VIA DUBAI ENGLISH AUGUST 2019

Monthly Newsletter issued by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority

www.viadubaionline.com

Issue 75 August 2019

Shining Solar Success

Journey towards fulfilling the desire for alternative mobility

Late Norman Turnbull: A distinctive contribution to the aviation industry in Dubai

Monitoring of Dubai Airports operations gets hi-tech

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Middle East News 20

Inside DCAA

Opinions

Enhancing Cooperation 8 between DCAA and Dubai Government Excellence Programme Serco Middle East vistits DCAA

Sustainable alternative jet fuel ensures greener future

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Airlines 26

Promoting sustainable development Angela Gittens

Passengers served best by competitive airline sector 24

ATM 27

Richard Moriarty

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Technology 30

Message

from the President

Our tryst with solar energy

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he Dubai Supreme Council of Energy has been tirelessly working to promote the use of renewable sources of energy. One per cent of Dubai’s energy mix will be renewable energy by 2020 and five per cent by 2030. By 2020, Dubai will need approximately 200 MW solar capacity installed and 1,000MW installed by 2030.

With high solar irradiance levels almost all year round in the UAE, there is a high potential for the renewable energy sector. On an average, the country receives 10 sunlight hours per day and has roughly 350 sunny days per year.

These factors play a crucial role in the strong adoption of solar energy projects in Dubai. Since 2010, the world has added more solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity than in the previous four decades.

Given their ideal location with wide open spaces on the ground for clear visibility for aircraft and large terminal buildings, it is easier to build solar panels. Currently, over 100 airports across the world make use of solar panels to produce clean energy for powering their terminals - and also even to contribute to the wider grid. Some airports operate completely on solar energy.

Dubai International has installed, in July, the Middle East’s largest airport solar energy system to significantly reduce DXB’s carbon emissions by 3,234 metric tonnes annually. The system comprises 15,000 photovoltaic

Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

panels at Terminal 2 and will generate 7,483,500 kilowatt hours of energy annually. The project is expected to reduce existing Terminal 2 load by approximately 29 per cent.

Dubai Airports has undertaken a variety of green initiatives to limit its carbon footprint and support Dubai’s goal for a 30 per cent reduction in the city’s energy consumption by 2030. These include the use of energy-efficient fittings, optimisation of cooling systems and installation of energy efficient LED bulbs. Dubai Airports has already retrofitted Terminals 1, 2 and 3 to enhance energy efficiency and cut down water and electricity consumption by 20 per cent.

Dubai’s ambition for harnessing solar power has remained high and will support and contribute positively towards Dubai’s vision for a sustainable future and strengthening to shape the region as a hub for the clean energy revolution.

August 2019

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In 2007, the functions of the Department of Civil Aviation were restructured. Accordingly, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) was established as a regulatory body, by a decree of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, on proclamation of law No. 21 of 2007, as amended by law No. 19 of 2010, to undertake development of Air Transport Industry in the Emirate of Dubai and to oversee all aviation-related activities.

CONTENTS

Inside DCAA 08 Enhancing Cooperation between DCAA

and Dubai Government Excellence Programme

Via Dubai is the official bilingual monthly newsletter of DCAA, designed to highlight the initiatives and developments in the aviation industry and act as a knowledge-sharing platform for all the stakeholders and aviation professionals.

General Supervision Mohammed Abdulla Ahli Coordinator Hanan Al Mazimi Creative Manager Mohammed Al Jarouf Marketing Manager Fahed Mohammed E-mail: viadubai1@naddalshiba.com

09 Serco Middle East vistits DCAA

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.

UAE in Focus 14

Emirates gets approval to operate Calicut flights

Air Arabia launches new service to KL

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Our Vision

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Our Mission

To achieve leadership and ensure sustainability in the field of safety, security and environmental protection in the civil aviation sector and to support an attractive investment environment for the aviation industry .

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DCAA website:www.dcaa.gov.ae Working Hours:Sunday – Thursday, 0730 - 1430 (GMT+4) Location:Dubai International Airport, Terminal (1), Level (1), Gate no. (4), (Arrivals Side) P.O. Box:49888 Dubai - United Arab Emirates twitter.com/dcaadubai

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youtube.com/user/dcaadubai

Message

from the Director General

Growing Air Connectivity

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he ever-expanding air connectivity has made travel distances between countries shorter and made the world within an easy reach than ever before.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) defines air connectivity as an airport’s ability to move passengers from their origin to their destination seamlessly. Air connectivity enables the destination to attract businesses, investments and human capital. It also spurs tourism.

Air connectivity is broadly defined as ability and ease with which passengers and freight can reach destinations by air. At its heart, air connectivity is about satisfying the need for long-distance travel for personal and business purposes as convenient and affordable as possible, given the separation involved. A study shows a 10 per cent increase in air connectivity comes with a 0.5 percent increase in GDP per capita. A study by MIT found the number and quality of indirect connections grew faster than nonstop flights since 1990.

DXB, by 1969, had nine airlines operating through it, serving 20 destinations. By 2013, Dubai had direct flight connections to 149 cities. Forbes has highlighted the city’s top spot in the world for air connectivity, with nonstop flights at least three times a week to 93 per cent of global cities. A Global Destination Cities Index also ranked Dubai as the third air hub in the world by international connectivity. Last year, it was ranked as the 18th most internationally connected airport in an OAG index. Today, the 58-year-old Dubai International facilitates more than 75 airlines to connect over 270 destinations across all six inhabited continents.

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Mohammed Abdulla Ahli

Last month, two more airlines from India began operations to Dubai. DXB now operates around 360 weekly flights to 21 destinations across India, the single largest destination country in terms of contribution to traffic volumes. Why more airlines are utilizing Dubai to enhance connectivity. Four major factors enable air connectivity: geography, airport infrastructure, airline models and a country’s regulatory and economic frameworks, according to a study by PwC. A major factor behind Dubai’s rising connectivity is the safe and efficient air traffic operations by its Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP), Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS) which utilizes cutting-edge and innovative technologies to manage a daily average of 1500 air traffic movements in Dubai’s airspace and enhance seamless air traffic management operations, safety, capacity and efficiencies. It will support the continued growth of aviation infrastructure in the iconic aviation hub.

Inside DCAA

August 2019

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DCAA News

Enhancing Cooperation between DCAA and Dubai Government Excellence Programme

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E Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and CEO of Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS), received HE Dr Hazza Al Nuaimi, the Coordinator General of the Dubai Government Excellence Programme (DGEP) of the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Dubai, in the presence of the Deputy CEO of DANS and the Executive Directors of DCAA. The meeting falls in the framework of DCAA quest to achieve leadership and ensure sustainability in the civil aviation sector, while also supporting the aviation industry’s investment attractive climate and providing value-added services to the civil aviation market in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group.

The meeting included a review of DCAA’s journey of excellence aimed at developing the civil aviation sector, the positive contribution of the Dubai Government Excellence Programme in the service of these lofty goals, and the joint cooperation between DCAA

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and DGEP to build the foundations for improving and developing the methodologies of government administration, and to enhance the corporate results to achieve global leadership, in addition to ensuring the happiness of customers and employees alike and supporting the positive impact on society.

The visit of HE Dr Hazza Al Nuaimi comes as part of a series of visits targeting government sector

officials with the aim to strengthen cooperation and boost coordination in an endeavour to develop the government excellence system, which has positively contributed for more than twenty years to the development of government administration, efficiency enhancement of institutional performance and customers’ happiness through smart and excellent services that represent a model to be followed locally, regionally and globally.

