Cavotec Airports will be re-branded to Dabico Airport Solutions, following its upcoming divestment from the Cavotec group. With a renewed focus on growth, innovation, and service, Dabico Airport Solutions is set to expand its existing offering that enables its customers to maximise safety, availability, efficiency, and sustainability. 

“Building on Cavotec Airport’s 50-plus year track record in the industry, Dabico is now well-positioned to devote its extensive expertise into continued product development and long-term growth – one of our key growth drivers will be a number of new products that we plan to launch in the months ahead,” says Juergen Strommer, Dabico Airport Solutions CEO designate. 

Dabico plans to showcase its full range of innovative ground support systems – and premiere three new products – at the upcoming Dubai Airport Show that kicks off on 17 May. 

The company’s vital role as a trusted partner to the aviation industry is defined in its vision statement “Accelerating our journey towards a sustainable future”, and mission to “bring innovative solutions to the aviation industry that safeguard people and protect the environment, while increasing productivity”. 

As a leading ground support equipment manufacturer and service provider, Dabico Airport Solutions offers a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art, turn-key systems for contact gates, remote aprons, and maintenance repair and overhaul hangars for commercial and defence applications. 

Its innovative solutions include 400Hz and 28VDC ground power units, pre-conditioned air systems, wet services and fuel systems that are integrated under passenger boarding bridges or in in-ground pits and tunnel systems. These systems reduce the use of mobile diesel-driven ground support equipment and quicker shut down of aircraft APUs, resulting in better operator safety, reduced environmental impact, and faster turnaround times driven by efficient and reliable operations. 

Dabico Airport Solutions brings together former marque Cavotec brands of Combibox, Dabico, Fladung, INET, and Meyerinck, to create a unique airport solutions provider. Cavotec announced the divestment of its Airports division to the Fernweh Group in February. Under private ownership, Dabico expects to have the agility to make decisions faster and the flexibility to invest in the future. 

“We are excited by the opportunity to acquire the Cavotec Airport business and look forward to working with management to continue to strengthen the business. The acquisition is an integral part of Fernweh’s investment thesis and will be a strategic platform on which to build a major airport ground support equipment franchise,” says Nick Santhanam, CEO of Fernweh Group.

Alshaya’s new eGift cards make gift-giving simpler and faster than ever

As customers increasingly go digital when they shop, Alshaya Group, one of the world’s leading international franchise operators, has launched a seamless and convenient online gifting experience, perfect for treating family and friends whatever the occasion.

eGift cards work exactly like a physical gift card but are purchased online through participating eCommerce sites.  Customers can shop for branded eGift cards to the value of their choice, and valid in the country of issue, with a choice of card designs including birthdays and anniversaries.

The cards can be gifted by SMS or emailed to the lucky recipient who can spend the value in full or spread its use across multiple purchases. They can also use the eGift card as a digital wallet that they can top up anytime they want.  Available in a choice of denominations and valid for a year from the date of issue, eGift cards can be used online and in-store by using the card’s QR code at the till point for redemption.  Cards can be linked to the customer’s online account for quick and easy shopping.

Branded eGift cards for Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret are available today in Kuwait, KSA and the UAE, with further brands going live shortly including American Eagle, Debenhams, COS, Boots, Foot Locker, H&M, Mothercare, Muji, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm.  Customers can access their preferred brand site directly or visit the Customer Zone on Alshaya.com to discover availability.

eGift cards are the latest product emerging from Alshaya’s Digital Hub which is driving ongoing digital transformation in line with changing consumer shopping habits.  Complementing its portfolio of thousands of stores, cafes, restaurants and leisure destinations, Alshaya now has the largest digital footprint in MENA, with over 100 websites and apps and a growing range of new digital solutions including new payment tools and new loyalty programmes.  This latest launch of eGift cards reflects Alshaya’s commitment to providing personal, relevant and effortless shopping experiences.

Commenting Paul Morris, Chief Digital Officer at Alshaya Group said, “Our focus is on meeting the wants and needs of our customers to ensure effortless experiences and serve them in the way that is most natural to them. We want to delight our customers every day, whether they choose to shop in-store, on a mobile device or through a browser.

By extending our already popular Gift Cards into a digital format we give customers the option to instantly gift their loved ones and celebrate special occasions.”

#GlobalTrendMonitor #GTM #AlshayaGroup #eGiftCards #Holidays #mydubai #lifestyle #fashion

Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) operator, has been named ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2022 Air Transport Awards that took place in Athens, Greece with the participation of industry leaders.

The winners of the Air Transport Awards were voted for by the readers of Air Transport News and a jury of international aviation experts.

The honour recognises Air Arabia’s consistent efforts to enhance the customer experience and its focus on delivering exceptional value for its passengers. It also celebrates the airline’s commitment in building and pioneering a sustainably profitable business model.

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said: “We are honoured to be named as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the Air Transport Awards, a prestigious recognition that underlines our commitment to operational excellence and customer service excellence. In addition to the value that we deliver as a low-cost carrier, we have consistently focused on enhancing the customer experience, and in further strengthening our operations during a very challenging period for the global aviation industry”.

He continued saying: “We are firmly committed to creating long-term value for our stakeholders, and continue to expand our operations to key global markets, thereby creating value for all the economies we operate in. This recognition is dedicated to everyone at team Air Arabia for their commitment, dedication and hard work.”

Air Arabia currently operates 170 routes from its hubs in the UAE, Morocco, and Egypt. Air Arabia Group has also signed an agreement with Lakson Group, one of Pakistan’s leading business conglomerates, to launch a new low-cost airline based in Pakistan and is also gearing up to officially start the operations of “Fly Arna” following an agreement with The Armenian National Interests Fund (ANIF) to launch Armenia’s national airline.

The Air Transport Awards are conducted every year and cover all the main categories of the air transport industry.

Earlier this month, leading aircraft charter specialist, Air Charter Service, chartered an Air Seychelles’ Airbus A320neo to fly the victorious Toyota Gazoo Racing Dakar Team back to Johannesburg, following the climax of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. Nasser Al-Attiyah and Mathieu Baumel stormed to victory in their Toyota DKR Hilux T1+, ably assisted by their large support team. Lyndee du Toit, CEO of ACS South Africa, commented: “We arranged the charter to fly the 96-strong team out from Johannesburg to Jeddah on Boxing Day, ahead of the two week race, which started on 1 January, 2022 and travelled the length and breadth of Saudi Arabia. “The gruelling 13-stage race covered more than 8,000 kilometres (5,000 miles) of Saudi Arabia’s dirt tracks and deserts and saw the Toyota team run out victorious on Friday, 14 January, 2022. A couple of days later the charter flew them back to South Africa, triumphant, on board the A320neo.”

Charles Johnson, Chief Commercial Officer of Air Seychelles, commented: “We are thrilled to yet again be working with ACS and to be the charter air carrier of choice for winning sports teams. In the case of the Dakar Rally, stretching our wings from Jeddah to Jo’ burg nonstop on our A320neo – teams around the world prefer the safe, reliable and friendly Creole spirit they receive when chartering with Air Seychelles.” A spokesperson for the Toyota Racing team said: “The charter flight to and from Jeddah was a remarkable experience. Getting all the South African competitors to and from the Dakar rally was a monumental task, but ACS was completely up to the job. The specific aircraft, flight crews and cabin crews were all modern, well-trained and dedicated, and the in-flight service and food was simply spectacular.”

EPIC Fuels to supply fuel blend with SAF component made from inedible agricultural waste for production, test, Dreamlifter and delivery flights

Largest SAF purchase to date demonstrates Boeing commitment to SAF as most immediate way to decarbonize aviation

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 8, 2022 – Boeing [NYSE:BA] today announced a supply agreement for two million gallons (7.5 million liters) of blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with EPIC Fuels to power its Commercial Airplanes operations in Washington state and South Carolina through 2022. The agreement is the largest announced SAF procurement by an airframer and further demonstrates Boeing’s commitment to decarbonizing aviation. 

“SAF is a safe, proven, immediate solution that will help achieve our industry’s long-term commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050,” says Sheila Remes, Boeing vice president of Environmental Sustainability. “Boeing has been a pioneer in making sustainable aviation fuels a reality. Through this agreement we will reduce our carbon footprint and have SAF available for customer deliveries as well as our own operations.”

Sustainably produced jet fuel, which reduces CO2 emissions by as much as 80% over the fuel’s life cycle with the potential to reach 100% in the future, is widely recognized as offering the most immediate and greatest potential to decarbonize aviation over the next 20 to 30 years. Made from several feedstocks, sustainable aviation fuel is certified for commercial use and can be blended with traditional jet fuel without modifications to airplanes, engines or fueling infrastructure. Approximately a year ago, Boeing committed to deliver its commercial airplanes capable and certified to fly on 100% SAF by 2030.

