Via dubai english july 2017

Monthly Newsletter issued by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority

www.viadubaionline.com

Issue 50 July 2017

Inside DCAA DCAA participates in the Excellence Makers program

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Nad Al Sheba wheelchair 10 basketball tournament

DCAA hosts exhibition of 12 products made by orphans

UAE in Focus Dubai to start trials for 18 flying taxi to start by fourth quarter

Dubai set to welcome record high passenger traffic this summer

Innovative airport sleep 19 lounge opens at DXB Aerospace leaders to 19 return to UAE capital to tackle industry challenges Airbus forecasts 20 demand for 35,000 aircraft valued at US$5.3 trillion in the next 20 years

ATM 28

Angela Gittens

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DCAA committed to ensuring safety of Dubai Airlines 30

Europe needs to fix its ATM challenges

ACI releases the 2017 Airport Economics Repor

Khalid Al Arif

Early research with Microsoft HoloLens shows potential of mixed reality

Cargo & Logistics 33

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26

Alexandre de Juniac

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34

Technology 34

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July 2017

Message

from the President

Unmatchable passenger experience

W

e have reached the peak of summer season, which is also the period when the highest number of passengers use Dubai Airports.

Last year, passenger traffic in July was 14 per cent higher compared to previous year and Dubai Airports welcomed over 22.4 million people from July to September. This year, we expect passenger numbers to surpass last year.

In line with our leadership’s vision, we are committed to excellence and offering an unparalleled experience to each and every person who comes to or even transits via Dubai.

We see the peak season as a challenge and an opportunity to offer unmatchable services and passenger experience. To achieve this, all the stakeholders involved in providing services work together to ensure that every aspect of passenger services, whether it is customer service, immigration procedures, and above all, safety and security, is taken good care of.

Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

Using the latest smart technologies, such as Emirates ID at smart gates, passengers can speed through passport control within a few seconds. The procedures are convenient and speedy.

We also realise that passengers are seeking to make their time spent at the airports a memorable experience. Toward this, Dubai offers ample shopping and entertainment that can be enjoyed by all.

As Dubai is set to welcome more than 90 million passengers this year, I would like to say we are firmly committed to providing the world’s best services and experience.

July 2017

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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 DCAA participates in the Excellence Makers program

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

10 Nad Al Sheba

Editor Shveta Pathak

wheelchair basketball tournament

E-mail: viadubai@naddalshiba.com

12 DCAA hosts exhibition of products made by orphans

Legal Disclaimer

The views expressed in the articles are of the writers and not necessarily belong to DCAA. We take all reasonable steps to keep the information current and accurate, but errors can occur. The information is therefore provided as is, with no guarantee of accuracy, completeness or timeliness.

The DCAA or Via Dubai does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the quality, accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. Via Dubai does not endorse or recommend any article, product, service or information mentioned in the newsletter. Any perceived slight of any person or organisation is completely unintentional.

DCAA Interview DCAA committed to ensuring safety of Dubai

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Editorial, Production, PR & Marketing Nadd AlShiba PR and Event Management

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Khalid Al Arif Printed by Printwell Dubai

Our Vision

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

Our Mission

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

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

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

http://www.facebook.com/DCAADubai

twitter.com/DcaaDubai

youtube.com/user/dcaadubai

Message

from the Director General

Ahead of all

O

ur visionary leadership has always inspired us to be the best and now, with the launch of Dubai 10X, have set the mission of being 10 years ahead of other places in the world.

Mohammed Abdulla Ahli

This is a great inspiration as well as an opportunity toward which we are committed to giving beyond our best.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has called on all government leaders and employees to embrace disruptive innovation and, instead of making minor improvements, adopt creative and disruptive approaches toward attaining their mission. His Highness said that to be 10 years ahead of all other governments needs not only disruptive technology and creativity, it needs us have a mindset that takes us to achieving this goal.

In line with this, we are now actively working toward analysing our organisational practices and finding ways to deliver beyond this mission.

At the DCAA, we have formed a 10X project team, which is holding a series of inhouse meetings and also meetings with our stakeholders, in

this direction, in order to analyse and examine opportunities to improve and adopt path-breaking technology and initiatives toward ensuring safety of Dubai’s skies.

As we progress on this, I must say that our commitment to this mission includes everyone, all the employees who are a part of the DCAA, in the same manner that they have been involved in the previous initiatives toward excellence and innovation.

We look forward to the challenging and exciting journey on our path to becoming the city of the future.

July 2017

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Inside DCAA

DCAA organises Iftar A

s a reflection of its commitment towards adding happiness to the lives of people, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) organised an Iftar for orphans of Beit Al Khair Association and also presented them with special gifts.

Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General, DCAA, executive directors and employees of the DCAA participated in the Iftar, which was hosted by Abdeen Taher Al Awadi, Director General of Beit Al Khair Association, children from Beit Al Khair and members of Dubai Club.

As an appreciation for Beit Al Khair’s continuous cooperation with the DCAA for charitable activities, Mohammed Ahli honoured Abdeen Taher Al Awadhi, Director General of Bayt Al Khair Association.

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The Authority also presented gifts for the children of Beit Al Khair.

The Authority hosted an exhibition of products made by orphans.

The event coincided with the Zayed Day of Humanitarian Action and also coincided with the Year of Giving.

Mohammed Abdullah Ahli, Director General, DCAA, said: “This gathering is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds among DCAA staff with the community, in a family atmosphere and enhance integration in the society alongwith encouraging communication and developing affection and brotherhood.

The other charitable initiatives by the DCAA included providing a charity donation platform during the event and announcing the provision of 1,000 breakfast meals to fasting people.

Inside DCAA

As for the initiatives of this year, we are all proud of our nation, which embraces everyone and spread tolerance through its initiatives and projects locally, regionally and globally.

We commend the decision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to make 2017 the Year of Giving.”

He said the community reflects the

objectives of the Authority, which seeks to strengthen social ties among the officials and employees, as well as the participating parties.

The events also included several awards, including honoring the winners of the Swagta Program Awards, honoring the candidates for the Dubai Award for Excellence and honoring the

team at the Ned Al Shabbat Basketball Tournament.

The event also included the competitions section and the winners received a number of valuable prizes, including airline tickets from flydubai to eight different destinations: Jeddah - Medina - Taif - Tbilisi - Sarajevo Istanbul - Baku – Prague. 

July 2017

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Inside DCAA

DCAA participates in the Excellence Makers program

T

he Dubai Government Excellence Program (DGEP) of the General Secretariat of the Executive Council in Dubai organised the first meeting to review the level of the progress and 11 projects from 11 government entities in the Excellence Makers program within the ‘Dubai We Learn’ initiative.

The initiative aims to develop government performance and

promote a culture of institutional learning, and exchange the knowledge in the government sector in cooperation with international experts in this field.

The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has introduced an awareness-raising project on the safety of skies in Dubai.

The project will raise the awareness for users and educate them in how to best use the skies in Dubai. The project is called “Happiness skies project” The DCAA also aims to educate the largest segment of users on the need to take permits for all the activities related to the safety of the skies, for the safe use in accordance with established standards and regulations. 

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Inside DCAA

Year of Giving:

DCAA’s charitable initiatives during Ramadan

I

n the spirit of the Year of Giving in the UAE and the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) organised a series of charitable activities focussed on providing support and care to social groups including the orphans, elderly and the under-privileged.

