Via dubai english may 2017 by Nadd Al Shiba PR & Event Management

Monthly Newsletter issued by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority

www.viadubaionline.com

Issue 48 May 2017

Inside DCAA DCAA participates in UAE Careers Fair

Sheikh Hamdan launches

World Health and Safety 12 Day 2017 Delegation to Legal Affairs Office

UAE in Focus

Dubai Font

Dubai airport’s traffic 18 up 7.4% to 22.5m in Q1

16 Dubai Aerospace to buy 20 Vertical takeoff and landing: Lilium Aviation does a test flight Awas Aviation Capital Falcon Aviation opens 22 heliport at DWC Airport Etihad unit to make 23 3D-printed cabin plastic part Sanad Academy, DCAA 24 launch first ever drones’ awareness campaign

Opinions 50

DCAA successfully hosts 5th edition of World Aviation Safety Summit

65 ‘World Aviation Safety Summit, an ideal platform for aviation experts to discuss challenges in aviation safety’ Hafidh Masoud

Airlines 54

Cargo & Logistics 58

Technology 62

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 2 May 2017 email: it.support@dcaa.gov.ae

www.dcaa.gov.ae

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 05 10x project team

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 Creative Manager Mohammed Al Jarouf

Editor Shveta Pathak E-mail: viadubai@naddalshiba.com

Delegation to Legal Affairs Office

Saud Kanqzar receives Dubai Police official

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 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;World Aviation Safety Summit, an ideal platform for aviation experts to discuss challenges in aviation safetyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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Our Vision

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority is driven by the vision of Dubai to become the global Aviation Capital contributing to prosperity and enabling growth for Dubai.

Our Mission

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority is committed to support the aviation sector in:

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

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

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twitter.com/DcaaDubai

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CONTENTS

Dubai airportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traffic up 7.4% to 22.5m in Q1 A game changing audio jack for inflight entertainment system

Financing future prosperity 50

Vertical takeoff and landing: Lilium Aviation does a test flight

May 2017

Alexandre de Juniac

Pop.Up, the flying car for congested cities

Angela Gittens

Respect global standards

Message

from the President

Journey to growth

he rapid growth of civil aviation in Dubai is fast taking it to becoming the world’s top aviation hub.

Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

Our numerous achievements show how we are heading towards this goal with a clear strategy and implementation with precision. Dubai International, which is the world’s busiest in terms of international passengers, was also among the world’s fastest growing air passenger hubs in 2016. After hitting an all-time high in January, passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport continued to grow steadily in February, and climbed 7.4 per cent to 22.5 million in the first quarter, keeping the airport on track to meet its forecast of 89 million passengers in 2017. These figures are encouraging and in line with our expectation and strategy. Robust infrastructure, consistent and considerable investments to enhance the infrastructure on all domains and keeping abreast of what is happening elsewhere in the world, help us stay ahead.

We are proud to be hosting the Airport Show, which has grown as one of the world’s leading B2B events in the aviation industry, and provides a strong platform for companies to showcase airport and aviation-related products and services. It provides a perfect opportunity to exhibit or source the latest technology, learn about emerging trends, network with decision-makers and get first-hand knowledge about the region’s $170-billion airport expansion and modernisation programmes. Again, it is also a platform for the world to see what we have achieved so far which will ultimately translate into increased inflow of investments and passengers. I wish great success to Airport Show and a rewarding participation to the exhibitors. 

May 2017

Message

from the Director General

Successful initiative

he just-concluded World Aviation Safety Summit, hosted by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, was a reaffirmation of our commitment to ensure safety and security at our airports and also contribute to the aviation industry globaly. I am glad that the industry has actively participated and benefited from it. The industry could learn about the latest trend in crisis communications and the auditing and oversight of safety management systems, which they can put to practice in the future. The Summit highlighted key strategies for the safety culture of the future by engaging with local and international stakeholders from regulatory authorities, airline operators, airport operators, aircraft manufacturers, pilot associations, safety organisations and air traffic control service providers. As we always emphasized , we are committed to the enhancement of safety in the aviation sector locally, regionally and internationally. We also set a goal of making Dubai one of the top aviation hubs in the world, after having reached the position of the most sought after airport in the world for passenger experience and safety. As expected, the Summit closely examined best practices in crisis communications, reputation management, safety performance and wildlife management.

May 2017

Mohammed Abdulla Ahli

Noteworthy among the activities at the Summit was the innovative Masterclasses that provided a platform for leading experts to discuss the latest industry trends, insights and international best practices. It gave us a sense of satisfaction that the participants could derive maximum benefits out of the Summit, particularly the Masterclasses. Now it is left to the stakeholders to put them to practice. The quest for perfection in providing facilities and security is unending. We will continue to strive to make Dubai the most desired destination for the whole world. ď&#x201A;&#x192;

Inside DCAA

10x project team T

he Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) is organising a series of meetings for the 10X project team.

The team will discuss the ideas put forward by DCAA staff for this initiative and ways to implement those. During the meeting, Ahmed Rushdie was honoured by Mohammed Lengawi, Executive Director of the Aviation Security and Accident Investigation Sector, for participating in the brainstorming of the 10x project initiative. ď&#x201A;&#x192;

DCAA honours trainees H

amad Al Janahi, Director of Human Resources Department at Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, honoured Wafa Al Harmoudi from the American University in the UAE.

Abdul Razzaq Al Hashimi, Director of Financial and Administrative Affairs at DCAA, honoured Noura Al Ameri from the Higher Training College in Dubai, as part

of the vocational training program. The program aims to encourage students to work and engage in the civil aviation sector, in order to gain experience in this field. ď&#x201A;&#x192;

May 2017

Inside DCAA

DCAA successfully hosts 5th edition of WASS

he 5th edition of the World Aviation Safety Summit, hosted by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), was a resounding success with more than 450 local and international aviation industry experts discussing the most pressing issues concerning aviation safety and proposing new strategies for the sector. Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, said: “With our growing presence on the global aviation scene and the solid status as an international aviation hub, we are committed to improving safety standards across the sector. As the

May 2017

sector and the industry continue to grow, as well as the number of safety factors that need to be taken into account, and that’s why the 5th edition of WASS witnessed discussions on a broad range of topics. The summit advanced local, regional and international

understandings of some of the most pressing issues facing carriers today, and also provided a cuttingedge and innovative response to current challenges.” The two-day summit engaged local and international stakeholders

Inside DCAA

from regulatory authorities, airline operators, airport operators, aircraft manufacturers, pilot associations, safety organisations and air traffic control service providers to highlight key strategies for the safety culture of the future. Khaled Al Arif, Executive Director Aviation Safety and Environment at DCAA, welcomed delegates, saying: “In its fifth edition with participation increasing every year, it is clear that the industry is looking to further its knowledge and ensure a safe and successful future for air travel.” Michael Rudolf, Head of Aviation Regulations and Safety at DCAA, discussed the Authority’s latest procedures and application process for commercial drone operators, which includes detailed background checks and pre-authorized location selection. Rudolf highlighted that DCAA is working on signing an MoU with retailers to setup a process by which drone users must register

More than 450 aviation experts discuss most pressing aviation safety issues their drone before being able to physically receive the devices. Another theme throughout the Summit’s panel talks and keynote speeches was the discrepancy between reality and perception of aviation safety. While flying remains safest means of long-distance travel, high-profile incidents and other threats have affected perceptions. WASS Chairman and prominent aviation analyst Alan Peaford highlighted a recent survey by Ascend, in which 47% of

May 2017

Inside DCAA

World Aviation Safety Summit a resounding success respondents felt that flight safety has either deteriorated or remained the same, despite the fact that aviation safety has improved fivefold globally over the past decade. IATA figures identified that there were 10 fatal accidents in 2016, representing improvements to aviation safety and security across the board. The overall accident rate reduced from 1.79 per 1 million flights in 2015 to 1.61 last year. In order to keep airfields safe, flight crews need a clear, safe and consistent operating environment that avoids confusion, said Andrew Green, Manager Aerodrome Safety & Standards, Aviation & Airports Safety Department at Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA). He

May 2017

said a more consistent approach is needed in terms of signs and instructions at airport runways to ensure airfield safety is kept to the highest standards. Andrew added that Dubai International Airport is consistent in its runway environment. He also highlighted some specific reasons why other airports are reluctant to implement best

practice. These reasons include a lack of a regulatory requirement, cost of implementation, more training being required and in some cases not enough experience to implement. He emphasized that most runway incursions occur in good met conditions, with most accidents occurring at night or in poor visibility.

Inside DCAA

Bhamidipati Srinivas, Head of Aviation Safety, Bangalore International Airport, commented that improved communication is necessary to reduce runway excursions. He also called for increased training for controllers and Air Navigation Service Providers as well as improved speed control and clearer information for Automatic

Terminal Information Services in global airports. David Gleave, a Chief Safety Investigator, argued that improved instructions are needed at all runways and that geometry should always be considered in order to improve safety.

According to IATA, last year some 3.8 billion travellers flew safely on 40.4 million flights. Flying is still the safest form of long distance travel. For IATA safety remains the top priority of all involved in aviation with a goal for every flight to depart and arrive without incident. ď&#x201A;&#x192;

May 2017

Inside DCAA

DCAA participates in UAE Careers Fair

he Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has participated in the UAE Careers Fair in order to emphasis its role in achieving the UAE’s strategy to adopt the Emiratisation concept as a national strategic objective and to use all available methods and means to support the Emiratisation process in the Authority as well as to raise the level of excellence. HE Mohammed Abdullah Ahli, Director General of DCAA, said: “The participation of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority in the UAE Careers Fair is a great opportunity for us to attract UAE nationals who will contribute to the construction of the aviation sector in Dubai. The aviation sector has become an important part of the growth of the Emirate’s economy. “The Authority has been taking part in the exhibition, which is the most important exhibition in the

May 2017

field of employment in the UAE since it was launched in its first edition in 2000. “The Authority works in accordance with a strategy to encourage and stimulate Emiratisation policies through the recruitment of Emirati cadres that will contribute to this field. We continuously seek to provide all support for their development and provide them with opportunities to demonstrate their professional abilities to serve the UAE. Our main objective is to prepare

new generations of UAE nationals in professional disciplines Different.” “We are always keen on Emiratisation of jobs at the Authority in order to activate the role of citizens, in accordance with the vision of the leaders of the UAE to empower Emirati citizens and give them opportunities to contribute to support the economy of the country,” he said. Hamad Al Janahi, Director of the Human Resources Department,

Inside DCAA

said: The current level of the Emiratisation at the DCAA is 70 per cent and the Authority aims to increase it by another 5 per cent during the year. “The Authority, through its participation in exhibition, provides leadership, administrative technical functions for citizens. The Authority trains and develops its national cadres annually enables them to ensure sustainability

this and also and

The Authority’s participation in the exhibition is part of its plans to encourage and attract national cadres to work in the aviation sector,” he added. 

May 2017

Inside DCAA

World Health and Safety Day 2017

he Dubai Civil Aviation Authority observed the World Health and Safety Day 2017 by participating in the “International Day for Health and Safety at Work 2017”, organized by the International Labor Organization (ILO). This initiative aims to ensure a safe, healthy and decent work environment.

The slogan chosen for the 2017 campaign is “Sustainable Development Goal 8” which focuses on protecting the rights of employees and ensuring their efforts to protect them during their professional activities at the workplace. On this occasion, the employees were distributed the electronic pads to write their notes. 

Delegation to Legal Affairs Office

delegation from the Dubai Civil Aviation Legal Affairs Office visited the Department of Legal Affairs at Dubai International Airport to exchange experiences, knowledge and best practices and discuss ways of joint co-operation to develop the legal aspects of the civil aviation sector in Dubai. 

May 2017

Inside DCAA

Saud Kanqzar receives Dubai Police official

Year of Giving:

Spreading the message of kindness

aud Kanqzar, Executive Director of Air Transport and International Affairs, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, received Dr. Mubarak Saeed Binawas, Director of the Tourist Police Department at the General Department of Investigation and Criminal Investigation, Dubai Police. During the meeting, they discussed means of mutual cooperation between the two sides, exchange of knowledge and best practices. They also discussed a number of topics of mutual interest in order to encourage and develop tourism in Dubai. 

