Via Dubai Magazine | November 2016

Monthly Newsletter issued by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority

Issue 42 November 2016

Dubai sponsors Dh 11 billion airports finance deal

Inside DCAA 6

DCAA celebrates Flag Day

www.viadubaionline.com

New system to issue 8 dangerous goods transportation permits DCAA displays smart 10 services at Gitex DCAA delegation visits 12 Family Forum

UAE in Focus Sheikh Ahmed hoists 18 flag to celebrate UAE Flag Day Wake-based procedure 19 boosts Dubai capacity Dans conducts 20 graduation ceremony

16

IATA forecasts 3.8 billion travellers in 2016

Concourse D wins 21 airport development awards

Working smart to achieve DCAA’s vision 14

Useful roadmaps

Hind Al Marzooqi

Opinions 32

32

Airlines 34

Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu

Security responsibility

33

Alexandre de Juniac

Cargo & Logistics 36

22

MENA business aviation market to grow by 9% 28

Technology 40

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: +971 56 6810685 November 2016 2 email: it.support@dcaa.gov.ae

www.dcaa.gov.ae

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

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

Inside DCAA 08

New system to issue dangerous goods transportation permits

General Supervision Mohammed Abdulla Ahli Coordinator Hanan Al Mazimi Creative Manager Mohammed Al Jarouf Editor Shveta Pathak

12 DCAA

E-mail: viadubai@naddalshiba.com

delegation visits Family Forum

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.

Advertise with us

DCAA Interview

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

Working smart to achieve DCAA’s vision Hind Al Marzooqi

14

Printed by Printwell Dubai

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

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

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

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

http://www.facebook.com/DCAADubai

Novemberyoutube.com/user/dcaadubai 2016 twitter.com/DcaaDubai

1

CONTENTS

Sheikh Ahmed hoists flag to celebrate UAE Flag Day 18

Useful roadmaps 32

Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu

Security responsibility 33

Turboprop engine with 3D printed parts

dnata launches new centre for cargo exports

Alexandre de Juniac

39

US airlines set to slash fares in rate war

41

Green aviation

40

2

34

The ever-expanding footprint

36

November 2016

Message

from the President

Commendable accomplishments

W

e have every reason to rejoice at the impressive growth in passenger numbers and corresponding aircraft movements at Dubai airports.

In all probability, the year 2016 will close with a total footfall of 83 million, judging from the remarkable tally of 62 million passengers in the first nine months this year.

Aircraft movements were equally exciting: 34,000 movements every month. Of course, these increasing passenger numbers, aircraft movements, improved capacity of the runways and control tower system have given rise to the need to devise world class innovative air traffic management procedures.

I am particularly delighted that Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) has taken this mission in the right earnest and implemented the Approach Peak Offload (APO) procedure, an innovative air traffic management procedure that has led to an increase from 33.2 to 34.8 in average air traffic movements for arrivals during peak hours at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

This will further drive efficiency in the aviation sector, as it increases the volume of air traffic movements. It is already evident the APO procedure has resulted in considerable cost savings for the airlines.

We are continuously striving to transform the sky by developing and launching several key air traffic movement capacity enhancement projects in Dubai. These are among commendable accomplishments of our commitments to assure the flying public, the airlines and all stakeholders efficiency and safety for overall growth in a secure environment. ď‚ƒ

I congratulate the experienced operations team at dans for designing and developing the most advanced solutions in the aviation community.

November 2016

3

Message

from the Director General

Powering with technology

I

am glad that the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), as part of the Dubai Smart Government Pavilion, showcased our technology prowess and commitment to be innovative at the Gitex Technology Week 2016, the largest technology show in the Middle East.

As we all know, Gitex is the premier event and an ideal platform to enhance communication with customers and inform them of the new market in the field of optimal use of the latest technology.

The Dubai Smart Government pavilion was as a platform for us to display the latest smart and innovative services offered in order to enhance the experience of our customers. The highlight was the unveiling of the ‘Drone Hunter’, the aircraft introduced to identify rogue drones operating near the airports.

Our participation and the exhibition on smart new services and projects are in line with the vision of the wise leadership to consolidate the status of Dubai at the forefront of the global smart cities. It gave us a sense of satisfaction when His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive

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November 2016

Mohammed Abdulla Ahli

Council, visited the pavilion and shown keen interest in the operation of the ‘Drone Hunter’.

Meanwhile, let me reiterate that our ‘Be Innovative’ initiative is proving to be a stupendous success among our staff as each one of them has espoused the cause and spearheading to spread the culture of innovation.

Let’s hope that the adaptation of technology and innovation will take Dubai aviation to new heights of success and safety. 

Inside DCAA

Health awareness lecture T he DCAA organised a health awareness lecture as part of its activities in October to raise awareness about breast cancer. The lecture included an educational presentation

by General Surgeon Dr Milicentbelo. The lecture was in collaboration with MediClinic, Al Madeena and Welcare Hospital. It was attended by

several employees of the authority and strategic partners.

The participation of the authority in this activity is part of the strategy to be part of community and global events. The initiative, Cancer Awareness Month, is an international initiative organised in different

countries with the goal of raising awareness about the disease. It carries the pink colour.

The Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed in October every year since 2006, which carries a pink colour logo, all over the world to raise awareness about the disease. ď‚ƒ

November 2016

5

Inside DCAA

DCAA celebrates Flag Day D

ubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) celebrated Flag Day by distributing flags of the UAE and special plates inscribed ‘We All Emirates’ to staff in order to express their feelings towards the homeland. 

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November 2016

Inside DCAA

November 2016

7

Inside DCAA

New system to issue dangerous goods transportation permits

D

ubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) in cooperation with the General Directorate of Police, inaugurated, During the Gitex Technology Week, the newly created electronic system to issue permits for transportation of dangerous goods from, to and through Dubai Airports and Al Maktoum International Airport.

His Excellency Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General of DCAA, and Major General Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, Dubai Police Chief Assistant for Ports Affairs, announced the official launch of the electronic system, with the attendance of a number of officials from the Authority and

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November 2016

Dubai Police. The new system serves the clients of airlines, licensed cargo companies in dealing with dangerous goods and the system is electronically linked between the departments of accidents investigation and aviation safety and Dubai Police General Department of airport security.

“In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to provide better services to clients in accordance with international standards and with the presence of advanced mechanisms, we saw that

Inside DCAA

introducing a new electronic system to issue permits in a smooth way in order to satisfy the clients,” Mohammed Abdullah Ahli said.

“By linking the system with the Dubai Police Head Quarters, we ensure the importance of the strategic partnership in providing excellent services to achieve the best world practices.

“The Authority seeks to continuously provide creative solutions for advanced services to keep up with the developments to consolidate Dubai’s position among the smart cities at the global level,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani emphasised the importance of the cooperation between all local in-

stitutions in the context of the country’s strategy to realise the vision of the leadership in making the customers happy and take it to next level of excellent security services in coordination and cooperation with partners to reflect the modern image of security procedures at Dubai airports as one of the best and fastest growing airports in the world, thanks to the cooperation of partners in an integrated team and their determination to keep the position that the airports have achieved.

He said the new electronic system will help in saving efforts and time for its clients of aviation companies and cargo operators, especially that Dubai airports and Al Maktoum International are one of the most important vital borders in Dubai in specific and the UAE in general.

They witnessed an increase in cargo and passenger traffic which necessitated the Dubai Police to provide services designed to overcome the obstacles and to facilitate procedures for all airport users and enhance the bridges of trust and cooperation and genuine partnership between the security forces and members of the public and provide them comfort and quality in the provision of all services to partners.

“The world is evolving rapidly and we must in the UAE keep pace and achieve the aspirations of our wise leadership to move forward to achieve the strategic objectives of the national agenda in line with the Government of Dubai and the Interior Ministry’s strategy and achieve satisfaction and happiness to all members of society in general, travellers and private investors,” he added.

Mohammed Abdullah Linjawai, Director of Aviation Security and Acci-

dent Investigation Department, said: “We are always looking to provide unique services and developed to keep up with modern times.

