airport cities march 2015

March - April 2015

“We look forward to showcasing our modernization plans for BIA during this event and we plan to take advantage of the exhibition to scout for the most suitable technologies, products and services to support our development programs,” Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah

For Sponsorship, Exhibiting and Conference Delegate registration:

Ms. Paoula PopovaMob: +971 55 561 6973Email: [email protected]

Ram MuthaiahMob: +971 55 231 9715E-mail: [email protected]

Organised by Co-organizer

Babylon InternationalFujairah, United Arab Emirateswww.emergingairports.com

www.emergingairports.com

20-21st of October 2015,The Regency Hotel, State of Kuwait

Exploring the Emerging Airports Potential

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All rights reserved. The opinions and views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are requested to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication,which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances. The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for any error or omissions contained in this publication.

Raj MenonSales [email protected]

Ram MuthaiahSenior Sales [email protected]

Pauola PopovaSenior Sales [email protected]

Nafeesa.M.PDeputy [email protected]

[email protected]

Ashwathi [email protected]

06 Events

08 Airports

16 Technology

Contents

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08

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24

20 ATC/ATM

22 Duty Free

24 Airlines

Po.Box:125186, Dubai UAE Tel: 00971 55 4153180 / 55 2319715E-mail : [email protected]: www.arabianreach.com

For Sponsorship, Exhibiting and Conference Delegate registration:

Ms. Paoula PopovaMob: +971 55 561 6973Email: [email protected]

Ram MuthaiahMob: +971 55 231 9715E-mail: [email protected]

Organised by Co-organizer

Babylon InternationalFujairah, United Arab Emirateswww.emergingairports.com

www.emergingairports.com

20-21st of October 2015,The Regency Hotel, State of Kuwait

Exploring the Emerging Airports Potential

Expo TagState of Kuwait

Bahrain invests in elevating aviation and cargo base

The Kingdom of Bahrain is all set for a major boost in aviation and

logistics infrastructure with development plans in process for Bahrain International Airport (BIA) and an Investment Gateway - Bahrain, a development between the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Port and the airport. Also plans are underway for development of a second causeway linking the Kingdom with Saudi Arabia, the GCC nation with highest GDP.

The World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranked Bahrain at 52, which has garnered Bahrain a fairly better score than oil rich economies like Kuwait and Oman and biggest emerging economies like India and Brazil.

The Kingdom’s aviation sector is set for a major facelift during the next five years with projects to be implemented for a comprehensive redevelopment of Bahrain International Airport to boost passenger and cargo capacity, once completed, will boost capacity to 13.5 million passengers a year and increase in cargo traffic. The airport aims to upgrade its facilities and expand capacity through an airport modernisation program. Gulf Air as Bahrain’s national carrier, on the other hand, acts as a key national infrastructure asset by opening the doors to travel, trade,

tourism and investment operating one of the largest networks in the Middle East. The airline connects more than 40 destinations globally.

According to a GCC Investment Outlook 2014 report issued in November the strengthened intra-region logistics connections are to enhance the flow of the goods and labour. The report also suggests that and a new causeway between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia announced in September would make regional economic integration possible. The cargo tonnage growth over last year in the kingdom has been positive in line with the government’s plans for economic revival.

Making the growth process evident, industrial forecasts suggest that total tonnage throughput for 2015 at Khalifa bin Salman (KBSP) is expected to grow 13.1 per cent with average annual growth forecast at 10.6 per cent between 2015 and 2019. Whereas, growth in Bahrain International airport tonnage handling is expected to grow 2.8 per cent in with average annual growth of 1.2 per cent over next five years.

Many logistics firms have benefitted from the Bahrain’s geographic proximity to Saudi Arabia and other major economies in the GCC. DHL, one of the largest logistics

The World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranked Bahrain at 52, which has garnered Bahrain a fairly better score than oil rich economies like Kuwait and Oman and biggest emerging economies like India and Brazil.

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4 | Airport Cities | March - April 2015

Bahrain International Airport will be hosting the Bahrain

International Airport Development Forum 2015 co-located with the Middle East Cargo & Logistics Conference and Exhibition on April 1st and 2nd 2015 to promote and showcase the Kingdom’s capabilities as aviation and logistic hub.

The two day event will be held at the Gulf Convention Centre in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The event is expected to be inaugurated by HE Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation

and Telecommunications, Kingdom of Bahrain.

Various sessions in the conference happening as a part of the event will provide a unique platform for idea exchange on infrastructural innovation and supply chain efficiency. And discussions will focus on airport and logistic developments across the region, with key decision-makers from the industry.

Speakers from Gulf airports including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are also expected to participate in the conference.

BIA to host airports and cargo forum to promote the hub strategy

providers in the world, identified Bahrain’s potential as a hub and began services to this small kingdom as early as 1976, the company also invested US$ 60 million for the Bahrain regional distribution centre in 1990s.

Malcolm Macbeth, vice president of DHL Aviation MEA, said “Bahrain is strategically located in a central position within this region and we understand the importance of that which is why our main air hub for Middle East and Africa is located in Bahrain.”

“Bahrain International Airport’s developments presents a massive opportunity for growth and modernisation,” he added.

Bahrain has positioned itself as a multimodal logistics hub connecting air, land and sea to serve the region and is fast becoming the Middle East’s cargo hub for global access. It offers the best physical access to Middle East markets such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Jordan and Turkey. The Kingdom of Bahrain undoubtedly is committed to leverage on the opportunities provided by strategic location, growing non oil economy and multi-modal logistics hub design for development to attract investments and build a strong aviation and logistics hub.

Eminent speakers at the event include Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, CEO, Bahrain Airport Company; Martin Bowman, Director, Global Airports Lockheed Martin; Mohammed Al Rais, President, Hill International Projects Middle East; Martin Bowman, Director, Global Airports Lockheed Martin; P.S. Nair, CEO Corporate, GMR Airports; Ms.Ivone Kuger head of consulting, Munich airport; Kimble Winter Global, CEO, Logistics Executive Group and Robert G Mills Head of Cargo at BIA etc.

“We look forward to showcasing our modernization plans for BIA during this event and we plan to take advantage of the exhibition to scout for the most suitable technologies, products and services to support our development programs,” added said Mr Al Binfalah.

Over 70 leading airports & logistic service providers will exhibit at the event, which is expected to host around 1500 delegates.

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March - April 2015 | Airport Cities | 5

BIA is ideally positioned to reap benefits: Mohammed Al Binfalah

With the Middle East carriers demonstrating a spur of fleet

expansion plans the region is expected to take delivery of more than 2500 aircrafts, airport operators are pushed to facilitate growing number of flights landing and taking off. Challenges presented in managing the operation efficiently and offering excellent passenger experiences are many, Mohamed Al Binfalah, CEO of Bahrain Airport Company in an Interview with us shares some of the challenges and his vision for expansion and how those improvements will deliver optimum services at Bahrain International Airport.

1. What are the challenges you face on a daily basis?

Bahrain Airport Company has been committed to managing and operating Bahrain International Airport as a world-class facility, in accordance with international processes and regulations; despite the challenge of working with a dated terminal facility that is handling double its allocated passenger capacity, our team has worked diligently to ensure BIA continues to operate successfully with the highest levels of service excellence and efficiency that define it. We have been both innovative and strategic in our approach and the passenger figures for 2014 showed 10per cent surge in

passenger numbers compared to the previous year, proves our efforts have paid off.

2. Share the expansion program with us with time deadlines & some of the company s involved/going to be involved in the expansion at various stages?

Under the guidance of the Ministry of Transportation, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) has been appointed as the Client Representative on the Airport Modernization Program (AMP). BAC in cooperation with Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs, the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, the Ministry of Interior, the Electricity and Water Authority, Design and Engineering Consultants Aéroport de Paris Ingérierie (ADPi) and Project Management Consultants Hill International, have put in place a detailed Airport Modernization Program (AMP) to modernize and transform Bahrain International Airport (BIA) into a world-class facility, in line with the Kingdom’s national vision and reputation as a leading financial, cultural and aviation center in the Gulf region.

This ambitious venture will increase the airport’s handling capacity from 9 to 14 million passengers per year and elevate the infrastructure, facilities and services at Bahrain International Airport to enhance passenger experience and solidify BIA’s competitive advantage in the region as a significant aviation hub. The first phase of the AMP is currently underway with immediate enhancements being done to the existing terminal, including the installation of new air bridges and scanning machines already as well as general cosmetic improvements.

3. With lots of airport projects around the region, do you envisage there will be over capacity in the region & how would you position Bahrain international airport in future?

We are very optimistic about the industry growth in the region in general, and Bahrain in specific. The Middle East continues to be a great success story in the aviation sector and has become very important from an aviation perspective representing nearly 11per cent of global aviation, about double its share from 10 years ago. This is driven by global hub strategies and liberal aviation access policies introduced by the GCC countries.

According to recent studies by International Air Transport Association (IATA), GCC airports are forecasted to be handling 250million passengers by 2020 and overall passenger growth in the Middle East is expected to increase by an estimated 5.2per cent annually. It is also predicted that the Gulf region will lead global aviation industry growth over the next five years at least with forecasts from IATA seeing the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions witness the strongest international growth. In view of these projections, the future looks very bright for the regional aviation industry and additional capacity is essential to sustain the projected growth. We need airports that can handle the forecasted capacity for the next 15 to 20 years at least.

Bahrain International Airport is ideally positioned to reap these benefits; we have natural geographical advantages due to our proximity to the region’s largest economy, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as the Northern Gulf; BIA also has a

key differentiator - its friendly and efficient service that makes it a magnet for commercial and cargo airlines. The Airport Modernization Program will further serve to elevate BIA and strengthen our competitive advantage in the region.

4. What are the plans in place to attract new airlines to the kingdom?

BIA has a deep-rooted history in the aviation industry that sets it apart from other airports in the region. Until today, BIA is seen as a key player in this fast-growing sector in the region and we pride ourselves in being home to global commercial and cargo airlines.

Our competitive advantage lies in our strategic location, vast aviation experience and strong marketing mix; we are able to attract new airlines through innovative product offerings, competitive pricing, strong connectivity network and ongoing promotional activities.

Currently BIA serves 42 airlines, 27 commercial and 15 cargo carriers, covering 46 global destinations; our aim is to further grow these numbers. We have developed a strategic plan with key goals in place which we are confident to achieve with our focus and tactical approach.

We have been very active participating in internationally-recognized industry events such as Routes World in Chicago and World Travel Market in London, in an effort to promote Bahrain International Airport to the global aviation industry and attract new carriers to make Bahrain their regional hub. Our hosting of the first ever Routes Middle East and Africa in Bahrain next year will also draw in additional airline interest which we are sure

Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah CEO, Bahrain Airport Company

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will materialize into lucrative partnerships.

We have also been very aggressive in looking for opportunities and partners to help us tap into un-served and underserved destinations in Asia and Far East markets including China, Malaysia, and Singapore which offer tremendous growth potential for both commercial and cargo airlines.

5. Please update us some of the initiatives you have with Gulf air to promote Bahrain as a destination of choice?

Gulf Air is the national carrier and our flagship airline and is responsible for around 60per cent of BIA operations. We work very closely with Gulf Air to promote BIA and by extension the Kingdom of Bahrain, and we perceive them as key partners and integral to BIA’s long-term success.

Gulf Air’s restructuring and strategic expansion of its routes and services provide a great platform to promote BIA and by extension the Kingdom of Bahrain as a destination of choice. Our efforts have been fruitful since passenger numbers have soared by 10per cent compared to the same time last year.

6. What are the plans in place to position Bahrain International Airport as a logistics hub?

Bahrain is uniquely located at the heart of the Gulf providing a strategic gateway between East and West; since its establishment in the early 1920s, BIA has been an ideal aviation HUB in the region and has attracted international cargo companies, such as DHL, that have made BIA their regional home for over 35 years.

Logistics is one of the key vehicles linking the Middle East to the world and there is more trade today between the Middle East region and the rest of the world than there ever was with logistics companies continuously investing in new route developments, multi modal options and enhanced air networks to take advantage of the region’s massive growth potential.

At BIA, we offer cargo and airlines a strong airside infrastructure and a smooth operating capability which is not always found in larger regional airports. Our services for import/export and trans-shipments are personal, flexible and second to none both on cost and service levels. Our strength also lies in our strategic location and proximity to Saudi Arabia which is only 45 minutes across the bridge; we are closer to one of the biggest global markets than any of our competition. Other GCC states including Doha are only 20 minutes away by air whilst Kuwait, Riyadh and Dubai can be accessed within a 45 minute plane ride. In addition, the Kingdom has the shortest travel time between its seaport, airport, and the logistics processing zone of anywhere in the Gulf, enabling companies to serve other markets in the Middle East with great ease and efficiency.

We are continuously reinventing the cargo offering through improved facilities, connectivity and enhanced service performance in order to attract additional business through airlines and other integrators. This will be further enhanced by the AMP - the new terminal will elevate the airport’s operations, infrastructure and services and improve BIA’s overall handling and operational capabilities, making it fully capable to cater to the anticipated growth in cargo traffic. BIA has the potential to grow as a Cargo Hub and become a major revenue contributor along the same lines as international Cargo Hubs like Schipol and Hong Kong.

7. What are your objectives that you plan to achieve through Bahrain International Airport Development Forum?

With substantial investments in the Middle East’s aviation and logistics industry, key events such as the BIA Development Forum offer the regional players a significant networking and knowledge-sharing platform that facilitates the exchange of ideas and results in great learning opportunities. The forum and

accompanying exhibition is an ideal platform to showcase the Kingdom’s unparalleled regional connectivity and competitiveness as a major logistics hub and attractive access point to the Gulf market. The event will also bring to the spotlight BIA’s aviation capabilities and prospective airport modernization plans and we will definitely take advantage of the exhibition to scout for the most suitable technologies, products and services to support our development programs.

We are also confident that this event will play a significant role in boosting infrastructure development in the Kingdom and this comes at the right time as we move ahead with our ambitious expansion plans for BIA.

8. According to your good self how will a future airport look like in terms of sustainability, use of technology, passenger screening, Baggage screening and other panoplies that will constitute a smooth distress free travel?

The future of airports is driven by passenger behavioral patterns, smooth terminal navigation and optimum service efficiency; terminal designs and airport technology is continuously being upgraded to ensure the passenger travel experience improves from the moment they arrive at the terminal. From the new, high speed security screening to personalized baggage drop-offs, new passenger mobile Apps and ergonomically-designed seating areas, all efforts are concentrated to ensure passenger comfort levels are kept at a high. Sustainability is also a key factor in the design of airports due to the associated cost saving implications and the ever-increasing pressure placed by governments and NGOs.

9. What would you like to share with our readers?

Since its inception, Bahrain Airport Company has been at the forefront of all efforts in establishing Bahrain International Airport as a world-class facility, and

constantly striving to improve the Kingdom’s aviation capabilities in line with the national strategy and vision.

In 2014, we have witnessed remarkable recovery at BIA; there has been a 10per cent increase in passenger numbers to-date compared to the previous year, this translates to over 8 million people passing through our BIA last year. As per the updated forecasts, we anticipate 8.7 million passengers to pass through BIA by the end of 2015.

Our focus for the next four years will be the Airport Modernization Program and all resources are dedicated to the success of this ambitious journey. The AMP will reinforce the Kingdom’s position as the preferred regional aviation hub and a key transit destination. All efforts at BAC are being directed towards the success of this program. The current infrastructure of BIA is being upgraded, passenger capacity is being increased, new routes are being introduced, and new airlines are launching operations; all significant developments that are contributing towards offering passengers world-class service and experiences. The future looks very bright for BIA and the country as a whole.

Bahrain Airport Company is also gearing up to host the first ever Routes Middle East and Africa (MEA) event in Bahrain from May 31st to 2nd June 2015; this is a significant boost for BAC and the country and will bring together route development professionals from across the world to discuss air service development in the region. In view of the significance of the aviation sector in the region Bahrain’s hosting of this international forum will give the country an economic boost and stimulate business through increased international media exposure and potential global investment opportunities in the Kingdom’s aviation industry. We want to let the industry know that we are ready to welcome them to Routes MEA and treat them to a warm and friendly hospitality as is customary of Bahrain, its people and by extension BIA.

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Bahrain International Airport – Looking ahead

frequencies and attractive, high-growth destinations. Asia and the Far East offer tremendous growth potential for both commercial and cargo airlines and BAC is exploring new un-served markets such as China, Bangladesh and Nepal as well as under-served countries such as Manila, Colombo, Sri Lanka and the Indian Subcontinent.

As the regional aviation industry continues to grow at an astounding rate BIA is perfectly situated to reap the benefits. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Transportation, BAC is forging ahead with the Airport Modernization Program (AMP), an ambitious venture to modernize and transform BIA into a world-class facility by 2018 in line with the Kingdom’s national vision and reputation as a leading financial, cultural and aviation center in the Gulf region. The AMP will increase passenger handling capacity to 14 million passengers per annum and elevate BIA’s infrastructure, services and facilities, to enhance passenger experience and solidify BIA’s competitive advantage in the region as a significant aviation hub.

This coming May, Bahrain Airport Company will proudly host the first ever Routes Middle East and Africa (MEA) event in Bahrain; this is a significant boost for BAC and the country and will bring together hundreds of route development professionals from across the world to

Proud of its deep-rooted history in aviation that sets it apart from

other airports in the region, Bahrain International Airport (BIA) continues to uphold its reputation as a significant transit and cargo HUB in the Arabian Gulf; home to global commercial and cargo airlines since its establishment as the first international airport in the GCC in the early 1920s, BIA is seen as a key player in this fast-growing sector.

Since taking over the management of BIA, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) has been committed to operating the Kingdom’s national gateway in line with international standards and

strategies, further boosting the country’s aviation capabilities. The company has exerted great efforts to strengthen BIA’s competitive advantage by continuous improvement in its airport facilities, infrastructure and ground operations; as a result, BIA holds 47th place in the SKYTRAX ranking for the world’s top airports.

BIA enjoys natural geographical advantages that make it a magnet for airlines. Its proximity to the region’s largest economy, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the short travel times to the Northern Gulf and the ample connectivity options to Europe, Asia and the Far East, make BIA an attractive cargo and transit point with a key differentiator – its friendly and efficient service offering.

Last year BIA witnessed a 10 per cent

surge in passenger traffic with nearly 8 million passengers having accessed the airport. As the regional aviation industry continues to flourish, this trend is set to persevere and BAC is working on boost these figures by a further 10 per cent in the coming year.

Connectivity, efficiency and a convenient travel experience are among the main strengths of BIA. At present, there are 42 major airlines flying out of BIA covering over 46 destinations globally; BAC has sought to further grow these numbers through a solid long-term strategy.

BAC’s route development approach is focused on

new route opportunities, increased

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Dubai Airports reviews growth projection

Speaking at the Future of Border International Conference in Dubai recently Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive

Officer of Dubai Airports said, “Our revised projections for 2020 now exceed 126 million passengers. By 2030, we expect to have around 200 million passengers traffic.”

The conference was organised by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.

In his presentation titled, Building the Future, he explained that the projection is without the availability of further infrastructure development or space to build at Dubai International. We will have to come up with other solutions to satisfy Dubai’s continued thirst for growth.” Dubai International is currently the world’s number one airport for international passengers and the sixth busiest. Al Maktoum International

in DWC , which presently has five to seven million passengers capacity, saw 845,046 passengers passing through its gates in its first full year of operations in 2014.

DWC will have a passenger capacity of 220 million on completion of its second phase. The approved first phase of US$32 billion dollar expansion of DWC , will enable the facility to accommodate 120 million passengers on completion over the next six to eight years.

He stated, “Of course we need to keep pushing the upper limits of Dubai International capacity. Parallel developments of additional remote stands and airspace efficiency will help push out as far as possible the point at which it becomes ex-growth our US$7.8 billion investment will lead to an ultimate capacity of 100 million. Griffiths observed, “There is a clear and determined vision, unchanged for over 50 years, to create an aviation enterprise with the world’s greatest airports, hosting the world’s greatest airlines, in the world’s greatest city.”

BIADF to feature eminent speakers in the industry

The Bahrain International Airport Development Forum 2015 co-located with Middle East Cargo and Logistics

Conference & Exhibition 2015 and hosted by Bahrain International Airport will be gathering senior, influential industry figures from both airports and logistics sector from the East and beyond at the event taking place on April 1st and 2nd 2015 at Gulf Convention Centre in Manama, Bahirain.

Bahrain International Airport (BIA), recently welcomed Cargolux Airlines, Europe’s largest all-cargo airlines, into the Kingdom of Bahrain. this marks and turning point in transport of spare parts, machinery, perishables, food and consumer goods that includes textiles form the United States and the European markets.Entry of big brands into Bahrain International Airport help solidify BIA ‘s position as a competitive cargo hub.

Speakers confirmed include senior officials from the industry like Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, CEO, Bahrain Airport company; Ahmed Al Nemah, Acting Undersecretary for Civil Aviation Affairs, Ministry of Transportation & Telecommunications; Mohammed Al Rais, President, Hill

BIADF 2015 panel discussion highlights:

1st Day, 12.30 - 13.30 Sustainable airport develo-pment and strategic planning

1st Day, 13.30 - 14.30Beating infrastructure, customs and ground operations challenges to serve the supply chains

2nd Day, 12.00 - 13.00How will the Regional Cargo/Logistics industry evolve

International Projects Middle East; Martin Bowman, Director, Global Airports Lockheed Martin; P.S. Nair, CEO Corporate, GMR Airports; Georges Fenergi, Senior Manager Business Development, Airports Solution Line SITA, UAE; Mike Perry, Senior Project Director, EMEA, Rockwell Collins and experts from IATA etc.

discuss aviation progress and outlook in the region. Bahrain’s hosting of this international forum will give the country an economic boost and stimulate business through global investment opportunities in the Kingdom’s aviation industry.

With forecasts predicting the Gulf region to lead global aviation industry growth over the next ten years at least, BIA is taking great strides to capitalize on these trends. The current infrastructure of BIA is being upgraded, passenger and cargo capacity are being increased, new routes are being introduced, and new airlines are launching operations; all significant developments that will further solidify BIA’s competitive advantage in the region.

Robert G MillsMike Perry Michael Herrero

P. S. NairMartin Bowman Georges Fenergi

Ahmed Al Nemah Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah

Mohammed Al Rais


DXB starts 2015 in top gear

Dubai International has begun the new year with another record monthly

traffic by welcoming more than 6.8 million passengers in January. According to the traffic report issued by operator Dubai Airports, passenger traffic rose 7.7 per cent to 6,895,668 in January 2015, up from 6,400,706 in the same month in 2014.

This follows Dubai International’s performance in 2014 during which the airport welcomed 70.4 million passengers to claim

the title of the world’s number one airport for international passenger traffic. “Considering that Dubai International is projected to welcome over 79 million passengers in 2015, there is no better way to begin a year than with a record month,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.

Regionally, Eastern Europe remained the fastest-expanding market in terms of percentage growth (+71.9 per cent), followed by North

America (+16.9 per cent), the Indian subcontinent (+12.2 per cent) and Asia (10.5 per cent). Russia & CIS recorded fewer visitors with traffic dropping -22.7 per cent due to the political and economic instability in the region, while traffic on Australasian routes also registered a marginal dip of -1.6 per cent. Routes to the Indian subcontinent (+171,552 passengers), AGCC (+115,317 passengers), and Western Europe (+105,409) topped in

Sharjah International traffic hits 9.5 million in 2014

Sharjah International Airport reported a significant increase in passenger

traffic with a close to 12 per cent jump during 2014 in comparison with 2013, having registered 9.5 million passengers as against the 8.5 million passengers it handled in 2013.

The freight handled for the same period of 2014 recorded nearly 240 thousand tonnes and was impacted by global downturn trends. Aircraft movements were up 6.5 per cent in 2014, to reach 70,559 compared to 66,247 movements in 2013. This increase comes mainly because of the launch of new routes and additional frequencies by

both new and existing carriers at Sharjah International Airport, especially by Air Arabia. Ali Salim Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority said, “As the numbers clearly suggest, robust passenger traffic growth continues at Sharjah International Airport.

This indicates the growing popularity of the airport and is also a testament to our simple yet efficient procedures, excellent services, and the attractiveness of Sharjah as a business and tourist destination.”

He added, “Sharjah International Airport, in coordination with the different entities inside

the airport, its strategic partners and all stakeholders, are committed to ensure a pleasant travel experience for its passenger, while at the same time maintaining the excellent reputation of the airport for its efficiency and hassle-free and speedy procedures.”

He highlighted that the emirate of Sharjah, which last year celebrated the title of Capital of Islamic Culture 2014, witnessed many activities, events, exhibitions and conferences, which contributed in turn to the increase in the number of visitors to the emirate. Sharjah became the favourite tourist destination for many tourists.

Considering that Dubai International is projected to welcome over 79 million passengers in 2015, there is no better way to begin a year than with a record month

terms of growth in passenger numbers.

Most markets were boosted in January by holiday traffic as well as visitors to the annual Dubai Shopping Festival. Aircraft movements totalled 34,643 in January 2015, up 6.2 per cent compared to the 32,625 movements recorded in January 2014.

Freight volumes at Dubai International continued the downward trend in January, contracting 5.5 per cent to 186,230 tonnes, from 197,021 recorded in January 2014. The contraction is the result of a total of shift of cargo operations to Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central since May 2014.

“The opening of Concourse D later this year will increase our annual capacity to 90 million passengers and make sure we can continue to accommodate the increasing number of travellers who choose to fly through DXB. It is also a strong endorsement for our US$7.8bn SP2020 expansion plan which will allow us to remain one step ahead of our expected growth by increasing our capacity both on the ground as well as in the air.” Griffiths said.

AirportS


Abu Dhabi Airports sigs Dhs 458 million contract with Smiths Detection

AirportS/eventS

Smiths Detection, a global leader in providing government regulated

systems to detect CBRNE, has won a contract worth $125 million to provide a comprehensive range of advanced detection equipment for Abu Dhabi Airport’s new terminal.

In one of its biggest single airport orders, Smiths Detection will equip the terminal’s entire hold baggage and passenger screening checkpoints with a range of systems to help increase the airport’s annual capacity towards 40 million passengers. The so-called Midfield Terminal Building Project is due to be completed in 2017.

The hold baggage systems include the HI-SCAN 10080 XCT, a next generation high speed explosives detection system combining X-ray and Computed

The third edition of World ATM Congress concluded, as the largest air traffic

management (ATM) exhibition, World ATM Congress with 6,929 attendees, 199 exhibitors, and 313 conference delegates.

