Dubai 2017 with District International

Monthly Newsletter issued by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority www.viadubaionline.com Issue 44 January 2017

Inside DCAA DCAA to co-host

DCAA signs MoU 5 Aviation and Law – Dubai 2017 with District International

DAFZA signs multilateral 6 MoUs with DCAA and other entities DCAA signs cooperation 7 agreement with Al Falah University Canadian Consul 8 General visits DCAA office

UAE in Focus

World’s largest VIP 12 Terminal at Dubai South

dnata handles 14 record passengers, baggage in 2016 Four points Gift of climate Poised Emirates, Etihad 16 to ponder consensus for strong Airways among the growth in Top 10 safest in the 2017 world Alexandre Dr. Olumuyiwa de Juniac 29 Benard Aliu 28 Mohammed Ahli 10

Tech Boeing The next investments forecasts generation for increased 200,000 new in the wings security aviation jobs 20 22 36

Opinions 28 Airlines 30 Cargo & Logistics 32 Technology 36 Our Smart Services DCAA Smart App will allow the customers the below services:

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

Registration Requirements:

• Company Name • Username • Company Address • Password • Telephone Number • Email Address • Fax Number • Name • PO Box • Mobile Number • City • Emirates ID Number • Choose one secret questions • 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 January 2017 www.dcaa.gov.ae email: [email protected] CONTENTS In 2007, the functions of the Department of Civil Aviation were restructured. Accordingly, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) was established as a regulatory body, by a decree of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid 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 Our Smart Services Dubai and to oversee all aviation-related activities. Inside DCAA DCAA Smart App will allow the 05 DCAA signs MoU with District International customers the below services: 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. • Issuance of Landing permissions General Supervision • Issuance of No Objection Certificate for Carriage of Restricted Articles Mohammed Abdulla Ahli • Issuance of No Objection Certificate for Aerial Work Coordinator Hanan Al Mazimi • Issuance of No Objection Certificate for Aircraft Warning Light Creative Manager • Issuance of No Objection Certificate for Heliport Mohammed Al Jarouf • Issuance of No Objection Certificate for Pyrotechnic Display Editor Shveta Pathak 07 DCAA signs cooperation agreement • Issuance of No Objection Certificate for Building Height (Below 300m) E-mail: [email protected] with Al Falah University • Issuance of No Objection Certificate for Building Height (Above 300m)

• Issuance of Approval for Heliports Certification Legal Disclaimer • Issuance of Approval for Crane Operation 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 • Issuance of Approval for GSM or other communication tower occur. The information is therefore provided as is, with no guarantee of accuracy, completeness or timeliness. The DCAA • Issuance of Approval for Balloon Operations 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 • Issuance of No Objection Certificate for Sky Trackers / Space Cannon 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. Registration Requirements: Advertise with us 06 DAFZA signs multilateral 08 Canadian Consul General Editorial, Production, PR & Marketing MoUs with DCAA and other visits DCAA office • Company Name • Username Nadd AlShiba PR and Event Management entities • Company Address • Password • Telephone Number • Email Address • Fax Number • Name • PO Box • Mobile Number • City • Emirates ID Number • Choose one secret questions • Category (Individual - Airline - Agency - Expert - Provider)

Printed by Printwell Dubai You can download the application Our Vision Dubai Civil Aviation Authority is driven by the vision of Dubai to become the global Aviation Capital contributing to by searching in App Store and Play prosperity and enabling growth for Dubai. Our Mission Store by typing DCAA Dubai Civil Aviation Authority is committed to support the aviation sector in: u Capturing the full value potential as a global passenger, tourism, trade, cargo and logistic hub or scan the QR code u Providing the capacity, connectivity and leveraging existing assets to meet the aviation sector and economic growth plans of Dubai E-mail: [email protected] u Ensuring sustainable and responsible growth committed to safety, health, environment and security Website: www.dcaa.gov.ae 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 Tel: (971) 4 216 2009 For more information, please call u Ensuring a transparent, effective and commercially balanced regulatory framework that reflects the interests of the aviation industry, Dubai and the UAE Fax: (971) 4 224 4502 u Providing efficient and cost-effective services to the aviation sector technical support on: +971 56 6810685 P.O.BOX 49888 www.dcaa.gov.ae http://www.facebook.com/DCAADubai twitter.com/DcaaDubai Januaryyoutube.com/user/dcaadubai 2017 1 email: [email protected] Dubai, United Arab Emirates CONTENTS

World’s largest VIP Terminal at Dubai South

2016: The second Gift of climate Four points to safest year in aviation consensus ponder history

28 Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu 29 Alexandre de Juniac 25

Delta ends partnership Tech investments with Alaska Airlines for increased security

Positive momentum in the making

32 20

2 January 2017 Message from the President

Eventful New Year

et’s hope 2017 will be an eventful year for the LUAE aviation industry. The outlook is promis- Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum ing as we have lined up a series of events that will further boost the aviation sector in Dubai to reach among the top in the world, as envisioned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Mak- toum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The first phase of Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central (DWC) is expected to be com- Exciting times are in the offing in the New Year, the pleted during 2017, which will increase the passen- most important being the Dubai Airshow in Novem- ger handling capacity to 27 millionin first quarter ber, 2017. Dubai is continuing to grow and outpace 2018. Al Maktoum International is being designed traditional markets as it becomes an increasingly im- to become an airport of the future. We are building portant global aerospace hub. The record-breaking a range of amenities and facilities that will increase Airshow is one of the largest and most successful air capacity and significantly enrich the airport experi- shows in the world, connecting aerospace profes- ence, making it an attractive proposition for airlines sionals across all areas of the industry to facilitate as well as passengers.  successful global trade. Exhibitors and visitors attend the Dubai Airshow to take advantage of this growth and build their brand. Wish you all a successful and pleasant New Year.

Before that, in May 2017, we will have the Dubai Airport Show, the world’s leading B2B event for airport procurement, supplies, solutions and technology which has solid support from both the government and private sectors.

January 2017 3 Message from the Director General

Exciting 2017

Mohammed Abdulla Ahli e welcome 2017 with much hope and happi- Wness as we are poised to witness more exciting growth in the aviation sector in the New Year. As His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Mak- toum, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority President, and CEO of Emirates Group and Airlines said: “We are poised to significantly boost Dubai’s economy by creating a world-class facility capable of handling the growing number of passengers visiting and tive discussions, as well as develop the existing transiting our city.” infrastructure.

We look forward to an eventful year. The Dubai We also pledge to provide all support to business Airshow, the Dubai Airport Show and many other aviation in the country. The UAE is the second-larg- exciting happenings that will catapult Dubai into the est buyer of mid- to-large private jets out of a total realm of one of the top aviation hubs in the world, of 293 aircraft that were delivered to the Middle as envisioned by our leader. East between 2006 and 2015. The largest number of deliveries were to Turkey (77), followed by the UAE (63) and Saudi Arabia (58), while the UAE Providing the public with the safest and most secure air travel is our goal. Towards this noble purpose we tops in taking delivery of the most number of large are making all arrangements to provide all facilities jets. to the airport users coming from all countries. We will also take our innovation initiatives to the Following on the heels of the General Civil Avia- next level, as we have seen tremendous success in tion Authority’s 2017-2021 Strategic Plan, we will our new measures initiated in 2016.  improve services by involving all stakeholders, and enhancing international links and holding construc- Wish you a Happy and Blessed New Year.

4 January 2017 Inside DCAA

DCAA to co-host Aviation and Law – Dubai 2017

riven by the vision of H.H. our support to The Aviation and DSheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Law-Dubai 2017 conference, we aim al Maktoum, Vice President and to bring leaders and experts from all Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler over the world under one roof to dis- of Dubai, of making Dubai the global cuss relevant in the aviation sector, Aviation Capital, the DCAA is ac- raise awareness and come out with tively generating awareness through the best solutions and practices that its support and participation in will lead Dubai to become the global prominent national and international aviation capital as well as contribute events focussed on aviation. to boosting aviation sector in the region. We are strongly committed to In 2017, under the Patronage of H.H. pursuing our mission to contribute to Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Mak- the development of aviation sector.” CEO of District International, Sar- toum, President Dubai Civil Avia- mad Al Tikriti, the organisers of the tion Authority, the Authority will The Aviation and Law – Dubai 2017 conference, appreciated the DCAA co-host, Aviation and Law – Dubai conference, to be held in March, will and the local governmental entities 2017 conference, the first worldwide be a worldwide conference on the for their support to the conference in conference on the subject of Avia- subject and will bring ministers, lead- its first edition. tion, Security, and Law, along with ers, developers and law makers of the UK-based World Organization of aviation industry under one roof to He said the strong support of the Arbitration and Mediation. discuss international concerns relat- DCAA designated committee by ed to aviation, future development of H.E. Mohammed Ahli, Director His Excellency Mohammed Abdulla aviation, security of airlines and air- General of DCAA, to this prominent Ahli, Director General, Dubai Civil ports, and law dispute resolution in international conference ensures the Aviation Authority, said: “Through the Aviation private sector. success of the event. 