Al Janahi honoured

ssa Ben Natouf, Acting Chief Operating Officer, Human Resources Department, honoured Hamad Al Janahi, Director of Human Resources Department, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, for the participation of the DCAA in the UAE Career Fair this year. 

he culture of giving and magnanimity is spreading across the UAE touching all walks of life. The Year of Giving initiative is espoused by one and all. The Year of Giving was declared by the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and followed by a directive by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Rule of Dubai. Medicines worth Dh48 million were distributed free to more than 300 underprivileged patients by the Dubai Health Authority to mark the Year of Giving initiative. The DHA plans to continue this initiative. Patients suffering from chronic and life-threatening diseases such as cancer were given medicines for up to one year, according to officials of the Humanitarian and Charitable Affairs Department at the DHA that carried out the distribution. The DHA aims to raise Dh250 million in aid and carry out 49 medicine donation programmes. “DHA will work towards successfully implementing all its 30 Year of Giving initiatives. The UAE has always followed the path of giving and has been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts. The late His Highness Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan laid the foundations for humanitarian work in the UAE and those are being followed to date by the leaders and the people of the UAE. The values of giving are key foundations for the UAE. We are pleased to undertake these initiatives in line with the Year of Giving and for us at the DHA, such charitable deeds form a part of our duty which we will fulfill diligently,” said Humaid Al Qutami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General of DHA. 

May 2017

DCAA Interview

Hafidh Masoud, Head of Airport Safety, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA)

‘World Aviation Safety Summit, an ideal platform for aviation experts to discuss challenges in aviation safety’

he 5th edition of the World Aviation Safety Summit, hosted by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) was a resounding success as it brought together over 450 global leaders and decision makers in aviation safety on a common platform.

The summit has established itself as an ideal meeting place for thought leaders of the global aviation safety sector

to discuss essential safety measures in order to efficiently manage the processes, threats, risks and calamities

facing aviation safety professionals worldwide. Hafidh Masoud, Head of Airport Safety, DCAA, who is also the Project Manager for the summit, spoke to Via Dubai about WASS and how the department contributes to ensuring safety of Dubai’s skies. Excerpts from the interview:

Can you share with us the role of your section and its achievements in DCAA.

Our section is responsible for overseeing and promoting safety related issues in the aviation industry within the emirate of Dubai. The section supervises and controls all activities that could affect safety based on International Civil Aviation Organizations (ICAO) and GCAA standards and regulations in aerodromes safety , We conduct regular inspections at both the Dubai International and DWC airports, as well as helipads . We give our recommendations, based on our inspections, to the operators to take measures to enhance safety in case we notice any risks or observe that any additional measures could further enhance the safety.

May 2017

DCAA Interview

Recently, we are also focusing on wildlife management.

Can you please elaborate on safety and wildlife management?

We are planning to enter into MOU with the Dubai Municipality so that whenever they start a new project such a natural reserve, a sanctuary, they will obtain an NOC from us. Wildlife can affect safety of airways. Our role is to conduct a risk assessment and check the impact wildlife could have on the safety. Once we ensure that there is no danger to the safety of flights, we will give a no objection certificate.

This is a step forward to ensure safety within the emirates of Dubai, as we want to take care of the possible issues even before they could arise and don’t want to leave any area unattended.

The DCAA successfully hosted the 5th edition of the World Aviation Safety Summit recently. Can you share with us how the summit has contributed to the regional and global aviation industry?

The World Aviation Safety Summit hosted by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has become the meeting place for thought leaders of the global aviation safety sector to discuss essential safety measures in order to efficiently manage the

processes, threats, risks and calamities facing aviation safety professionals worldwide. The summit has come a long way and this year we are pleased to announce that WASS had 450 local and international experts from regulatory authorities, airline operators, airport operators, aircraft manufacturers, pilot associations, safety organization’s and air traffic control service providers, who highlighted key strategies for the safety culture of the future. With air traffic projected to double in the next 15 years, WASS has become an ideal platform to discuss amongst industry professionals how we can support the rising challenges and demands of the booming aviation sector in Dubai. 

May 2017

Cover Story

Sheikh Hamdan launches Dubai Font DCAA and Via Dubai among the first lot to adapt “Dubai Font”

he Dubai Civil Aviation Authority( DCAA) is among the first batch of government organisations in Dubai to adapt ‘Dubai Font’ launched by His Highness Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

Similarly, DCAA’s monthly publication “Via Dubai” has started using Dubai Font from its May 2017 issue onwards. The Dubai Executive Council, chaired by His Highness Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has instructed all the emirate’s government bodies to use the font. Called ‘Dubai Font,’ the new Arabic and Latin type styles are now freely available for the whole world to use. Dubai Font is the first in the world to be developed by a city and

carry its name, in cooperation with Microsoft. With its simple, San Serif Latin typeface, and a modern, strippeddown Arabic script, the font can be used for 23 languages. The font is available for all of the 100 million users of Microsoft’s Office 365 software, and downloaded in multiple formats on DubaiFont. com. The font is the first font in Microsoft applications to be both developed by a city and to carry its name.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan officially directed government institutions in the Emirate of Dubai to adopt the font in government correspondences, saying, "The launch of the Dubai Font to the world is a very important step for us as part of our continuous efforts to be ranked first in the digital world. We are confident that this new font and its unique specifications will prove popular among other fonts used online and in smart technologies across the world. Therefore, we urge all government entities to use the Dubai Font in their official correspondence, which is a positive shift that will boost the emirate’s competitiveness in smart technology. This should be a commitment from the Dubai Government to guarantee the dissemination and success of this initiative on a local and global level." The font is the product of an 18-month process by six-member team from Monotype, a US-based firm that has designed custom typefaces for British Airways, Vogue magazine, and Sony, among others. With its clean-cut, straightforward look, Chahin’s team took inspiration from Dutch design to create the Latin typeface. “It’s a sans serif with a lot of humanist influence.”

May 2017

Cover Story

Nadine Chahine, Type Director and Legibility Expert at Monotype UK, led the design team of six who worked on developing the font for the past year and a half. She said the design is inspired by the city's growth into a destination that includes different cultures and nationalities that live in tolerance and peace. Dubai Font blends the emirate's past while looking at its achievements and future. "I always visit Dubai and see it growing. It builds a new example of a modern Arab city that holds traditional values," said Chahine. As well as English, some of the available variations for the Latin typeface include Spanish, German, French, and Italian alphabets. The font also has four weights — light, regular, medium, and bold. The Arabic typeface is a blend of two styles of Arabic calligraphy — ‘Naskh’ and ‘Muhaqqaq’. The 23 languages supported by Dubai Font are: Afrikaans, Arabic, Basque, Britannic, Catalan, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, Gaelic, German, Icelandic, Indonesian, Italian, Norwegian, Farsi, Portuguese, Sami, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish and Urdu. Many government departments and organisations in Dubai, including Dubai Water and Electricity Authority (DEWA) and Dubai Municipality, have adopted using Dubai Font for their internal and external correspondence, as well as all their digital platforms including websites, smart apps, and social media pages. Dubai Municipality has instructed officials to begin to implement this

font in its operations in line with the directives of the Government of Dubai and in support of the efforts to enhance the Emirate's role and to emphasize its excellence in the digital world. The Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai, Abdulla Abdul Rahman Al Shaibani, said: “The new typeface reflected the personality of the emirate, whose vision revolves around giving, happiness, smartness, boldness, living in harmony, among other virtues.”

While Dubai’s decision to unveil its very own font is an act of deft branding for the city, it is also a sign of our growing commitment to building all aspects of a knowledge economy. Pushing typography forward in this region will help Dubai stay at the forefront of other changes to the digital landscape. When building a knowledge economy, no component can be overlooked. The new Dubai font is thus part of a much bigger transformation, said public comments received by local media. 

May 2017

UAE in Focus

Dubai airportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traffic up 7.4% to 22.5m in Q1

May 2017

UAE in Focus

he first-quarter traffic surge corresponded with the impressive 11 per cent surge to 4.57 million overnight tourist arrivals to the Dubai in the first three months.

Passenger traffic at Dubai International (DXB) climbed 7.4 per cent to 22.5 million in the first quarter, keeping the airport on track to meet its forecast of 89 million passengers in 2017. The world’s number one airport for international passenger traffic saw a 3.8 per cent increase in passenger numbers to 7.5 million in March compared to 7.237 million in March 2016. The first-quarter traffic surge corresponded with the impressive 11 per cent surge to 4.57 million overnight tourist arrivals to the Dubai in the first three months. The growth was driven by tourist arrivals from China, Russia and India. The first quarter surge in inbound tourist traffic reflected more than double the growth achieved in the first quarter of 2016, Dubai Tourism announced at the Arabian Travel Market. In a statement, DXB said the more modest growth rate in March was due to the timing of the Easter holiday which fell during March in 2016 and during April in 2017. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports said while there are fluctuations in growth market-by-market the overall trend is quite positive as evidenced by the 7.4 per cent increase in passenger numbers during the first quarter. “That result keeps us well on track to meet our 2017 forecast of 89 million passengers.” The number of passenger flights in March grew 1.0 per cent to 34,634 compared to 34,303 last year while year-to-date flight numbers were up 0.5 percent to 100,638 compared to 100,116 recorded during the first quarter of 2016. The average

number of passengers per flight in the first three months of the year was 224, compared to 209 during the corresponding period in 2016, an increase of 6.8 per cent. During the first three months of the year, Eastern Europe was the fastest expanding market in terms of percentage growth (33.3 per cent) as the appreciation of the ruble against the US dollar over the past year has increased spending power in Dubai and spiked demand in the Russian market. Asia was the next fastest growing market (22.6 per cent) which benefited from additional capacity provided by Emirates and flydubai in markets such as Thailand, China and the Philippines, followed by South America (22.2 per cent). India remained the top destination country during the first three months of the year with a total of 3.031 million passengers, followed by the UK (1.618 million passengers), Saudi Arabia (1.572 million) and Pakistan (1.166 million). London topped the list of destination cities during the period under review with 974,950 passengers, followed by Doha (797,729 passengers), Bangkok (633,496) and Mumbai (618,638). Freight volumes were also on the rise in the first quarter of 2017 with 636,479 tonnes passing through DXB, up 3.5 per cent from the 615,144 recorded during the same period last year. This result was positively impacted by an 8.4 per cent boost in cargo volumes in March with 235,503 tonnes being handled compared to 217,202 tonnes in the same period last year. 

May 2017

UAE in Focus

Dubai Aerospace to buy Awas Aviation Capital

he Purchase will create $14 billion aircraft leasing business; DAE is buying Awas from shareholders Terra Firma Capital and Canada’s state pension reserve.

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise is buying Dublin-based Awas Aviation Capital in a move that will create a $14 billion aircraft leasing business. The owners of Awas Aviation Capital, the Dublin-based aircraft lessor, is selling the company to Dubai Aerospace Enterprise. DAE is buying Awas from shareholders Terra Firma Capital and Canada’s state pension reserve. Neither side disclosed a price for

the deal but Terra Firma spent €5.7 billion on Awas in 2006. Awas is headquartered in Dublin, where most of its 110 staff work. It has offices in Miami, New York and Singapore. It owns or manages 263 aircraft that are leased to 85 airlines in 45 countries. It has 23 new craft on order for delivery by the end of 2018. At the end of 2015, shareholders’ funds stood at $4 billion while leasing revenues were $1.2 billion.

Dubai Aerospace’s takeover of the Irish business will create a group with a combined fleet of 394 owned, managed and committed aircraft worth $14 billion. It will serve 105 airlines in 55 countries, from the Republic, the US, Dubai and Singapore. Dubai Aerospace is one of the biggest aircraft lessors in the Middle East. It has 104 aircraft worth about $4.5 billion. It recent agreed to buy a number of aircraft from another Irishbased lessor, Gecas. Terra Firma is a British private equity fund run by businessman Guy Hands. It says that it has assets of €48 billion under management. Firoz Tarapore, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise’s chief executive, said Awas had built a respected brand and experienced workforce over three decades. 

May 2017

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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 parcel sorting hubs. We draw on decades of experience to provide you with reliable and future-oriented solutions. Excellent lifecycle services complement our offerings. Let us join hands to shape the new digital dimension of logistics. siemens.com/logistics

May 2017

UAE in Focus

Falcon Aviation opens heliport at DWC Airport

bu Dhabi-based business aviation services, charter and aircraft management company Falcon Aviation inaugurated a heliport at its new Dubai South VIP terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as DWC.

The heliport, situated adjacent to the company’s VIP terminal that it opened in December, will be run and managed by Falcon Aviation personnel. It has space for three large executive helicopters and will be open for use on an “as required basis” with just two hours’ notice. Falcon envisions demand for five movements a day initially and will have two helicopters available for charter, complementing

May 2017

its airplane and helicopter business at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi. The first in the region, the heliport will enable “quick and convenient” 30-minute helicopter charters between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Other nearby destinations include Dubai South to Ras Al Khaimah, 45 minutes; to Diba, 45 minutes; to Fujairah, 40 minutes; and to Qasr Al Sarab Resort, 1 hour, 15 minutes.