The development of the electronic system for issuing permits for the transport of goods offers facilities for the client in a clear and smooth way to get later on the NOC for the transport of dangerous goods electronically without having to visit the headquarters of the service providers.

“This system is characterized by its comprehensiveness as it fulfills the needs of all users. We always seek cooperation and enhancement of cooperation and strengthen our relationships with our strategic partners.

Linking the electronic system with the General Administration for Airport Security, Dubai Police, will improve the level of service and presented in a distinctive way that satisfies our customers.”

The electronic system will allow the customer to complete the transactions in record time.

It has come down to just two hours from five hours and the previous two working days. And the system also seeks to raise the happiness index and achieve satisfaction of strategic partners and customers.

The system also documents the relationship between the Commission and the General Command of Dubai Police, through the completion of the transaction smooth and fast way, and kept up with technological developments in the field of service delivery.

Dubai Civil Aviation seeks to achieve the highest levels in the provision of services in accordance with the best practices. 

November 2016

9

Inside DCAA

DCAA displays smart services at Gitex

T

he Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) participated in GitexTechnology Week 2016, as part of the Dubai Smart Government Deparment Pavilion, where the Authority displayed the latest achievements of smart and innovative services with the aim of improving the experience of customers.

His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah Ahli, Director General of the DCAA, said:“Gitex is the premier event at the regional level being an ideal platform

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November 2016

The tour of Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), to the participating stalls at the Gitex Technology Week 2016.

to enhance communication with customers and inform them of the new market in the field of optimizing the use of the latest technology.�

The participation of the DCAA to showcase the smart new services and projects is in line with the vision of the wise leadership to consolidate

Inside DCAA

Visit of His Highness Sheikh Ammar Bin Hamid Al Naimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, to the DCAA Stall at Gitex Technology Week 2016.

The visit of His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamid Al Naimi, Head of Municipality and Planning Department, Ajman, to the DCAA Stall at Gitex Technology Week 2016.

the status of Dubai at the forefront of global smart cities.

“We participate in the technology show on an annual basis so as to highlight the leading role of the Authority in terms of innovation and development,” he said.

“We have showcased the trial of smart application for smart phones which is developed in a unique way that includes comprehensive smart services on the App Store and GooglePlay.

One of the new specialities is that it is linked with Cloud Computing like Dropbox, which aims to make it easier for clients to download files.

His Excellency Major General Khamis Matar Al Mazina, General Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, visits the DCAA Stall at Gitex Technology Week 2016.

Another feature is the advanced smart search which allows the user to choose the service by typing the first letters of the name of the service,” he said.

The DCAA also showcased the trial launch of the authority’s new website design which includes comprehensive information about the authority and its strategic partners. It also provides the opportunity to see the authority’s strategy and annual report.

The website has a transparent display of data and accessibility to electronic services in a fast and clear way. 

Visit of the Korean delegation to the DCAA Stall at Gitex Technology Week 2016

November 2016

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Inside DCAA

DCAA delegation visits Family Forum

A

s part of the its social and humanitarian initiatives, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) paid a visit to the Family Forum (Al Shawab Lounge).

The delegation included His Excellency Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General of DCAA, a number of de-

partment managers, section heads and staff of the Authority. The delegation was received by Dr Salwa Al Suwaidi,

Director of the Family Forum Centre, Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

The visit was aimed improving humanitarian communication, introducing happiness and joy to the elderly and acknowledging their role in and contribution to the process of construction. “This visit is a sincere initiative from DCAA staff to communicate with parents and grandparents and to consolidate social solidarity. The importance of the visit stems the need to communicate with the various segments of the community, especially the elderly, with a view to honouring them, acknowledge their role as parents, who had played an active role in the social

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November 2016

Inside DCAA

and national construction process, and to express to them our appreciation for and gratitude to their great role,” H.E. Mohammed Abdulla Ahli said.

“We do highly value the efforts paid

by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to this segment of elderly people, who had lived and grown up in the UAE, and who had contributed through patience and hard work to setting up the very first bricks of our modern state,” he added.

“We do also commend the role of DHA in the service of the elderly and the provision of all forms of support and care to them in appreciation of their effective role during the past decades in building our state, and in recognition of their favours and ef-

forts in the upbringing of contemporary generations and the service of our homeland.”

Abdul Rahim Al Mulla, Director of Corporate Support, said: “We aim through this visit to express our appreciation and gratitude for the elderly, and we emphasise that their status does not only lie in the past but in the present too, as they support the younger generation through the true stories they provide to the generations and various segments of the UAE community. This is a visit of thanks and appreciation for their contributions to the service of the nation and the community.”

He added: “DCAA is always keen on motivating its employees through effective voluntary community participation and contribution to humanitarian work.”

During the visit, the delegation was briefed on a number of sections of the Centre and the therapeutic and health services it provides for the elderly. The programme also included distribution of distinctive gifts of interest to older people, in addition to the provision of certificates of thanks and gratitude to them. As H.E. Mohammed Abdullah Ahli delivered a memorial shield to Dr Salwa Al Suwaidi, Director of the Family Forum Centre, DHA, in recognition of their efforts and care for the elderly.

The visit provided an opportunity for DCAA staff to closely communicate with the elderly and debate with them a number of past issues. It also enabled them to become acquainted with their historical stories in a simple manner, in addition to familiarising themselves with some traditional terms that enrich their knowledge repertoire.

The visit comes as part of DCAA’s keenness to support humanitarian and community initiatives and to strengthen social solidarity in favour of fathers and mothers. It also confirms the importance of communicating with all segments of the community, especially the elderly, who had played a significant role in contributing to the development of the community through their fruitful giving and dedication in the service of their homeland. 

November 2016

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DCAA Interview

Hind Ahmed Al Marzooqi, SMART Services Manager, Corporate Support, IT Department DCAA is actively working towards contributing to the Smart City and Smart Government vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Working smart to achieve DCAA’s vision

T

he Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) is actively working toward contributing to the Smart City and Smart Government vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Automation of the services offered by the DCAA is among the major steps which the authority is adopting to shape its direction towards a smart environment.

Hind Al Marzooqi, SMART Services Manager, Corporate Support, IT Department in the DCAA, said all these measures are focused on ensuring 100 per cent customer satisfaction by making the processes easier as well as more accessible. In an interview with Via Dubai, Hind shared her department’s roles and projects that are set to enhance the processes.

Excerpts from the interview:

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November 2016

What is the role of your department in the DCAA? Our department manages all smart services in the DCAA. Our goal is to contribute to the Smart City vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed in automating all services to smart as envisaged in the 2021 Strategic Plan.

Can you share with us details of the major projects by your department in 2016?

We are in the last stages of publishing our new website and a new mobile application where we have hosted complete regulatory services to customers and stakeholders.

As of date, whole organisational services to external customers have been transformed to smart.

In addition, we are planning to launch our new intranet portal where DCAA’s employees can benefit by automating their internal workflows which will ensure a greener and paperless environment.

Our role as the smart services section is to ensure that all projects follow standard IT best practices at all development stages laid out by the PM (Project Management) Standards.

As a first step of implementing the One-Government Initiative by His High-

DCAA Interview

ness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we have integrated DGR services with Dubai Police. At later stages, there will be more integrations with other government entities for the initiative.

When will the new website and mobile app be live for customers, and what will be its impact on DCAA’s services?

We are expecting all our smart services be live in 2017.

DCAA’s customers and stakeholders will have complete flexibility and accessibility to DCAA information and services 24/7 on their palm and only a few clicks away.

The smart service enables integration with other government entities joining services like: Happiness Meter; MY ID; E-payment; Open DATA; Public Cloud integration (Drop-box, social media, etc.); and Sophisticated search touch-screen on mobile app.

They are focused on providing more of audio and visuals while keeping the content very crisp.

The DCAA had a successful participation in the recently concluded Gitex Technology Week. Can you share with us the details of your department’s participation?

DCAA has recently launched an emirate-wide initiative to regulate the use of commercial Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS).