DCAA signs MoU with District International

he Dubai Civil Aviation Au- Tthority (DCAA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with District Inter- national, Event and Conference Management, for hosting the first Aviation & Law Conference in Dubai.

The agreement was signed by Di- rector General of DCAA HE Mo- hammed Abdulla Ahli. The MoU is to support such conferences The conference will bring together pation by government delegations specialized in aviation which also developers and specialists in the from more than 20 countries with enhances the role of the UAE and fields of aviation, security and law. huge local and international media Dubai in pioneering aviation. The conference will have partici- presence. 

January 2017 5 Inside DCAA

DAFZA signs multilateral MoUs with DCAA and other entities oUs in line with launch of the ‘Development of Governmental Services’ Innovation Ecosystem’ Minitiative at DAFZA’s ‘The Big Conversation’ Dubai Airport Free Zone Authori- investment destination in the world in that the unique initiative is inspired ty (DAFZA) has signed multilater- line with Dubai Plan 2021. by the wise vision of His Highness al Memorandums of Understanding Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al (MoUs) with Dubai Civil Aviation The official inauguration ceremony Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Authority (DCAA) and five other of the ‘Development of Governmen- Minister of the UAE and Ruler of government entities in line with the tal Services’ Innovation Ecosystem’ Dubai, who said that “Innovation is launch of the ‘Development of Gov- saw the launching of DAFZA’s ‘The the secret behind the survival and en- ernmental Services’ Innovation Eco- Big Conversation,’ a first-of-its-kind hancement of Governments and the system’ initiative. event aimed at overcoming obstacles main reason for the progress of their and fostering process, service and peoples and nations.” The other entities include the Dubai product innovation across the gov- Police, the Dubai Health Authority, ernment and freezone ecosystems to HE Mohammed Abdullah Ahli, Di- the Dubai Chamber of Commerce further enhance the experiences of rector General of Dubai Civil Avi- and Industry, the Dubai Economic foreign investors operating within the ation Authority, said: “Dubai Civil Department, Dubai Customs and the free zones in cooperation with gov- Aviation Authority seeks to fully General Directorate of Residency ernment entities. cooperate with all strategic partners and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai. The to achieve our common strategic ob- move is also in strategic collaboration His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin jectives. Through the ‘The Big Con- with Dubai Smart Office. Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of versation’ agreement, we seek full co- DAFZA, pointed out that the signif- operation with the signing parties to The initiative aims to create innova- icance of the ‘Big Conversation’ lies boost foreign investment and sustain tive solutions and enhance customer in its role in laying strong foundations inflows and consequently make a pos- experiences in support of national ef- for making innovation the main driver itive impact on the GDP. This is what forts towards making Dubai the most behind Dubai and the UAE’s global we are all looking for as entities that business-friendly city and a preferred economic leadership. He explained influence local economic growth.” 

6 January 2017 Inside DCAA

DCAA signs cooperation agreement with Al Falah University

ubai Civil Aviation Authority D(DCAA) has signed a cooperation agreement with Al Falah Uni- versity (AFU) to support all areas of education and the exchange of experiences, information, conferences, scientific research and training workshops.

The agreement was signed at the DCAA headquarters in the presence of HE Mohammed Abdullah Ahli, Director General of DCAA, and directors of departments and divisions.

Abdul Rahim Al Mulla, Executive The agreement focused on the fruit- Under the agreement, Al Falah Uni- Director of Support and Corporate ful scientific partnership for the versity will offer 10 per cent discount Communications, and Dr Sameer transfer of expertise and exchange on tuition fees for all employees of Al Barghouti, Vice President for of knowledge between the two the DCAA, including relatives to first Academic Affairs at Al Falah sides in addition to the seminars degree, to encourage the demand for University, signed the agreement. and scientific research that will education especially in the fields and Deans and faculties from AFU also help develop the level of education disciplines that the labour market attended. in the UAE. needs in the UAE. 

January 2017 7 Inside DCAA

Canadian Consul General visits DCAA office

E Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, good opportunity to exchange opin- cuss different aspects of cooper- HDirector General of DCAA, ions which contribute in strengthen- ation between the two sides. This received HE Emmanuel Kamari- ing the cooperation. meeting comes within a series of anakis, Consul General of Canada continuous meetings which DCAA in Dubai, in his office as part of the The Canadian Consul General ex- aims to have with different sectors DCAA’s policy of enhancing rela- pressed his gratitude and appreci- for cooperation. At the conclusion tionship and continuous cooperation ation to HE Mohammed Abdulla of the meeting, the Director General locally, regionally and globally. He Ahli on the cooperation, hospitality presented a memento to the Canadi- indicated that the visit considered a and giving the opportunity to dis- an Consul General. 

DCAA delegation in Bahamas for air transport meet

delegation from the Dubai Civ- A il Aviation Authority (DCAA) has participated in the Air Transport Conference (ICANN) held in the Ba- hamas. The delegation was headed by Saud Kinkzar, Executive Director of the air transport sector and international affairs.

During the visit, the DCAA delegation held bilateral talks with many of the participating states in order to develop the air transport sector. 

8 January 2017 Inside DCAA

DCAA organises workshops on performance assessment CAA organized an awareness session titled ‘How to set smart goals to assess individual performance’, Dwhich was attended by 90 employees. There were five workshops. The The course focused on the follow- • Linking the results of performance first one was for executive direc- ing topics: plans for training and development, tors and directors of departments, regulatory and institutional evalua- and the other four were for heads of • The importance and the role of tion; and departments, executives and other management’s assessment of smart staff of the Authority, with training objectives in the development of • Skills to deal with superiors in per- of one day for each group. employee performance; formance development.

The sessions were aimed at helping • The importance and the role of At the conclusion of the first work- the participants to formulate smart management’s assessment of smart shop for executives and directors goals, leading to control and eval- objectives in the development of in- of departments HE Mohammed uation of their individual perfor- stitutional efficiency; Abdullah Ahli, Director General of mance for the benefit of realising DCAA, distributed certificates to the goals of their departments and • The importance and the role of the participants in the presence of divisions which will ultimately re- management’s assessment of smart Dr. Hessa Abdullah Mohammed bin sult in achieving the vision of the goals in discovering aspects of de- Suleiman, Chairman of the Board of Authority velopment needed in the labour reg- Directors, Golden Eagle Manage- ulations; ment and Training Consulting. 

January 2017 9 Cover Story

Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) Poised for strong growth in 2017 he Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), which is responsible in defining the general policy for civil Taviation and also managing the aviation activities in the Emirate of Dubai, has been instrumental in fuelling the strong growth of the Dubai economy, contributing almost 30 per cent to the GDP and 19 per cent of employment opportunities. DCAA is poised for continuing the excellent track record of impressive growth in 2017 too.

