Middle East and North Africa

Turkish Airlines and Vietnam Airlines bolster air cargo transportation

eNethersole — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 21:04:54 +0000

The agreement between the two carriers will bring additional long-term benefits to air cargo customers and both airlines, they said.

Dang Ngoc Hoa, chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines said: “The cooperation between Vietnam Airlines and Turkish Airlines was established on the basis of mutual benefit.

“Turkish Airlines will benefit from expanding the scale of its transportation network to previously limited areas such as Oceania and Northeast Asia through the advantages offered by Vietnam’s central geographical location as a transit point.

“Furthermore, by using freighters and connecting to Turkish Airlines’ global network of 345 destinations around the world, Vietnam Airlines will be able to significantly expand its scale.

“We hope this cooperation will facilitate Vietnam’s position and advancement towards becoming one of the leading logistics centres in the Asia-Pacific region.”

Turkish Airlines’ CEO Bilal Ekşi said: “Asia is one of our most important markets. Our efforts to increase our presence on this prominent continent continue unabated with our competent teams and R&D activities. In an era where global aviation is shifting from West to East, these efforts are even more meaningful.

“I hope the collaboration we have started with Vietnam Airlines, currently focused on our air cargo brand Turkish Cargo, but planned to be developed in different categories in the future, will be beneficial and fruitful for both countries and both flag carriers.”

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Fri, 01/12/2023 - 12:00

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Vietnam Airlines and Turkish Airlines have signed an agreement to coordinate and boost air cargo transportation.

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Pegasus Airlines establishes Silicon Valley-based technology innovation lab

eNethersole — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:57:58 +0000

Through establishing a lab in Silicon Valley, the airline aims to monitor and assess on site the latest technological advancements worldwide. This move will further strengthen the company's global competitiveness and fortify its firm commitment to technological innovation.

Güliz Öztürk, CEO of Pegasus Airlines, said: "Our investments in technology stand out as one of the key elements that set us apart. Since launching our digital transformation in 2018, we have been making significant investments. In line with our vision to become ‘Your Digital Airline’, we launch many initiatives to make the travel experience of our guests and the work experience for our employees easier, faster, and more efficient. And now, we are getting ready to take an exciting new step to further the sustainable development of this digitalisation journey.” Öztürk continued: “We've made the decision to establish a Technology Innovation Lab, operating right in the heart of Silicon Valley. This lab will enable us to monitor and assess on site the latest technological advancements worldwide. We will continue to enhance and add value to our processes and our guests’ experiences by experimenting with different technologies. This big move will further increase our company's global competitiveness.”

Barış Fındık, chief information officer at Pegasus Airlines, added:"At Pegasus, we are determined to become one of the world’s most technologically advanced airlines. In pursuit of this, we are taking significant strides to evaluate collaboration opportunities with start-ups, universities, and other players in the field of technology and aviation. By keeping pace with the latest technological advancements in Silicon Valley, we aim to reinforce our goal of being influential not only within a local, but also a global, framework. Our focus will be on artificial intelligence, mobile capabilities, self-service, and other cutting-edge technologies that we believe will directly enhance our business."

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Fri, 01/12/2023 - 12:00

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Pegasus Airlines has started work on its Silicon Valley-based technology innovation lab.

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ADA accomplishes two AW139 helicopter flights powered by SAF

eNethersole — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 14:00:43 +0000

The flights using SAF on an ADA commercial helicopter marked a first in the UAE and Middle East. “This initiative and achievement demonstrate ADA and Leonardo’s capability and active commitment in reducing the impact that aviation has on global carbon emissions,” the companies said.

Nader Ahmed Al Hammadi, chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation, said: “We reaffirm ADA’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s efforts in the aviation sector to ensure sustainable growth and its adoption in the future.”

Gian Piero Cutillo, Leonardo Helicopters’ MD, said “The SAF flights in the UAE performed by ADA’s AW139 have shown what’s possible in support of the rapid evolution of sustainability requirements in aviation.