Falcon Aviation is also constructing a 215,300-sq-ft (20,000-sq-m) business aviation MROfacility at the Dubai airport. When opened late next year, the facility will offer maintenance support for Gulfstream, Embraer and Bombardier jets, with accreditations expected fromthe UAE’s GCAA, U.S. FAA and EASA. It will also offer AOG support and aircraft parking.

UAE in Focus

Etihad unit to make 3D-printed cabin plastic part

tihad Airways Engineering has signed an agreement with Diehl Aerosystems to jointly design, manufacture and install the first serial produced 3D-printed cabin plastic part on an aircraft for one of its customers.

Etihad Airways Engineering has signed an agreement with Diehl Aerosystems to jointly design, manufacture and install the first serial produced 3D-printed cabin plastic part on an aircraft for one of its customers. Additive manufacturing – commonly referred to as 3D-printing – reduces lead time in design, decreases production cost of and enables speedier manufacturing.

Etihad Airways Engineering and Diehl have collaborated to develop and manufacture an inflight entertainment (IFE) cover plate which will be installed in economy seats on several aircraft of a Middle Eastern airline. The two companies plan to create a range of products based on the experience gained from this pilot project. Jeff Wilkinson, Etihad Airways Engineering Chief Executive Officer, said: “Etihad Airways Engineering is leveraging its Part 21J Design Organisation approval by EASA – with Diehl contributing as a Part 21G Production Organisation – in this pilot project. “Our partnership with Diehl will help us commercialise this technology and make it available to our customers around the world.”

He explained that the 3D-printed part offered a cost saving of around 20 to 30 per cent, with the added

benefit of not requiring tooling and avoiding any permanent modification to the seat. 

May 2017

UAE in Focus

Sanad Academy, DCAA launch first ever drones’ awareness campaign

anad Academy, UAE’s first RPAS training academy, along with the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and representation from Ministry of Defense, hosted the first ever of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), “All About Drones” awareness initiative for the general public. The event was attended by more than 100 hobbyists, professional and commercial operators from Dubai. Michael Rudolph, Head of Airspace Safety, Aviation Safety & Environment Sector, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Yahya Al Zarooni, Security Officer from

May 2017

Ministry of Defense, explained the rules and regulations, as well as responded to many questions about RPAS/Drone operations within the Emirate of Dubai. Michael Rudolph said: “The DCAA has registered over 800 RPAS or drone operators in Dubai and the number is increasing daily. According

to the new regulatory framework, every drone operator needs to be registered with the DCAA. As the local Authority, the DCAA wants to ensure that every operator, whether hobbyist, professional and or commercial, operates safely within the rules and regulations of the DCAA, while in the Emirate of

UAE in Focus

Dubai. To address the questions which operators had, ranging from rules, registration requirements, safe areas for drone photography, RPAS/ Drone safety and maintenance, we are creating awareness about safe drone operations at every level. Today’s initiative, organized by Sanad Academy, and supported by the DCAA, is the first where we are directly interacting with public. Further, education as well as school participation and training programs in this technology will be announced soon. As part of the DCAA’s Regulatory framework and in support of Law (7) of 2015, concerning airspace safety and security, as well as the most recent Resolution (4) to this Law, it is mandatory for all operators

(Commercial and Non-Commercial) to register their RPAS with DCAA. This is to enable them to operate safely and legally within the Emirate of Dubai. Addressing the queries by operators, Michael Rudolph said: “If you purchase a drone, you are required to register with DCAA. We have the regulation, security check and training requirement for the operators, all of which ensures that you fly safely and we keep Dubai’s skies safe.” Rudolph explained that drone operators can also get thirdparty insurance for their Drone operations. He also asked operators to ensure that they do not breach privacy laws when they take images and do not fly their RPAS in any way that could endanger people and or property. “It is illegal to fly your RPAS over congested areas such as streets, and within 50 metres of a person, vehicle, building structure or overhead groups of people at any height as well as stay well clear of the no-fly zones and all sensitive areas around airports, airfields and all other security and Government Installations” he said. Mansour Al Blooshi, Chairman of Sanad Air Academy, which has been endorsed by the DCAA to provide for RPAS/Drone training, and or registration, said: “We have registered as competent, more than 400 operators and about 80 government entities within the last year. The certification involves both flight training, as well as system checks on the RPAS/Drone for safe operations. The operators are given basic, professional and commercial certification on successfully

More than 470 RPAS operators registered by Sanad Academy completing theory, flight test, airworthiness on their RPAS/Drone, as well as a verbal interview on their skillset. A training log is created to monitor the progress of the operator through various levels of instruction. This awareness campaign is the beginning of further awareness sessions for RPAS operators within Dubai.” Sanad Academy, which has been in operation for over a year now, adopts a testing criteria specially designed to fairly evaluate drone operator’s knowledge and skillset as to safe drone operations and flight skills. Sanad also tests the operators drone and support equipment to ensure full compliance with DCAA safety standards. Sheban Naim, a hobbyist and commercial drone operator, who attended the awareness campaign, said: “The direct interaction with DCAA has been immensely helpful, the operators gained a lot of clarity on rules and regulations and many doubts were clarified directly by the authority, which makes us confident about flying safely.” Phil Angel, a commercial Operator of RPAS/Drones within the UAE said “DCAA remains a world leader in Drone/RPAS Registration, Safety Oversight, Tracking, and Governance, and their continued support of the UAS Industry is recognised worldwide”. 

May 2017

Interview

‘Data analysis important to enhance safety standards’

here is no second opinion that safety is the top priority in the aviation industry and, like any other industry, data is very important to improve the safety standards in the industry.

Nowadays it’s big data world and there is no exception for the aviation industry where only a single twinengine aircraft with 12-hour flight time can produce up to 844 TB of data. Now the challenge comes to analyse this huge data and use it to improve the safety standards in the aviation industry. Sarah Westley, Head of Marketing and Sales, Flight Data Services, in an interview with Via Dubai, highlighted the importance of data analysis in the industry. “We do flight data analysis which is taking data from the black box recorder on aircraft, we upload it to our data centre and we turn it into safety statistics trends and information for airlines,” she said. Westley, who was in Dubai to attend the recently held 5th World Aviation Safety Summit,explained: “We put this data into our website. They go to our website and view the safety information.” Flight Data Services are the largest dedicated provider of Flight Data Analysis (FDA) incorporating Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) and Flight Operations Quality Assurance and are committed to advancing aviation

May 2017

safety through the innovative use of flight data. Flight Data Services has around 130 customers across the global and receives about 4,500 flights data every day and 2.5 million flights a year. The flight data comes through a wireless link soon after the aircraft lands, she said adding: “There is another option where maintenance

man take data from the black box recorder and send transfer it to our secure server.” The UK-based company has a lot of corporate operators from Americas in addition to around 70 commercial operators. “We have small operators as well as big commercial operators as our clients,” she said. The 17 years old company, founded by Dave Jesse, has a team of about

Interview

– which is aviation’s only global data-sharing program from IATA. Talking about the benefits of Flight Data Connect, she said Advanced Flight Data Analysis tools making it easy for operators to identify safety issues. Flight Data Analysis is the process of examining flight data to improve and monitor operational safety. Implementing Flight Data Connect will allow operators to compare actual flight measurements taken from ‘black box’ data against Standard Operating Procedures.

45 people as flight data services as a whole based in Singapore and US. She mentioned that most of the data analysis work is done by a software and then data experts consider it for any safety issues.

The company’s Flight Data Analysis (FDA) service, Flight Data Connect, offers a scalable and cost effective service assisting the detection and identification of safety risks and trends, alongside the option to participate in the FDX programme

In the wake of safety collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to provide services for their new Flight Data Analysis Service, the company expanded its team last year with the opening of new Asia Flight Services creating a 24/7 operation with increased global coverage. 

May 2017

Airport Show

2017 to be a milestone edition for Airport Show

ore than 300 companies from around the world, over 60 regional aviation authorities, decision-makers, international aviation industry experts and NAME COMPANY COUNTRY STAND NO. professionals come together to participate in Airport Show 2017, from May 15-17, at the Dubai International Centre.Pavilion - 4551 Peoples Denmark Convention and ExhibitionDenmark United States

5430 & 5331

United Arab Emirates

4260

China

5013

United Kingdom

4110

Taiwan

6660

United Arab Emirates

Denmark Pavilion - 4451 & 4550

Saudi Arabia

German Pavilion - 5264

China

China Pavilion - 6262

United Kingdom

5645

Smoke Solution

Denmark

Denmark Pavilion - 4554

Speedshield Technologies Organised by Reed Exhibitions Middle East, this year, show will cover seven Start Pac

Singapore

5662

United States

5430 & 5331

United States

North America Pavilion - 5107

United States

4009

Posicharge-AeroVironment

Held under the patronage of His Probe Conveyor & Transmission Belts Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Qingdao Runbell Co., Ltd. Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Rapiscan Systems Ltd Authority, Chairman Civil Aviation RLG Docking Systems Corporation of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Consulate ExecutiveGeneral of Emirates Royal Danish Dubai Airline and Group, 17th edition of the SDC Official Dealer ofthe Graco Airport Show is bigger and has plenty Shenyang Baotong Aviation E&M Co., Ltd. of interesting offerings both for the Smart Vision exhibitors and visitors.

sectors: Airport Build and Installations, Surescan

Airfield Construction and Installations, Textron GSE Airport Operations, Airport Security, TKH / Induperm Airport Technology and IT, Ground tl traffic-lines GmbH Support Equipment and Services, and TVH Air Traffic Management, which offers plenty of latest technologies in these TWI Group areasSystems for the visitors to explore. UBS Airport Winter Grün

Daniyal Qureshi, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Exhibitions Middle Youyang Airport Lighting Equipment Inc. Show, East, organisers of Airport said: “The 2017 edition will be a milestone for Airport Show, especially as we bring the world’s latest and leading technologies to cater to the requirements of smart airports. The growth of the Middle East’s aviation sector, and a focus on investing in smart technologies has generated a XCFG Limited

May 2017

strong interest from global players in Denmark showcasing the latest technologies and Germany tapping into the opportunities Belgiumpresents. the region United States

Airport Show 2017 promises to be Turkey the platform which will offer not only Germany the latest technologies to meet the United Arab Emirates requirements of regional decisionSouth makers toKorea source their requirements at their doorsteps but also offer them numerous options as it will have an outstanding international participation.” Airport Show is supported by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Dubai Airports, Dubai Aviation Engineering

Denmark Pavilion - 4451 German Pavilion - 5364 Benelux Pavilion - 5551 North America Pavilion - 5202 5420 German Pavilion - 4312 4010 5560

Projects (DAEP) and dnata, amongst a host of regional and international aviation bodies and associations.

Airport Show

New in 2017, CAPA – Centre for Aviation (CAPA) will organise the 5th edition of the Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF). Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, GALF will take place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre on May 16-17, 2017.

Agenda items include: 1

The US’ “Third World” Airport infrastructure. Will a Trump Administration change the shape of US airports?

What will Brexit mean for UK and European airports (hubs?)

Straight-talk: Are they listening? What airlines really want from airports

Low-cost long-haul to short-haul connectivity – NextGen facilitation and technology

Financing major Airport and Aerotropolis projects: Will they always be good investments?

Retail on board: WHEN WILL inflight wifi threaten airport sales?

Learning from the sharing economy - where will it grow next?