In an exclusive interview with Via Du- The aviation sector in particular wit- march for a ‘perfectly innovative’ en- bai, His Excellency Mohammed Ab- nessed an unprecedented growth. Du- vironment in the aviation sector. All dulla Ahli, Director General, DCAA, bai International remained the busiest our employees have whole-heartedly explained how 2016 was a year of main terms of number of international subscribed to the novel thinking. jor achievements and shared the 2017 passengers. outlook. The ‘Be Innovative’ culture has truly Then, our two international airports influenced our staff as evidenced by Excerpts: are gearing up to serve up to 146 mil- the ‘innovative’ quality in their ser- lion passengers by 2025 and there will vices. How was the year 2016 for DCAA be corresponding huge expansion in in terms of achievements? related fields in the aviation sector. We took innovation initiatives to the The year 2016 has been an important next level in line with the UAE’s Na- year for the civil aviation industry and The Dubai International airport, tional Innovation Strategy. Dubai economy as well. which overtook leading airports in the world, saw passenger traffic climbing The department did everything to We could witness an overall growth to 83 million in 2016 and expects 89 inculcate the culture of innovation here in Dubai in spite of slow growth million people using the facility this among one and all, from top echelons elsewhere.In a way, Dubai could year. to the lowest staff, and even to outsid- beat the global trend because of the ers and stakeholders, to earn the epi- wholehearted support and progres- It was a year of innovation and ex- thet of ‘The Most Innovative People in sive approach of our visionary leader cellence at the DCAA where we saw the world’. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin a host of major initiatives taken for Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President making innovation a part of work cul- What were the other achievements and Prime Minister of the UAE and ture within the DCAA and also among in adopting technology? Ruler of Dubai, and the direction our stakeholders. We have been continuously upgrad- and the continuous support of His ing our systems, making the best use Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Our ‘Be Innovative’ initiative has of the latest technologies, making Al Maktoum, President Dubai Civ- been well-received by one and all. procedures more effective and more il Aviation Authority, Chairman & accurate. We will add more activities Chief Executive - Emirates Airlines The enthusiasm is encouraging us to to improve our operations. We have & Group, Chairman Dubai Airports. take up more such initiatives in our adopted ‘e-payment’ for collection of

10 January 2017 Cover Story

revenue. It enables all our customers Dubai Police General Department of state-of-the-art technology, trained including the airlines, to submit their airport security. personnel and proven world class pro- applications and make the payments cesses to see that security is not com- online and saves their time. By linking the system with the Dubai promised. Police Head Quarters, we ensure the The Corporate Support Department, importance of the strategic partner- How do you foresee 2017 perfor- the procurements division, which is ship in providing excellent services to mance and what are your expecta- responsible for all procurements with- achieve the best world practices. tions and resolutions? in the DCAA, has made 100 per cent First of all, we welcome 2017 with of its procedures online including the In April, we organised the 4th World much hope and happiness as we are payments. We have also converted Aviation Safety Summit which poised to continue the winning race in tenders to e committee, wherein the brought in the desired effect to high- the aviation sector this year also. entire process can be done online. light the challenges facing the global aviation industry and suggest remedial Dubai international airport is fast ap- Supplier registration is another area measures. We could bring together in- proaching the target of 100 million where we have gone 100 per cent on- ternational decision makers in aviation passengers in 2020. More than these line. safety, regulatory authorities, airport enviable numbers, Dubai will be re- and airline operators and other stake- garded by the world as one of the How do you highlight DCAA’s tech- holders. most modern and safest airports. This nology initiatives? growth presents before us the chal- In addition to directly informing our What are your initiatives to ensure lenge to ensure that we offer the best clients and stakeholders, we actively safety and security to passengers services while staying committed to participate in key events at national and assets? safety of the skies. In order to reach and international levels. The unprecedented growth in passen- this goal and go beyond, we are adopt- ger numbers and airlines necessitates ing innovation as our slogan for the During our participation in the Gitex the need for ensuring safety and secu- benefit of all our passengers, custom- Technology Week 2016, as part of the rity for all stakeholders, passengers, ers and stakeholders at large. Dubai Government pavilion, we dis- airlines and the general public. The played the latest smart and innovative DCAA is fully prepared to face this services in order to enhance the expe- challenge by adopting advanced tech- Our guiding inspirations are the vi- rience of our customers. nology and deploying trained person- sions of our leaders. His Highness nel for the job. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Among the prominent showcasing was Maktoum, Vice President and Prime ‘Drone Hunter’. The aircraft was intro- We are well-equipped to assume this Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Du- duced to identify rogue drones operat- huge responsibility of ensuring safe- bai, has set very high standard. ing too close to the city’s airports. ty by virtue of our early planning, far-sighted strategies and above all the His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin In cooperation with the General Di- ability to deploy the required financial Saeed Al Maktoum, President Dubai rectorate of Police, we inaugurated resources and human capital. Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman the newly created electronic system & Chief Executive - Emirates Airlines to issue permits for transportation of We made sure that the right and & Group, Chairman Dubai Airports, dangerous goods from, to and through time-tested technology is deployed by said: “We are poised to significantly Dubai International and Al Maktoum world class companies and experts. boost Dubai’s economy by creating International Airport. At a time when the aviation industry a world-class facility capable of han- continues to grow and become more dling the growing number of passen- The new system serves the clients of complex, it is important that we rein- gers visiting and transiting our city.” airlines, licensed cargo companies force an effective safety culture. For in dealing with dangerous goods and this, we are adopting global standards We look forward to many new initia- the system is electronically linked be- involving our human resources, finan- tives in 2017 amid the robust growth tween the departments of accidents cial resources and the best technol- that Dubai’s aviation sector is witness- investigation and aviation safety and ogy. Going forward, we will deploy ing. 

January 2017 11 UAE in Focus

12 January 2017 UAE in Focus

World’s largest VIP Terminal at Dubai South

he launch of the VIP Terminal at Dubai South’s Aviation District is yet another significant step towards realising Dubai’s vision of becoming the aviation capital of the world: His THighness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman & Chief Executive - Emirates Airlines & Group, Chairman Dubai Airports.

The inauguration of the VIP Ter- With the opening of the world’s luxurious duty free retail space. minal at Dubai South marked an largest facility for private avia- The VIP Terminal currently hosts important chapter in the aviation tion, Dubai South has raised the three operators including Falcon history of Dubai. bar on luxury travel, redefining Aviation, Jetex and Jet Aviation. the passenger experience. The world’s largest VIP termi- As the world’s first mas- nal was officially opened at Al A significant milestone for Dubai ter-planned airport city, Dubai Maktoum International at Dubai South and for aviation industry as South is concentrating on build- South on 19 December, 2016 by a whole, the opening of the VIP ing state-of-the-art infrastructure His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Terminal will cement our posi- around the Al Maktoum Inter- Saeed Al Maktoum, President tion in the world of private avi- national, thus creating a thriving Dubai Civil Aviation Author- ation, bringing us a step closer to aviation ecosystem. ity, Chairman & Chief Execu- becoming the region’s premier tive- Emirates Airlines & Group, aerospace hub. The Aviation District provides a Chairman Dubai Airports. specialised business environment The world-class facility is com- that meets all the needs of the avi- The 5,600-square metre stan- plemented by first-class services ation industry. dalone facility is intended to and experiences, all adding to an exclusively cater to private, exemplary travel experience.” The first flight from the VIP ter- business and heads of state and minal took place in April 2016, government VIP travellers. It is the largest of its kind in the carrying 13 passengers on an world, hosting two Fixed Base Embraer Legacy aircraft that was The largest purpose-built facility Operators (FBOs), JetEx and Fal- headed to the Maldives. Since of its kind in the world, the termi- con Aviation, according to Khal- then, the terminal has witnessed nal is set to create a niche in busi- ifa Al Zaffin, Chairman of Dubai 1,000 flight movements with the ness aviation sector, offering VIP Aviation City. number anticipated to grow to customers a seamless travel ex- 4,000 movements in 2017. perience, coupled with time and The VIP Terminal is minutes cost efficiencies within a thriving away from Al Maktoum Inter- The terminal is part of Al Mak- aviation ecosystem. national, which is shaping up to toum International, the planned become the largest airport in the largest airport in the world, which Speaking on the occasion, His making. will involve the construction of Highness Sheikh Ahmed said: five runways and increase in ca- “The launch of the VIP Terminal The terminal is housed in a be- pacity to handle 160 million pas- at Dubai South’s Aviation Dis- spoke architectural structure re- sengers a year once complete. trict is yet another significant step flecting the pioneering spirit and towards realising Dubai’s vision innovation-led heritage of Du- The facility is located in the Avi- of becoming the aviation capital bai’s aviation sector. Set inside ation District, which will become of the world. an opulent and aesthetically rich the new permanent home of the interior, the terminal features Dubai Airshow. 

January 2017 13 UAE in Focus

dnata handles record passengers, baggage in 2016

arried 91.3 million passengers and 97.8 million bags in 2016; The most travelled sector from Dubai was Doha with over 2.99 million passengers; Busiest day CDecember 23, 2016 witnessed handling of 281,388 passengers. Dubai-based dnata, the Emirates Group’s aviation and travel services subsidiary, carried more than an unprecedented 91.3 million passengers and 97.8 million bags as its UAE operations continued to expand during 2016.