DCAA provides Iftar meals

D

ubai Civil Aviation Authority, in cooperation with Beit Al Khair Association, provided 1000 Iftar meals to fasting people during the holy month of Ramadan. This initiative is part of the Authority's initiatives for the year of giving. The initiative also coincided with Zayed Day for Humanitarian Action.

The Authority's participation in the activities in the year of giving to consolidate the culture of volunteering and provide good opportunities and community

The civil aviation authority organised an exhibition of products by orphans at the Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation. The foundation, established in 2002, provides several services to support the needs of orphans and aims at integrating the students in the society and developing their self-confidence. partnerships with various sectors and DCAA seeks to encourage everyone who wants to make a positive difference in our beloved country. 

In cooperation with Bait Al-Khair, the DCAA provided 1,000 meals for those who were fasting during the Holy month of Ramadan, coinciding with Zayed Day for Humanitarian Action, strengthening bonds of love and empathy in the society.

As a reflection of its commitment towards adding happiness to the lives of people, the Authority hosted a Suhoor for orphans of Beit Al Khair Association and also presented them with special gifts. The DCAA also honored the Charity House Association for their active charitable efforts in the community.

July 2017

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Inside DCAA

Nad Al Sheba wheelchair basketball tournament

T

he Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) participated in the Nad Al Sheba wheelchair basketball championship, launched

by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council. The tournament contributes to developing team spirit and enhancing cooperation among different teams. The participation is in line with the DCAA’s keenness to participate in different activities supporting the community. ď‚ƒ

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Inside DCAA

Working hours

C

omprising of members from Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs at Dubai International, Airport Operations Department at Dubai Customs, General Directorate of Airport Security at Dubai Police, Dubai Air Navigation Services and the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology, the “Shawaheen Team” launched the “Our working hours are different in the month of affluence” campaign during the month of Ramadan.

The campaign included a variety of activities such as weekly field visits to Dubai International Airport

terminals with view to ask airport staff cultural questions dealing with different topics and deliver prizes including free coupons presented by Dubai Duty Free.

The team also organised weekly competitions by asking a variety

of educational questions through the employees’ internal email.

Delivered annually during the holy month of Ramadan, the campaign aimed to educate employees, raise their awareness, instil the spirit of cooperation among them and change work routine during Ramadan. 

July 2017

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Inside DCAA

DCAA hosts exhibition of products made by orphans

I

n line with the spirit of the Year of Giving, launched by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the DCAA hosted an exhibition of products made by orphans, in coordination with the Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation, whose proceeds are paid to orphans with the Foundation.

The exhibition included a variety of distinctive products. DCAA’s participation in these activities is in line with its efforts toward strengthening

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the culture of volunteering and providing opportunities and partnerships in charitable initiatives

with various sectors and to encourage everyone who wants to make a positive difference in our beloved country. ď‚ƒ

Our Smart Services DCAA Smart App will allow the customers the below services: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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

Registration Requirements: • • • • • • •

Company Name Company Address Telephone Number Fax Number PO Box City Choose one secret questions

• • • • • • •

Username Password Email Address Name Mobile Number Emirates ID Number Category (Individual - Airline - Agency - Expert - Provider)

You can download the application

by searching in App Store and Play Store by typing DCAA or scan the QR code

For more information, please call technical support on: email:

+971 56 6810685

it.support@dcaa.gov.ae

13 July 2017www.dcaa.gov.ae

DCAA Interview

Khalid Al Arif, Executive Director, Aviation Safety & Environment Sector, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA)

DCAA committed to ensuring safety of Dubai

Middle East needs system similar to Eurocontrol for air traffic management

W

ith a view to ensuring safety of Dubai’s skies, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) is working on widespread implementation of rules and regulations pertaining to Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) operations.

Khalid Al Arif, Executive Director, Aviation Safety & Environment Sector, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), said that with a view to ensuring safety of Dubai’s skies, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) is working on widespread implementation of rules and regulations pertaining to Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) operations.

Excerpts from the interview:

The DCAA works in close collaboration with other departments such as the Dubai Police to work together to regulate drones to enhance Air safety within Dubai.

Dubai is prepared to implement the necessary regulation and use rapidly increasing technological advancements to support this vision.

The Civil Aviation Authority, which has made registration of drones mandatory, is reaching out to retail outlets to ensure that no drones are sold without completion of the registration requirements, he told Via Dubai in an interview, in which he highlighted the efforts of the DCAA to secure Dubai’s skies.

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How is the DCAA ensuring safety of skies, amid the rapidly rising number of both commercial and private operators of RPAS? Our goal is to ensure the safety of our skies, for which our approach is to generate awareness about safe operations and not discouraging anyone from operating drones.

In the area of RPAS, registration is mandatory, whether it is a hobbyist, a commercial user or a commercial operator. Currently we are reaching out to retail outlets to ensure that they do not trade drones for which the user has not completed the necessary registration. This will assist in regulating the usage of drones from source.

We are also in the process of signing a memorandum of understanding with different government entities, such as the Dubai Police - to work in collaboration to regulate drones.

There are also many other initiatives being taken forward in generating awareness among the general public on the safe usage of drones by distributing information leaflets, holding one to one interactions with the public on the registration process, the no-fly zones and the risk involved in the improper use of RPAS. We also have a system in place for real time tracking of drones in order to control any irregularities.

How does the World Aviation Safety Summit contribute to dealing with aviation Safety on a larger level?

As you know, safety covers all aspects of aviation, with the demand of increasing passengers and aircraft movements and the rising global demands requiring safe travel, especially as the number of

DCAA Interview

global passengers is expected to rise to 7 billion according to ACI. Airport companies, service providers, air traffic controllers, operators, airlines, and manufacturers all have a requirement role to play in ensuring effective safety and security.

My main concern and challenge is how we can safely accommodate the increasing number of movements and larger aircraft in the limited space available at airports in the UAE.

travellers and the aviation community as a whole. The aviation environment in the Middle East is progressing rapidly and the aviation sector can find itself exposed to new challenges.

Airspace is in high demand and with the increasing number of flights continuing, we must all play a part in facilitating collaborative discussion about safety management and incident prevention, as well as comprehensive and effective planning.�

The Summit which is now been held for 5 years has become one of the largest in the world with global participation

What are the measures you have taken to optimise the safety practices?

All the UAE airports are subject to the oversight by the federal agency, the GCAA, and we work according to their requirements. In 2005, We were one of the first countries within the Middle East to implement a safety management system (SMS) at Dubai ATC.

The DCAA is delighted to host this important gathering of safety professionals from across the world.

Safety is of critical importance to air

Air space congestion is a major issue. What are you going to do to ease it?

Yes, it’s a major challenge not only for

Therefore, we continue to organise the World Aviation Safety Summit in Dubai. We identified the major challenges and brought together global experts to present and discuss their views and how they have overcome some of these challenges.

the UAE and Middle East alone, it is a challenge for most countries worldwide due to rise in demand for air travel.

Sometimes, in Dubai some flights may face a delay due to congestion and also due to airport capacity on certain occasions. Dans (Dubai Air Navigation System) has been playing an important role and through its effective measures has had several landmark achievements in this area, thereby handling the situation effectively, not only for the airspace around Dubai but the broader UAE airspace.

