Airports http://www.timesaerospace.aero/ en Tue, 10 Jun 2025 10:59:21 +0100 Red Sea Global partners with Saudi Ground Services http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/airports/red-sea-global-partners-with-saudi-ground-services

It will provide comprehensive ground handling services for all airlines operating at the airport, in compliance with the highest operational and environmental sustainability standards that set a new benchmark for operational excellence in the Kingdom.

"Our partnership with Saudi Ground Services (SGS) underpins the operational and sustainable backbone of RSI, as we prepare to welcome the world. The airport will soon be powered entirely on renewable energy, pioneering innovative solutions to eliminate carbon emissions in compliance with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. Partnering with a company of SGS’s calibre ensures that every aspect of our guests’ journey is seamless from the moment they arrive,” said Andy Tyler-Smith, CEO of Red Sea International Airport.

“We are proud to be the strategic partner of daa International in providing ground handling services at Red Sea International Airport, one of the Kingdom’s most prominent national projects that embodies its ambitions in tourism and sustainable development. Our services at new airports such as RSI reaffirm our commitment to contributing effectively to achieving the objectives of Vision 2030 and supporting the integrated air transport and tourism ecosystem.”

Through this agreement, SGS will be responsible for delivering passenger services both within the terminal and at The Red Sea resorts, overseeing all apron operations including aircraft marshalling, pushback, towing, and ground power connection, as well as managing baggage handling. In addition, the agreement outlines a robust pricing structure, positioning the RSI Airport among the most competitively serviced airports in Saudi Arabia.

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Red Sea Global (RSG) and daa International, the operator of the Red Sea International Airport (RSI), has been awarded a five-year agreement to Saudi Ground Services (SGS).

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 Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:59:21 +0000 eNethersole 70078 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero Air India integrates self-check-in baggage drop facilities http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/airports/air-india-integrates-self-check-in-baggage-drop-facilities

Air India was the first airline to have introduced this service from India to international destinations in the US and Australia, besides airports in the domestic network.

 

The airline is now extending the facility to a total of 19 airports – London (Heathrow and Gatwick), Birmingham, Paris, Vienna, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Milan, Zurich, Toronto, Vancouver and to all five destinations in US (New York, Newark, Chicago, Washington and San Francisco) and two in Australia (Sydney and Melbourne) – from airports in India. The initiative reaffirms Air India’s commitment to leveraging technology to elevate customer experience and deliver world-class service across every touchpoint.

The integrated self-check-in and baggage-drop service offers a faster check-in process at the airport, significantly enhancing passenger experience

The kiosks allow travellers to customise their trips by selecting and even paying for their preferred seats or update their frequent flyer number and contact details. This initiative cuts down on the time spent queueing up at the counters and helps passengers through the airport to reach their boarding gates in time.

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Air India has rolled out an integrated self-check-in and baggage-drop service for its passengers flying from India to all destinations operated by the airline in Europe, the UK and Canada.

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 Tue, 10 Jun 2025 08:56:46 +0000 eNethersole 70076 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero IndiGo selects Bangalore for major MRO expansion http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/airports/indigo-selects-bangalore-for-major-mro-expansion

This comes as the fast-growing Indian carrier seeks to significantly ramp up its in-house MRO operations.

The new facility at the Kempegowda International Airport will handle IndiGo’s Airbus A320 and A350-900 fleets. The carrier already has two MRO hangars, one in at Delhi International Airport and one at Bangalore, but it is starting from a “lowish base” in terms of moving towards being self-sufficient in MRO terms.

“What we do here, and I saw it when I joined, with the number of engine changes we do, the in house work we do and the pool of talent we have, it is providing a great opportunity for India and for us to start building it [maintenance capability],” IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers told Arabian Aerospace on the sidelines of the carrier’s media briefing in Delhi.

The timeline for IndiGo to achieve advancing levels of in-house MRO capability is not yet specified but the Bangalore deal is a big step in that direction. “By 2030 we will have 600 aircraft, so it makes a lot of sense,” said Elbers.

“A few years ago, we did very little. Now, at the new Bangalore hangar which we opened two years back the amount of work we do is just phenomenal,” explained Elbers.

“What we have done over the last two years is enhancing today's capability. What we do going forward is developing new capabilities,” he said.

In addition to developing the physical infrastructure, IndiGo is recruiting specialists to help the local team develop its MRO operations as “we need to find a couple of people to help us to start building it,” said Elbers.

It recently announced the appointment of Ton Dortmans to support the technical entry into service of IndiGo’s A350 as well as supporting building up IndiGo’s overall MRO strategy C check capabilities. He is a 40-year veteran of KLM including the last 13 years as EVP for KLM Engineering C Maintenance.

“If you look to the aviation ecosystem in India, compared to where Indian aviation is going, a lot of that work on the MRO side was being done basically outside India,” said Elbers. “I think the opportunity in India itself, with the young, highly skilled and ambitious population, and limited facilities when it comes to MRO. The opportunity really is out there to start building it.”

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IndiGo has signed an MoU with Bangalore International Airport to build a new maintenance hangar at the airport.

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 Sat, 31 May 2025 11:31:47 +0000 eNethersole 70015 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero Tanzania can be a springboard for Çelebi's African expansion http://www.timesaerospace.aero/features/airports/tanzania-can-be-a-springboard-for-celebis-african-expansion
Airports

Tanzania can be a springboard for Çelebi's African expansion

Çelebi Aviation

Turkey’s first private ground handling company, Çelebi Aviation, has sealed a new partnership with Turkish Airlines to expand its global footprint.

Since last December it is providing ground handling and passenger services for nine weekly Turkish Airlines flights to Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

Through this new partnership Çelebi has not only consolidated its presence in Tanzania where it started operating in 2021, but has also launched its largest operation in Africa. According to the ground handler this new partnership will increase notably its operational efficiency in Tanzania.

Dave William Dorner, Çelebi Aviation Group CEO, says that this partnership is a milestone and will enable the ground handler to share its 65 years’ experience with Tanzania and the African continent. This operation marks Çelebi Aviation’s first scheduled wide-body flight in Africa.

“This operation is an important part of our growth strategy in Africa and an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to operational excellence. It will be a significant increase in our operational efficiency in Tanzania. We will continue to provide our customers with high-quality service through our comprehensive services and strong infrastructure,” said Dorner.

It also shows the group’s ambition to count among the leading ground handling providers in Africa. “This partnership is part of a larger strategy that will strengthen Çelebi Aviation’s operations in Africa, not just in Tanzania.”

Tanzania is part of Çelebi Aviation’s expansion strategy to provide excellent ground handling services along with its ancillary products in Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

Çelebi is committed to digitalisation and sustainability. It is constantly reducing its carbon footprint through new technological solutions to enhance its services globally be it passenger and general services, ground equipment, aircraft cleaning or load control.

Çelebi is present in three continents, six countries (including Germany, Hungary, India and Indonesia) and operates 70 stations worldwide.

Anuradha Deenapanray

Anuradha Deenapanray

Anuradha is a francophone editor for African and Arabian Aerospace magazines.

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 Mon, 02 Jun 2025 08:14:58 +0000 pIvanova 70032 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero IndiGo and BIAL sign MoU to build ‘world class’ MRO facility in Bengaluru http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/airports/indigo-and-bial-sign-mou-to-build-world-class-mro-facility-in-bengaluru

Under the agreement, BIAL will allocate around 31 acres of land to IndiGo for development of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) infrastructure to support the airline’s expanding fleet. The state-of-the-art facility will be equipped to handle both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft.

Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo said: “Developing broad IndiGo MRO capabilities marks as significant and very strategic step for IndiGo. Partnering with BIAL underlines our shared commitment to drive long-term growth of the aviation on ecosystem in Bengaluru and cement its status as, amongst the best and world-class international hubs in India. Together with BIAL, we are further shaping the future of Indian aviation on by focusing on innovation, growth and global connectivity that will define India’s leadership in the skies. We see this collaboration as a pivotal step towards building a significant global presence for IndiGo, as well as for India”

Hari Marar, MD & CEO, Bangalore International Airport (BIAL) said: "We are delighted that India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has chosen Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport), to set up its latest MRO facility and enhance its operations. We have had a very successful, long-term relationship with IndiGo and this collaboration further strengthens our association with the airline. This is a strong validation of the growth potential of BLR Airport and the City of Bengaluru as a premier aviation on hub. The partnership reinforces our commitment to developing world-class aviation infrastructure and enhancing BLR Airport’s role as India’s premier aerospace and MRO hub. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of Karnataka for their continued support in making this collaboration on possible and enabling us to drive forward the next phase of aviation on-led growth for the region."

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IndiGo has signed an MoU with Bangalore International Airport (BIAL) as part of the airline’s sustained commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities at the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.

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 Fri, 30 May 2025 12:11:55 +0000 eNethersole 70012 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero Emirates Flight Catering investments in 53 aircraft catering trucks http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/flight-services-and-support/emirates-flight-catering-investments-in-53-aircraft-catering

This is part of its extensive ground fleet renewal programme, under which EKFC plans to introduce 120 next-generation vehicles over five years. In total, 92 aircraft catering trucks will be added to the EKFC fleet within the next 12 months, with the first vehicles slated for introduction later this year. 

The new Volvo FL 250 4X2 Euro 6 aircraft catering trucks will feature advanced sensors and monitoring systems to enhance efficiencies on the ground for loading and unloading tasks, in addition to improving overall emissions reductions with the adoption of the latest Euro diesel engine technologies. 

EKFC will also collaborate with Mallaghan, FAMCO and Volvo Trucks on a Proof-of-Concept electric aircraft catering truck, the first in the catering provider’s fleet, and a regional first in sustainable aviation catering equipment. The electrified aircraft catering truck will be optimised for ground catering operations at Dubai International, putting EKFC at the forefront of testing and prototyping the latest technologies and laying the groundwork for emission-free ground catering operations in the coming years with fleet electrification and automation.  The electric aircraft catering truck is expected to begin operating by the summer of 2026.

Shahreyar Nawabi, chief executive officer of Emirates Flight Catering said: “We are excited to embark on the complete modernisation of our fleet of aircraft catering trucks. This fleet investment is a key part of our broader strategy to implement industry leading initiatives, keep pace with ever-growing demand, and strengthen EKFC’s value proposition to our airline customers as a dedicated culinary partner delivering exceptional operational performance at our busy Dubai hub.  It also reflects our strong confidence in the long-term growth prospects and continued market leadership of Dubai's aviation sector. 

“We’re also investing in the latest technologies and working closely with Mallaghan and Volvo Trucks to empower a future towards a fully electrified aircraft catering truck fleet, enabling us to reduce our carbon footprint while continuing to deliver top-notch operational performance on the ground. The integration of the first electric aircraft catering truck next summer will mark a milestone for EKFC, reinforcing our commitment to more sustainable operations and pushing the boundaries of innovation.” 

Ronan Mallaghan, chief executive officer at Mallaghan, added: “We are pleased to partner with Emirates Flight Catering in this landmark fleet renewal, delivering its largest ever order of high loaders and introducing the first electric high loader of its kind to the region.”

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Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) has signed an agreement with Mallaghan, Al-Futtaim Auto and Machinery Company (FAMCO) and Volvo to purchase 53 aircraft catering trucks, an investment of USD $16 million.

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 Thu, 29 May 2025 11:38:08 +0000 eNethersole 70005 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero SITA launches satellite service helping airports stay connected http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/technology/sita-launches-satellite-service-helping-airports-stay-connected

The satellite allows airports around the world to maintain vital communication at all times, even during blackouts, natural disasters, or in the most remote or infrastructure-limited locations.

The fully managed service is now available in over 130 countries, offering primary, secondary, and emergency connectivity options tailored specifically for the air transport industry. It takes advantage of low earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver secure, high-bandwidth, low-latency communications that keep airport systems running continuously. This is also the case when other networks are struggling or completely offline.

Recent global events have shown just how vulnerable traditional fibre and terrestrial networks can be. From earthquakes to extreme weather and fibre cuts, many airports, large and small, have experienced partial or complete outages. Even in major hubs, network congestion during peak periods can strain bandwidth and disrupt key services. SITA’s new satellite solution addresses these risks directly, giving airport and airline teams a way to keep operations running when it matters most.

SITA Managed Satellites provides a fast, cost-effective way to deploy connectivity wherever it’s needed, including off-airport locations, aircraft maintenance hangars, cargo hubs, and even remote sites without existing digital infrastructure. It also unlocks temporary service for new route openings, seasonal operations, or rapid emergency deployments. This makes sure that ground crews and systems are never out of touch.

“The quality and availability of the latest satellite technology means that it’s becoming a vital component within high availability networks. Airports, in particular, need new ways to ensure they can maintain critical operations in whatever circumstances they face – even when a diverse incidents strike,” said Martin Smillie, senior vice president, communications and data exchange at SITA.

“Delivering high-speed internet connectivity via established satellite providers, SITA Managed Satellites allows customers to optimise operational performance. SITA Managed Satellites is an innovative solution to keep all parts of the aviation industry connected to vital platforms – even in the most challenging of times – and can be adapted for other transport sectors and markets also. It delivers a blend of availability and cost-effectiveness to optimise investments in any cloud, on-premises or hybrid computing environment.”

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A new satellite service is helping airports and airlines stay connected as SITA launches Managed Satellites.

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 Tue, 27 May 2025 16:57:50 +0000 eNethersole 69996 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero Emirates A350 makes its debut in Amman http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/air-transport/emirates-a350-makes-its-debut-in-amman

Originally scheduled to operate on 1 June, the deployment of the brand-new aircraft has been advanced by 2 weeks. EK 905 departed Dubai at 2210 hrs on 19 May and landed in Amman at 0015 hrs early morning on 20th May.

The three-class Emirates A350 features 312 seats, including 32 next-generation Business Class lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 layout, 21 Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, and 259 Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 layout.

The A350’s arrival in Amman marks a milestone in Emirates’ longstanding commitment to Jordan dating back to 1986.

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The Emirates A350 touched down at Queen Alia International Airport on May 20, marking the start of its regular service on the second daily flight between Dubai and Amman.

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 Wed, 21 May 2025 07:56:32 +0000 eNethersole 69979 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero Uganda Airlines launches first European route and announces A320 lease plan http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/air-transport/uganda-airlines-launches-first-european-route-and-announces-a320-lease-plan

The arrival of the Uganda Airlines Airbus A330-800 at Gatwick was a “dream come true” for the country and a major aspiration ever since the carrier was launched in 2019, said General Katumba Wamala, Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport.

"This is more than a flight, it is a bridge for business, investment, and people-to-people connections,” said Wamala at the launch event at Gatwick Airport.

The Gatwick service, which will be operated four times weekly, is the 17th route for Uganda Airlines. The airline will offer onward services to its growing African network including Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare, which were launched in the second half of 2024, said Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki.

During the launch event, she told African Aerospace that the carrier has secured government approval to negotiate orders with Airbus to acquire two A320neos and two A321neos for delivery in 2031-33. It is planned to place the order in the first quarter of its next financial year which begins in July.

At present the carrier operates two 258-seat A330-800s and four 76-seat Bombardier CRJ900s. The addition of a 150-seater aircraft to sit in between its A330s and the CRJs is an important move for Uganda Airlines to achieve a more balanced fleet in capacity terms.

In addition, Uganda Airlines is in discussions with undisclosed lessors for the dry lease of one A320neo and a A321neo for induction into its fleet in October or November, said Bamuturaki.

In the meantime, a single A320ceo on short-term lease from Danish ACMI provider DAT arrived in Uganda on 19 May. The Airbuses will provide interim leased narrowbody capacity until its new aircraft arrive.

“We are looking at the routes where we can release the [A330-800] Airbus and put the dry leased aircraft on them,” said Bamuturaki. At present it is operating its A330-800s on its Dubai, Mumbai and Lagos/Abuja services.

The carrier will increasingly devote its A330s to intercontinental services and to ensure its London route can be sustained without any operational issues.

The carrier is also talking with the Ugandan government to gain approval to add more widebodies, with the airline leaning towards the Boeing 787 over the A330 currently. There is no timeline on a deal yet, however the carrier is talking with Boeing about acquiring a pair of 787-9s, said Bamuturaki.

The arrival of Uganda Airlines at Gatwick means the airport now has nine long-haul routes to Africa plus seven short-haul ones, said Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer at London Gatwick. “The African market has been phenomenally successful for us,” he noted.

“This year, we will have over 555% more capacity operating from the UK to Africa than we had pre Covid,” said Pollard. This points to the improving economic prosperity of the continent with much more growth to come, he added.

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Uganda Airlines kicked off the launch of services between Entebbe and London Gatwick on 18 May, the flag carrier’s first foray into Europe.

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 Tue, 20 May 2025 07:13:44 +0000 eNethersole 69969 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero IGA Istanbul Airport welcomes Air Europa http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/airports/iga-istanbul-airport-welcomes-air-europa

Air Europa, which operates reciprocal flights between the two countries using its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, has become the fourth airline to start services at Istanbul Airport in 2025. 

iGA Istanbul Airport CEO Selahattin Bilgen, said:  “We’re very pleased that Air Europa has started flights to iGA Istanbul Airport. This new connection between Madrid and Istanbul is a significant step toward strengthening tourism, trade, and cultural ties between the two countries. Istanbul is not only a powerful player in international tourism; with its unique connectivity potential between Asia, Africa, and Europe, it also offers vast opportunities for the business world. We believe that Air Europa, as one of Spain’s leading carriers, will add significant value to Istanbul.”

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One of Spain’s leading airlines, Air Europa, has started operating flights to iGA Istanbul Airport.

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 Fri, 16 May 2025 12:32:59 +0000 eNethersole 69959 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero