Airports

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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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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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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IndiGo implements Special VFR Operations to/from Deoghar Airport

eNethersole — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:45:03 +0000

With this approval, IndiGo has become the first Indian carrier that will be operating at Deoghar Airport in visibility as low as 3600 meters for Airbus fleet and 3200 meters for ATR fleet.

Captain Ashim Mittra, Senior Vice President, Flight Operations, IndiGo said: “IndiGo has been facilitating air travel at Deoghar Airport since July 2022, which is a crucial hub in the eastern sector of India, and strategically located to connect the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. However, the VFR operations at Deoghar Airport were limited to daylight hours with a visibility requirement of 5000 meters. This limitation was challenging during winter season when the visibility often falls below 5000 meters leading to a significant number of flight cancellations.”

“To overcome this limitation, IndiGo sought and obtained permission to undertake Special VFR operations at Deoghar Airport. IndiGo conducted a successful flight validation for Special VFR operations on November 10, 2023, paving the way for actual flight operations on scheduled flights. This is a crucial step to mitigate disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions, especially during the winter season.”

He added: "The successful implementation of Special VFR operations is a testament to the continuous efforts and collaboration between regulatory authorities, airlines and the airport operators to strengthen Indian Aviation. This marks a significant milestone for Deoghar Airport, enhancing its operational capabilities and ensuring smoother air travel for the region. IndiGo is proud to set one more milestone in the field of Indian aviation."

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Tue, 28/11/2023 - 12:00

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IndiGo has been granted approval for Special Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations to/from Deoghar Airport (VEDO) by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

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Pegasus launches services between Birmingham and Sabiha Gökçen International

eNethersole — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 11:15:09 +0000

From December 21 Pegasus will offer the flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Pegasus serves more than 130 destinations in 49 countries across Asia, Africa and Europe from its SAW hub.

Nick Barton, CEO of BHX, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Pegasus Airlines into the BHX fold. Pegasus is a very impressive low-cost carrier whose commitment to sustainable long-term growth is matched by our own here at BHX.

“I have no doubt these new services to SAW will be very popular with sunseekers, pilgrims, business travellers and people going to see family both in Türkiye and across the vast array of destinations offered by Pegasus’s strong onwards network covering Asia, Europe and Africa.”

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Fri, 24/11/2023 - 12:00

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Pegasus Airlines will start flying three times a week between Birmingham Airport (BHX) and Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW).

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DoKaSch Temperature Solutions opens new depot in Dubai

eNethersole — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 11:15:19 +0000

The new depot is in Dubai close to Dubai-World Central Airport, strategically placed due to its extensive global connections and immediate access to the networks of major Middle East carriers such as Emirates, operating a hub in Dubai, and Etihad, with a hub in nearby Abu Dhabi. This expansion aligns seamlessly with DoKaSch Temperature Solutions' growth strategy, expanding global supply chain for pharmaceutical products.

"The establishment of our new station in Dubai is a significant milestone in our growth trajectory and highlights our commitment to enhancing our global network," said Andreas Seitz, managing director at DoKaSch Temperature Solutions. "Dubai and Abu Dhabi are established hubs, and our new station will play an important role in the global supply chain for pharmaceutical products."

The pharmaceutical industry in the Middle East has experienced remarkable growth, with the UAE’s pharma market expected to reach a value of 4.7 billion US-Dollars by 2025, according to ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company. With the opening of the Dubai depot, DoKaSch Temperature Solutions strengthens its foothold in the region and globally, ensuring expedited access to the Opticooler, its high-quality and reliable temperature-controlled packaging solution.

Moreover, the Dubai depot holds strategic importance as a gateway to the Indian subcontinent, a key market for the production of pharmaceuticals, biosimilars, and biotech products. This expansion will increase the company's ability to serve the growing demands of the pharmaceutical industry in the Middle East and neighbouring regions.

With the new Dubai depot, DoKaSch Temperature Solutions' is expanding their free deliver global network offering the Opticooler. This container maintains a consistent internal temperature, even amidst extreme external fluctuations ranging from -30° to +50°C. This feature is particularly crucial for the Dubai market and the surrounding region, given the consistently dry climate throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging between 27 and 45 degrees.

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Thu, 23/11/2023 - 12:00

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DoKaSch Temperature Solutions, a provider of temperature-controlled logistics solutions, has opened a new depot in Dubai.

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SANS to collaborate with NATS on airport capacity enhancement study

eNethersole — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 11:06:26 +0000

“The signings serve as an indication of the organisations’ mutual intention to collaborate on projects regarding Air Traffic Management (ATM), with the aim of ensuring the secure expansion of air traffic throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the two organisations said.

Saudi Arabia is making major investments in its aviation infrastructure to help the Kingdom’s growth ambitions in support of its Vision 2030 strategy.

Over the next decade, Saudi Arabia aims to triple annual passenger traffic, with two long-haul connecting hubs and increased air cargo volume to 4.5 million tonnes.

Following NATS’ ACE (Airport Capacity Enhancement) programme, the project will provide a benchmarked, data driven assessment that will deliver valuable insights into current operations with recommendations on how airport capacity can safely expand.