DCAA News

Year of Tolerance

More than a symbolic tree

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hen the UAE government declared 2019 as the Year of Tolerance, Ghaf tree was chosen as its logo by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

He remarked: “Tolerance is a universal value, and Ghaf is our authentic national tree, a source of life and symbol of stability in the middle of the desert. Under its shadows our ancestors gathered to consult on matters related to their daily lives.

In the Year of Tolerance, we chose the Ghaf as a logo for all of us to live by the principles of tolerance, coexistence and diversity.”

Declared a national tree in 2008, Ghaf represents a great cultural value in the UAE and is associated with the identity and heritage of the country.

The UAE’s Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan gave great importance to the Ghaf and issued laws and regulations prohibiting the cutting of the tree throughout the country.

A drought-tolerant, evergreen tree native to the desert, Ghaf is a resilient plant and good for the soil and requires little water.

The tree boosts the growth and productivity of the companion plants. Besides, it does not compete for

moisture with crop plants, which may be grown close to its trunk. Difficult to harvest though as only one in 5,000 seeds take root - insects get at them.

Since groves of Ghaf trees in recent years were mowed down due to urbanisation and rapid infrastructure development, it is now illegal to cut down a Ghaf. Over the last couple of years, planting Ghaf has become a CSR trend.

All Ghaf trees in Dubai are now numbered under the Aged Trees Numbering Project and those found damaging Ghaf trees faces action by the civic body— tampering with the trees is against the law.

Serco Middle East visits DCAA H

E Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and CEO of Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS), received Mr. Phil Malem, CEO, Serco Middle East.

The meeting served to discuss the services provided by the company and the cooperation relations between the two sides stressing the importance of enhancing and developing them to serve common interests.

This meeting comes as part of a series of regular meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation and partnership with all local, regional and international entities.

August 2019

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Tribute

In appreciation of Late Norman William Turnbull’s contribution to the aviation industry in Dubai His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum awarding a certificate in honour of the memory of Late Norman William Turnbull, to his grandson, Richard Gepp

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he passing of Norman William Turnbull, a Dubai Aviation Pioneer, on 2nd June 2019 provided a rare moment for pause and reflection within Dubai’s dynamic aviation industry.

From the late 1950s, he was among the very earliest pioneers in the aviation sector which is estimated, at present, to make US$80 billion contribution to the UAE’s economy, approximately 15 per cent of the country’s GDP. Born on 2nd June 1921, in Newcastle, United Kingdom, Turnbull served in the Royal Air Force and the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) prior to joining the International Aeradio Limited (IAL). He arrived in the Trucial States in 1957, to continue with his work at IAL based in Sharjah.

He would recall that: “Enroute to Sharjah, I landed on the sand strip in Abu Dhabi, where a barasti (palm fronds), which provided some shade, was the only fixture in view. Dubai did not have an airport at the time. To visit Dubai from Sharjah we had to use sand tracks and four wheel drive vehicles.”

Prior to his assuming duties as Airport Manager, Dubai (Department of Civil

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Aviation) on 1st December 1971, he served as IAL Project Manager, Abu Dhabi Airport from 1962 to 1966 and as Manager IAL, Sharjah at the Sharjah Airport from 1968-1971.

aviation industry in Dubai. His immense contribution will always be remembered by all of us.”

Turnbull was instrumental in persuading Dubai to set up the provision of Air Traffic Control (ATC) independently which the Emirate achieved in 1967. During his tenure at the Dubai Civil Aviation, he contributed immensely to set up and develop the airport operations and also to train young Emiratis to take up the challenge of making Dubai a global aviation hub.

Mohammed Ahli, who worked closely with Norman Turnbull, said: “He was an exceptional person of integrity and inspired me and many others to further develop our knowledge in the civil aviation domain. He served the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) with dedication and contributed tirelessly in the development of Dubai’s aviation industry. He will be sadly missed by the aviation community in Dubai.”

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and Chairman of Dubai Airports, at a ceremony organized by His Excellency Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General of DCAA, in memory of Turnbull, recalled his contribution to the aviation sector in Dubai and remarked: “Norman Turnbull was a stalwart in the

Turnbull would recall late Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s desire to develop Dubai and would soon find himself serving Sheikh Rashid’s vision. Having assumed duties as the Airport Manager, in the year in which the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) was established by Sheikh Rashid, he would recall: “I attended the opening of a new terminal building at the Dubai airport with Sheikh Rashid”.

Tribute

The late Norman William Turnbull Turnbull was at the heart of an ambitious project to establish Dubai as the aviation hub of the Arabian Gulf. In the early 1970s, with Dubai still a spec on the world map, many considered this task impossible to achieve.

Statistics don’t lie, however, and with Dubai circa-2018 having handled a cumulative one billion passengers, the commercial, infrastructure and reputational foundations he laid five decades earlier indeed proved to be seminal.

“Norman was a great person with a very good sense of humor and very ethical in his work place. Norman loved Dubai and lived over four decades till he passed away,” said Mohi-Din A BinHendi, former Director General of DCA. In 1982, Turnbull visited the Shannon Airport in Ireland together with

few officials from the Dubai Civil Aviation, with a view to set up the Duty Free at Dubai Airport, which eventually resulted in positioning of a team in Dubai which included Colm McLoughlin, presently the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and George Horan that paved the way for establishing the Dubai Duty Free (DDF).

Vice President and Prime Minister of United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, which grew into a global brand, was proud to recall that he has been on the carrier’s inaugural flight. Yet his greatest contribution to his adopted nation would undoubtedly be the emergence of Dubai International, which is today the world’s busiest airport by international passenger traffic.

“Norman Turnbull was a friend and supporter of Dubai Duty Free since its inception. On my first arrival in Dubai on 15th July 1983, Norman met me at the Airport and took me to the International Hotel (now Le Meridien Airport). He was an advisor in many ways like recruitment advice procudures and protocol introduction systems. We remained friends through the years,” said Colm McLoughlin.

In 1989, at the request of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed, Norman Turnbull took the initiative to establish the Emirates Flying School.

Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline, said: “Norman was a true gentleman whose contribution to the spectacular growth of Dubai Airport is hugely appreciated.

He served the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) with dedication and contributed tirelessly in the development of Dubai’s aviation industry. He will be sadly missed by the aviation community in Dubai,” says Mohammed Ahli.

He thoroughly enjoyed life in Dubai over the last 48 years and was a wellliked man, both in the expat and local community and will be sorely missed.”

Joining Sir Tim Clark, Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai said: “He was a pioneer in the UAE’s aviation sector contributing to the success of the industry. He will be greatly missed by Dubai’s aviation community.”

He would recall how, Emirates Airline, a brainchild of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum,

Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Executive Director, Aviation Security and Accident Investigation at DCAA, said: “Norman Turnbull had the exceptional ability to grapple complex matters with ease. I consider it a privilege to have worked with him and was able to learn many aspects relating to aviation under his guidance.”

“Norman Turnbull was an exceptional person of integrity and inspired me and many others to further develop our knowledge in civil aviation.

Norman Turnbull’s influence on the early development of Dubai’s aviation sector was underpinned by his personal affection for the Emirates. He adopted the UAE as home for more than six decades, until his passing, and raised a family in Dubai.

His contribution to the aviation sector in the Emirate of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates will always be cherished by the entire aviation community.

