Message from the President In 2007, the functions of the Department of Civil Aviation were restructured. Accordingly, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) was established as a regulatory body, by a decree of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid AlMaktoum, Ruler of Dubai, on proclamation of law No. 21 of 2007, as amended by law No. 19 of 2010, to undertake development of Air Transport Industry in the Emirate of Dubai and to oversee all aviation-related activities.
Via Dubai is the official bilingual monthly newsletter of DCAA, designed to highlight the initiatives and developments in the aviation industry and act as a knowledge-sharing platform for all the stakeholders and aviation professionals.
General Supervision Mohammed Abdulla Ahli Coordinator Hanan Al Mazimi Executive Editor Mohammed Abdul Mannan Creative Manager Mohamad Abdulrahman E-mail: viadubai@naddalshiba.com
Legal Disclaimer The views expressed in the articles are of the writers and not necessarily belong to DCAA. We take all reasonable steps to keep the information current and accurate, but errors can occur. The information is therefore provided as is, with no guarantee of accuracy, completeness or timeliness. The DCAA or Via Dubai does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the quality, accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. Via Dubai does not endorse or recommend any article, product, service or information mentioned in the newsletter. Any perceived slight of any person or organisation is completely unintentional.
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Multiple Achievements
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ith theexpected opening of Passenger Terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central (DWC) on October 27, the aviation industry in Dubai will have achieved a new milestone in its journey of success. The landmark airport will be the world’s biggest airport upon its completion, with a capacity of handling 160 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. Besides giving Dubai a more competitive advantage to serve the world’s air transportation industry, this remarkable achievement has much strategic significance and it is not the only achievement we have in recent times. The Dubai International Airport received the highest monthly number of passengers in its entire history, hitting the six million mark in August, inching closer to achieving its goal of reaching 65 million passengers by the end of this year. Dubai Airshow 2013 will be another landmark event on the Dubai aviation calendar, with strong participation from key players in the global aviation industry,
Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum reflecting the increasing importance of the show on the world’s specialised exhibitions’ map. The world premiere of a documentary about the present performance, and future, of the Dubai aviation sector, was organised by Dubai Airports. More than 500 million viewers around the world are expected to watch the documentary on the National Geographic Channel and they will experience the marvel that is Dubai International Airport, ranked second on the list of world’s busiest airports for international passengers. All these achievements would not have been possible without Dubai government’s strong support to the aviation sector and without the sincere and honest efforts of organisations concerned and individuals in their respective fields, to achieve excellence and supremacy. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to all those who helped us build a modern and advanced aviation sector that will benefit the whole world.
Printed by Printwell Dubai
Our Vision Dubai Civil Aviation Authority is driven by the vision of Dubai to become the global Aviation Capital contributing to prosperity and enabling growth for Dubai.
Our Mission Dubai Civil Aviation Authority is committed to support the aviation sector in:
E-mail: dcaa@dcaa.gov.ae Website: www.dcaa.gov.ae Tel: (971) 4 216 2009 Fax: (971) 4 224 4502 P.O.BOX 49888 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
u Capturing the full value potential as a global passenger, tourism, trade, cargo and logistic hub u Providing the capacity, connectivity and leveraging existing assets to meet the aviation sector and economic growth plans of Dubai u Ensuring sustainable and responsible growth committed to safety, health, environment and security u Providing and creating customer-focused services to gain competitive advantage from innovation, knowledge and efficiency u Building and retaining capabilities, for the aviation sector, while offering career opportunities for Nationals u Ensuring a transparent, effective and commercially balanced regulatory framework that reflects the interests of the aviation industry, Dubai and the UAE u Providing efficient and cost-effective services to the aviation sector
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October 2013
1
Message
from the Director General
Mohammed Abdulla Ahli
A future committed to sustainable aviation
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ith the opening of the Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central (DWC) this month, the combined passenger capacity of Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport will be over 80 million annually. The two international airports will have about 665,000 aircraft movements by 2020, double the volume these world-class air transport facilities handle now. The volume of passengers and aircraft movements are an indication of the huge challenges handled by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA). As the regulatory body for the air transport industry, the DCAA’s job is to ensure safer airspace while accommodating growth in aircraft movements. A number of initiatives are in place as part of the DCAA’s Strategy Plan 2013-2015, as we have revealed earlier this year. We have asked aircraft operators for a written Disabled Aircraft Recovery Plan from January 1, 2014. An Emergency Response Plan for aircrafts, should they be involved in an emergency within the DXB and DWC boundaries, has already been made mandatory and is in place. Due to the huge increase in air traffic and competitive pricing of services we provide to airlines and aircraft operators, our revenues are expected to see double digit growth in the next three years. Between 2011 and 2013, the authority’s revenues have seen an average of 10 per cent growth. DCAA will move to a new headquarters in Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 1. This has been made possible due to the excellent cooperation from Dubai Airports, Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP). The Emiratisation programme is progressing satisfactorily and we have succeeded in developing a specialised and qualified cadre of UAE nationals to meet the needs of the civil aviation sector. Also, the authority is confident that it will be able to deliver all its services electronically, in line with the Smart Government initiative, before the 2014 deadline. 2
October 2013
DCAA makes emergency disabled aircraft removal plans mandatory Plan to become effective from January 1, 2014
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s part of its continuing efforts to improve and strengthen operations at Dubai’s two international airports, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has asked aircraft operators to have a written Disabled Aircraft Recovery Plan, in agreement with the airport operator, from January 1, 2014. According to the latest amendments to the Dubai Civil Aviation Policy (DCAP), DCAA’s Standards and Regulations Department has asked aircraft operators to provide details of their actions in the event that one of their aircraft become disabled within the airport boundary of Dubai International Airport (DXB) or Dubai World Central (DWC). This decision has been taken with the primary objective of resuming normal operations at the airport with minimum possible delay. Earlier in July this year, the DCAA made it compulsory for Aircraft Operators to have a written Emergency Response Plan detailing their actions in the event that one of their aircraft are involved in an emergency as is listed in the Aerodrome Emergency Plan at Dubai International Airport or DWC. The Emergency Response Plan details actions by the Aircraft Operator in conjunction with the Ground Handling Agent and airport operator and should be available for inspection if required by the DCAA. The International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Airport Services Manual Part 5 (9137-AN/898) says usually the removal of a disabled aircraft is beyond the capability of the airport operator. Advance planning is therefore required.
Emergency Disabled Aircraft Removal Plan is must from next year
Inside DCAA
DCAA sponsors ‘White Points’ traffic safety initiative
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he Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has joined hands with Dubai Police by taking up a Gold Sponsorship for the ‘White Points’ road traffic safety initiative, designed to encourage residents and visitors of Dubai to adhere to traffic rules and regulations and create a traffic-friendly society in the emirate. In line with its strategy and keenness to promote cooperation between various government entities to ensure safety and security on the ground as well as in the air, the DCAA has partnered with Dubai Police for this unique programme, launched last year. The support emanates from the keenness of DCAA to achieve Dubai’s strategic goal under the theme, ‘Dubai – Where the Future Begins’ – and in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for creating greater cooperation among the government sector entities and to enhance the framework of fruitful and productive cooperation. Details of the sponsorship and support were finalised during a meeting between Sheikh Ahmed bin
Sheikh Ahmed, Major General Khamis Al Mazeina, Mohammed Ahli and others during the meeting
Saeed Al Maktoum, President of DCAA, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Dubai Police’s Deputy Chief, Major General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, in the presence of DCAA Director General, Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, and Major General
Mohammed Saif Al Zaffin, Director of Dubai Police Traffic Department. The second phase of the ‘White Points’ programme will start in November. The fruitful cooperation between the two entities will open up new horizons to ensure the highest level of safety and security. t
Sharing expertise with Emirates Post T
Mohammed Ahli holding talks with officials during the IHC visit
DG visits Humanitarian City I
n keeping with the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority’s (DCAA) corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Director General Mohammed Abdulla Ahli visited the International Humanitarian City (IHC), chaired by Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. During the visit, Mohammed Ahli met with the IHC Chief Executive Officer (CEO),
Shaima Al Zarooni, and discussed ways for fruitful cooperation between the two entities. The DCAA is continuously seeking to further its involvement in humanitarian community initiatives at all levels and the IHC meeting emphasises the importance of such causes. He emphasised the important role the UAE plays at the Arab, Islamic and international levels, as a proactive agent of humanitarian assistance. t
op officials from the Air Transport, International Affairs and Corporate Support departments at the DCAA received a delegation from the International Relations Department of the Emirates Post Group to discuss best practices that can be implemented in various domains handled by the entities. Both sides reviewed cooperation opportunities, areas of common interest and exchange expert knowledge. They also outlined cooperation frameworks and reviewed the most important issues related to air transport. Emirates Post Group is the UAE’s main mail, courier and logistics organisation and manages the country’s postal requirements. The DCAA was represented by Saood Al Kankazar, Director of International Air Transport and International Affairs Department, Abdulrahim Al Mulla, Director of Corporate Support and Finance and Mohammed Al Zarooni, Head of Air Transport. Somaya Mohammed Hasan, Director of International Relations and Khalid Jassim Al Doukhy, International Relations Officer, represented the Emirates Post Group. t October 2013
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Interview
15 per cent increase expected in DCAA revenues in next three years DCAA to move to new headquarter in DIA’s Terminal 1 next year
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he Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) expects a 15 per cent increase in its revenues in the next three years as a result of a huge increase in air traffic and competitive pricing of services it provides to airlines and other aviation stakeholders. In an exclusive interview with Via Dubai, Abdulrahim Al Mulla, Director, Corporate Support at DCAA, said the authority succeeded in developing a specialised and qualified cadre of Emiratis to meet the civil aviation authority’s needs. The authority has been able to Emiratise top-and mid-level management, while the Emiratisation programme at the lower management level has crossed the 60 per cent mark. He revealed that the DCAA will move to its own headquarters in Terminal 1 of Dubai International Airport next year. The authority will deliver all its services electronically, in line with the Smart Government initiative, before the 2014 deadline.