The Congress opened on 10 March with a statement by Ana María Pastor Julián, Spain’s Minister of Transport and Public Works who stressed the importance of aviation to tourism and the Spanish economy and highlighted progress in the Spanish air traffic management sector. She told the Congress attendees “You have the commitment of Spain.”

During the three-day event, 199 companies hosted stands highlighting the newest and most innovative approaches to air traffic management. The

Congress featured aviation leaders and experts from around the world discussing pressing topics, including how best to harness the powerful impact of the data revolution and the possible impact of disruptive factors on the air traffic management industry. The exhibition floor included simulations of air traffic control towers, simulators, and visualized models illustrating air traffic solutions that improve safety and efficiency. This year also included many smaller theatres hosting presentations and discussion opportunities covering topics such as integrating remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) into the air traffic system and the use of remote towers.

“I could not be happier with the success of this year’s World ATM Congress,” said Peter

F. Dumont, President and CEO of the Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA), which co-produces the event. “For the third straight year, we have had record numbers of attendees and exhibitors. I have heard so many enthusiastic endorsements about the event from our industry, including ‘It’s like an ATM supermarket.’ The formal Congress presentations addressed ways of improving our worldwide air traffic control systems. Casual conversations on the Exhibition floor led to new partnerships and exchanges of ideas. Top executive participation at this event meant that significant business agreements and contracts were not just proposed, but finalized.”

CANSO Director General Jeff Poole said, “The successful combination of top-level

conference; busy and informative Exhibition; and numerous workshops, demonstrations, and presentations has rightly attracted leaders and decision-makers from across the aviation industry in record numbers. World ATM Congress has developed year by year as it reflects the feedback and views of those attending to produce a compelling event. In its third year, the Congress has successfully fulfilled its original aim of becoming the premier ATM global event, organized by the industry, for the industry, which has shown massive support, commitment, and appreciation.”

World ATM Congress is organized by CANSO in association with ATCA and will reconvene 8-10 March 2016.

World ATM Congress concludes

Tomography technologies. For carry-on baggage screening, Smiths Detection will deploy its aTiX (Advanced Threat Inspection X-Ray) systems,

supported by trace detection sensors, bottle liquid scanners and radiation detectors. The terminal will also install 3D workstations for outbound

equipment screening by the Police and 2D workstations for the inbound screening by Customs.

Smiths Detection President Richard Ingram said: “This contract win highlights our success in supplying advanced, integrated security solutions that meet the operational needs of our customers while delivering long-term value. We look forward to consolidating our already close partnership with such an important and rapidly expanding hub airport.

“The Midfield Terminal Building will soon become the primary gateway for passengers travelling through Abu Dhabi. We are committed to helping Abu Dhabi Airports Company achieve their strategic objectives that align with the UAE Capital’s Economic Vision 2030.”


Abu Dhabi International Airport sees 20.7 percent increase in traffic

Abu Dhabi Airports recently announced that passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi International Airport increased by 20.7

per cent in January 2015. A total of 1,887,631 passengers passed through Abu Dhabi International Airport during the month, compared to 1,564,266 in January 2014.

There were 14,128 aircraft movements in January 2015, which was an 18 per cent increase over January 2014’s figure of 11,972. Cargo activity comprised 64,479 tonnes handled at the airport’s three terminals in January 2015, an 11 per cent increase when compared to January 2014.

Commenting on the latest passenger figures, Eng. Ahmad Al Haddabi, COO at Abu Dhabi Airports said, “Air traffic and passenger movement continue to present a strong growth trend as forecasted for 2015 for Abu Dhabi, and the UAE and the region at large. This is a critical phase for the capital’s airport with its capacity being challenged every day, and Abu Dhabi Airports will continue to demonstrate diligence and commitment in delivering on its promise to provide passengers with a unique travel experience.

The year 2015 will mark several developments at Abu Dhabi International Airport, which will

include airfield lighting system’s upgrade, additional aircraft stands and enhancements at its terminals, all geared towards delivering additional capacity and services that will elevate the passenger’s journey. This eager drive will continue as an interim expansion program until we start welcoming our travellers through the Midfield terminal.”

In January 2015, the top five routes from Abu Dhabi International Airport were Bangkok, London, Doha, Manila and Jeddah. The top five routes accounted for 16 per cent of all traffic last month.

DFW becomes favourite destination for Gulf’s biggest airlines

Gulf’s three biggest airlines, Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways, have set their sights on the world’s largest

aviation market. Figures collated at the start of the year indicate the three airlines boosted flights to the US by 47 percent in 2014.

Etihad and Qatar Airways followed in Emirates’ footsteps to add flights to Dallas last year, making it the latest US market in which all three carriers compete. Meanwhile, the Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport saw the Emirates Airbus A380 land for the first time in Dallas in October of last year, marking an 83 percent increase in capacity on the DFW to Dubai route. Now, in a move to further encourage international air travel to and from the region, the DFW Airport is inviting high-end retailers, restaurateurs, and service providers to set up shop at its award-winning International Terminal D.

“Our Terminal D concessions program has received numerous awards through the years,” said Ken Buchanan, Executive Vice President of Revenue Management of the

airport. “Now, we are seeking to enhance our customer experience even more with new concepts that can help DFW compete on a global scale.”

The bid for space for more than 30 concession units — mostly in the airport’s international Terminal D, but including a few spaces in DFW’s domestic terminals B and E — is now open to a variety of concession outlets, with DFW Airport recently issuing a request for proposals (RFP).

At the close of last year, DFW Airport set a record for annual passenger traffic by hosting 62.9 million passengers through the year, and increased its international service by adding 18 new nonstop destinations since 2011. This makes it the third busiest airport in the world for aircraft movements and the ninth busiest in the world for total passengers, two spots behind Dubai International Airport. Earlier in 2014, DFW became one of 20 airports worldwide to accommodate the Airbus A380, significantly increasing its international customer base.

With these customers in mind, DFW developed a new concessions master plan for Terminal D, to further its robust concessional sales. The RFP calls for duty free, consumer electronics, news, coffee, convenience, spa, candy, premium retail and international and domestic teas to be offered in Terminal D. Food and beverage opportunities include a Mediterranean grill, sports bar, snack bar, deli, upscale Italian eatery, experiential or signature bar, pub, high-end bistro, and wine bar.

“This is an exciting time for DFW Airport and our concession partners,” said Buchanan. “Our tremendous international expansion has added to the number of passengers traveling through DFW Airport every day. We’re looking forward to receiving proposals from the world’s top duty-free shops, restaurants, and retailers and to offering our customers new and exciting choices for eating, shopping and relaxation.”

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Cavotec remains a leading systems integrator

Cavotec is a leading systems integrator in the global airports sector. Our comprehensive range of innovative

ground support equipment (GSE) includes air, fuel, electrical power and water systems housed in underground pits, tunnel systems and caddies. We develop technologies for our own customers, and as a trusted partner of leading OEMs. Global expertise and local presence Cavotec has global reach with local presence. Supported by extensive engineering expertise drawn from applications around the world, we work closely with customers and suppliers locally to deliver systems that meet the specific demands of each project.The Cavotec product range includes 400Hz power systems, pre-conditioned air (PCAir) units, refuelling and Wet Services, tunnel systems, connectors and tow-bars, cable coilers, crocodile systems and battery-driven caddies. Our innovative technologies help reduce tarmac congestion, improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Cavotec’s Centres of ExcellenceCavotec’s Airports Market Unit comprises three ‘Centres of Excellence’. Cavotec Germany is home to our Cavotec Fladung airports division which designs and manufactures a broad range of in- and above-ground GSE. Cavotec Dabico has been at the forefront of in-ground fuel delivery systems for some forty years. Its systems are in use at airports and air bases worldwide. Cavotec INET designs, manufactures and installs stationary and mobile aircraft servicing equipment. Through its domestic and international sales and field support offices, the company supplies 50/60-400Hz power conversion, pre-conditioned air and other power generation systems to the global aviation market.Cavotec Middle EastSince its establishment in 1993, Cavotec Middle East (CME), the Group’s UAE-based subsidiary, has worked on a large number of major projects across the region. Cavotec systems – including PCAir, 400Hz converters and 400Hz cable coils, mobile GPUs, pop-up and hatch pit systems, refuelling systems and Schneider Electric cable management systems – serve airports in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, India, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, KSA and Qatar. Cavotec’s regional headquarters are located in Dubai, with branch offices in Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain.

In close co-ordination with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders, Cavotec has focused on product research and design thereby supporting customers’ efforts to improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Cavotec has carried out several major projects in the region. The Group’s fuelling systems complement its already strong presence at airports in areas such as hydrant pits, isolation valve pits, truck loading skids and tank floating suction units. Interest in metering skids has increased recently, which complements Cavotec’s truck loading arms.

