Low-cost carrier flyadeal, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabian Airlines, has signed a seven-year TrueChoice™ Overhaul agreement during the Dubai Airshow to cover CFM56-5B* engines that power its 11 A320-200 aircraft fleet. The TrueChoice Overhaul agreement provides time and material required to overhaul flyadeal’s fleet of CFM56-5B engines.

“GE Aviation is honored to provide Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul services and material to support flyadeal’s growth in the Middle East. This agreement will enable us to provide high-quality OEM service to keep flyadeal’s CFM56-5B engine fleet flying,” said Russell Stokes, GE Aviation Services president and chief executive officer.

As part of the agreement, GE Aviation provided flyadeal an end-to-end engine management solution, combining engine overhaul services along with logistics for engine removals, changes and leases. Previously, the cost and logistics of engine removal, delivery and collection was the responsibility of the airline or lessor customer. The company’s turnkey approach means these logistics will be handled by GE and its suppliers.

“We are delighted to be working with GE Aviation in developing its first integrated turn-key engine services program which addresses the complete A to Z needs of flyadeal under a single vendor agreement between GE and flyadeal. It’s a testament to how a true low fare operator like flyadeal is driving innovation and change by working closely with key partners willing to adapt to the specific operational needs of flyadeal,” said Mike Hewitt, chief operating officer of flyadeal.

GE Aviation is providing flyadeal integrated overhaul and engine change services through Caerdav, an independent aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider that is a GE vendor in this agreement.

“This idea represents a new way of doing business for GE, and we are proud to be one of their trusted MRO suppliers. Through working closely with Caerdav, GE will be able to offer their customers a more streamlined, efficient and cost-effective way of managing their engine requirements,” said Joachim Jones, group CEO for Caerdav.

The TrueChoice suite of engine maintenance offerings incorporates an array of GE capabilities and customization across an engine’s lifecycle. Each TrueChoice offering is underpinned by GE Aviation Fleet Support’s 24/7 Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics to help reduce maintenance burden and service disruptions for customers.

™TrueChoice is a trademark of GE.

*CFM56 engines are a product of CFM International, a 50-50 joint company between GE and Safran Aircraft Engines.

Dubai Air Show 2021 debut for G-KELT

Acropolis Aviation was the launch customer for Airbus’ new ACJneo single-aisle family in May 2015, during EBACE in Geneva.  This week’s 2021 Dubai Air Show will see G-KELT make its first public appearance on the static at the Dubai World Central (DWC) Airport venue – for Airbus Corporate Jets.

The aircraft entered service in March 2020, sporting a distinctive, luxurious cabin design by Yves Pickardt from Alberto Pinto and installed by leading completion specialist AMAC Aerospace at its Basel Airport facilities in Switzerland. “We are absolutely delighted Airbus Corporate Jets is showcasing our aircraft at the Dubai Air Show”, commented Acropolis’ CEO Jonathan Bousfield. “We are very much looking forward to presenting the aircraft to our Middle Eastern clientele for the first time.”

G-KELT can accommodate up to 19 passengers, sleeping 17 on fully lie-flat beds, with luggage space for over 100 pieces of baggage and the support of a crew of six. The aircraft is also certified for extended-range flights of up to 12 hours and low visibility ‘CAT 3A’ landing minima in severe weather conditions. Flight entertainment and onboard connectivity is via Collins Aerospace and Satcom Direct.

Leonardo’s participation at the air show is centered on the future of flight and advanced electronics. Leonardo is a leader in military pilot training, offering a turnkey training solution including platforms, systems and services that guarantees the highest standards of quality at every stage of training to customers worldwide. In the UAE, Leonardo has provided more than 100 helicopters, advanced naval technologies, secure communications, space technologies and training aircraft

Leonardo, the Italian-headquartered global aerospace and defence company, is presenting its revolutionary AW609 tiltrotor for the first time in the region at the 2021 Dubai Airshow (14-18 November). With a stand (booth 530 – UK Pavilion) and an outdoor static area (Pavilion S19) at the event, Leonardo is ready to welcome visitors to see some of its most advanced technologies, including the only tiltrotor in the market set to receive civil certification. Other high-tech equipment on show will include advanced electronics, helicopters and defence technologies.

“In 2019, the Dubai Airshow was the last major Aerospace and Defence event before the pandemic – says Pasquale Di Bartolomeo, Leonardo Chief Commercial Officer –: and this year’s edition, taking place as we start to emerge from the global emergency caused by Covid-19, is going to be an important showcase for Leonardo. We are sure that the event will be a success even in a time of ongoing caution, just like the

Emirati government’s hugely impressive and safe Expo 2020 Dubai which Leonardo is currently proudly contributing to. Our partners in the UAE and in the whole Middle East continue to be of great importance to Leonardo and we believe that the Dubai Airshow will give us the chance to further strengthen these ties and pursue a range of business opportunities.”

That close relationship between Leonardo and its regional partners is behind the company’s choice to present the AW609 tiltrotor at Dubai Airshow 2021, marking its first appearance at an aerospace and defence exhibition outside Europe and the U.S. The AW609 is an impressive feat of engineering: with its ability to change the position of its two rotors in less than 60 seconds, it can take-off vertically like a helicopter while performing in-flight like an aeroplane. Capable of carrying out a variety of missions, from passenger transport and medical care to civil protection and search and rescue, the AW609 can fly at over 500 km/h. It has a range of almost 1,400 km, which increases to over 2,000 km with auxiliary tanks. The AW609, on display at the Dubai Airshow, was flown to Dubai for the opening ceremony of the innovative helicopter terminal, built by Leonardo in partnership with Falcon Aviation Services at the Expo 2020 Dubai site. Here the company also launched ‘Agusta’, reinvigorating the iconic helicopter brand as the marker for Leonardo’s VIP transportation products and services.

At booth 530 in the UK Pavilion, Leonardo will be presenting its gold-standard aircraft protection technology in the form of BriteCloud and Miysis DIRCM as well as advanced electronics for airborne surveillance, represented by its Osprey AESA radar and SAGE electronic support measures system. BriteCloud is a countermeasure for combat, transport and special mission aircraft that provides latest- generation protection from radar-guided surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles. Fired like a flare, it contains a powerful miniature jammer that seduces incoming missiles towards BriteCloud as it falls away from the aircraft, ensuring that the missile detonates far away from its intended target. Then for protection against InfraRed (IR)-guided threats, Leonardo’s Miysis DIRCM uses a high-powered laser to ‘dazzle’ incoming missiles, forcing them away from their intended target. Leonardo’s decades of experience in laser and precision targeting enables this to happen at lightning-fast speed, allowing Miysis to defend against multiple, simultaneous incoming missiles.

Ensuring that aircraft crews have access to the highest level of situational awareness, the Osprey radar offers multi-domain AESA capabilities, meaning it can support a wide variety of missions and provide maximum field of view on a variety of platforms – be they fixed wing, rotary wing or uncrewed. For customers looking for an electronic intelligence capability, the Leonardo SAGE system delivers a unique level of situational awareness to operators. Notably, the system has been integrated into the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. MQ-9B SeaGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) and is being offered to customers as a fully-integrated capability on-board that system.

Leonardo’s technologies have been contributing to the security and defence of the Emirates for over fifty years and the Company continues to work – via its local branch in Abu Dhabi – with the UAE government, Armed Forces and partners. Leonardo technologies have equipped Emiri Armed Forces as far back as the mid ‘70s, with the supply of SF-260 basic trainers and OTO 76/62 naval guns. Since then, Leonardo has provided integrated naval systems for combat management, defence systems, naval radars, fire control systems, missile electronics and military radios for more than 40 ships in the UAE, including Ghannatha, Baynunah, Falaj 2 and Abu Dhabi-class corvettes. Based on this track record, last February Leonardo announced it submitted an offer to Tawazun proposing itself as partner for the design and development of the UAE national Combat Management System, which will be the pillar of the UAE Navy’s future naval assets and it will ensure the legacy for the progressive upgrade the existing fleet. Leonardo high-tech platforms in the UAE include more than 100 helicopters, secure communications applications, space technologies and training aircraft, including the Aermacchi MB-339 jet trainer, chosen for Emirati national aerobatic team Al Fursan. Leonardo is proud that the Al Fursan pilots have trained in Italy, using the company’s aircraft and teaching systems.

In fact, Leonardo is a world leader in the training sector thanks to its M-345 and M-346 and can cover the entire pilot training syllabus. The new Fighter Attack version of the M-346, already delivered to its first international customer, retains all the characteristics of the advanced trainer version while also being a light fighter aircraft capable of carrying out a wide range of operational missions at far lower costs than other front-line fighters. As advanced pilot training continues to be needed in the region, Leonardo is ready to host students at the International Flight Training School (IFTS), a strategic collaboration between the Italian Air Force and Leonardo. Just a few weeks ago the IFTS announced its third customer and an expanded IFTS campus is under construction at Decimomannu Air Force Base in Sardinia. This will be an advanced flight academy able to host students and technical staff, with facilities including accommodation, recreational areas, a cafeteria and sports facilities. Its infrastructure will underpin the operations of a fleet of 22 M-346 aircraft (designated T-346A by the Italian Air Force). An entire building will be home to the Ground Based Training System (GBTS), with classrooms and a modern training system based on latest- generation simulation equipment.

flydubai, the Dubai-based airline, is participating at the Dubai Airshow for the seventh time, joining the static aircraft display with one of its Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The Airshow, which is held from 14 to 18 November, will give visitors the opportunity to experience the airline’s interior and onboard product. In addition, flydubai has unveiled a new livery design feature in celebration of the UAE’s 50^th anniversary and it will take part in the official formation flight at the Dubai Airshow.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “we are delighted to be back at the Dubai Airshow, especially during this historic year in which we celebrate our nation’s 50^th anniversary. As travel begins to open up and the world begins to connect once again, it gives those of us in the aviation industry an opportunity to be optimistic and what better place to share this sentiment than with key stakeholders at the Dubai Airshow. It is also a great platform to showcase our Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft which offers our passengers an enhanced onboard experience and operational efficiencies.”

The aircraft on display is one of flydubai’s 18 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft that is part of its single fleet-type of 55 Boeing 737 aircraft, which also includes 34 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 and 3 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft. With a flying range of 6,560 km, a LEAP-1B engine from CFM international and enhanced fuel efficiency, the MAX is designed to help improve overall fleet performance and operational flexibility. The size of the aircraft has been refined to allow for improved space in the cabin which features the innovative Boeing sky interior. The flowing lines of the gently-sculpted side walls provide a sense of spaciousness making the cabin welcoming and relaxing and the innovative LED lighting system can be adjusted for any ambience requirements. Since its return to service, the airline’s Boeing 737 MAX aircraft have completed more than 23,000 flight hours.

flydubai’s MAX 8 has a configuration of 166 seats, with 156 in Economy Class and 10 in the Business Class cabin, delivering an enhanced onboard experience for passengers through optimised space. The Business Class seat is designed to provide extra space and privacy with its high curved shell providing comfort and a sense of seclusion. It also features a flatbed, and when fully reclined the seat measures 78 inches, allowing passengers to sleep comfortably. The seat is also fitted with a 15.6-inch 1080p HD built-in touchscreen to enjoy a wide range of entertainment. The RECARO economy seat provides comfort through a generous seat pitch for passengers to sit back, relax and enjoy their flight.

To mark the 50^th anniversary of the UAE, flydubai has unveiled a newly designed decal on its aircraft. The new design feature is inspired by the flydubai logo, while the circle breaks into colourful triangles which symbolise the celebration of this important milestone. flydubai’s two primary colours are incorporated in the design; whereby the orange symbolises the sun and sand in the desert and the blue stands for the sky and sea reflecting Dubai’s landscape and coastline.

With travel restrictions gradually easing and more countries opening up for international travel, flydubai has grown its network to more than 95 destinations in 50 countries across Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and South-East Europe, the GCC and the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. The carrier has recently resumed flights to Naples, Prague and Zagreb and has launched operations to Ankara, Budapest, Ljubljana, Salzburg, Sohar and Warsaw.

Passengers who book a flydubai flight to Dubai will enjoy a complimentary 1-day ticket to visit Expo 2020 Dubai, which will take place from 01 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. The initiative is valid for all bookings that were made from 01 January 2020 for travel during the event dates.

Aerobility, the UK’s leading disabled flying charity, is delighted to receive a prestigious Laureate Award, in the business aviation category, from Aviation Week Network.  The award is for Project Able, a collaboration with Germany’s Grob Aircraft SE and the UK’s Southern Sailplanes, backed by the UK Government, which centres on a full refurbishment, new engine, propeller and avionics enhancement of former RAF Air Cadet Vigilant Grob G109 motorgliders.  A number will fly with Aerobility, adapted for disabled flyers and the remaining aircraft will be sold by the charity to support the project and also enable more disabled people to fly.

The Aviation Week Laureates celebrate the people, programmes and technologies that are changing the face of aviation. Sarah Montague, Aerobility volunteer, accepted the award from Bill Carey, Senior Editor Business Aviation, Aviation Week Network during a special ceremony and gala dinner at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, in McLean, VA, Washington DC on Monday evening.

Mike Miller Smith, CEO Aerobility said: “I am delighted that Project Able has been honoured in this esteemed category.   We support anyone with any disability, literally giving them wings. We do this because it challenges our flyers to ask themselves, if I can fly an aeroplane, what else can I do? The effects of learning to fly are felt far beyond the airfield, with greater self-confidence and an enhanced awareness of personal ability.”

That a small charity from the UK, should share a stage with such impressive winners is humbling and perhaps reflective of one of our core beliefs that experiencing the magic and wonder of flight, makes anything possible.

We would like to thank Molly McMillin, Managing Editor Business Aviation and the judging panel at Aviation Week Network for this award and for shining the light on our charity and disabled flying in particular. I would also like to thank our superb team at Aerobility including all our volunteers, whose continued support and dedication have made this possible.”

Aerobility’s Project Able, highlighted in Aviation Week’s June 2^nd issue, Aerobility Launches Grob Program To Increase Disabled Flying | Aviation Week Network, is returning 60  Grob G109 motor gliders to service, each featuring new Garmin avionics, MT Propeller and Rotax Engines. 

Profits from the sale of surplus aircraft will support disabled flying at Aerobility, which takes to the skies with up to 1,000 individuals a year. This includes people with disabilities and serious illnesses, as well as wounded, injured and sick members of the UK’s Armed Forces community. The remaining aircraft will join Aerobility’s fleet, lifting capacity from 1,000 to 2,600 individuals a year.

“With availability for sale globally, our ambition is to inspire a new generation of Grob pilots and encourage pilot training schools, gliding clubs, aviation enthusiasts and others to seriously consider purchasing a Grob G109 ‘Able’ aircraft,” said Mike Miller Smith.  “This recognition is a massive boost to our endeavours.”

Project Able has been gaining momentum in recent weeks. The first completed aircraft made its first public appearance in the UK in August and is scheduled for delivery to its customer in two weeks’ time.  A second will follow shortly.

With a complete airframe overhaul, state-of-the-art Garmin avionics, new Rotax engine and MT Propeller, Grob G109 Able’s performance and handling is hugely enhanced, whilst the fuel consumption is significantly reduced. The updated and re-certified variant of the Grob G109B makes for an exciting and environmentally friendly way to take to the skies. The aircraft is certified to run on the latest biofuels.

For more information, please contact: enquiries@g109able.org or visit www.g109able.org

This November, Dubai Airshow takes thought-leadership to new heights as it introduces 9 tracks packed with sessions covering the full spectrum of aviation, technology, and space. The conferences will cover an array of themes, including the role of new technologies in revolutionising air travel, major changes happening in the cargo sector, global advancements in sustainability and autonomous transportation, in addition to new space services, satellite connectivity and much more.

Global industry leaders will take part in Dubai Airshow’s conferences, including H.E Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government; Javed Malik, Group Chief Operations Officer at AirAsia; Stacy Malphur, Vice President of Environmental Sustainability and Supply Chain at Southwest Airlines; Brian Cobb, Chief Innovation Officer at CVG Airport; Ashish Vikram, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at SpiceJet, and Brian Yutko, Chief Engineer of Sustainability and Future Mobility at Boeing.

The conferences will be split into different stages: The Hub Stage, Aerospace 2050 Forum, and Tech Xplore. The Hub stage will host Global Air Traffic Management and Cargo Connect, exploring how these critical services supported the industry during the pandemic. The Aerospace 2050 Forum will feature a series of tracks dedicated to key growth areas in aerospace including advanced aerial mobility, sustainability and space. In addition, Tech Xplore, the brand new stage, will explore cyber security strategies alongside emerging technologies helping reboot the aviation industry including AI, 5G and automation. Major entities in the fields of technology, aviation, and cargo, will participate in the conferences, including Boeing, Accenture, G42, Air BP, Intelsat, FedEx, Kuehne + Nagel, SmartKargo, NAVPASS and Lilium.

One of the key sessions in Tech Xplore, “Touchless Travel: Leveraging mobile technology to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic”, will show how leading airlines are using advanced mobile technology to make travel safe. Furthermore, as part of the Aerospace 2050 Forum, “Investing in the future of sustainable autonomous flight” panel will shed light on Dubai’s mission to ensure that a quarter of all journeys in the emirate are taken on autonomous transport by 2030, as part of its plan to achieve sustainable aviation.

Chris Raymond, Chief Sustainability Officer at Boeing, said: “It’s apparent that the UAE is committed to creating a more sustainable future and we have collaborated with them on multiple initiatives such as founding the Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC) to develop sustainable aviation fuels. We are also grateful for our partnership with Etihad Airways on the Greenliner programme and the ecoDemonstrator 2020 program, ultimately collaborating to accelerate innovative technologies that further enhance the safety and sustainability of flying for current and future generations.”

Talal Al Kaissi, Vice President of Special Projects and Space Program at Group42, said: “At Group42, we believe that artificial intelligence is the next super utility with a huge potential for positive progress across various industries, globally. Aviation and aerospace is certainly no exception. We look forward to participating at this year’s Tech Xplore to discuss ways in which AI can be leveraged in the sector to increase speed, efficiency, safety and drive the post-pandemic recovery.” 

Dubai Airshow 2021 will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence – from 14-18 November 2021.

For more information about the conferences at Dubai Airshow 2021, please visit https://www.dubaiairshow.aero/conference

The Dubai Airshow 2021, set to take place from 14-18 November 2021, serves as a key indicator of Dubai’s success in overcoming the challenges that the pandemic has posed, and moving in the right direction towards achieving a full recovery of the aviation industry.

Commenting on the progress that Dubai’s aviation sector has made following the pandemic, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group said: “We have crossed many significant milestones this year despite the difficult period. Dubai has been a symbol of resilience and agility in responding to the challenges that the pandemic brought, and we are confident that the collaborative work done by the sector’s key players to restore consumer confidence and boost travel operations will pave the way for a thriving aviation industry. Dubai Airshow 2021 will serve as the ultimate testament to the industry’s steady recovery and growth and firmly establish Dubai as the leading global aerospace hub.”

Major Gen. Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Baloushi, Military Advisor to State Minister of Defence and Executive Director for Military Committee for Dubai Airshow: “For many years we have been collaborating and working closely with different defence delegations from across the world for the Dubai Airshow. This engagement has continued virtually throughout the pandemic, and we are now planning on having in-person meetings and sessions at the Airshow itself. With the positive sentiment within the industry and the appetite for business continuity, we believe the Airshow will provide the ideal event for strategic development and the creation of new partnerships.

Taking centre stage will be the different technologies that enhance safety and accelerate efficiency. They will play a key role in the aviation, aerospace and defence industries getting back to business following the pandemic. A great experience awaits the industry as they once again gear up to network, discuss the future of the industry and do business at the Dubai Airshow. There will be a high number of attendees from the defence industry at the Airshow and we are very much looking forward to meeting them during the event.”

The UAE recently started opening quarantine-free travel corridors with multiple countries across the world, which counts as a major step for bringing a higher influx of travellers and tourists. In addition, Dubai Airports recently re-opened Dubai International’s (DXB)Terminal 1, following a 15-month closure, as part of its plan to ensure the airport’s full operational readiness. DXB is targeting 28 million passengers in 2021.

To be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence, Dubai Airshow 2021 will take place at Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai Airshow Site from the 14-18 November 2021. 

Dubai Airshow 2021 will be held with the support of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports, the UAE Ministry of Defence and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, and organised by Tarsus Middle East. The highly anticipated event will provide a platform where international aerospace and defence entities can gather and convene to drive the recovery of the global aviation and aerospace industry. 

For more information, please visit the website https://www.dubaiairshow.aero/

The General Civil Aviation Authority in the United Arab Emirates signed a bilateral Air Services Agreement, on August 17, 2021 at the GCAA Headquarters in Dubai, with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

The Agreement was signed by His Excellency, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority and His. Excellency Lody Embrechts, Ambassador of The Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Arab Emirates.

His Excellency Saif Mohamed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, who signed the Final Signature of the Air Services Agreement confirmed that the General Civil Aviation Authority aims to conclude open skies agreements to expand commercial and tourism links and support the national carriers of the UAE along with strengthening the economic partnership, commercial companies and tourists through enhancing air transport connectivity and encouraging fair competition.

First enhanced Grob G109B ‘Able’ on show

Aerobility, the UK’s leading aviation charity offering disabled people, without exception, the opportunity to fly, is celebrating the arrival of its new aircraft type, the Grob G109B Able. Its first public appearance, at the Private Flyer GA show, this Friday 6^th August at Leeds East Airport provides a relevant showcase for prospective buyers to view this newly available aircraft type. Aerobility will be both operating the aircraft within its fleet, as well as marketing and selling this enhanced model commercially, in collaboration Grob Aircraft SE and Southern Sailplanes in the UK.

With a complete airframe overhaul, state-of-the-art Garmin avionics, new Rotax engine and MT Propeller, the ‘Able’s’ performance and handling is hugely enhanced, whilst the fuel consumption is significantly reduced. “This updated and re-certified variant of the tried, tested and much loved Grob G109B and its military derivative The Vigilant makes for an exciting and environmentally friendly way to take to the skies,” says Aerobility CEO, Mike Miller-Smith.

Guy Westgate, veteran motor-glider pilot, who gave his time to fly the ‘Able’ from Germany to Leeds describes it as “A fantastic upgrade to a popular, soundly built aircraft.”

Supporting the aircraft’s debut at the show, Mike adds: “Aerobility exists to change lives through the magic of flight. We are very proud to present this new aircraft type which will deliver magic to its owners whilst the proceeds will support disabled aviation. We only have a fixed amount of these aircraft to sell and we hope interest will be high.”

The aircraft flew from Aerobility’s HQ in Blackbushe, Surrey on 4^th August before positioning on the static display, following its arrival from Grob Aircraft SE in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany on 3^rd August.