Abdulrahim Al Mulla Director, Corporate Support, DCAA
What is the role and responsibility of the Corporate Support Department? The Corporate Support Department is a key part of the DCAA that provide services to all departments within the organisation. The department comprises four sections – Finance and Administration, Human Resources, Information Technology and Corporate Communications. Finance and Administration supervise the financial and accounting systems through preparing budgets and financial estimates and creating analytical data about the budget and financial control, in addition to following up laws, decisions, decrees, policies and financial procedures and preparing periodical financial reports to enable the top management take decisions
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and implement plans. The other responsibilities are sending bills to customers for services rendered and collection of revenues and procurements of needed goods and services through the GRP system. The Human Resources Section works towards achieving the vision mission and goals of DCAA through applying the highest standards in the services provided in recruitment, training and career development in addition to motivating employees through rewards and privileges in way that increases their efficiencies and productivity. The section also takes care of planning and employing new staff and qualifying and promoting employees for higher positions. The IT Section is responsible for managing and supplying hardware and software and training. It also provides recommendations about future planning, resources
development and carries out recommendations relating to technology. The Corporate Communications section aims at enhancing and consolidating DCAA’s image on the local and international levels and communicating with the strategic partners, government entities and customers. It also provides Public Relations to delegations and visitors and enhances the societal initiatives on local, regional and international levels. It organises conferences and participates in exhibitions and other forums and deals with the media and internal communications.
In view of the expected developments in the aviation sector in Dubai, what are your expectationsfor DCAA revenue growth? DCAA is a key player in the success of aviation industry in
Dubai. During the past three years, and more specifically 2011 and 2013, the authority’s revenues have achieved an average growth rate of 10 per cent. In order words, DCAA revenues grew by 30 per cent since 2011. With the expected growth in the aircraft movements in the emirate in the coming years, we expect our revenues to grow average by 15 per cent per annum in the next three years. Undoubtedly, the revenue growth is not the result of increasing fees which is considered to be the most competitive at the regional and global levels, but is the outcome of the huge growth in aircraft movements due to the continuing expansion of our operations and distinguished services provided to customers. We will launch a series of new distinguished services including e-payment and mobile payment
Interview
DIA’s Terminal 1 will house the new DCAA Headquarters in 2014
systems which will be convenient to the customers and will reduce the time and efforts needed for the transaction. These services will be provided in line with the DCAA’s commitment to achieve the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, of providing 100 per cent of government services electronically by 2014. The DCAA is committed towards achieving this goal much before the 2014 deadline. We will be able to achieve this goal because of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s instructions and the directives and guidance of the DCAA President Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and the follow-up of the Working Group headed by DCAA Director General, Mohammed Abdulla Ahli.
Has the DCAA been able to develop an Emirati cadre of professionals to manage the fast-expanding aviation sector in Dubai? Training a competent and efficient Emirati professionals’ cadre in the aviation sector tops our strategic
goals to achieve the vision of Dubai to become a global aviation capital, contributing to prosperity and enabling growth for Dubai. It is also aims at helping the aviation industry remain the driving force for economic growth. In a short span of time, we have come a long way in the Emiratisation programme. In 2009, the percentage of UAE nationals working in the DCAA was 42 and 58 for expatriates, which went up to 60 and 40, respectively, in 2012. This year, we have targeted two percent Emiratisation, but we have already crossed this target and achieved, overall, seven percent Emiratisation. The actual Emiratisation percentage would be even higher than this number if it was not for the specialised and avaialabity of qualified and skilled personnel. The opening of Dubai World Central (DWC) will increase the responsibilities of DCAA. The opening of Al Maktoum International Airport is a part of the huge increase in the aircraft movements in Dubai. It will put more responsibilities and challenges on us and partially this is the reason why
DCAA is moving to a new headquarters in Terminal 1 next year. We would like to thanks Suzanne Al Anani, CEO, DAEP, and Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, for offering the DCAA the bigger facilities in line with our present needs and future requirements. We are ready to carry out these additional tasks and have already put in place a number of personnel at the Al Maktoum International Airport in DWC. We are ready to increase their numbers and equipped them with their requirements according to the development of the aviation traffic.
In terms of human resources development, what are your priorities for staff training? DCAA employees who got internal or external training have exceeded 54 per cent. The training varies between general sessions and specialised courses and choosing the candidates for the training courses is determined by the levels of professional performance and according to the needs of different departments
and in complete coordination with their managers. We believe that continuous training for employees is essential to develop their skills and ensure that we are able to provide excellent and distinguished services to our customers and are compatible with the latest developments in the aviation sector. Despite the fact that many employees have external training, we try to provide internal training as and when it is available using our pool of experts and specialists. We do not go for external trainers unless they are not available in the UAE and to achieve the maximum level of financial resources efficiency and cost cutting. A number of factors are taken into consideration when we are making the cost-cutting decisions, including the reduction will not affect the level of efficiency in the services provided and the skills of the employees and the flow of work and to achieve the maximum utilisation of our resources. All these have been achieved due to the visionary instructions of our Director General and cooperation of heads of department and employees. t October 2013
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Inside DCAA
DCAA signs MoU with Etisalat Academy
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he Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and Etisalat Academy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the training and development of professional skills of the authority’s cadres in technical, financial and managerial programmes. The academy will conduct training programmes for DCAA employees for a period of one year from the signing of the MoU, in addition to organising lectures by experts and specialists in various domains. The MoU underscores the authority’s highest standards
in the recruitment, training and professional career development of employees. The agreement was signed by Mohammed Ahli, Director General of DCAA and Dr Ali Mohammad Al Qaidi, Etisalat Academy’s Acting Director. The MoU is in line with the DCAA’s efforts to translate the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, of government excellence into reality. t
Mohammed Ahli (R) and Dr Ali Mohammad Al Qaidi
Top speakers for GATE 2013 T
Emirates Aviation College ties up with Boeing for pilot training
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oeing has come on board Emirates Aviation College in Dubai to provide high-quality ground and flight training for cadets and help support a continued pipeline of qualified commercial pilots. Boeing subsidiary Jeppesen is teaming up with Emirates Aviation College and other pilot training schools worldwide to guide cadets through the training programme to become professional pilots. The Jeppesen scheme is the first step in a comprehensive Boeing flight training programme that will guide candidates through several stages of training from inexperienced newcomers to becoming licenced commercial pilots. The Jeppesen programme prepares students for the jet bridge training delivered by Boeing. This gives students the advantage of a single source of training to move from cadets to jet pilots with respected aviation companies. Jeppesen is working with leading international airlines to incorporate airline-oriented elements into their curriculum. This will provide students with real-world learning opportunities. t
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October 2013
he biennial Gulf Aviation Training Event (GATE) will take place alongside the Dubai Airshow from November 18 to 19 at Dubai World Central (DWC). The aviation industry gathering will debate a number of serious issues facing the regional airline industry, including the ability to identify, acquire, train and deploy pilots necessary to meet the rapid expansion plans of Middle East airlines. Invited speakers will represent several organisations including Emirates Airline, flydubai RAK Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Airbus, Royal Jordanian Airline, Qatar Airways and South African Airways. The keynote speaker will be
Michael Bell, Partner at Spencer Stuart. This year’s summit is set to create a debate with the challenging theme ‘Breaking the Paradigms: Training the Gulf’s New Generation of Aviators,’ highlighting the shortage of pilots in the region. The GATE Pavilion will showcase flight training institutes in the Dubai Airshow exhibition hall, according to Sharief Fahmy, CEO, F&E Aerospace, organisers of the event. The pavilion has doubled in size compared to the 2011 event, with new exhibitors CAE, Canada, Hellenic Aviation Training Academy, Greece, Frasca International Inc., USA and Eqyptair Training Center – joining in. t
UAE In Focus
New home for flydubai’s operations in Kuwait Airline’s passenger numbers for Kuwait grew by 31% in 2012
f
lydubai celebrated moving its eight daily flight operations from the main terminal at Kuwait International Airport to the Sheikh Saad Al Abdallah General Aviation Terminal. The move to the terminal offers an enhanced customer experience for flydubai passengers flying in and out of Kuwait. flydubai’s inaugural flight, FZ057, touched down at the terminal and was welcomed with a water cannon salute. Fawaz Abdulaziz Al Farah, President of Kuwait Civil Aviation and a delegation of Kuwaiti officials received the aircraft on the tarmac. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of flydubai, led the delegation that included Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Tariq Al Hamed, Kuwaiti Consul General to Dubai, Jamal Al Hai, ESVP for International Relations and Communications at Dubai Airports, together with flydubai’s Chief Executive Officer, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer, and
H H Sheikh Ahmed touches down at Sheikh Saad Al Abdallah General Aviation Terminal in flydubai aircraft
Kenneth Gile, Chief Operating Officer. Sheikh Ahmed said: “We are grateful to the Kuwaiti authorities for their support of the move to Sheikh Saad Al Abdallah General Aviation Terminal. The aviation links between Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have played a significant role in boosting
Sheikh Ahmed with Kuwaiti officials at Sheikh Saad Al Abdallah General Aviation Terminal
the already strong relationship between our two nations. flydubai will continue to play an important role in creating free flows of trade and tourism.” Fawaz Abdulaziz Al Farah said: “We welcome flydubai and are pleased to open the doors of Sheikh Saad Al Abdallah General Aviation Terminal to passengers
who will benefit from all the convenient facilities this terminal has to offer.” flydubai’s newly introduced Business Class premium offering will be available on selected flights on the Kuwait route starting in October. flydubai launched its operations to Kuwait in March 2010 with a double daily service. Three years later, the carrier transported more than one million passengers between Dubai and Kuwait and increased its frequency to eight flights a day. The total number of flights to Kuwait increased by 62 per cent after one year of operations. The overall market size has increased by 35 per cent between 2009 and 2012, indicating flydubai’s role in stimulating demand by encouraging travel. flydubai’s passenger numbers for Kuwait grew by 31 per cent in 2012. Nearly 84 per cent of flydubai passengers travelling from Kuwait end their journey in Dubai while the remainder connects onwards to a number of destinations on flydubai’s network, including Sri Lanka, Maldives, India and Georgia. t
Ghaith Al Ghaith (R) with a senior Kuwaiti official
October 2013
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Cover Story
PROUD MOMENT: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Paul Griffiths and others at the premiere
Ultimate Airport - Dubai documentary premiered His Highness Sheikh Mohammed attends special screening of National Geographic’s 10-series documentary
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is Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended the world premiere of Ultimate Airport Dubai, a 10-part documentary series by National Geographic Channel highlighting Dubai’s vibrant and expanding aviation sector with special focus on Dubai International Airport, the world’s second busiest airport for international passengers. Held at Meydan IMAX Theatre on September 5, the screening
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of the special 60-minute version of the documentary was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of DCAA and Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, the operator of Dubai International Airport, among others. Praising the efforts in direction and production of this documentary, Sheikh Mohammed said that the series was based on
GREAT VISION: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and others enjoying the evening
facts and reality in terms of the quality of services provided. He directed that the documentary be
aired multiple times in order to reach a wider audience who can learn about the UAE’s modern
Cover Story achievements and the innovative capabilities of its national cadres. The series, with each part 50-minutes long, is being aired across National Geographic Channel’s global network, narrating the inspiring successful story of Dubai International Airport, which, in the words of Sheikh Mohammed “represents the face of the country and is the symbol of its culture and progress.” The various scenes will show what it takes to keep Dubai International safe, secure and on schedule. It includes all three massive terminals. The documentary is estimated to be viewed by 500 million people in 171 countries. The documentary has been produced by National Geographic Channels International in conjunction with Arrow Media. t
INSPIRING PROGRESS: Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and other guests watching the documentary at Meydan Imax Theatre
ENGROSSED: The documentary screening in progress at Meydan IMAX Theatre
VICTORY: Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports and others joy after watching Ultimate Airport Dubai
NETWORKING: The event provided networking opportunities to participants like Suzanne Al Anani, CEO, DAEP
GREAT TEAM: Officials and executives from Dubai’s aviation industry at the screening
October 2013
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UAE In Focus
Busiest month in DIA’s history
T
raffic at the world’s second busiest international airport surged 23.8 per cent in August making it the busiest month in terms of passenger numbers in Dubai International’s history. Dubai Airports said the monthly passenger traffic at Dubai International reached 5,999,375 in August, a year on year increase of 23.8 per cent compared to 4,847,152 in the corresponding month in 2012. The surge is the result of a strong growth in almost all markets and the effect of Ramadan and Eid travel which further boosted traffic during the month. With monthly traffic breaching the five million passenger mark for nine consecutive months, the year to date passenger number increased by 16.4 per cent to 43,971,839 compared to 37,784,946 recorded during the first eight months of 2012. Spurred by strong growth in markets such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar
Dubai International Airport see record number of passengers
and Kuwait, the AGCC routes topped the list of regions with the largest growth in passenger numbers (+289,021), Western Europe (+258,288) – which has been positively affected by the launch of Qantas’ services to Dubai; followed by the traditionally strong market of the
Indian subcontinent (+163,657), and Africa (+89,533). The top regions in terms of percentage growth in traffic included Eastern Europe (82 per cent), Australasia (45 per cent), and Asia Pacific (40.4 per cent). Aircraft movements during August reached 31,198, up 11.5 per cent
from 27,986 recorded during the corresponding month in 2012. During the first eight months of the year aircraft movements totalled 242,571, up 7.3 per cent compared to 226,064 during the corresponding period in 2012. Year-to-date cargo volumes increased by 8.1 per cent to reach 1,588,716 tonnes compared to 1,469,476 during the first eight months of 2012. Monthly cargo volume contracted by 3 per cent in August reaching 184,877 tonnes compared to 190,770 tonnes in August 2012. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “The results have been very satisfying so far this year with the airport achieving traffic growth rate well over the projected figures. While five million passengers per month has become a standard at Dubai International, it’s worth noting that in August we were barely two Airbus A380s short of hitting the six million passenger figure.” t
Emirates SkyCargo terminal at DWC D
ubai World Central (DWC), the world’s first purpose-built aerotropolis, has announced that construction of Emirates SkyCargo’s new terminal at DWC’s Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA) is progressing as scheduled, with phase one of the construction of the terminal on track for completion in December 2013. Upon completion of the first phase, followed by the installation of the cargo handling system and the fitment of the interior by April next year and full completion by mid-September, the terminal will be equipped to handle 700,000 tonnes of cargo and can be further expanded by an additional 300,000 tonnes in the second phase. The state-of-the-art cargo terminal will feature a fully automated ULD handling and storage system, offices,
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October 2013
workstation areas, building service facilities, modern communication and security systems, canteens, and other amenities. The infrastructure will also include 46 truck docks and 80 truck parking spaces, in addition to 12 aircraft stands directly in front of the terminal. Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said: “With DWC set to become the home of Emirates SkyCargo’s freighter operations from next year, the company can expect to benefit significantly from the state-of-the-art infrastructure and unique strategic advantages offered by DWC.” Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice-President, Cargo, said: “The relocation of our freighter fleet to Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International Airport is an investment in our future, as the logistics and cargo
The ground-breaking ceremony at DWC
development at the airport is set to become a major global cargo hub once complete, with worldclass facilities and infrastructure.” Emirates SkyCargo currently
operates a freighter fleet of ten aircraft - eight Boeing 777Fs and two Boeing 747-400ERFs - all of which will move to DWC Al Maktoum International Airport. t
GCC & International
Bahrain International Airport’s first major expansion in a decade
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ahrain International Airport is set for a multi-million dollar expansion with at least five companies submitting tenders to Bahrain Airport Company for the design. The airport currently serves a maximum of nine million passengers annually, which is poised to increase up to 13.5 million under the new plans. The scheme is expected to include five additional contact gates, nine remote gates, 40 new check-in counters and a large transfer facility. The approximately $1billion project is
being carried out in co-operation with Mumtalakat and Transportation Ministry, with the initial work reported to cost between $26.5 million and $53.3 million. The project aims to expand the airport’s footprint by 40,000 square metres, which would lead to the terminal increasing in size by 50 per cent. The airport was last revamped in 1994. The five companies which have submitted tenders for the design include Dar Al Handasah Consultants, HOK, Aecom, ADPI and NACO. t
Metals shed heavy image in aviation
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etal is looking to shed the heavy image and is now sparking a new challenge to carbon-composite materials in the aviation industry. At the Paris Air Show 2013, carbon-plastic jetliners were the show pieces, but metal firms are fighting back with lighter aluminium alloys. Aleris International is developing an aluminium-magnesium-scandium alloy that it claims is five per cent lighter than conventional aircraft aluminium and can be ready for production of the next-generation Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737MAX jets. The Aleris aluminium-magnesium alloy can be welded, for example, replacing millions of fasteners on Airbus and Boeing jets, said Ingrid Jorg, senior vicepresident of Aleris. Boeing plans to use an aluminium fuselage on a future redesign of its 777 jet, rather than a composite design as used on the fastselling but heavily delayed 787. t
IAG to buy 62 Airbus A320s
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nternational Airlines Group (IAG) and Vueling have signed a purchase agreement to buy 62 Airbus A320s – 30 A320ceo and 32 A320neo – plus options for 58 A320 Family aircraft. Subject to shareholder approval, the deal is part of a wider IAG agreement for a total of up to 220 aircraft. IAG has signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU)
for 100 additional A320neo options that could be used by any airline in the group. “Clearly we are very pleased to see Vueling and IAG come back for more A320s,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. Barcelona-based low-cost airline Vueling is part of the IAG group which also comprises British Airways and Iberia. t
Boeing hikes jet prices B
oeing Company has raised the list prices for most of its family of commercial jetliners by about 1.6 per cent, compared with 2012 levels, but less than the 5.5 per cent of last year. Prices of 787 Dreamliner models, which include the 7878 and the larger 787-9, will now cost an additional 1 percent. “We bumped the price up because the airplane is in demand,” said spokesman Doug Alder. Prices of the company’s new 737 MAX rose between 2.4 per cent and 3.8 per cent in the current list. t
Gulf Air’s 25 weekly flights to Pakistan
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akistan has granted Gulf Air flight operating rights to Sialkot in addition to the four major airports - Karachi, Lahore,
Islamabad and Peshawar – which are already on its route network. Gulf Air is having a presence in Pakistan since its first flight in
1972 and currently flies 14 times a week and has been given the right to increase the number of flights to 25 a week. t
GCC fuel tax exemption from EU
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he European Union has said its imports of jet fuel from Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, is to remain duty-free after in 2013, because air-services agreements exempt the shipments from levies, according to Bloomberg. “These agreements include provisions exempting jet fuel
from duties and taxes, disregarding its origin. “Hence, jet-fuel imports from the Gulf countries are exempt from paying duties, irrespective of the changes in the EU’s Generalised System of Preferences,” trade spokesman at the commission, John Clancy, said. t October 2013
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Via Dubai Exclusive
A view of DAFZA office complex
Dubai Airport Free Zone on an impressive growth curve DAFZA posts 44 % growth in H1 2013
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stablished in 1996, the Dubai Airport Free Zone has been for providing the most attractive investment opportunities for businesses with its location next to Dubai International Airport, ranked the second busiest in the world international passengers, playing a strategic role. The Free Zone has been ranked What is the role of DAFZA in supporting the Dubai economy in general and aviation industry in particular? Dubai Airport Free Zone was established in 1996 as part of Dubai
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first in the world by Financial Times fDi Magazine for the year 2012-2013. In addition, it was named the best freezone in the Middle East for the third time by fDi magazine. Continuing its journey forward, it posted a 44 per cent growth in the first half of 2013 with 94 new international companies registering with it for operating
Government’s strategic plan to move the emirate towards an investment-driven economy. Today, it accommodates over 1,600 international companies in various activities including aviation industry. The freezone’s tenants
business. In an exclusive interview with Via Dubai, Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director General of Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) since the year 2000 and a key player in its impressive development since its formative years, shares insights into the role of DAFZA in attracting investments into Dubai and its growth path.
cover a vast of key industry sectors, including electrical and electronics with 16 per cent, engineering and building materials with 11 per cent, aviation with 10 per cent, shipping and transportation with nine per cent, followed by oil
and gas and telecommunications. At the heart of the Free Zone lies our drive to consistently provide an efficient, integrated business community to fuel the growth of investment in Dubai, the UAE and beyond. We work to provide
Via Dubai Exclusive our customers with an unparalleled working environment that supports their ambitions and helps drive the diversification of the UAE economy. Our chairman, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, is guiding us in taking the growth and expansion drive further up and wants DAFZA to enlarge its role and contribution in the UAE economy.
How many companies are there in DAFZA now and what is your target by 2020? There are currently 1,600 firms operating out of the Free Zone. In 2012, DAFZA issued licenses to 201 new international firms. There were a total of 1,399 companies in 2011. In the first half of 2013, we registered 94 new international companies which were keen on tapping the vast growth potential offered by Dubai. By the year 2020, we aim to reach full capacity
matching up with the expansion currently under process.
What are DAFZA’s expansion plans? How much capacity increases are planned? In 2013, we plan to continue improving the Free Zone as we work to facilitate our tenants’ business operations. We are currently in the process of building a project which includes a food court with mixed-use recreational business facilities, seven floors dedicated to new offices for international companies and a building to host DAFZA’s strategic partners from various governmental organisations. The main power station will increase capacity by 40 per cent to accommodate this growth. Additionally, we will be adding a multilevel car park with a capacity for 850 cars. Phase One of the project will cover a total build-up area of 70,000 square metre and is expected to be completed in mid-2015. In the first half of 2013, the free zone’s total revenues also went up by five per cent compared with the same period last year, while the overall occupancy topped 80 per cent.The results come at the end of a two-year period where DAFZA has aimed to attract more companies from Europe and the United States with European countries now representing the biggest number of investors in the freezone.
DAFZA’s efforts have had a knock-on effect for the local economy – its contribution to the UAE’s GDP rose to 4.7 per cent – according to Dubai Statistics Centre - while its overall total increase of trade value stood at 73 per cent. There was also a rise of 11 per cent in the expansion applications by our current tenants.
What is DAFZA’s share in Dubai of International Airport’s cargo volumes? Dubai Airport Free Zone had a record growth in trade volume throughout 2012 with an increase of AED69 billion, a 73 per cent increase compared with 2011. Sales revenue also witnessed a growth of 26 per cent compared with 2011. International firms registered with the Free Zone have collectively grown the value of their exported and imported goods by AED164 billion in 2012 compared with AED95 billion in 2011.
What is the geographical origin of companies operating in the Free Zone? 2012 was a good year for us as we were successful in issuing 201 new licenses to international companies planning to operate within the Free Zone. This brought the total number of companies to 1,600. The number of registered UK companies also saw an increase of 25 per cent. Geographically, the top countries from where our tenants originates are from the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States of America. During the first six months of this year, European and American companies topped the list of new businesses, bringing their total to 40 per cent, followed by those from India and the Middle East and then Asia.
How has Dubai International Airport’s location and expansion supporting DAFZA? Our close proximity to the Dubai International Airport is of great strategic advantage for all our stakeholders and a vital attraction
for our tenants and potential investors. The extensive air connectivity and excellent passenger and cargo facilities also plays a great role in enhancing our business and reputation. The expansion of airport will certainly help our tenants a great deal as more facilities will be available to them. The growth of Dubai International Airport will have a cascading effect on DAFZ companies and their growth. Our strategic location has given the free zone unique strength and made it an ideal and favourite place for foreign companies. The availability of many facilities, hassle-free procedures and investment opportunities has secured its place as a significant contributor to the country’s growth.
What are DAFZA’s marketing and promotional plans for 2014? The free zone has a wellstudied marketing plan for 2014 which aims at targeting primary markets in Europe, the US, Japan and Singapore. Towards this end, the DAFZA will be directly contacting decision-makers through outreach measures such as seminars and meetings, as well as participating in regional and international exhibitions.After more than 17 years of successful operations, we have extensive experience in attracting foreign investments. The free zone contributed six per cent or AED52 billion to Dubai’s’ total foreign trade. The free zone’s tenants employs more than 15,000 qualified and skilled employees which increased by 10 per cent compared with the previous year. Overall, the European and American companies represent 40 per cent with a total number of 650 companies, which is the highest percentage of the total number of companies operating in the freezone, followed by Arabian Gulf companies 29 per cent, Asian firms with 16 per cent and Middle Eastern companies by six per cent. t
Dr Mohamed Al Zarooni, Director General, DAFZA
October 2013
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Via Dubai Exclusive
Siemens at the heart of Dubai airports’ logistics expansion drive Siemens and Dubai Airports are redefining airport logistics. One of the world’s largest underground automated baggage systems and the first of its kind liftand-run air baggage warehouse facility are already up and running
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iemens, with its expertise in logistics, baggage and air cargo handling systems, is at the heart of driving Dubai Airports Dubai to the number one position in the world for passenger numbers. On the horizon is Dubai Airports planned capacity to handle approximately 100 million passengers by 2020. The German giant with its regional UAE-based company, SD Middle East LLC, has already installed one of the world’s largest underground automated baggage handling system at the Dubai International Airport. Siemens is now pioneering a lift-and-run air baggage warehouse storage facility – the first of its kind in the world. It increases significantly the throughput, reduces operational costs and is more environmentally compatible as less energy is used. Additionally, a one-stop self check-in solution that allows for a check-in and/or a drop off of luggage in less than a minute is due to be installed at Dubai International Airport on a trial basis.
Michael Schneider, CEO, Siemens SD (Middle East)
What is your business expectation up to 2020? If you look at Dubai or the UAE, we are right in the middle of a huge aviation development. Dubai Airports has announced its aim to handle approximately 100 million passengers in 2020 and even more beyond that date. The Expo 2020 bid is attracting a lot of attention and, if successful,
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we believe we will see a lot of growth resulting from that. I believe Dubai has positioned itself at the centre of development for the region once again. The first baggage handling system from Siemens was inaugurated at Dubai Airport in 1999. Ever since the major projects of Terminal 3 (T3) and the Cargo Mega Terminal were awarded to Siemens in 2003, there has been
In this exclusive interview with Via Dubai, Michael Schneider, CEO of SD (Middle East) LLC – regional company of Siemens Logistics and Airport Solutions– explains why Dubai and Siemens have no choice but to innovate, grow and expand. a continous and very successful and fruitful relationship. We have now built more than 100 kilometres of baggage handling system at Dubai International. And, we are involved in a further expansion programme which is also referred to as ‘SP 2020’ for Dubai Airports, where we provide upgrades to the baggage handling systems in Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 3
(T3) and also the cargo handling facilities in the Cargo Village at Dubai International. Our outlook for 2020 is positive as Dubai Airports demonstrated its confidence in us by contracting Siemens to upgrade these airport systems in order to cope with the growth in passenger and cargo volume. We are preparing for a 50 per cent increase in passengers, from the
Via Dubai Exclusive
One of the world’s longest underground automated baggage systems at Dubai International
current 60 million to more than 90 million in this period.
Have you signed other contracts? Yes, we are already involved in other airport expansion projects, also for Terminal 2 at Dubai International. On this expansion project, which was awarded to SD Middle East, we have worked closely with the building contractor under challenging conditions to deliver the first phase earlier this year. These joint efforts are paying off for Dubai Airports and its passengers passing through a brand new Terminal 2 Departure, benefiting from enhanced passenger expierence, performance and working conditions. Moreover, we have recently been awarded a contract by Dubai Airports for a significant extension to the Cargo Mega Terminal and also the first automated cargo facility in Al Maktoum International Airport has been awarded to us by Emirates Airline.
T3 has a new unique baggage handling system. What can you tell us about it? The T3 system is one of its kind mainly due to the large-scale use of a baggage storage system we call a Baggage Warehouse. The baggage warehouse is particularly effective for increasing the operational capacity of the baggage handling system by temporarily storing the baggage of transfer passengers or passengers checking in ahead of time. It operates like a warehouse with shelves and storage positions where baggage is moved by lift-and-run technology fast and efficiently while keeping energy consumption at the bare minimum and, by a big margin, at the lowest level known on the market. The passenger’s baggage is released from the warehouse only once the flight is ready to be processed by the ground handling teams, so it balances the load of the system. While conventional storage systems require a number of bags to be moved at the same time, our baggage warehouse allows for an individual storage and retrieval
system. A highly sophisticated IT system ensures that every single bag is stored and retrieved at the time needed in accordance with the flight schedule, system load and of course considering possible system exceptions. We have currently around 7,000 such baggage storage positions and are preparing the next significant extension already.
Is this technology being used for the first time in the Middle East? This is the first time in the world that such a system is build for baggage handling systems. Siemens developed it first for our customer in Dubai because we knew we were going to have to cope with a massive increase in demand for transfer capacity and only a very small footprint to deal with it, which would not have worked with a conventional solution. The baggage warehouse went ‘live’ together with Concourse A last year and, as I mentioned before, we will further expand it by another 7,000 storage spaces to a
total capacity of 14,000 bags by the end of next year. We strongly believe that this sophisticated system is a very cost-efficient way to accommodate the demands of a hub airport.
We hear that Siemens is also developing self-service check-ins and bag drops... Siemens has developed a self check-in and bag-drop product. It enables passengers to check in and drop their bags or just drop their bags off if check-in has already been performed. It is, in a way, the interface between the passenger and the baggage handling system, which is unique for its capability to handle multiple airlines and enable completion in less than a minute. We showcased it at the exhibition in Geneva earlier this year and also during the Airport Show in Dubai and we are currently coordinating with Dubai Airports for a trial within Terminal 3. At the Inter Airport 2013 taking place in Munich, October 8-11, 2013 we will be showing our latest Bag Drop developments.t October 2013
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Special Report
Al Maktoum International Airport at DWC – Start Of A New Era
The AMIA terminal at DWC
New chapter in Dubai’s illustrious aviation history
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n October 27, Dubai will become the 50th city in the world - and the first in the Arabian Gulf - to have two airports within its urban conurbations. However, the world’s fastestgrowing global aviation and business city stands out for hosting the two international airports within a geographical distance of just 35 kilometres. The launch of the Al Maktoum International, three years after opening cargo operations in Dubai World Central, is in line with the vision and long-term plans of Dubai to strengthen its standing on the world aviation map as the most-preferred travel hub for the 21st century. The new airport in Jebel Ali, in close proximity to a free zone with over 6,500 companies from across the world and the world’s sixth biggest sea port, is also the
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fulfillment of the vision of the ‘Father of Dubai’, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who had set aside land for a future airport half a century ago. (Read more in the book titled From the Creek to the Skies, www. aviationindubai.com). Under the leadership of his visionary son, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, this long-cherished dream finally becomes a reality with two scheduled passenger airlines, Wizz Air of Hungary and Nasair of Saudi Arabia taking off from Al Maktoum International Airport at DWC as launch carriers. At the time of the launch of the multi-phase, AED120 billion Dubai World Central (DWC) project in 2005, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum remarked: “The vision
behind this unique world-class project has no relevance to the periodical changes in the world economy. “This vision is associated with sustainable development in the commercial aviation sector till the year 2050”. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and Chairman of Dubai Airports, added: “The DWC is our major move to consolidate Dubai’s position on the world aviation and tourism map by having another international airport within the city. “We have taken all steps and measures necessary to enable the new airport start its operations efficiently and smoothly, worthy of the good reputation that we have gained.” “The landmark facility is another new achievement and will mark
the opening of a new page in the history of civil aviation in Dubai. “The world will take notice of our strong faith in the aviation sector as an engine of strong economic growth and the extent of our commitment to excellence in aviation in order to be worthy of the confidence posed in us by our visionary leadership and millions of passengers from across the world.”
Largest Greenfield Airport City DWC is the world’s largest Greenfield Airport City and world’s first purpose-built aerotropolis, designed from scratch, at the centre of which lies the Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA), designed to handle 160 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo when finished, making it the world’s biggest airport.
Special Report Dubai’s two iconic airports will have a combined capacity to handle 250 million passengers annually, when all expansions are in place, making one of the world’s most-visited cities as the truly global travel hub.
Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways plans to operate two flights per week starting October 31. Wizz Air will provide non-stop services linking Dubai to and from Budapest, Bucharest, Kiev and Sofia. Wizz Air will be the first European low-fare airline operating to Dubai. The Hungarian budget carrier expects to carry at least 250,000 passengers on its UAE network in the first year of operations. Construction of DWC’s passenger terminal building was completed in 2012.
Five Runways The DWC project involves an astonishing 140 square kilometre site. On completion, it will have five runways, six concourses and two passenger terminals, complimented by a Logistics District, an Aviation District, Residential District, Commercial District and an Exhibition District – the site for the World Expo 2020, which the UAE is a frontrunner to win the bid next month. When fully completed, in sheer size, DWC will be almost twice the size of Hong Kong island and ten times larger than the existing Dubai International Airport – which is spread across 14 square kilometres. The first runway at DWC was completed in a record time of 600 days at a cost of AED1billion and cargo operation began in 2010, after GCAA approval. Dubai had reserved this large parcel of land for an airport in Jebel Ali way back in 1959, while the then Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, was exploring the idea of building an airport. However, the airport project at this site did not take off then, but is a reality now.
Beyond 2050 In a span of half a century, the massive transformation of Dubai and its aviation sector has taken
A DWC at night, all lit up
Dubai Duty Free
The Airport Control Tower
place with the aviation sector accounting for more than 28 per cent of Dubai’s GDP and Dubai International now enjoying the status of being the world’s second busiest for international passengers,expected to handle 65 million passengers this year. Sheikh Ahmed adds: “DWC will support the emirate’s aviation, tourism, commercial and logistics requirements through 2050 and beyond. It will provide significant benefits to the economy of Dubai and the wider region.” Once completed, DWC is projected to help the aviation and tourism sectors contribute US$45 billion annual revenue to Dubai’s vibrant and dynamic economy.
City Corporation (DACC), says the investment in DWC projects has so far reached over AED22 billion and the Al Maktoum International will have a capacity of five million passengers a year. The Al Maktoum International is expected to ease some of the pressure on Dubai International Airport which is due to undergo an 80-day runway enhancement programme in May 2014. “A new era in Dubai’s already proud aviation story is set to begin,” says Dubai Airports CEO, Paul Griffiths, adding that the introduction of passenger services from DWC is the first step in the long-term development of the airport.
AED22 billion investments
Ready to fly high
Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation
Of the launch airlines at Al Maktoum International Airport,
The new facility will offer full retail as well as food and beverage amenities. Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has a retail area of 2242 square metres in the passenger terminal and 494 square metres at the arrivals’ area. The Al Maktoum International has an A380-compatible, 4.5 km runway. It facilities include 64 aircraft stands (10 of which are Code F), a state-of-the-art ATC (air traffic control) tower, fire stations, line maintenance services, a fuel farm and a 66,000 square metre, singlelevel passenger terminal. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) plans to roll out Smart Gates for faster completion of immigration clearances. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will fast-track an AED5 billion expansion of Dubai Metro’s Red Line to connect to the DWC, if the emirate wins the bid to host the World Expo 2020. A new stretch of line will be required from the existing terminus at Jebel Ali to Al Maktoum International Airport. The Al Maktoum International Airport, which has been allocated DWC as the IATA-code, is ready for 30 airlines. An indication about Al Maktoum International Airport’s planned fast growth was given by Jamal Al Hai, Dubai Airports’ Executive Senior Vice- President for International Affairs and Corporate Communications. He says: “I expect around 25-30 airlines operating from DWC by 2015. And that will be a mix of international and regional carriers.” t October 2013
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Opinion
Info-highway to keep aviation flying smart
Frank Brenner Director General, European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL)
W
e live in a world where information is shared in ways never dreamt of by our parents. Your smartphone can tell you in just
a few moments the weather in Wyoming or the football score in Frankfurt. This level of connectivity has real implications for air traffic management, especially as airports become busier, skies become more congested and efficiency becomes ever more vital. Dubai has already adopted Airport Collaborative Decision Making, in which all the key players at the airport share information and talk to each other. A-CDM is an initiative that we at EUROCONTROL have been promoting across Europe for some time, one where we have seen some real success stories. As well as helping traffic to flow more smoothly through airports, there are concrete savings to be made by cutting taxi
times and saving fuel. However, the benefits go much wider than the airport, especially where there is a data link to the network. In Europe we are the Network Manager and, when we get the most up-to-date and accurate information from the departure airport, we can use it help refine our flow management for the whole continent, reducing delays, making it possible for aircraft to fly more efficient trajectories and cutting both fuel burn and emissions. More than that, we can pass this updated information to the arrivals airport which helps their planning – of everything from arrivals sequencing to baggage handling. This is especially beneficial when there is disruption in the system (as a result of, for ex-
ample, weather or industrial action). Looking forward, we need to be able to share this information beyond Europe. We already work very closely with some countries in North Africa and we are very keen to develop operational partnerships with airports in the Gulf. Dubai alone has, on average, over 150 aircraft movements per day that go to or from airports in Europe. We have a strong relationship with Dubai in areas such as the ICAO discussions on global inter-operability, where we have found them to be both actively engaged and helpful. I am sure that we can build on this and develop an operational link that will provide real benefits both for airlines and also for passengers. t
Key to ultimate passenger experience at airports
N Daniyal Qureshi Event Director, Airport Show
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othing is as pleasing to an aviation professional as walking through a modern, clean, well-run airport with a feeling that fellow passengers are experiencing the same joy of travel as you are. For many, airports are where you say goodbye to loved ones and leave the comfort of your routine – a not so enjoyable experience. So when an airport creates a caring and friendly environment, it is both heart-warming and impressive. While many international airports have the formula right, we can all be proud of our airports in the UAE, which compete with the best globally to deliver outstanding passenger experience. Dubai and Abu Dhabi in particular are clean, efficient, host a range of world class dining op-
tions, minimise waiting times at check-in counters, immigration and baggage collection, provide clear flight information and signage, and above all, have exceptionally helpful and informative staff to guide you. On a recent business trip to another modern, regional airport, I realised how easy it is for the experience to be frustrating and how important it is for all functions of the airport to ensure the same level of service. On arrival, I was impressed by the efficient transfers, cleanliness and modern signage. However, the experience ended with a two-hour wait at immigration, with passengers and officials equally confused and upset, further delays at baggage collection and no clear guidance on transport options to the city.
What started off as an exciting trip to explore a new market, ended with fatigue and disappointment. An airport is a collection of services and experiences, many provided through external providers such as immigration, security, ground support, catering, facility management and duty free, to name a few. Ensuring all these parties have the same vision may be difficult, but it is the only way to ensure complete passenger satisfaction. While regional airports spend billions on expansion and modernisation, it is equally important that they create a quality service culture throughout their organisations. And we don’t need to look too far to get this formula right – Dubai and Abu Dhabi are perfect examples to follow. t
Opinion
Remote Tower Centres: Safe, efficient, cost-effective
Georges Hannouche Chairman and CEO, Bayanat Airports Engineering Supplies
A
coming together of various technologies at the highend of their advancements digital cameras, air traffic sensors, and satellite imagery – is likely to give airports a new concept to consider. The concept is called the ‘Remote Tower Centre’ (RTC) and,
as the name suggests, involves the remote control of an airport, or airports, from a single remote location. This technology is currently undergoing a certification process in Sweden at two locations and will go operational by the end of 2013, following a series of validation trials closely monitored by the Swedish Civil Aviation Authority. The concept is also being tested in Australia and Norway. The US is reported to be looking at remote tower services at airports that do not qualify for a traditional control tower, such as low traffic and remote airports. For Gulf countries that are in a perpetual state of aviation expansion, the Remote Tower system offers new innovation that is both cost-effective and claims to ensure
best flight conditions. The RTC uses a number of video, audio and other sensors to provide a constant out-of-the-window view from the tower, which is streamed ‘live’ on multiple LCD displays to controllers at airports. An overlay of labels, meteorological information and digital image enhancement increase the controller’s situational awareness. High-resolution video for daily helicopter operations and infrared (IR) cameras for rough weather and/or night-time operations are also part of the set-up. It may not be feasible at this point in time for major airports, especially high-traffic hubs like Dubai or London, to use the RTC, but small and medium-sized airports might be the biggest beneficiaries here.