Recent orders in the Middle EastCavotec continues to register a great deal of activity in the Middle East, with new orders for the Group’s Airports market unit in the UAE, Oman, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey in recent months.Cavotec has been selected to supply its DX-Boost PCA units and pop-up pit systems for Oman Air hangars at Muscat and Salalah airports. Cavotec is supplying 400Hz electrical converters and pit systems with under floor cable coilers for Cairo International Airport’s Terminal 2 renovation project, fuel hydrant pits for King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia and fuel hydrant pits and access covers for Ataturk International Airport in Turkey.Cavotec is also currently fulfilling orders for the Concourse 4 and Expo remote Stand projects at Dubai International Airport. These orders include large number of Super Cool PCAir units, 400Hz frequency converters and technical pit systems for PCAir and 400Hz power.Additionally, the Group is supplying pop-up pit systems to New Doha International Airport in Qatar, and a fuel leak detection system for Senegal Airport. It is also supplying hand lift vault access covers for a fuel hydrant system at Abu Dhabi International Airport for various projects including its Midfield Terminal development.Cavotec has also supplied, installed and commissioned in-ground pop-up utility and PCA units for A380 hangars at the Emirates Engineering Centre at Dubai International Airport. Cavotec PCA systems cool all types of aircraft, including Code-F A380 super-jumbos. Cavotec equipment was previously selected by the Emirates Engineering Centre to provide utility services to the Emirates

fleet. Cavotec also manufactured the world’s first subfreezing PCA system to meets IATA’s Airport Handling Manual (AHM) 997 specifications, now installed at Bahrain International Airport. Sub-freezing PCA units are compatible with all aircraft currently in service.

Cavotec’s innovative pop-up systems also serve Dubai International Airport’s Concourse A the dedicated terminal for Emirates’ growing fleet of A380s, Concourse B, and Concourse C.

Cavotec Middle East’s facility in Dubai has 4,525 sq. office space and a warehousing facility with workshops staffed by fully trained engineers and technical experts who support customers across the region. Cavotec also offers installation services as part of its system integration function – a unique offering in the region.

Cavotec’s growing presence in the Indian subcontinentCavotec is steadily growing its presence across the Indian subcontinent, where the Group has recently won a number of important orders. The number of projects currently being undertaken by the Group underlines the increasing importance and market potential of this region to Cavotec.

Cavotec is supplying a number of vault access covers at Mumbai International Airport, and has secured an annual maintenance contract for its fuel systems at Delhi International Airport.

Cavotec prefabricated fuel pit systems are also currently being installed at two airbases in India, and 400Hz, PCA pop-up pit systems and PCA DX Boost units for wide and narrow body aircraft are currently being installed at the newly built MRO facility in Nagpur, which is financed by Boeing.

In addition to Mumbai International Airport and Delhi International Airport, some of Cavotec’s key customers in India include Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Kempegowda International Airport, Larsen & Toubro, Indian Oil Tanking, IndianOil Skytanking, Bridge and Roof Co., Air India SATS and Celebi NAS. Cavotec systems are also in use at Shah Amanat International Airport and Osmani International Airport in Bangladesh.

Cavotec remains ready to exploit opportunities in Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

AirportS


Lufthansa Technik to develop operational facility at DWC

ADPI and Zaha Hadid Architects unveil design of new Beijing Airport Terminal

National Aviation Services (NAS), the fastest growing ground handling company in the emerging markets

and a subsidiary of Agility, has reached a new milestone in its expansion with its first contract award in West Africa. With the new contract, NAS has now expanded its operational network to 16 stations in nine countries.

Under the ten year contract, NAS will provide ground handling services at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan as a part of a public private partnership with the Government of Cote d’Ivoire. NAS was awarded the contract

based on their proven track record and the solutions proposed to turn the airport back to a regional hub as it was in the past.

The ground handling contract includes passenger services, ramp handling, cargo management and warehousing as well as other related airport services.

The official signing ceremony took place in Abidjan last week with Cote d’Ivoire representatives, Gaoussou Toure, Minister of Transport, Abdourahmane Cisse, Minister of Budget, Nialé Kaba, Minister of Economy and Finance and Hassan El Houry, CEO, National Aviation Services. Following the signing El

Houry highlighted, “The Government of Cote d’Ivoire places development of its transport sector at the heart of its economic growth. As the chosen ground handling partner, we can provide them with the operational expertise, security and reliability required by the Abidjan Airport to reclaim its position as the aviation hub for West Africa.”

The Abidjan airport currently handles close to 1.5 million passengers, 8,200 aircrafts and close to 20,000 tons of cargo. NAS Ivoire, led by newly appointed General Manager Olivier Berni will work through a six month transition period before taking over complete airport operations in mid-July.

Lufthansa Technik Middle East, a leading manufacturer and independent provider of technical services for the

aviation industry, has announced its intent to develop a new operational facility at Dubai World Central (DWC) by the fourth quarter of 2015.

The Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed between the two parties at the second and concluding day of MRO Middle East 2015 in Dubai. Under the agreement, Lufthansa Technik becomes the anchor tenant of the ‘Aerospace Supply Chain Facilities’ that DWC is shaping within its Aviation District. The intended Lufthansa Technik facility will articulate the organization’s strategy to expand its operational footprint across the Middle East.

Commenting on Lufthansa Technik’s interest to develop facilities at Dubai World Central, Tahnoon Saif, Vice President of the Aviation District said, “Dubai World Central is pleased to engage with a global player like Lufthansa Technik. This falls aptly in line with our strategic vision to build a comprehensive ecosystem dedicated to the aviation industry.”

Sharing details of the new project, Ziad Al Hazmi, CEO, Lufthansa Technik Middle East Services, said, “We have assessed DWC to be the ideal venue to host our new facility that is being designed to strengthen and grow our local presence and capabilities in the region. It will put us in prime position as a leader in the aerospace supply chain sphere, and help us enhance value for our growing list of customers through offering optimized technical services, such as our ARC® portfolio which includes aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services – literally from nose to tail.”

The MRO sector associated with the aviation industry offers a wide spectrum of support services related but not limited to the maintenance of the landing gear, avionics, hydraulics and braking systems, as well as specialized functions such as aircraft painting, plumbing, seat and upholstery, non-destructive testing and plastics repair.

Aerospace Supply Chain Facilities is being developed by the DWC Aviation District, and will include three developments spread across 45,000 square meters. Estimated to

cost Dhs120 million, the project will feature a multi-purpose building for tenants that are a part of the aerospace supply chain.

The DWC Aviation District is a 6.7 sq km master planned district adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport. It offers ready-to-build world-class aviation infrastructure as part of Dubai’s strategic vision for the aviation sector. Beyond its aviation focus, the district will also offer well-defined zones for sectors such as hospitality, education, research and development, and mixed-used development.

Dubai World Central is a purpose-built, master-planned city around the Al Maktoum International Airport. Covering a site of 145 sq km, DWC, when fully operational, will function as a self-sustained ecosystem that will ultimately support a community of one million people. As a smart and sustainable urban destination, DWC will host residences, businesses, retail zones and hospitality sectors. The destination will also be the venue of the much-anticipated Expo 2020 Dubai.


Abu Dhabi’s government investment arm, Mubadala is reportedly

studying the potential for an airport in Cuba in partnership with the Russian government. Russia’s trade and industry minister Denis Manturov identified Mubadala as a prospective partner in the US$200 million project.

As per media Mr Manturov said, “We’re actively engaged in talks about that matter. Russia and other nations were aware of the need to modernise Cuba’s transport infrastructure.

“There is a lack of international airports, and they’re looking to develop one of the former

military bases into a major air hub serving Latin America,” he said.

Media reports in 2013 suggested that Cuban authorities had tentatively selected an airfield in San Antonio de los Banos, near Havana, as capable of handling long-haul passenger and freighter aircraft and supporting the plans of Cubana, the national carrier.

A Russian fighter acts as a gate guard at Cuba’s San Antonio de los Banos air base, but if an investment plan by Russia and Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala goes ahead, this could be a new international airport.

Airports of Thailand to start expansion of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport

The long-pending expansion of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport

may resume shortly as the board of Airports of Thailand (AoT) has decided to revive the airport’s Phase 2 expansion, according to media reports.

The expansion plan was delayed due to the country’s military government’s scrutiny of state enterprises and large projects worth at least THB1 billion (US$31 million), which the government took up to ensure transparency and exercise more control over state companies. The go-ahead by the AoT means that the airport can now carry out both the expansion and the capacity upgrade as had been decided in Q3, 2014.

The plan will equip the airport to handle approximately 85 million passengers a year once it is completed in 2020. AoT also approved an augmented expansion of the airport last month, which would see the construction of a new passenger terminal that will

Mubadala considering Cuban airport investment with Russia

while the second will start in October 2017.

A remote apron covering 960,000 sq m of land and equipped to accommodate 28 jetliners, including eight the size of A380 super-jumbos will be covered in the first phase. It would also involve the extension of an operation support tunnel and installation of utilities.

The second phase would include the construction of a satellite passenger terminal, the extension of the main terminal’s eastern wing and the construction of an airline office building and eastern car park and an automated people mover system linking the satellite terminal to the main terminal, reported the Bangkok Post. The Thai Government had announced US$1.9 billion for airport expansion last year. Officially opened in 2006, the airport is the busiest in the country and handled 53 million passengers in 2012.

be able to handle 20 million passengers a year and a third runway that would initially measure 2,900m in length

but later will be extended to 3,700m. The project will be carried out in two phases: the first will start in March 2016

AirportS


Takenaka wins Changi Airport terminal 1 expansion contract

Singapore’s Changi Airport Group (CAG) has awarded a US$323 million contract

for the expansion works of the airport’s terminal 1 to Japan’s Takenaka Corporation. CAG said in a statement that it chose Takenaka as it has a strong track record in the development of airports in Japan, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Takenaka will be undertaking the revamp of its Departure Check-in Hall. This involves the replacement of existing check-in counters and the installation of two new check-in rows to increase passenger handling capacity, CAG said in its press release.

“A cluster of five retail and dining outlets located at the T1 Departure Hall will discontinue operations in the second quarter of 2015, to allow for the commencement of construction for these check-in rows,” it said. Other retail and dining outlets at the terminal will still be in operation.

The expansion works in T1 will also support the upgrading of the T1 baggage handling system - from a semi-automated to a fully automated system, as in the other terminals. Certain areas within the apron areas of T1 and the T1 Arrival Immigration Hall would need to be reconfigured to make space for the new

The Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication (DoTC) has released plans for development of six major airports to boost the country’s tourism. The development plan was revealed by division chief of the Air Transport Planning Staff Department of the DoTC Rafael Lavides during the hearing of the Congressional Oversight Committee on Tourism in the Senate.

According to the plans, The Business World reported that PHP26.1 billion (US$59 million) will be invested for developing the Puerto Princesa International Airport, Iloilo International Airport, Bacolod-Silay International Airport, Davao International Airport, Laguindingan International Airport and the New Bohol Airport.

An initial amount of PHP5.8 billion (US$13 million) will be used for the construction of new facilities, which includes the development of its 2,600m x 45m runway and the expansion of the passenger terminal building to be completed in 2017 at Puerto Princesa International Airport.

Another PHP4bn will be used for the Phase 1 development of the Iloilo International Airport, which is considered to be the country’s fifth busiest airport. This project will include the expansion of the 13,700 sq m passenger terminal building to approximately five times its original size.

Around PHP3.6 billion will be invested in the development and expansion of the runway and passenger terminal building of the Bacolod-Silay International Airport.

Davao International Airport, Laguindingan International Airport and the New Bohol (Panglao) Airport will receive PHP5.8 billion, PHP2.2 billion and PHP4.5 billion, respectively.

An amount totalling PHP6 billion will also be given to Tuguegarao Airport, Roxas Airport, Iloilo International Airport, Bacolod International Airport, Surigao Airport, Butuan Airport, Ozamis Airport, Zamboanga International Airport, General Santos International Airport and Sanga-Sanga airports.

The DoTC is planning to submit these plans to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Investment Coordination Committee in the second quarter of this year, media reported.

system and its supporting infrastructure.

“The new baggage handling system will have automatic sorting capability, to better support the implementation of

self check-in and self bag-drop functions at T1, as well as early check-in facilities at Jewel Changi Airport,” it added. “This will improve productivity for airlines and ground handlers, as well as increase check-in capacity.”

Two additional arrival baggage claim carousels will also be installed, to further increase the terminal’s baggage claim capacity. The works on the baggage handling system will be performed by Vanderlande Industries, said CAG.

Calling the expansion works for T1 a “challenging one”, Mr Fong Kok Wai, CAG’s Executive Vice President for Engineering and Development, said CAG hopes to deliver “a much-needed increase in the capacity” of the oldest terminal that will serve passengers better.

He added that CAG will work closely with Takenaka to minimise impact of the expansion on passenger experience.

The works at T1 will begin in this month, and are expected to complete in 2019. The expansion will happen concurrently with other redevelopment works at T1, such as the expansion of the floor plate of the T1 Arrival and Baggage Claim Halls, the construction of new ground transport facilities and pedestrian link bridges.

Philippines Govt unveils development plans for airports

AirportS


Perishable cargo handling centre to come up at Bengaluru AirportThe Karnataka Industries and Commerce Department recently announced the development of said an exclusive 40,000 tonne AISATS Coolport, a perishable cargo-handling centre, will come up at the Kempegowda International Airport here.

Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited (AISATS), India’s premier airport services company, held a ground breaking ceremony for the city’s first fully dedicated perishable cargo-handling centre.

The centre will cater to a wide range of commodities such as pharmaceutical products, fruits, vegetables, flowers, the department said. The facility is expected to serve as a catalyst providing impetus for international trade and help

from the state in reducing their transaction cost and enhancing their competitiveness in the international market.

Since 2010, AISATS Bengaluru has witnessed a year-on-year increase in Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 37.9 per cent, the department said.

This maiden project is expected to create more jobs for the local community in the process and The AISATS Air Freight Terminal and the upcoming AISATS Coolport are well planned, designed and located to further enhance its capability to handle the expected increase in air cargo throughput, especially perishables and pharmaceutical products, commented Willy Ko, AISATS CEO.

Hamad International Airport and Qatar Airways jointly organise successful safety exercise

Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport conducted a planned

emergency exercise to train staff on managing an aircraft accident at Hamad International Airport (HIA) home to the airline. The annual preparedness exercise is part of Qatar Airways’ commitment to ensure that its staff members are equipped to handle any emergency situation in a timely, safe and responsible manner.Hamad International Airport officially commenced commercial operations in April 2014 and contains a robust network of highly sophisticated technology, including a state-of-the-art operations control centre.This is the second emergency exercise to take place at HIA, which was preceded by one held in 2012. This year’s exercise involved airport stakeholders and all major emergency response organisations in the State of Qatar. The full-scale exercise included 140 volunteer passengers, a Qatar Airways Airbus 330-200 aircraft with 14 crew members as well as 50 volunteer family members waiting at the airport. The exercise was conducted at a scale that exceeds international requirements to fully test the readiness of the airport, airline, its stakeholders and partners.Qatar Airways participated in the high-level jointly coordinated exercise with Hamad International Airport (of which Qatar Airways Group is the operator), Qatar Airways Group subsidiaries, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Interior (MOI), Qatar Emiri Air Force, Qatar Armed Forces, the State of Qatar Police, Civil Defence, the Supreme Council of Health, National Command Centre, Ministry of Defence, Air Customs, Airline Operators Committee, and other support services and organisations.His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive, members of Qatar Airways Senior Management, and HIA

Senior Management, including Mr. Badr Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport, Brigadier Essa Arar Al Rumaihi, Director of the Airport Security Department (MOI), and Mr. Ashish Jain, Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Group Safety & Security, were all present as participants and key stakeholders in the initiative. The scenario involved a flight that alerted an emergency 15 minutes after take-off from Hamad International Airport reporting severe flight control problems. Following that a hard landing took place and resulted in simulated injuries and damage to the aircraft that had to be managed by the ground HIA team. Helicopters, ambulances and the aircraft chutes were all deployed for the purposes of this exercise.Commenting on the exercise, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer and operator of HIA, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Safety is paramount at Qatar Airways, and is at the heart of everything we do. We ensure that the best safety and emergency response practices are followed in all cases. Our staff is equipped with latest technology and adequate procedures to respond to any emergency at the airport.” Speaking from the HIA Emergency Operations Centre

Mr. Al Baker commented: “It is an integral part of our operating procedures to hold exercises of this scale. We regularly conduct preparatory activities through which we train our staff to handle any incident to minimise damage and protect passengers and crew.”

The objectives of the exercise included assessing the adequacy of plans and facilities during a major accident at the airport, including the communications, partner response, management of the site, casualty registration and transportation logistics.

AirportS

As security requirements and concerns continue to evolve and become

increasingly complex, airports worldwide need to keep pace by protecting passengers and commerce without impeding

their movement. To address these demands, L-3 Security & Detection Systems (L-3 SDS) manufactures some of the most sophisticated air travel security systems available today. L-3 systems efficiently scan passengers and their carry-on luggage at the checkpoint, while their checked baggage is sent to high-speed scanners located behind the scenes. With commercial passenger air travel forecasted to increase by four to five percent annually over the next 20 years, these system solutions are meeting the urgent need to effectively and efficiently screen large volumes of passengers and their luggage for dangerous explosives and other threats.

Screening passengers at the checkpointL-3’s ProVision 2 is a compact version of the widely deployed

ProVision ATD and automatically detects a broad range of metallic and non-metallic threats, such as guns, knives, liquids, gels, rubber, wire, powder, plastics and ceramics, as well as sheet and bulk

explosives, using safe millimetre-wave technology. The system does not use X-rays or any ionizing radiation. ProVision allows travellers to be screened quickly and conveniently due to its simple operation. It only requires a passenger to assume a single, stationary position during a 1.5-second scan. The system operator views a generic mannequin image that is the same for everyone. Threats or contraband are indicated in coloured boxes on the mannequin, facilitating a directed search and limiting or eliminating time-consuming and intrusive pat-downs.

