Events http://www.timesaerospace.aero/ en Fri, 01 Nov 2024 10:37:18 +0000 Turkish Airlines receives three awards from APEX http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/events/turkish-airlines-receives-three-awards-from-apex

The awards presented by APEX were handed out at a special ceremony during the APEX/IFSA Global Expo held in California. The carrier has also received ‘Best-In-Class’ distinction award in Sustainability, marking the airline's commitment to excellence in passenger experience and operational quality.

As a result of comprehensive inspections conducted by industry professionals, the 'World Class' recognition was awarded based on performance across three categories: Safety & Well-Being, Service-Guest Experience, and Sustainability, in which Turkish Airlines earned a ‘Best-In-Class’ distinction award. This achievement reflects Turkish Airlines’ commitment to sustainability through circular practices, digitalisation, waste management, and more.

In addition to these achievements, the national flag carrier has also received ‘FTE Pioneer Award’ from Future Travel Experience (FTE), a part of the APEX group. The FTE Global Airline Pioneer Awards ceremony took place in Los Angeles to award six winners worldwide that are pushing the boundaries of innovation, enhancing customer experience, and playing a vital role in advancing the air transport industry.

Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat stated: “We are honoured to receive the 'World Class' and ‘Best-In-Class Sustainability’ awards from APEX, and ‘FTE Pioneer Award’ from Future Travel Experience (FTE). This triple recognition underscores our dedication to enhancing passenger experience, driving innovation, and integrating sustainable practices across our operations while delivering a world-class experience for our guests. My heartfelt thanks to our Turkish Airlines family for making these achievements possible and to our passengers for their trust in our services.”

“Turkish Airlines has consistently redefined luxury travel, earning APEX World Class recognition year after year,”APEX Group CEO Dr. Joe Leader remarked. “Their unmatched global network, combined with a passenger experience enriched by world-renowned Turkish hospitality, sets a high bar for excellence. With the unveiling of their new Crystal Business Class suite in 2024, featuring enhanced privacy, larger seating, and exquisite design details, Turkish Airlines continues to elevate the standards of premium air travel, truly embodying the essence of APEX World Class by YATES+.”

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Turkish Airlines has been awarded the prestigious 'World Class' award by APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) for the fourth consecutive year.

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Fri, 01 Nov 2024 10:37:18 +0000 eNethersole 69108 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Ethiopian wins ‘Best Overall in Africa’ at APEX Passenger Choice Awards http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/events/ethiopian-wins-best-overall-in-africa-at-apex-passenger-choice-awards

The awards ceremony took place in Long Beach, California, on 28 October 2024.

Mesfin Tasew Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines said: “We are dedicated to providing an exceptional travel experience that encompasses the entire journey. Winning the APEX Best Overall in Africa Award once again validates our commitment to excellence. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our entire Ethiopian family, employees, passengers, and stakeholders for this shared success.”

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Ethiopian Airlines has won ‘Best Overall in Africa’ at the 2025 APEX Passenger Choice Awards.

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Thu, 31 Oct 2024 07:11:08 +0000 eNethersole 69099 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
EDGE strengthens its regional growth through technological excellence http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/events/edge-strengthens-its-regional-growth-through-technological-excellence

For its first participation, EDGE is showcasing an impressive range of cutting-edge technologies amidst leading groups and representatives of local authorities. The group is showcasing smart weapons, autonomous unmanned aerial systems, non-lethal solutions and various types of ammunition.

Hamad Al Marar, managing director and CEO of EDGE Group, said: “As a trusted technology partner, we aim to demonstrate solutions that enhance operational efficiency and resilience. This is a first major step in what we are confident will be a long-term partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco which will ensure sustainable economic growth and the promotion of greater security.”

Among the technologies presented will be the DESERT STING family of guided weapons, the THUNDER and RASH precision guided munitions, as well as the AL TARIQ range. The GARMOOSHA drone and CARACAL small arms are also among the equipment on display.

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EDGE has made a grand debut during the Marrakech Air Show 2024. Anuradha Deenapanray Chappard reports.

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Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:19:49 +0000 eNethersole 69097 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Etihad Airways announced as Official Airline and Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024 http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/events/etihad-airways-announced-as-official-airline-and-air-expo-abu-dhabi-2024

Since 2012, Etihad Airways has consistently supported the Air Expo, reflecting its commitment as the national carrier of the UAE to promote Abu Dhabi as a global aviation hub.