The purpose of the regulatory framework is to enhance the safety of RPAS operations, ensuring safety of existing civil aviation activities that could be impacted by RPAS activities, while simultaneously encouraging the responsible use of such technologies.

This year, at Gitex 2016 we demonstrated a physical tracking prototype device called SkyCommander. This device is physically attached to any commercial drone, turned on and then flown as per the commercially approved DCAA RPAS operators permit and applications.

The RPAS portal allows for commercial operators to log in via secure credentials and to update their information, RPAS details and to apply to DCAA for permission to conduct specific flights by defining a zone of operation.

What will be your focus areas for 2017?

As per our approved 3 year IT strategic plan, the following are our goals:

Automation of services is among the major steps the authority is shaping its direction for a smart environment

ICT Goals The goals are defined below within context to Cascaded perspectives: •

Dubai Smart City

•

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (Organizational Perspective)

•

DCAA –IT

ICT Goals

DCAA ICT

DCAA - Perspective

Dubai SMART City Perspective Initiate innovative SMART Technological business parctices to match Dubai world class level of efficiency and accessibillity.

Design and develop ICT Portfolio and Operating Model for DCAA to accomplish Dubai SMART Government and Dubai Strategy 2021 Provision of simplest effective business intelligence to customer focused servieces increasing aviation revenue and growth.

Build IT Roadmap in line with the Authority strategy and vision aligned with Dubai SMART Government and Dubai Strategy 2021.

Provision of highest sustainability standards for customer focused services (SMART and Eservices).

Implementation of security standards assuring secure confident ICT frameworks.

November 2016

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Cover Story

“Dubai remains firmly committed to the development of the Al Maktoum International Airport and to the growth of the global aviation sector, and this initial $3 billion transaction to support Dubai’s ambitious 2025 passenger capacity targets is testament to our belief,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai’s Supreme Fiscal Committee, and Chief Executive and Chairman of Emirates Airline and Group .

Dubai has chosen HSBC to arrange the funding of $3 billion (Dh 11 billion) towards the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport.

Dubai sponsors Dh 11 billion airports finance deal

D

ubai’s two international airports are set for a capacity-boosting, capexfuelled expansion that will enable them to serve up to 146 million passengers by 2025, due in large part to a proposed initial $3 billion (Dh 11 billion) financing transaction announced by the government of Dubai.

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Cover Story

A consortium, comprising the Department of Finance, Investment Corporation of Dubai, and the Dubai Aviation City Corporation, will raise the financing.

Already, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the world’s largest international airport at 78 million passengers in 2015, with a 13 per cent average compound annual growth rate since 2000.

The new Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is planned to become the primary airport for Dubai, as well as the home to Emirates Airline from 2025.

“Dubai remains firmly committed to the development of the Al Maktoum International Airport and to the growth of the global aviation sector, and this initial $3 billion transaction to support Dubai’s ambitious 2025 passenger capacity targets is testament to our belief,” said Chairman of Dubai’s Supreme Fiscal Committee His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

“In line with Dubai’s vision to maintain its status as one of the world’s

most important cultural and commercial centres, the planned expansion of both of the city’s airports is critically important, and our department is proud to play a vital role in their ongoing financing, just as we have with other similarly major projects,” said Director General, Department of Finance for the Government of Dubai (DoF) Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh.

Under the proposed financing arrangement, coordinated by DoF, Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) and Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC), the three parties will work jointly to raise financing from various liquidity sources, both conventional and Islamic. HSBC is acting as Financial Advisor.

Already, Dubai International Airport is the world’s largest international airport handling 78 million passengers in 2015 with the addition of 7.5 million passengers, recording a 13 per cent average compound annual growth rate

since 2000. The airport, which overtook leading airports in the world, sees passenger traffic climbing to 83 million this year and expects 90 million people using the facility next year. Within this decade, Dubai International Airport expects to become the world’s busiest, both in terms of domestic and international passengers.

Dubai plans to develop Al Maktoum Airport into the world’s biggest hub with a capacity of about 220 million passengers and Emirates airlines plans to move to the facility in 2025.

The master plan for the airport’s second phase has been approved and the detailed design work is under way, according to Dubai Airports Chief Executive Officer Paul Griffiths. Dubai International, the world’s busiest airport by international traffic, is approaching maximum capacity. 

November 2016

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UAE in Focus

Sheikh Ahmed hoists flag to celebrate UAE Flag Day

H

is Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, raised the UAE flag outside of the Emirates Group Headquarters building in celebration of the UAE Flag Day.

Over 300 Emirates staff gathered for the flag-raising ceremony, and the event, amongst others taking place across the country, symbolises UAE national pride and cohesion.

Commenting on the occasion, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed said: “Raising and celebrating the UAE flag today shows its importance as

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November 2016

a symbol of strength and unity of our great country and a source of pride and inspiration for our citizens and residents alike. I am heartened to see staff from all backgrounds participating in today’s flag raising ceremony, which reinforces how far we have come, and how we will be stronger than the challenges of the future.”

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) also celebrated the Flag Day by distributing flags of the UAE and special plates inscribed ‘We All UAE’ to staff in order to express their feelings towards the homeland. The function was attended by His Excellency Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General of DCAA, along with top officials from the Authority.

UAE in Focus

Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) implements the innovative Approach Peak Offload (APO) procedure to boost capacity

Wake-based procedure boosts Dubai capacity

D

ubai Air Navigation Services (dans) has successfully implemented the innovative Approach Peak Offload (APO) procedure that has led to an increase from 33.2 to 34.8 in average air traffic movements for arrivals during peak hours, as well as reduction of peak arrival delay by 40 per cent at Dubai International Airport (DXB). for the airlines. This has also enabled dans to play a key role in enhancing the overall traffic flow efficiency while concurrently playing an active role in conserving the environment, as the implementation of this procedure enabled reduction of CO2 emissions by up to 447 tons on monthly basis.

HE Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and CEO of dans, stated that under the guidance, sponsorship and leadership of dans chairman His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the air service navigation service provider (ANSP) was committed to and continuously striving to “Transform the Sky” through developing and launching several key air traffic movements capacity enhancement projects in Dubai.

He added: “Developing and implementing innovative procedures such as APO have enabled us to deliver enhanced air traffic management services and accommodate the rising demand of our prestigious clientele with up to 86 per cent during peak hours. We have significantly invested our resources in thoroughly assessing the procedure from 1 March and until its implementation in live

operations through fast time and real time simulation exercises, this in turn has reinforced our efforts in building the safety case of the procedure which has been approved for implementation by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).”

Exclusively designed and developed by the operations team in dans, the APO procedure was created for the Dubai operational environment reflecting the most advanced solutions in the aviation community.

The procedure is one of several solutions implemented by dans to drive further efficiency in the aviation sector, as it increases the volume of air traffic movements, while reducing possible delay timings for airlines.

The APO procedure has reduced peak arrival delay for Dubai arrivals which delivers effective reduction of fuel consumption and cost savings

The APO procedure is a concept that is based on the re-allocation of lighter wake producing category aircraft to Runway 30R during arrivals peak periods, thus accommodating the arrival flow more efficiently with the concurrent use of both runways at Dubai International Airport. One of the key components of this unique procedure permits lighter category aircraft to maintain a horizontal separation of 4.5nm behind the A380 ‘Super’ aircraft while landing. Experts at dans reached the new wake separation minima levels between aircraft based on the results of the safety case which included an in depth quantitative and qualitative wake data analysis. dans is the ANSP that manages the Dubai and Northern Emirates airspace. It also provides air navigation services for airport authorities and numerous prestigious airlines, including the world’s busiest airport in terms of international passenger numbers-Dubai International Airport (DXB). 

November 2016

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UAE in Focus

Dans conducts graduation ceremony

I

n line with its corporate values of “Think Ahead” and “Grow Together” that underpin its vision of “Transforming the Sky”, Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans), the leading air navigation services provider for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, conducted a graduation ceremony for a new batch of graduates from its unique “Development Program” for the third year in a row.

The development program is designed to develop employee skills through providing an enhanced learning experience that delivers necessary competencies required to support growth and career advancement in the air traffic management sector.

The newly graduated batch comprised a group of nine employees from various departments across the organisation such as Aeronautical Information Management, Air Traffic Control and Air Traffic Management Systems, who successfully complet-

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ed the “Sun” and “Water” programs.

Named after the elements of nature; the “Sun” program aims at training and developing employees to grow into holding team leader positions within the organisation, while the “Water” program strives to equip and up skill its participants with the necessary knowledge and expertise to become the future supervisors in the business.

The program that inaugurated in 2014 to develop the future leaders in the Air Traffic Management sector, has wit-

nessed the graduation of a total of 43 employees until date, out of which 40 per cent have been promoted to higher managerial positions.

The ceremony was attended by the deputy CEO of dans, Ibrahim Hussein Ahli. Graduates of the Sun program -Alya Al Darmaki, Johan Lauber, Ali Al Tamimi, Mohammed Al Krounz and Faisal Fayis – and ‘Water’ program -- Awadh Ahmed, Anish Varghese, Medhat Mashaal and Fabrice Vallotton – were awarded the graduation certificates. 

UAE in Focus

Concourse D wins airport development awards

D

ubai International’s $1.2 billion Concourse D, which was opened in February earlier this year, has won the Airport Development of the Year at the 10th Aviation Business Awards in Dubai on Sunday.

The Airport Development of the Year category acknowledges a project that has positively impacted capacity, customer comfort and service quality through innovation, efficiency and a wide range of products and service offerings at a Middle Eastern airport.

Commenting on the award Anita Mehra, Senior Vice President of Communications and Reputation at Dubai Airports said, “Teams across Dubai Airports and our strategic partners – including more than 60 airlines that operate 350 daily flights to connect Concourse D to some 90 destinations around the world, as well as those behind world class food concepts, airline lounges, advertising structures and retail outlets at the airport

– put in a lot of hard work to achieve the flawless opening of the facility.

This award is a recognition of that massive effort and we are very happy to have won it.” The final major element of Dubai Airports’ Strategic Plan 2020, Concourse D boosted the airport’s annual capacity from 75 million to 90 million passengers. 

Abu Dhabi Airport signs MoU for Seychelles International Airport development A

bu Dhabi Airports is set to redevelop an airport in Seychelles after the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Transport.

Under the agreement, Abu Dhabi Airports, which operates airports in the

UAE capital, is going to help fund the development of an international airport on the island of Mahe.

Joel Morgan, Seychelles’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Transport, said once the redevelopment is complete, he expected to see a 10 per cent increase annually in the number of UAE

visitors to Seychelles. He added that the deal with Abu Dhabi Airports “represents a major milestone in the development of aviation in Seychelles”.

Morgan also said the memorandum signifies the growing opportunities for investments in Seychelles, and that there will be other areas of cooperation with the UAE in sectors that include renewable energy.

Ali Majid Al Mansouri, chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, said, “As the Seychelles grows in popularity as a holiday destination for UAE tourists and visitors from around the world, the need to keep up with the demand and expectations of the travel market has never been more important. 

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Special Report

The UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia will enjoy strong growth of 6.3 per cent, 4.7 per cent, and 4.1 per cent respectively. The total market size will be 414 million passengers. The Middle East will grow strongly, at 5 per cent, and will see an extra 258 million passengers a year on routes to, from and within the region by 2035.

IATA’s World Passenger Symposium in Dubai

IATA forecasts 3.8 billion travellers in 2016

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he International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects 7.2 billion passengers to travel in 2035, a near doubling of the 3.8 billion air travellers in 2016.

The prediction is based on a 3.7 per cent annual Compound Average Growth Rate (CAGR) noted in the release of the latest update to the association’s 20-year Air Passenger Forecast.

Dubai was the venue for the IATA’s World Passenger Symposium (WPS), which saw participation by the world’s who-is-who in travel industry including airlines and service providers. IATA represents some 265 airlines comprising 83 per cent of global air traffic.

The Middle East will grow strongly, at 5 per cent, and will see an extra 258 million passengers a year on routes to, from and within the region

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November 2016

by 2035. The UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia will all enjoy strong growth of 6.3 per cent, 4.7 per cent, and 4.1

per cent respectively. The total market size will be 414 million passengers.

Special Report

“People want to fly. Demand for air travel over the next two decades is set to double. Enabling people and nations to trade, explore, and share the benefits of innovation and economic prosperity makes our world a better place,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO, at the World Passenger Symposium (WPS) in Dubai.

The forecast for passenger growth confirms that the biggest driver of demand will be the Asia-Pacific region.

It is expected to be the source of more than half the new passengers over the next 20 years. China will displace the US as the world’s largest aviation market (defined by traffic to, from and within the country) around 2029. India will displace the UK for third place in 2026, while Indonesia enters the top ten at the expense of Italy. Growth will also

increasingly be driven within developing markets. Over the past decade the developing world’s share of total passenger traffic has risen from 24 per cent to nearly 40 per cent, and this trend is set to continue.

The 20-year forecast puts forward three scenarios. The central scenario foresees a doubling of passengers with a 3.7 per cent annual CAGR. If trade liberalization gathers pace, demand could triple the 2015 level.

Conversely, if the current trend towards trade protectionism gathers strength, growth could cool to 2.5 per cent annual CAGR which would see passenger numbers reach 5.8 billion by 2035.

“Economic growth is the only durable solution for the world’s current economic woes. Yet we see governments raising barriers to trade rather than making it easier. If this continues in the long-term, it will mean

slower growth and the world will be poorer for it. For aviation, the protectionist scenario could see growth slowing to as low as 2.5 per cent annually. Not only will that mean fewer new aviation jobs, it will mean that instead of 7.2 billion travelers in 2035, we will have 5.8 billion.

The economic impact of that will be broad and hard-felt,” said de Juniac.

Whatever scenario is eventually realized, growth will put pressure on infrastructure that is already struggling to cope with demand.

“Runways, terminals, security and baggage systems, air traffic control, and a whole raft of other elements need to be expanded to be ready for the growing number of flyers.

It cannot be done by the industry alone. Planning for change requires governments, communities and the industry working together in partnership,” said de Juniac.

November 2016

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Special Report

ea, Central African Republic, Benin, Mali, Rwanda, Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Madagascar. Each of these markets is expected to grow by more than 8% each year on average over the next 20 years, doubling in size each decade.

Regional growth

Routes to, from and within Asia-Pacific will see an extra 1.8 billion annual passengers by 2035, for an overall market size of 3.1 billion. Its annual average growth rate of 4.7 per cent will be the second-highest, behind the Middle East.

Fast-growing markets

The five fastest-growing markets in terms of additional passengers per year over the forecast period will be China (817 million new passengers for a total of 1.3 billion); US (484 million new passengers for a total of 1.1 billion); India (322 million

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November 2016

new passengers for a total of 442 million); Indonesia (135 million new passengers for a total of 242 million); Vietnam (112million new passengers for a total of 150 million). The top ten fastest-growing markets in percentage terms will be in Africa: Sierra Leone, Guin-

The North American region will grow by 2.8 per cent annually and in 2035 will carry a total of 1.3 billion passengers, an additional 536 million passengers per year.

Europe will have the slowest growth rate, 2.5 per cent, but will still add an additional 570 million passengers a year. The total market will be 1.5 billion passengers.

Special Report

Latin American markets will grow by 3.8 per cent, serving a total of 658 million passengers, an additional 345 million passengers annually compared to today.

Africa will grow by 5.1m per cent.

By 2035 it will see an extra 192 million passengers a year for a total market of 303 million passengers.

One Order initiative

The symposium in Dubai was significant that the IATA adopted a resolution on a standard for the One Order initiative. Leveraging the data communication advances from the New Distribution Capability (NDC), One Order will modernize and simplify airline order management, including the delivery, fulfilment and accounting processes related to airline products and services. For passengers, One Order will mean the gradual disappearance of multiple reservation records in favour of one document and a single order number.

RFID technology

The IATA, along with global IT provider SITA and the, revealed that the highly accurate tracking rates of RFID technology could reduce the number of mishandled bags by up to 25 per cent by 2022, mainly through efficient tracking.

The report outlined how RFID will provide a major saving for airlines and deliver more certainty for passengers. Initial deployments of RFID by airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, show a 99 per cent success rate for tracking bags.

In particular, RFID will address mishandling during transfer from one flight to another, one of the key areas identified by SITA and IATA where the technology could help im-

prove baggage handling rates. RFID technology will ensure that airports, airlines and ground handlers are able to keep track of bags at every step of the journey and ensure the right bag is loaded onto the correct flight. The technology, which supports IATA’s Resolution 753 that requires by 2018 airlines, keeps track of every item of baggage from start to finish.

The deployment of RFID would build on the already significant savings delivered by the smart use of technology for baggage management. According to the SITA Baggage Report 2016, technology has helped reduce the number of mishandled bags by 50 per cent from a record 46.9 million mishandled bags in 2007, saving the industry US$ 22.4 billion. This improvement comes despite a sharp rise in passenger numbers over the same period.

Jim Peters, Chief Technology Officer at SITA, said: “The airline industry is at the brink of a revolu-

tion in baggage tracking. Deploying RFID globally will increase accuracy and reduce mishandling rates.

This is a win-win situation – passengers will be happier, operations will run smoother and airlines will save billions of dollars.”

Andrew Price, Head of Global Baggage Operations at IATA, said: “Over the past few years we have seen more work to help airlines introduce and reap the benefits of RFID technology through better oversight of their baggage operations. This has included trials and of course the Delta Air Lines implementation. The advances in the technology and the immense benefits it brings to the airline industry has prompted IATA to revisit and fully explore the benefits of RFID today.”

Initial deployments of RFID by airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, show a 99 percent success rate for tracking bags, helping further reduce the number of mishandled bags. 

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Special Report

Travellers can enjoy a hassle-free booking of air tickets, plan itinerary, hotel booking, local travel, pre-order dining, shopping, all in ‘One Order’

IATA adapts standard for One Order initiative

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he travel industry is in for a major transformation with the introduction of New Distribution Capability (NDC) standard

by International Air Transport Association (IATA), the trade association that represents the world’s airlines.

The Passenger Services Conference (PSC)in Dubai adopted a resolution on a standard for the One Order initiative. Leveraging the data communication advances from the New Distribution Capability (NDC), One Order will modernize and simplify airline order management, including the delivery, fulfilment and accounting processes related to airline products and services.

For passengers, One Order will mean the gradual disappearance of multiple reservation records in favour of one document and a single order number.

NDC will enable the travel industry to totally change the way air products are retailed to corporations, leisure and business travellers.

With NDC, travellers can enjoy a hassle-free booking of air tickets, plan itinerary, seat reservation, hotel booking, local travel, amusements, pre-order dining, shopping, partying and a lot more while on a travel, all at cheaper competitive prices. They are also able to make changes to flight itineraries such date and time changes and cabin upgrades.

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November 2016

NDC will transform communications between airlines and the travel buying community by addressing the industry’s current distribution limitations around product differentiation, time to market, access to full and rich content and the transparency of the shopping experience.

The NDC Standard enables the travel industry to transform the way air products are retailed to corporations,

leisure and business travellers, by addressing the industry’s current distribution limitations.

Airlines, travel management companies, online travel agencies, corporate buyers, global distribution systems and other technology players contribute to the NDC Standard.

Through a collaborative approach, participants ensure that the supporting

Special Report

schemas are functional and can be used by all regardless of business focus, geographic location, size, target markets and individual commercial policies.

NDC is a bold, broad-based initiative intended to modernize the way airline products are distributed.

To address the complexity of contemporary air travel, IATA has spearheaded the development of the NDC standard.

A particular emphasis of NDC is its ability to help third-party airline distribution channels, such as retail and online travel agencies, travel management companies (TMCs), and Metasearch (price comparison) engines, receive more detailed airline content from airlines. In turn, the indirect channels can offer their customers richer, more engaging digital flight shopping experiences.

The Capability is a travel industry-supported program (NDC Program) for the development and market adoption of a new, XML-based data transmission standard (NDC Standard).

The NDC Standard is open to any third party, intermediary, IT provider or non-IATA member, to implement and use. An industry standard will facilitate a more efficient airline distribution system, thereby benefitting airlines, agents, GDSs, IT providers and travel start-ups.

Structured around seven distribution-related functions, the NDC Standard provides the opportunity to address the end-to-end airline distribution process, e.g. shopping, booking etc., and to deliver enhanced customer experiences.​​​​

Early birds

Airlines and travel companies are

Who will benefit how Travellers will no longer need to juggle between reference numbers and documents. With a single reference number they will be easily recognised by all service providers.

Travel agents will be able to follow an identical process to book flights and products from all airlines, regardless of the airline’s business model or technology capability. This will expedite the service they provide, and will increase productivity.

Airlines will no longer need to resort to timely and expensive reconciliation exercises between different references.

This consolidation will help airlines to streamline their reservation management and financial processes, remove dependencies on industry specific accounting solutions and fast signing up. At least 90 airlines are expected to be using the new standard by 2020.

Dubai-based flydubai has become the first airline to receive the NDC Level 3 Certification.

The latest development from British Airways’ roll-out of NDC is set to benefit the corporate travel community and significantly move the programme forward.

British Airways NDC programme has enabled connected parties to book published fares on British Airways and partner carriers.

The changes will enable any corporation with a British Airways con-

simplify interline delivery and accounting.

NDC is a ‘One Order’ concept of a single customer order record, holding all data elements obtained and required for order fulfilment across the air travel cycle - such as customer data, order items, payment and billing information, fulfilment data and status.​ ‘One Order’ will result in the gradual disappearance of multiple reservation records as well as e-ticket/EMD concepts to be replaced by a single reference travel document.

A new standardized and expandable reference will become the single access point for customer orders by third parties (interline partners, distribution channels, ground handling agents and airport staff, among others). tract and access to an NDC-enabled system to gain full access to their deal, including holding a booking, paying at a later date, cancelling their itinerary, and adding ancillaries such as seat reservations and pre-order catering.

Other recent NDC developments from the airline have included the ability to pre-book additional luggage, advise the airline of catering requests (pre-order in Club World and First, pre-paid enhanced meal options in World Traveller and World Traveller Plus and special meal orders), add Executive Club and On Business numbers to bookings and pay British Airways via IATA’s Billing and Settlement Plan. 

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Middle East News

MENA business aviation market to grow by 9%

T

he Middle East and North Africa business aviation market is expected to grow 9 per cent this year, despite the impact of lower oil prices on traditional airlines.

Ali Alnaqbi, founding chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), said the appetite for business aviation in the region was growing in the nearly double digits.The organisation had previously forecast 15 per cent growth for the year, but said MENA was still one of the world’s fastest growing markets despite the revision.

“We might reach two figures but it will be closer to 10 per cent,” he said.

The 9 per cent forecast is slightly below the 11 per cent growth seen

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November 2016

last year and is expected to be lead by the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Alnaqbi suggested lower oil prices were good news for business jet operators, despite the impact on economic sentiment in the Gulf region.

In contrast, some regional airlines have suffered this year due to currency fluctuations and security issues.

He said there was also a growing market for smaller jets, with the MENA business jet market having traditionally been dominated by wide-body craft. 

The regional private jet market is expected to fare better than the commercial aviation industry

Middle East News

November 2016

29

International News

Holiday costs to America will reduce for many travellers this year as discount airlines are spreading their wings across the Atlantic.

Budget airlines spread wings

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iscount airlines like Norwegian Air Shuttle, Canada’s WestJet Airlines Ltd. and Iceland’s WOW air are expanding service across the Atlantic, driving down ticket prices in the biggest shake-up to travel across the pond in decades.

The first budget airline to offer a transatlantic trip from Britain using a plane normally used for short-haul flights – the Canadian carrier WestJet – is beginning services shortly.

The Calgary-based airline will connect Glasgow with Halifax in Nova Scotia using a Boeing 737 jet, and the six-hour westbound flight, covering 2,650 miles, will run daily.

The launch follows a successful summer for WestJet between Dublin and St John’s in Newfoundland, a route about 90 minutes shorter – but the Glasgow-to-Halifax flight will be an option for millions more people within a reasonable driving distance.

When the route was revealed, Amanda McMillan, the managing director of Glasgow airport, said: “WestJet is an ambitious airline with an extensive route network and we’re delighted it has chosen Glasgow as its first-ever UK destination.”

Scotland’s former Transport Minister Keith Brown said the route “will provide a boost to tourism and business on both sides of the Atlantic”.

“Our two countries have close cultural and historic ties and this new service will help strengthen these important bonds.” While easyJet has

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November 2016

stated no transatlantic ambitions, from this summer it will operate the widest-ever range of routes from the UK to Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik – from Belfast, Bristol, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Luton and Manchester to Iceland’s hub Keflavik.

From here Icelandair and local rival WOW Air compete for onward traffic, with up to four flights a day between them to Boston alone.

In the summer season, crafty travellers can “self-connect” to cut the cost of long-haul journeys. In early July, easyJet is selling seats from

Luton to Reykjavik for around £60 one-way on some dates. With Icelandair offering links to Boston and New York for as little as £250, journeys can be put together for less than the non-stop alternatives.

Part of the saving arises because Air Passenger Duty is reduced from the standard long-haul tax of £71 to £13, the charge for European flights.

However, extra charges are made for food and baggage. Flights are significantly longer than the non-stop option, and if the first leg of the journey is disrupted a missed connection could prove expensive. 

International News

If the Federal Government failed to take urgent steps to address issues in the industry, Nigeria would likely experience plane crashes, the Senate warns.

Nigeria’s Senate warns against imminent accidents

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igeria’s Senate has warned that if the Federal Government, through its agencies saddled with the management of the aviation sector failed to take urgent steps to address issues in the industry, Nigeria would likely experience plane crashes.

The warning is coming barely 10 years after the country experienced a spate of fatal plane crashes. According to the Senate, it has become imperative to fix the ailing aviation industry.

It also noted that the current monetary policy of government was choking and crippling operators of the aviation industry.

The Senate has asked the Federal Government to prevail on the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, to insist that airlines operating in the country use the Naira as the official currency in all transactions in the aviation industry, rather than the use of foreign currencies, especially the dollars.

The upper chambers also urged the Federal Government to ensure that it extracted from airlines which will be benefiting from the government special reviews, commitments not to increase fares arbitrarily and guarantee competitive ticket pricing within the regional market indicators.

The Senate also expressed its willingness to support Federal Government’s move to intervene in the current challenges to save the travelling public from more hardship and reduce the suffering in the aviation sector.

The warning and resolutions of the Senate were sequel to a motion sponsored by Senator Dino Melaye, APC, Kogi West, titled Disturbing Developments in the Nigerian Aviation Industry.

In his contribution to the motion, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who raised the alarm of imminent crashes, said airlines operating in the country could no longer access foreign exchange used in servicing their fleet of aircraft.

Senator Akpabio, who warned that some operators might start cutting corners because of their inability to access foreign exchange, which would lead to endangering the lives of air travellers, stressed that many of the airlines in the country were bankrupt and dead. According to him, many of them have either withdrawn or relocated to neighbouring countries.

“These problems are caused by policies of government. Monetary policies of government have not allowed the airlines to operate.

In his remarks, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who noted that the withdrawal of airlines from Nigeria’s aviation industry was a bad omen for Nigeria, said if

urgent step was not taken, there also might be loss of jobs.

Ekweremadu said: “A situation where airlines cannot send back their money to their home countries is a disaster.

Competition becomes less and the few left will charge as they want. It is embarrassing that airlines have to go and refuel in Ghana.”

Earlier in his presentation, Senator Dino Melaye said: “Senate notes with sadness the emerging challenges bedeviling the aviation industry as a result of the current economic recession where airlines like United Airlines, Iberia Airline, Emirate and the Kenya Airlines have either suspended or about to withdraw their operations in the country.

“Disturbed that the implication of the current crisis is set to further make matters worse for the ordinary traveling Nigerians who are already being considerably burdened over the current economic challenges we are facing.

“Observes that the problem of this airlines moving to withdraw their services from Nigeria has been partly as a result of their inability to repatriate their funds and meet with their operational obligations; 

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Opinion

Useful roadmaps policy and regulatory adjustments, and many other air transport goals which require both national commitment and international collaboration.

Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu President, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

W

e must remind ourselves of the enormous transformational power of aviation to improve the lives of people everywhere. Air transport connects States to regional and global markets, which in turn enhances travel, tourism and trade.

It helps create and maintain good-paying jobs which, in many instances, help to eradicate poverty and suffering. It is the most efficient, and at times the only viable means to deliver humanitarian aid in times of crisis. And for landlocked and smallisland developing States especially, it represents a veritable lifeline, a critical aerial bridge to the rest of the world.

As passenger and aircraft volumes are expected to double again by 2030, the impact of civil aviation on global connectivity and socio-economic prosperity will only continue to strengthen. To manage this growth, safely and efficiently, ICAO has set in place Global Plans for Aviation Safety and Air Navigation Efficiency.

By establishing cooperatively agreed targets and priorities, ICAO’s Global Plans provide us with useful roadmaps on our path to infrastructure modernization, capacity building, aircraft equipage,

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November November 2016 2016

They also help us to establish long-term investment certainty, for member states and industry alike. Such investments, for instance in the area of airport and air navigation infrastructure, will be significant. It is important that these investments produce desired outcomes in terms of safety, efficiency, as well as sustainable returns.

And the related development activities need to be coordinated nationally, regionally and globally.

Only in this way can the essential interoperability of our network be protected and enhanced. This underscores the importance of ICAO’s interest and preparedness to help facilitate aviation infrastructure modernization and the highest levels of safety, security, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of national and regional air transport systems.

It is particularly important that installed capacity meets the performance criteria set by ICAO, while remaining consistent with national development frameworks. This clearly reinforces the need to establish and incorporate civil aviation master plans into national growth or development plans, while taking into consideration ICAO’s global and regional plans. 

Edited excerpts from the opening address at the ICAO World Aviation Forum in Montreal, Canada.

Opinion

Security responsibility S

till, flying is safe. And flying is secure. We know that. If we felt otherwise, we would not fly ourselves, or invite travellers into airports and embark them onto planes.

Making flying ever safer and more secure is engrained in the DNA of all air transport stakeholders. That’s why we are gathered here to strengthen our defences with integrated solutions in the face of evolving security threats.

Staying at least a step ahead of those with an agenda of evil is a challenge, the scale of which is massive.

On average, each day, an air transport workforce of 8 million people supports 100,000 commercial flights that collectively carry over 10 million passengers.

The UN Security Council resolution is clear — security is a government responsibility. The industry depends on governments with their security and intelligence resources. But we are in this together.

And we will be successful if we are guided by some common principles: First, a risk-based approach is needed to ensure that limited resources are applied where the risk is greatest. We fully support known traveller programs.

Alexandre de Juniac Director-General and CEO, The International Air Transport Association (IATA)

work together. To be effective, they must be implemented—and that is not always the case.

And finally, we have the principle of mutual recognition of standards along with capacity building to support it. The efficiency of onestop security within Europe and with a few other locations is clear. And we would like to see the benefit spread more broadly. 

Edited excerpted from a speech delivered at AVSEC World in Kuala Lumpur.

In fact, we encourage governments to augment their impact by linking them.

Second, security information must be shared effectively among governments and with industry.

There may be sensitivities. But the potential to save innocent citizens must be the motivating factor.