Screening hold baggageAs passengers and carry-on bags are screened at the checkpoint, hold baggage is being screened by sophisticated automated explosives detection systems (EDS) integrated with the airport’s baggage handling system. Throughput requirements for explosives detection systems range from a few hundred bags per hour to over a thousand, depending on airport volume and baggage handling system design. From small airports to large international hubs, implementing the right screening solution means understanding the environment and what best fits the airport’s needs. Since 1998, L-3 SDS has used CT technology to meet the complex aviation security demands faced by airport personnel and regulatory agencies around the globe.

Its comprehensive portfolio

of hold baggage systems comprises EDS solutions for every throughput class, including the high-speed, dual-energy eXaminer XLB and the new MV3D, an ultra high-speed system capable of scanning up to 1,800 bags per hour. With advanced tools, these systems allow operators to quickly and confidently clear bags for flight or designate bags for search. In addition, L-3 has developed OptiNet, a total networking solution for an integrated baggage handling system of any size or scope. OptiNet can efficiently and securely link up to 500 scanners, baggage viewing stations and search workstations on a single network.

Screening air cargoWith today’s evolving air cargo security challenges and regulations, the air freight industry needs reliable, high-throughput equipment that is cost-effective, tuned to a demanding logistics environment, and backed by an experienced team of trainers and support engineers. L-3 offers multi-view architectures, along with best-value, single-view X-ray scanning systems, in a variety of tunnel sizes. For example, with a 1.8-metre-high x 1.8-metre-wide tunnel opening, L-3’s PX 18.18 eliminates the need to unpack contents for inspection, accelerating screening of consolidated cargo in skids, pallets and ULDs while maintaining the highest levels of security.

With high-energy scanning, six-colour imaging and operator assist detection capabilities; operators have the comprehensive information and flexible controls needed to identify explosives, weapons, drugs or misrepresented goods. The high-powered, multi-view X-ray systems are available in 200 and 320 kV configurations, ensuring best-in-class penetration and image quality.

Future-proofed solutionsSolutions offered by L-3 SDS address current security requirements with a software-based architecture that is upgradable to counter future and emerging threats and meet the most demanding customer expectations and regulatory requirements. L-3 delivers superior detection, high throughput and outstanding reliability, all backed by one of the industry’s largest and most experienced global service teams.

For over 30 years, L-3 Security & Detection Systems has developed and manufactured cutting-edge security screening solutions using advanced technologies that include 3-D computed tomography (CT); automated, conventional and high-energy X-ray; active millimetre wave imaging; metal detection; radiation detection; and energetic materials detection. The company is a leading supplier of checked baggage, personnel, checkpoint, port and cargo screening solutions worldwide.

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Turkish Technic signed a support contract with Citilink, a domestic low

cost carrier in Indonesia to supply component and repair on part basis for five years. The support contract was signed by Citilink CEO Albert Burhan and Turkish Technic CEO Ahmet Karaman at an event in Dubai. As per the deal components will be supplied from Istanbul main base and Turkish Technic pooling stations in Middle East as well as at the low cost carrier’s Jakarta main base. Repair work of the components will be done at the Turkish Technic sites in Istanbul, Turkey.

With this new partnership Turkish Technic plans to expand its component sales and support service business to Far East, the company has already reached fleet size of more than 500 aircraft in the component pooling market. According to Mr Karaman the company also aims at developing business with GMF Aero Asia as vendor to support the contract with Citilink and as component cum parts repairs service provider for other careers in the region.

“We thank Citilink for choosing Turkish Technic for their component support services. This is a bold step for us in 2015 and we keep broadening our component pooling in South East Asia,” he said.

In a quick chat with us during at the MRO Middle East event Mr Karaman discussed the about the deal and other developments. “For us as an MRO, incurring tangible profit from the five year support contract with Citilink will depend on hours of flying involved and how many aircrafts they fly etc. But we will be able to supply components for our clients in Asia locally.” The component availability locally through Turkish Technic will save cost and time for its clients in the Far East region. Mr Karaman says we as maintenance provider and Citilink will be sharing our capacities for mutual benefit and deal allows us to serve more than one airlines. We in Indonesia are offering one stop shop for components where mainly we have a one this one stop shop policy.

When asked about Turkish Technic’s performance last year Mr Karaman said that 2014 was year of growth, profits were made but more important expansions also took place. “We invested around USUS$550 million in development of new MRO facility at Sabiha Gocken International Airport in the new facility. We are four times bigger in terms of capacity compared to 2013. We are open at both Atatürk Airport and the new facility at Sabiha Gokcen Airport,

Turkish Technic to expand services to Asian markets with Citilink deal

Royal Jet has awarded SR Technics a five-year contract to maintain, repair

and overhaul their CFM56-7B engine fleet. The CFM56-7B engines are currently in service on Royal Jet’s six luxurious Boeing Business Jet (B737-700 IGW) aircraft, which are used by the carrier’s prestigious VIP guests.

The work on the engines will be carried out at SR Technics’ world renowned facilities at Zurich Airport, Switzerland. The maintenance, repair and overhaul of the first of the twelve Royal Jet CFM engines began in the second week of February, 2015. Commenting on the contract win, SR Technics’ CEO André Wall said, “The fact that a carrier that puts luxury, quality and unsurpassed reliability at the top of its agenda chose SR Technics as its MRO provider is significant.

Royal Jet’s guests pay for a truly exceptional service. They expect the pinnacle of performance and reliability and the highest benchmarks in terms of safety. So of course we are pleased that Royal Jet has entrusted SR Technics to deliver that level of quality competitively.

We now look forward to building on our collaboration in future.” Captain Patrick Gordon, Acting President and CEO of Royal Jet commented, “Royal Jet is recognized globally for its safety in the private aviation industry.

We are proud to only partner with suppliers who provide a first class service. The extensive technical audit and thorough tender process highlighted the superior offering from SR Technics. We look forward to working together on many future projects.”

Royal Jet picks SR Technics engines MRO

one of the biggest airports the world.”

Speaking on the expansion plans in 2015 Mr Kraman said that Turkish Technic will continue efforts to expand in Middle East and EMEA at larger scale, whereas Far East also remains in focus too. “We have number of contracts in Europe and are planning expand our engine and landing gear services, especially in Europe, where we only provided component maintenance.” Turkish Technic is also focussing on growing its landing gear business in India.

When asked whether he looks OEM service contracts as challenge for growth Mr Karaman said that aircrafts will always need maintenance at some point of time. As you know MROs are like service stations that make sure aircrafts do not have any technical lapses. However, OEM service contracts present challenges in the engine service offerings. But major

carriers usually sell or sublease their aircrafts to low cost airlines, who heavily depend on MROs for routine maintenance. “Apparently, we have a gap in component market which can be advantageous for building component pool.”

Mr Karaman concluded saying, “Being an MRO for the Turkish Airlines, over 70 per cent of our business is guaranteed as the airline flies around 260 aircrafts. We use our capacities to extend services to third party airlines Citilink and others to widen our reach.” Turkish Technic is the leading maintenance company providing technical services for airframe, engine, APU and components for a wide range of airlines from Europe, Middle East, Asia, CIS and Northern Africa. Citilink on te other hand, operates from Jakarta and two main hubs in Surubaya and Batam. It has a fleet of 33 Airbus A320s. Citilink provides scheduled domestic flights as well as international routes.


teChnology

The ‘future is personal’ in air travel

The ‘connected passenger’ has become a reality, with 97 per cent of airline

passengers carrying at least one personal electronic device. But global usage rates indicate passengers have been slow to adopt new airline and airport mobile services when travelling. Deeper analysis however, shows that some industry players are bucking the trend and achieving high levels of usage. This is according to The Future is Personal, the latest industry report from SITA, the leading global IT provider to the air transport industry.

SITA’s industry insights are based on in-depth research directly with more than 6,000 passengers; carried out at 106 airports across the world which handled 2.35 billion passengers last year and with airlines that together carried more than half the world’s passenger traffic. The research

Melbourne’s Monash University and AMAERO Engineering have

captured the attention of global aviation industry giants by creating the world’s first 3D printed jet engine.

The manufacturing breakthrough will lead to cheaper, lighter and more fuel efficient jets, and will also have an impact cross-sectoral in fields such as medical technology, according to engineers and researchers.

The project was initiated when French aerospace company, Microturbo (Safran), donated a fully functional older jet engine to the team at Monash, which was then taken apart and intricately scanned.

Working from their base in Notting Hill (20 minutes south-east of central Melbourne), researchers at AMAERO Engineering, in partnership with Monash University worked to replicate the complex metallic instruments by laser-based

additive manufacturing, also known as 3-D printing.

Ben Batagol, of AMAERO Engineering said, “The project is a spectacular proof of concept that’s leading to significant contracts with aerospace companies. It was a challenge for the team and pushed the technology to new heights of success – no one has printed an entire engine commercially yet.” The project has attracted the interest of global industry giants, Boeing, Airbus and defence manufacturer, Raytheon.

