In his role, Sauvé-Hopkins will oversee dnata’s global ground handling and cargo business at 97 airports in 16 countries. He will manage a team of over 37,000 customer-centric aviation professionals, ensuring consistent high quality and safe services for more than 330 airline customers. 

Sauvé-Hopkins brings with him extensive international experience in commercial strategy and business transformation, having held several senior leadership positions with Swissport, Servisair, Aviapartner, Qatar Airways, and the Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ). 

He will be based in Dubai and report to Steve Allen, dnata’s Group chief executive officer. His appointment is effective immediately. 

Allen said: “I’m pleased to have Clive on board our global management team. Clive has all the experience and skills to drive our growth strategy and ensure consistent quality and safe services, with a continued focus on people and sustainability across our global operations. I look forward to working together as we enhance our business and offering.”

The chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, Elena Sorlini, said: “We are delighted to welcome British Airways to Zayed International Airport. Their daily schedule is expected to improve connectivity and stimulate travel and business.” Visitors may experience the dynamic capital of the United Arab Emirates like never before at our brand-new, award-winning, state-of-the-art terminal, where they will be welcomed with the best kind of Emirati hospitality.”

Elite players from the Treble Winning Manchester City men’s first team produced some breathtaking football for the video, created to celebrate Etihad Airways’ new home, Zayed International Airport, which opened in late 2023.

The story begins with a young Emirati watching a clip of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on his mobile phone while walking through the airport. He looks up to see a pyramid display of footballs before spotting some of the Manchester City stars including Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne in the airport.

The young fan motions to grab a ball but is discouraged by Jack Grealish. However, he decides to take one after receiving a nod of approval from Pep Guardiola himself, causing the pyramid to collapse and hundreds of balls to scatter across the terminal.

Manchester City players then show off their remarkable football skills to rebuild the display. The video - also featuring Ederson, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Nathan Ake - ends with the players and manager catching a flight back to Manchester.

The short film, created to celebrate and promote Etihad Airways’ new home at Zayed International Airport, premiered yesterday in New York, at a celebratory event marking the return of Etihad’s A380 connecting Abu Dhabi to New York.

Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive officer, Etihad, said: “This video captures the joy of any young football fan given the opportunity to interact with their favourite sporting stars. It’s also a fantastic medium for showcasing Etihad Airways’ stunning new terminal - the backdrop for a compelling story where a boy and his fellow passengers get to see some of the modern era’s greatest players.

“Working with Manchester City on this project represents our latest collaboration with the world’s champion football club. We thank Pep Guardiola and the Manchester City players for making such a wonderful video to showcase the premium experience that our guests can expect when travelling to, from or through Zayed International Airport.”  

MARSS previously led an international group of partners to design and deliver a multi-domain critical infrastructure protection system for a key strategic location in the Middle East.

Recent events across the world have demonstrated the difficulty of reliably protecting people and critical-assets from rapidly evolving threats. To be effective, systems have to be able to react to threats in seconds, relying on layered countermeasures that can be deployed effectively and economically. By integrating physical sensors and effectors with AI, the MARSS NiDAR system greatly reduces the operational burden on operators and centralises all of the critical decision making into a single software solution. 

This five-year project will also plug into the continued machine learning of NiDAR CORE – obtaining valuable object and event data to improve NiDAR’s AI capabilities – including the rapid and accurate detection and verification of threats. 

Balloch added, “There have been a lot of discussions over the last few years about the need to change the broken defence procurement model that exists across NATO and other defence ministries. The need for rapidly deployable and effective Air and Maritime Defence has never been greater, systems have to be modular, sensor and effector agnostic and upgradeable in days not years. Companies such as MARSS, and contracts such as this, demonstrate the ability to rapidly develop and implement complex integrated defence programmes by smaller, agile companies, at a fraction of the cost and in half the time.”

The A380 features The Residence, the three-room suite in the sky. 

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: "We're thrilled to introduce our A380 experience to New York, confident that our guests will relish the exceptional onboard journey. Whether travelling in Economy, Business, First Class, or our luxurious three-room suite, The Residence, passengers can expect unparalleled service from our award-winning crew. 

“We want to ensure guests arrive in the Big Apple feeling refreshed and at ease. This commitment is crucial for all our travellers, not least our corporate clients who rely on us for business travel, and we have timed our A380 services, so customers arrive in New York or Abu Dhabi in time to make good use of the business day, or for their onward connections. 

“Introducing the A380 to the popular New York route aligns with our strategy to meet increasing customer demand and expand our network. It comes just three weeks after we launched our new route to Boston, our fourth US gateway, underlining our commitment to serving and growing the North American market.”