The data represents more than a 16 per cent increase in the number of passengers using the airports, and 4 per cent increase in the number of flights compared to 2015.

The most travelled sector from Du- bai was Doha with over 2.99 million passengers making the journey from monthly average of 46,570 tonnes Currently dnata deploys 10,000 piec- the hub, and 3.2 million bags meeting and an eight per cent increase from es of GSE and vehicles of which 2, travellers at the destination. the previous year. 000 are motorised. dnata has introduced environment friendly elec- “It’s been a challenging year but our Al Maktoum International Airport tric tow tractors, conveyor belts and team has demonstrated unwavering at Dubai World Central (DWC) also pushback tractors, GSE with engines commitment to delivering the high- saw a spike in passenger numbers meeting Euro III emission standards est standards to our customers,” said with Fly Dubai’s growing operations and testing hybrid and CNG powered Steve Allen, DSVP dnata Airport at the airport in 2016. vehicles; we have a vision to convert Operations. motorised equipment wherever feasi- The airport has also developed into ble from diesel powered to electric, “We have worked hard to stay agile, a regional cargo hub with a capaci- hybrid or CNG-powered. efficient and innovative, while never ty to grow to 16 million tonnes per compromising our safety and opera- year. dnata now handles more than dnata has worked closely with Dubai tional excellence. 2017 will require 117.000 tonnes of cargo at DWC Airports and other stakeholders on us to be even more tactile and re- and this number is expected to the opening of Concourse D. The new sponsive to the needs of the market, grow. concourse has increased the airport’s and stay on top of our game to ensure capacity to an additional 16 million a robust year ahead.” dnata’s Special Handling team at passengers. dnata also operates a new DXB of 980 employees have assist- marhaba lounge at Concourse D. On its busiest day of 2016, December ed an average of 4, 000 special needs 23, dnata was supported by 18,529 passengers every day. Over the year, In addition to Dubai, dnata has staff who handled 281,388 passen- dnata invested millions into new ground handling operations in 74 gers and 329, 341 bags, and one air- ground support equipment (GSE) other airports around the world, serv- craft movement every 73 seconds. to ensure flights landing at the two ing more than 250 airlines, and is the dnata closed the year with 419,133 airports are serviced safely and effi- world’s largest ground handler of the tonnes of cargo at DXB which is a ciently. Airbus A380 aircraft. 

14 January 2017 UAE in Focus

Emirates Aviation in tie-up with Airways Aviation for pilot training mirates Aviation Services has formed a partnership with training specialist Airways Aviation to offer a direct pathway to a Private Pilot License (PPL) in the UAE through to Ea Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) in Europe or Australia. This new partnership allows aspiring pilots in Dubai and the GCC countries the chance to study for a PPL in their region and, upon completion and being awarded a contract, move onto a MPL at one of Airways Aviation’s EASA or CASA training academies.

Emirates Aviation Services will de- liver the Airways Aviation core MPL training programme in Dubai, enabling the company to supply exceptional airline pilots for an industry where pilots are in high demand, said Eastern airlines are highly desired ates Aviation Services, said: “This a press statement. by prospective pilots, so it makes partnership with Airways Aviation complete sense for us to partner with will enable us to achieve our vision The partnership with Emirates Avi- Emirates Aviation Services, an estab- of being a leading training provider ation Services also provides Air- lished training provider in the UAE. of airline pilots. ways Aviation with the opportunity We are now working together to pro- to develop new airline training provide high-quality airline pilot train- Utilising the company’s exceptional grammes and as well as developing ing for local students and a direct quality of training programmes and new relationships with airlines in the pathway onto the flight line,” said senior teaching staff, we’re confident region. “The UAE is an important Ian Cooper, CEO, Airways Aviation. that we will produce some of the best region for Airways Aviation. Middle Abdullah Al Ansari, Director, Emir- pilots in the UAE.” 

January 2017 15 UAE in Focus

Emirates, Etihad Airways among the Top 10 safest in the world mirates and Etihad Airways have been listed among the Top 10 safest airlines in the world, according to the Airline Safety Ranking study for 2017 by the Jet EAirliner Crash Data Evaluation Centre (Jacdec).

The study found that airlines based in Asia and the Middle East continued to dominate the list of carriers with the best safety track record in 2016.

Emirates ranked seventh while Eti- had Airways took the eighth slot on the list of the world’s safest airlines.

Cathay Pacific, based in Hong Kong, tops the list as the carrier Earlier, another similar annual survey All Nippon Airlines and American with the best safety record, fol- of the world’s biggest airlines by safe- Airlines. In selecting Qantas as the lowed by Air New Zealand in ty and product rating website, Airlin- world’s safest airline, AirlineRat- second position. Hainan Airlines eRatings.com, placed Emirates in the ings.com editors noted that over its comes in third, followed by Qatar seventh and Etihad Airways in the 95-year history, the world’s oldest Airways, KLM from the Nether- eighth position in the list of the safest continuously operating airline has lands, Eva Air from Taiwan, fol- airlines in the world. amassed an extraordinary record of lowed by Emirates and Etihad. firsts in operations and safety and is Qantas from Australia and Japan Qantas was in the top spot followed now accepted as the industry’s most Airlines round up the Top 10. by Air New Zealand, Alaska Airlines, experienced carrier. 

16 January 2017 UAE in Focus

Dubai Duty Free clocks $1.85 billion sales

ubai Duty Free (DDF) has announced annual sales of $1.85bn in 2016. DDF opened 7,000sq m of retail in Concourse D on February 24 as part of the phased opening of the Dnewest concourse in Dubai International airport. This brought the retail area under its During the year, DDF also recorded I also join His Highness in thanking operation to 36,000sq m in both Du- 27.119 million sales transactions, an our great team of staff, our suppliers bai’s airports. average of 74,097 sales transactions and of course our customers, for their per day across Dubai International contribution to our growth and suc- Perfumes remain the highest selling and Al Maktoum International air- cess.” category with annual sales topping ports. Its performance won the com- $306.85 million, which represents pany 28 awards during the course of Looking ahead to 2017, McLoughlin 16.55 per cent of total annual sales. the year. added: “There is a lot to look forward Beverages followed with sales of to [in 2017], including the improve- $295.4 million while cigarettes and Reflecting on the year at DDF, Exec- ment of our retail offer in Dubai In- tobacco was in third place with sales utive Vice-Chairman and CEO Colm ternational airport’s Concourse C and of $160.7 million. McLoughlin said: “Overall, it has in Al Maktoum International airport’s been a good year for the operation passenger terminal building. Cosmetics came in fourth place with and I would like to thank His High- sales amounting to $148.8 million ness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al “In Concourse C, we have just opened followed by Confectionery with Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil our outlets in the area that links Con- $143.75 million . Meanwhile, sales Aviation Authority and Chairman of course C to Concourse B, and we will in departures outlets across the con- Dubai Duty Free, and Chairman and fully renovate the retail areas in the rest courses accounted for 86.66 per cent Chief Executive of Emirates Airline of departures and apron levels of Con- of total annual sales at $1.6bn. and Group, for his ongoing support. course C over the course of the year.” 

January 2017 17 UAE in Focus

Etihad and Lufthansa announce code-share deal nder the deal, Lufthansa will place its LH code on Etihad’s flights between Abu Dhabi and Frankfurt Uand Munich. Lufthansa has struck its first coopera- Lufthansa’s agreement to lease planes Under the deal, Lufthansa will place its tion deal with a Gulf airline, agreeing to and crew from struggling Air Berlin, LH code on Etihad’s flights between sell tickets jointly with Etihad Airways which is 29-per cent owned by Etihad. Abu Dhabi and Frankfurt and Munich. on some routes and leaving the door Lufthansa had previously scrapped its open to further agreements in other ar- Australia’s Qantas Airways has a simi- Frankfurt-Abu Dhabi flights saying eas. lar code-sharing agreement with Emir- they were not profitable due to overca- ates while British Airways has a reve- pacity created by the code-share deal Germany’s biggest airline has been nue-sharing deal with Qatar Airways, between Etihad and Air Berlin. a fierce critic of Gulf carriers on the which owns 20 per cent of BA’s parent grounds their state backing gives them IAG. Etihad will in turn put its EY code on an unfair competitive advantage and it Lufthansa’s long-haul services between has in the past objected to code-sharing Independent industry consultant John Frankfurt and Rio de Janeiro and Bo- by German rival Air Berlin and Etihad. Strickland said Lufthansa’s deal with gota. Etihad was a positive move. Other airlines already work with The two will also consider extend- fast-growing Middle Eastern carri- “Other major airline groups like IAG ing their cooperation in other areas, ers, however, and the code-sharing and Qantas have long seen the value of Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr said in deal signed recently comes on top of this,” he said. a statement. 