As part of Etihad’s commitment to growing a talent pipeline for the UAE’s aviation industry, the airline has recently announced the relaunch of its successful Cadet Pilot program. Etihad Airways is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals and by 2030 aims to employ more than 600 Emirati pilots who will have graduated from the program. The Air Expo will serve as a strong opportunity to highlight careers in aviation in Abu Dhabi, providing aspiring aviators with insights and pathways into the industry.

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Etihad Airways has been named as the Official Airline and Platinum Sponsor for the upcoming event, scheduled for 19-21 November 2024.

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Mon, 21 Oct 2024 11:06:01 +0000 eNethersole 69045 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Emirates named ‘World’s Best Airline’ from new comprehensive study http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/events/emirates-named-worlds-best-airline-from-new-comprehensive-study

The detailed ranking and ratings were calculated from more than 30 criteria such as punctuality, baggage allowance, route network, quality of home airport, age of fleet, value of rewards programme and tastiness of in-flight meals, while the results were calculated referencing data from more than 18 independent and international awards, readers polls, ratings websites and expert reviews.

Described as a ‘worthy winner,’ the study announced that Emirates ‘ticks nearly every box, from baggage allowance to punctuality. It is the airline that operates the largest number of double-decker Airbus A380s, the jet that passengers love best – because it offers most space and legroom in all cabins, including economy.’ The article adds ‘Premium economy on its A380s is the best in the sky. Business class never disappoints and comes with a chauffeur to drive you to and from the airport, increasingly a rarity. First class has the finest wine list of any carrier – and showers. Its route network is also one of the biggest: 140 cities in 77 countries. It was voted the best long-haul carrier in the world by 30,000 Telegraph Travel readers.’

The independent methodology for the study included 90 airlines, selected for the number of annual passengers carried and points were awarded based on each carrier’s performance across a range of criteria, including reliability, connectivity, luggage rules, inflight experience, average age of fleet, quality of home airport, value of rewards programme, safety, heritage, quality of lounges as well as multiple readers polls and rankings from Apex to Airline Ratings, Skytrax to TrustPilot reviews and more. The full breakdown of results can be found here.

So far in 2024, Emirates has received an additional 19 awards and recognitions from a wide array of sources across the globe, including 7 accolades at the Skytrax World Airline Awards in June for World's Best Airline Inflight Entertainment, Best First Class Airline Comfort Amenities, Best First Class Airline in the Middle East, Best First Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East, Most Family Friendly Airline in the Middle East, Best Premium Economy Class Airline in the Middle East and Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East.

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Emirates has come out on top as the ‘World’s Best Airline’ amongst 90 global carriers in a recent comprehensive and methodological study by Telegraph Travel.

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Fri, 18 Oct 2024 10:56:04 +0000 eNethersole 69036 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Working together key to the future demands of MRO http://www.timesaerospace.aero/features/maintenance/working-together-key-to-the-future-demands-of-mro

Working together key to the future demands of MRO

Cheikh Diop

Opportunity is ahead for Africa’s MRO sector, as providers in the region work to manage and overcome key constraints. However, challenges include availability of workforce, spares, and onerous regulations, shared panelists during the MRO panel at Aviation Africa.

Collaboration among MROs will be critical in the years ahead to manage challenges, panelists concurred, including by sharing skills and assisting with capabilities where needed. And with demand growing, building local talent pipelines will be a continued focus. As newer aircraft types join fleets on the continent in larger numbers, more detailed knowledge and expertise will be required.

The region is poised to see total MRO spending valued at $32.6 billion between 2024-2033, according to data from Aviation Week Network, with the highest spend expected in engine maintenance (51 per cent), followed by components (22 per cent), and line maintenance (17 per cent).

In recognition of that growth, Airbus has positioned itself to be closer to where the demand is, and where its aircraft will be, explained Cheikh Diop, Airbus global support strategy for Africa project leader. The OEM announced it will set up a customer support center in Johannesburg to strengthen its presence on the continent and support growth, including the expansion of latest generation aircraft.

“As the fleet grows, they will need to take care of it and at the moment, we see some struggling to do more than they would wish to, for different reasons — it can be talent availability or spare availability or hangar availability — whatever it is, we are willing to go beyond our OEM role,” said Diop. “We cannot be in the front seat, but we really are investing in people that can support this.”