Ahmed Alzahrani, the CSO of SANS, said: “SANS is committed to transform the aviation landscape and guarantee that we are at the forefront of driving innovation to shape the aviation services of tomorrow. This collaboration will leverage NATS expertise and digital solutions, to unlock new possibilities in airspace management and seamless flow of air traffic in the Kingdom.”

Guy Adams, managing director of NATS Services, said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has ambitious plans for the future of its aviation industry. By collaborating with SANS, we can help deliver the safe and efficient capacity growth that the Kingdom is seeking. We are delighted to be working together to deliver a project in Riyadh, and I am confident that our operational experience at some of the world’s busiest airports will prove invaluable.”

Posted date

Thu, 23/11/2023 - 12:00

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Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS) and the UK’s NATS have signed an agreement to collaborate on a capacity enhancement study at King Khalid International Airport.

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ExecuJet Middle East paves the way for luxury private aviation

eNethersole — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 11:02:14 +0000

The future of luxury aviation will take off with the launch of this new facility, expected to be operational before year end. With the completion of the DWC facility and the comprehensive refurbishment of its private terminal facility at Dubai International Airport (DXB), ExecuJet has positioned itself as a provider of choice for the rising demand for premium private aviation services in the region.

The private terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport is set to redefine the benchmarks for private aviation services, with a strong focus on advancing and embracing modern luxury. This innovative establishment, a ground-breaking venture in the region, encompasses a generous 15,000 square meters spread over three levels. Within this exceptional facility, visitors will encounter a diverse range of services encompassing luxurious lounges, a signature Majlis Lounge as well as a VIP lounge adjoined by a cutting-edge board-room space.

Patrick Hansen, Group CEO of Luxaviation and partner at ExecuJet Middle East said: “The completion of ExecuJet Middle East’s flagship headquarters at Al Maktoum International Airport marks a significant milestone in our journey to redefine luxury aviation. This new facility is a first of its kind in the region and is a testament to our belief in the enduring growth and importance of the private aviation sector in the region and beyond.”

ExecuJet Middle East spokesperson, Khalid Al Hai, Board Member added: "The DWC facility represents the future of luxury aviation in the Middle East. For over two decades, we have witnessed the evolution of the business aviation market in the region. We are dedicated to providing our clients with an unmatched experience, and this new state-of-the-art facility, which is the first of its kind in the region, embodies our commitment to that goal, while also providing a diverse array of offerings designed to cater to an extensive range of travellers."

ExecuJet also houses a fully-equipped, air-conditioned 7,000 square meter hangar, complete with state-of-the-art security systems, onsite meeting rooms, and storage facilities. Furthermore, the facility is adjoined by an independent MRO facility, delivering a seamless and comprehensive private aviation experience for all visitors.

As the DWC facility approaches its grand opening, ExecuJet Middle East extends a warm invitation to industry experts to discover a world of cutting-edge technology, unparalleled luxury, and an extraordinary preview of the future of luxury aviation.

Posted date

Wed, 22/11/2023 - 12:00

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ExecuJet Middle East has completed its new flagship headquarters at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

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AFRAA AGM: Liberalised market via SAATM is a slow process:

aPeaford — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 20:01:21 +0000

He described the progress since 2018 of 37 countries signing up to SAATM as “good progress but not good enough”, especially considering that only 18 of them have “fully submitted” to it. “We cannot predict a dismal performance to the generation that is coming after us,” said Munetsi.

Hosted on the shores of Lake Victoria by national carrier Uganda Airlines, the principle of SAATM received strong support from all sides at the AFRAA meeting but has been hampered by protectionism and fears about a more competitive market.

“We would look to switch it on tomorrow if we could, but let’s be honest it needs a lot of work,” said Kamil Al-Awadhi, vice-president Middle East & Africa at IATA.

Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport in the Ugandan government, reaffirmed his government’s continued support of SAATM, but noted it “it not an event, but a process. We have commenced the process to align our legal regime with the SAATM principles and in due course we will be announcing our commencement date.”

Wamala noted that “SAATM is not a magic wand”, sounding a warning that it alone will not solve Africa’s lack of regional connectivity.

Jenifer Bamuturaki, CEO of Uganda Airlines, noted that while Africa’s air transport industry has shown “remarkable resilience” over the past few years, it was disappointing there had been no significant increase in the proportion of international traffic carried by the continent’s carriers compared to other regions.

She said the region needs to find “faster ways to speed up market liberalisation”, adding that conversations with her country’s CAA and government were “moving in a good direction” in terms of achieving greater freedom to operate.

The guest of honour, Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo noted how “air transport has become an important part of our national strategy”, adding that the government is committed to investing in the national carrier.

Speaking on the CEO panel, Ethiopian Airlines head Mesfin Tasew said that his airline is “eagerly awaiting the full implementation of SAATM” but that it has been able to expand regardless of markets opening through the SAATM process.

Tasew added that its recent slew of Airbus and Boeing orders placed at the Dubai Airshow in the week prior to the AFRAA meeting were made based on its long-term strategic growth plan not on any SAATM dividend.

He also noted that while most AFRAA airline CEOs publicly support SAATM, in private some are worried about the implications of SAATM and the competition that would bring.

Joao Jorge, CEO of LAM Mozambique Airlines, said he understands the “fear” airline leaders might have, but stressed that “we need to be open to the fact that competition is necessary for us all to grow.”

Posted date

Mon, 20/11/2023 - 12:00

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“If we were to create a scorecard for ourselves, I don’t think [as] students we will be proud to take the scorecard back home,” said Aaron Munetsi, chief executive of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa, speaking during the AFRAA 55^th Annual General Meeting and referring to Africa’s record to date on bringing in air transport liberalisation via the Single African Air Traffic Market (SAATM).

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How upgrades can help pull in more wildlife tourists...

pIvanova — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 10:29:31 +0000

Airports 17 November 2023

How upgrades can help pull in more wildlife tourists...

Uganda is seeking to upgrade a series of up-country airstrips to handle international flights, as well as boosting tourism to the country’s national parks.

International air passengers will be able to fly direct to several of Uganda’s national parks and protected areas, if a government scheme comes to fruition.

Up-country airfields at Kasese, Kidepo, Pakuba and Kisoro are planned to receive an upgrade to international standards that will allow travellers to fly in to nearby attractions. The project will allow passengers to avoid travelling via the country’s busy Entebbe International Airport, near the capital, Kampala, then having to transfer, either by light aircraft or surface transport, to resort areas.

According to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Kasese airfield, together with another at Arua, are slated for development to category 4C airports that would allow them to handle aircraft of the size of a Boeing 737–500.

The -500 was the smallest of the second-generation models of the Boeing twin jet and typically can carry a maximum of around 130 passengers in an all-economy cabin configuration – perhaps 100-110 in a two-class layout.

However, this is also the size category for the new ranges of ‘crossover’ jets such as the Embraer 190 and Airbus 220 that span the gap between regional turboprops and mainline narrowbodies like the Airbus A320 and larger members of the Boeing 737 family. These are becoming increasingly popular with airlines in Africa.

The CAA told African Aerospace that master plan and preliminary engineering designs for airfields at Arua and Gulu have been completed. These provide for a paved runway of 3,200m x 60m for Arua in place of the existing gravel strip, plus new terminal complex and cargo centre costing around $53 million.

Gulu, meanwhile, will see a major expansion, including the construction of a new 3,100m x 60m runway, as well as a new passenger terminal, taxiways, apron, cargo complex, control tower and fire station. The first phase of this project is estimated to cost $56 million.

Kasese will have its existing 1,500m grass runway replaced by a paved runway 2,500m x 45m. Like Gulu, it will undergo a transformation, with a new passenger terminal complex, together with cargo and fuel facilities and a new taxiway system. Cost for the first phase of the project will be $57 million.

Smaller-scale improvements will take place at eight other airstrips – Pakuba, Kisoro, Kidepo, Jinja, Tororo, Moroto, Soroti and Mbarara. The value of the works there range from $7m to $350,000 and include such improvements as runway repairs, improvements or extensions, perimeter fencing and, in the case of Pakuba, a new passenger terminal.

Like Kasese, Kidepo, Pakuba and Kisoro will be given tarmacked runways and provided with immigration facilities, allowing international flights to fly there directly and give tourists access to nearby national parks.

Uganda’s minister of tourism, wildlife and antiquities, Tom Butime, announced the upgrades earlier this year at the Uganda Tourism Board’s “Pearl of Africa” tourism expo.

Previously, the only airstrips at Kasese, Kidepo, Pakuba and Kisoro National Parks were bush airstrips, which meant that visitors had to enter Uganda via Entebbe and then find alternative transportation such as a Cessna Caravan light aircraft or to travel by road to visit the locations.

The upgraded airstrips will not only be able to handle much larger aircraft, but also executive jets, allowing wealthy visitors to fly in with friends or family. Tourism is a significant revenue-earner for Uganda and accounted for around 7% of the country’s GDP last year.

Uganda received slightly more than 800,000 foreign tourists last year, a 59% increase over 2021’s figures, but still significantly below pre-pandemic levels of almost 1.5 million. Tourism brought in $712 million, accounting for around 12% of total exports.

It is in the light of increasing this valuable trade that the airfield improvements can be seen.

Alan Dron

Alan Dron is air transport editor at Arabian Aerospace for which he has written since its launch.

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FL Technics becomes AMO service provider at Abu Dhabi Terminal A

dnata awarded multi-year cargo contract with Maersk Air Freight

Dubai Airports joins WEF’s 'Airports of Tomorrow'

IndiGo implements Special VFR Operations to/from Deoghar Airport

Pegasus launches services between Birmingham and Sabiha Gökçen International

DoKaSch Temperature Solutions opens new depot in Dubai

SANS to collaborate with NATS on airport capacity enhancement study

ExecuJet Middle East paves the way for luxury private aviation

AFRAA AGM: Liberalised market via SAATM is a slow process:

How upgrades can help pull in more wildlife tourists...

Alan Dron

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