18 January 2017 UAE in Focus

Boeing, Mubadala aim to boost UAE aerospace industry

ircraft manufacturer Boe- Aing announced that the Boe- ing-Mubadala Co-op internship programme is on course to provide aerospace engineering expertise to bolster the UAE’s aviation capabilities. The programme was launched by Boeing and Mubadala in 2015 to support the development of a sustainable aerospace industry in the UAE. Six students have graduated from the programme to date, and 10 Emirati students will join in August 2017.

The 18-week programme includes professional development activities designed to build the students’ network and broaden their exposure to Boeing and aerospace engineering.  Flydubai certifies its 100th batch of cabin crew

lydubai has announced the suc- bers from the Flydubai Training 1,650 Cabin Crew members who Fcessful graduation of its 100th Centre. The batch of 27 candidates represent more than 100 national- batch of certified Cabin Crew mem- will join flydubai’s community of ities. The graduates of the training programme received their certificates from Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer for Flydubai, Jilly Sims, senior vice president, In-Flight Services for flydubai and Carolyn O’Brien, Flydubai’s Cabin Crew Training Manager.

Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “Over the past eight years, flydubai has trained thousands of cabin crew who have applied their learnings to make flying a pleasant experience for the millions of passengers who travel with us each year.

“I would like to congratulate each graduate on their achievement and the highly skilled and professional trainers who have helped us reach this important milestone.” 

January 2017 19 Special Report

Tech investments for increased security

nvestment in passenger processing technology ranks the number one priority for airports as airports give higher priority Ion IT investments for passenger and airport security.

Airports are placing a higher prior- ports Council International (ACI) in While investment in passenger pro- ity on IT investments for passenger association with Airline Business. cessing technology still ranks the and airport security with 50 per cent For many airports, the investment number one priority for airports, rating it a high priority, up from 37 focus has shifted to security in the it has dropped from 73 per cent in per cent in 2015, according to the wake of heightened regional ten- 2015 to 59 per cent this year as se- 2016 Airport IT Trends Survey, sions, some of which directly target curity rises in priority. jointly sponsored by SITA and Air- air travel.

20 January 2017 Special Report

The survey shows that self-service “We see a shift where airports are SITA’s research takes a look fur- and mobile dominate the airport also looking to technology to gen- ther into the airport’s digital trans- landscape. For the first time SI- erate non-aeronautical revenue. formation exploring areas such as TA’s research indicates the major- By 2019, 84 per cent hope to make wearables, biometrics, robotics and ity of airports worldwide provide money by enabling the purchase of context-aware services and how air- self-service check-in for both pas- airport services through their mobile ports plan to use these innovative sengers and bags. Looking ahead, app. And there is also a clear trend to technologies over the next five to self-service will continue to dom- provide hybrid public Wi-Fi services ten years. inate with two-thirds of airports that combine the convenience of lim- planning major IT investments in ited free Wi-Fi with commercial of- In the light of the increased focus this area. ferings. Over the next three years the on security it is not surprising that proportion of airports planning to of- interest in biometric technology, The growing influence of mobile is fer unrestricted free Wi-Fi will drop which supports fast and secure pas- also evident with nearly every air- from 74 per cent to 54 per cent. This senger processing, is high. port worldwide (90 per cent) under- change is mainly driven by airports in taking either a major program or a North America and the Middle East.” More than one third of airports will trial project related to mobile servic- invest in single biometric travel to- es and 74 per cent trialing or piloting Using kiosks for services beyond ken projects in the next five years context-aware and location-based check-in and bag drop to gener- jumping to the majority (52 per technology in the next five years. ate revenue will also appear at the cent) within the decade. world’s airports. Matthys Serfontein, SITA Vice These findings are from the 13th President, Airport Solutions, said: Today a very small number of air- annual SITA Airport IT Trends and “The technology trends at airports ports have kiosks that allow passen- reflect the views of more than 225 reflect the changing world. Invest- gers to download digital content, airports who together manage 36 ments to support passenger and such as the latest films, before they per cent of the global traffic or 2.3 airport security are up while the in- board the flight but by 2019, 30 per billion passengers. Almost 50 per creasing demands of the connected cent plan to do so. By that time 42 cent of survey respondents came traveller for self-service and mobile per cent also expect to have kiosks from airports within the Top 100 in services are also being met. that enable sales transactions. terms of revenue. 

January 2017 21 Middle East News

Boeing forecasts 200,000 new aviation jobs

irline industry in the Middle East to require 92,000 additional cabin crew, 58,000 pilots to support the growing demand for Anew aircraft deliveries. Airlines in the UAE and the rest of translates into exciting career op- “The demand for new pilots is pri- the Middle East will require an addi- portunities for those interested in marily driven by new airplane deliv- tional 200,000 personnel to support the aerospace industry,” said Sher- eries and fleet mix, while new tech- the growing demand for new aircraft ry Carbary, Vice President, Boeing nician demand is primarily driven deliveries over the next two decades, Flight Services. by fleet growth.” according to Boeing. Across the globe, the total number Overall, the Asia-Pacific region The US plane maker announced of new aviation personnel required will lead the recruitment activity, in its report that the region’s com- between 2016 and 2035 will touch with more than 500,000 new pilots mercial aviation industry will need 2.1 million, according to the 2016- and technicians. China alone is ex- about 92,000 cabin crew, 58,000 2035 Boeing Pilot and Technician pected to require 111,000 pilots and pilots and 66,000 technicians alone. Outlook. 119,000 technicians; Southeast Asia The recruitment of aviation per- 62,000 pilots and 67,000 techni- sonnel will be one of the largest in The aircraft manufacturer said its cians; South Asia 41,000 pilots and the world. “We are continuing to forecast is tied to projections for 39,000 technicians and Oceanic re- see significant need for new pilots new airplane deliveries around the gion 13,000 pilots and 17,000 tech- and maintenance technicians. This globe. nicians. 

22 January 2017 Middle East News

Qatar Airways finalises LATAM investment

atar Airways has completed the Qacquisition of 10 per cent of South America’s largest airline group, LATAM.

Qatar’s investment in its One World alliance partner came through an ap- proximately $600 million purchase of newly subscribed LATAM shares.

Both airlines are members of the One- world Global Alliance. Angeles, Washington Dulles, Orlan- operate flights between North Amer- do and New York. Its primary hubs ica and six South American countries: “The entrance of Qatar Airways as are in Sao Paulo; Bogota, Colombia; Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Paraguay, a shareholder of LATAM represents and Santiago, Chile. Peru and Uruguay. a unique opportunity to develop a long-term relationship and explore In addition, LATAM and American Along with its new investment in new opportunities for connectivi- have an application for antitrust im- LATAM, Qatar is a 20 per cent own- ty with Asia and the Middle East,” munity pending with regulatory agen- er of IAG, the airline group that owns LATAM said in a statement. Qatar cies in several countries throughout British Airways, Spanish carriers Ibe- flies to 10 US cities from its hub in the Americas. The carriers are seeking ria and Vueling, and Ireland’s Aer Doha. LATAM flies to Miami, Los approval to jointly plan, market and Lingus. 

Oman Air introduces baggage piece concept

man Air, Oman’s national carri- one 30 kg piece of checked-in bag- cards will be permitted one extra bag of Oer, has introduced a new baggage gage with linear dimensions 158 cm. a maximum weight 20 kg. piece concept which will help the air- Passengers travelling in Business and line to standardise and in many cases First Class will be permitted one extra Oman Air’s current pricing model for reduce the charges currently in place bag with a maximum weight 20 kg. additional baggage will be replaced for additional luggage. This will increase to 30 kg for passen- with an additional piece concept where- gers with valid Gold and Silver Sindbad by passengers will be able to purchase All passengers travelling on Oman cards. Passengers travelling in Econo- additional pieces of luggage with a Air will receive a free allowance of my with valid Gold and Silver Sindbad maximum weight of 20 kg per piece to be checked in, the airline said.