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Cover Story

Shining Solar Success

Dubai International (DXB) has installed the Middle East’s largest airport solar energy system to produce 7,483,500 kilowatt hours of energy annually

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he solar power technology surfaced during the Industrial Revolution when solar energy plants were developed to heat water that created steam to drive machinery. In 1839, Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect which explained how electricity can be generated from sunlight. Despite the massive research and development, photovoltaic power remained largely inefficient.

It was only in 1941 that Russell Ohl invented the solar cell which allowed sunlight to be converted into a flow of electrons (electricity).

Photovoltaics (PV) method generates electric power by using solar cells to convert energy from the sun into a flow of electrons.

Solar panels can generate electricity without any waste or pollution.

They are also very reliable and have a long life span. They are relatively easy to install and have very low maintenance. Another characteristic of solar photovoltaic power generation is that any scale of installation is possible. The solar panels also allows power generation close to the place of consumption, thereby eliminating the need to transport and distribute electricity over long distances.

The world began to turn towards tapping solar energy in the

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aftermath of a global energy crisis caused by the Arab oil embargo in 1970s that quickly inspired the nations to circumvent the skyrocketing oil prices by investing in alternative energy sources. Today, solar power is a rapidly developing energy source around the world, with the potential for using the sun to directly supply the world’s power needs being huge.

In the UAE that is among the countries having the highest number of clear sunny days, solar energy is a resource that can offer great benefits and is now being increasingly tapped. Solar energy is the best solution today given its eco-friendly methods of energy production. One per cent of Dubai’s energy mix will be renewable energy by 2020 and five per cent by 2030. By 2020, Dubai will need approximately 200 MW solar capacity installed and 1,000MW

installed by 2030. On an average, the UAE receives 10 sunlight hours per day and has roughly 350 sunny days per year.

Solar panels being used at airports is not an entirely new concept. In August 2015, Cochin International Airport in the Indian state of Kerala became the first in the world to be entirely powered by solar energy, making the airport completely energy self-sufficient. The 46,000 solar panels at the airport produce 12 megawatts of power, more than enough to run the operations at the airport which serves five million passengers each year.

Across the world, acres of clear land surrounding the airport runways or the expansive roofs of various airport terminals are being used for renewable energy purposes.

The combination of airport environments and solar projects

Cover Story

is an obvious match. Over 100 airports worldwide make use of solar panels to produce clean energy for powering the terminal operations – which, according to CAPA, collectively they generate over 400 megawatts of energy.

Solar-powered airports can be found in the US, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean – and now in the Middle East. Chattanooga Airport has become the first in the US to operate on 100 per cent renewable energy. Other airports around the world that operate on 100 per cent renewable energy include Seymour Airport in the Galapagos.

In the Netherlands, Amsterdam Schiphol and Rotterdam operate on wind power, while George Airport is the first solar-powered airport in South Africa. In England, Gatwick (London) gets 100 per cent of its electricity needs from solar power.

This July, Dubai International installed the Middle East’s largest airport solar energy system to significantly reduce DXB’s carbon emissions by 3,234 metric tonnes annually. The system comprises 15,000 photovoltaic panels at Terminal 2 and will generate

7,483,500 kilowatt hours of energy annually. The project is expected to reduce existing Terminal 2 load by approximately 29 per cent. Comparable to 53,617 tree seedlings grown for 10 years or 688 passenger vehicles driven for one year, this new sustainable scheme will significantly help reduce DXB’s carbon emissions. The solar project will result in savings worth AED3.3 million.

The Dubai Airports are looking forward to working on more energy-efficiency initiatives in the future. Earlier, Dubai Airports has undertaken a variety of green initiatives to limit its carbon footprint and support Dubai’s goal, including the use of energy-efficient fittings, optimisation of cooling systems and installation of energy efficient LED bulbs.

It has also retrofitted Terminals 1, 2 and 3 to enhance energy efficiency and cut down water and electricity consumption by 20 per cent.

According to officials, a key area of focus for Dubai Airports has been sustainability.

The airport operator has been pressed to significantly reduce

Dubai airports are looking forward to working on more energy-efficiency initiatives in the future the overall cost of running Dubai International which spends an estimated US$150 million each year for utilities alone –the “biggest consumer of electricity and water in the whole of the Emirate.

At an international airport the energy consumption is enormous for the daily operations starting from the check-in counters to the boarding gates.

For Dubai International, efficient energy production has been a major challenge in order to reduce the carbon emissions.

Currently, Dubai is focusing on systems and technologies to control energy consumption.

At the Al Maktoum InternationalDubai World Central (DWC), an array of 100 solar panels has a capacity of 30 KW and generates about 48.8 MWh of electricity per year and powers the employee gate facility reducing the power used by the facility by a third.

A report says DXB and DWC, since 2009, have collectively saved energy of 106,707 KWH saving 234.87 tons of carbon emissions.

DXB and DWC were the first airports in the Arabian Gulf states and two of 56 internationally to achieve Level 2 accreditation from the ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation Program in 2016.

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UAE in Focus

Emirates gets approval to operate Calicut flights

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ndia’s aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has granted the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Emirates Airlines that will allow it to operate direct flights to Calicut International Airport.

The state-owned Airports Authority of India (AAI) is now waiting on Emirates to decide when it wants to start operations to the popular tourist destination in the southern Indian state promoted as the God’s Own Country.

A date to start the operations has not been intimated by the Emirates yet, the airport officials told Arabian

Business. Emirates serves the south India with its existing multiple daily flights to Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai.

Emirates and Air India have also been allowed to operate wide-bodied aircraft to Calicut airport, with operations restricted to day time only.

Air India is likely to commence operating wide-bodied aircraft to Calicut during the forthcoming winter schedule, starting from October.

Currently, Emirates has a code-sharing arrangement with its low-cost carrier, flydubai, to fly its passengers to Calicut.

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Monitoring of Dubai Airports operations gets hi-tech

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pping the ante on enhancing the customer experience at Dubai International (DXB), its operator, Dubai Airports, has launched a high-tech system that monitors airport operations in real-time and visualises traffic flows to support consistently smooth operations at the world’s busiest airport for international travellers.

RealtimeDXB, a bespoke cloudbased platform, gathers data generated by more than 50 operational systems, including those of Dubai Airports and its many service partners.

It uses this information to keep all operational teams involved aware of not only the current scenarios but also developing

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situations anywhere from airfield to kerbside to anticipate challenges more accurately, facilitate greater collaboration between service partners, and quick decision-making.

There was a 30 percent reduction in wait time in the first quarter of 2019 thanks to realtime information and advanced smart gates.

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Air Arabia launches new service to KL

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harjah-based Air Arabia has launched its new service to Kuala Lumpur (KL) from the emirate. The seven-hour flight between the cities is the first direct flight launched by a low-cost carrier connecting Malaysia to the UAE and AGCC. Malaysia, this year, is targeting to have 337,100 tourists from West Asia region as it also aggressively promotes Malaysia in the run-up to our Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign.

Air Arabia became the 75th airline to operate from KLIA main terminal.

The largest low-cost airline in Central Asia and North Africa connects over 170 destinations across Asia, Africa and Europe.

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August 2019

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Special Report

A New Dawn

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he UAE has joined a select group of countries in offering investment-linked long-term residency visas to, initially, 6,800 expatriate businessmen.

What is the best legal way to get a long-term residence visa of your favourite country for you and also your immediate family members?