Unshackling the biggest challenge to growth: Airport Capacity

May 2017

Airport Show

CAPA GLOBAL AIRPORT LEADERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; FORUM SPEAKERS Nagy Abu Zeid

Sheikh Aimen bin Ahmed Al Hosni

Engr. Badr AL-Meer

Mr Matthew Baldwin

Ahmadreza Bayati

Martin Braun

Christopher Bosworth

Mario Diaz

Senior Manager Strategic Planning Oman Airports Management Company

Hamad International Airport

Directory International Cooperation Imam Khomeini Airport City Company

Deputy Director General, DG MOVE European Commission

Assistant Director Airport Development IATA

Managing Director Airport Coordination Limited

Director of Aviation Houston Airport System

Ms Christina Cassotis

Bilal Eksi

CEO Allegheny County Airport Authority

CEO Oman Airports Management Company

May 2017

CEO & Deputy Chairman Turkish Airlines

Airport Show

CAPA GLOBAL CAPA GLOBAL AIRPORT AIRPORT LEADERS’ LEADERS’ FORUMFORUM SPEAKERS SPEAKERS Neale Faulkner Neale Faulkner

Manager Strategy Manager & Marketing, Strategy &MEIA Marketing, MEIA SITAONAIR SITAONAIR

Greg Fordham Greg Fordham

Managing Director Managing Director Airbiz Airbiz

Paul Griffiths Paul Griffiths CEO CEO Dubai Airports Dubai Airports

Andrew Harrison Andrew Harrison

Chief Executive ChiefAdvisor Executive Advisor Mactan-Cebu Mactan-Cebu InternationalInternational Airport Airport

Barry Humphreys Barry Humphreys Chairman Chairman BKH AviationBKH Aviation

JonathanJonathan Manning Manning

Group Managing GroupDirector Managing Director Osmond Lange Osmond Architects Lange&Architects & Planners Planners

Mr StevenMrFitzgerald Steven Fitzgerald

Head of Asset Head Management, of Asset Management, Airport Sector Airport LeadSector Lead HRL Morrison HRL and Morrison Co Ltd and Co Ltd

Iyad Hindiyeh Iyad Hindiyeh

Head of Global Head Business of Global Development Business Develo & Solution Design, & Solution Airport Design, IT Airport IT Amadeus Amadeus

Mr David Mr Huttner David Huttner Senior Vice Senior President Vice President Nyras Capital Nyras Capital

Peter Farthing Peter Farthing

Division Director, Division Head Director, of Cross Head of Cros Divisional Projects Divisional Projects Macquarie Bank Macquarie Bank

May 2017

Airport Show

Speaker CAPA GLOBAL highlights AIRPORT include: LEADERS’ FORUM SPEAKERS PS Nair

Mr Jos Nijhuis

Mari Peltomäki

Mr Timothy O’Neil-Dunne

CEO Corporate Airports Sector GMR Group

Project Manager Aviapolis Helsinki

Head of Product Air Black Box

Johan Schölvinck

Amit Rikhy

Hexin Wang

Mr Abdul Wahab Teffaha

Managing Director Market Square Consult

Chief Investment Officer HNA Airport Group

Ms. Feng Wen

General Manager Asia Pacific & Middle East Shell Eastern Petroleum

President & CEO Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

May 2017

President & CEO CCR USA

Secretary General Arab Air Carriers Association

Airport Show

This summit will Thisserve summit as awill platform serve asfora customers, platform foroperators customers, and operators integrators andfrom integrators the aviation from sector the aviation to exchange sector to ideas exchange and ideas broaden visions broaden of thevisions futureof ofthe airport future business of airport development. business development. Share success Share stories success of innovative stories ofICT innovative constructions ICT constructions in the in aviation industry aviation on 15 industry May. on 15 May.

Meet the Meet speakers the speakers of Huawei of Huawei Global Aviation Global Aviation SummitSummit 2017 2017 Yuan XilinYuan Xilin

Mohammad Mohammad Almansour Almansour

President ofPresident Transportation of Transportation Sector Sector Enterprise Business Enterprise Group Business Group Huawei Technologies Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd Co., Ltd

Regional Manager Regional - MENA Manager - MENA Airport, Passenger, Airport,Cargo, Passenger, & Security Cargo, & Securit InternationalInternational Air TransportAir Association Transport Associat

Carlos Y. Kaduoka Carlos Y. Kaduoka

Rachard Nassar, RachardPh. Nassar, D. Ph. D.

Director Strategy Director Strategy Airport Solutions Airport Line Solutions Line SITA SITA

TIME

TOPIC

Business Development Business Development and Marketing andManager Marketing Enterprise Manager Enterprise Business Group, Business Transport Group, Sector Transport Sector Huawei Technologies Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd, Paris, Co., France Ltd, Paris

TOPIC

15:00 - 15:10 15:00 - 15:10

Welcome Address Welcome Address

15:10 - 15:3515:10 - 15:35

Airport ICT Development Airport ICT Development Trends Trends

15:35 - 16:00 15:35 - 16:00

Future-oriented Future-oriented Smart Airports Smart (Customer Airports A) (Customer A)

16:00 - 16:25 16:00 - 16:25

Future-oriented Future-oriented Smart Airports Smart (Customer Airports B) (Customer B)

16:25 - 16:50 16:25 - 16:50

Leading New Leading ICT, TheNew Road ICT,toThe Aviation Road to Digital Aviation Transformation Digital Transformation

16:50 - 17:15 16:50 - 17:15 17:15 - 17:4517:15 - 17:45

ConceptionConception of Smart Airport of Smart Constructions Airport Constructions Panel Discussion Panel Discussion

LOCATION:LOCATION: InnovationInnovation Podium Podium

May 2017

Airport Show

An exclusive free to attend platform for visitors to hear about the latest global innovations and technologies that will transform the future airport experience.

DAY 2, TUESDAY, 16 MAY 2017 TIME 10:30 - 11:00 11:05 - 11:50

Why Hybrid Airfield Ground Lighting Is More Reliable Than Conventional (Wired) Dmytro Kuczeruk, Business Development Manager S4GA Consolidate Your Airport Operations with Innovative Surface Management Solutions Derek Bayford, Vice President-Sales Searidge Technologies

11:55 - 12:25

Optimizing Airport Operations through Advanced Surveillance and Data Analytics Anne Lattes, Director of Sales Kanaan Abdo, CTO ALTYS Technologies

12:30 - 13:00

Converting un-used travel currency into Digital Funds Saima Khan, Co-Founder XCFG Limited

13:00 - 13:45

Session Break

13:45 - 14:15

Ongoing Development Project of the ONDA Zouhair Mohamed El Aoufir, CEO Moroccan Airports Authority

14:20 - 14:50

Securing Ancillary Revenue By Building A Truly Connected Omnichannel Airport Shopping Experience Kian Gould, CEO & Founder AOE

14:55 - 15:25

Mechatronic Drive Systems â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Most Efficient Drive Solution For Baggage Handling Systems Nittel Tobias, Manager - BU MAXOLUTION - Industry Airport and Parcel Logistics SEW EURODRIVE

15:30 - 16:00

BIM and Facility Management: an application for existing buildings Emanuele Tedone, Deputy Manager Building & Environment Department ADPI

16:05 - 16:35

SESSIONS

The Future Is Now: How Technology Innovation Can Deliver A World Class Experience for Passengers and Airports Mark Laustra, Vice President, Global Business Development Analogic Corporation

May 2017

Airport Show

On day 3, Airport Security will take centre stage at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event. Join our new dedicated day and discuss the industry with your peers. See the latest security solutions and systems live on stage, meet the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading solution providers and hear from the experts in free to attend seminar sessions.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST (9:25 - 10:25) An airport security specialist will spark deep discussion around the challenges to move from traditional protective/reactive actions to a more risk-based preventive security approach in this informal business breakfast. Created exclusively for the Airport Security Community including selected buyers, solution providers and key officials. Selected guests will receive a personal invitation.

SECURITY INNOVATION PODIUM (10:30 - 14:30) Day 3 of the Innovation Podium at Airport Show will be dedicated to topics related to Airport Security.

AIRPORT SHOW DAY 3 INNOVATION PODIUM ACTIVITIES Time

Topic

Company

Speaker

09:25 - 10:25

Breakfast

10:30 - 10:50

Security & Metal Detection

Garrett Middle East

Bilal Chehime

10:55 - 11:15

How your checkpoint can reach its full potential using an advanced central screening and management platform

Smiths Detection

Heiko Grohmann

11:20 - 11:40

Aeronautical Communications using cybersecurity as a means

DF Nucleo

11:45 - 12:05

Overcoming the new security challenges of aviation

Nuctech

Imran Sayed

12:10 - 12:25

Panel discussion

12:30 - 12:50

Application of transmission x-ray full body scanning technology within aviation security sector

ADANI

Leonid Zelenkevich

L3 Integrated solution to drive the balance airports need for checkpoint security, efficiency, and passenger satisfaction

Gregory J. Tobin

12:55 - 13:15

13:20 - 13:40

Checkpoint Evolution Tony Crane / Herbert Systems

13:45 - 14:05

ASTIM

13:10 - 14:30

Felipe Knaesel Koch Leonardo

14:35-14:55

Panel discussion

May 2017

Airport Show

‘Women in Aviation’ committed

to increasing the share of women in Middle East’s aviation sector Laila Hareb: Women in UAE making their mark across all sectors

General Assembly to be hosted by Airport Show DUBAI, March 29, 2017: Eminent international women leaders from the aviation industry will converge at the 2nd Women in Aviation General Assembly on May 15th to promote the higher participation of women in the Middle East’s robust aviation sector. Hosted by Airport Show 2017, the General Assembly and Student Career Orientation Programme is being organised in partnership with Women in Aviation (Middle East Chapter) and will involve participation of aviation experts of international acclaim and over 200 attendees. The forum will help connect government and private companies, which are keen on hiring women, with aspiring professionals in the aviation sector. Airport Show 2017 is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group from May 15-17, 2017. With women constituting over 60 per cent of Arab countries’ science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates (according to UNESCO), the forum is taking active measures to enhance their participation in the Middle East’s robust and rapidly growing aviation sector, which contributes over $157.2 billion to the GDP and generates more than 2.4 million jobs. In Dubai alone, the aviation sector is estimated to contribute 37.5 per cent to its GDP and support over 750,000 jobs by 2020. Laila Hareb Asst Director General - Aviation Strategies and International Affairs at General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), said:

“

60 per cent STEM graduates in Arab countries are women Forum to connect GCC aviation companies keen on hiring women employees and aspiring professionals in aviation

Women in the UAE are making their mark across all sectors. In line with the vision of our leaders toward driving women’s participation in the national development of the nation, I would invite women to be a part of this highly important forum and of the aviation sector, particularly to tap into the numerous opportunities offered in the booming aviation sector in the Middle East, which has a very strong growth outlook. Airports across the region are investing to the tune of millions of dollars toward expansion and the region is also set to be the fastest growing region in the world for the airline industry. The region has no shortage of talent and there is a perfect opportunity for the industry to tap into the talent pool and, for those aspiring to be a part of this sector, to avail of the opportunity. The ‘Arab Women in Aviation’ conference is supported by key industry stakeholders, including Sky Prime Aviation as Platinum Sponsors, Mubadala and Strata as Silver Sponsors and Boeing, Etihad Airways Engineering, Commercial Bank International, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Royal Jet, Maximus Air, MSI Aircraft Maintenance Services and Air Navigation Services of Sweden as the event’s General Assembly Sponsors.

“

Mervat Sultan, Co-founder and President, Women in Aviation Middle East, said: “Most roles in aviation are still dominated by men around the world and with the help of conferences such as these, we hope to change this. The region is quickly becoming the global hub for aviation and women will have a huge role to play in this growing sector. The Women In Aviation Middle East Chapter is pleased to support the organisers in highlighting the exciting career opportunities that will open for women across aviation in the region over the next decade and promoting the role of women in the aviation and aerospace industry.

May 2017

Airport Show

The first general assembly of Women in Aviation, held in 2016, was a record success with the major participation from women professionals across the aviation sector such as pilots, engineers, managers and training and recruitment professionals We look forward to welcoming many of our colleagues and partners from across the region to the conference in May.” Mervat added: “Empowering women in highly skilled roles is a major initiative of the governments in the Middle East. We are pleased to announce that Women in Aviation is receiving an equally strong interest from companies in the private sector who are keen on hiring women. Our Middle East chapter is now focussing on spreading awareness about aviation as a career of choice in the region by visiting schools, universities and colleges, when students are seeking the right information and direction to choose the best career for themselves. In addition, we are also helping companies in the aviation sector that are keen on hiring women to reach the right talent. All the efforts are focussed toward attaining the main goal, which is increasing the participation of women in Middle East’s aviation sector.” Salem Abaid Al Muzaini, CEO, Sky Prime private aviation services, said: “We are proud to be the platinum sponsor of the Women in Aviation General Assembly. Sky Prime is supporting to empower women and enhance their participation in aviation & all sectors.” The general assembly and career orientation programme will provide the participants an opportunity to get inspired and hear women who are motivating millions with their success in this sector.

Among the sessions will be a special panel on ‘Inspirational Stories’ of the most successful and talented women in aviation around the world who have made it to the top of their organisations, a session exploring the wide spectrum of roles in aviation, as well as a practical guide on how to excel in these roles for aspiring young professionals, a presentation on key developments that will shape the Middle East’s future aviation landscape and the economic stimulus these will create for the region and a panel discussion on preparing the aviation leaders of tomorrow. Daniyal Qureshi, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Exhibitions Middle East, organisers of Airport Show 2017, said: “Across the GCC, we see exemplary initiatives being taken to encourage the participation of women in aviation, particularly as the region’s aviation sector is amongst the fastest growing in the world. The Middle East’s aviation and aerospace industries will see a huge boom in job opportunities over the next decade and this is the right time to ensure an equal opportunity for women in this sector. In line with our objectives of supporting the sustainable growth of aviation in the region, Airport Show is pleased to host Women in Aviation, which we are sure will create a positive long-term impact on our society.”