Oman Air has also introduced pricing for Specialist luggage which includes items such as pets, sporting equipment and anything above the stated dimensions of 158 cm.

The measures represents Oman Air efforts to make the carriage of additional baggage more affordable for passengers, the airline said. 

January 2017 23 Middle East News

Kuwait Airways to take delivery of 10 B777-300(ER)s

uwait Airways expects to take delivery of its full fleet of ten B777-300(ER)s by the end of Kthe fourth quarter of 2017.

Kuwait Airways has taken delivery be deployed on crew familiarisation of our most loyal and frequent flyers,” of its first B777-300((ER) following flights around the Middle East before she said. the arrival of 9K-AOC in Kuwait di- being deployed on London Heath- rect from Everett on December 9. row services, likely in the new year. Kuwait Airways’ widebody fleet cur- However, the first commercial service rently consists of five A330-200s, four Powered by General Electric GE90- was to Dubai. A340-300s, one B747-400(M), and 115B engines, the widebody twinjet two B777-200(ER)s. features 334 seats with eight in First, “While the Boeing 777-300ER is pri- thirty-six in Business, and 290 in marily geared to long-haul destina- The delivery of the Boeing 777- Economy. tions, Dubai is our highest frequency 300ER, bearing the airline’s new look destinations (21 times per week); so, livery, represents another positive step Airline Chairwoman and CEO, Rasha we felt that for the first commercial forward for the airline, in support of its A. Al Roumi, said during a welcoming flights we would showcase the new previously announced five-year trans- ceremony that the aircraft will initially product to passengers who are some formation strategy, said a statement. 

24 January 2017 International News

2016: The second safest year in aviation history

here have been a relatively small number of air accidents in 2016, a testament to the stringent safety standards now in Tplace around the world.

Year 2016 has been one of the saf- When one discounts hijackings and markable 2,370 deaths and 72 fatal est years in aviation history. There sabotage, 2015 was actually the accidents. There were 11 crashes have been a relatively small number safest year on record. The crashes that saw at least 100 perish, includ- of air accidents in 2016, a testament of a Germanwings A320 in March ing four Aeroflot flights, and others to the stringent safety standards now 2015, deliberately caused by co-pi- involving Iberia, Sterling Airways, in place around the world. lot Andreas Lubitz, and a Metrojet Alitalia, British European Airways, A321 in October, due to a suspected Interflug, Spantax and Eastern Air According to the Aviation Safety bomb, accounted for the majority of Lines. Network (ASN), which keeps a data- the year’s fatalities. base of all air travel incidents, 2016 Fearful fliers should be grateful the was the second safest year on re- The year also saw the fewest number Seventies are over. The following cord. There were 19 fatal accidents, of fatal crashes involving passenger year, 1973, was the second deadli- resulting in 325 deaths -- down from aircraft - just seven. There have been est on record, with 69 fatal crashes 560 in 2015. 11 in 2016. The general trend, how- and 2,028 deaths. The carriers in- ever, that air travel has never been volved in the biggest disasters that Given that the year saw around 3.5 safer is easy to see. year included Royal Jordanian, Lib- billion air passengers flown, that’s ya Arab Airlines, Invicta Interna- just one death per 10,769,230 trav- “Since 1997 the average number of tional Airlines, Varig and Pan Am. ellers. Two of the 19 accidents were airliner accidents has shown a steady And, of course, Aeroflot, which had on flights operated by airlines on the and persistent decline... thanks to a staggering 17 crashes that year. EU “black list”. the continuing efforts of international aviation organisations such as And 1974 was the fourth deadliest Only one year saw fewer deaths ICAO, IATA, Flight Safety Foun- year, with 1,989 fatalities from 68 - 2013, with 265. But with 3.048 dation and the aviation industry,” crashes (eight involving Aeroflot). billion boarding a plane that year, said ASN President Harro Ranter. It should be noted that safety stand- according to the World Bank’s data, ards have improved drastically at the this amounts to a very similar num- But what of the deadliest year in Russian airline since then - it hasn’t ber of deaths per passenger: one per aviation history? For that, one must been involved in a fatal accident 11,501,886. go back to 1972, which saw a re- since 1996. 

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siemens.com/logistics January 2017 A19100-V710-F104-X-7600 26 International News

Cambodia, Boeing delivers 500th Indonesia in direct 787 Dreamliner flight pact

ambodia and Indonesia have signed Ca memorandum of understanding (MoU) concerning direct flights, according to an official from the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA). A spokesman said the Cambodian government has signed the MoU to pave the way for direct flights from Indonesia to Cambodia, but market oeing has delivered the Boeing Commercial Airplanes. factors were the main constraint to B500th 787 Dreamliner, a Since entering service in 2011, making the flights a reality. 787-8 to Avianca, marking an- the 787 Dreamliner fleet has other milestone in the program’s grown to include 48 operators, Indonesian airline companies were history. who have collectively flown conducting market research on wheth- 696,000 revenue flights, carry- er to launch the flights. “Achieving 500 deliveries – the ing 133 million passengers over fastest to 500 for twin aisles 1.7 billion revenue miles. “The main problem for Indone- – is a great accomplishment, sian airline companies is the mar- made possible by the hard work The 787 family is flying more ket, but there are still choices for and dedication of our employ- than 530 routes, with custom- them as they can either conduct a ees and global suppliers,” said ers opening more than 120 direct flight or codeshare with oth- Mark Jenks, Vice President and new nonstop routes around the er airlines to save on the cost of General Manager, 787 Program, world.  a flight to Cambodia,” he said. The official said Indonesian airlines were reluctant to have direct flights to Cambodia because there are less China cautiously embraces open skies Indonesian tourists visiting Cambodia compared with Malaysia, Singapore, hina has agreed to liberalise right expansion (let alone open Thailand and Europe. Cpassenger flights and re- skies). But for Australia it was move capacity restrictions with the Australian government, “Cambodia is not a main destination Australia, its largest outbound which signalled some years ago [for Indonesian tourists], so it is hard long haul market after the Unit- that it wanted to liberalise once to gain profit in this market,” he said. ed States. China was ready – a time that has now come. Ho Vandy, the Secretary-Gener- This is a relief to Chinese air- al of Cambodia’s National Tour- lines, which face bilateral con- Australia’s view was progres- ism Alliance, said luring Indo- straints in North America and sive and detached from bygone nesian tourists to Cambodia was Europe. The result is already days of national carrier inter- difficult because they are always evident as Chinese airlines de- est; Chinese airlines hold 90 asking about new tourism sites and ploy more capacity and larger per cent of the market to Aus- products Cambodia has to offer. aircraft to Australia. tralia. Elsewhere many govern- He added that Indonesia has a large ments still hold back on Chi- population and direct flights between In North American and Euro- nese traffic right expansion so the two countries would draw more pean markets the local gov- their local airlines can continue Indonesians to Cambodia.  ernments hold back on traffic to grow. 

January 2017 27 Opinion

Gift of climate consensus

needed to be brought on board with its approach, including a wide range of non-governmental organizations. As a result of the clear motivation on behalf of these disparate parties to take meaningful climate action, an effective solution was arrived at.

The CORSIA approach is both flexible and pragmatic. Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu It is also a world first for any major industry sector and President, International Civil Aviation demonstrates that sufficient leadership and political Organization will does exist today at the national and global levels to safeguard our environment.

The air transport sector is currently responsible n the face of carbon emission and climate change for roughly 1.3 per cent of annual man-made CO2 Ichallenges, one gift which we can all be grateful is emissions. While that percentage may seem small, the very clear testament to realistic climate progress governments, airlines and others clearly recognize that recently agreed to by the many diverse players in the it cannot double in lockstep with the number of flights international air transport sector. our network manages.

In September, no fewer than 191 governments The new CORSIA solution will now help to came together at the Montreal headquarters of the complement the wide ranging efforts on emissions International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) reductions that the aviation sector is already pursuing, to iron out the final points of a new CO2 emissions and that have helped modern aircraft become 80 per solution for international flights. cent more fuel efficient than the first commercial jets.

The basic purpose of this global measure is to help It’s my hope that aviation’s gift of climate consensus aviation mitigate its CO2 emissions that are not already will become a helpful example for other industries being reduced through new technologies, streamlined in the years ahead, and lead to further and concrete operations and improved infrastructure. progress on reining in our collective emissions.

Considered an impossible goal by many, especially given the wide-ranging variance in the capabilities and ambitions of the countries that needed to find common ground on it, the Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), presented numerous diplomatic challenges.

The ultimate agreement was further complicated by the fact that private sector organizations representing airlines, airports and many other air transport interests

2828 January January 2017 2017 Opinion

Four points to ponder

et me share some thoughts on what I see as the LMiddle East and North Afria (MENA) regions’ four top issues.

The airport infrastructure in MENA demonstrates the foresight of governments wanting to capture aviation’s economic and social benefits. To keep this competitive advantage, continuous consultation Alexandre de Juniac is needed so that capital expenditure aligns industry Director General and CEO, IATA growth, required service levels and acceptable costs.

I will also sound a note of caution on infrastructure privatization. Saudi Arabia has announced privatization plans for 27 airports. Despite many The fourth item, security, may well be the most privatizations around the world we have not seen challenging. It is a global issue. There are risks any examples of airport privatization that have and challenges — insider threats, landside exposure truly met expectations. Whatever be the ownership at airports, overflight of conflict zones, and cyber structure, airlines need airports with sufficient security. Efficient airport checkpoints are important. capacity and efficient and technically excellent operations. Our need for cost-efficient infrastructure to meet demand, for reasonable taxation, for the Even more urgent is the need to modernize air traffic implementation of global standards and for security management in the Gulf. A recent study calculates is in no way selfish. average delays in the Gulf at 29 minutes with the potential to double by 2025. More expensive Yes, it will help our business. But the bigger picture technology is not the solution. Regional cooperation is the contribution that safe, secure, efficient and is. sustainable air transport makes to the welfare of nations. The business of freedom makes people’s There has been an unprecedented rise in taxes and lives better. Nothing should stand in the way of its charges across the region — about $700 million in success!  extra costs over 2015. The majority of that is from passenger facility charges. A low cost structure is a key component of the region’s success. Edited excerpts from a speech at the AGM of Arab Air Another trend that we must reverse is the Carriers’ Organisation in Morocco. proliferation of disparate consumer protection regulations. Regulators in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Jordan and the Arab Civil Aviation Commission are in various stages of activity in this regard.

January 2017 29 Airlines

Alaska becomes the fifth-largest US airline. Delta is the country’s second- largest carrier by traffic, after American Airlines. Delta ends partnership with Alaska Airlines elta Air Lines will end its partnership with Alaska Airlines in May 2017. The two airlines for years had kept codesharing and frequent-flyer agreements that let Dpassengers earn miles while flying on the other carrier.

But the companies have grown in- Alaska Airlines touted the Virgin City-area airports: John F. Kenne- creasingly more competitive in recent deal, saying it “brings together two dy International Airport, LaGuardia years as Delta expands its presence in of the country’s favourite airlines Airport and Newark Liberty Inter- the northwestern United States. into a unified force that will provide national Airport.” Delta said it will an attractive alternative to the ‘Big 4’ continue to invest in the Pacific Atlanta-based Delta is the dominant airlines that currently control 84 per Northwest market. “The decision carrier at Minneapolis-St. Paul Inter- cent of the domestic market.” is a positive milestone for both air- national Airport. lines,” Delta said, “as Alaska focuses Alaska noted the Virgin deal “opens on its merger integration with Virgin The move comes just five days after up growth opportunities in important America and Delta focuses on creat- Alaska closed on its acquisition of East Coast business markets by in- ing more customer choice at its Se- Virgin America, making Alaska the creasing Alaska Air Group’s access attle-Tacoma International Airport fifth-largest US airline. Delta is the to high-demand airports like Ronald hub, where it now operates more than country’s second-largest carrier by Reagan Washington National Air- 150 peak-day flights to more than 40 traffic, after American Airlines. port and the three primary New York destinations.” 

30 January 2017 Airlines

Hong Kong Airlines to grow in Australia

aving built a regional Asian Hnetwork anchored around main- land China as a source market, HNA Group’s Hong Kong Airlines is leveraging its hub capability from short and medium haul connections to long haul transfers. Hong Kong Airlines resumed long haul flying in early 2016 with a service to Cairns and the Gold Coast. Auckland has been added from November 2016 and Hong Kong Airlines should be able to break up the Air New Zealand-Cathay Pa- cific joint venture on the route. plans to serve the key HNA hubs of ings, attributed to Asian consumers Beijing and Hong Kong in 2017, pro- shifting away from travel in Europe, Hong Kong Airlines is restricted viding access from major Australian which has repeatedly been impacted from serving major Australian cities cities. Virgin could also help Hong by terrorist acts. due to bilateral limits (Australia and Kong Airlines make viable service to Hong Kong have not been able to smaller Australian cities. Hong Kong Airlines believes that agree on increased capacity levels). passengers are “viewing Australia Hong Kong Airlines’ owner HNA has Hong Kong Airlines is receiving a lift and New Zealand together as more of bought into Virgin Australia, which in Australia and New Zealand book- a safe-haven status destination”. 

Delta Air Lines cancels order for 18 Boeing 787s

elta Air Lines has officially three years later, and in 2010 de- tions on 50 more jets that were due Dcancelled a deal for 18 Boe- ferred deliveries until after 2020 in a to start arriving in 2008. Design and ing widebody jets. The number move that analysts viewed as a sig- production problems delayed the two US carrier by traffic inherited nal it would never take the planes. first 787 delivery—to All Nippon a 2005 deal for 18 Boeing 787 jets Northwest had been the US launch Airways Co.— until 2011. when it bought Northwest Airlines customer for the 787 and took op- Delta has focused its widebody jet fleet Airbus Group SE planes, but remains a big Boeing customer, ordering 120 of its 737-900ER single-aisle jets. American Airlines Group Inc. and United Continental Holdings Inc. both operate the 787.

The terms of the cancellation are not known, though Boeing had kept the 787s in its order book. The company has booked net deals for 70 of the Dreamliner jets in 2016 and has a backlog totalling 721 of the planes. 

January 2017 31 Cargo & Logistics

Air cargo market could soon be on the upswing in spite of the current challenges of over-capacity and falling yields. There are encouraging signs that growth in air cargo volumes will endure into the New Year. Positive momentum in the making lthough the global airfreight business continues to face headwinds from weak global trade, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) says there are Aencouraging signs that growth in air cargo volumes, will endure into the New Year. on-year demand in October, the volumes varied considerably.

The Middle East market posted a 9.2 per cent growth in airfreight volumes, with capacity increasing 4.2 per cent.

African carriers’ freight volumes increased by 7.4 per cent. However, capacity surged by 24.7 per cent on the back of long-haul expansion, in particular, by Ethiopian Airlines.

Current slowdown in global trade, geo political concerns and the threat of pro- tectionism pose risks to global trade thus impacting the prospects of air cargo industry.

IATA Director General and CEO Al- up from 53.9 million tonnes in 2016. Alexandre de Juniac said that world exandre de Juniac said the uptick in Industry revenues are expected to rise trade is still sluggish, so air cargo is airfreight volumes had been more than slightly to $49.4 billion, which is still by no means flying easy. “Growth is anticipated and that purchasing manag- well below the $60 billion level of the way to overcome the world’s cur- ers were forecasting an increase in new annual revenues experienced in 2010- rent economic challenges,” Juniac orders going forward, which augured 2014. said. “The EU-Canada agreement is a well for the industry. welcome respite from the current pro- In October last year, UPS signalled an tectionist rhetoric and positive results “So, we enter 2017 propelled by some increased appetite for cargo aircraft, should soon be evident. Governments much needed positive momentum,” he submitting an order to Boeing for 14 everywhere should take note and move said. 747-8 freighters, with the option to in the same direction.” purchase an additional 14 over the next IATA said there is some optimism over three years. UPS officials said the pur- Boeing in its World Air Cargo Fore- the prospects for the cargo business in chases will let the integrator upgrade cast stressed on the aviation industry’s 2017. offerings on current routes, but they importance to global trade, noting that also left the door open to using the extra as trade increases, so too will the need The break in falling yields and a moder- capacity in new markets. for cargo capacity. This demand will ate uptick in demand (3.5 per cent) will help the airfreight market emerge from see cargo industry volumes reaching While all airfreight markets except Lat- what it calls “several years” of low- a record high of 55.7 million tonnes, in America reported an increase in year er-than-expected growth. 