Simply invest in business, real estate or government bonds and get the residence rights. Requirements differ from country to country.

Today, over 20 countries or territories including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Monaco, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the UK offer Golden Visa programmes.

In Europe alone, there are more than 25 active investor residence schemes offering residence status to property buyers, business investors, or purchase of government debts/securities/bonds.

The US and Canada raised US$47 billion of investments, while Europe and Australia/New Zealand attracted US$24 billion and US$9.5 billion, respectively, according to a report.

Investments are expected to reach US$100 billion by 2025.

It was only in May 2014 that a top UAE government official announced that the leadership is considering issuing separate visas for businessmen.

In the inaugural issue of Manafez Dubai bi-lingual magazine, Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA– Dubai) remarked: “The Ministry of Interior (MoI) is studying the proposal to issue ‘Golden Visa’ for businessmen.”

Exactly five years later, the UAE effected a paradigm shift in its policy and launched a permanent residency scheme to woo wealthy individuals

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and exceptional talents to the Arab Gulf nation.

The ‘Golden Card’ programme was, unveiled by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He remarked: “We want them to be permanent partners in our journey.

Residents are an indispensable part of our country.” He tweeted: “The Golden Card is our way to welcome all those seeking to be a part of the UAE’s success story and making it a second home.”

About 6,800 investors from 70 countries with investments totalling AED100 billion (US$27 billion) are being given permanent residency in the Arab world’s second biggest economy.

The first expatriate in the country to get the Golden Card was Indian business tycoon Yousuf Ali, Chairman of LuLu Group.

Since the launch, more than 400 investors and businessmen

Special Report

About 6,800 investors from 70 countries with investments totalling AED100 billion (US$27 billion) are being given permanent residency in the Arab world’s second biggest economy. have been granted the visas. Between 30 and 40 of these residents are receiving their Golden Cards each day.

The visas would be renewed in 10-year intervals. If the investors’ businesses failed within those 10 years, “things would be looked at on a case-to-case basis,” Major General Al Marri said.

If the card holder stays outside the UAE for more than six months, their visas would still be valid. There is also no age restriction on the applicants.

He remarked: “In the UAE, we never look at age, colour, nationality or any other social circumstances, we are dealing with people as humans and not nationalities and there is no differentiation.”

A survey by Lootah Holding revealed that 68 per cent of the UAEexpatriate investors plans to grow their investment portfolio by investing in property sector with the launch of Golden Card.

The UAE’s decision to offer longterm visas to property investors, scientists and entrepreneurs is part of its ongoing efforts to support the country’s move towards a globally competitive knowledge economy and diversify its businesses away from the traditional reliance on oil, according to analysts.

They hoped that the policies would be further broadened so that even larger numbers of residents could qualify. The Director General of Dubai Land Department, Sultan Butti Bin Mejren, says the move will help Dubai “remain on the list of destinations most attractive to investors as well as those seeking highquality accommodation and educational opportunities.”

Who are eligible for visas?

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n the first phase, the UAE is granting long-term residence visas with a 10-year duration for applicants with public investments of no less than AED10 million and specialized talents and experts in the fields of science and knowledge and the creative arts.

The long-term visa package includes visas for the spouse and children, as well as one executive director and one advisor.

A 5-year residence visa is granted with an investment of at least AED5 million in a property in the UAE or for entrepreneurs with existing projects with a minimum capital of AED500000 or outstanding students.

The students should have a passing grade of at least 95 per cent in school, and a distinction of at least 3.75 GPA (Grade Point Average) upon graduation from universities within and outside the UAE. The visa beneficiaries include family members of these students.

Executive Directors or Senior Management with a Bachelor’s degree, five years’ experience in the UAE and a monthly salary of AED30000 will be eligible for a 10year visa too.

Property leads the investment class option (68 per cent), followed by business (26 per cent) and stocks (four per cent). Of those who expressed interest on property investments, 79.7 per cent said that they prefer investing in Dubai.

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Special Report

Keep Watching A

irlines have an amazing variety of inflight entertainment for their passengers, with Virtual Reality (VR) being the latest addition to the bouquet of entertainment in skies.

Seven years after the first-ever commercial flight took off in the US in 1914, an airline showed the first-ever inflight movie to its passengers. The amphibious plane of Aeromain Airways screened Howdy Chicago while flying around Chicago. Four years later, Imperial Airways, the early British commercial long-range airline serving principally the British Empire routes, followed suit and showed ‘The Lost World’ during a flight between London and Paris.

It was only in the 1960s that the concept of inflight entertainment developed, giving passengers options beyond reading, talking or just looking out the windows. That became possible with the 16mm film system being developed for a wide variety of commercial aircraft, replacing the 30 inch diameter film reels that airplanes had to use until then. In 1961, Trans World Airlines became the first airline to offer regular inflight movies on a flight between New York and Los Angeles, initially for first class passengers.

Over the years, inflight movies became the standard features on all flights for all passengers – initially shown on multiple screens throughout the aircraft, with passengers plugging in headphones to hear the audio for the movie and in the 1990s at the seat back screens. As time passed and technology - especially avionics developed passengers began watching their choicest movies and TV serials

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on their own personal screen. Virgin Atlantic, in 1991, became the first airline to introduce individual TVs with a choice of channels to passengers across all classes.

The fast pace of technology and the becoming of laptops, smartphones and tablets as common possessions, airlines have now inflight entertainment systems that can even stream content to the devices owned by passengers. Several carriers now offer the ability to choose from a small selection of on-demand content through personal devices.

The constantly changing preferences of passengers have prompted the airlines to remain on the cutting-edge of the business and go ‘head over heels’ in their quest to better their inflight entertainment bouquets, with passengers having the option to select from over 4,000 channels of movies,

serials, chat shows and music and games in multiple languages.

According to the European Commission’s Digital Transformation Monitor, video and TV watching are still the preferred activities on long haul flights. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents over 290 airlines from 120 countries, says technology is giving passengers more control over their travel experience including what they wish to watch when inside the aircraft.

According to its Global Passenger Survey (GPS) with analysed comments from passengers from over 152 countries, as many as 42 per cent of passengers prefers to use their own devices - Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) - to access inflight entertainment options. According to its another study, watching movies or TV is the top activity during long

Special Report

With over eight million people flying across the world every day, the inflight entertainment systems are no longer a small feature to be ignored by the airline industry haul flights shared by 74 per cent of passengers and the second-most frequent activity during the short haul flights.

With over eight million people flying across the world every day, the inflight entertainment systems are no longer a small feature to be ignored by the airline industry.

The Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) market is expected to register a CAGR of 7.77 per cent during 2019-2024, with the adoption of Inflight Entertainment (IFE) systems and BYOD and the need to enhance passenger experience being the main drivers. Several airlines have started providing inflight live content streaming for most of their flights with high internet speeds.

flights are to have live TV as they cross the North Pole by 2022. It will be the first time complete coverage has been provided at such a high latitude.

Emirates also allows flyers to create their own playlists ahead of boarding their flights and sync it to their seats once on board. With the new functionality, flyers can choose what music, movies or TV shows to play on board, even before stepping onto the plane by accessing the Emirates app.

The tempting bouquet of inflight entertainment has seen Emirates registering growth in its advertising revenues going up over 35 percent in the last year, according to Arabian Business.

In Dubai’s very own Low-Cost Carrier, flydubai, which flies to more than 90 destinations in 47 countries, the scene is no different inside its fleet of 59 aircraft including Boeing 737 MAX 8, MAX 9 and Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Passengers can experience an enjoyable flight with every seat fitted with an HD 12.1-inch touchscreen to watch their in-flight entertainment which includes a wide selection of TV shows, music, games

and movies.

Etihad Airways, which has a fleet of 117 aircraft, is upgrading and refurbishing its narrow-body Airbus A320 and A321, which will include a new wireless streaming entertainment app. Up to 300 hours of free content can be accessed on smartphones and tablets. Prior to flying, passengers need to download the new E-BOX stream app.

The new system will be operational across the fleet by August, on flights of up to five hours in duration from Abu Dhabi. In-flight entertainment via seatback screens will remain standard in the Economy cabins on the airline’s fleet of wide-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft. On the E-BOX, passengers can create their own playlist from its extensive music library.

Air Arabia, the Sharjah-based largest LCC in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has revamped its complimentary in-flight entertainments system across its fleet, SkyTime, which allows passengers to live-stream digital content on their smartphones, tablets or laptops while flying.

The IFEC systems market will, according to Grand View Research, reach US$10.5 billion by 2025.

The UAE airlines have been in the forefront of offering their passengers the best inflight entertainment.

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, claimed their passengers can fly better with up to 4,000 channels on its award-winning inflight entertainment system. In a world first, passengers on board EK’s US-bound

August 2019

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Middle East News

Jazeera Airways expects 25% jump in traffic

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uwait-based LCC Jazeera Airways, which carried two million passengers last year, expects traffic to increase 25 percent this year, according to AIN. This year, Jazeera increased its fleet size from seven aircraft to nine.

Flying eight A320s, it took delivery late last year of the first A320neo based in the Middle East. By the end of 2019, it expects to have taken 14 aircraft, with a further three joining the fleet next year.

Gulf Air resumes its expansion

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ahrain’s flag carrier Gulf Air is increasing its focus on the corporate and upmarket leisure segments as it rapidly renews its fleet and improves its premium product.

The new strategy, which was initially introduced last year and has accelerated this year with the adoption of a “boutique” business model, coincides with the start of a new expansion phase after several years of limited, or no, growth.

The carrier introduced a new industry leading wide-body business class product last year

as it took delivery of its first batch of 787-9s. Another batch of 787-9s are being delivered and earmarked for new routes to New York, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Eight A321neoLRs will be delivered from early 2020 and will enable Gulf Air to improve its premium product on thin medium haul routes, as well as to launch new European destinations.

Gulf Air is configuring its A321neoLRs with 16 lie-flat business class seats along with 152 economy seats, according to report by CAPA-Centre for Aviation.

Jazeera leases its airplanes from several companies. Jazeera sees its target market as any destination within five hours flying time from its Kuwait hub. In the last 18 months, it launched seven routes into the Indian subcontinent and it is one of the largest airline operators into Egypt, with nonstop flights direct to six cities.

Experimental operations at Egypt’s new airport

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gyptAir has started experimental operations at the New Administrative Capital Airport (NAC).

The airline established its operations and facilities inside the new airport.

The airport’s main terminal is over 5,000 square metres, with the capacity to host 300 passengers per hour during trial period. The monthlong trial is to test the airport’s

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readiness from all angles before its formal opening in mid-2020. NAC is intended to relieve the pressure on Cairo International Airport.

A third airport, near the Giza Pyramids west of Cairo, Sphinx International Airport, also already opened in January. The state-owned flag carrier EgyptAir is aiming to reach a 100-strong fleet under a new plan.

Middle East News

Ryanair expands to the Middle East

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ow-cost airline Ryanair is expanding to the Middle East with flights from Paphos International Airport in Cyprus to Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) in Lebanon in October.

Ever since the Lebanese Civil War 1975-1990 and the current unrest in Syria, getting to and from Lebanon was a costly business that usually involved flying on Middle East Airlines (MEA). Ryanair is preparing to coming out with exceptionally cheap fares. Starting October 30, Ryanair will operate three flights a week between the Lebanese capital and the Cypriot resort. Lebanon will now be the 38th country that the

Irish budget airline flies to, with its base in Paphos also serving Amman, Jordan.

The flights will continue March 2020. Despite its proximity to Syria and Lebanon, Cyprus has, for the last 44 years, been a place where the Lebanese could go to holidays.

Gulf Aviation Academy inks deal with Westminster Group

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ulf Aviation Academy (GAA), a leading provider of professional aviation training in Bahrain and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has signed a Strategic Alliance Agreement of initial three years duration with Westminster Group, a managed services and technology-based security solutions provider, to combine their individual strengths and explore business opportunities both within their own

markets and jointly worldwide. The collaboration will cover two areas: Joint Initiative International Training Programmes (JIITPs) and Special Joint Programmes (SJPs).

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has just 35 registered Aviation Security Training Centres (ASTCs) worldwide authorised to run ICAO certified courses, of which the GAA is one.

Saudi Arabia opens NEOM Bay Airport

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n 2017, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia caused a stir across the globe when it announced plans to build NEOM, a half-atrillion-American dollar, mega-city development. This July, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced the opening of NEOM Bay Airport in the northern region of Sharma.

The GACA released an official statement that it has given a commercial airport license to the newly-built facility which began operations. According to Saudi Gazette, the airport has already been registered by the IATA with the code “NUM.” In the first phase, NEOM Bay Airport will offer regular flights for investors and employees of the NEOM project.

The facility has a hangar to accommodate as many as six aircraft. Created as part of the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan, NEOM is a business and industrial zone project estimated to be 33 times the size of New York.

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ADP Ingénierie

Journey towards fulfilling the desire for alternative mobility

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roupe ADP has partnered with Airbus and RATP to develop an ‘agnostic’ solution to accommodate different types of flying taxis

In 1962, the French TV asked children: “What would (the year) 2000 (will) look like?” They were, on some points, spot on. Mobility here and outer space were a key preoccupation in their answers.

The 20th century has no equivalent in progress and speed of evolution in technologies. Still, the world saw improvements in technologies rather than a transformation of mobility.

In addition, there are few places where society has adopted solutions that translate people’s aspirations for a more innovative, de-clogging and sustained mobility.

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With climate change, the explosion of middle classes all over the world and a constantly increasing demand to travel inside cities and throughout the planet, questions are emerging from everywhere to rethink the way we travel. Industries now work to fulfill our desire for alternative mobility.

At the last Paris Air Show, Groupe ADP announced a partnership with Airbus and RATP for the development of an agnostic solution capable of accommodating different types of flying taxis.

VTOL or Vertical Take Off Landing is not a new ambition. Considered since the Second World War, flying vehicle

projects have long made engineers fantasize and the 200-odd on-going projects in the world testify of the enthusiasm for this technology. In an ever-denser urban network, flying taxis crystallize all hopes.

In 2018, Uber put this subject back on the scene by launching a call for proposals for a vertiport capable of managing 1000 VTOL per hour.

Several consulting firms then proposed different solutions. The goal? Design a vertiport that can accommodate a lot of VTOL and ensure the transformation of car drivers into Flying Taxis passengers using the Uber Elevate application.

ADP IngĂŠnierie

With or without a driver? What business model? How do we manage passengers?

The questions raised highlight that these solutions are far from being distant dreams and must be considered today into every improvement program for airport infrastructures. Groupe ADP is planning to build a first vertiport within 18 months between one of its Parisian airport and another of its platforms to test the feasibility of this project. As we think of the airport as an airport city and within the different connections that bound it to its environment, mobility is a central concern in its development. Examples as the new train station in Paris-Orly and the interconnectivity module of the Beijing-Daxing airport, which is about to open soon, show how mobility must find its righteous place in the airport.

This year, at the Uber Elevate Summit, the issues raised by this new mobility have been numerous. What’s energy for the VTOL? Thermal motors? Electric?

VTOL are not the only solution. The Hyperloop is one of them. Dutch company Hardt Hyperloop is working on a way to connect Frankfurt and

Amsterdam in 50 minutes. This new means of transportation thought by Elon Musk may also soon connect Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in six minutes while the journey takes 45 min to one hour now, depending on traffic. Beyond transforming mobility, these solutions redefine the use of our traditional ways of locomotion (cars, trains, planes). Integrating them in the thinking process is the best way to anticipate the mobility of the future.

Do I need more parking spaces? Do I put the bus/train station at the center of our new terminal? How do I connect my infrastructure to the nearest city and how do I plan for the long run? The answer is to adopt an integrated perspective while planning for development and embrace a long-term vision, not only focusing on the short term issues but gain a sufficient knowledge of upcoming trends to imagine the airport you will need tomorrow.

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Opinion

Promoting sustainable development T

he Airports Council International (ACI), whose members operate 1,960 airports in 176 countries, has taken a leadership role in the aviation industry in promoting sustainable development which actively addresses environmental impacts while ensuring delivery of the economic and social benefits of aviation.

It is important that the considerable and measurable efforts of the aviation industry in making flying more efficient and more sustainable are recognized.

The industry is committed to developing further solutions towards decarbonization of the sector while continuing to bring valuable connectivity to people, businesses and communities.

Over the last 40 years, the aviation industry has invested billions of dollars in research and development which has resulted in measures and practices which have made significant progress in reducing its environmental impact.

Collaboration across the whole industry to reduce emissions follows a four-pillar strategy of: new technology (including sustainable aviation fuels), efficient operations, improved infrastructure, and market-based measures.

Following a historic Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) agreement in 2016,

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the industry is working with governments to implement the world’s first sector-wide, marketbased measure for offsetting the growth in international aviation CO2 post-2020. The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report had highlighted the need for the entire global economy to transition to a net-zero economy by 2050 to avoid the most adverse impacts of climate change. Working towards a net-zero economy by 2050 requires the aviation industry to develop more ambitious CO2 reduction goals to help meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

The ACI World has established a Task Force to work on a long-term carbon goal for airport operators, including considerations of net zero carbon airports by 2050.

A comprehensive Sustainability Strategy has been launched which commits the European airport industry to reach net-zero carbon emissions generated by the airport operators by 2050. The ACI World aims to support the global membership by identifying potential pathways to more ambitious targets.

The future of aviation depends on our dedication to the cause of sustainability and ACI will continue to work as a strong part of the solution.

Angela Gittens Director General Airports Council International (ACI World)

Opinion

Passengers served best by competitive airline sector T

he UK government has proposed a new passenger charter. Our collective focus on public safety cannot waiver.

Working with key partners, like the airlines, airports and NATS, the CAA will remain relentlessly focussed on making this industry as safe as is possible. Aviation will have a less bright future than it deserves if it doesn’t rise to the challenge to become a better neighbour to local communities and recognise public concern over its carbon contribution.

On the Passenger Charter, we will not shy away from making tough decisions when we have to. After all, collaboration, and working as a ‘system’, has been central to the success of this industry since its inception.

The regulator and government can work together for the good of the people who ultimately sustain the whole sector – the passengers. The UK airports handled 292 million passengers in 2018, up three per cent on 2017.

Despite the current global political and economic uncertainty and fierce competition for passengers and a fight to sustain yields, the UK airlines on the whole are braced for the challenges.

Ultimately passengers are best served by a vibrant, innovative and competitive airline sector, but one that is also profitable and sustainable.

There is no question that UK air passengers today enjoy fantastic connectivity, both in terms of number of the destinations served and number of airlines flying those routes; alongside high levels of service compared to all other modes of transport.

By and large most aviation passengers on most occasions feel the industry serves them well. Our passenger surveys regularly show satisfaction levels above 80 per cent, which compare favourably to other modes of transport.

Richard Moriarty Chief Executive Civil Aviation Authority United Kingdom

The Passenger Charter does not start from scratch on this point.

There is already a wide body of existing law in place that protects passengers’ legitimate expectations.

The industry has also complemented its focus on physical disabilities by looking at ways of making travel more accessible for those with hidden disabilities such as dementia and autism.

We have already done a lot of work with airports, encouraging a consistent level of service for passengers with reduced mobility.

We now want to do the same with airlines. While some good work has already been done there is room for improvement. Above all else, we need to see fewer occasions where things go very wrong.

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Airlines

Indonesia’s incentives to push airfares down I ndonesia is giving fiscal incentives to airlines after all relevant stakeholders in the aviation industry agreed to cost sharing to push airfares down. The fiscal incentives include VAT exemption for a number of items related to air transportation such as aircraft maintenance, aircraft leasing from overseas, imports and delivery of airplanes and aircraft components. Ever since the

Indonesian government deregulated the aviation industry in 2000, Indonesia’s aviation sector has been growing at a brisk pace in terms of passengers, airlines, fleets, flights, and airports. The country’s airline fleets have soared in numbers by more than ten-fold from 102 aeroplanes in 1990 to 1,030 in 2017. Indonesia currently has 61 scheduled and unscheduled commercial airlines.

France to tax flights from its airports

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rance will introduce a tax on airlines flying from its airports to help support the environment. The move is expected to raise around US$202 million from 2020. Activists says the new tax was unlikely to change consumer behaviour at the proposed levels and was low compared with other countries.

The Brussels-based NGO, Transport and Environment (T&E), estimates airline taxes raise about one billion euros per year in Germany and more than three billion in Britain. The new tax will be 1.5 euros for flights within France or the European Union, three

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euros for economy flights out of the EU, nine euros for intra-EU business class and up to 18 euros for business class tickets out of the EU. Transit flights will not be taxed. Proceeds are planned to be used to finance daily transport in France, notably local trains.

The government says that from 2020 it expected to raise 140 million euros from reducing tax benefits on diesel for trucks.

Uganda Airlines is back in the business

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fter a nearly 20 year hiatus, Uganda Airlines is back in the business. It will commence operations on August 28 after having secured its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC).The state-owned national carrier will begin its initial phase of operations with flights from Entebbe/Kampala.

The next phase will be launched in September. Two A330-800s are also due by the end of 2020. The revived airline is part of plans to transform Entebbe into a regional hub handling 6.1 million passengers and 172,000 tonnes of cargo a year by 2033. The carrier hopes to improve access to the landlocked country and facilitate better transportation for those seeking to travel in and out of the East African nation.

The airline, founded in 1977, ceased operations in 2001 due to the government directives. In April, two Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft were delivered to the new airline, making it the first operator in Africa. Currently these two aircraft comprise the entire fleet of the airline. It has indicated long-haul routes that could serve Dubai, London, Mumbai and Guangzhou.

ATM

Belgium moves towards Single Civil-military ATM System

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s part of a longer-term goal to move toward integrated civilmilitary air navigation services in Belgian airspace, one of the densest and most complex in Europe, the military air traffic controllers of the Belgian Ministry of Defence (BeMoD) are preparing to migrate to a shared civil-military air traffic management system provided by Eurocontrol’s Maastricht Upper Area Control Center (MUAC).