A remotely controlled tower costs 50 per cent to 60 per cent less to operate than a manned one without sacrificing safety, Saab Chief Strategy Officer Dan Jangblad has been quoted as saying. This is also valid for specialpurpose airports where traffic is occasional. Knock-on benefits will include better safety and punctuality thanks to enhanced situational awareness – even in low-visibility conditions, thereby keeping air movements on schedule, saving fuel and less emissions of CO2. The RTC is also an option as a contingency measure at largesized airports. With the aviation sector continuously facing a threat to its bottomline, cost-saving ration is one to consider. t
Cities with 2+ airports have good city governance
M
ost cities around the world are serviced by just one main airport. But Sao Paulo has two. Los Angeles has three. Moscow has four. And London has six. So, what do cities with multiple international airports have in common? We have found one strong commonality among cities that manage two or more airports: these cities almost always also have a system of centralised metropolitan-wide governance. And conversely, airports with only one airport are more likely to have a fragmented model of city governance. Cities with a single centralised governmental administration differ vastly from cities that operate under the direction of fragmented municipal councils. We’ve found metropolitan governance to be not only
linked with higher liveability, but also with a higher rate of foreign direct investment. There are two possible explanations for the link between a model of metropolitan-wide administration and instances of multiple airports. First, there’s the centralised administration: a unitary authority that takes responsibility for transparent decision-making, accountable planning and the equitable development of urban infrastructure. The problems associated with inter-municipal politics are avoided, planning systems are consolidated and decision-making is simplified. Rome, for example, does not have a metropolitan authority. Instead, the metro Rome area comprises 19 decentralised municipal councils, each responsible for its own administra-
tion. This creates 19 possible variations for municipal management, finance, accounting, building and development. Unsurprisingly, Rome has only one international airport. Metropolitan authorities are better able to borrow and recover capital for major infrastructural projects because of their wider tax base and the sharing of costs. Fragmented municipal councils often cause fiscal and financial strain by making decisions motivated by selfinterest – they tend to prioritise local projects at the expense of broader metropolitan needs. Interestingly, cities with multiple airports have a wide disparity in population. Of the top 27 ranked cities in IBM’s Global Location Trends 2011 Annual Report that have two or more international airports, 24 of them
Matthew Lynch Global Research and Manager, Woods Bagot, Adjunct Professor at University of Melbourne
have a centralised metropolitanwide system of government. The evidence has shown that cities with a centralised city-wide government are linked with higher rates of FDI, with a higher standard of liveability. Cities with centralised governance are better able to sustain multiple international aviation hubs. t
October 2013
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Getting Online in Air Despite the cost of in-flight Wi-Fi technology and technical risks under review, more and more airlines are offering in-flight Wi-Fi facility
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magine this scenario: You are about to board your business class flight headed cross-continent to close an important deal.
Your overseas office at your point-of-destination is making some last minute changes to your proposal. The last call for check-in is made and you have to disconnect telling your office to mail you the details. You get on board, settle down and look to plug in to the internet. No Wi-Fi? Your 13-hour flight is now consumed with anxiety and worry about changes to your proposal that you cannot do anything about. For high-flying executives like David Ross, Senior VicePresident for the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa at FedEx Express International, the above is a nightmare scenario. Based in Dubai and presiding over the US giant’s air express operations in 68 countries, staying connected at all times is high priority for the American national. “These days, business as well as our private lives, is 24|7. One cannot afford to remain disconnected. “Due to our increasingly hyper-mobile lifestyles and interconnectivity of businesses with our lives, we cannot remain inaccessible. Even while we are in airspace, connectivity to cyberspace is increasingly becoming a necessity,” said the seasoned frequent traveler.
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While Ross is at the top-end of the flying demograph, as millions of new passengers take to the skies each year, in-flight Wi-Fi technology is something airlines can no longer ignore, or consider not crucial to the travel experience. Internet access defines peoples’ lives today and they want it; whether on the ground, or in the air. Industry analysts see the increase in demand for Wi-Fi as yet another revenue stream for airlines who, unable to raise base fares in a competitive environment, will increasingly tack on such ancillary fees.
Pay to surf In-flight Wi-Fi has come a long way since Oman Air, in 2010, became the first airline in the world to provide both mobile phone and Wi-Fi internet service to its passengers. Despite the high cost of in-flight Wi-Fi technology and technical risks that are still being looked at by aviation authorities, pending across the board approvals, currently, a fee-based in-flight Wi-Fi connection dominates the virtual sky-scape. On a flight exceeding 12 hours, chances are the passenger is not going to get internet access without paying a fee. Once connected, for many flyers, the experience is vastly different from what they are used to at home or in the office; compared to high-speed
broadband on the ground, WiFi in the sky is currently slow. Wi-Fi technology has evolved from various architectures across various standards and is now operated in 5GHz and 60GHz bands enabling multiple-user configurations. This has created newer business models that have evolved at every stage of this transition, opening up a significant global market. The Global Wi-Fi Market revenue is forecasted to reach $93.23 billion in 2018 from $40.13 billion in 2013, at an estimated CAGR of 15.08 percent during this period, according to a latest study by Markets and Markets.
Wi-Fi on Gulf carriers On Emirates airlines, passengers can surf the web, chat, tweet, check email and more by connecting to its OnAir Wi-Fi. OnAir is available on the majority of its A380 flights and a select number of Boeing B777 flights for a fee starting from just $2.75 for smartphones and $7.50 for tablets and laptops. To use the service, passengers’ own service provider must have a roaming agreement in place with OnAir or AeroMobile, the Emirates service provider. OnAir Wi-Fi services are not available in a number of countries including, China, India and the US.
EK’s service provider is working with regulatory authorities to extend network coverage. Kevin Rogers, CEO of AeroMobile, said: “AeroMobileequipped aircraft already fly to more than 330 destinations in 90 countries across the world, and we expect the number of aircraft offering our service to double over the next 12 months.” The cheapest plan on Emirates flights gives passengers 5MB of data for US$7.50 and is mainly aimed at the BlackBerry set due to the Berry’s highly-efficient email compression, while US$15 gets you a mobile plan with 25MB of data, which is better suited to iPhones and Android smartphones as well as casual tablet use. Emirates Airline and OnAir have shared some interesting stats regarding sky-high surfing: 52 per cent of people logging onto Emirates’ in-flight Internet do so with a smartphone, while 48 per cent use a tablet or laptop and the average data consumption per user is slightly below 20MB. The bulk of usage is focused on social media, news and travel
In Focus $5-$40 depending on the device and the plan you purchase. Qatar Airways currently offers OnAir WiFi on all its flights, but only in business class. The airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner also offers inflight Wi-Fi, and pricing details are hard to unearth online and even via airline staff. Prices vary per flight and can be confirmed once a flight is booked. Saudia Airlines offers inflight phone and Wi-Fi internet service using OnAir aboard all its A330′s so you can connect with your PDA or laptop and surf the web while in the air. EgyptAir has installed WiFi aboard its new A330-300′s from OnAir.
Browsing at 36,000 feet There is little doubt that in the near future, browsing at 36,000 feet will become a similar experience to surfing the web in your own bedroom - if you happen to have high-speed internet there, that is, says Diogenis Papiomytis from consulting firm Frost & Sullivan. Browsing at 36,000ft will become more easier and less costlier in the near future
related sites (such as hotel, taxi and restaurant bookings), passengers typically use the Internet during the first half of the flight, the time of the flight has a significant impact, with 73 per cent of usage being during the daytime and the length of the flight also has an impact, with 84 per cent of usage on flights of over three hours. When it comes to airlines that keep the passengers connected in the skies – even over oceans – and which are on their way to doing so soon, it turns out that the carriers based in the Middle East are ahead of the curve, but airlines in the Americas and Europe are playing catch up. A number of international airlines cur-
rently offer Wi-Fi connectivity on their flights while others are planning to join the connectivity club sooner than later.