32 January 2017 Cargo & Logistics

Emirates SkyCargo adds capacity to the US

mirates has added cargo capacity to the US with the launch of a daily Eservice to Fort Lauderdale. The route, which started on Decem- “Cargo provides an additional reve- Emirates SkyCargo offers about ber 15, is operated by a Boeing 777- nue source given the significant bel- 2,000 tonnes capacity a week from 200LR. It can hold 15 tonnes of cargo ly-hold capacity of Emirates Boeing the US. During the 2015-2016 finan- per flight. It will be the second route 777s,” said John Strickland, an avia- cial year, it handled more than 90,000 in Florida where Emirates SkyCargo tion consultant at London-based JLS tonnes of exports from the US. offers belly-hold capacity after the Consulting. theme park city of Orlando was add- The Fort Lauderdale service is ex- ed last year. Emirates has been expanding its US pected to open up trade opportunities network for the past few years. and provide additional connectivity The new capacity comes as global to Emirates’ cargo customers. cargo volumes decline because of “The impact of the new US regime slowing economic growth. for Gulf carriers will depend on Emirates offers belly-hold cargo ca- whether it looks at the broader ben- pacity on passenger flights to Boston, Emirates carried 1.3 million tonnes efits to the US economy of direct air Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Ange- of cargo during the first half of the services and the jobs created from the les, New York, Orlando, San Fran- 2016-2017 fiscal year, unchanged large aircraft orders with Boeing and cisco, Seattle and Washington. The from a year earlier, even as its cargo its sub suppliers or whether it listens carrier also operates freighter services capacity rose by 9 per cent during the solely to the complaints of the big to Atlanta, Chicago, Columbus, Hou- same period. three US carriers,” said an official. ston, Los Angeles and New York. 

January 2017 33 Cargo & Logistics

Qatar to add four freighter destinations in the Americas atar Airways Cargo will launch twice weekly Boeing 777 freighter operations to four new destinations in the Americas, Qstarting in early February 2017. The freighters will fly to the South These new freighter services aim to prise fresh flowers, perishables and American cities of Buenos Aires, meet the growing demand for im- pharmaceuticals, whilst imports Sao Paulo, Quito (the latter subject port and export trade in the region into South America include a wide to governmental approval) and Mi- and will supplement the belly-hold variety of products ranging from ami in the US. cargo capacity on Qatar Airways’ medicines, automotive, chemical daily flights to Sao Paulo, Buenos products to high tech commodities They will depart from the Middle Aires and Miami. and equipment for the oil and gas East cargo carrier’s Doha home industry. Miami will serve as the base, via Luxembourg, its Europe- The launch of new freighter routes airfreight distribution hub to and an hub, with stops at Sao Paulo in brings the carrier’s total freighter from the Latin American and Car- Brazil, Buenos Aires in Argentina destinations in the Americas to 12 ibbean regions. and Quito in Ecuador. while offering belly-hold services to 13 cities on the continent. Qatar Airways recently took delivery On the return leg, the freighters will of its 11th B777F, taking the total fleet stop in Miami, Florida and Luxem- Major commodities out of Sao Pau- to 21, including eight Airbus A330Fs bourg before arriving in Doha. lo, Buenos Aires and Quito com- and two Boeing 747Fs. 

34 January 2017 January 2017 35 Technology

The next generation of aircraft to come off the production line include the Airbus A350XWB, A320neo, Boeing 737MAX, the 777x, the A330 neo, Embraer E2 series and Bombardier CSeries The next generation in the wings ircraft design and production are set to witness continued technological advancements that will bring Ain radical improvements in operating efficiency. Advanced avionics and impressive interior cabin designs and noise reduction capabilities are all driving increased customer demand.

But the wider use of composites, advanced manufacturing technology requirements and conversion to new electrical systems are also rapidly changing the way aircraft are manu- factured and creating challenges across the supply chain as the supply base struggles to make the changes nec- essary to keep up with aircraft OEM (original equipment maker) demands.

Aviation has been successful at de- ments in fuel burn and emissions. Tur- Technology on new aircraft can ei- coupling emissions growth and actual boprop aircraft like the Bombardier ther be to improve fuel burn through growth. Traffic growth is increasing Q400 and ATR series can provide a aerodynamic efficiency (mainly at an average of 5 per cent annually, more fuel-efficient alternative to jet airframe), or to reduce actual com- while CO2 emissions are growing aircraft to cover shorter distances. bustion use (mainly engine-related). around 3 per cent. Combined, these elements create a Today, engineers and researchers are new aircraft with a reduced environ- Newer aircraft, like the Airbus A380 making incremental and frequent im- mental impact. and Boeing 787, consume on average provements that offer large savings less than three litres per 100 passenger overall. For instance, the wingtip de- Aircraft have a useful life of around kilometres or more than 78 passenger vices airlines and manufacturers install 25-30 years, during which they will statute miles per US gallon. This is a fuel on new aircraft increase aerodynamic cover many millions of nautical miles use which compares favourably to that efficiency and reduce fuel usage. and carry millions of passengers or of compact cars, although aircraft travel tonnes of cargo. Because of the long much further distances, much faster. Manufacturers are increasingly using lead times for developing, designing light-weight materials such as carbon and manufacturing a modern civil air- The next generation of aircraft to come composites to build aircraft and com- craft, there tend to be ‘waves’ of new off the production line, including the ponents.. Manufacturers of engines aircraft entering the fleet. We are cur- Airbus A350XWB, A320neo, Boeing are also using highly advanced ma- rently in the middle of such a wave, 737MAX, the 777x, the A330 neo, terials and processes such as additive with a number of new aircraft types Embraer E2 series and Bombardier layer manufacturing to develop new coming into the system and replacing CSeries will offer further improve- engines. older, less fuel-efficient aircraft. 

36 January 2017 Technology

A study by researchers from Qatar University and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, and funded by Boeing, finds that bio-fuel for aviation can be produced from integrated seawater energy and agriculture system. Aviation bio-fuel from seawater agro system ntegrated seawater energy and agriculture system (ISEAS) can produce bio-fuel for the aviation sector with fewer greenhouse gas emissions than its fossil counterpart, along Iwith sustainable aquaculture food products without freshwater, according to a study by researchers from Qatar University (QU) and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (Masdar Institute) and funded by Boeing Corporation.

In a new article in the International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, co-authored by QU Centre for Sus- tainable Development research assis- tant Prof Dr J Jed Brown, a life cycle assessment (LCA) of a potential IS- EAS was conducted. The team quan- tified the energy and material flows throughout the system and calculated the resulting net greenhouse gas emissions. for airplanes, Dr Brown said, adding, receiving water body. In the ISEAS The LCA results showed that the avi- “The portion of the seed that remains system, the effluent serves as a fer- ation bio-fuel produced from this IS- after oil extraction is high in protein tiliser source for the halophytes and EAS system emits up to 68 per cent and can be recycled into feed for fish mangroves, which clean the water by less greenhouse gases compared to and shrimps. removing nutrients. fossil jet fuel and yields an overall positive net energy balance. The dried straw that remains after Mangroves are also used in many the oilseeds can be used to generate parts of the Gulf region to stabilise In the ISEAS, seawater is pumped electricity. Water that leaves the hal- erosion-prone coastal regions, rebuild into ponds where high value shrimp ophyte fields flows into a mangrove habitats for marine life, and provide and fish are grown for human con- wetland where most of the remaining permanent carbon sequestration in sumption. The nutrient-rich effluent nutrients will be absorbed into man- their biomass.” exits the ponds and flows into fields grove biomass. Branches and leaves of salt-tolerant plants. The team ex- from the mangroves can be periodi- Dr Brown pointed out that “as the hu- amined a Salicornia bigelovii halo- cally trimmed to generate electricity man population continues to rise in phyte - commonly known as glass- with the Salicornia straw.” the Gulf region, there is a greater need wort or samphire - which produces to provide food, water and low-carbon oilseeds similar to soybeans. “In a conventional aquaculture sys- energy for the populace. Since there is tem, nutrient-rich aquaculture efflu- a great scarcity of freshwater in this ent is frequently discharged untreated region, any agriculture or bio-energy The oil extracted from the seeds can back into the sea, which can have neg- projects that rely on freshwater will be processed into a drop-in bio-fuel ative impacts on water quality of the be unsustainable. 

January 2017 37