There is also a future requirement for countries in the Middle East Region to adopt and undertake a system similar to the Eurocontrol system where all the countries collaborated to become one airspace region. This would increase capacity, decrease delays and be more efficient in terms of environment with less holding for aircraft and more direct routings. The construction of the new airport, Maktoum International Airport, is a strategic move in this direction and will also help the capacity restraints currently seen at Dubai international.ď‚ƒ

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Cover Story

Dubai set to welcome record high passenger traffic this summer

D

ubai is expecting a record high in passenger traffic this summer. Passenger traffic this year is expected to surpass last year’s numbers when Dubai Airports welcomed more than 22.4 million passengers from July to August.

Jamal Al Hai, Deputy CEO, Dubai Airports, told Via Dubai: “We are expecting a record high in passenger numbers this summer. And the passengers who use Dubai Airports will get an unmatchable experience thanks to the use of latest technology and new initiatives at Dubai Airports, with which passport control procedures can be completed within a few seconds only, waiting time is less than five minutes for 84 per cent of them and a wide range of exciting entertainment options, world-class restaurants, shopping and many other facilities to make their airport experience worth remembering. ” Dubai International is the world’s number one airport for international

passengers and received 83.6 million passengers in 2016, recording a 7.2 per cent growth over the previous year.

Passenger traffic in July last year was 14 per cent higher compared to previous year and Dubai Airports welcomed over 22.4 million people from July to September.

Less than five minutes wait time for majority passengers

Passenger wait times at Dubai International (DXB) dropped by as much as ten per cent during the first quarter of 2017 thanks to the implementation of new technologies at the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic. More than 84 per cent of

transfer passengers were processed within 5 minutes, 68 per cent of arrival passengers were processed within 15 minutes, and 87 per cent of departing passengers were processed within ten minutes, during the first quarter.

The first technology driving down transaction times and queues at immigration check points is Smart Gates.

Smart Gates, and specifically a new service that enables the use of Emirates ID cards to pass through automated immigration gates at DXB, has pushed down transaction times to an average of 10 to 15 seconds per passenger.

Since its introduction last year over 1.3 million UAE users have taken advantage of the service.

Launched last year by GDRFA, Emirates Identity Authority and Dubai Airports, the system can quickly, accurately and efficiently confirm the identity, travel plans and eligibility of UAE residents to enter and depart the country.

Completely free of charge and requiring no pre-registration, the service is available on some 120 Smart Gates across DXB and makes passing through immigration

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Cover Story

fast and convenient for all UAE residents.

them. Terminal 2 implementation is slated to take place during 2017.

The second technology behind shorter wait times is a sophisticated motion sensor system that allows the airport to track queues in real time.

Both technologies support Dubai Airports’ DXB Plus programme designed to improve service while increasing capacity to 118 million passengers at DXB by 2018.

The system consists of a series of 530 sensors that have been installed at crucial passenger processing areas in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 at DXB. The sensors track the movement of people, collecting and computing valuable data like passenger wait times and queue lengths, and based on those factors, calculating the prevailing level of service.

The data is conveyed via a simple mobile application in use by more than 5,000 operational staff across Dubai Airports, airlines, control authorities working at the airport.

The mobile application alerts all teams in real time and allows Dubai Airports operational staff to quickly identify bottlenecks and facilitate the deployment of resources to address

UAE Wallet App

Passengers departing from Dubai International Airport can now use their smart phones instead of passports at the smart gates and pass through electronic gates within 9 to 12 seconds with the launch of a new UAE Wallet.

The project was launched by Lt General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, deputy chairman of police and public security in Dubai and Major-General Mohammad Ahmad Al Marri, Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai), cooperation with Emirates Airline at the Dubai International Airport recently.

The UAE Wallet in line with the UAE vision 2021 and the directions of

the wise leadership to provide easy and fast government services for all customers.

Using the UAE Wallet passengers will be able to complete the departure procedures within 9 to 15 seconds by only scanning their barcode.

Live entertainment, world class restaurants, competitions

To help travellers make the most of their holidays, Dubai Airports and Emirates Leisure Retail launched a joint initiative Early Birds Have More Fun which offers heavy discounts at a range of world class restaurants, as well as live entertainment and competitions for all the family.

Passengers can make use of the Early Birds offers by downloading them from www.earlybirdshavemorefun. com.

Over the peak summer travel period, the airport will also feature live performances as part of Dubai Airports’ ongoing musicDXB initiative. 

July 2017

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UAE in Focus

RTA working with DCAA to develop legislative and operational guidelines

Dubai to start trials for flying taxi by fourth quarter

T

he Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed an agreement with the German Volocopter Company, a specialist in the manufacturing of autonomous aerial vehicles, to launch the first vehicle capable of carrying two passengers.

The RTA is working with the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) to develop the legislative and operational guidelines, define specifications and standards applicable to operators in the emirate such that these legislations will be ready before the date set for the commercial and official operation of the autonomous air vehicles, Khaleej Times quoted Mattar Al Tayer, RTA directorgeneral and chairman of the board of executive directors, as saying.

“It is noteworthy that the operational and legislative structures will be the first of their kind worldwide. In coordination with its strategic partners, the RTA will specify the air routes of journeys, take-off and landing points of these taxis as well as the logistics needed to ensure safe and smooth mobility of passengers. The RTA will forge additional partnerships with other manufacturers of autonomous air vehicles after ensuring their fulfilment of specifications and standards of air safety approved in Dubai,” he said.

“The test run of the first AAT capable of carrying two passengers is in implementation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into the smartest city worldwide. It also comes as part of

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RTA’s efforts to provide autonomous transportation by conducting the required technological tests of those vehicles under the climatic conditions of Dubai».

“The move also echoes Dubai’s Smart Autonomous Mobility Strategy that seeks to transform a quarter of the total mobility journeys in Dubai into autonomous transport by 2030,” he added.

According to Al Tayer, the aerial taxi has autopilot or autonomous flying capability thus enabling the movement of people without human intervention or a need for flight licence holder.

“During the trial period, all aspects relating to the operation as well as security and safety of the autonomous

aerial taxi will be verified and checked.

The official operation hinges on the readiness of companies and the availability of legislations necessary for operating autonomous aerial vehicles,” Al Tayer underlined.

The flying taxi, measuring about two metres in height and seven-metres in width, is electric-powered, run by nine independent quick-change and plug-in battery systems. It can cruise at a speed of 50kmph with the maximum airspeed set at 100kmph. The maximum flight time is approximately 30 minutes; while battery charging will take 40 minutes.

It also has 18 rotors to ensure safe cruising and landing of the taxi in case of any rotor failure and it is fitted with a full aircraft emergency parachute. It also boasts of luxurious interiors and leather seating for two persons. 

UAE in Focus

Innovative airport sleep lounge opens at DXB

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assengers flying through Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB) now have more options to get some rest with the launch of the sleep ‘n fly lounge, offering a total of 27 pods and cabins.

Scandinavian-designed for comfort and style, DXB’s new sleep lounge features 20 stateof-the-art ‘igloo’ sleep pods, plus seven premium double cabins with pull-out children’s beds, which can be used for relaxation for a onehour power nap, an entire night, or any duration in between.

Eugene Barry, Executive Vice President - Dubai Airports

Commercial Group said: “The opening of sleep ‘n fly expands Dubai International’s existing range of rest and relaxation options, and is the latest in a line of personalised and engaging products we are rolling out to cater to the evolving needs of global travelers.”

Located close to Gate A1 in Concourse A, the sleep ’n fly lounge provides more choice for passengers travelling through DXB, which also boasts five-star hotels. Pods and cabins can be reserved via www.sleep-n-fly. com and members of Priority Pass and Lounge Key are welcome. 

Dubai Airshow from November 12-16

New features at Dubai Airshow

T

he new features taking place at the Dubai Airshow 2017, to be held from November 12-16, 217, at Dubai World Central, including new sector specific pavilions, Space Pavilion, UAV Summit, Cargo Zone and the return of Airport Solutions, are set to bring focus to new market sectors when the show opens in November.

The Space Pavilion and conference in particular is shaping up to be a key feature of the event, produced in partnership with the UAE Space Agency. “The Dubai Airshow has always been at the forefront of the aerospace industry,” says Michele

van Akelijen, Managing Director of show organisers F&E Aerospace.

“It represents all sectors of the industry and with recent advances in technology and capabilities in many sectors, it was the right time to make these focus points at the show.

The response we have received has demonstrated that the market clearly has a need for these, and we are expecting all of our new features to be extremely busy at the Dubai Airshow 2017.” Corporate, government and defence strategies to be marked out at Global Aerospace Summit 2018. 

Future of aerospace to be assessed at time of international unpredictability

Aerospace leaders to return to UAE capital to tackle industry challenges

I

nternational aerospace, space and defence industry leaders will define the future of their sectors at the fourth edition of the Global Aerospace Summit 2018, to be held in Abu Dhabi.

Corporate, government and military strategies will be marked out at the Summit, which will address some of the key challenges facing the aerospace industry and discuss future trends at a time of international uncertainty.

A range of important issues will be assessed, such as the future of aircraft and new technologies that will revolutionise manufacturing, as well as the threats posed to incumbent businesses by a distributed, digital world.

The event will analyse sources of game changing tech platforms and disruptive business models, in addition to focusing on their wider implications for the industry and related sectors.

Oisin Commane, Managing Director, SMG Aerospace, the organizers of the summit, commented: “The 2018 Summit will focus on what the aerospace industry means for people – how aerospace helps advance mankind and how we can build the human capital we need to develop our industry. 

July 2017

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Special Report

Rising disposable income, tourism expansion, evolving airline business models and industry liberalisation driving demand

Airbus forecasts demand for 35,000 aircraft valued at US$5.3 trillion in the next 20 years

T

he world’s passenger aircraft fleet above 100 seats is set to more than double in the next 20 years to over 40,000 planes as traffic is set to grow at 4.4 percent per year, according to Airbus’ latest Global Market Forecast 2017-2036.

Over this period, increasing numbers of first time flyers, rising disposable income spent on air travel, expanding tourism, industry liberalisation, new routes and evolving airline business models are driving a need for 34,170 passenger and 730 freighter aircraft worth a combined total of US$5.3 trillion. Over 70 percent of new units are single aisle with 60 percent for growth and 40 percent for replacement of less fuel efficient aircraft.

A doubling in the commercial fleet over the next 20 years sees a need for 530,000 new pilots and 550,000 new

maintenance engineers, and provides Airbus’ global services business a catalyst to grow. Airbus has expanded its global network of training locations from five to 16 in the space of three years Air traffic growth is highest in emerging markets such as China, India, the rest of Asia and Latin America and almost double the 3.2 percent per year growth forecast in mature markets such as North America and Western Europe. Emerging markets currently home to 6.4 billion of the world’s 7.4 billion population will account for

nearly 50 percent of the world’s private consumption by 2036.

“Air travel is remarkably resilient to external shocks and doubles every 15 years,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer – Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft. “Asia Pacific continues to be an engine for growth, with domestic China to become the world’s largest market.

Disposable incomes are growing and in emerging economies the number of people taking a flight will nearly triple between now and 2036.”

Single Aisle: 71% of units; Wi de-bodies: 54% of value 20-year new deliveries o f passenger and freighter aircraft

-

23,530

25,000

New Deliveries

33,070

20,000 15,000

GMF 2016-2035

8,060

10,000 5,000

1,480

0

20

Single Aisle

Twin Aisle

Very Large Aircraft

% units

71%

24%

5%

% value

46%

43%

11%

July 2017

Special Report

Air transport growth is highest in expanding regions Emerging/Developing China India Middle East Asia Africa CIS Latin America Eastern Europe

6.2

billion people 2015

Advanced

1

Western Europe North America Japan

billion people 2015

Over the next 20 years Asia Pacific is set to take 41 percent of new deliveries, followed by Europe with 20 percent and North America at 16 percent. Middle class numbers will almost double to nearly five billion as wealth creation makes aviation even more accessible particularly in emerging economies where spending on air travel services is

set to double. In the twin aisle segment, such as the A330 Family, A350 XWB Family and the A380, Airbus forecasts a requirement for some 10,100 aircraft valued at US$2.9 trillion.

In the single aisle segment, such at the A320neo Family, Airbus forecasts a requirement for some 24,810 aircraft

Yearly RPK growth 2016 - 2035

+5.6 % +3.7 %

valued at US$2.4 trillion. Airlines adding capacity by upsizing to the largest single aisle, the A321, will find even more business opportunities with the A321neo thanks to its range up to 4,000nm and unbeatable fuel efficiency.

In 2016, the A321 represented over 40 percent of single aisle deliveries and over 60 percent of single aisle orders. ď‚ƒ

Demand for some 33,000 new passenger and freighter aircraft Fleet in service evolution: 2016-2035 40,000

39,820

35,000 30,000

20,240

25,000 20,000

19,580

15,000

12,830

10,000 5,000 0

39,860

6,750 Beginning 2016

Growth

33,070 New aircraft

Replacement Stay in service

2035

July 2017

21

Middle East News

Gulf Air launches multiticket discount

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ulf Air has introduced a multiticket discount scheme giving the airline’s Bahrain-based passengers discounts when purchasing multiple tickets (up to a maximum of five return trips) under one booking code for travel within three months to select GCC destinations.

Ahmed Janahi, Gulf Air chief commercial officer, said: “Gulf Air operates double daily flights or more to ten regional cities, and it is this connectivity that caters to and allows for convenient regional travel for business and leisure passengers.

We have recognized the key intra-GCC traveler segment and our multi-ticket discount scheme is tailored to them specifically, giving regular customers, who travel frequently within the GCC region, to save even more when booking their flights with Gulf Air – in either Falcon Gold or Economy class.”

Gulf Air’s multi-ticket discount scheme allows customers to save up to 25% of the total cost of a bundle of tickets if purchased together under one booking code to select GCC destinations (Kuwait, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Muscat). 

Changi Airports International gets contract to operate King Abdul Aziz International Airport

Saudi Arabia awards contracts to develop five airports

M

inister of Transport Sulaiman Al-Hamdan has signed a number of contracts with local and international companies to develop five airports, according to an Arab News report.

These include a contract to operate the new King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, operation of which had already been awarded to Singapore-based Changi Airports International (CAI) for a 20-year period.

The contract to develop and operate the new Taif International Airport was signed with Asyad Holding Group in collaboration with Consolidated Contractors Co. and Munich Airport.

The contracts to operate Qassim’s Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz Airport, Hail International Airport and Yanbu’s Prince Abdul Mohsin bin Abdul Aziz Airport were signed with the consortium of Turkish TAV Airports Holding Co. and Al-Rajhi Holding Group.

The minister, who is also the chairman of the General Authority

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July 2017

of Civil Aviation (GACA), said in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the signing of these contracts comes within GACA’s strategy of expanding the private sector’s role in airport projects and increasing investment opportunities to provide the best services to passengers with the international standards.

These partnerships will contribute toward achieving GACA’s goal of improving the quality of services provided at airports, he said, stressing the importance of the private sector in taking part in the progress and achieving the goals of Vision 2030.

GACA’s Deputy Chairman for Airports Eng Tariq bin Othman Al-Abduljabbar said the contracts for the Taif, Qassim, Yanbu and Hail airports are based on a buildoperate-transfer BOT basis.

These new airports are respectively estimated to receive 5.8 million, 5.5 million, 4 million and 3.7 million passengers per year. 

Middle East News

Kuwait Airways and ALAFCO formalise sale and leaseback deal for 4 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft

K

uwait Airways Company (KAC) and ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Company (ALAFCO) have signed an initial agreement for the sale and leaseback of four Boeing B777-300ER aircraft for a lease term of twelve years.

Chairman of KAC, Mr. Sami F. Al Rushaid, stated that “A Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued to seven qualified companies and consortiums around the world, and Kuwait-based ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Company presented the best offer to KAC. This agreement is beneficial to both companies, and will make available funds that KAC will utilize to take

delivery of the remaining three of four new B777-300ER aircraft from the Boeing Company. Kuwait Airways will take delivery of one aircraft per month from June to August 2017. Entering into this sale and leaseback arrangement will enable KAC to diversify its sources of funding and strike a balance between financing and leasing of the Boeing

B777-300ER fleet”. Vice Chairman and CEO of ALAFCO, Mr. Ahmad A. Alzabin, stated that “To be able to support the fleet modernization plan of the national carrier of Kuwait is an important milestone for ALAFCO. This deal marks the beginning of a strategic cooperation between Kuwait Airways and ALAFCO.” 

Kuwait’s Wataniya Airways to restart flights soon W

ataniya Airways, the Kuwaiti carrier which shut down in 2011 after three years in business, is reportedly set to restart flights this year, according to local Arabic daily, Al Qabas.

The airline is close to signing deals with international aircraft leasing companies and will start operations with three to four

aircraft to regional destinations, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Dubai and India, the report said.

The decision to restart flights follows the company’s settlement of debt talks with Kuwait Airways’ Kuwait Aviation Services Company (KASCO). The carrier’s legal claims with Kuwait’s Aviation Lease and Finance Company (ALAFCO) are still under review in Kuwaiti court with no final ruling issued yet, the report added. 

July 2017

23

International News

Airbus presents enhanced A380 Plus aircraft

A

irbus has unveiled details of an enhanced version of its A380 superjumbo, the A380plus, that will include the addition of winglets as well as its recently showcased “cabin enablers” that can create space for up to 80 additional seats on the A380.

The large winglets and other wing refinements that allow for up to 4% fuel burn savings. Added to an optimised A380 maintenance programme and the enhanced cabin features first shown at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in April, the overall benefit is a 13% cost per seat reduction versus today’s A380.

John Leahy, Airbus COO Customers, explained: “The A380plus is an efficient way to offer even better economics and improved operational performance at the same time.” John adds: “It is a new step for our iconic aircraft to best serve worldwide fast-growing traffic and the evolving needs of the A380 customers. The A380 is well-proven as the solution to increasing congestion at large airports, and in offering a unique, passenger-preferred experience. ” The

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July 2017

new winglets measure approximately 4,7 metres in height (an uplet of 3.5m, and a downlet of 1,2m). It is designed to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag.

The optimised cabin layout based on the ‘cabin enablers’ presented at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), allows up to 80 additional seats with no compromise on comfort: redesigned stairs, a combined crew-rest compartment, sidewall stowage removal, a new 9-abreast seat configuration in premium economy and 11-abreast in economy.

The A380plus will have an increased maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 578 tonnes providing the flexibility of carrying up to 80 more passengers over today’s range (8,200nm), or flying 300nm further.

The A380plus features longer maintenance check intervals, a reduced six-year check downtime, and systems improvements, which will reduce maintenance costs and increase aircraft availability.

The A380 is the world’s largest, most spacious airliner that offers passengers the smoothest, quietest and most comfortable ride. With two full widebody decks, offering widest seats, wide aisles and more floor space, the A380 has the unique capability to generate revenue, stimulate traffic and attract the flying public, who can now specifically select the A380 when booking a flight via the iflyA380.com web site.

Over 170 million passengers have already enjoyed the experience of flying on board an A380 today. 

International News

Goh Choon Phong new IATA chairman

Middle East records 15.5 per cent growth in air freight volumes

Buoyant demand for air transport across the world’s airports: ACI

A

T

he International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines, has assumed his duties as Chairman of the IATA Board of Governors (BoG) for a one-year term, effective from the conclusion of the 73rd IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Cancun, Mexico. Goh is the 76th Chair of the IATA BoG, and the third CEO of Singapore Airlines to hold this position.

Goh succeeds Willie Walsh, CEO of International Airlines Group. Walsh will continue to serve on the BoG and the Chair Committee. 

n overall strengthening of global economic conditions and the continued drop in the cost of air transport through lower fares has helped bolster air transport demand in the first quarter of 2017. Accumulated passenger traffic grew 5.6% yearover-year for the first quarter and for the month of March, according to Airports Council International (ACI).

While all regions posted solid gains during the first quarter of 2017, Asia-Pacific stood out in terms of its overall increase in domestic traffic.

The region as a whole saw growth of 8.7% year-over-year for the

first quarter of 2017. Air transport demand across Chinese airports remained robust.

Besides strong first quarter gains at Beijing (PEK; 6.8%) and Shanghai (PVG; 7.6%)—two of the country’s largest airports— Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (CTU) and Kunming (KMG), major airports serving the Chinese domestic market, saw passenger traffic jump 12.2%, 10.5% and 14.5% respectively.

Many Indian airports also experienced double digit gains in passenger traffic. Delhi (DEL), the country’s major hub, saw traffic increase 15.8% for the first quarter of 2017. 

Euroconrol gets new director general

T

he EUROCONTROL Permanent Commission has today appointed Eamonn Brennan as Director General of EUROCONTROL with effect from 1 January 2018. Eamonn Brennan was nominated by the Government of Ireland and is currently Chief Executive and Board Member of the Irish Aviation Authority.

Brennan will succeed Frank Brenner, who has been Director General of EUROCONTROL since 1 January 2013 and whose term ends on 31 December 2017.

“The 41 EUROCONTROL Member States are delighted to welcome

Eamonn Brennan as the Director General of EUROCONTROL as of 1 January 2018,” said Piotr Samson, President of the EUROCONTROL Permanent Commission and Director General of Civil Aviation of Poland.

“Eamonn Brennan is a leading figure in European aviation.

His leadership experience and understanding of the issues facing air traffic management today will be invaluable in ensuring that EUROCONTROL can respond to the evolving needs of all the Agency’s stakeholders and support the full implementation of the Single European Sky in a pan-European context.”

On his selection as the Director General designate, Eamonn Brennan thanked the Irish State and the Director General Civil Aviation Ireland for his nomination. He thanked the EUROCONTROL Permanent Commission and the Provisional Council for putting their trust in him. 

