World Teacher’s Day, celebrated on 5 October, highlights the invaluable and enriching role educators play in inspiring and influencing the future of humanity.

EFTA’s flight instructors are eligible to join Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, as a First Officer after completing five years in the training role. After these trainers are trained to fly the world’s largest and all wide-body fleet of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, they can expect to join the airline’s 4,400 strong pilot community – a golden opportunity which is a rarity for the industry.

Capt Abdulla Al Hammadi, Divisional Vice President at EFTA said: “We celebrate our flight instructors – who are among the most experienced and committed in the industry – on this World Teachers’ Day. They are the backbone of the academy and have a significant impact on shaping the personalities and success of our cadets. Not just on technical skills, but our instructors are inspirational mentors and coaches who impart soft skills such as leadership, situational awareness, decision making, adaptability and communication. Flight instructors have the distinction of fostering the next generation of pilots, one of the most highly prized roles in aviation.”

Muhammad Bilal Pasha, First Officer at Emirates is the first-ever flight instructor who transitioned to the airline. He said: “Being a flight instructor at EFTA was more than just teaching – it was about inspiring the next generation of pilots to chase their dreams with passion and resilience. As I now step into my role as a First Officer at Emirates, I carry with me the pride of watching those dreams take flight, knowing the sky is just the beginning. The opportunity for growth provided by EFTA has enabled me to grow my wings in commercial aviation. I will now see the world, thanks to EFTA and Emirates’ vast network.”

Ian Harrington, Deputy Chief Theoretical Knowledge at EFTA said: “At EFTA, we have the unique ability to mentor the future of aviation, not only through flight training, but through academic rigour that inspires the next generation of pilots to explore and conquer the skies. I feel proud to be a part of an academy that empowers its teachers.”

With Emirates’ and EFTA’s planned growth trajectory, both the airline and the academy are inviting experienced and passionate instructors to join their teams. EFTA currently has a strong team of 43 highly qualified flight instructors from 23 nationalities, while Emirates has a team of 520 from 53 nationalities.

EFTA is welcoming instructors who have a minimum of 700 hours, and a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) with a single engine class rating.

Passengers and airport personnel were safely evacuated.

Airlink flights will operate on schedule.  Airlink with SANParks, its partner service providers and lodges in the surrounding area, have set up temporary departures and arrivals facilities and related services using back-up systems to perform the associated processes.  

“We want to minimise any disruptions at Skukuza and we apologise for any inconvenience while we rely on our contingency measures and facilities at Skukuza,” said Rodger Foster, CEO and Managing Director of Airlink. 

Travellers making use of a shuttle transfer to and from Skukuza should check with their lodges for any changes to shuttle departure times.   

While the fire destroyed a portion of the roof, there was also some water damage caused in the efforts to extinguish the fire.  Clean-up and repair work is underway and we will provide further updates in due course.  

The world’s leading aviation finance organisations, including leasing, banking, and insurance businesses attended the meeting for a holistic overview of Qatar Airways Group's financial results, fleet and network expansion, competitive differentiation, sustainability efforts, and employee engagement plans. The high-profile attendees were also presented with the airline’s vision for the 2024-2025 fiscal year and beyond.

During the 2023-2024 fiscal year, Qatar Airways delivered the strongest financial performance in its 27-year history, reporting record-breaking net profits of QAR 6.1 billion (US$ 1.7 billion) and a total revenue of QAR 81 billion (US$ 22.2 billion). With this historic success, the World’s Best Airline, as voted by Skytrax in 2024, reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to balancing profitability with social and environmental responsibility, operational excellence, and people-centric initiatives.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “This year’s theme of the Annual Investors’ Conference was “New Era of Dynamic and Sustainable Partnership”, which highlighted the driving forces for the Qatar Airways 2.0 vision. As we embark on a new chapter in our airline’s success story, innovation, sustainability, and collaboration will guide our efforts to deliver long-term financial health, sustainably enhancing our global footprint and setting new benchmarks in travel solutions and passenger experiences. By maintaining customers and employees at the heart of our operations, we are ensuring continued growth and excellence for Qatar Airways Group for years to come.”

With one of the youngest fleets in the industry, Qatar Airways continues to grow both its global network and fleet size. The airline now has 94 Boeing 777X aircraft on order, including commercial and cargo aircrafts. The new addition will support the airline’s global operations, connecting passengers seamlessly to over 170 destinations through its award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport, the World’s Best Airport as voted by Skytrax in 2024.

Complementarily, the World’s Best Airline is embracing the future by investing in digital technologies and innovative solutions to elevate its product offerings, particularly in its First Class and Business Class cabins. This is demonstrated by the latest unveiling of the ‘QSuite Next Gen’ at Farnborough Airshow 2024, set to debut on Qatar Airways Boeing B777-9 aircraft by 2026.

Qatar Airways Group and Environmental Sustainability

During the meeting, sustainability discussions focused on a wide range of operational measures spanning fleet, flight operations, and technologies.

Qatar Airways Group is driving progress in environmental sustainability, a commitment that is integrated within its corporate culture. The airline is at the forefront of the aviation industry's efforts to address climate change, particularly since the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s adoption of global climate goals in 2010. Qatar Airways’ strategy centres around four key pillars: advancing technology through fleet modernisation, optimising operations, utilising Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels, and participating in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

Qatar Airways Group has also achieved several industry-firsts in recent years, including being the first airline in the Middle East to join ICAO's Global Coalition for Sustainable Aviation; securing an offtake agreement for 25 million gallons of neat SAF; achieving accreditation to the highest level of the IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA), to join the IATA Turbulence Aware platform and Globally: pioneering the use of the IATA Aviation Carbon Exchange; first air carrier to join the IATA CO2NNECT platform offering a voluntary carbon offsetting programme for air cargo shipments; and the first airline in the world to achieve certification to the Illegal Wildlife Trade Assessment to curb the transport of illegal wildlife and their products.

As the airline continues to expand, it remains dedicated to ensuring that its growth is both dynamic and sustainable, reflecting a steadfast commitment to environmental responsibility.

Strategic Partnerships

Qatar Airways also highlighted its competitive differentiation through product strategy and equity investments in leading airlines including its latest investment in Airlink.

Part of the Group’s ongoing strategic approach is to build deeper, more meaningful relationships with global audiences, solidifying the brand’s leadership position in the social media landscape during the financial year 2023-2024. As a result, Qatar Airways is now the world’s number one airline across social channels - with more than 47 million combined followers, and is the number one followed airline in the world on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

Under the new leadership, Qatar Airways will prioritise collaborative leadership to drive long-term success through people-centric initiatives. By building a workplace culture that fosters trust, teamwork and empowerment, the airline’s internal efforts will drive employee-satisfaction which will translate into reinforcing Qatar Airways’ position as an industry leader in operational excellence and passenger satisfaction.

The 29th edition of Routes World commenced yesterday at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. Held for the first time in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the event runs from October 6-8, 2024, is hosted by Bahrain International Airport, managed and operated by Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), in partnership with Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB).

During the opening ceremony, His Excellency Mohamed bin Thamer AlKaabi, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, delivered a speech, welcoming participants from around the world to the 29th edition of the Routes World 2024. He emphasised the event's vital role as a platform for crucial discussions on shaping the future of the global aviation industry, enhancing air connectivity, and building upon the achievements of previous editions in this regard.

He further noted that hosting Routes World in the Kingdom of Bahrain for the first time provides participants with a valuable opportunity to witness firsthand the Kingdom's potentials, capabilities and strategic location. These factors position Bahrain as a key player in shaping a sustainable and thriving global aviation sector.

Her Excellency Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, the Minister of Tourism; Chairperson of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), affirmed that hosting the Routes World 2024 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre represents a significant strategic step towards achieving the objectives outlined in the Tourism Strategy 2022-2026. This event aligns with strengthening the ties between the tourism and aviation sectors, recognizing their vital interdependence. Hosting this global conference presents a valuable opportunity for expertise exchange within the aviation industry, contributing to its development.

Furthermore, Her Excellency emphasised that the Kingdom of Bahrain consistently strives to be a premier destination for conferences and exhibitions. The Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, the most modern in the Middle East, offers a comprehensive array of facilities and services, enabling it to host world-class events. This centre significantly contributes to bolstering Bahrain's robust and well-equipped tourism infrastructure, to accommodate major events.

Her Excellency highlighted the tourism sector's ongoing efforts to solidify the Kingdom of Bahrain's position as a leading tourism destination for international events by cultivating an unparalleled environment for their success. This aligns with the strategic objectives of realising Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, contributing to enhanced economic growth and the advancement of the tourism sector.

Bahrain Airport Company Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Yousif AlBinfalah commented, “Hosting Routes World 2024 marks a pivotal milestone for the country’s aviation, tourism, and logistics sectors, aligning with the national vision to become a global hub for connectivity and economic growth. The event is a perfect example of successful collaboration with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority andEconomic Development Board, to achieve a shared government objective of connecting airports, airlines, and destinations, and positioning Bahrain as a leading tourism hub.”

He further added, “Routes World 2024 provides a platform to showcase Bahrain's vision for the future of global air connectivity. With our geographical advantage, cutting-edge infrastructure, and business-friendly environment, this event allows us to position Bahrain as an attractive destination for international carriers and travellers alike. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all governmental and private entities that contributed to the Kingdom of Bahrain's successful hosting of the Routes World, showcasing Bahrain's state-of-the-art infrastructure.”

The 29th edition of Routes World 2024 serves as a strategic platform to strengthen the Kingdom of Bahrain's position as a distinctive tourist destination. The event is poised to drive passenger traffic growth and support the government's vision of establishing a thriving tourism sector. Over the course of three days, more than 9,000 meetings will take place, bringing together representatives from 80 of the world's top 100 airlines. The event will also feature over 40 speakers, including keynote addresses from five airline CEOs.

The opening day of Routes World 2024 featured engaging panel discussions with prominent industry leaders on the rapid growth trajectory of the Arabian Gulf region. Gulf Air Group (GFG) Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jeffrey Goh, participated in an insightful discussion on navigating the future of airline development and achieving success in a rapidly expanding market.

Another panel discussion delved into the expanding role of technology in logistics, where Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mohamed Yousif AlBinfalah, spoke about the integral role of air freight and cargo operations in the evolution of air travel and airport management, highlighting future opportunities for enhancing global connectivity and operational efficiency.

By joining forces, Riyadh Air gains exclusive access to the FII Institute's network, including participation in the prestigious annual flagship Conference and other international summits; opportunities to interact with world leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators and access to in-depth analysis and insights on global trends, emerging technologies, and pressing challenges.

With a shared dedication to driving positive change through the power of investment, Riyadh Air and FII Institute will join together to drive positive change and shape the future of sustainable development.

The airline aims to contribute to a more sustainable future by implementing eco-friendly practices, promoting responsible tourism, and supporting local communities.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said: “Our strategic partnership with FII is a strong signal of our ambitions to participate in sharing of ideas to help drive positive global impact. Riyadh Air will be at the cutting edge of shaping the aviation industry of the future through continued innovation and best practices in sustainability.”

Walsh was joined by Royal Air Maroc CEO, Abdelhamid Addou, in a press briefing at this this year’s IATA World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC) which was held in Marrakech from 1-3 October.

Key concerns currently impacting the industry include geopolitical impacts, such as the unrest in the Middle East, the Ukraine-China-US tensions and the closure of airspace. GPS jamming and spoofing were also highlighted as significant threats, with a noted increase in this activity over the past few years, while ongoing supply chain challenges continue to affect growth in the industry.

“While the industry continues to recover from the global pandemic and although passenger traffic is ahead of where it was in 2019, there are ongoing challenges that are disrupting operations,” said Walsh.

“Geopolitical tensions have a huge impact on the industry. The war on Ukraine and now Israel’s attack on Gaza and Lebanon, but elsewhere there’s unrest between China and the US,” he added.

“These challenges all have an ongoing impact on safe and efficient operations for the industry, but stakeholders remain resilient and are taking all the appropriate measures to protect the industry and customers from any external threats.

“As an industry, we don’t compete when it comes to safety and security, we collaborate. But the industry works best when the skies are open to everyone. Airspace closure is not in the interests of an efficient airline ecosystem,” he continued.

Royal Air Maroc’s Addou added, “there is a human as well as an environmental cost to geopolitical instability. As airlines we need to protect ourselves for the years to come, while finding a way to overcome these challenges now.”

Commenting on the supply chain challenges, Walsh noted that “supply chain issues are delaying aircraft production and delivery, putting pressure on airlines and will continue to affect industry growth in the short term, but in the long-term we are told that manufacturers and the supply chain issues will be resolved and we will back to a more stable environment.” 

Addou added, “In terms of there being a shortage of new aircraft on the market, we are also looking to lease aircraft.” The airline is currently in the process of an ambitious fleet expansion programme, which will see the fleet increase from 50 to 200 aircraft by 2037.

Amid the challenges facing the industry, AI, machine learning and leveraging of data were highlighted as opportunities to enhance operations and training, while wider cooperations, collaboration and sharing of information were underlined as being key to help the industry navigate the current challenges.

With a focus on enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability, the conversation underscored the pivotal role technology has played—and will continue to play—in shaping the future of air travel.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh opened the panel by reflecting on the remarkable advancements in the aviation sector during his career.

"Incredible, the improvement, the enhancements I've witnessed in the 45 years that I've been in this industry," said Walsh. "All of those enhancements and leveraging the technology that is available to us have significantly contributed to an industry that is much safer, much more efficient. When you think of the changes, technology has transformed aviation, making it more sustainable, safer, and more available for everyone."

Walsh emphasised how technological evolution has been essential to the industry's current status as a global economic force and highlighted its ongoing potential to drive sustainability and safety improvements.

Future of pilot training

Marc Parent, CEO of CAE, stressed the critical role technology plays in addressing one of the industry's most pressing challenges: the training and development of pilots. With the demand for new pilots skyrocketing, traditional training methods are proving insufficient.

"Technology is critical for us at CAE. We train 1.5 million training hours a year," said Parent. "We have the lion’s share of the simulators out there for airlines, business aircraft, and military as well.”

Referencing the CAE’s projections that some 300,000 new pilots will be needed over the next decade, he explained, “half of those haven’t even started their training." Emerging technologies like AI and simulators are essential for making training more efficient and personalised. "We can’t rely on the same models," Parent noted, underlining the need for innovation to give trainee pilots the necessary experience and skills in a shorter time frame while maintaining safety and quality.

AI-efficincies at Ethiopian Airlines and Royal Air Maroc

Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Mesfin Tasew, highlighted his airline’s successful integration of AI into various facets of its operations, including revenue management, aircraft maintenance, and customer interaction.

"We strongly believe that for an airline to be successful, it has to continuously adapt and adopt new technologies that enhance efficiency and bring cost reduction," said Mesfin. "One of the areas we’ve seen huge benefits from with AI in our revenue management systems, but AI also supports aircraft maintenance, passenger services, weather forecasting, and training."

He added that AI is not just a tool for automation but a key enabler for optimising operations across the board, ultimately boosting efficiency and reducing costs.

Abdelhamid Addou, CEO of Royal Air Maroc, echoed the sentiment, sharing how AI has been central to enhancing the airline’s operations, particularly in route planning and flight efficiency.

"Integrated AI in our fuel efficiency program allowed us to reduce carbon emissions by 20%," Addou said. "Pre-flight preparation can now be done on the spot during the flight to optimise the flight route, making operations more efficient and sustainable."

These AI-driven efficiencies, he said, are vital in reducing both costs and environmental impact—two primary challenges in today’s aviation landscape.

Cybersecurity: A Non-Negotiable Priority

As the industry continues to embrace advanced technologies, the panel also discussed the growing importance of cybersecurity. The leaders agreed that the increasing complexity of cyber threats necessitates significant investment in protective measures.

"Cybersecurity is non-negotiable," stated Parent. "Without it, airlines wouldn’t be flying. Everything has to be cyber-secure."

Addou noted the increasing complexity of cybersecurity risks, pointing out that it is becoming a critical investment area for airlines. "AI tools are being used across the airline, and you need to protect them," he said, highlighting the industry's focus on protecting its digital infrastructure from potential attacks.

Leveraging technology for sustainability

The panel concluded with a discussion on the role of technology in helping aviation achieve its net-zero emissions goal by 2050. Walsh underscored the importance of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other technologies in reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.

"We have put a huge emphasis on SAF because it will be integral to achieving our goals," Walsh said. "But technology will also play a key part. Meteorological forecasting is also crucial. We need to leverage every opportunity to achieve our target."

Addou mentioned that while next-generation propulsion technologies may be 20 years away, digitisation and technological innovations will play a significant role in enhancing efficiency and helping the industry meet its sustainability targets.

Mesfin agreed, adding that reducing noise pollution and carbon emissions should be key focus areas. He noted that while electric propulsion and SAF are part of the solution, technology across the board will be critical in driving sustainability.

Human innovation

While technology is a powerful tool, Parent reminded the audience that human innovation is ultimately the driving force behind these advancements.

"We can’t underestimate the power of human innovation when confronted with real existential challenges," he said. "Technology will be there, and it’s already helping, but it will never replace the human element. We need to embrace these new and emerging technologies while maintaining a human touch."

The panel ended on a note of optimism, highlighting the aviation industry’s history of resilience and adaptation in the face of challenges, with technology continuing to be a catalyst for future growth and sustainability.

Airlink’s new service will operate three times a week with modern 98-seat Embraer E190 twin-engine aircraft. 

“The D.R. Congo is a significant market for Airlink.  We first stepped into the ring in 2020 with flights to Lubumbashi and now we are ready to follow through by adding Kinshasa to our formidable regional network.  This will give customers on the route far greater reach and travel options than they currently enjoy.  Kinshasa is a regional heavyweight.  Besides serving as the country’s political and economic capital, it is Africa’s most populous city with over seventeen million inhabitants.  With Airlink’s combination of schedule, connections and great service we expect to have a knock-out response,” said Airlink CEO and managing director, Rodger Foster.

Willie Walsh, director general, IATA, said: “Civil aviation fulfils a purpose that transcends politics to ‘create and preserve friendship and understanding among the nations and peoples of the world’. The Chicago Convention, signed eighty years ago as the Second World War raged, begins with those words. They are a timeless reminder of civil aviation’s essential and unique role in connecting people and delivering goods over vast distances. In the turbulent world of 2024, the truth of the Chicago Convention’s preamble rings loudly.

We all want to live in a world at peace. Sadly, today, that is far from reality for many people. That is why it is necessary to remind all involved in conflict of the need to ensure that flights are safe, and that critical airport and air navigation infrastructure is not targeted in any hostilities.

Civil aviation does not take sides in political conflicts. As an industry that requires the effective implementation of global standards to operate, aviation upholds global standards and the international rules-based order on which they rely. As the name implies, civil aviation serves the civilian population. It must be kept out of harm’s way by all actors in a conflict. This is the firm belief of IATA. More importantly, it is the unquestionable obligation of governments under international law. For example:

·    Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights protects the freedom of movement domestically and internationally.

·    Article 48 of the Fourth Geneva Convention holds that combatants in conflict must not target civilian objects.

·    Basic norms of customary international law require that all parties to a conflict allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need and ensure the freedom of movement of authorised humanitarian relief personnel.

These international legal obligations will be unfulfillable should the line between military and civil aviation blur, even in the slightest. That would bring deeply troubling consequences for innocent populations trying to survive through conflict, and especially for those in need of humanitarian aid.

Moreover, the Chicago Convention explicitly obliges states to protect civil aircraft and passengers in flight, refrain from the use of force against civil aircraft, and by corollary coordinate and communicate any activities potentially hazardous to civil aviation. These are essential to keep flying safe.

As the world works towards more peaceful days, aviation will support the effort by connecting people and goods. In the meantime, combatants must know and abide by the rules of conflict and humanitarian assistance as laid out in international law. To simplify: do no harm to civilian aircraft, airports or air navigation services. This is non-negotiable and must be respected, even at the height of hostility.”

Starting on December 15th, 2024, the service will operate three times a week.

Adel Al Ali, Group chief executive officer, Air Arabia, said: “We are pleased to resume our non-stop flights from Ras Al Khaimah to Jeddah, a key destination in Saudi Arabia. The three weekly flights to Jeddah reinforces Air Arabia’s commitment to expanding its operations from Ras Al Khaimah and supporting the emirate’s tourism and trade. We look forward to the first flight as we continue to offer our customers with value-driven and convenient travel options.”