The collaboration aims to foster collaboration between national industrial champions and academic institutions, with a focus on nurturing local talent and fostering knowledge exchange.

The partnership between Sanad and Khalifa University began in 2010, formalising a strategic agreement to establish an aviation research and innovation centre. Since 2017, Sanad’s dedicated R&D team has collaborated closely with Khalifa University’s team of researchers, exploring cutting-edge technologies essential to the aviation maintenance sector.

The agreement was signed by Sir John O’Reilly President of Khalifa University, and Ebraheem Budebs, Group Head of Human Resources at Sanad, in the presence of Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad, and Dr. Arif Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President at Khalifa University.

The collaboration between Sanad and Khalifa University establishes three core pillars for students’ training and development which include offering local and international training opportunities for students during holidays, supported by Sanad, its partners and renowned global original engine manufacturers (OEMs). Additionally, Sanad’s technical experts will conduct periodic workshops for Khalifa University’s engineering students, aiming to broaden training opportunities for students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees

Mansoor Janahi, managing director and Group CEO of Sanad, said: “We recognise the pivotal role talent plays in shaping the aviation industry's trajectory. Sanad’s commitment to cultivating world-class local talent is underscored through our training initiatives for the UAE’s youth, aimed at refining developmental skills and instilling leadership qualities among participants to encourage more students to pursue careers in the aerospace sector. Our strategic partnership with Khalifa University aims to fortify the future of the local talent pool, reaffirming our commitment to cementing Abu Dhabi’s leadership position in the aviation sector.”

Professor Sir John O’Reilly, President, Khalifa University, said: “This synergistic partnership with Sanad’s industry leadership and Khalifa University’s research expertise and technical prowess, underscores the value and importance of integrating academia and industry. Together, we strive towards shared objectives, aligning scientific and practical advancement for mutual progress. As a research, innovation, and enterprise-oriented academic institution committed to student development, we are eager to leverage Sanad's industry leadership and provide distinctive learning opportunities and hands-on experience in the aviation sector, equipping our students for a successful future in the field, and further nurturing the UAE talent pool of world-class experts.”

According to Saudia's Q1 2024 performance report, the airline transported over 8.3 million guests across domestic and international destinations. This positive trend was supported by an 11% increase in scheduled and additional flights, totalling 46.8 thousand while flight hours climbed by 13% to 144.7 thousand. Additionally, Saudia maintained a commendable flight on-time performance of 89.3%.

On the international front, Saudia experienced robust growth, with the number of guests increasing by 25% to exceed 4.7 million. This growth was supported by a 13% increase in the number of international flights, totalling 20.9 thousand, and a 15% rise in flight hours, reaching 100.7 thousand, while international flight punctuality remained high at 86.5%. Domestic operations also showed solid growth, with an 11% increase in the number of guests, reaching 3.6 million, and a 9% rise in flight activity, totalling 25.9 thousand flights. Domestic flight hours increases by 9% to 44 thousand, while maintaining a strong on-time performance of 91.5%.

Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, affirmed that the increase in flights and exceptional operational efficiency are cornerstones for the new era of Saudia, aligning perfectly with the objectives of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services. The increase of 25% in international guests also reiterates Saudia’s strategy to bring the world to the Kingdom.

Executive Aviation showed robust delivery growth, soaring from eight to 18 jets during the period.

The number of deliveries was the highest 1Q of the last 8 years, and more than doubled YoY. Meanwhile, for Commercial Aviation, deliveries were flat YoY at 7 aircraft.

Embraer delivered 12% of the total number of aircraft implied by the mid-point of the current year guidance for both Executive and Commercial Aviation (25 out of 206).

The company has developed, and it is currently implementing, a plan to mitigate its business seasonality. The Production Levelling plan main objective is to have a stable production pace throughout the calendar year in the near to medium-term future.

The company’s backlog increased US$2.4 billion or 13% sequentially to US$21.1 billion in 1Q24, compared to a total backlog of US$18.7 billion in 4Q23. The biggest increase happened in Commercial Aviation (US$2.3 billion or 26%) while the smallest one was in Defense & Security (-US$0.1 billion or –4%).

Executive Aviation kept its sales momentum with sustained demand across its entire product portfolio and strong customer acceptance, in both retail and fleet markets.

The number of deliveries increased 83% YoY in the light jets segment, and more than tripled in the medium jets one compared to 1Q23. Consequently, Executive Aviation ended with a US$4.6 billion backlog in 1Q24, for a US$ 300 million sequential increase.

In Defence and Security, the first C-390 Millennium of the Hungarian Air Force successfully completed its maiden flight. The aircraft is now undergoing a mission systems integration test campaign, ahead of its entry into service.

Another important milestone in the quarter was the first Embraer Defense Day in the United States; an event during which the C-390 Millennium and the A-29 Super Tucano were showcased to government authorities, military officials, prospects, and partners at our facilities in Melbourne, Florida.

The C-390 selection by some countries in the EMEA and APAC regions has not yet been incorporated into the backlog, which represents a significant source of upside potential for the coming quarters. The Defense & Security backlog reached US$2.4 billion (-4% QoQ) in 1Q24.

Services & Support continues to be one of the main drivers of Embraer’s growth through a combination of operational excellence, customer experience, and innovative solutions. The business unit backlog finished the period sequentially flat at US$ 3.1 billion in 1Q24.

Commercial Aviation posted a US$11.1 billion backlog, or US$2.3 billion higher than in 4Q23. The highlight of the quarter was the deal with American Airlines for 90 E175s, with purchase rights for another 43 additional jets, to meet domestic demand in the United States. Also, Embraer delivered one E195-E2 to Azorra, which will fly under the Royal Jordanian flag.

Al Romaithi has been selected as a primary crew member for the second analog study of MBRSC’s UAE Analog Programme, as part of NASA’s Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) Campaign 7 Mission 2. The mission will simulate a journey to Mars, with Al Romaithi and crew members living and working in isolation inside the HERA habitat for 45 days.

Al Romaithi began his career with Etihad Airways in 2007, joining the first batch of Etihad’s cadet pilot programme and became the first Etihad cadet pilot to transition to Captain status.

Al Romaithi holds a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, alongside three master's degrees obtained from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. These advanced degrees specialise in aerospace and aviation management, safety systems, and space operations, respectively. Driven by his passion for aviation, Al Romaithi continued to pursue his studies while working as a pilot for the national airline, eventually earning his PhD in aviation.

Sponsored by Etihad Airways, he completed his doctoral studies at the renowned Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2014. Al Romaithi's achievement marked a significant milestone, as he became the first Emirati to earn a PhD in this field, and holds the distinction of being the youngest individual and only the eighth person worldwide to attain this prestigious degree.

Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer said: "We are immensely proud of Shareef’s accomplishments, which hold great significance not only for Etihad but also for the UAE nation and the aviation industry. From the start, Etihad has believed in Shareef’s abilities and his journey from cadet pilot to space explorer is a testament to his exceptional talent and determination. At Etihad we give flight to ambition and this is testimony to that purpose. 

“We remain committed to supporting and nurturing national talent and pushing boundaries in the aviation industry. Shareef’s academic foundation, combined with over 16 years of experience flying various aircraft types in the Etihad fleet, has prepared him with the expertise and leadership necessary for his selection as a key crew member for the NASA simulated Mars mission. We stand ready to support Shareef as he embarks on this historic mission."

Al Romaithi has extensive experience with Etihad, including more than 9,000 flight hours on multiple aircraft types within the Airbus and Boeing fleets of Etihad Airways.

Reflecting on his journey, Captain Shareef Al Romaithi, said: “Choosing to work with Etihad was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Etihad's ambitious and growing environment allowed me to expand my knowledge and ambitions and provided me with the opportunity to work with a young and technologically advanced fleet. I'm grateful for Etihad for opening the doors for my career and academic pursuits, and for preparing me for this momentous undertaking—shaping my path from the cockpit to space exploration.”

The airport also clinched the title of ‘World’s Best Airport Shopping’ for the second time in a row and "Best Airport in the Middle East" for the tenth consecutive year.

Hamad International Airport's recognition is based on meticulous assessments conducted by air travellers. They evaluated the airport's performance across key performance indicators and selected it as the best in the world amongst a group of over 500 global airport contenders.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive officer,  Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, who spearheaded the development and growth of Hamad International Airport over the past decade, said: “This is a remarkable achievement for Hamad International Airport, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary of operational excellence, connecting passengers seamlessly from all around the world. It is a testament to the dedication of our team and partners, who have contributed to providing passengers with the finest travel experience. Our continuous investment in our facilities and pioneering initiatives in retail and hospitality within a single expansive terminal has made this achievement possible.”

He emphasised the importance of understanding passengers' needs and evolving travel trends: “At the heart of our growth strategy lies the passengers’ journey, their evolving needs, and our commitment to meeting and exceeding their expectations. We have introduced a diverse range of experiences at the airport, including ‘Souq Al Matar’, which brings Qatari hospitality and culture closer to travellers, “Orchard”, the ideal place for relaxation and rejuvenation between flights and an array of high-end lounges. We remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of the industry to maintain our position as the world’s premier airport.”