Third, global standards must be implemented in security systems globally. They are the means by which governments, airlines and airports

November 2016

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Airlines

Fare war over the Atlantic is making big airlines to go for slashing prices, redesigning cabins

US airlines set to slash fares in rate war

A

n escalating fare war over the Atlantic is forcing big airlines to consider chopping prices, redesigning cabins and adding restrictions to win back budget-conscious vacationers drawn to upstart, low-fare rivals.

Delta Air Lines is reviewing cabin layouts, fares and the rules that come with them for international flights, its President Glen Hauenstein said.

“The exercise we’re going through is to see what do people really want to buy and what are they paying for it,” Hauenstein said. “It includes all kinds of fare products; it includes cabins we don’t have today.” The airline’s marketing partner, Air France KLM, said last month that it was looking at

every option to fend off low-cost entrants. And U.S. rivals American Airlines and United Continental Holdings plan to roll out stripped-down fares for domestic travel.

The moves by the big carriers follow a summer in which budget long-haul airlines, notably Norwegian Air Shuttle, shook up the trans-Atlantic travel market by offering ticket prices as little as half what rivals charge.

Norwegian has said it can do this profitably because its labour costs are low and it flies some of the most fuel-efficient aircraft available.

Low-cost Icelandic carrier Wow Air also has taken market share from legacy airlines. Those advantages will take time for legacy carriers to match, but Norwegian also has more economy seats on planes and charges for meals, seat selection and other amenities. Those tactics are easier for Delta and others to replicate.

The unbundling of amenities that come with a ticket is a move Delta deployed to compete with budget upstart Spirit Airlines Inc at home.

In July, Delta said it plans to have the so-called “basic economy” product in all international markets in 2018, and a spokeswoman said Thursday that it already is on offer for some international destinations such as London and Glasgow. 

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Airlines

Salam Air announces launch routes

O

man’s first budget airline Salam Air has announced that it will fly to Salalah, Dubai and Jeddah when it begins operations later this year.The routes announcement was made during a brand identity event attended by government officials and shareholders.

It said ticketing facilities for the airline will begin in a few weeks, adding that the airline will begin operations with three aircraft.It was announced that François Bouteiller would be the airline’s launch CEO after previously heading Flynas, the Saudi low-cost carrier.

The airline aims to cater to the sultanate’s traffic demand which is expected to grow by 40 per cent by 2019, a statement said.The recently formed Salam Air board of directors held its first meeting in the end of September after securing private Omani investors to partner with ASAAS and TANMIA, both of which are owned by the State General Reserve Fund, Pension Funds and Muscat Municipality.

Salam Air has leased three Airbus A320s from South American-based carrier LATAM ahead of its launch. 

Global, Qatar Airways sign content service agreement

G

lobal Eagle Entertainment (GEE) has announced a strategic, multiyear content service agreement with Qatar Airways.

GEE will provide a suite of core inflight entertainment (IFE) content services, including movies, music, TV and audio on in-cabin and seatback systems aboard 164 of Qatar Airways’ commercial airliners, 8 Qatar Amiri charter aircraft

and 12 Qatar Executive business jets. GEE and Qatar Airways initiated their alliance in 2009 and have since more than doubled the content aboard Qatar Airways flights, which now feature 3,000 content choices.

GEE also provides ongoing promotional support of Qatar Airways IFE content through in-house production and Qatar Airways social media channels. 

American Airlines had its secondbest quarter in history while Alaska Air is fully focused on completing the Virgin America merger

American and Alaska Air see friendlier skies

A

merican Airlines Group Inc., finishing its second-best quarter in history despite a raft of one-time items and a new income-tax provision, beat Wall Street estimates even though its total revenue dipped by 1.1 per cent and its unit revenue was down 2.2 per cent.

The nation’s largest airline by traffic predicted that its unit revenue could be flat to up slightly in the period of November through January, and said its Latin American routes already have returned to positive unit revenue. Unit revenue, a much-watched metric, measures the total revenue for a seat flown a mile. The industry has been grappling for a couple of years with declines in this measure due to overcapacity, foreign currency weakness and economic softness.

Alaska Air Group Inc.’s unit revenue declined by 4.4 per cent year-over-year, an improvement over a 6.4 per cent decline in the second quarter. The Seattle-based parent of Alaska Airlines said total revenue was up 3 per cent to $1.57 billion.

The company said it is “fully focused” on completing its planned, $2.6 billion merger with Virgin America Inc. The transaction remains under scrutiny by the Justice Department, and the review was extended.

Alaska hopes to get Justice Department approval in the next couple of weeks.

While the timeline has slipped, Brad Tilden, Alaska’s CEO, said on an earnings call that the remaining issues with antitrust regulators are “manageable.” 

November 2016

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Cargo & Logistics

The ever-expanding footprint DHL Express, the world’s leading international express services provider, will continue to invest in expanding its footprint in the UAE and enhance its infrastructure to meet the growth demands and opportunities.

D

HL Express, which makes a value-adding contribution both directly and indirectly to the economic growth of the UAE, is establishing major air and ground facilities within the Dubai World Central (now Dubai South) precinct, and is currently engaged in finalising the proposed developments, according to Anthony Beckley, Director UAE Hubs of DHL Express, a division of the world’s largest logistics company Deutsche Post DHL. “The UAE logistics sector is proving to be resilient,” Anthony, an MBA from ESC Rennes and who has worked for DHL in South Africa, Africa, Egypt and the UAE since 2007, said in an interview with Via Dubai.

Excerpts from the interview How is the logistics and transport sector faring in the UAE? When seen in the context of what are no doubt challenging trading conditions globally, the UAE logistics sector is proving to be resilient largely due to the country’s geographical position, proximity to key growth markets, political stability and security all underpinned by a progressive businesses environ-

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ment, excellent infrastructure and access to modern world class air, sea and road networks that connect the UAE to the rest of the world seamlessly.

express creating more local jobs, increasing opportunities to support local suppliers, contributing more towards the local fiscus.

Q: How is DHL Express contributing to the economic growth of the UAE? DHL Express certainly makes a value-adding contribution both directly and indirectly to the economic growth of the UAE. Directly, DHL Express continues to make significant bricks and mortar strategic investments across all sectors of our business in the UAE, strategic investments that support the expansion of the DHL footprint across the UAE which in turn, as a result of sustained growth, translates into DHL

In short, growth is beneficial for all private and governmental partners / stakeholders involved with our business. Indirectly, our contribution lies in the fact that through our unparalleled global reach and efficient network DHL Express enables our global and UAE customers to establish operations in the UAE that support their growth and expansion on a worldwide basis from the UAE thereby increasing their impact and contribution on the local market in terms of the positives associated with a growing business.

Cargo & Logistics

As the “world’s most international company” DHL Express is our customers’ international trade enabler and logistics partner.

Q: DHL has been operating in the UAE for 40 years and has the largest market share in the UAE. What are the challenges?

As the first Express Integrator to begin operating in the UAE, we are exceptionally proud of our long and pioneering history in the UAE. Over the past four decades we have been privileged to grow and develop in conjunction with the UAE. We are however also cognizant of the fact that whilst history is important it only points to our past accomplishments and our challenge is to remain relevant to our customers today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow by being agile, flexible and innovative to meet the constantly changing needs of our customers who expect a world class service offering from their service provider and logistics partner.

The daily DHL challenge is simple: without fail we must meet and exceed our customers’ expectations at each and every opportunity as the pre-eminent express service provider in the UAE and the wider region for the next 40 years and beyond.

Q: Has the low oil prices impacted business largely?

Low and volatile crude oil prices globally have resulted in challenges to the oil and gas industry and its allied stakeholders. We have however seen some benefits from lower crude oil prices which have directly impacted us and our customers in terms of reduced direct operating costs due to, for example, reduced fuel prices.

Low crude oil prices do have short term visible and immediate benefits although

more predictable, stable crude and higher oil prices in the long term are essential to the global economy due to the significant and far-reaching macro and micro economic impact of the oil and gas sector on global trade and economic stability.

Q: What are DHL Express expansion plan in the UAE? DHL Express Executive Management sees the UAE and the wider MENA region as key, vibrant and growing market. To this end DHL will continue to invest in expanding our footprint and

We certainly believe that the DWC development and all that it comprises will without doubt be a world class and leading global logistics hub enhancing our infrastructure to meet the growth demands and opportunities.

In the past year, notwithstanding our significant MENA investment, we have invested over AED150 million in infrastructure projects in the UAE, infrastructure that positions and enables us to expand and grow our business operations in lockstep with the UAE economy and our customers’ growth and expansion.

Q: What are your plans at the Logistics City at Al Maktoum Airport?

Establishing major DHL Express air and ground facilities within the DWC

precinct certainly is a key priority and we are currently engaged in finalising with the DWC authorities the proposed developments we will undertake at DWC and around.

We certainly believe that the DWC development and all that it comprises will without doubt be a world class and leading global logistics hub. Once fully completed, it will definitely be “the place to be”. DHL Express will be there.

Q: How are you gearing up to meet Expo 2020 demands?

As a company with an established footprint and proven track record in the UAE, we are excited about Expo 2020 and the resulting opportunities as we believe given the dynamic approach of the Expo 2020 Team to the planning and management of the Expo.

Dubai will deliver not only a successful Expo to the world but it will also deliver great social and economic benefits to the UAE throughout the stages of its lifecycle. Certainly it’s a long term investment in the future of the UAE and its outcomes.

Q: DHL has in Dubai one of the largest ground operations in the MENA region. What next?

Not only do we have one of the largest ground operations in MENA but we also have the largest dedicated express owned and operated air network in MENA which drives the expansion on the ground. DHL Express through its aviation arm continues to expand the routes they service by deploying larger, more modern and capable aircraft in the region and across the globe improving connectivity, reliability and the speed of freight transfers across international borders.

Our own DHL Express aviation capability in conjunction with the commer-

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Cargo & Logistics

cial carriers we use certainly facilitates our customers’ growth and expansion in the region. Consequently as we improve the connectivity that indubitably feeds growth, the requirement to improve and grow our ground capability in terms of pickup and delivery to feed the air network is commensurate.

Q: How is DHL helping customers to adapt to the Mirsal 2 system?

As a global entity well versed and experienced in customs practices around the world we are certainly very proud and supportive of Dubai Customs which has a track record of achievements, innovation and of adopting a very visionary approach to ensure that Dubai is in the forefront of the global customs modernization programs through promoting the use of technology to facilitate trade and to ensure customs process are simplified and accessible to all stakeholders.

The introduction of EM2 was certainly a major event and a giant step to achieving a technology driven approach to customs clearance and trade facilitation. The EM2 deployment did call for us as suppliers / brokers and the custom authorities to ensure that prior to the deployment we as stakeholders did the required ground work to ensure a successful deployment.

To this end we as DHL Express worked closely with our customers to ensure that they were “EM2 ready and able” so as to avoid any business disruption

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Dubai will deliver not only a successful Expo to the world but it will also deliver great social and economic benefits to the UAE throughout the stages of its lifecycle or non-compliance as a result of the deployment. Prior to the deployment we held multiple customer seminars, published instructional brochures, visited customers and were on the ground in their office to support them. EM2 is constantly evolving as it develops and we are constantly in touch with our stakeholders to ensure they are well versed in EM2 usage and that they are getting the benefits of a very sophisticated customs system that supports all stakeholders in ensuring that Dubai remains a key trading hub and a destination of choice.

Q: What are DHL’s plans to manage the e-commerce boom?

DHL Express is already a well-established international e-commerce service provider catering for both Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Customer (B2C) e-commerce requirements.

The international e-commerce market is growing and constantly evolving as the world gets more connected and consequently foreign markets hitherto unreachable are now only a click away from anywhere in the world.

The e-commerce consumer profile which is being largely influenced by the so called “Millennial’s” has the expectation of an instantaneous result once the order has been accepted. Key to the e-commerce provider’s longevity is how fast and how reliably they can provide the goods procured from them hence partnerships with DHL Express which provides a seamless door to door express service on a time definite basis.

Key to being successful in the international e-commerce market is the close collaboration of DHL Express and the e-commerce product suppliers to ensure that jointly we offer bespoke solutions that meet their need as a supplier and their customers’ needs as a consumer. Given the current vibrancy and the future growth of the sector DHL Express is investing ahead of the curve in e-commerce solutions across the globe so that future e-commerce demands are met. In a nutshell, DHL recognizes that international e-commerce trade forms an integral part of our future in all the countries and territories we operate in and we certainly embrace the opportunities presented whole-heartedly. 

Cargo & Logistics

dnata launches new centre for cargo exports

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ubai-based air services provider dnata has inaugurated a new customer service centre for export cargo customers in Dubai Airport Free Zone.

The new facility was officially inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, dnata’s parent company.

The launch of Freight Gate 5 marks the beginning of a product improvement program for airlines, freight forwarders and shippers, dnata said in a statement.

Spanning over 5,000 sq metres with 50 dedicated staff, the centre is expected to serve approximately 700

customers a day and handle 25,000 tons of export cargo per month.

With new export counters, a cargo integrated command centre (CICC), all government agencies on its premises, a special cargo acceptance area, and a new office space for airline and freight forwarding customers, the centre ensures collaborative product delivery, it added. Gary Chapman, President, dnata and Group Services, said: “What we see today is the result of meticulous planning, creative thinking and most of all, listening to our custom-

ers. We are looking to bring about further efficiency, cost-saving and surpass our customers’ expectations.

“We take pride in being a leader in cargo handling, and it’s important to constantly raise the bar when it comes to innovation and customer service.

I believe this new centre really demonstrates our commitment to providing a secure and efficient environment for our customers’ cargo needs.” He said the CICC will function 24/7 representing all process stakeholders and will ensure the efficient and optimal management of workforce, facilities and processes, thus increasing productivity of cargo services.

It will serve to monitor, troubleshoot and enable quick-decision making to enhance movement and efficiency of cargo. 

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Technology

Green aviation N ASA is working to create new experimental aircraft that will demonstrate new “green aviation” technology intended to dramatically reduce fuel use, emissions and noise - with the goal of cutting emissions from the nation’s commercial aircraft fleet by more than 50 per cent, while also reducing perceived noise levels near airports to one-half the level of the quietest aircraft flying today.

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NASA recently awarded sixmonth contracts to four companies, who will each define the technical approach, schedule, and cost for one or more large-scale, subsonic X-plane concepts.

es Corporation of Manassas, VA; Dzyne Technologies Incorporated of Fairfax, VA; Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company of Ft. Worth, TX; and The Boeing Company of Hazelwood, MO.

These concepts are in support of NASA’s ultra-efficient subsonic transport research goals. The companies are Aurora Flight Scienc-

Each company is to detail their specific X-plane system requirements for a piloted experimental aircraft capable of sustained, two

November 2016

to three hours of powered high subsonic flight, as well as conducting at least two research flight sorties per week over the course of a year-long program.

The requested information is to be built around a plan that would see the selected experimental aircraft eventually flying no later than 2021. 

Technology

Turboprop engine with 3D printed parts

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E and the Czech government announced plans to build a new factory outside of the city focused on the development and production of the world’s first turboprop engine with 3D printed components.

The plant, which will double as GE Aviation’s first aircraft engine headquarters outside the United States, will employ 500 people. It is scheduled to open in 2022.

GE is spending $400 million to develop the engine, which the company calls Advanced Turboprop — or ATP. It will first power the Cessna Denali, Textron Aviation’s next-generation business aircraft.

3D printing allowed designers to consolidate 845 parts into just 11 components. Although the engine still has hundreds of parts in it, the reduction in

complexity will help speed up production, reduce fuel burn by up to 20 percent, achieve 10 percent more power and lower the engine’s weight.

The engine will be powerful and efficient enough to reach Chicago from Los Angeles or Miami from New York.

“An engine with fewer components reduces the number of parts you need to design, certify, inspect and make or order. 3D-printing really is the game changer and it will totally change the way traditional supply chains operate and simplify them massively,” said a statement. 

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