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Wed, 16 Oct 2024 11:38:41 +0000 pIvanova 69024 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Pilatus Aircraft to debut new Natural Oil wood veneer finish http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/aircraft-interiors/pilatus-aircraft-to-debut-new-natural-oil-wood-veneer-finish

The solution highlights the potential for using sustainable materials in aircraft interiors. Located on the Pilatus static exhibit, AD115, the intricate mock-up features existing F/LAB bio-based materials alongside the latest addition to the portfolio, the new plant-based F/LAB Natural Oil varnish, as Pilatus emphasises the importance of sustainability within the cabin.

The transparent F/LAB Natural Oil minimises the release of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment while enhancing the grain and beauty of wood veneers. A subtle matt sheen and tactile finish highlight the natural patterns and whorls of the surface. The oil finish is engineered for durability with scratch and stain-resistant qualities, enabling regular usage with minimal maintenance.

The eco-friendly mock-up enables Pilatus to introduce customers to the next generation of sustainable interior materials available for its jet interiors. The PC-24 Super Versatile Jet exemplar features a contemporary cabinet, sidewalls, bulkhead and side ledge, which showcase the versatility of the products. The configuration perfectly balances the F/LAB Natural Oil American Walnut Veneer grain sample with the F/LAB Aenigma Eco bulkhead, which incorporates recycled stone dust, the F/LAB Whisper Leather lower side panel, a dramatic F/LAB Linfinium countertop incorporating precious marble remnants, and the natural lines of the F/LAB Fresco Décor on the upper side panel, which adds a subtle extra dimension to the cabin environment.

André Zimmermann, VP Business Aviation, Pilatus says, “We always seek to improve our customer offering and reduce our environmental footprint without compromising quality or performance. Through the collaboration with F/LIST, we are realising our commitment to sourcing effective products that reduce our carbon footprint, maintain our familiar aesthetic and support efficient operations by being durable, hygienic and easy to maintain. This ensures that the interiors remain pristine, and we’re excited to showcase the benefits to our customers.” Pilatus is the first aircraft manufacturer to employ F/LAB Natural Oil rather than synthetic varnishes.

The F/LAB represents the center of innovation for Austria-headquartered F/LIST and is a dynamic hub for creative thinking, cross-discipline collaboration, and imaginative experimentation where ingenious cutting-edge technology meets ecological responsibility. It now sits at the core of a new customer interaction strategy where customers, designers and F/LIST experts share the creative space to encourage the evolution of innovation, technology, and sustainability. 

“We are excited to showcase how the F/LAB materials harmonise to bring sustainability, style and sophistication into the cabin. The F/LAB sits at the epicenter of our business and, as an individual brand, embodies the home of creative ingenuity. The PC-24 Super Versatile Jet mock-up exemplifies the original thinking, manufacturing excellence and innovative spirit of both companies at a time when sustainability is more important than ever. We are pleased to evolve our long-standing relationship with Pilatus, which shares our game-changing vision that drives positive change in our sector,” adds Katharina List-Nagl, CEO of F/LIST.

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Pilatus Aircraft and F/LIST, a pioneer in innovative cabin solutions, are showcasing a Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet cabin cross-section at this year’s NBAA-BACE.

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Wed, 16 Oct 2024 09:17:04 +0000 eNethersole 69020 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Africa's global role can boost airport growth http://www.timesaerospace.aero/features/airports/africas-global-role-can-boost-airport-growth

Africa's global role can boost airport growth

Mpumi Mpofu

The full potential for African airports to unlock substantial economic growth and boost employment remains untapped, according to industry leaders who spoke on the airports panel on September 16.

“This year marks one of the most significant infrastructure investment cycles for the airport sector,” said Mpumi Mpofu, CEO of Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA).

Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport currently handles 28 million passenger annually, while Cape Town accommodates 15 million and King Shaka seven million. Beyond South Africa, other countries are making notable advancements, such as Angola, with its new 15 million passenger airport and Ethiopia’s construction of a 150 million passenger facility near Addis Ababa.

Mpofu emphasised the growing significance of African nations in the global economy, particularly middle-income countries like Kenya, Ethiopia and Nigeria, which are all investing in their airport infrastructure. She highlighted that this wave would drive a renaissance of airport development across the continent.