July 2017

25

Opinion

ACI releases the 2017 Airport Economics Report, confirming the financial health of the airport industry

A

irports Council International (ACI) is pleased to announce the release of the 2017 ACI Airport Economics Report and to confirm that the financial health of the airport industry has remained intact despite the persistence of economic woes and geopolitical risks across global markets. Revenues, costs and the resultant financial performance reflects a degree of stability over a number of years.

Airports’ financials for the year 2015 were in line with growth observed in traffic volumes for the same period. While revenues and costs grew 6% and 4.3% respectively, on a per-workload-unit basis, this growth was at 0.1% and -1.7%. This testifies to the commitment of the airport industry to pursue efficient operations and sustainable infrastructure development to accommodate traffic growth. Navigating the challenge of satisfying multiple stakeholders with diverse priorities, the airport industry creates value for users and generates fair returns for investors—6.4% return on invested capital for 2015.

The ACI Airport Economics Report provides a wide variety of indicators on economics and financial performance of the world’s airports and is an essential reading for airport managers, analysts, investors and other aviation stakeholders. As in previous years, the report consists of summaries of and commentary on industry revenues (aeronautical and non-aeronautical) by source, cost (operating and capital), and evolution over time. In addition, the publication has statistical annexes of all key performance indicators.

Airports are complex businesses that operate in specific physical, cultural, socio-economic and regulatory environments. They are an integral part of the dynamic air transport system and their economic sustainability requires evidence-based decision-making. ACI monitors the economic aspects of this dynamic industry that contribute to their sustainability. The ACI Airport

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July July 2017 2017

Angela Gittens Director General, ACI World

Economics Report continues to be the international reference document for a thorough understanding of the financial health of the airport industry.

We trust that this report will serve as a valuable reference manual for your organization over the next year, not only to keep you abreast of the latest economic developments in the industry, but also to inform your decisions and ultimately guide your airport along a path of continued economic sustainability.  Learn more on and/or order the ACI Airport Economics Report:. http://www.aci.aero/Publications/ACI-Airport-Economics-andStatistics/2017-ACI-Airport-Economics-Report

Opinion

Europe needs to fix its ATM challenges T

he global ATM system is struggling to cope with today’s operations. And passenger demand will double in two decades. Even allowing for larger planes and improving load factors, that is going to result in nearly double the number of aircraft movements.

Therefore, fixing today’s struggles is urgent, or tomorrow’s problems will be insurmountable.

We must do that with the understanding that a fullyoptimized air navigation network is essential. And we must work hand-in-hand so that air navigation investments deliver needed capacity, meet customer needs for quality and are affordable.

To be blunt, the present situation in Europe is not acceptable. Last year, more than 1.3 million minutes of delays due to strikes and system failures were clocked up.

There is a huge economic prize if Europe’s ATM challenges are fixed.

A fully optimized and reformed air navigation system is needed because it will benefit all of Europe’s citizens. By conservative estimates, it can generate one million extra jobs and €245 billion in extra GDP annually by 2035.

To reduce current disruptions, and optimize airspace for Europe’s future benefit, what is needed is a fundamentally different approach, embracing an allinclusive partnership of which airlines and ANSPs would be the backbone.

Alexandre de Juniac Director General and CEO, IATA

Each NAS should integrate with the wider European airspace network to maximize efficiency, deliver the Single European Sky and SESAR goals, and align with national environment and defense legislation requirements.

In addition, the airline community expects an airspace strategy to put service dependability and reliability at its very heart. This means implementing principles of business continuity to ensure service levels, build resilience into systems and people processes, design recovery capabilities into service delivery and key support areas, and guarantee contingency service using other centers or even other ANSPs where necessary.  (Excerpts from remarks of Alexandre de Juniac at the CANSO AGM on Strategic Partnerships for Quality Air Navigation Services)

We urgently need European governments to develop national airspace strategies (NAS). These strategies would be based on smart regulation precepts, including consultation with airspace users; a multi-stakeholder governance structure; a roadmap with SMART milestones; and supporting cost/benefit analyses.

July 2017

27

ATM

Open architecture will enable a new ecosystem of flight deck apps

Next-generation Open Flight Deck launched

G

E has launched a cross-functional project with industrial and academic partners to develop technologies to deliver the ‘Open Flight Deck’. The partnership includes GE, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Coventry University and the University of Southampton.

Aircraft are in service for decades, yet there is a huge barrier to adopting new technologies on the flight deck due to the high cost of change and certification.

An Open Flight Deck architecture will define the standards and interfaces to allow functional ‘apps’ to be developed, which are then easier and quicker to deploy.

“This project extends into the flight deck, where flexibility and lower cost of change is a real challenge for our customers,” said Alan Caslavka, president of Avionics for GE Aviation.

“Open Flight Deck will deliver orderof-magnitude reductions in the cost of change, future proofing platforms by enabling regular upgrades of flight deck applications.

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June 2017 July 2017

This technology will deliver significant benefits to future aircraft manufacturers, airlines and pilots.”

The open platform or ‘Open Flight Deck’ allows the manufacturer to partner with a range of suppliers to develop applications or ‘apps’, which ensure that a pilot can navigate and communicate in a range of future scenarios, with the potential to upgrade as new mission systems or capabilities become possible. 

ATM

Jersey ATS wins EASA’s first ANSP certification

J

ersey’s Air Traffic Services have achieved certification of its services as an air navigation service provider by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

This is a significant milestone for Jersey’s Air Traffic Services as it is the first airport directly certified by EASA allowing Ports of Jersey to offer its services elsewhere in Europe.

On behalf of Ports of Jersey, airport director Stephen Driscoll, said: “This is a significant achievement for Ports of Jersey and is testament to the capabilities of our air traffic services team that we meet the strict aviation standards needed to operate safely.

A great deal of work is required to achieve this certification, including

essential regulatory approval of various processes, equipment, training and manuals, etc. As a result of this certification we are now

actively pursuing new opportunities with other European jurisdictions to utilise our services and technical capabilities.” 

NATS, CAA International sign landmark agreement

N

ATS Services Limited, the commercial business within the UK’s leading provider of air traffic control services, and CAA International

(CAAi), the consultancy arm of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA), have signed a landmark agreement to cooperate and partner on future

international consultancy projects, in an effort to raise global aviation safety standards.

Signed by Andy Head, business development director for NATS and Maria Rueda, managing director for CAAi, the agreement supports future collaboration on overseas capacity building programmes. Combining NATS’ expertise in airspace design, management and air traffic services and CAAi’s regulatory oversight capability, both parties intend to unite on aviation projects where they can complement one another and provide states with the best possible solution to regulatory compliance. At the same time, the agreement stipulates strict rules of engagement to mitigate any conflict of interest arising from the cooperation. 

July 2017

29

Airlines

To launch business class in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Riyadh, Jeddah and Damman within 3 months

Philippine Airlines relaunches business class service to Dubai

F

lag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has re-launched its business class service to Dubai. The move is brought about by the increased demand for premium leisure and corporate travel market among locals and expatriates in the region.

Features and benefits include 20.6-inchwide seat which converts into full-flat bed, access to airport business class lounges, 64-kilo baggage allowance (32kg x 2 pcs), seven kilo hand carry allowance, inflight entertainment, free on board wifi (MyPAL Player, myPAL Mobile and myPAL wifi enabled) and a business travel kit.

PAL will fly its 368-seater, A330 aircraft with 18 seats for business class with a direct aisle access through a 1-2-1 seat layout.

Flights leave Dubai at 5:25 am and arrive in Manila at 6:25pm.

Genaro ‘Bong’ C. Velasquez, PAL senior assistant vice president and regional manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), said: “The UAE is home

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July 2017

to more than 200 nationalities and more and more residents are looking at either vacationing or doing business travels in the Philippines. PAL’s relaunch of business class service is in response to the growing international holiday makers and corporate travellers in the Gulf region.”

Velasquez said Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Riyadh, Jeddah and Damman will also have business class flights in the next three months.

The flag carrier also reported that it is seeing a 50 per cent increase in DubaiManila carriage in the second quarter of the year compared to the same period last year.

The increase in the passenger load is attributed to PAL’s more aggressive

promotion of the airline services as the preferred carrier of choice for expatriates as well as the Philippines as a holiday destination.

International visitors from the Middle East have seen a consistent upward trajectory, growing by 9.6 per cent in 2015 at 83,546 over 2014. Tourist arrivals from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the Philippines’ two largest markets in the region were at 50,884 and 16,881, respectively, according to latest data from the Philippine Department of Tourism.

Velasquez added: “Industry estimates show that outbound travel from the Middle East is growing 9 per cent yearon year, and is slated to reach $165.3 billion by 2025, and Philippines can have a fair share in that pie.” 

July 2017

31

Airlines

The new service increases the total number of flights to Tanzania to 14 flights a week

Passenger demand drives increase in flydubai’s frequency to Tanzania D ubai-based flydubai today announced the start of flights to Kilimanjaro from 29 October. The relaunched service to the carrier’s third point in Tanzania, along with Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, will see flydubai’s network in Africa expand to 12 destinations.

flydubai began operations to Tanzania in 2014 and has seen a steady growth in passenger numbers. Kilimanjaro will be served with six flights a week three of which are via a stop in the capital, Dar es Salaam. In addition, the carrier will increase direct flights to Zanzibar from three to eight flights a week.

Commenting on the launch of flights, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive

Officer of flydubai, said: “With the addition of the service to Kilimanjaro and more direct flights to Zanzibar, flydubai will operate 14 flights a week, marking a 133% increase in capacity to the market compared to the previous year. This is a healthy indication of the rising popularity of Tanzania as a preferred tourist destination and we are happy to be connecting the market

to Dubai.” Kilimanjaro International Airport is located between the regions of Kilimanjaro and Arusha in Northern Tanzania. The airport is the major gateway to the Kilimanjaro region, a main international tourism destination that includes Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. 

Allegiant to have an all-Airbus fleet by 2019

L

as Vegas-based Allegiant has entered into an agreement with ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Company to lease 13 Airbus A320 aircraft. This agreement is another important step towards Allegiant’s planned transition to an all-Airbus fleet by 2019.

“With the opportunistic acquisition of 13 aircraft, this agreement sets us right on pace toward our goal of achieving a single fleet type by 2019,” said Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr., Allegiant chairman and chief executive officer.

“The fleet transition will not only bring the benefit of operating efficiencies in training, scheduling, maintenance and more, but will also mean key economic

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advantages through greater fuel efficiency and higher seat capacity.

This puts us in an ideal position for the future: to continue offering travelers the industry’s best fares, while at the same time increasing reliability.”

The 13 8-year-old Airbus aircraft acquired via this agreement are expected to enter service with Allegiant beginning in the first quarter of 2018, configured with 186 seats and the CFM56-5B engine type. The agreement includes an option to purchase at the end of the lease term.

ALAFCO chief executive officer and vice-chairman Ahmad Alzabin stated, “This agreement marks a milestone

achievement for ALAFCO with its inaugural entrance into the North American market, and we are pleased to announce Allegiant as ALAFCO’s first customer in the United States.” Alzabin added, “With the recent establishment of ALAFCO’s Irish subsidiary, we expect further penetration into the North American market.” The 13 Airbus A320 aircraft have been placed on a long-term lease with Allegiant for a period of 12 years. 

Cargo & Logistics

Emirates SkyCargo commences freighter service to Luxembourg

E

mirates SkyCargo has operated the first of its scheduled weekly freighter service to Luxembourg on 12 June 2017.

On arrival at Luxembourg, the freighter was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute. Emirates SkyCargo’s freighter operation between Luxembourg and Dubai World Central is one of the first steps in the implementation of the strategic operational partnership between Emirates SkyCargo and Cargolux Airlines announced in May this year.

Emirates SkyCargo will operate its Boeing 777 freighter aircraft on this route providing a total cargo capacity of over 100 tonnes. The Boeing 777 freighter aircraft is one of the most modern and technologically advanced freighters available with one of the lowest fuel burn of any comparable size aircraft.

At Luxembourg, ground handling of the Emirates SkyCargo’s freighters will be carried out at the same facility as Cargolux and at Dubai, Cargolux freighters are handled by Emirates

SkyCargo allowing for seamless transit of cargo between the two air cargo operators. 

Etihad Cargo and Royal Air Maroc Cargo to increase cooperation

E

tihad Cargo and Royal Air Maroc Cargo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will see the two airlines cooperate in a number of areas including network development, freighter deployment and increasing traffic on several trade lanes over the next nine months.

The MOU was signed at Royal Air Maroc’s headquarters in Casablanca

by David Kerr, Senior Vice President, Etihad Cargo, and Amine El Farissi, Vice President Cargo, Royal Air Maroc.

we have been working for the past year to deliver improved services for shippers to the US, Canada, Brazil and West Africa.

Kerr said: “This new MOU reinforces Etihad Cargo’s commitment to our customers by providing more capacity and greater frequency to destinations around the world.

Together with Royal Air Maroc,

“This MOU is a testament to the success of our partnership – both commercially for our respective airlines, and for our customers who have benefitted from enhanced connections.”

El Farissi said: “We are very pleased to strengthen our existing partnership with Etihad Cargo through this agreement. The signature of this MOU is a milestone for our long-term cooperation.

“Thanks to the geographic and commercial synergies which will result from this game-changing partnership, we will take our performance to the next level, mainly in the African and the American markets. Royal Air Maroc Cargo will also benefit from Etihad Cargo’s operational and technological know-how.” 

July 2017

33

Technology

SITA explores emerging world of mixed reality for air transport industry

Early research with Microsoft HoloLens shows potential of mixed reality

A

new world of mixed reality is emerging and SITA Lab, the research arm of air transport IT provider SITA, is exploring its potential for airlines and airports. Today it released early results of research carried out with Helsinki Airport using Microsoft HoloLens to analyze and manage airport operations in a mixed reality environment.

HoloLens is the world’s first selfcontained holographic computer, enabling users to engage with digital content and interact with holograms in the world around them. It runs Windows 10, and enables the blending of the physical and digital worlds in ways that were previously impossible.

SITA worked with Helsinki Airport to use HoloLens to reproduce the airport operational control center (AOCC) in this mixed reality environment.

Microsoft HoloLens demoFor this project SITA Lab used a feed from SITA’s Day of Operations technology, which is used by Helsinki Airport, and presented a new way to visualize and interact with the airport’s operational data including aircraft movement, passenger movement and retail analytics. Wearing the HoloLens, the operators had a set of screens meshed into a 3D view of the airport allowing them to correlate events from the data dashboards with an immersive realtime model of the airport.

This new way of looking at the world can provide new insights into how the airport is functioning. HoloLens also opens the possibility of being able to access the AOCC environment from any location, on or offsite, allowing experts to provide input to situations remotely.

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July 2017

Jim Peters, SITA CTO and head of SITA Lab, said: “Mixed reality, which combines augmented and virtual reality, is more than a new interface, it is a new way of looking at the world and allows things to be done in a new way. It enables digital and physical data to exist together. Our early research shows that there are potential uses for airlines and airports – for operations, maintenance and training. We need to learn how to interact in this new environment. In the same way that we moved from computers to smartphones and voice recognition, now we can go beyond the screen.”

Greg Jones, MD, Worldwide Hospitality & Travel, Microsoft Corporation, said: “HoloLens is now being used across various enterprises from healthcare to engineering. SITA’s work is an example of how to extend HoloLens capabilities to manage the complexity of data and decision-making in an airport environment. It shows how this new technology can be harnessed for the air transport industry and add value in areas from training to complex operational management.”

The SITA Lab project interfaced into multiple data sources at Helsinki Airport to create the unique view of the everchanging operations throughout the day.

This included passenger real-time location

Technology

and historic density data; aircraft position data; gate information; flight status information; security wait times and retail dwell times, segmented by passenger.

Eero Knuutila, Head of Service Development, Helsinki Airport, said: “This innovative work with SITA Lab has been hugely valuable to the team at Helsinki Airport. It has opened our eyes to the possibility of using mixed reality to improve our operations. It is exciting to be the first to work with SITA on this emerging innovative technology.”

SITA Lab’s early research results show that unlike virtual reality, the mixed reality experience tends not to make people feel disorientated or nauseous.

The HoloLens device itself has proven easy to learn and has a good battery life and doesn’t suffer from overheating issues.

Peters, SITA, added: “Mixed Reality hits a sweet spot of having an experience that is fully immersive for the user, but also keeps that person in the real world.

The user can interact with both and avoids the disorientation or discomfort

of fully immersive virtual reality. There are benefits to having multiple people using the headset and simultaneously interacting with the same virtual display. This could be really useful for scenario planning exercises.”

While the technology shows potential, SITA Lab points out it is early days and before enterprise use at airports issues of weight, size and durability will need to be addressed.

Users must also learn how to interact in this new environment to maximize its benefits. 

July 2017

35

Technology

Honeywell, NASA predictive boom technology to help halve supersonic flight journey times

Boeing highlights analytics capability by launching Boeing AnalytX

H

oneywell and NASA have completed a two-year test to determine the most effective way to show pilots flying supersonic jets where people on the ground may hear sonic booms, potentially eliminating one of the primary barriers to the broad adoption of supersonic flight.

The testing programme integrates predictive software and display technology into business jet cockpits, and demonstrated how pilots can see where, and how, sonic booms would affect the population on the ground.

“We are pleased to complete this important milestone of the pilot interface testing in civilian airspace with Honeywell,” said Brett Pauer, commercial supersonic technology subproject manager, overland supersonic flight, NASA. “This technology could prove to be useful for NASA’s future planned Low Boom Flight Demonstration experimental airplane. This plane is being designed to gather community noise response data that may help remove the regulatory speed restriction to overland commercial supersonic flight.”

Flying at supersonic speeds would change the aviation industry drastically, enabling pilots to cut business jet travel times roughly in half. For instance, travel time from New York to Los Angeles would be reduced from five hours to 2.5 hours or less. However, the primary barrier to broad adoption of supersonic flights over land are sonic booms, which are loud noises caused by aircraft traveling faster than the speed of sound. 

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B

oeing has launched Boeing AnalytX, bringing together the work of more than 800 analytics experts across the company, who are focused on transforming data into actionable insights and customer solutions.

“The amount of data created today is unprecedented. But it’s not about the data on its own, it’s what you do with it,” said Ted Colbert, chief information officer and senior vice president of Information & Analytics at the Paris Air Show.

Boeing AnalytX unites existing analytics services and products across Boeing’s commercial, defense and services businesses, its research and information technology capabilities and its family of companies.

“Through the products Boeing AnalytX powers, we are applying scientific processes to data to solve our customers’ most pressing problems today while creating a world of limitless possibilities for the future.” 

New passenger service system

R

ockwell Collins has launched ARINC PaxLinkSM, an intuitive Passenger Service System (PSS) that provides airlines with a suite of tools to better manage their business.

The new system is available for carriers globally.

for additional hardware or network installation. Airlines can select from a number of modules to create a tailored solution to streamline passenger check-in, boarding and flight load planning, including a reservations system, inventory management system, departure control system and weight and balance.

A fully hosted, web-based solution, ARINC PaxLink can be implemented quickly because there is no need

This modular design allows for easy expansion and updates over time. 

Technology

Airbus launches new open aviation data platform to support digital

A

irbus has launched a new aviation data platform in collaboration with Palantir Technologies – pioneers in big-data integration and advanced analytics.

Skywise aims to become the single platform of reference used by all major aviation players to improve their operational performance and business results and to support their own digital transformation.

Skywise is already improving industrial operations performance throughout Airbus’ industrial footprint and allows now to deliver enhanced aircraft and equipment designs, better service and support offerings based on deeper inservice data insights.

Skywise will provide all users with one single access point to their enriched data by bringing together to aviation data from multiple sources across the industry into one secure cloud-based platform.

These airline sources include: work orders; spares consumption; components data; aircraft / fleet configuration; on-board sensor data; and flight schedules. Additional data sources which are traditionally shared with Airbus and hosted only on isolated servers will also be integrated into the platform to help operators conduct their own analyses and make decisions based on the full scope of their available data.

These shared sources include: operational interruption history; parts replacements; post-flight reports; pilot reports; aircraft condition monitoring reports; complete on-board aircraft

data; technical documentation; technical requests; and service bulletins (SBs).

Examples of how Skywise could help airlines to support and shape their business models include: Improved fleet operational reliability through predictive & preventative maintenance; Improved operational efficiency for legacy fleets; Rapid root-cause analyses of in-service issues; Optimising each aircraft’s performance through flight operations data analytics; Tracking maintenance effectiveness over time; One-click reporting workflows, including complex reporting to regulatory bodies.

By combining Airbus’ intimate aerospace expertise with Palantir’s know-how in deploying data platforms, Skywise will empower end users to gain new insights from their own data.

Furthermore, the platform will allow airlines and other aviation stakeholders to enhance their operations through access to OEM expertise and global fleet context.

The unique combination of global data and aerospace experience deliver

business value in the following key areas: reducing flight disruptions; decreasing maintenance cost through predictive maintenance; optimising flight operations; transforming cabin and ground operations; making faster decisions to cope with unexpected events; and optimising fleet management by interpreting high volumes of fleet and flight operations data – even if it resides on legacy information systems.

With Skywise, operators of Airbus aircraft will be in a position to leverage the cumulative knowledge of the 20,000 Airbus engineers who have tracked the performance of each individual aircraft over its entire operational life. Until now, this deep reservoir of expertise was accessible only during the years of development and flight tests through the aircraft Entry-into-Service.

Moreover, by integrating their operational, maintenance, and aircraft data into a secure and open platform, airlines will be able to store, access, manage, and analyse selected Airbus data together with their own data and global benchmark data without the need for additional infrastructure investments. This resulting value will soon give Airbus’ customers new insights at aircraft, fleet, company, and global level. 

July 2017

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