“This technology can deliver real benefits in the region and widely across geographies, for all missions and can be readily available. We’re committed to joining forces with authorities, energy industry leaders and rotorcraft service providers to incentivise the use of SAF to sustain carbon footprint reduction.”

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Fri, 01/12/2023 - 12:00

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Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) and Leonardo’s AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopter has accomplished two flights powered by aviation fuel blended with SAF.

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FL Technics becomes AMO service provider at Abu Dhabi Terminal A

eNethersole — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 11:08:56 +0000

FL Technics’ will offer a comprehensive suite of GCAA-certified AMO solutions to airlines operating from this strategic hub.

The First Independent MRO at Terminal A: FL Technics stands as the first, and currently only independent AMO service provider at the prestigious Abu Dhabi Terminal A, reinforcing its commitment to deliver quality maintenance services to the aviation community in Abu Dhabi and across the region. This exclusive position gives FL Technics a key player role to meet the diverse needs of airlines seeking top-tier AMO solutions. Being an independent AMO services provider enables FL Technics to offer tailored and on-demand solutions, prioritizing the needs of the clients and ensuring the most efficient TATs (turn-around-times), and bespoke quality.

Strategic Hub for Regional Aviation: Operating from Terminal A, FL Technics leverages its strategic position to offer a wide array of AMO services focused on the narrow-body (NB) commercial aircraft operating in the region. The airport’s central location and FL Technics’ expertise create a symbiotic relationship, enhancing operational efficiency and contributing to the growth of the local aviation ecosystem. Zilvinas Lapinskas, CEO of FL Technics, emphasises the synergy:

“Just as the launch of the new Terminal A earlier last month was a strategic milestone for the United Arab Emirates and, in fact, for the entire GCC aviation industry, this development is important for FL Technics to mark a new stage of our growth in the region and establishing the leading position as an independent AMO, certified by the GCAA and trusted by our partners. Proud of our teams committed to continuous development to meet the ever-growing demand from airlines and lessors.”

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Fri, 01/12/2023 - 12:00

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MRO company FL Technics is now the first independent AMO (Aircraft Maintenance Organisation) service provider at Abu Dhabi Terminal A.

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Emirates wins Transport & Logistics Company of the Year

eNethersole — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 14:24:06 +0000

The win is evaluated on the best experiences in the sky and on the ground, across every cabin class.

Nominees are evaluated and judged on criteria such as innovation, growth, financial results, product quality, service delivery, and corporate social responsibility. A judging panel of industry leaders then choose winners based on the votes received via public voting.

Emirates has had a bumper year of ramping up the rollout of its highly popular Premium Economy cabins as part of its US$2 billion investment in cabin and service enhancements. Today the airline serves twelve cities with the new Premium Economy product including London Heathrow, Sydney, Melbourne, Christchurch, Auckland, Singapore, Los Angeles, New York, Houston, San Francisco, Mumbai and Bengaluru. By the end of this year the list will grow to 14 cities with the addition of Tokyo Narita and Sao Paulo from 20 December.

The airline is also investing in its future fleet to ensure the very best experience for customers and power stronger network connections. At the Dubai Airshow, Emirates made a commitment for an additional 90 Boeing 777-9s, 777-8s, and 5 787s, worth US$ 52 billion and 15 additional Airbus A350-900s, worth US$ 6 billion.

On the ground, Emirates has been streamlining the airport experience enabled by technology like biometrics, eliminating the need for travel documents like boarding passes and passports.

Sir Tim Clark was also honoured with Transport & Logistics Business Leader of the Year and Business Leader of the Year at the Gulf Business awards. T

The awards recognise leaders who have demonstrated significant contributions to the growth of their respective industries and organisations. Clark has served as an Emirates leader from the very outset of the airline’s humble beginnings as part of a small management team of 10 people. Since then he has steered the airline through some of its biggest challenges, helping grow Emirates into the world’s largest international airline renowned for its outstanding products and services.

Clark said: “Being awarded this accolade is a true team effort of Emirates’ management, and the many thousands of people that have come through our organisation over the last 38 years who have built it into the airline it is today, in an amazing country and city, the UAE and Dubai. Emirates is a brand that has harnessed itself to Dubai, and with the drive and visionary leadership of this country, we hope that the brand continues to propel itself and Dubai even further.”

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Thu, 30/11/2023 - 12:00

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Emirates’ has won the title of Transport & Logistics Company of the Year accolade at the Gulf Business Awards 2023.

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Virgin Atlantic 100% SAF flight powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines

eNethersole — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 14:00:23 +0000

Flown on a Boeing 787, using Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, the flight marks a world first on 100% SAF by a commercial airline across the Atlantic. The milestone flight was made possible by a Virgin Atlantic-led consortium, including Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Imperial College London, University of Sheffield, ICF and Rocky Mountain Institute, in partnership with Department for Transport.

SAF has a significant role to play in the decarbonisation of long haul aviation, and pathway to Net Zero 2050.

While other technologies such as electric and hydrogen remain decades away, SAF can be used now. Today, SAF represents less than 0.1% of global jet fuel volumes and fuel standards allow for just a 50% SAF blend in commercial jet engines. Flight100 will prove that the challenge of scaling up production is one of policy and investment, and industry and government must move quickly to create a thriving UK SAF industry.

As well as proving the capabilities of SAF, Flight100 will assess how its use affects the flight’s non-carbon emissions with the support of consortium partners ICF, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), Imperial College London and University of Sheffield. The research will improve scientific understanding of the effects of SAF on contrails and particulates and help to implement contrail forecasts in the flight planning process. Data and research will be shared with industry, and Virgin Atlantic will continue its involvement with contrail work through RMI’s Climate Impact Task Force, which is part-funded by Virgin Unite.

The SAF used on Flight100 is a unique dual blend; 88% HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) supplied by AirBP and 12% SAK (Synthetic Aromatic Kerosene) supplied by Virent, a subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum Corporation. The HEFA is made from waste fats while the SAK is made from plant sugars, with the remainder of plant proteins, oil and fibres continuing into the food chain. SAK is needed in 100% SAF blends to give the fuel the required aromatics for engine function. To achieve Net Zero 2050, the innovation and investment needed across all available feedstocks and technologies must be harnessed to maximise SAF volumes as well as continuing the research and development needed to bring new zero emission aircraft to market.

Rolls-Royce recently announced that it has proved all its in-production civil aero engine types are compatible with 100% SAF. This fulfils a commitment, made in 2021, to demonstrate there are no engine technology barriers to the use of 100% SAF.

Simon Burr, group director of engineering, technology & safety, Rolls-Royce, said: “We are incredibly proud that our Trent 1000 engines are powering the first ever widebody flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel across the Atlantic today. Rolls-Royce has recently completed compatibility testing of 100% SAF on all our in-production civil aero engine types and this is further proof that there are no engine technology barriers to the use of 100% SAF. The flight represents a major milestone for the entire aviation industry in its journey towards net zero carbon emissions.”

Sheila Remes, vice president of environmental sustainability, Boeing, said: “In 2008 Virgin Atlantic and Boeing completed the first commercial SAF test flight on a 747 and today we will accomplish yet another significant milestone utilising a 787 Dreamliner. This flight is a key step toward our commitment to deliver 100% SAF-compatible airplanes by 2030. As we work toward the civil aviation industry’s net-zero goal, today’s historic journey highlights what we can achieve together.”

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Thu, 30/11/2023 - 12:00

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Rolls-Royce announced this week that a Virgin Atlantic flight flew on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) London Heathrow to New York.

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dnata awarded multi-year cargo contract with Maersk Air Freight

eNethersole — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 13:40:18 +0000

The partnership will see dnata provide quality and safe cargo handling services to the airline at Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN).

dnata’s dedicated team will handle up to 6,000 tonnes of cargo annually for Maersk Air Freight, which currently operates weekly flights between Cologne and Greenville (GSP) in the USA with a Magma Boeing 747-400F aircraft. The airline plans to increase weekly frequencies, significantly expanding cargo capacity on the route in the coming months.

Stef van Binst, managing director, dnata Belgium and Germany, said: “We are proud that Maersk has chosen dnata as its trusted provider for safe, reliable and efficient cargo handling services. This significant contract win is a testament to our Cologne team’s hard work and unwavering commitment to service excellence. We look forward to a successful partnership with our newest customer in Germany.”

dnata entered the German cargo market through a strategic acquisition of the exclusive operator of the Cologne Bonn Cargo Centre, a 12,000 sqm facility at CGN, in 2022. dnata currently serves 20 airline customers with a team of some 100 highly-trained aviation and logistics professionals at the airport. In the financial year 2022-23, dnata handled nearly 60,000 tonnes of cargo in Cologne.

CGN is the third largest airport in Germany in terms of cargo operations with significant capacity for further growth. It operates 24 hours a day and is ideally located in the heart of Northwest Europe with excellent road connections.

dnata is a leading global air and travel services provider. Established in 1959, the company offers quality and safe ground handling, cargo, travel, catering and retail services in over 30 countries across six continents. In the financial year 2022-23, dnata’s customer-oriented teams handled over 710,000 aircraft turns, moved over 2.7 million tonnes of cargo, uplifted 111.4 million meals, and recorded a total transaction value (TTV) of travel services of US$ 1.9 billion.

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Thu, 30/11/2023 - 12:00

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Emirati air and travel services provider dnata has been awarded a multi-year contract with Maersk Air Freight in Germany.

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Eve and Flexjet collaborate on UAMs

eNethersole — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 12:03:05 +0000

Together, the companies have conducted an initial software simulation of Eve’s cutting-edge Urban Air Traffic Management (Urban ATM) solution. The initiative validated and refined the software through user testing and feedback on its interface and industry value.

With London being one of the world’s foremost helicopter markets and a key focus for future eVTOL operations, the simulation took place over four days this month at Flexjet’s Tactical Control Centre at Farnborough Airport, UK, and saw Eve’s Urban ATM software shadowing live helicopter flights operated by Flexjet’s UK helicopter division, performing the kind of services that will be essential to enabling future UAM operations. Flexjet operates a fleet of 11 helicopters in the UK and its group of companies is one of Eve’s Urban ATM Fleet Operator customers.

Leading UK helicopter operator Flexjet provided its helicopter fleet to perform flights, collaborating closely with Eve’s Urban ATM team. NATS, the UK’s leading provider of air traffic control services, and London Heliport supported the initiative by providing additional feedback to help ensure Eve’s solution will provide the greatest value to all UAM ecosystem participants.

“This collaboration with Flexjet represents a significant step forward in our efforts to advance urban air mobility," said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve. "We are committed to exploring innovative solutions that will enhance current operations and contribute to the future of urban flights.”

Eli Flint, Flexjet President of Global Helicopter Operations, added: “We were delighted to provide Flexjet’s UK helicopter expertise and to play a key role in forging the UAM ecosystem of tomorrow, helping to inform the movements of the next generation of vertical aircraft. Flexjet is dedicated to advancing the aviation solutions that will meet our customers’ needs over the coming years, and we are excited by the potential of eVTOLs for seamless and sustainable electric short-range flights.”

The initiative encompassed various aspects of operations, including regular business operations, atypical scenarios and flights tailored to an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft’s specific needs, enabling the demonstration of product behavior in various real-world scenarios. The integration of vertiports to efficiently manage resources was the primary focus of the test, in addition to verifying and validating a subset of the Urban ATM product capabilities, with a specific emphasis on the UAM fleet operator support tool.

Eve’s objective with this collaboration was to provide insights into the services required to support future eVTOL operations safely and efficiently. Another aim was to investigate whether these new services may have immediate value for existing helicopter operations. Following the simulation, Eve and Flexjet will review the findings and discuss recommendations for improvements, changes, and potential integration requirements. The companies will also continue to explore opportunities for further integration of existing software tools, enhancing the potential of the Urban ATM solution.Electric UAM has the capability to improve the affordability of urban flights for communities, compared to current helicopter operations, and features a streamlined and efficient design, which contributes to reduced operational and maintenance costs. Eve’s Urban ATM solutions will support this by maximising the utilisation of aircraft and vertiports, further reducing operational costs.

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Thu, 30/11/2023 - 12:00

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Eve Air Mobility (Eve), which has customers in the Middle East, is progressing with its Urban Air Mobility (UAM) through a partnership with private aviation company Flexjet.

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Dubai Airports joins WEF’s 'Airports of Tomorrow'

eNethersole — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 10:47:01 +0000

This partnership is dedicated to steering the aviation industry toward Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050, focusing on critical areas such as energy, infrastructure, and financing.

Sven Deckers, director of strategy planning at Dubai Airports said: “We’ve aligned with the World Economic Forum because we recognise the critical importance of collaboration in addressing environmental sustainability challenges - in the aviation industry, competition is non-existent. This is a collective effort where all airports are united in a race against time. Together, we’re committed to achieving a net-zero future for the aviation industry.

In the lead up to COP28, the annual international climate summit being held in the UAE, and on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2023, Dubai Airports hosted a delegation of top representatives from the Airports of Tomorrow community. The group held a Brainstorm Breakfast to select three ideas for pilot projects to be developed by the community. Welcomed to Dubai Airports by Edward Slater, Senior Vice President of Strategy & Planning at Dubai Airports, the group toured key facilities at DXB including the hub’s 140km baggage handling system, and the solar energy installation at Terminal 2 – the largest of its kind at any Middle Eastern airport.

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Thu, 30/11/2023 - 12:00

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Dubai Airports has joined Airports of Tomorrow — a collaborative venture by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Airports Council International (ACI).

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SAMI and Embraer sign defence MoU

eNethersole — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 10:40:17 +0000

The agreement is geared towards expanding the operational footprint of both companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a focus on promoting the capabilities of the C-390 Millennium aircraft and delivering support to the kingdom’s Ministry of Defence. SAMI and Embraer will work to establish comprehensive maintenance capability for the Embraer aircraft in the Kingdom. Additionally, both companies will explore a Regional MRO Hub and a final assembly line for the Embraer C-390, as well as a mission system integration in the Kingdom. Furthermore, SAMI and Embraer will engage in training activities, which will enable the opening of new opportunities for both companies across the aerospace sector in the Kingdom and the region.

Walid A. Abukhaled, SAMI’s CEO, said: “We are delighted to have signed this agreement with Embraer, bringing new support and production facilities into the Kingdom. This growth in our business scope and capabilities highlights SAMI's dedication to advancing and supporting the development of the aerospace ecosystem in the Kingdom. It is another important step in SAMI’s efforts in supporting the Saudi Vision 2030 to strengthen the Kingdom's self-sufficiency in the defence sector and contribution to the localisation of 50% of the defence spending In the Kingdom by 2030.”

“While this expansion of our MRO capabilities is important, the key to this agreement is the establishment of joint training activities, to support the development of Saudi talents and the transfer of valuable skills within the aerospace sector.”

Bosco da Costa Junior, President, and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security added: “We are very pleased to sign this agreement with SAMI. This is the first step to advance cooperation in Defense and Security involving production chains between the two countries. With this Memorandum of Understanding, Embraer advances further into a strategic market. We will work hard to add value to the local industry, to the Royal Saudi Air Force, and to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

The agreement will support SAMI’s efforts in empowering local talents and contributing to the Saudi Vision 2030 goal of the localisation of the defence sector in the Kingdom.

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Thu, 30/11/2023 - 12:00

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SAMI and Embraer have signed an MoU to establish a cooperation in their respective aerospace industries, prioritising defence and security.

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