Niger, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda were also all cited as key growth economies. Despite South Africa’s status as one of Africa’s largest economies, Mpofu pointed out that its growth rate lags behind other middle-income countries. However, with the anticipated growth in passenger traffic ACSA is moving forward with an ambitious R21.7bn investment in infrastructure development.

Infrastructure development is a crucial focus, but Mpofu stressed the need for simultaneous route expansion and capacity building. Mwamba Patience Nkambale Phiri, airport manager at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe Airport in Zambia, reinforced these points, highlighting the primary challenges as the need to improve policy regulations and infrastructure development. 

Meanwhile, Abdoulaye Cisse, head of MEAA, Menzies Aviation highlighted the importance of securing investment, particularly through public-private partnerships (PPPs), which he views as critical to meeting airports’ financial needs.

Rampa Rammopo, CEO, Lanseria Airport, speaking from the perspective of Lanseria, a privately-owned airport with access to its own capital, shared plans to launch a cargo, FBO and MRO facility by 2025. He also emphasised the importance of diversifying revenue streams through non-aeronautical ventures to ensure financial sustainability.

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Mon, 14 Oct 2024 09:35:19 +0000 pIvanova 69013 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Time for the doubters to change their tune http://www.timesaerospace.aero/features/events/time-for-the-doubters-to-change-their-tune

Time for the doubters to change their tune

The Domba African choir

Africa’s commercial air transport leaders gathered in Johannesburg in mid-September at the eighth Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition, organised by Times Aerospace Events and sponsored by the South African Civil Aviation Authority.

Barbara Creecy’s first formal public engagement in her new role as South Africa’s Minister of Transport was to open the eighth Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition, held at the Sandton Convention Centre in the heart of bustling Johannesburg.

Speaking to a room packed with 1,200 delegates, she addressed the Summit’s central theme of ‘Bridging Skies and Leveraging Growth’.

“I believe that I am speaking to the right people when I say that by strengthening co-operation among African nations and the world, we can enhance our collective air transport network, improve connectivity, and support regional trade and tourism.”

With participation from 34 African countries, 92 airlines and operators and more than 100 sponsors and exhibitors, the annual Aviation Africa Summit, which was organised by Times Aerospace Events and co-sponsored by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), has grown into the continent’s premier pan-African gathering of its kind.

Times Aerospace also teamed up with the African Business Aviation Association (AFBAA) in Johannesburg, as well as working closely with numerous African and global industry associations. AfBAA held its annual meeting during the Summit.

Barbara Creecy
The opening address was given by Barbara Creecy, South Africa’s Minister of Transport, in her first formal public engagement in her new role. Image: Aviation Africa 2024

Creecy eloquently summed up the importance of aviation to Africa. “A strong aviation network is essential for boosting tourism in Africa – aviation is a catalyst for economic growth and cultural exchange. None of it would be possible without this industry,” she said.

However, as summit chair Alan Peaford observed in his opening comments, there are numerous challenges for the industry to deliver today and to unlock the undoubted growth potential of Africa.

As the sessions across the two days highlighted, each link in the value chain from airlines, regulators, airports, air traffic management, MRO and training to finance have their issues, be they capacity, investment, human resources or governance.

Many discussions started by stressing the strong potential of African aviation, but soon moved to highlight the many obstacles to achieving it.

“Africa represents the last frontier for aviation development, but some impotent government transport strategies and ongoing protectionism practices continue to limit its success,” stated Peaford.

Building on Peaford’s themes, Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA’s regional vice-president for Africa and the Middle East pointed out how African airlines face institutionally higher costs than those in other continents.

“If we look at the cost to operate in Africa it is not cheap. Fuel is roughly 12-18 per cent more expensive than anywhere else in the world. The taxes, charges and fees are also very expensive, which doesn’t encourage the growth of the industry,” said Al-Awadhi.

In his view, the solutions and people with experience to deliver a more successful industry are to hand in Africa, if there is the will to take them.

“We can do it ourselves if we work in a collaborative manner,” said Al-Awadhi. However, “there is going to be a point of no return where you will not be able to fix it because other airlines from outside the continent can simply walk in and take over the business.”

In his address John Lamola, interim CEO of South African Airways, described this group as the “notorious Middle East” carriers, referring particularly to Emirates and Qatar Airways, which have been, along with Turkish Airlines, expanding their networks aggressively into the fast-growing African market.

It is hardly surprising these carriers focus strongly on Africa, with its high growth potential and the inability of mostly weaker African carriers to fight back. They are also investing heavily in some markets. The 25 per cent stake Qatar Airways took in South African regional carriers Airlink in September is a good example and its 49 per cent stake in RwandAir is thought to be close to being finalised.

Good news for all is the rate at which traffic is returning, with IATA’s Al-Awadhi forecasting that Africa will by year-end achieve full recovery compared to 2019 passenger number levels.

Aaron Munetsi
Aaron Munetsi: “We are excited that the concept of protectionism is being exposed and is beginning to come out and consolidation is being supported.” Image: Aviation Africa 2024

While there are dozens of carriers across Africa seeking to capitalise on this recovery, many are small national players with limited fleets and networks and fragile balance sheets. There are only a handful of carriers that have achieved global scale and operate significant longer-haul networks.

Henok Teferra, managing director Africa, Boeing Global, and a former leader at Ethiopian Airlines and Togo’s ASky, was not alone in advocating that airline consolidation, as seen in Europe and the US, is a must in Africa.

“For African aviation to be successful, for scheduled operators, there has to be consolidation,” declared Teferra. “Fragmentation at this level in the airline industry will not work. Size matters, because it's a capital-driven industry.

“The objective is to have a sustainable airline,” he said. “We cannot be the exception to the world. We must talk to each other to create fleet commonality, to have equity stakes in one another, to develop together MRO and training centres and work together on the ground.”

Hearing the correct narrative around forging airline partnerships is essential from veterans of the African aviation world, such as Henok Teferra, said Aaron Munetsi, CEO of Airlines Association of Southern Africa.

“Our responsibility is to make sure we keep everybody on track in terms of how do we work together as Africans? That is our biggest opportunity,” said Munetsi.

“There is a misconception out there,” added Munetsi. “Consolidation doesn't mean disappearance. Maybe you have global hub-and-spoke operators, and you have feeder airlines. There is a role for everyone, but all of us cannot be global airlines in Africa, it's not possible.”

Debates like this are essential as governments and airline CEOs operate in Africa’s high-cost environment. It is a market that is moving slowly to being more competitive as moves to drive pan-African air transport liberalisation and implement the African Union’s flagship Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) project gather momentum.

However, the prospect of a more competitive intra-African market is resisted by some states and operators. “I will not shy away from confirming that there is protectionism,” said Munetsi. However, as he and other collaborators discuss SAATM with government authorities views are changing.

“We are excited that the concept of protectionism is being exposed and is beginning to come out and consolidation is being supported,” said Munetsi.

According to Poppy Khoza, director general of SACAA, who works in a country that is championing SAATM, it is not surprising that not all states feel comfortable with the single market idea.

“Remember that we are dealing with a continent that that is extremely diverse, one that is fragmented by the historical issues of colonisation, where even the languages that we speak are so diverse and the cultures are so diverse,” Khoza told delegates.

“For us to have this great harmony we need a co-ordination structure that can direct. For Africa to work, we need a stronger African Civil Aviation Commission (see story on page **).

“If we leave things the way that they are, and we don't deal with the structural issues, 30 years down the line we'll come back and talk about the same issues that we're dealing with [today],” believed Khoza.

“But I do think that there is hope, provided we go back to the basics and say what needs to be done differently,” she concluded.

Rwanda’s minister of state for infrastructure, Olivier Kabera accepted the baton from South Africa’s transport minister Barbara Creecy, and closed the show announcing the next edition of Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition would be in Kigali, Rwanda, September 4-5, 2025.

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Fri, 11 Oct 2024 09:28:02 +0000 pIvanova 69003 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Air Arabia honoured with 2024 OPS Award http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/events/air-arabia-honoured-with-2024-ops-award

The ceremony was held at the 2024 OPS Forum in Athens, Greece. 

At the 2024 edition of the event, industry leaders discussed advancements in airline and airport operations, underscoring the importance of data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement for robust operations. 

Adel Al Ali, Group, chief executive officer, Air Arabia, said: “The OPS Corporate Award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team at Air Arabia. It highlights our unwavering commitment to operational excellence and efficiency, enabling us to consistently deliver value and reliability to our customers.”

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Air Arabia has been named winner of the ‘Corporate Award in the Airline Category’ for its commitment to enhancing efficiency, reliability and customer satisfaction.

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Wed, 09 Oct 2024 11:31:00 +0000 eNethersole 68994 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero