Hind Al Marzooqi, Head of Smart Services Section.
As DCAA is a legislative body that regulates all civil aviation activities in Dubai under its law of Establishment 19/2010 and complementary law 7/2015 that aims to ensure the security and safety of skies and the control of dangerous acts that threaten the security and safety of civil aviation in addition to taking all precautions to reduce their occurrence, it is necessary for DCAA to play its role fully and effectively. DCAA has recently activated Executive Council Resolution 4/2017, which regulates fees and penalties for the services it provides to its customers, which in effect increases their confidence in Dubai and supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the airport of the world.
DCAA celebrates Kuwait’s National Day
T
he Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), part of the Hoyati team at Dubai Airports, has welcomed Kuwaiti visitors to Dubai International Airport to celebrate Kuwait's National Day During the reception, roses, sweets, Arabian hospitality and Kuwaiti flags were distributed to Kuwaiti visitors arriving at Dubai airport.
6
March 2018
Inside DCAA
Preserving the rich past
DCAA, Slovenian team discuss flight service
T
he establishment of flights between Dubai and the Republic of Slovenia was discussed at a meeting of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) with a delegation from the government of Slovenia. Mr Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Executive Director, Aviation Security and Accident Investigation Sector, DCAA, met the delegation on behalf of the Director General of DCAA. The meeting was attended by a number of senior air transport sector and international affairs officials at the Authority. Welcoming the delegates, Lengawi said the visit is a good opportunity to exchange views that contribute to strengthen cooperation between the UAE and the Republic of Slovenia. The Slovenian delegation included Jure Leben, State Secretary, Ministry of Infrastructure; Aleš Cantarutti, State Secretary, Ministry of Economic Development and Technology; Mr Bernard Schreiner, Temporary Chargé d’affaires, Embassy of Slovenia, Abu Dhabi; and Mr Janez Krašnja - Head of Airline Management - Fraport Slovenia. The meeting is part of a series of ongoing meetings held by DCAA with all sectors to foster cooperation and strengthen local, regional and global relations. At the end of the meeting, commemorative shields were exchanged between the two parties.
A
rchaeology in the UAE began in the 1950s with the excavation of Bronze Age tombs on Umm Al Nar Island. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who became the Founding Father of UAE in 1971, took interest in the archaeological excavation work by Danish teams and even visited the site on several occasions. He understood the importance of unearthing the UAE’s past and encouraged more excavations. The Hili archaeological site in Al Ain is one of the most important in the UAE, offering visitors a first-hand glimpse of the remains of a Bronze Age settlement. It forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Al Ain. It was first excavated by French archaeologists in 1977. They found the remains of barley, wheat and date palm proving the existence of an agricultural community dating back about 5,000 years. Hundreds of artefacts found on Marawah Island allowed experts to piece together a comprehensive picture of what early life was like Around 7,000 years ago, inhabitants of Abu Dhabi herded sheep and goats, and even used stone tools to hunt. These two places are among the many that were brought to life through the efforts of Sheikh Zayed, the UAE’s most prominent naturalist. He once commented about the environment and nature. “We cherish our environment because it is an integral part of our country, our history and our heritage. On land and in the sea, our forefathers lived and survived in this environment. They were able to do so only because they recognised the need to conserve it, to take from it only what they needed to live, and to preserve it for succeeding generation.”
March 2018
7
Inside DCAA
DCAA participates in Careers UAE 2018 Job Fair T
he Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) is participating in the Careers UAE 2018 Job Fair with a view to enhancing its Emiratisation strategy through attracting Emirati talent for leadership, management or technical vacancies in the field of civil aviation, using a direct employment mechanism for the UAE citizens. Specialised committees are handling the job interviews of applicants during the fair.
“The participation of DCAA in the Fair provides a big opportunity for us to attract UAE nationals who will contribute to building the aviation sector in Dubai, where the aviation sector has become a significant
part of the economic growth of the Emirate. The DCAA pays great attention to participate in this fair as this represents, since its first edition in 2009, the zenith of specialised job fairs in the UAE,” said His Excellency
Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General, DCAA. He added: “The DCAA has been “following a strategy to promote and motivate the Emiratisation policy through employing talented Emiratis who will contribute to this field. We are always looking to provide all needed support to develop and avail them the opportunity to prove their professional capabilities with an outlook to serve the UAE. Our main goal is to qualify new generation of UAE citizens to handle the different professional specialisations.” He said the DCAA has always been keen to recruit Emiratis to activate the role of UAE citizens in the labour
8
March 2018
Inside DCAA
market, and we are committed to UAE’s leadership vision to empower Emirati citizens and give them the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s economy.” Hamad Al Janahi, Head of Human Resources Department at DCAA, said: “With a view to implementing its Emiratisation plans, DCAA aims through its participation in this fair to attract national cadres looking for employment opportunities. The Fair represents an active platform for UAE national cadres and Emirati
efficiencies to fill in the unique job opportunities provided by the Authority”. He added that the Authority has always been seeking to increase the share of Emiratisation through the introduction of new employment vacancies to attract and professionally qualify UAE citizens through training programmes matching their specialisations. We also aim through this fair to attract university and college students wishing to join our vocational
training programme, and introduce them to the world of civil aviation in a quest to contribute to building an efficient generation in the work environment.” The DCAA participation in the job fair falls within its plans to promote and attract national cadres to fill in available employment vacancies. The Authority has reached an Emiratisation rate of 75 per cent in 2017, and is targeting 95 per cent by 2020 through a rate of five per cent per annum.
March 2018
9
DCAA Interview
Amna Sulaiman Al Suwaidi, Head of Strategic Planning and Corporate Performance Section, Strategy and Corporate Excellence Department, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.
Innovation route to excellence T
he Innovation Initiatives of the Strategic Planning and Corporate Performance Section of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority are aimed at offering better service and satisfaction of customers that can ultimately translate into increasing the aviation sector’s contribution to 38% of Dubai’s GDP by 2020. Amna Sulaiman Al Suwaidi leads a team of innovators, always brimming with innovative ideas to offer the best services and experience to customers and stakeholders of Dubai’s aviation sector. “It’s Innovation Beyond Borders and the pathway to excellence,” she said in an interview with Via Dubai, sharing her thoughts on innovations that can better the services for the satisfaction of customers that can ultimately translate into increasing the aviation sector’s contribution to 38 per cent of Dubai’s GDP by 2020.
Q: We always talk about innovation and innovation. What according to you is innovation? For defining innovation, there may be different terminologies. But in DCAA’s concept, it is to bring something different than the usual practice, that will bring new advantages for our customers or those using our services. It can be in any form such as technology, automation or artificial intelligence, that will bring a different experience that will give to our customers and stakeholders.
Q: What is the cornerstone of DCAA’s innovation strategy? In our strategy we have built in our mission that we will provide innovative service to our customers to change their experience while dealing with us. Innovation is part of our new values. We have concentrated on two areas: In our mission as well as in our values. We have committed ourselves to build a certain kind of infrastructure or culture among us to create new environment and new experience for our customers and stakeholders. By value, we mean the behaviour that we believe in: Innovation, sustainability, team work, integrity and happiness. In every practice we do, we incorporate such values in our services. Q: What is the significance of Innovation Week and other initiatives? Innovation Week and Innovation Month have come from the UAE’s vision. Dubai and other emirates are offering the same agenda that the UAE is building. Right from 2015 onwards when The Year of Innovation was announced, one week was allocated every year to
10
March 2018
DCAA Interview
that they can suggest always. We ensure that credits are given when their ideas are implemented. Q: Are all these innovation initiatives aimed at making Dubai’s economy efficient? The impact can be in different aspects. One of the main streams is on the economy. Furthermore the trust of the people towards our services can build new relationships and reliability. Ultimately, it will come to the economy. Since the aviation sector is one of the largest contributors to the economy, we are targeting to achieve 38 per cent by 2020. present the innovation practice the federal and all governments have initiated. From 2018, February was observed the full month of innovation. Q: What are DCAA’s initiatives? We have three main initiatives: First we have done small quizzes and answers for our followers and users in our community to know more about the aviation, history, new aviation business that we are doing. Second, we have trained a couple of our employees in using the tools and best practices in innovation and they will come back to their sections and propagate it among all employees. Third, we have used different quotes of our leadership to spread awareness of innovation. Q: What are the functions of the Innovation Team? Every year we always look into the challenges we are facing within our organisation and how can we meet such challenges or find solutions which can provide innovation in services. People are not looking for
traditional solutions. They want solutions that will make their time, life and business easier in the future also. That’s why Dubai is always looking into being pioneer in its future project through developing foresight scenarios. One of the processes we have done when we did the innovation part was that we sat down with our customers to understand their needs and requirements, and then we looked how we can incorporate them into our services to meet their expectation. Q: How do you involve all employees in your innovation initiatives? We also encourage our employees to come out with innovative ideas and suggestions. We have a suggestion scheme. We encourage them to participate and contribute in providing innovative ideas. Such suggestions may lead to innovative practices that can be adopted in the future. It’s an open system
Q: What is the ultimate aim? Our leader’s vision is to see the UAE one of the top three governments in the world. So, whatever we do, we adopt the best practices to provide the best services, innovation, happiness, and tolerance. These will be main drivers to be the best government in the world. We always keep in our mind the words of H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum that “In the race for excellence there is no finish line “. Q: Do you use Artificial Intelligence and smart technology for innovation? We are combining all technologies, including Artificial Intelligence to make our services better and better. We have a Research & Development team to review the ideas and incorporate them to frame our policies. The R&D team will be working with different universities and schools to generate ideas through competitions and put it across to our top management to implement them.
March 2018
11
Cover Story
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed is upbeat about Emirates’ expected performance; Banks mandated to issue $1.1 billion sukuk
Still flying high H
is Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, said Emirates airline, the world’s biggest long-haul carrier, is expected to present a stronger performance in its current fiscal year than the last. The airline’s performance for the first six months of 2017-18 financial year saw a marked improvement.
Emirates, which operates the world’s largest fleet of wide body aircraft, is seeking to raise $1.1 billion in an Islamic bond sale (sukuk), with the proceeds to be used partially for aircraft financing. Some banks have been asked to issue the sukuk.
Center for the maintenance and arming of engines in southern Dubai.
The rise in profitability is expected as the airline implemented a number of measures.
GE Aviation, a leading global provider of commercial jet engines, avionics and mechanical systems, has opened its On Wing Support Center in the Aerospace Supply Chain Facility in Dubai South. The new facility will serve all UAE carriers, providing prompt mantenance and repair.
His Highness’ comments came during the opening of the General Electric
In February 2015, Dubai announced the decision to build an US$32.6 million
12
March 2018
Aerospace Supply Chain Facility as part of the Aviation District in the Dubai World Central (DWC), as the Dubai South was used to be known those days. The facility, spread over an area of 45,000 square metres with easy access to Dubai’s second airport, Al Maktoum International, and the world’s sixth largest container terminal, Jebel Ali Port, was designed to cater to small and medium companies in the global maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) sector.
Cover Story
Dubai South will start handing over units in phase one of its Aerospace Supply Chain facility by the end of 2018, products. The company is a crucial addition to fulfilling Dubai South’s bid to create a comprehensive aviation ecosystem, designed to service the aerospace industry. Exactly, two years later, Dubai South announced the completion of the first phase of the Aerospace Supply Chain Facility, which featured a multi-purpose landside facility, covering a total area of 9,000 square metre, and included 12 units catering for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the global MRO sector. The first of its kind in the Middle East, the facility is purposebuilt to cater to the specific needs of the aerospace industry and leverages the integrated aviation ecosystem that Dubai South is creating. Located on 140 square kilometres, Dubai South is the world’s first purpose-built aerotropolis, with the Al Maktoum International as its centrepiece. Upon full completion, Al Maktoum International will become the world’s largest airport handling up to 160 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo per year. When fully complete, the entire Aerospace Supply Chain, which includes nine phases, will span 157,000 square metres. The Aerospace Supply Chain Facility is in line with the focus of the Dubai Industrial Strategy launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which aims to make Dubai
the aviation capital of the world and contributes to raising the industrial value of this growing sector. The Aerospace Supply Chain is a landside free zone development aligned with the Dubai Industrial strategy where the government has outlined 14 strategic initiatives to develop the aerospace cluster over the next 13 years. Dubai South will start handing over units in phase one of its Aerospace Supply Chain facility by the end of 2018, with phase two of the facility now under development. Up to 50 per cent of phase two is already pre-leased, and that phase three is currently under design. According to research by US-based consultancy ICF, the Middle East’s MRO market is expected to grow at seven percent, and double in size by 2026 to see a spending value of US$11 billion — up from US$5.4 billion in 2016. In March last year, Dubai South and GE Aviation inked a deal to set up MRO operations at the Aerospace Supply Chain Facility. The leading global provider of commercial and military jet engines, as well as avionics and mechanical systems has an extensive global service network to support these
It was announced that the facility will specialize in “Quick Turns” which are light to medium scale workscopes, where the goal is to fix a specific technical issue rather than a heavy shop visit where the engine is torn down to the piece part level. The center will service all GE/CFM engine models, with a specific focus on the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines. These are brand new engines that will be installed on the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737MAX aircraft. The facility will also serve as a storage location for spare engines. This March, GE Aviation, added another feather to its cap when His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, launched GE’s On Wing Support Center in Dubai South. The opening of the facility in the Aviation District Aerospace Supply Chain Facility, marks the expansion of the company’s engine repair services in one of the world’s leading aviation hubs. GE has been operating its On Wing Support Center with Emirates Airlines since 2013, providing 24/7 full-service repair solutions for all GE and CFM engines that serve the Emirates fleet.
March 2018
13
UAE in Focus
Air Arabia delivers record profit in 2017
A
ir Arabia announced full-year financial results for 2017 as the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier once again delivered high levels of profitability and growth across the breadth of its operations. Its net profit for the full year ending December 31, 2017 was AED662 million, a 30 per cent increase compared to AED509 million registered in 2016. Turnover for the full year 2017 was in line with the preceding 12 months reaching AED3.74 billion.
Dubai airport runway to close for upgrades in 2019
D
ubai Airports plans to close the southern runway at Dubai International for 45 days in 2019 for refurbishment. The refurbishment is scheduled to take place from April 16 to May 30, when passenger traffic tends to slow down due to a seasonal lull. The upgrade works are designed to boost safety, service, and capacity levels of the runway. The closure of the airport will leave a single runway operating at Dubai International, resulting in “significant capacity reduction.” Airlines will be required to reduce their operations to the airport as a result.Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said the upgrades are “absolutely necessary” to heighten safety, capacity, and pave the way for more growth.
Contextually-aware mapping technology to Priority Pass at Dubai Airports
C
ollinson Group has inked a partnership with indoor mapping and way finding specialist, LocusLabs, to enhance the lounge experience and airport services
14
March 2018
available to its customers, including those of Priority Pass, the world’s largest independent airport lounge and travel experiences programme. LocusLabs’ location-as-a-service technology is successfully used by a number of leading airlines and technology companies. It will be incorporated into the Priority Pass app, making it easier for users to locate lounges and understand how busy different facilities are, such as security wait times, in addition to seeking out other benefits inside terminals.
Emirates Airlines, whose hub is Dubai International, said it is aware of the planned works, and will adjust its operations accordingly for the period. The carrier said it will be working closely with Dubai Airports in preparation for the upgrade. Dubai World Central (DWC), the second airport in the city, will be an available alternative to absorb affected flights. The airport, which is also operated by Dubai Airports, will be available to absorb charter, cargo, and general aviation operations.
Al Bateen airport bullish on growth prospects in 2018
A
bu Dhabi’s Al Bateen Executive Airport expects to see continued growth in aircraft movements this year after achieving growth of five per cent last year. The airport, which is dedicated for the operations of business jets, handled 12,000 aircraft movements last year. Its operator, Abu Dhabi Airport, is expanding Al Bateen airport by upgrading a few hangars for accommodating aircraft within the airport.
UAE in Focus
Over 4,000 drone users registered in UAE
T
he UAE’s Ministry of Interior has launched the second phase of its awareness campaign on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Drone enthusiasts who flout regulations will be fined AED50000 and/or jailed for three years.
Etihad has streamlined baggage policies
E
tihad Airways has introduced a new baggage policy tailored to varying customer requirements in the international markets it serves.
Dubai’s aviation sector makes green pledge
D
ubai Airports, operator of the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic, Dubai International, has joined Dubai’s aviation community in signing a pledge to purchase only ‘green vehicles’ going forward. The pledge was signed by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, and representatives from Emirates Airlines, flydubai, dnata, Dubai Police, Dubai Customs and Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA). Dubai International is home to a fleet of over 6,345 ground service vehicles comprising various types ranging from water tankers to tow tractors to fork lifts operated by a number of companies that operate on the airfield including airlines, control authorities
and ground handling services provider. Dubai Airports’ objective is to convert the total airport fleet - 352 vehicles - to green options by 2023. As a provider of infrastructure, Dubai Airports will also do its part by providing charging and fuelling stations to power the fleets Under the guidance of the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and its entities have set ambitious targets to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprint in light of Dubai Plan 2021.
The changes provide a simpler baggage structure as the allowance for all markets, excluding the US and Canada, is now based on total weight rather than the number of bags checked in. With the switch to a weight-based baggage policy, the majority of markets will be entitled to 23kg of checked baggage on Economy Deal fares, 30kg on Economy Saver and Classic fares, and 35kg on Economy Flex fares.
March 2018
15
Middle East News
Gulf Air unveils strategic growth
T
he Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier, Gulf Air, has rolled out its new corporate strategy, network expansion plans, incoming fleet and new products and services. In the coming months, the airliner will get delivery of the fleet of 39 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft. A total of seven new aircraft, five Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and two Airbus A320neo aircraft, will enter the airline’s fleet before the end of the year. The airline plans major network expansion coinciding with its new aircraft deliveries. It will add eight new destinations to its network this year. In India, its current operations to Delhi, Chennai, Kochi, Mumbai, Trivandrum and Hyderabad, will be enhanced by flights to Bangalore and Calicut.
Ryanair expands Middle East routes
I
rish carrier Ryanair has announced an expansion of its routes in the Middle East.
Changi loses 20-year contract to operate Saudi airport
C
hangi Airport has lost a key contract to operate and manage an airport in Saudi Arabia. The termination notice served comes less than a year after Changi Airports International (CAI) – Changi’s foreign investment and airport management arm - and Saudi Naval Services were awarded a 20-year contract to operate King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. While CAI has won several airport consultancy and development projects in growing aviation markets, including China, India, Russia, Brazil and the Middle East, the Jeddah contract was a significant one.
16
March 2018
It says its first flights to Jordan will see 14 routes to Amman and Aqaba airports. It claims this will deliver almost 500,000 customers per year. The Amman operation will begin with a route to Paphos (Cyprus) in March, and will then grow to 10 routes from October. Flights to Aqaba will also begin in October with four routes, and will operate for the winter season. Its year-round Amman schedule also includes routes to Brussels,
Budapest, Krakow, Milan and Prague. These routes will introduce new business and leisure travellers from eleven European countries to one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world. This is the airline’s second destination in the region. Ryanair looks set to become Jordan’s third biggest carrier, placing it just behind Emirates but ahead of Saudi Arabian Airlines. Of Ryanair’s planned routes, the only one which looks set to face direct competition is that between Bucharest and Amman, a sector currently served by TAROM.
Shaping digital logistics The new dimension of global baggage and cargo processing Logistics networks span the world. And we at Siemens Postal, Parcel & Airport Logistics connect the dots for you. With our in-depth expertise, we help you take a huge step forward in the digital transformation of your entire logistics chain. Siemens secures its customers a real competitive edge through greater transparency, flexibility and quality.
Dubai Airport Show Booth 5230
We are your partner of choice for fast and efficient processing of baggage and cargo at airports as well as goods of any kind at ports and logistics hubs. Our engineers draw on decades of experience to provide you with reliable and future-oriented solutions. Excellent life-cycle services complement our offerings. Let us join hands to shape the new digital dimension of logistics. siemens.com/logistics
March 2018
17
International News
Nigeria installs CCTV at aerodromes airfields
T
he Nigerian government has concluded plans to install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) at the international airports in the country, particularly at the Murtala Muhammed Airport. The CCTVs are to be installed at the airfield and holding area near the threshold where aircraft take off.
South Korea, China to hold talks on air route double-tracking
S
outh Korea and China have agreed to hold a workinglevel meeting soon to discuss the double-tracking of the air route between the two countries and ways to revive the bilateral aviation market. The officials have not disclosed when and where the two
Vietnam earmarks US$15.4 billion for aviation industry
neighbouring countries will hold the aviation meeting. At the Beijing meeting, South Korea and China agreed to make efforts to provide a double airway between Seoul and Beijing in order to cope with rising demand and flight delays.
Ontario airport registers higher passenger volumes since 2010
V
B
The move is aimed at creating a foothold among the top four leading nations in air traffic in ASEAN. The proposal is part of the ministry’s revised draft on aviation transportation development, which was recently sent to the Government for approval.
Most striking in the latest ONT data was the yearend passenger count of more than 4.5 million, seven per cent higher than 2016. For the month of December, ONT saw more than 410,000 air travellers, almost 10 per cent more than December 2016. For calendar year 2017, cargo shipments rose more than 15 per cent over 2016.
ietnam’s Ministry of Transport plans to spend US$15.4 billion to develop the country’s aviation industry from now until 2030.
uoyed by strong customer confidence and the first full year of local control, Ontario International Airport (ONT) closed 2017 with higher passenger volumes than in any year since 2010, while cargo tonnage continued its run of double-digit increases.
Malaysia to revamp DCA
T
he Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) will be revamped to allow for more flexibility in the training and hiring of qualified technical staff to cater to the civil aviation industry. The department would be renamed the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) after the revamp process. It is expected to begin operating by the first quarter of 2018. Malaysia had emerged as a vital hub in the region due to a clear aviation policy and the advantage of strong economic fundamentals. Last year, its airports handled some 91.8 million passengers and one million tonnes of air cargo.
18
March 2018
International News
Economic survey underlines India’s domestic aviation growth
New airport terminal opens in Tuvalu
Seven airlines to come up in Cambodia in 2018
T
C
uvalu, an independent South Pacific island nation within the British Commonwealth, has opened a new international airport terminal. The Funafuti International Airport terminal has been built as part of the Tuvalu Aviation Investment Project, which has been paid for by the World Bank’s International Development Association.
I
ndia is the third largest and the fastest growing domestic aviation market in the world in terms of number of domestic tickets sold, said the 2017-18 Economic Survey. The survey added that domestic passenger departures grew by 23.5 per cent in 2016-17, as compared to 3.3 per cent in the US and 10.7 per cent in China. From 2007-08 to 2016-17, the domestic passenger traffic grew by a compound annual growth rate of 9.89 per cent. In 2017-18 (April - September), domestic airlines carried 57.5 million passengers, with a growth rate of 16 per cent over the corresponding previous year period. Scheduled Indian and foreign carriers carried 29.2 million passengers to and from India, and showed a growth rate of 9 per cent in 2017-18 (April - September) over the corresponding previous year period. The cargo segment also grew handsomely in the year. The domestic air cargo handled was 0.61 million metric tons, a growth of 10.27 per cent over the corresponding previous year.
The Tuvalu government said the IDA gave a grant of US$29.4 million for the project.
ambodia’s aviation sector is growing rapidly, leading to a rapid expansion of the Cambodian fleet. There are now seven airlines in Cambodia, together operating a combined fleet of 30 aircraft, compared to two airlines operating seven aircraft four years ago. At least three new airlines are planning to launch operations in 2018, while several of the existing airlines are pursuing further fleet expansion. The Cambodian fleet will likely reach 40 aircraft by the end of 2018. JC International Airlines, an ambitious start-up which began operations less than a year ago, could become the largest airline in Cambodia by the end of 2018, based on fleet size. Cambodia Angkor Air and Sky Angkor Air are now the largest local airlines and are also the most established, according to a CAPA report.
Singapore to impose new airport tax
P
assengers flying out of Changi will have to pay between S$10 and S$15 extra as part of a new development levy to help fund the larger Changi East project, which includes Terminal 5, a third runway and supporting works. Changi Airport Group (CAG) said will be increasing aeronautical charges for both passengers and airlines over the next six years, to fund the expansion and upgrading projects. The increase in fees – not applicable to transit passengers – will kick in at S$2.50 from July 1, and will go up by S$2.50 every year from April 1 next year to April 1, 2024, for all passengers who start their departures from Changi Airport.
March 2018
19
Opinion
Step into a new era of aviation 2 018 will be a year of change for Royal Schiphol Group as we step into a new era of aviation. What hasn’t changed is that I will continue my speech in Dutch now. For our non-Dutch-speaking guests, an English version of this speech is available. For nine years now I have been the CEO of Schiphol, but last year was incredibly busy. Never before did so many travellers converge at Schiphol. Over the whole of 2017, 68.4 million people travelled through Schiphol – an increase of almost eight per cent – with air transport movements totalling 497,000, up 3.7 per cent. Cargo volumes grew by 5.4 per cent to 1.75 million tonnes. A number of destinations was added, such as Bangalore, Dallas, Mauritius and San Jose, resulting in an increase of direct flights from Schiphol to 326. This makes us Europe’s best airport for direct connections, with a hub connectivity ranking second in the world. With the airport bursting at the seams, we had to face the fact that the way we were doing things was not working. That’s because everything Schiphol does is focused on a single goal: to ensure travellers depart and arrive safely, comfortably and on time so they can enjoy a stress-fee and pleasant journey.
20
March 2018
Airlines are making more and more smart use of data collected by Schiphol. For instance, by integrating our wayfinding in airline apps, and by using our security data to check if passengers have cleared security yet and are on their way to the gate. If not, the airline can then determine whether or not to wait for them. We are on schedule with development of the new pier and terminal, for which we are tearing down the P2 car park and rerouting roads, resulting in new parking landscape at Schiphol. Next year, the first flights will be able to land at Lelystad in April and at Schiphol, the first planes will dock at the new pier before the end of 2019. And in 2023 our new terminal will be ready to welcome its first passengers. This added landside and airside capacity is essential to meet growing demand. Pressures, meanwhile, will not be abating. Not at Schiphol. Not in the air. Not in aviation. These are all issues we have to tackle together. Working together, in my eyes, is and will always be crucial.
Jos Nijhuis President and CEO Royal Schiphol Group
Opinion
Managing airport operations during construction projects A irports Council International (ACI) World has released the first edition of the ACI Managing Operations during Construction (MODC) Handbook.
This indispensable resource brings together case studies and best practices in managing airport operations while construction projects are underway and references applicable International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). Airport operators, and in some cases their tenants and service providers, engage in construction activities at their airports on a regular basis. These construction activities are undertaken for a variety of reasons, including maintenance of existing infrastructure; demolition and replacement of aging assets; bringing facilities into compliance with new design standards; and, building new or expanded facilities. Many of these construction activities have impacts on airside operations, particularly those that involve runways, taxiways, aircraft parking aprons, navigational aids (NAVAIDs) and other airport traffic control facilities. Nonairfield construction activities, especially those involving vertical construction and/or construction cranes, can also directly affect airside operations. Even away from airside, airport operators and their stakeholders
need to manage the impact of construction. Terminal building activities can affect terminal space allocations, including that used by airlines and other tenants; passenger flow patterns; terminal capacity; and, passenger levels of service. Landside construction can increase roadway congestion, parking availability and passenger convenience: so, managing passenger, employee, and construction-team safety and ease of access is an ever-present concern, regardless of the location of the construction project.
As global traffic is expected to double by 2031, around the globe airport infrastructure projects are being undertaken to accommodate this growth in passenger and cargo demand. This Handbook helps operators maintain a safe environment while ensuring business continuity along the entire project lifecycle. The guidance material also presents comprehensive coverage of major construction projects worldwide to illustrate some of the best practices and approaches that led to the successful management of operations during construction.
Angela Gittens Director General, ACI World
smooth flow of passenger and cargo traffic. It is more important than ever that the most appropriate practices and measures are shared and implemented throughout the industry to keep our airports safe, secure, sustainable, and customer friendly. ACI World strongly recommends that all airport professionals engaged in operations and development consult this Handbook and thanks all the professionals in the community of airports that contributed to its production.
Among the projects featured is the runway rehabilitation of Dubai International Airport. The project required improvement of the south runway, resurfacing the north runway, and undergoing routine maintenance, all the while ensuring the safe, secure and
March 2018
21
ATM
Australian ATM achieves OneSKY milestone
A
ustralia’s project to bring together military and civilian air traffic management systems has moved another step forward with Thales, Airservices Australia and the Department of Defence formally signing a A$1.2 billion contract. Under the ‘OneSky’ initiative, Thales will deliver the Civil Military Air Traffic Control System (CMATS), which will replace separate systems used by Airservices and Defence air traffic controllers. The new system will allow controllers to use advanced technology and real-time traffic prediction tools, while airlines will have more flexibility to fly the most efficient routes, Airservices says.
Singapore to conduct design study for ATM
A
Danish company, GomSpace, together with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and Singapore Technologies Electronics Limited (ST Electronics), have signed a research collaboration agreement to conduct a design study on the implementation of space-based Very High Frequency (VHF) communications for air traffic management (ATM) in the Singapore Flight Information Region (FIR). The space-based VHF communications system involves the mounting of VHF communications equipment onto a constellation of small low-earth-orbit satellites to enable clear and real-time communications between air traffic controllers and pilots over oceanic airspace.
DFS completes onsite testing remote tower solution
D
eutsche Flugsicherung (DFS), the German air navigation service provider (ANSP), has successfully completed onsite testing of the Frequentis Remote Virtual Tower (RVT) solution for Saarbücken Airport, with control services to be carried out from the Remote Tower Centre in Leipzig, 400 kilometres away. Saarbrücken Airport has approximately 15,000 aircraft movements per year. In October 2017, DFS conducted rigorous testing of the remote tower solution developed by Frequentis.
Thales to boost Guangzhou airspace efficiency
T
hales is making a comeback into Malaysia’s Air Traffic Management (ATM) scene as it works jointly with Novatis Resources to upgrade Kota Kinabalu’s Flight Information Region’s (FIR) Air Traffic Control (ATC) system and more. To improve air traffic services for safer and smother travel within Malaysia’s airspace, Kota Kinabalu’s FIR, one of the two in the country will be receiving this series of upgrades including a new air traffic control system, radars, ground station, surveillance systems and distance measurement equipment in the next three years.
22
March 2018
Airlines
Singapore Airlines abandons Canberra-Wellington route
S
ingapore Airlines has cancelled flights between Canberra and Wellington, 18 months after the maiden flight landed amidst much fanfare. The SingaporeCanberra-Wellington route brought Canberra Airport’s first regular international flights in more than a decade, when it landed in September 2016. Due to
lacklustre passenger numbers, and a review of the route, the airline has removed the Wellington leg of the trip. Canberrans will still have direct international flights with Singapore Airlines, with a route circulating between Sydney, Canberra, and Singapore.
Kenya Airways to launch first-ever route to the US
K
enya Airways is launching its first-ever route to the United States. Daily non-stop flights between Nairobi and New York JFK begin October and will be flown with the carrier’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, which seat 30 in lie-flat businessclass seats and 204 in coach. Flight time on the 7,360-mile route will be 15 hours eastbound and 14-½ hours on the return.
South Korean airlines to recruit 3,500 new workers
S
outh Korea’s airlines will hire more than 3,500 workers this year as they move to serve everrising numbers of air passengers. Korean Air Lines said it will recruit more than 1,000 new workers, noting that it will fly 17 new flights this year.The country’s largest national flag carrier said it accepted 1,050 new workers last year, including 600 cabin crew members, 200 pilots and 250 technicians and office workers. Korean Air plans to add 17 new planes -- nine CS300 short-haul aircrafts as well as four B787-9 and four B777-300ER long-range jets -- to its fleet this year.
Vietnam Airlines records impressive profits
T
he revenue and profit indicators of Vietnam Airlines showed growth in 2017.
transporting 26.5 million passengers, an increase of 6.7 per cent during the same period last year.
Vietnam Airlines and its members, including Jetstar Pacific and Vietnam Air Services Company (VASCO), earned a consolidated revenue of US$3.88 billion. Vietnam Airlines earned more than 50 per cent of the target. Last year, the corporation operated nearly 180,000 safe flights,
The impressive growth of Vietnam Airlines is a result of the development of a modern fleet of aircraft and an extensive network of air routes as well as a firm effort to constantly improve the quality of services and promote bilateral and multilateral co-operation and trade.
Asiana Airlines said it will employ up to 500 new workers this year, including 250 cabin crew members, 100 pilots and 150 office workers and technicians. The country’s six low-cost carriers -- Jin Air, Jeju Air, Air Busan, Air Seoul, Eastar Jet and T’way Air -- also have plans to increase hiring.
March 2018
23
Cargo & Logistics
Air Freight demand records strongest growth since 2010
T
he International Air Transport Association (IATA) released full-year 2017 data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTKs) grew by 9.0 per cent. This was more than double the 3.6 per cent annual growth recorded in 2016.
MEA signs contract for iCargo
I
ndia- based airline IT solutions specialist, IBS Software (IBS), has inked a multi-year contract with Lebanon’s flag carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA) to implement its iCargo solution to manage the cargo movement of the airlines worldwide. IBS’ iCargo was selected for its unique capability to provide a single unified platform to manage all cargo business needs. The selection of IBS and iCargo is the culmination of an intense market scan and selection process, spanning over a year.
Air cargo’s strong performance in 2017 was sealed by a solid result in December. Year-on-year demand growth in December increased 5.7 per cent. This was less than half the annual growth rate seen during the middle of 2017 but still well above the five-year average of 4.7 per cent. Freight capacity grew by 3.3 per cent year-on-year in December. Full-year 2017 demand for air freight grew at twice the pace of the expansion in world trade (4.3 percent).
24
March 2018
S
etting an all-time record, Liege Airport, one of the leading cargo airports in Belgium, handled 717,000 tonnes of goods during 2017, registering an 8.5 percent growth over 2016. Global cargo business witnessed overall growth, driven by strong economic performances in Europe and emergence of new e-commerce opportunities. Every Liege-based operator has registered growth. Additionally, two new airlines-Air China Cargo and Air Bridge Cargo recently joined Liege Airport. “It was a record year as we had never achieved such a tonnage since Liege Airport came into being in 1990. This confirms the relevance of our strategy of support for full cargo companies,” said Luc Partoune, CEO of Liege Airport.
Freight capacity, measured in available freight tonne kilometres (AFTKs), rose by 3.0 percent in 2017. This was the slowest annual capacity growth seen since 2012. Demand growth outpaced capacity growth by a factor of three.
