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Aiding the development of Zanzibar's gateway to the world

Global air and travel services provider, dnata, has launched operations at Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) with its partners Emirates Leisure Retail and SEGAP – a joint venture between airport infrastructure and operations specialist Egis – and private equity fund manager African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM).

The three companies, which have already invested over $10 million at the airport and created some 500 new jobs, say that they will work with Zanzibar Airports Authority (ZZA) to deliver "world-class services for airlines and passengers" at ZNZ's newly-built international terminal.

The partnership is expected to "significantly contribute" to the government’s target of boosting its trade and tourism sectors.

For its part, dnata will provide its globally renowned, quality ground, passenger and cargo handling services to airline customers at ZNZ, which it says will ensure the safe and timely operations of flights and a good travel experience for passengers.

In addition, dnata has launched meet & greet and lounge services through its airport hospitality brand, marhaba, to help passengers further enhance their experience and enjoy a smooth airport journey from check-in to boarding.

Emirates Leisure Retail has partnered with MMI as master concessionaire for all food and beverage, duty free and commercial outlets at T3. In collaboration with Eight Inc, the companies have created the innovative and immersive travel experience, ZOMA, designed to create a sense of place and extend the holiday feeling for passengers.

In the ZOMA Zones each store is inspired by the scents, feelings and flavours of the island. In addition to these outlets, ELR and MMI carefully selected and curated the best retailers from the island to spotlight some of the best that Zanzibar offers.

SEGAP has entered into a 10-year technical partnership with Zanzibar Airports Authority (ZAA) to manage and operate Zanzibar and Pemba airports.

The consortium states that it will act as a long-term partner to help position Zanzibar as a leading tourism destination, improve airport performance across all fields (including passenger experience, operation, profitability, etc) and enhance airport infrastructure and services. It will also act as one project team for Zanzibar Airports Authority, covering different airport management and operation aspects.

Steve Allen, CEO of dnata Group and chairman of Emirates Leisure Retail and MMI, said: "We’re delighted to celebrate the launch of our airport services and retail offering with our partners at Zanzibar’s new, advanced airport terminal.

"We are confident that our investment, alongside our commitment to safety, quality and service excellence, will provide a major positive impact on Zanzibar’s transport, tourism and trade industries. This in turn will deliver significant benefits for the local community and businesses.

"We will continue our efforts to consistently deliver world-class services, earn the trust and loyalty of airline customers and travellers, and be an employer of choice in Zanzibar."

Egis' aviation director for Africa, Olivier Baric, noted: "We are delighted to continue our key role in ZAA’s strategic development in co-operation with the airport’s stakeholders, after a successful year of co-operation, where we have contributed to operational improvements to support the growth of tourism in Zanzibar.

"Together, and over the next 12 months, we will continue with our endeavours to support the modernisation of facilities, processes and staff needed for Zanzibar to achieve high quality, safety and security services in order for Zanzibar to be recognised as having an international airport that is an outstanding gateway to a destination that has everything to attract visitors, from world-class beaches to a UNESCO World Heritage site."

ADB SAFEGATE unveils new AiPRON solution

ADB SAFEGATE, a global leader in automating the aircraft docking and turn process, has launched the Intelligent AiPRON, which it describes as an "innovative platform for managing airport apron operations in the face of today’s challenges".

It says that AiPRON's holistic, intelligent approach utilises machine learning technologies to provide better predictability of operations and brings the elasticity required to ensure a consistent level of safety, productivity, efficiency, and passenger experience despite sudden market changes.

“ADB SAFEGATE is continually innovating to provide new ways for airports and airlines to optimise operations that will ultimately automate the entire docking and turnaround process,” comments vice president for gates, Thorben Burghardt.

“With Intelligent AiPRON we are taking the natural next step by integrating all the systems and processes important to apron operations into a single ecosystem that uses the latest technologies to optimise taxiing, docking and pushback procedures and improve the efficiency and elasticity of ground handling operations as a whole.

“The new platform seamlessly integrates with our Safedock advanced visual docking guidance systems (A-VDGS) and AiPRON Manager solutions installed on more than 12,000 gates around the world, allowing airports and airlines to further capitalise on existing investments."

In other news ADB SAFEGATE has completed a lighting and runway upgrade at Münster Osnabrück Airport in Germany, while its Australian division has won the largest airfield lighting contract in its history and, as a result, is set to deliver its latest Airfield 4.0 technology to Western Sydney International (WSI) Airport.

The greenfield airport, which is also Australia’s largest aviation project in many years, is due to open in late 2026. "We are excited to be part of Australia’s largest aviation industry project," enthused ADB SAFEGATE's vice president for Australia & New Zealand, Christiaan Schenk.

New leadership team for Transoft Solutions

Transoft Solutions, developers of productivity-enhancing software and services for the civil, transportation and aviation industry, has appointed Daniel Shihundu as its new CEO, replacing company co-founder, Milton Carrasco, who has decided to a step back after three decades as CEO and chair of the Board.

In his new role, Shihundu will be responsible for providing leadership, guidance and mentorship throughout the organisation, developing company strategies and goals, overseeing the execution of Transoft’s operational plans and budgets aligned to the strategic plans, executing mergers and acquisitions, and sustaining the company’s culture through the articulation and embodiment its vision, mission and values.

Transoft Solutions was born in 1991 when Carrasco launched its first product, AutoTURN, which was borne from his master’s thesis 'Computerized Vehicle-Turning Simulation: An Interactive Application'.

“I have every confidence that Daniel will be successful in carrying the torch as Transoft’s CEO and ensuring the company’s continued growth and success, given his years of embracing the Transoft culture, his sound leadership and methodical approach. I look forward to seeing Transoft continue to evolve and grow under his leadership," said Carrasco.