The purchase agreement with EPIC Fuels includes a SAF product made from inedible agricultural waste, blending 30% neat SAF with 70% conventional jet fuel. The purchase will enable broader use of SAF for Boeing commercial production, test, ferry, Dreamlifter and customer flights at facilities in Everett, Renton and Seattle in Washington state and North Charleston, South Carolina. EPIC Fuels will also continue to supply customized blends from 50/50% up to 100% SAF for the Boeing ecoDemonstrator program, which accelerates innovation by taking promising technologies out of the lab and testing them in the air to solve real-world challenges for airlines and passengers. SAF is currently approved for a 50/50 blend with conventional jet fuel for commercial flights.

“Our focus on environmental stewardship and safety is well known in the industry.” expressed Kyle O’Leary, VP and COO of EPIC Fuels, an independent aviation fuel supplier with primary operations throughout the U.S. and Canada. “EPIC and Boeing have been partners for decades and we are honored to be a part of this procurement. Working together, we are making sustainability more attainable for our customers.”

The purchase builds on Boeing’s long-term industry leadership and investment to develop SAF around the world, partnering with airlines, fuel companies, governments and research institutions to expand SAF supply and reduce its cost. Boeing began SAF test flights in 2008, helped gain approval for commercial use in 2011 and enabled airplane delivery flights with SAF starting in 2012. The 2018 Boeing ecoDemonstrator conducted the industry’s first 100 percent SAF commercial airplane test flight on a 777 Freighter in partnership with FedEx. In 2019, Boeing began offering customers the option to power commercial delivery flights with SAF to demonstrate commitment to reducing CO₂ and further spur the use of cleaner fuels.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com.

The aircraft is undergoing upgrades and expected to be available for charter in April.

The RoyalJet Group – the Abu Dhabi owned and operated award winning global leader in premium private aviation –  has again expanded its growing fleet with the acquisition of yet another Boeing Business Jet.

The purchase transaction was completed recently and this pristine, low time aircraft is currently undergoing technological and communications upgrades in Basel, Switzerland.  It is expected to enter into service with RoyalJet and be available for charter globally in April 2022.

Rob DiCastri, CEO at RoyalJet said:  “Despite the ongoing challenges presented by the pandemic, demand in the past 6 months has exceeded supply in our sector of the aviation industry and in our region.  The overall health of the global private jet market has now been strong for an extended period of time, and growth is expected to continue.”  

“Fleet expansion, renewal and upgrade are integral elements of our ongoing customer experience transformation, allowing us to continue to provide an even more exceptional experience to our guests,” he added. 

This Boeing Business Jet boasts 23 passenger VVIP interior with a forward crew rest area for long journeys, an aft private master bedroom with private lavatory and shower, and a mid-cabin open plan VVIP lounge.  It has been finished with state of the art materials and a custom configuration designed for functionality and maximum comfort and can sleep up to 12 in VVIP lie-flat seats and its queen sized bed.     

It has also been previously upgraded with special soundproofing to reduce in-flight noise levels, along with a low cabin altitude modification, special humidifiers and a HEPA filtration system, all designed to optimize health and comfort, leaving passengers more relaxed and fresher upon reaching their destination.

To further enhance the on board experience this aircraft is being fitted with the latest technology and the best connectivity available in the market.  This will include the very latest lighting, cabin management and in-flight entertainment systems, complimented by a high-quality sound system including overhead speakers and subwoofers.  Passengers will also be able to stream high definition video content throughout the flight, including via their own personal accounts with providers such as Apple TV, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video utilizing the industry leading on board wifi system.

This aircraft will also become the longest range BBJ in RoyalJet’s fleet, with auxiliary fuel tanks giving it the capability to fly non-stop for more than 12 hours and reach almost any destination globally with only one short fuel stop.  It will be the 14^th aircraft in RoyalJet’s fleet, which will now include 11 BBJs – already by far the world’s largest fleet of its type. 

“This is an exceptional aircraft with exceptional capabilities, along with an interior which we are confident will delight our current and future customers.  It reduces the age of our fleet, however it is only one more step in our continued upgrade and expansion, as we are actively pursuing further additions of new aircraft going forward.” added DiCastri.

Booking enquiry: Please visit the RoyalJet website for futher details: https://www.royaljetgroup.com/

Email:GENERAL.INFO@ROYALJETGROUP.COM

Phone: +971 2 5051 500

The Mi-171A3 Completes Its First Flight

The multipurpose helicopter Mi-171A3, developed by the Holding Company (Rostec State Corporation), started flight tests. The maiden flight in hover mode lasted 15 minutes and passed properly; all systems evinced stable operation. The rotorcraft is designed for offshore operations and maintenance of offshore drilling platforms.

During the flight, the crew consisting of chief test pilot, Hero of Russia Alexander Klimov and test pilot, knight of the Order of Courage Vladimir Kutanin performed a series of short vertical maneuvers, while turning and moving the helicopter in all directions at various speeds.

The development of the Mi-171A3 began in 2018. The latest helicopter fully complies with IOGP (International Association of Oil and Gas Producers) standards and meets the increased requirements for promoting the safety of flights over-water.

Mi-171A3 is fully designed in digital form, which made it possible to form a broad industrial cooperation within the Russian Helicopters Holding Company given the established competence centers. Various parts of the fuselage are manufactured at Kazan Helicopters, the Far Eastern enterprise AAC Progress, and the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, where the final assembly of the helicopter also takes place.

The Mi-171A3 has unique transport capabilities for its class: the maximum takeoff weight of the rotorcraft equals to 13,000 kg, the number of passengers transported is up to 24 people, the maximum flying distance is 1,000 km.

The helicopter is designed for all-weather operation in a wide range of climatic conditions, including marine, tropical and cold climates, within an ambient temperature range from −50°C to + 50°C. The Mi-171A3’s onboard equipment will provide automatic and manual control of the helicopter at all stages of the flight, from take-off to landing, with the possibility of automatic piloting both in airways and in unregulated airspace, regardless of the degree of ground radio navigation support.

#GlobalTrendMonitor  #Helicopter #Mi171A3#Aviation #magazineUAE #magazine #mediaUAE #UAEbusiness #myDubai 

On the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow, which was held during the period from 14-18 November, GCAA Commercial Services, International Aviation Consulting & Training (IACT) has signed several Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Civil Aviation – Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi Aviation and Dubai Airports.

The  purpose of these MoUs will encourage the strengthening of existing relationships and work together to reach a close view of opportunities for improvement and empowerment in the field of required training needs and skills, in addition to helping to enhance the level of competency of individuals, which will lead to enhancing the efficiency of aviation personnel.

GCAA, IACT (International Aviation Consulting & Training) provides more than 250 training programs on executive leadership in aviation, aviation safety, aviation security, quality, risk management, air transport agreements, corporate development, strategic planning and organizational development. So far, it has trained more than 4,000 aviation specialists from more than 100 entities inside and outside the country.

As more travelers turn to business aviation to help ensure their safety during the era of COVID-19, three highly experienced private aviation executives have launched SUITS on the Ground, an innovative concierge service providing on-site, bespoke service at FBOs and private jet terminals worldwide.  Drawing on decades of experience in business aviation, charter and ground handling, David Rimmer, Andy Ferguson, and Omar Diaz have come together to turn their focus on the often overlooked ground experience.

“The first 100 feet and last 100 feet on a business aviation trip can make or break the experience,” says SUITS CEO David Rimmer, adding “we are redefining the concept of door to door service.  While others focus on customer service that begins and ends at the aircraft door, we believe it actually begins and ends for passengers at the door of their vehicles before and after every flight.”

With record high levels of private jet activity – including an influx of new corporate and individual travelers – flyers may assume that everything will be taken care of, right through to their final destination. “We created SUITS to focus on the departures and arrivals, interfacing with the FBO, charter operators, brokers and corporate flight department to seamlessly extend an operator’s brand.” 

SUITS will fill a service gap that exists today.  Each tailored on-site service will meet a client’s precise needs and will be scaled to fit the mission for individual flights or large groups increasingly utilizing VIP corporate shuttles.   Services include meet and greets, facilitating ground transportation, movement of luggage, and last-minute requests that may be impractical or even impossible for busy FBO staff and traveler arrangers – who may be thousands of miles away – to fulfil.   

SUITS can also offer much needed relief to busy flight crews – assisting with aircraft restocking and passenger needs crews are unable to accommodate given their increasingly tight schedules and short turnarounds.  Rimmer added, “Changing travel habits brought about by the pandemic and increasing congestion at FBOs was the catalyst to launch SUITS on the Ground.”