The MUAC and BeMoD successfully carried out site acceptance testing and corroborated that the system can provide air traffic control services at the various military sites and also for civil air traffic. They conducted the series of technical tests mainly at night to minimize the effect on MUAC operations.

Currently, three organizations provide air traffic control services in the airspace of Belgium: BeMoD controls the military operational air traffic while MUAC handles civil general air traffic (GAT) in upper airspace (from 24,500 feet) of Belgium; and the country’s air navigation service provider (ANSP) Skeyes controls civil GAT in lower airspace. Each of them uses different air traffic management systems.

India gets its C-ATFM

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ndia has acquired a state-of-theart Central Command Centre for Air Traffic Flow Management (C-ATFM) that will help regulate air traffic at capacity-constrained airports in the country.

The C-ATFM in Delhi is primarily meant to balance the capacity against the demand to achieve optimum utilisation of airport, airspace and aircraft.

The central ATFM system integrates flight data from various subsystems like ATC Automation System, flight updates and flight update messages. The system also displays weather information along with static information about airports, airspaces and air routes.

European ATC remains inefficient: A4E

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t its annual CEO meeting held in Brussels, Airlines for Europe (A4E) remarked that European ATC remains “inefficient, expensive and unreliable” for millions of passengers. According to ACI Europe, passenger traffic across the European airport network grew by 6.1per cent last year, bringing the total number of passengers.

European travellers were subjected to an unprecedented 19 million minutes of ATC delays in 2018. A EUROCONTROL study predicts there will be a lack of capacity at European airports in 2040 preventing around

1.5 million flights from flying. Such a lack of capacity could mean 160 million passengers would not be able to travel with a potential economic loss of around €88 billion to the European economy.

Continued airline capacity expansion played a major role, as aircraft movements grew by four per cent, faster than a year earlier. It says ATC structural issues are responsible for 71 per cent of en-route traffic delays this year. Up to 30 per cent longer flight routings are in place to avoid ATC bottlenecks.

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MRO

Thailand to issue decree for MRO hubs

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hailand will issue a royal decree to lay down conditions for foreign parties wanting to set up maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations in the country.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), the conditions will include terms regarding the transfer and import of technology and micro-investment in MRO businesses.

The decree is being mooted after the Civil Aviation Committee (CAC) invited national carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) to explain its plan to establish a 10-billion-baht MRO centre at U-Tapao airport in Rayong province.

Real MRO unit costs dropped for US airlines

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espite modest increases in average real mechanics’ pay, the US passenger carriers continued to reduce their real unit maintenance costs, according to FAA data summarized by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Adjusted for general inflation, the average MRO cost per available seat mile (ASM) was US$.0114 in 2018 for the top 10 US passenger carriers, down nearly eight per cent from the year prior’s level of US$.0123. Those new, maintenance-stingy jets coming

into fleets were delivering real gains, at least before the Boeing 737 MAX problems. Over the past 10 years, the average real MRO cost per ASM for the same 10 airlines was down nearly 13 per cent, better than a percent per year, but not nearly at the pace of trimming in 2018.

Fuel costs have been erratic over the last decade. Newer aircraft and smarter maintenance seem to be ensuring that maintenance will impose a generally declining cost burden on airlines year after year.

European project to cut maintenance-related delays

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uis Pimentel de Oliveira, TAP Air Portugal’s innovation specialist, is working on a European project to reduce airline delays due to maintenance, as well as other innovation projects that are applying new technologies to MRO.

reports. The project is being supported by a consortium of 12 partners, approved and funded by the European Commission.

In Europe, 5.8 per cent of all flights are delayed due to aircraft technical issues that subsequently delay other flights.

Clean Sky 2, which is the biggest European aviation research program so far, is a partnership between 16 major players in the European aviation industry and the European Commission.

Those disruptions cost about €2.8 billion annually, according to media

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The project is part of the Clean Sky 2 aircraft maintenance research program.

TAP is looking into augmented reality.

It is testing a virtual reality concept and also working with Honeywell on an augmented reality concept.

It could be cost-effective if we have access to the 3D models, and this is a question that has to be explored very seriously with the OEMs.

Cargo & Logistics

Garuda Indonesia plans to launch drone network

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aruda Indonesia is hoping to develop a fleet of as many as 100 drones to deliver cargo across the Indonesian archipelago.

A Bloomberg report said that the airline would conduct trial flights utilising three Beihang UAS Technology BKZ-005 drones starting in September. Full

operations are expected to start next year carrying seafood from the Maluku islands to Makassar from where the products can be transported throughout Asia.

Within five years the operation could expand to 100 drones operating from 30 logistics centres across the country, each with its own airstrip.

The airline will begin testing the UAV technology in terms of airport feasibility, runway, navigation, air traffic control, meteorology and its related aspects sometime in September.

The country is made up of more than 18,000 islands making transport operations extremely complicated.

IATA and ATA team up on animal transportation programme

T Etihad Cargo fine-tunes its network strategy

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tihad Cargo has seen a significant change of focus in its business model. “Abu Dhabi is right in the middle of the Europe – Asia corridor, the world’s busiest trade lane.

In the past, we may have been overly ambitious and tried to be too global. Now it is more about choosing the trade lanes we can be competitive in,” remarked an official.

he IATA has teamed up with Animal Transport Association (ATA) to promote adoption of CEIV Live Animals certification to help raise the standard of animal transportation.

The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will see ATA encourage adoption of CEIV Live Animals among its members.

In parallel, ATA and IATA will continue to work closely to ensure ATA members are aligned with the CEIV Live Animal Programme requirements. ATA is also encouraging its members to create

CEIV Certified communities. Glyn Hughes, IATA’s Head of Cargo, added: “Animal owners, breeders and shippers rely heavily on airlines to carry their precious cargo.

We have a duty of care to ensure that standards and best practices are in place around the world to protect the welfare of these animals.”

The Live Animal certification was launched in April 2018, but so far only four companies have achieved certification: Air Canada Cargo, the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre, Biotrans and Goldenway International Pets & Live Animals.

Etihad exited its A330F fleet last year and now operates B777Fs which are flying mainly to core markets such as Europe and Asia (India, Vietnam and China), complementing the bellyhold capacity that feeds over 90 destinations including North America, Africa and Australia.

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Technology

Airline hopes rabbit poo may provide sustainable fuel

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Japanese plane carrier could soon power their aircraft with the help of rabbit poo.

All Nippon Airways (ANA), in partnership with LanzaTech, is hoping to introduce the greener fuel choice by 2021, The Sun reported.

The new fuel would use recycled emissions, such as from steel plants, which are then converted into ethanol using enzymes found in the poo of rabbits, according to Airline Ratings.

This would then be converted into aviation fuel to be used on commercial flights. With a test run on a delivery flight this autumn, it is hoped the new fuel can be rolled out by 2021.

Data platform helps airlines improve operations

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ata platform Skywise which Airbus launched in 2017, is helping airlines in the connectivity of various cabin elements, including the ‘connected bin’.

Skywise is an open, integrated, cloud-based data platform for the aviation industry.

The platform, set up in collaboration with big data specialist Palantir Technologies, has seen good traction over the past two years.

From four early adopters, the number of airlines on Skywise increased to about 20 by March this year and has now crossed the 80 mark with participation from across the globe. More than 6,500 aircraft, 10,000 monthly users and 15 suppliers are now on the platform. Airbus hopes to have 100 airlines on board by end 2019.

Is Algae as spacecraft fuel possible?

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an kelp kick you off to space? A group of young space-exploration proponents in The Philippines believes so.

Organized as Orbital Exploration (OrbX), the not-for-profit group is seeking funding from the government and spacefaring stakeholders abroad, including National Aeronautics and

Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Administration (ESA).

According to a report in the Business Mirror. They are also considering Russia to ask for research support.

Using software, the biofuel produced from algae would be tested on jet propulsions from small rocket models to bigger ones.

Hub under development for digitizing fuel communications

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n industry-wide Fuel Operational Message Hub is under development to help digitize all communications between intoplane service providers (ITPs) and the cockpit globally. Currently, communications take place over a variety of channels, but voice and paper are not uncommon. And where digital communications do exist it is usually on a one-to-one basis.

An airline will interface with an ITP at a particular station because the US$10,000–US$20,000 cost to

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implement that interface is worth it given the volume of fuel involved.

The solution will also help mitigate cybersecurity concerns. To keep airline costs down and to help digitize all communications between ITPs and the cockpit globally, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is developing an industry Fuel Operational Message hub.

The IATA has established a proof of concept and is working to roll out the solution and make it available to the whole industry.

Environment

First US airport to operate fully on renewable energy

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hattanooga Airport has become the first in the US to operate fully on renewable energy following the completion of the final phase of its solar farm which generates 2.64 megawatts of electricity - enough to support the airport’s total energy needs.

In a bid to further reduce its carbon footprint, the airport has adopted other green initiatives such as multiple LED-certified facilities, a storm-water system, green infrastructure and electric car charging stations.

Sustainable alternative jet fuel ensures greener future

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ity waste and cooking oil just might power your next private flight. Gulfstream has just flew in its fleet using sustainable alternative jet fuel (SAJF).

The SAJF label refers to nonpetroleum-based jet fuels— produced to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions—that can be used without requiring changes to the plane.

The fuel must meet technical and certification standards for turbinepowered aircraft engines. SAJF

Climate impact of airplane contrail clouds to triple by 2050

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ir travel is responsible for about five percent of human-caused global warming.

It affects the climate in two distinct ways: through the greenhouse gases released as airplanes burn fuel, and through the heat-trapping effect of the condensation that forms into contrail clouds.

Those thin white clouds that jet engines draw across the sky are leaving their mark on the climate.

comes from sustainable inputs including industrial waste, cooking oil and even CO2 emissions.

The 20,000 business aircraft in service globally can safely fly on SAJF today—and make a positive, measurable difference the moment they take off, officials said.

For fuel blends to be approved, industry leaders have enacted a rigorous process and work with global fuel-specification bodies, such as ASTM International, to certify the products.

Boeing starts offering biofuel on delivery flights

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oeing has just flown a 787-9 Dreamliner from Seattle to Cairo fuelled entirely by biofuel.

The 10,973-kilometer delivery flight for EgyptAir was the longest 787 flight undertaken thus far using biofuels. Boeing offers the option of using biofuel on 787 delivery flights.

EgyptAir is the first airline to take up the offer.

The US aircraft manufacturer notes that the 787 is designed to be fuel-efficient. In a press statement, Boeing estimates that since the 787’s

introduction in 2011, 37 million pounds of fuel has been saved. Adding biofuels to the mix will further reduce the 787’s environmental impact.

Egyptair used a biofuel made at a refinery in California. It was made from agricultural by-products, can be blended with regular jet fuel, and does not require modifications to the aircraft or its engines.

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Tourism

Ghana promotes itself as the next big destination

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hana has unveiled a 15-yearlong tourism plan that seeks to increase the annual number of tourists to the West African country from one million to eight million per year by 2027.

The country’s travel industry is projected to raise US$8.3 billion a year by 2027, plus associated benefits, according to the plan.

The first sub-Saharan African country to win independence from colonial rule, Ghana is promoting itself to be used as a gateway to the rest of the continent.

Tourism is a key economic driver in Ghana which generates foreign exchange earnings, creates jobs and wealth as well as stimulates other sectors of the economy.

Cairo among cities to receive more tourists next decade

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he World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has put Cairo on the list of the top cities that are expected to receive more tourists in the next decade.

Other cities on the list include Delhi, Manila, Bangkok and Moscow. However, the council recommends that the governments of those countries upgrade the infrastructure needed to cope with such increase, according to a report broadcast by the CNN about ‘overtourism’ affecting many travel destinations.

Croatia attracts 6.8 million tourists in H1 2019

Oxford dictionary has identified overtourism as “an excessive number of tourist visits to a popular destination or attraction, resulting in damage to the local environment and historical sites and in poorer quality of life for residents.”

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roatia has been visited by a total of 6.88 million tourists from January to June this year, six per cent more than the same period last year.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, overnights to the republic at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, were also up on last year with 26.26 million recorded in the first six months of 2019.

Foreign tourists made up 5.85 million of all arrivals and 22.93 million overnight stays. The Croatian Tourist Board says overall tourism growth achieved during the first six months is the result of targeted activities in promoting the country as an attractive year-round destination.

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Tourism

Jamaica welcomes two million tourists

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he Caribbean island nation of Jamaica has welcomed approximately two million visitors in the first half of 2019, earning US$2 billion in revenues. Last year, the country had record arrivals of 4.32 million tourists with earnings of US$3.3 billion.

Nepal hikes foreign tourist visa fee

Tourism drives nine per cent of Jamaica’s gross domestic product (GDP) and contributes, in revenue terms, 20 per cent of GDP. The sector’s earnings have grown from US$369 million in 2017 to US$431 million in 2018.

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As of January 2019, there were 120,500 workers in the sector, which represented nine per of the labour force.

Officials says the change in visa fee structure was minor and the fee structure would be revised again after the completion of the Visit Nepal Year 2020.

he Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal has raised the visa fees for foreign tourists. The Department of Immigration (DoI) says the increase in foreign tourist visa fees is the first in almost a decade.

While the tourist visa fee for 15 days (multiple entries) has been raised by US$5 to US$30, the tourist visa fee for 30 days (multiple

entries) has been raised to US$50 from US$40. Similarly, the tourist visa fee for 90 days (multiple entries) has been raised by US$35 to US$ 125.

In 2018, Nepal witnessed the arrivals of over one million tourists - 969,287 came via air and 203,785 via land.

Nepal Tourism witnessed a growth of 24 percent with 1,173,072 foreign tourists visiting Nepal in 2018 against 940,218 in the previous year. Under the Visit Nepal 2020 programme, Nepal is targeting to draw two million tourists.

Thailand targets 10% tourism growth in 2020

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earing up to mark its 60th anniversary in 2020, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reaffirmed its commitment to making travel and tourism the kingdom’s most economically promising, environmentally sustainable, and culturally vibrant sector in the years to come.

The TAT will be closely aligning its strategies with the policies and plans of the National Economic and Social Development Board, Thailand’s national planning agency.

The targets for 2020 are to boost total tourism revenues by 10 per cent over the projection for this year.

The TAT has also set clear directions to move the tourism industry out of mass tourism and towards responsible tourism with an emphasis on revenuegenerating quality tourists.

Thailand’s tourist numbers is expected to rise seven per cent to 39.8 million in 2019, a 2-4 per cent increase on last year.

August 2019

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