Liege Airport processes record level of cargo
CSafe and China Airlines sign MLA
C
hina Airlines has entered into a master lease agreement (MLA) with leading manufacture of high performance active and passive temperature management solutions provider, CSafe Global, to offer temperature controlled transport of healthcare and pharmaceutical freight. China Airlines has confirmed to have signed the MAL with CSafe Global, which will help its healthcare and pharmaceutical customers who require strict temperature control of their products during transport. Its pharma customers will benefit from access to CSafe’s industry-leading cold chain technology and global customer support. With 97 destinations across 27 countries, China Airlines
Technology
Nearly 7,000 aircraft now have inflight connectivity
T United to begin using lighter paper to lower fuel costs
U
nited Airlines is taking a unique approach to reducing fuel consumption and sees an opportunity with reducing paper usage. Rather than reducing the size of seats, removing more in-flight entertainment screens or further limiting the amounts of luggage passengers can carry on, the airline will be cutting one ounce (28 grams) from the paper used to make its inflight magazine, Hemisphere. The airline has saved 170,000 gallons of fuel by trimming the weight of a single Hemisphere edition to 6.85 ounces (194 grams).
he annual Routehappy Wi-Fi Report says that in 2017, major airlines from every corner of the globe began their longawaited inflight Wi-Fi rollouts, while early adopters began system upgrades. As many as 82 airlines worldwide now offer in-flight Wi-Fi. As
many as 12 additional airlines now offer in-flight Wi-Fi, representing a 17 per cent increase from the 2017. Nearly half (43 per cent) of all available seat miles (ASM) worldwide now offer at least a chance of Wi-Fi; up 10 per cent from the 2017.
This aircraft makes airports unnecessary
F
lying with the private business jet is a privilege. Unfortunately, it ends as soon as you have to change to the car. Who hasn’t dreamt about the possibility of take-off and landing just outside the doorstep? To escape the traffic jams in megacities such as Los Angeles and Tokyo, a British start-up, Samand Aerospace, has developed a flying minibus. Starling Jet is billed as the world’s first hybrid-electric business aircraft capable of vertical take-off
and landing like a helicopter. The only difference is that due to the fully electric starting process and compact blended wing body design the Starling Jet is considerably quieter than a helicopter, which makes it particularly suitable for use in cities. The aircraft is capable to take off and land from an area as small as a helipad. In the airspace outside the city, a diesel-powered turbofan engine is engaged, which sits in the V-shaped tailplane.
Africa’s first A350 full-flight simulator operator
E
thiopian Airlines has become the first A350 XWB Simulator Operator in Africa and among the few in the world. This machine is fitted with a full electrical motion system which delivers improved performance while providing energy savings and environmental benefits.
March 2018
25
Tourism
Dubai unveils Blockchain Marketplace as tourism soars
T
he Emirate of Dubai has announced plans to create a virtual B2B (business-to-business) marketplace for the travel industry. Blockchain Marketplace aims to add an additional distribution channel for hotels in its first phase within the next 24 months - as part of its Dubai 10X initiative. The initiative aims to increase tourist numbers by offering more of Dubai’s inventory in realtime, at the right price while allowing smaller players to have equal opportunity in attracting customers. His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai Tourism, said: “We at Dubai Tourism are determined to carve a reputation as
global leaders in tourism innovation, exponentially accelerating our ‘digital, mobile and social’ first strategy. Today travel is undergoing one of the most emphatic sectoral transformations due to the radical pace of technological disruption across every aspect of the consumer journey.” In his launching of the 10X projects across government entities, His
Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, had noted that with this innovative model that reflects the creative potential of our nation, we are ushering in a new phase of development for government services by transforming a whole host of innovative ideas into reality. Dubai hopes to become the first Blockchain-government by 2020. A record-breaking number of international travellers flew into Dubai in 2017, further cementing the city’s position as one of the leading tourist capitals in the world. According to the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai
26
March 2018
Helal Saeed Almarri
Tourism), Dubai is nearing its 2020 tourism target as it welcomed a total of 15.79 million visitors last year, up by 6.2 per cent over a year earlier. South Asia emerged as the number one source of tourists for Dubai, with hordes of Indian visitors, amounting to 2.1 million, arriving in the emirate last year, up by 15 per cent from 12 months earlier.
Tourism
International tourism hits seven-year high
I
nternational tourist arrivals grew by a remarkable seven percent in 2017 to reach a total of 1,322 million, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. This strong momentum is expected to continue in 2018 at a rate of 4-5 percent. Based on data reported by destinations around the world, it is estimated that international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) worldwide increased seven percent in 2017. This is well above the sustained and consistent trend of 4 percent or higher growth since 2010 and represents the strongest results in seven years. International tourist arrivals in Europe
reached 671 million in 2017, a remarkable 8 percent increase following a weaker 2016.
the world average, totalling 671 million tourists, according to UNWTO.
Europe is the world’s leading tourism destination receiving half of the world’s 1.3 billion international arrivals. In 2017, international tourism in Europe grew eight per cent, one percentage point above
The UNWTO and the EU Parliament will work on promoting good practices and the sharing of knowledge and experiences on the ground. The agreement coincides with 2018 as the European Year of Cultural Heritage and is an opportunity to highlight the relevance of cultural tourism, which is an outstanding travel asset in the EU countries. According to the European Travel Commission, 12.4 million Chinese tourists visited the EU in 2017. With an average above one million per month and considering the prospects
of growth, the impact of Chinese tourists on EU tourism is relevant factor for European tourism development and bilateral relations with China. KSA to issue tourist visas from April The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will start issuing tourist visas for the first time from April. The conservative nation is hoping to welcome 30 million visitors annually by 2030. To meet this target, the first tourism visas will be issued to travellers from the first day of April, alongside business travellers, pilgrims making religious journeys and people visiting relatives.
March March 2018 2018
27