Emirates Airlines Emirates grants passengers satellite Wi-Fi service from 40,000 feet on select flights via its On-Air service. The majority of A380 flights have it, as do a select number of Boeing B777 flights. Having launched with pricing packages based on data use, Emirates continues to charge the same rates for mobile and laptop. Costs for mobile on A380 flights range from $2.75
for 5MB to $15 for 30MB. Laptop packages on A380 flights begin at $5 for 30MB and bump to $15 for 100MB. Emirates even offer GPRS and EDGE aboard some flights. Etihad has plans to equip its entire fleet with Wi-Fi by 2014. The airline already has several A330′s with OnAir WiFi connectivity and two A320 that allow mobile device users to connect. Laptop connection costs $20 and PDA connection will be $10. Oman Air launched in-air internet and phone connectivity across its entire A330 fleet using OnAir back in 2010 so customers can both call and email and surf the web while onboard. Rates range between
The US firm Gogo turned to the Aircraft to Ground (ATG) solution, which uses existing mobile phone base stations, without a need for a satellite. Right now, it is the most popular in-flight Wi-Fi service provider in the world, equipping more than 85 per cent of all North American airplanes. “Passengers use of the inflight GSM and Wi-Fi networks mirrors behavior on the ground, which is why having both is so important,” said Ian Dawkins, OnAir CEO. “When both GSM and Wi-Fi are available, over 90 percent of passengers use GSM. Simply turn on your phone or tablet and use it for calls, text messages, emails, updating Facebook and Twitter, as well as the Internet.” t October 2013 October 2013
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Technology & Cargo
Flying Car now a reality
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t is the stuff of sci-fi films combining the ease and utility of driving with the threedimensional freedom of flying. Now, a US-based company claims the flying car is a reality; if you have approximately $300,000 dollars to spare. The street-legal flying car made aviation history by taking its first public flight of about 40 minutes at EAA AirVenture in Wisconsin, US, this August. Called the ‘Transition’, it is part-sedan, part-private jet and its manufacturer, Massachusettsbased Terrafugia, plans to put it on sale as early as 2015. The cockpit has two seats, four wheels and wings that fold so it
can be driven like a car and can carry luggage. The Transition runs on unleaded petrol and can reach speeds of around 70mph on the road and 115mph in the air. It uses a 23-gallon tank of automotive fuel and burns five gallons per hour in the air. On the ground, it gets 35 miles per gallon. It has rear-wheel drive when on the road and comes with two passenger airbags and a full-vehicle parachute. Carl Dietrich, Terrafugia’s CEO and CTO, says: “Our company has been dedicated to the creation of practical flying cars that will bring a new dimension of freedom to the world while simultaneously increasing the level
Transition on a test flight
of safety and convenience of personal transportation.” Transition is considered to be a light sports plane by the US Federal Aviation Administration, as
well as being a road car. Owners will have to have pilot licences; will need to pass a test, plus complete 20 hours of flying time to be able to fly the car. t
Global cargo industry adopts GCAA recommendations Full oxygen masks mandatory on all cargo flights
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he UAE has achieved another milestone in the global aviation industry after many of its recommendations have been adopted by world cargo companies. The recommendations were part of a report issued by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) following an investigation into the crash of a UPS Boeing aircraft on December 3, 2010, near Dubai International Airport. The recommendations as a whole constitute a turning point not only in aviation investigations, but also highlight the UAE contribution in modelling and shaping aviation rules at a global level and to shed light on areas that aircraft manufacturers should rethink when designing aeroplane. The report, which took three years to prepare, calls for the FDA and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to draw out scenarios as to how to deal with cases when one of the cabin crew becomes incapacitated to carry out his/her function as a re-
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October 2013
UPS aircraft will have full oxygen masks
sult of a fire on board. The report also calls for EASA and FDA to work together with Boeing in order to determine whether the 747 itself needs a revision to enhance and improve design and increase aviation safety features. Despite the fact that the report did not confirm the direct reason of the fire on the aircraft, cited as the cause of the crash, it draws attention for the need to inspect dangerous cargoes that can catch fire very easily, like the lithium
batteries on board the doomed craft. The GCAA warnings come at time of intense argument over lithium batteries causing a number of fires on board, including on an Ethipoian Airlines plane at London’s Heathrow, whichcaused the entire Boeing Dreamliner fleet to be grounded for three months. The list of recommendations also included an implementation of systems to detect and control fires on board in way that enables the crew to concentrate on
flying the aircraft. The report also calls for air cargo companies to organise training courses for pilots on flying in scenarios of fire and smoke on board, using simulators that mimic the same conditions. It also lists the need to raise awareness of people working in the cargo industry as regards combustible materials and chemicals. One of the first responses to the recommendations came from UPS, which has announced that it will equip its entire fleet with full oxygen masks, especially Boeing 757s, 767s and the Airbus SAS 300. Robert Travis, President of the Pilots Association at UPS, said the company also intends to equip its fleet with vision-enhancing equipment to overcome vision difficulties resulting from smoke and toxic fumes. A list or precautions will also include 1,600 fire-resistant containers that can withstand a fire for more than four hours to transport cargoes and combustible materials. t
Environment
MBM emissions scheme hot on ICAO agenda
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recommendation on a global market based measure (MBM) emissions scheme that addresses key design elements and mechanisms for the implementation 2020 was one of the key agendas of the ICAO Council meeting in Montreal, Canada, in September this year. The draft aims to make headway with the global aviation industry’s commitment to reduce emissions, though a final decision is unlikely to be taken until the ICAO 39th General Assembly in 2016. Responding to Climate Change (rtcc.org), a news and analysis data centre, focused on providing latest updates and insight into global low carbon developments, claims to have seen extracts of the draft which highlight that an MBM scheme should contribute towards
achieving global aspirational goals for the aviation industry - improving the efficiency of the world fleet by 2 per cent annum up to
2050 - but should not impose inappropriate economic burden on international aviation. The draft is also reported to show that ICAO is currently considering three types of MBMs: carbon offsetting, offsetting with an added revenue generation mechanism and a cap-and-trade ETS. The draft will ask the council to “finalise the work on the technical aspects, environmental benefits, economic impacts on international aviation and modalities of the three options for a global MBM scheme”, according to RTCC. While some countries could be keen to act on the draft quickly, US and EU included, countries with the aviation sector in a growth phase are likely to consider that any form of MBM could stifle their industries. t
Carbon-neutral targets could hike ticket prices
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eeting the aviation industry’s carbon-neutral growth target from 2020 could $1.50 to $2 to the price of a transatlantic one-way ticket in 2030, according to a report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) and Environmental Defence Fund (EDF). The report puts the onus on governments to adopt tough criteria to agreed environmental plans. The aviation industry goal of carbon-neutral growth from 2020 (CNG2020) through a global offset scheme
was under discussion at the ICAO triennial assembly meet last month. The authors of the report – Annie Petsonk, International Counsel for EDF and Guy Turner, Chief Economist at BNEF, base their findings on a recent analysis carried out by Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). The authors calculate that CNG2020 would add between $1.50 and $2 to the price of a one-way fare from Paris to New York in 2030 and be-
tween $10 and $20 in 2050 in real terms. This is based on an assumption that cost of offsetting by the industry beyond 2020 is spread evenly across all routes, existing and new. Assuming no change in the costs of flying the Paris-New York route, the costs of CNG2020 in today’s prices would therefore represent an increase of between 0.3 per cent and 0.4 per cent on the ticket price in 2030 and between 2 per cent and 4 per cent in 2050. t
$2.4 billion for Carbon Capture deployment by 2020
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ortrayed in the past five years as a pipe dream, technological saviour and prudent investment to complement existing energy infrastructure, CCS-also known as carbon capture and storage is projected as a complementary, sometimes marginal, technology in the global effort towards CO2 reduction. A new market research report has projected that the global Carbon Capture and Sequestration
(CCS) infrastructure and equipment deployment is projected to intensify significantly to over $2.4 billion in 2020. The CCS is not projected to represent more than 25 per cent of carbon emissions reductions below baseline even in the most active markets like North America and Europe. Other regions such as Latin America and Asia-Pacific will rely on CCS for less than five per cent of necessary carbon emissions reduc-
tions. According to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, aviation is accountable for approximately three per cent of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which is about 13 per cent of CO2 emissions from total transportation. Similarly, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that emissions from the aviation sector will increase by 300 per cent by 2050 to more than 2.3 billion tonnes. t
Indian airports to monitor air quality
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n response to requirements by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), to monitor the environmental cost of aircraft activity, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked all airports in the country to have an air quality monitoring system. Airports will have to submit air quality data on a quarterly and annual basis. According to the circular, airports that cannot have a fixed monitoring facility will need to install a mobile station to monitor air inside and outside the airport. The station should also be able to monitor basic meteorological parameters like wind speed, temperature, wind direction and relative humidity. t October 2013
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