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.”

The comprehensive program will equip the next generation of Cabin Crew professionals with the knowledge and skills required for their careers to soar

Prince Sultan Aviation Academy, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabian Airlines(SAUDIA), has announced a Cabin Crew Professional Training Program that is set to open for registration soon. The program will encompass 438 hours of academic and practical training at the world-class aviation academy and provides trainees with the necessary credentials to qualify as a professional Cabin Crew attendant in any airline.

Aspiring applicants will be able to sign up for the program by visiting www.psaa.com.sa. The training program is set to commence during the first quarter of 2022.

Entry requirements for the program include a high school diploma or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Applicants must be aged 20 or above and pass fitness criteria. Candidates must also pass English language exams, interviews, and medical checks.

Captain Ismail Koshy, Managing Director of Prince Sultan Aviation Academy, stated that “As we continue to grow the education and training offered at Prince Sultan Aviation Academy, the latest program for Cabin Crew training comes at a time when aviation is well positioned for a strong recovery. We are preparing for the surge in demand in the air travel sector by providing a wide range of options for those wishing to pursue a career in aviation”.

Continued Captain Koshy, “At PSAA, we are cultivating and training those interested in working at an airline and helping the aviation industry prosper”.

The training program includes specialized courses covering topics such as in-flight service training, the tools and equipment used on board, industry terms and phrases, and the rules and regulations governing air service operations. Participants will be trained on safety and how to handle and use onboard safety equipment in the event of an emergency and will benefit from first aid and healthcare association courses.

Graduates from the course will receive official certification from the Academy that qualifies them to work for any airline, as well as a first-responder certification from the American Heart Association.

Embraer has announced today, at the Dubai Air Show, a firm order for three new E175, plus three purchase rights for the same model of aircraft, with Overland Airways, from Nigeria. The 88-seat aircraft, with premium class cabin configuration, will be delivered from 2023. The deal is worth at USD 299.4 million, at list price with all purchase rights being exercised.

These aircraft will increase the domestic flights and allow to expand more regional routes. The president and CEO of Overland Airways, Capt. Edward Boyo, said, “we are confident that this is the right moment to invest, as regional aviation is on an optimistic post-pandemic recovery. Our customers will really enjoy all comfort in the E175, and we appreciate our partnership with Embraer.”

Cesar Pereira, Vice-president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Embraer Commercial Aviation said, “we are proud of this partnership with Overland and to support their regional expansion. We are seeing growing long-term demand for rightsized aircraft to deliver profitable domestic connections in Nigeria.”

During the pandemic, the E175 has been a vital tool for many regional airlines, as they are perfectly suited to rebuilding network, enhancing frequencies and efficiently adding capacity to meet demand that has been gradually recovering.

Singapore-based Aeroter today announced an exclusive five-year agreement with Swedish company Savback Helicopters AB to distribute and sell its innovative VRT500 light, single-engine helicopter. From its headquarters in Sweden, Savback will also cover sales representation of the aircraft in Norway, Denmark, and Finland.

The co-axial format VRT500 helicopter is on display at the Dubai Airshow, which is being held during 14-18 November at Dubai World Central Airport.  Aeroter CEO Alexander Okhonko leads the company’s participation at  Booth S14 in the exhibition hall.

The partners have identified a ripe market for the VRT500 from discerning European buyers.  Confirming the new partnership, Mr. Okhonko commented: “We are delighted to have made this agreement with our new Swedish partners.  Savback has built a strong global reputation marketing helicopters for civil use, and built a solid presence in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland.”

Mr. Okhonko continued.  “We plan to start deliveries of the VRT500 and are aiming to secure a 10% share of the global rotorcraft market for single turbine-engined helicopters between 2024 and 2042.”

The co-axial rotor format of Aeroter’s VRT500 has long been favoured in a number of successful aircraft designs, and its two sets of counter-rotating blades on a single mast removes the requirement for a tail rotor. It also provides opportunities to land in a smaller area, owing to the lack of tail and tail boom.

Head of Sales & founder Michael Savbäck, added: “We are very proud and honoured to be working with the capable and innovative people at Aeroter, and are delighted to be able to bring this exciting helicopter to the Scandinavian market.”

“The VRT500 highlights a gap in the market for light single-engine helicopters which we have long identified.  The helicopter’s versatility fulfils the requirement for six-seat passenger transport – attractive for VIPs, strong and safe for aerial work, and a very safe rotor system without the hazard of a tail rotor,” he stated.

Test flying of the VRT500 prototype will begin in 2022 in Italy in conjunction with Vertex Aero srl.  The location of the final production line is to be determined from a shortlist currently under consideration. 

Powered by the Pratt & Whitney PW207V engine, the aircraft has been designed to reach speeds of up to 250 km (155 mph) with a range of up to 900 km (559 miles) and a payload of up to 800 kg (1,763 lb). 

The VRT500 will feature new-generation avionics from Thales.

Last month Aeroter selected Swiss simulator company Bruner Elektronik to produce a Virtual Reality full-motion simulator for the aircraft, which will be used for demos and test flights at trade shows.

Aeroter is already working with EASA and expects certification of the VRT500 under their jurisdiction in 2024. The first 20 helicopters from the production line are already sold and are scheduled for delivery to customers in Europe and Asia.