May 2017

Airport Show

MONDAY, 15 TH MAY 2017 10:00 am - 10:05 am

Introductory Address - Master of Ceremonies

10:05 am - 10:15 am

Welcome Address

10:15 am - 10:30 am

Opening Keynote: Arab Women In Aviation - Breaking down the barriers

10:30 am - 11:30 am

Panel Discussion 1: Inspirational Stories - The view from the top. Get to hear from some of the most successful and talented women in aviation around the world who have made it to the top of their organisations. How did they choose aviation as a career, what are the challenges they faced and how did they reach to the top.

11:30 am - 12:00 pm

Networking Break

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm 1:00 pm - 2:10 pm

2:15 pm - 2:30 pm

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Panel Discussion 2: Aviation Careers - Planning your future in one of most diverse and dynamic industries. Contrary to what most people think, there are women in just about every occupation across the Middle East aviation industry. This session explores the wide spectrum of roles offering exciting career opportunities for women in aviation, as well as a practical guide on how to excel in these roles for aspiring young professionals. Lunch Presentation: Middle East 2020 - Becoming An Equal Rights Employer. This is an exciting time to be in aviation in the Middle East. With almost 1,300 aircraft on order (worth approximately US$345 billion) and over US$100 billion worth of airport expansion under way and planned across the region, the sector is witnessing a breathtaking transformation unlike any in its previous history. In this number crunching session, we look at some of the key developments that will shape the Middle Eastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future aviation landscape and the economic stimulus these will create for the region. Panel Discussion 3: Next Generation - Preparing the aviation leaders of tomorrow. The Middle East is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest growing aviation market, and in the UAE alone, the sector is expected to provide approximately 750,000 jobs and require more than 55,000 pilots and 62,000 technicians by 2020. The region offers excellent career opportunities in aviation and empowering women in highly skilled roles across the sector is a major initiative of regional governments and an important element of their economic diversification strategy. This session explores these issues in greater detail and provides a roadmap for success.

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Networking Break

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Panel Discussion 4: Work Life Balance - Managing a successful career and a happy family. In many Middle East countries, there are still cultural reservations to women choosing career paths that require them to spend time far from home - either as a student or in the workplace. However, the aviation industry now offers a wide range of opportunities allowing women to be educated and find jobs close to home, while regional governments are also encouraging more mother-friendly workplaces. In this session, experts share their views on how women in the region can manage a successful and satisfying career without compromising on their family lives.

5:00 pm

Closing and Thank you

May 2017

Airport Show

WTCEME to highlight strong potential of Middle East’s travel catering industry

Global inflight catering services market to reach $17.6 billion by 2020 4th edition of WTCEME from May 15 – 17th May 2017 at DICEC

esponding to a strong interest from the global travel catering industry to tap into business opportunities in the region, triggered by a robust aviation sector performance, the 4th edition of the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo Middle East (WTCEME) 2017 will offer its largest ever platform to global travel catering players with an expected over 70 exhibitors more than 15 per held cent in increase in the number of visitors. The first general assemblyand of Women in Aviation,

2016, was a record success with the major participation from with women Co-located theprofessionals Airport Show across the aviation sector as pilots, engineers, 2017, such WTCEME, the largest travelmanagers and training and recruitment professionals catering expo in the MENASA region, will feature the most advanced We look forward to welcoming many of our colleagues and Among the sessions will be a special panel on ‘Inspirational Stories’ technologies and latest products partners from across the region to the conference in May.” of the most successful and talented women in aviation around the and services relevant to travel Mervat added: “Empowering women in highly skilled roles is a major world who have made it to the top of their organisations, a session catering sector, ranging from food initiative of the governments in the Middle East. We are pleased exploring the wide spectrum of roles in aviation, as well as a practical andtobeverage, amenities, and is receiving an equally strong announce travel that Women in Aviation guide on how to excel in these roles for aspiring young professionals, accessories to companies catering inequipment interest from the private sector who are keen on hiring a presentation on key developments that will shape the Middle East’s future aviation landscape and the economic stimulus these andwomen. technologies.

will create for the region and a panel discussion on preparing the Our Middle East chapter is now focussing on spreading awareness aviation leaders of tomorrow. Theabout global inflight catering services aviation as a career of choice in the region by visiting schools, products made to ensure the best in- Exhibitions market is estimated bestudents $17.6are seeking the products, services and Daniyal solutions Qureshi, Group Exhibition Director, Reed universities and colleges,to when the right information flight experiences. A beverage sampling billion 2020todriven by best growing required. and by direction choose the career for themselves. In addition, Middle East, organisers of Airport Show 2017, said: “Across the are also helping companies in the aviation sector that are keen pass will be given by Exhibitors air we passenger traffic and service GCC, we see exemplary initiatives being taken to who encourage the on hiring women to reach the right thethe efforts are focussed participation ofare women in aviation, particularly the only region’s aviation displaying wines. Visitorsascan innovations by airlines, accordingtalent. to All Join region’s largest dedicated toward attaining the main goal, which is increasing the participation sector is amongst thepasses fastestthrough growingthe in the world. get the exhibitors. a report by Global Industry Analysts. platform for the Travel Catering of women in Middle East’s aviation sector.” The Middle East’s aviation and aerospace industries will see a huge Industry boom in job opportunities over the next decade and this is the Travel services, Catering & right Onboard NEW an Exhibitors TheSalem Middle which a World Abaid East, Al Muzaini, CEO, has Sky Prime private aviation time to ensure equal opportunity for women in this sector. said: “Weshare are proud to global be the travel platinum Services sponsor of the Middle Women East in will Expo provide what our NEW exhibitors have growth of significant in the In line with ourSee objectives of supporting the sustainable Aviationindustry, General Assembly. Sky Prime isa supporting empower women caterers aviation in thetoregion, Show is pleased to host leadingtoglobal suppliers, and offer Airport at World Travel Catering & Women in catering will witness and enhance their participation in aviation & all sectors.” Aviation, which we are sure will create a positive long-term impact strong passenger growth and see an experts a dedicated platform to tap Onboard Services Expo ME. on our society.”

The237 general assembly and career orientation will provide intoprogramme the opportunities presented by its extra million passengers a year the participants an opportunity to get inspired and hear women are business. catering on routes to and from the region by booming aviationwho motivating millions with their success in this sector. 2034, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Beverage Sampling Area – Taste & Try! This growth will further fuel travel Treat yourself at the Beverage catering requirements as well as Sampling Area; see the exclusive

NEW Product Launches Have a look at the latest trends and new products at World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo ME.

May 2017

ADPI

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s part of its innovation dynamic, flow simulations are becoming a strategic asset and business line for ADP Ingénierie. Simulations are a support to the decision-making process of the customers in order to, anticipate the impact of passenger and airplanes traffic growth, optimize the resources of airport platforms, its operations and maintenance.

Supporting UAE and Middle East airports development , ADP Ingénierie is aiming at anticipating the needs of its customers, and assisting them in making strategic choices or in conducting their operations. The portfolio of services offered is based on virtual models in which more and more airport operators, worldwide are interested. Airplanes flows modeling at Paris airports CDG and Orly Modeling all operational configurations in order to allow the broadest scope for the simulations, for normal and LVP operations, with support of de-icing capacity in both cases. Congestion identification at Hong Kong Airport Several simulations were conducted on the model to study a works critical phase impact on airplanes flows, highlighting congestion problems in and out one of the terminals apron. Validate passenger flow Layout at Chengdu Design for the new Tianfu airport, achieved terminals modeling and simulations of passenger flows

May 2017

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and simulated various scenarios to improve the processing time, maximum congestion impact of the area and consider flow segregation benefits and constraints.

Operations optimization for Hong Kong Airport Modeling check-in area and security area: flow simulation for functional concept control. Proposed scenarios for optimizing the operation of these areas based on simulations results.

ADP Ingénierie, is a French engineering company that carries out consulting and engineering activities, worldwide, in relation with the development or the improvement of any type of airports' infrastructures.

Check-in process optimization – Validate Circulation of Prague's airport Existing terminal expansion feasibility study, modeling of the terminal and its extension to validate the functional concept on the separation of Schengen/nonSchengen flows.

With 400 employees of 40 nationalities, working in 16 countries, currently involved in more than 100 projects, and a clear understanding of the issues and trends, ADP Ingénierie is able to anticipate the expectations of its customers and to offer innovative solutions. Proud of its history, and rich of more than 700 references, ADP Ingénierie promotes innovation in all areas and paves the way for the airport of tomorrow. 

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Middle East News

Kuwait plans third runway, new traffic control tower

he $491 million plan is jointly implemented by Chinese and Kuwaiti companies, and will contribute to operating the new Terminal; Operations will start in June. Al-Fouzan said the third runway – 4.5 kilometres long and 60 metres wide – would receive giant airplanes like the Airbus 380, ease traffic on current runways and ultimately boost capacity of entire airport. He said the East Runway would be enlarged to match the third Runway. Al-Fouzan said the development of infrastructure of Kuwait Airport would link the new projects with each other. This development will include building a new headquarters of DGCA, two fire stations, a cargo city, the T2 and new parking lots for the Amiri Fleet. The air traffic control tower, which would be at least 70 metres high, would be equipped with a state-of-theart radar system, aircraft automatic control system, an advanced communication system between air controllers and planes as well as an aircraft guiding system based on lights.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is carrying out a comprehensive plan to develop Kuwait International Airport, aimed at boosting aviation safety and increase passenger capacity. The plan includes four projects: building a third runway, developing the infrastructure, constructing an air traffic control tower and developing the East Runway, DGCA’s Director General of Civil Aviation Engineer Yousef Al-Fouzan said. The 149.8 million Kuwaiti Dinar ($490.7 million) plan is jointly implemented by Chinese and Kuwaiti companies, and will contribute to operating the new Terminal (T2). Operations will start in June, said in a statement to KUNA.

May 2017

The airport development plan aims at increasing capacity of passengers, receive giant airplanes, implementing the open skies policy and providing top-notched services, said Al-Fouzan. A supporting terminal is built on 55,000 square meters and will increase capacity by five million passengers every year. This terminal, which encompasses some 2,450 parking lots, will have 14 gates for departing planes and 10 gates for arrivals. The terminal, a joint Turkish-Kuwaiti KD 52.89 million (USD 173.2 million) project, is expected to be operational in first quarter 2018, said Al-Fouzan. The new Terminal (T2) will provide best comfortable means for passengers, he added. The state-of-the-art T2 will receive 13 million passengers every year initially which will increase to 25 million, said AlFouzan. 

Middle East News

Gulf Air signs $38 million deal with Recaro for new aircraft seat supplies

ulf Air has signed a $38 million deal with Germany-based Recaro Aircraft Seating for the supply of CL3710 line of economy class aircraft seats.

The seating will be equipped with Gulf Air’s ten new Boeing 7879 Dreamliners, and 29 Airbus 320/321neo aircraft. Designed to offer more comfort on long-haul flights, Recaro’s CL3710 incorporates a flexible and individually adjustable headrest, inflight entertainment (IFE) systems, and extra legroom for passengers. The seating platform’s modular lightweight construction also provides various configurations

for aircraft manufacturers and airlines. Gulf Air has already been using Recaro seats on its shorthaul routes in both economy and business class layouts. Gulf Air CEO Maher Salman Al Musallam said: “Gulf Air guests rightly expect an exceptional level of service and quality on board our aircraft, and as we expand and modernise our fleet, Recaro’s economy class seats fit perfectly into our new cabin concept, guaranteeing a pleasant travel

experience for our passengers and standardising our product across our short and long-haul fleet.” Deliveries of the new Boeing 7879 Dreamliner and Airbus 320neo are expected to be carried out next year, while deliveries of the A321neo aircraft are planned to begin by 2020. In addition, Recaro announced that it has been selected by UAE-based carrier flydubai to equip the airline’s new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with CL3710 seats. 

May 2017

Middle East News

Qatar Airways to launch 12 routes in 2018, signs Inmarsat partnership

Oman Air reports growth in 2016

atar Airways plans to launch 12 destinations in 2018 and will begin offering highspeed broadband connectivity in partnership with Inmarsat, using GX Aviation technology on flights from this summer. The new destinations include San Francisco (US); Cardiff (UK); U-Tapao (Thailand), Chittagong (Bangladesh); Mykonos (Greece); Málaga (Spain); Accra (Ghana); Lisbon (Portugal); Abidjan (Ivory Coast); Prague (Czech Republic); Kiev (Ukraine) and Mombasa (Kenya). The Doha-based airline previously announced14 new routes for the 2017-18 period, further adding to its global network of more than 150 destinations. New destinations to launch this year include Nice (France); Chang Mai (Thailand); Dublin (Ireland) and Skopje (Macedonia). Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker recently said it is important for the carrier to grow. “I need to get market share,” he said. Al Baker said Qatar has a good mix of different-sized aircraft and can adjust capacity within 48 hours before a flight departs. “You don’t expect me to allow losses. We took out 400 seats per day on the Doha-Frankfurt route [by operating smaller aircraft] when Emirates Airline announced it would come to Frankfurt from Dubai with Airbus A380s,” he said. 

May 2017

ased on its annual financial report, Oman Air demonstrated positive performance in 2016, with stable growth and continued expansion.

As revealed by Darwish Bin Ismail Bin Ali Al Balushi, chairman, board of directors, Oman Air, the growth of the carrier’s fleet generated a 20 per cent year-on-year surge in available seat kilometres, along with a nine per cent rise in flight movements over 2015. Consequently, the airline saw a 21 per cent jump in passenger numbers, with over 7.7 million travellers in 2016. Despite regional economic challenges, the company achieved revenue of OMR472 million ($1.23 million), up one per cent over 2015. The company concluded 2016 with the launch of the first cabin crew training centre in the region, Oman Air Flight Training Centre. However, the company reported operating loss of 80% to RO120 million ($312 million) last year, and a net loss of almost RO130

million. The airline had been making a steady increase net profit up to 2007 but in the same year the Omani government changed its air transport strategy by withdrawing from multinational Middle Eastern carrier Gulf Air to focus on developing Oman Air. This involved taking it under state control, and out of private ownership, in order to place the airline as a long-haul operator and modernise its fleet with Airbus A330s, and acquiring Boeing 787s. But the airline has been unable to reverse its poor financial performance, and its 2016 net loss is the worst it has witnessed. The company’s 2016 annual report puts accumulated losses at RO817 million and states that, at the end of last year, its liabilities exceeded its current assets by RO192 million. Chief executive Paul Gregorowitsch said: “ “We didn’t reach our targets for 2016 but we have ambitious plans for the current year.” 

Middle East News

Royal Wings starts operating regular Aqaba-Cairo flights

oyal Wings, a subsidiary of Royal Jordanian Airline - in cooperation with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA)- will start operating twice weekly scheduled flights between Aqaba and Cairo, on Fridays and Tuesdays.

This new service between Aqaba and Cairo is part of Royal Wings’ effort to strengthen Aqaba’s position on the commercial and international tourism map.

competitive ticket fares on the new route: one way (Aqaba/Cairo) ticket is JD85 ($120), while the roundtrip ticket price is JD129 ($182), including all applicable taxes.

This is the second regular service operated by Royal Wings that departs from Aqaba; the company had launched a regular flight between Aqaba and Beirut.

This route is expected to revive tourism, a priority for ASEZA, which continuously seeks to attract tourists from all over the world to the sunny coastal city of Aqaba, which offers various entertaining activities including water sports, diving, adventure trips, and is close to points of attraction in the south of Jordan, including Petra and Wadi Rum.

The airline operates these two services following a cooperation agreement signed with ASEZA.Royal Wings, which also operates charter flights, offers

Along with serving the tourists and merchants of the two countries, this flight will serve thousands of Egyptian workers in Aqaba. It will also facilitate trips from Egypt to Jordan for those interested in religious tourism who desire to visit the Baptism site and other Christian sites in the kingdom. The new Aqaba-Cairo-Aqaba flight departs on Fridays and Tuesdays from Aqaba at 18:10 and arrives in Cairo at 18:05; it takes off from Cairo at 18:50 and arrives in Aqaba at 21:00. 

May 2017

International News

Carriers see threat from Qatar Airways India domestic plans

atar will have to compete with established and mettle-worthy players in India, to face challenges of a crowded market where airlines face cyclic survival and no sustainable economic viability.

A stated intention by Qatar Airways to start a fully owned domestic Indian carrier has the Federation of Indian Airlines voicing objections to the government on sovereignty and security grounds, quite apart from concerns that the Qatari airline could eat into the fledgling yields of India’s airlines. Arguing that the move would conflict with the “Make in India” policy that encourages Indian companies to establish new businesses domestically, SpiceJet chairman Ajay Singh has voiced particularly vociferous criticism. “This will not get any investment into India,” he told AIN. “When you set up an airline, you lease aircraft, and this will be done from outside India. So there’s nothing which really comes into the country.”

May 2017

“[It’s] all about ensuring that we have a level playing field and that Indian aviation sector can grow and prosper…that India will build its own Etihads, Emirates and Qatars,” he added. However, others see Qatar’s entry in a different light. “Concern about a foreign carrier is a misnomer,” said Harsh Vardhan, chairman of New Delhi-based Starair Consulting. “Qatar will have to compete with established and mettleworthy players in India. It will have to face challenges of a crowded market where airlines face cyclic survival and no sustainable economic viability. Unlike the Middle East, India has a dogeat-dog environment.” Furthermore, with major airport slots unavailable and parking slots restricted due to congestion, a new entrant such as

Qatar, used to a virtually monopolistic environment in its own country, would find India’s carriers worthy competitors, said Vardhan. India’s aviation policy allows 49 per cent direct foreign investment in domestic carriers under the so-called automatic route. The limit can increase to 100 per cent with government approval. Perhaps not coincidentally, Qatar’s suggestions of a wholly owned Indian subsidiary follow an agreement signed in India last December by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani on investments in infrastructure including airports and airlines. 

May 2017

International News

Boeing 737 Max program ahead of schedule

he newest iteration of Boeing’s iconic 737, the Max 9, made its initial flight over Washington state on April 13. The 737 Max program is slightly ahead of schedule. The Max 9 first flight occurred about a week earlier than Boeing initially anticipated.

In the coming year, the Max 7—the smallest of the Max line—and the Max 200 variants will roll off the Boeing assembly line in Renton and, like the Max 9, undergo flight testing at locations around the world. As for the Max 9, Boeing Max program vice president Keith Leverkuhn said the

company expected to complete flight testing by the end of the year. Plans call for the first production model to go to Indonesian low-fare carrier LionAir. The first Max 9 flight lasted one hour and 42 minutes as the aircraft, piloted by Capt. Christine Walsh and her copilot, Capt. Ed Wilson, crisscrossed Washington at an altitude of 24,000 feet and at a top speed of 240 knots. During the initial flight, Walsh and Wilson shut down and restarted each of the Max 9’s CFMLeap-1B engines, verified trim attitudes and stability and went through a number of flap

and gear transitions to verify the aircraft’s handling capabilities. Asked to identify an example of the squawks, Wilson referenced a minor communications problem. “One of the radios was pretty weak,” he said. The aircraft departed Renton Municipal Airport on a downwind takeoff and landed at Boeing Field in a strong crosswind. Walsh said her years of flying 737s came in handy at that point. “There was a 22 knot direct crosswind,” she told reporters shortly after landing. “And as you know, that involves a lot of control inputs. But it flew just like a 737.” 

Airbus to increase A380 capacity by 78 seats

he company said average four-class passenger capacity will increase from 497 to 575, allowing the A380 to generate “significantly more revenue” for operators. Airbus has unveiled a series of space-saving modifications for the A380 cabin that will result in room for another 78 passengers on average. Presenting the package at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany, the company said average four-class passenger capacity will increase from 497 to 575, allowing the A380 to generate “significantly more revenue” for operators.

May 2017

An 11-abreast “three-five-three” seating configuration in the airplane’s main deck economy class accounts for the most additional capacity, allowing for another 23 passengers. Meanwhile, modifications allowing for a move to eight abreast to nine abreast in premium economy accounts for another 11. However, perhaps the most revenuegenerating potential lies with a new forward stairs (NFS) design that involves relocation of the forward stair from Door 1 to Door 2 and combining the entrance of the NFS to the upper deck with the adjacent staircase to the

lower-deck crew rest. That modification will add another 20 seats in business, economy plus and economy.Still more business class capacity comes from the removal of upper-deck sidewall stowage, increasing wall-to-wall cabin width at foot-rest height and generating space for up to 10 more business class seats/beds in an angled herring-bone arrangement. Separately, a new aft-galley stair module (AGSM) involves the redesign of the rear stair from a spiral agreement to a straight/square one, allowing for more storage volume for galley modules on the main deck. 

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May 2017

Opinion

Financing future prosperity R

esilient infrastructure is the bedrock for the sustainable development of modern economies. In many parts of the world, airport operators face capacity constraints which has resulted in bottlenecks and flight delays. ACI forecasts a 33 per cent growth in global passenger volumes from 2015–2020, a volume that would cause many national governments to face a predicament where the surge in air transport demand outstrips available airport infrastructure. This is particularly relevant to the Middle East, where passenger volumes in the medium-term is expected to grow more than any other region, at 9.6 per cent annually on average. Established in 2015, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call on the international community to pledge a plan of action based on 17 global targets that aim to ensure prosperity, peace and to eradicate poverty by 2030. SDG 9, “[b]uild resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation,” is directly pertinent to the airport industry and the economies that it serves around the globe. Under the umbrella of SDG 9, ACI has released a Policy Brief on airport ownership, economic regulation and financial performance, that describes the state of the industry based on a robust dataset and inventory of the world’s major commercial airports and puts forth practical policy recommendations to ensure that investment is attracted to the industry. The Brief emphasizes the need for flexibility and consistency in regulatory frameworks that govern airport revenues and capital investments. Specifically, it advocates a move toward well-crafted economic incentives that enables private equity to flow to the airport industry and helps contain the level of risk of such a capital intensive investment.

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May May 2017 2017

Angela Gittens Director General, ACI World

The fundamental motive for airport privatizations or public-private partnerships is to finance what States are no longer able or willing to finance. Where infrastructure constraints persist and renewal is required, airport companies, private investors and other consortia provide viable solutions to many of our infrastructure problems. Private sector stakeholders bring commercially-driven management and expertise, which in turn generate value and innovations for airline customers and passengers, but they also expect a return for the risk in investment. ACI does not however prescribe any specific ownership model. Each ownership model should guarantee flexibility to airport operators in developing both the aeronautical and non-aeronautical sides of the business to achieve a reasonable return on investment. Airports are wealth generators for other stakeholders in the air transport value chain and their socioeconomic impact and multiplier effect extends to the broader economy. ACI seeks to work in partnership with governments, regulators and other aviation stakeholders to ensure that we develop a fertile ground for industry investments to achieve the 2030 SDG. 

Opinion

Respect global standards

afety is the top priority for all involved in aviation— and aviation is the safest form of long-distance travel. Last year there were over 40 million safe flights. That’s an achievement that we can all be proud of. And it was made possible by a framework that incorporates respect for global standards, cooperation and the value of data. Global standards exist, but they are not being applied universally. The investigation process is one of our most important learning tools when building global standards. However, a recent study showed that of the approximately 1,000 accidents over the last decade, accident reports were available for only around 300 of them. And of those, many had room for improvement. To learn from an accident, we need reports that are complete, accessible and timely. We also need states to fully respect the standards and processes enshrined in global agreements for participation in the investigation by all specified parties. We have a common interest in safe and secure flights. Yet last month the US and the UK announced that large electronic devices would be banned from passenger cabins on some flights from the Middle East and North Africa. There was no consultation with airlines and the measure challenged public confidence with inconsistencies, while the safety concerns over concentrations of lithium batteries in the aircraft hold have not been adequately considered or addressed. The learnings from this are many—governments need to share information, they need to consult with industry, and they need to support the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as it develops a global aviation security plan.

Alexandre de Juniac Director General and CEO, IATA

drones that are equipped to share the airspace with manned aircraft. However, we need to ensure that the smaller drones, whether intended for recreational or commercial use, are kept out of airspace used for approach and landing operations of air transport. A framework of data, dialogue among all stakeholders and global standards will help to ensure that we are able to take advantage of the great opportunities presented by drones, with no degradation in system safety or efficiency. 

Edited excerpts from a speech at the IATA Safety and Flight Operations Conference in Seoul.

Another area where more data is needed involves the use of drones around airports and their potential hazard to aviation. There is significant work being developed at ICAO to produce standards for the larger

May 2017

ATM

New certification specifications for aerodrome design

irports will be able to accept large aircraft within the existing infrastructure and thus increasing capacity, generate cost savings for the infrastructure, construction and maintenance costs of runways.

European aviation safety officials are proposing new certification specifications for aerodrome design in to support modern large aircraft at existing aerodromes. “Modern aircraft have very precise guidance systems for landing / take-off and taxiing; this means that the current international and European provisions for designing runway, taxiway and other areas can be lightened without compromising safety. The new proposal is meant to take this technological evolution into account,” said the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The public consultation on this so called Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) ends on 31 May and EASA said it will

review the comments received and prepare during the summer its decision for a regulatory change of certification specifications for aerodrome design. With the proposed new CS, airports will be able to accept large aircraft within the existing infrastructure and thus increasing capacity, in particular at congested aerodromes – and also generate significant cost savings for the aerodrome infrastructure: construction and maintenance costs of runways, runway shoulders, and taxiways will be reduced due to the proposed provisions. “Airlines would also benefit from the proposed provisions, since they would be able to operate large aeroplanes from more aerodromes and to better plan their network,” the agency said.

Apart from the economic gain, the proposed provisions will have positive environmental benefits due to more efficient use of available land and reduced consumption of construction materials for infrastructure. In 2015 EASA, launched an initiative at EU level with the objective to find swifter solutions for the accommodation of large aircraft at existing aerodromes. From the very beginning the activity gathered experts from National Aviation Authorities (NAA), ACI Europe, aerodrome operators and manufacturing industry. Similar to the EASA initiative, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) established the Task Force at global level with the purpose to revise its standards and recommended practices for aerodrome physical characteristics. The outcome of the work and proposed changes were presented to the relevant ICAO and EASA bodies with the wide agreement to be incorporated in ICAO and EASA provisions. With the strong support from ACI Europe, the material was incorporated into the EASA NPA. EASA will synchronise its NPA public consultation process with the ICAO consultation also expected in spring 2017, which will provide a better overview of the proposed developments to ICAO member states. 

May 2017

ATM

Airbus developing system for sharing common airspace

3 by Airbus, the advanced projects and partnerships outpost of Airbus in Silicon Valley, is preparing to launch a real-time system trajectory management project that could one day allow airborne vehicles of all sizes and classes to share a common airspace and operate safely.

The US division of the European airframer made the announcement at the same time as linking with unmanned systems community organisation AUVSI, to call on industry leaders, regulators, as well as technologists to cooperate in developing standards for self-piloted passenger aircraft and the regulatory pathways required to make large-scale automated passenger flight possible in urban areas. “The ability to be transported safely and quickly through a city in a self-piloted aircraft is no longer science fiction,” said Rodin Lyasoff, chief executive of A3 by Airbus. “Advances in propulsion, battery performance, air traffic management, autonomy and connectivity mean that this mode of transportation is capable

of benefiting millions of people in years, not decades. Urban Air Mobility will significantly change how we live and work for the better, but bridging from feasibility to reality will require close cooperation between the public and private sectors to define appropriate regulations.” A3 and AUVSI held a workshop at the Airbus Experience Center in Washington, DC, that included key participants from the Federal Aviation Administration, industry groups and aviation companies, in order to focus on developing solutions in two key regulatory areas: Certification: Autonomous passenger aircraft currently have no clear path to certification. Regulators and industry

leaders must partner to develop certification pathways specific to these types of aircraft, including airworthiness standards for Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL), electric propulsion, flyby-wire systems, software and senseand-avoid systems. Air Traffic Management: These vehicles will require safe, secure and scalable air traffic management solutions to enable point-to-point self-piloted operations. That system must operate to keep manned and unmanned aircraft safe and enable remote sensing applications. This would necessarily include rules that allow Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations and operations over people. 

May 2017

Airlines

United Airlines to tie executive pay to customer satisfaction

irline is in the process of developing targeted compensation programme design adjustments to ensure that employees’ incentive opportunities for 2017 are directly and meaningfully tied to progress in improving the customer experience.

Two weeks after a passenger was violently dragged from one its planes, United Airlines says it is to link pay more closely to customer satisfaction. The US company has also revealed its chief executive, Oscar Munoz, will now not become chairman, as anticipated. The airline has been under heavy scrutiny since video of the incident was shared worldwide. The executive pay decision features in a filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission financial watchdog. “United’s management and the board take recent events extremely seriously and are in the process of developing targeted compensation programme design adjustments to ensure that employees’ incentive opportunities for 2017 are directly and meaningfully tied to progress in improving the customer experience,” the filing said. It said a prior employment agreement with Mr Munoz had been reversed, so he would not become chairman of the board in 2018. The company, listed as United Continental Holdings Inc, said Mr Munoz initiated the amendment, and future appointments to the chairman position would now be at the board’s discretion.

May 2017

The filing also showed Mr Munoz was paid $18.72m (£14.5m) in 2016. Mr Munoz was heavily criticised and faced calls to resign after passenger Dr David Dao two lost teeth and a broken nose as he was dragged from the plane in Chicago on 9 April. In his first public statement, the executive had appeared to place the blame on Dr Dao, describing him as “disruptive and belligerent”. Days later, Mr Munoz said he felt “shame and embarrassment”, and vowed that it would never happen again. United was due to answer detailed questions about the incident at a Senate panel on Friday, but the airline requested a further week’s postponement.

Law enforcement officials dragged Dr Dao off a flight departing from Chicago for Louisville, Kentucky, because it was fully booked, and the airline wanted four passengers to make way for staff members. The 69-year-old VietnameseAmerican physician had refused to leave, saying he needed to go home to see his patients. He was then dragged down the aisle of the aircraft. Dr Dao’s daughter, Crystal Dao Pepper, later told a news conference in Chicago that the family had been “sickened” by what had happened. The ordeal led to demonstrations at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and turned into a public relations disaster for United Airlines. 

May 2017

Airlines

WestJet Airlines looks to launch new no-frills airline

estJet Airlines Ltd. has announced plans to launch a new discount airline later this year in a bid to offer travellers a no-frills, low-cost option. The Calgary-based company said the yet-to-be-named carrier will start with 10 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, subject to agreement with its pilots and any required regulatory approvals. WestJet CEO Gregg Saretsky said the airline industry has changed since the company began flying in 1996. “The complete unbundling of services and products in order to

lower fares for the price-sensitive traveller has created the ULCC (ultra low cost carrier) category,” he said in a statement. “Our new airline will provide Canadians a pro-competitive, cheap and cheerful flying experience from a company with a proven track record.” WestJet did not say where the airline would fly. Air Canada launched its discount brand Rouge with flights in 2013

with service to destinations Europe and the Caribbean. WestJet started as a discount carrier with three aircraft serving five destinations in Western Canada. The airline launched WestJet Encore, a regional airline, in 2013. Together with WestJet Encore, the company offers scheduled flights to more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. 

China Airlines “Buddy Bears Liveried Aircraft” set for launch C

hina Airlines has unveiled the “Buddy Bears Liveried Aircraft” in partnership with the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Kaohsiung City Government, and

the Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan. Taiwan’s OhBear, Kaohsiung’s Hero and Japan’s Kumamon will appear together on a China Airlines liveried aircraft for the first time. The cute and playful ambassadors for tourism

will join passengers in the sky, market Taiwan on the international stage and highlight the friendship between Taiwan and Japan. The first flight of the China Airlines 737-800 “Buddy Bears Liveried Aircraft” will depart on May 26. There will be 3 regular KaohsiungKumamoto services each week offering 8 Business Class and 150 Economy Class seats. Fans can also look forward to the aircraft being assigned to fly future services from Kaohsiung to Tokyo, Osaka and Okinawa. The theme “Buddy Bears Let’s Play! ” chosen by China Airlines this time brings together the most popular mascots from Taiwan and Japan. 

May 2017

Airlines

AirAsia India firms up plans for international launch A

irAsia India, the joint venture between the Malaysian budget airline and India’s Tata Group, is getting ready to start international operations after having completed three years in the domestic sector. India’s civil aviation policy mandates a domestic carrier must fly three years and operate at least 20 aircraft before launching international flights.

Now flying eight Airbus A320s, AirAsia India plans to increase its fleet size to 14 by October and to 20 by autumn 2018, Amar Abrol CEO told AIN. The airline will primarily connect metropolitan centers to secondtier cities as it expands. “The overall strategy is route dominance rather than getting hammered everywhere,” said

Abrol. AirAsia India leases its aircraft, which average seven years of age, from Frontier Airlines of the U.S. It plans to begin taking A320neos after it takes its 20th current-generation A320. AirAsia took delivery of its first A320neo last September and plans to accelerate deliveries this year for its Malaysian and Thai operations.

As Indian budget carrier IndiGo expands rapidly in the domestic market, AirAsia India appears unlikely to initiate a head-to-head challenge, choosing instead to become a domestic feeder to its parent airline while also using bilateral rights to fly to Asian destinations not yet fully exploited by operators. “IndiGo’s expansion is humongous,” acknowledged Abrol. 

Malaysia Airlines to track its planes in real time

irline plans to use a new spacebased tracking system developed by the company Aireon. The system will be ready in 2018. Malaysia Airlines says it will soon become the first airline to use a worldwide real-time satellite tracking system on its planes. The announcement came three years after a Malaysia Airlines plane, flight MH370, disappeared on its way from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. A two-year search followed, covering an area from Southeast Asia to the coast of Africa.

Neither the plane nor any of the 239 people it carried were found. Malaysia Airlines says it plans to use a new space-based tracking system developed by the company Aireon. The system will be ready in 2018. Current tracking systems send signals from airplanes to land-based stations. As a result, planes can be lost over the ocean, as was the case with flight MH 370. The new system will send signals from airplanes to satellites providing global

coverage. It uses existing data from planes, so it does not require any changes to aircraft. Don Thoma is head of the U.S.-based Aireon. He said in a statement, “Realtime, global flight tracking, anywhere on the planet will further its safety goals, by allowing Malaysia Airlines to track its aircraft anytime, anywhere.” The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) plans to establish a 15-minute standard for normal flight tracking, and more frequently in case of emergency, by November 2018. 

May 2017

Cargo & Logistics

Air cargo rides the wave of improving world economy

ir cargo rode the “wave of an improving world economy” over the first two months of 2017 but should not expect current growth to continue across the whole of the year, says industry tracker.

Air cargo demand grew by 6.3 per cent year on year in weight terms in January and February combined, according to industry tracker WorldACD.

traditionally weak period. However, it also cautioned that the current yearon-year growth being experienced by the industry may not continue for the whole year.

“Air cargo rode the “wave of an improving world economy” over the first two months of the year but should not expect current growth to continue across the whole of 2017,” the report said in its latest market update.

Air cargo seems to ride the wave of an improving world economy, making for a good outlook for this year. Yet, we should caution against expectations of the present YoY growth percentages continuing, the report added.

Demand even improved immediately after the Chinese New Year, a

“After all, the impressive growth percentages of the past half year

May 2017

were possible because of the relative weakness in the equivalent period one year earlier.” Looking at where the growth is coming from, the analyst said the three largest regions grew faster than elsewhere with Asia Pacific up 11 per cent, North America improving by 7 per cent and Europe registering an improvement of 6.5 per cent. Worldwide yield in dollar terms for the January/February period declined by 5.9 per cent compared with November/December but last

Cargo & Logistics

year the drop between the two periods was 8.3 per cent.

20 per cent, 25 per cent and 28 per cent respectively.”

“Viewing Jan/Feb 2017 against Jan/ Feb 2016, we see a yield drop of 2.6 per cent in US dollar-terms, but a 0.6 per cent yield rise, when measured in euros,” WorldACD said.

Meanwhile, Asian air cargo carriers recorded a demand boom in February, with Cathay Pacific citing improvements in imports from North America and Europe.

“So, the good news is that Jan/Febrevenues increased YoY. However, seen against the backdrop of jet fuel prices rising strongly YoY, margins for airlines continued to be fragile.”

The latest monthly figures from some of Asia’s leading airlines show high single-digit and double-digit year-on-year demand improvements in February, usually the slowest month of the year.

The analyst also looked at the performance of the 20 largest forwarders in 2016 and found regional differences.

The region’s busiest cargo carrier, Cathay Pacific, recorded a 12 per cent improvement in demand during the month to 764 million cargo and mail revenue tonne km, with tonnage up 17.4 per cent on a year ago.

“With a worldwide share in general cargo of 46 per cent, (top 20 forwarders) are strongest in the air cargo markets of Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. In Africa, MESA and Latin America, their shares were way below, with

Meanwhile, capacity grew by the lower amount of 1.2 per cent and therefore cargo load factors increased to 64.2 per cent compared with 58 per cent last year. 

Global freighter fleet to reach 2,341 by 2036 With no end in sight to the burgeoning growth of global e-commerce, the worldwide growth in narrowbody freighters is anticipated to reach 1,178 aircraft by 2036, up from just 656 narrowbody freighters at the end of 2016, according to the 20year “Freighter Forecast for 2017 – 2036.” The forecast was created by ACMG, a leading global air cargo consultancy and parent of Air Cargo World’s sister publication, Cargo Facts. By 2036, the report stated, narrowbodies will account for about 43 per cent of the total, global freighter fleet of 2,341 aircraft. That compares to about a 40 per cent share that narrowbodies hold in today’s fleet. “The robust activity in freighter conversion of narrowbody types over the past four years has led to an increase in the quantity of narrowbody freighters in the global fleet,” said Robert V. Dahl, Managing Director of ACMG. “This increase reverses a trend that began in 2000 through which the narrowbody freighter fleet decreased about 40 percent over a decade-long period.” For the first time, the “Freighter Forecast” includes projections for the size of the large turboprop and regional jet freighter fleets over the next 20 years. These additions round out the forecast for the freighter fleet to be as comprehensive as possible. Also, for the first time the forecast includes in its base-case the effect of the shift of cargo from freighter aircraft to passenger aircraft bellies.

May 2017

Cargo & Logistics

Asian carriers cheer as cargo demand rises 12.7%

he “healthy” increase was helped by manufacturing production of major Asian economies expanding at a steady pace, on the back of a continued rise in new business orders.

Asian airlines reported double-digit percentage improvements in cargo demand in March as manufacturing in the region continued to expand.

The latest figures from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed that cargo demand increased by 12.7 per cent in March in freight tonne km (FTK) terms. The association said the “healthy” increase was helped by manufacturing production of major Asian economies expanding at a steady pace, on the back of a continued rise in new business orders. “This helped support export-import activity, in turn benefitting the air cargo sector,” the AAPA said.

May 2017

AAPA Director General Andrew Herdman said: “Air cargo markets experienced a strong start to the year, with a firm 9.6 per cent increase during the first quarter of 2017. “Elevated consumer and business confidence levels in some developed and emerging market economies translated into increased orders, thus supporting demand for airfreight shipments. “The outlook for air passenger and cargo markets remains positive, against the backdrop of a broad upturn in global economic conditions. “However, the airline operating environment has become increasingly challenging, with oil prices off historic lows, and increasing cost pressures

due to rising input costs. Asia Pacific carriers will continue to strive for cost efficiencies whilst launching new destinations and maintaining customer service innovation.” While demand during the month improved by a double-digit percentage, capacity increased by 3% and as a result airlines in the region saw average cargo load factors improve to 67.6% for the month against 61.8% last year. 

Cargo & Logistics

Airfreight rates tick back G

lobal airfreight rates ticked back up again in March, up $0.21 per kilogram, or 6.7 per cent over March 2016, as the industry moved out of a seasonal decline in rates that generally follows the holiday surge. Drewry’s East West Airfreight Price Index registered an increase of 4 per cent, to 87.6 points ($2.84/ kg) in March 2017, pulling out of a continuous 19.2 point drop between December 2016 and February 2017. In the same period last year, airfreight rates were relatively flat.

Airport tonnage figures surged, month-to-month, indicating that declining airfreight rates were not an indicator of slowing trade.

Deutsche Post DHL Group, to tell The Economic Times that, as far as logistics went, “we never have lived in a better place than now.”

With carriers adding aircraft on the back of strong passenger numbers, however, capacity continued to rise. Drewry noted that the pace was slower in 2017, and that utilization was up, along with the rise in load factors.

There are other indicators that are pointing to a global trade resurgence. For instance, as her nears his 100th day in office, President Trump has been walking back on his harshest protectionist stances. Also, the U.K. will go to a re-vote on its own isolationism via a snap general election on 8 June which will either solidify backing for Brexit, or throw its future into doubt. 

Drewry’s latest numbers add to a picture of robust global trade that prompted Frank Appel, CEO of

DHL Express cuts shipment times with new Bahrain-Jeddah flight D

HL Express, the world’s leading international express services provider, has launched a new daily flight connecting Bahrain Hub with Jeddah, one of its gateways in Saudi Arabia’s western region.

The new route will see DHL Express fly seven times a week between Bahrain International Airport and Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, with each Boeing 757 flight carrying up to 22 tons of cargo.

Doing so makes DHL the first international express provider to offer direct movement and clearance of non-document goods through its DHL Express Worldwide service between Bahrain and Jeddah, reducing transit times by anywhere from 24 to 48 hours for customers shipping to Saudi Arabia’s Western Provinces.

“Bahrain forms a key node connecting Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia to other markets like China,

the Kingdom’s top export and import destination; and the European Union, where air freight volumes have grown by more than 50% since 2011,” said Nour Suliman, CEO, DHL Express Middle East and North Africa. “This new route has allowed us to reintroduce Worldwide Parcel Express services after eight years, at a time when e-commerce and growing regional affluence are causing demand for cross-border consumer shipments to literally soar.” 

May 2017

Technology

Pop.Up, the flying car for congested cities

irbus and Italdesign unveil Pop.Up, the first modular, fully electric, zero emission concept vehicle system designed to relieve traffic congestion in crowded megacities.

A flying car could soon become a reality thanks to a brand new design by Airbus and Italdesign. Flying cars are often associated with futuristic sci-fi movies, but that could all change – and much sooner than you think. An incredible new vehicle, which can drive on the road and fly, could be the solution to the congested cities.

two different and independent electric propelled modules (the ground module and the air module). Other public means of transportation (e.g. trains or hyperloops) could also integrate the Pop.Up capsule; and

During the 87th Geneva International Motor Show, Italdesign and Airbus world-premiered Pop.Up, the first modular, fully electric, zero emission concept vehicle system designed to relieve traffic congestion in crowded megacities. Pop.Up envisages a modular system for multi-modal transportation that makes full use of both ground and airspace.

The Pop.Up system aims to give time back to commuters through a flexible, shared and adaptable new way of moving within cities introducing a new user-focused transportation system concept. The Pop.Up vehicle combines the flexibility of a small two-seater ground vehicle with the freedom and speed of a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) air vehicle, thus bridging the automotive and aerospace domains.

Pop.Up System consists of a three layers concept: An Artificial Intelligence platform that, based on its user knowledge, manages the travel complexity offering alternative usage scenarios and assuring a seamless travel experience; A vehicle shaped as a passenger capsule designed to be coupled with

May 2017

An interface module that dialogues with users in a fully virtual environment.

Pop.Up’s modus operandi is simple: passengers plan their journey and book their trip via an easy-to-use app. The system automatically suggests the best transport solution - according to user knowledge, timing, traffic congestion, costs, ridesharing demands - joining either the air or ground module or other means of transportation to the passenger

capsule, and following passengers’ preferences and needs. At the heart of the concept is a capsule: designed to accommodate passengers. This high-tech, monocoque carbonfibre cocoon measures 2.6 metres long, 1.4 metres high, and 1.5 metres wide. 

For megacity journeys with high congested traffic, the capsule disconnects from the ground module and is carried by a 5 by 4.4 metre air module propelled by eight counter-rotating rotors. In this configuration, Pop.Up becomes an urban selfpiloted air vehicle, taking advantage of the third dimension to get from A to B efficiently whilst avoiding traffic congestion on the ground.

Technology

A game changing audio jack for inflight entertainment system

nnovative SoundChip jack technology streamlines audio connectivity on-board passenger aircraft by leveraging patented electronics with USB-C.

SoundChip, a Swiss-based global leader in wearable sound technology and leading supplier of advanced audio solutions for inflight entertainment, has unveiled SoundPort, an audio jack technology which allows all known airline headphone formats, including powered and jack-enabled noise cancelling, and Panasonic HD-AUDIO models, to operate with an inflight entertainment system via a single USB-C connector. SoundPort is a game-changer for airlines, supplanting large and expensive multi-socket audio jacks with a single USB-C connector that works with any airline headphone, including new digital models. Until now, to offer noise cancelling onboard, airlines have had little choice but to install audio jacks comprising a multiplicity of 3.5mm and 2.5mm audio sockets in either ARINC type C or D configurations. These jacks have proven to be unreliable, do not support digital audio, and often require enormous force to break the headphone’s plug away from the connector.

including powered and jack-enabled noise cancelling models, conventional stereo headphones, as well as next generation Panasonic HD AUDIO headsets, which bring several new features such as digital audio and voice telephony.

noise cancelling processing. For digital headsets, meanwhile, such as those compatible with Panasonic HD AUDIO, SoundPort passes digital signals to and from the headset and includes a powerful firewall to further protect inflight entertainment system data.

SoundPort’s integrated electronics autonomously detect the type of headphone connected to the jack and route incoming and outgoing audio signals accordingly.

To make a headphone compatible with SoundPort, including those already in use, requires the headphone’s cable to be swapped to one terminating in a USB-C connector.

For example, SoundPort provides power to noise cancelling headphones that include their own circuitry, whereas for noise cancelling headphones designed to operate with circuitry in the jack, SoundPort’s electronics perform the

SoundPort technology can be deployed in any panel-integrated and remotejack configuration, including those which are form-and-fit replaceable with conventional USB-A, C and multisocket jacks. 

SoundPort eliminates the need for large and expensive audio jacks by relying instead on the extensible capabilities of USB-C combined with SoundChippatented electronics. SoundPort works with all airline headphone types,

May 2017

Technology

Rolls-Royce prepares first advance engine core for testing

esting of the first prototype Power Gear Box, which Rolls describes as “the world’s most powerful aerospace gearbox” capable of producing up to 100,000 horsepower, has neared completion

Rolls-Royce is making final preparations to start testing its new “Advance 3” engine core, meant to form the basis of its future large powerplants. Testing will take place using a hybrid engine based on a combination of the Trent XWB84 fan system and Trent 1000 low pressure turbine. Rolls says it designed the Advance 3 to establish a new “scaleable” architecture. Assembly of the first Advance 3 engine core started last month and “is progressing well” at the company’s Bristol facility in the UK; the company will move the core to its main base in Derby, England, to start testing in mid2017. Unveiled in 2014, the Advance program will also play a part in future UltraFan (including possible Open Rotor) applications.

Testing of the first prototype Power Gear Box (PGB), which Rolls describes as “the world’s most powerful aerospace gearbox” capable of producing up to 100,000 horsepower, has neared completion at the UK-based company’s German facility in Dahlewitz, near Berlin. The three-foot-diameter PGB, along with a range of other new technology including a new lean-burn combustor, will allow 20-percent efficiency improvements within a conventional engine layout and a 25-percent improvement in an UltraFan, the later iteration of the architecture. Although the company has not identified the first application, Rolls expects to ready Advance for entry into service in some form by 2020 and in an UltraFan engine by 2025. It hopes

that the PGB could use engine oil for simplicity but said it would not rule out the need to use a different oil in the final design, given the extreme challenge such a gearbox presents. “It needs to be able to operate on a hot summer’s day in the Middle East,” Mike Whitehead, chief engineer and head of the UltraFan program, said. The gearbox uses five planetary gears and allows for a slower fan but a core that can operate at higher, more optimal speeds. The outer gear, also known as the ring gear, will not move relative to the engine. Friedrichshafen, Germanybased ATT (Aerospace Transmission Technologies), a joint venture Rolls formed with Liebherr especially to develop the PGB, has performed much of the development. The fan under development for Advance is made of carbon/titanium (CTi); Rolls has already gone through four generations of blade and more than 50 birdstrike tests. It has also completed a flight-test campaign in Tucson, Arizona. Current testing takes the blade beyond 120 inches in diameter, aimed at developing a mature fan technology for mating with the core and PGB at Derby. He also described technology development efforts at Rolls-Royce for possible future aircraft that could include hybrid-electric aircraft, embedded propulsion systems and possible distributed propulsion using electric motors. 

May 2017

Technology

The aircraft can travel 185 miles on a single charge, and reach speeds up to 185 mph

Vertical takeoff and landing:

Lilium Aviation does a test flight

ermany-based Lilium Aviation has just completed test flights of its vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) electric aircraft. The compact aircraft is designed to be a zeroemission personal transportation aircraft for civilian use.

Powered by 36 individual engines, the VTOL is an ultra-redundant aircraft where one, two, or even three engine failures won’t result in devastating loss of thrust.

Though CEO Daniel Wiegand has stated the two-seater will be able to go 185 mph and travel for ra range of 185 miles, testing limitations prevented Lilium for hitting the aircraft’s limits.

The aircraft was tested at a private airfield and the pilot controlled the concept via remote control. The test included a vertical takeoff, a transition to forward movement, and some good old-fashioned flying around.

Now that Lilium has had a successful test flight, the company intend to start building a five-seater for taxi services and other forms of paid transportation. Lilium believes their product will reduce transportation pollution as well as road

infrastructure needs, as the VTOL does not require a large amount of surface to takeoff and land. 

May 2017