Professor Ian Smith, Monash University’s Vice Provost for Research and Research Infrastructure said, “Australia’s manufacturing industries need access to the latest technologies to stay competitive. “This Centre allows them to rapidly prototype metal devices across a wide range of industries. It’s part of a large integrated suite of facilities for research and industry at Monash.”

Melbourne makes history with world’s first 3D printed jet engine

shows airlines have made significant investments in mobile services over the past four years as smartphone adoption surged and the majority now enable passengers to buy tickets, check-in and access flight information via smartphone apps. Meanwhile half of the worlds’ airports also provide flight information via apps.

Still global rollout and adoption is proving to be slower and more complex than was anticipated. Half of passengers are keen to use their mobiles to find their way around the airport, access lounges or the aircraft, provide identification at checkpoints, or make payments. The reality is though, that despite these and other services, including mobile check-in and boarding passes provided by airlines, 24 per cent of passengers have not yet used travel apps at all on their journey.

Nigel Pickford, Director Market Insight SITA said, “At a glance, airlines and airports might be discouraged by the slower than expected global usage rates but this hides the huge success that some airlines and airports are experiencing. Our analysis has shown that the successful ‘outliers’, be they airports or airlines, are focusing

on providing excellent customer service experiences that their passengers want. They are harnessing new technologies to give personalized services at the right moment of the journey.”

SITA’s report details the desire for passengers to experience personalized services throughout their journey and explains how personalization is now expected both on the ground and in-flight. This era of continuous engagement means that passengers also expect to be kept informed during periods of disruption and given the ability to manage the changing circumstances of their journey.

The Future is Personal combines SITA’s global research with commentary and cases studies from airports and airlines that have focused particularly on using mobile services to improve the passenger experience to great success.

Two engines have now been successfully ‘printed’ as part of the project. One of these was on display at the Australian International Airshow, a biennial event taking that took place in Avalon in February.

Manufacturing have been supported by government via the Australian Research Council (ARC), the Commonwealth Research Council (CRC) program, Commercialisation Australia, the Science and Industry Endowment Fund, Monash University and Safran.

Jean-François Rideau, head of R&T from Microturbo (Safran), said: “Monash and AMAERO are already key partners for our new developments and we are keen to have their help in developing new technologies for our future engines.”

John Butler, Victorian Commissioner to the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, said: “This achievement is great news for Victoria, and it reflects the enormous strength of our aviation and aerospace industry.”


GCAA launches major en-route and flow management initiative with Airbus ProSky

The aviation industry is a key enabler of the UAE economy. With growth of air traffic expected to increase from 2,200

flight movements a day in 2014 to 5,100 flight movements daily in 2030, optimizing airspace is critical to handling increasing capacity demands, efficiency and overall growth. Recognizing such importance, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has

Northrop Grumman highlights new Air Traffic control communication portfolio

Northrop Grumman Corporation’s UK based air traffic communication systems subsidiary, Northrop

Grumman Park Air Systems, will be showcasing its new air traffic control (ATC) communications portfolio, Park Air Sapphire, at the World ATM Congress in Spain.

Park Air Sapphire is a solution-driven portfolio of products and services aimed at providing ATC communication systems with components designed to ensure ease of purchase, installation and maintenance.

“We are very proud of the Sapphire portfolio, and the launch year has been an

exciting time for us,” said Charles Houseago, managing director, Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems. “We are confident that 2015 will see Sapphire rapidly become established as the ATC communication solution of choice.”

Included in the exhibit will be the new generation of the world’s most widely deployed ATC radio, the Park Air T6. The latest version of the T6 is a highly capable radio fully compliant with Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), and EUROCAE Interoperability Standards for VoIP ATM (ED-137). On display also will be the MARC Server, a highly configurable Internet

browser-based control and monitoring system to monitor all the portfolio assets from desktops or tablets.

Also featured will be the company’s award-winning Airport Realtime Collaboration (ARC) software and services. ARC enables airports to capture, process and share crucial information across all of its stakeholders. Customers have achieved impressive results, from increasing the utilisation of existing infrastructure to reducing C02 emissions.

Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems supplies communication systems for airspace operations worldwide.

AtC/AtM

HE Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi stated “Ensuring appropriate readiness for our aviation infrastructure to accommodate the UAE aviation strategies rests as a top strategy for the GCAA. The UAE airspace is considered amongst the busiest in the world and we are determined to continuously enhance the air traffic operations safety and efficiency.”

pave the way for further efficiency gains.” The agreement also includes a Collaborative Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) study and operational trial. The output shall result in a concept of operations specific to the UAE environment.In the 2012-2103 airspace study, Airbus ProSky identified Air Traffic Management (ATM), airspace and Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) challenges resulting in 53 recommendations for improvement. Hafid El Boukfaoui, Regional Director of Airbus ProSky, remarked, “This marks a significant step forward in alleviating current saturation and addressing capacity challenges in the UAE. We feel honoured that GCAA has chosen to partner with us in their effort to optimize airspace efficiency.” A comprehensive airspace design is a key element ensuring the airspace will be optimally used to support growing aviation needs and activity levels. It also leverages capabilities as they are deployed as part of ICAO Block Upgrades and will accommodate the transition to a full Performance Based Navigation (PBN) airspace environment. The UAE FIR is predominantly a complex En Route environment with the majority of traffic spending around 85 percent of the flight distance flown in a climb or descent phase. The conceptual designs that will be created by Airbus ProSky will interface the appropriate connectivity to Control Areas CTA’s, which is the key to ensuring integration into the overall UAE network route structure and international interfaces.

strategically invested in understanding its airspace challenges and implementing the necessary changes. HE Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi stated “Ensuring appropriate readiness for our aviation infrastructure to accommodate

the UAE aviation strategies rests as a top strategy for the GCAA. The UAE airspace is considered amongst the busiest in the world and we are determined to continuously enhance the air traffic operations safety and efficiency.”Ahmed Al Jallaf, Assistant Director General Air Navigation Services stated, “We are pleased to announce the selection of Airbus

ProSky to develop a conceptual design for the UAE En Route airspace. It is the logical step following the successful outcome of the UAE airspace study conducted in 2012 and 2013. This project will be a continuity of what was started two years ago and will


India to explore Aireon potential

NATS expands Lockheed Martin relationship

NATS, the UK-based air traffic control business, and Lockheed Martin,

the airport and air traffic management (ATM) technology provider, have entered a strategic partnership that strengthens the existing supplier relationship and underlines their commitment to further enable improved efficiency, safety and passenger experience across airports and air traffic systems worldwide.

This partnership comes after the two organisations already announced an extension of the ongoing support agreement for a number of NATS operational systems, as well as a new arrangement that has seen Lockheed Martin UK take on the support of NATS business IT systems.

The partners said the increased commitment will be a vital element in supporting NATS’ deployment of the next generation of air traffic control technologies over the coming five years in support of the Single European Sky initiative. The programme will see NATS

move to a new technology platform that will improve operational resilience and offer greater service flexibility.

For Lockheed Martin, the collaboration is an additional capability that consolidates its suite of airport and air traffic technology solutions that are the key in managing the passenger journey from kerb to cloud.

The partnership will also see NATS and Lockheed Martin combine their expertise to offer new and innovative solutions to the global aviation market.

For example, the first example of this closer relationship is the joint development and implementation of Time Based Separation, a new way of separating aircraft on final approach to an airport. In a world first, the system is due to go live at London Heathrow Airport in spring 2015 and is expected to halve delays caused by strong headwinds.

Headwinds on final approach are one of the biggest causes of arrival delay at an airport, where traditional Distance Based

Separation causes the landing rate to drop and delays for passengers to mount. Changing to a time based system allows air traffic controllers to dynamically alter the spacing between aircraft based on the current wind conditions, thereby maintaining the landing rate and improving airport resilience.

NATS and Lockheed Martin are now working to showcase the benefits of the technology to airports around the world as part of a suite of products designed to optimise approach operations, many of which will be demonstrated at the forthcoming CANSO World ATM Congress, Madrid and Passenger Terminal Expo, Paris events in 10-12 March.

“As global demand for air travel rises, Lockheed Martin and NATS are continuing to find innovative ways to help improve the passenger experience and ensure that people are able to reach their destinations safely and on time,” said Mark Cooper, UK managing director of Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions.

“Our new capability will help airports and airlines to maintain capacity during challenging weather periods and reduce the disruption faced by thousands of passengers.”

Tim Bullock, NATS director, supply chain, said: “This partnership builds on our existing strong relationship and the support of our supply chain partners will ensure NATS can continue to meet the high standards of safety and service our customers expect.”

Martin Rolfe, NATS managing director, operations, added: “We see our partnership strategy as vital to the successful delivery of our future plans. The partnership between NATS and Lockheed Martin means we can pool our considerable skills, technologies and resources in deploying SESAR technologies over the next five years and deliver new innovative products and services like Time Based Separation, allowing NATS and Lockheed Martin to lead the way at improving airport efficiency and resilience.”

Aireon, developer and operator of the world’s first space-based global air traffic surveillance system, has signed

a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to collaborate on the potential deployment of Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) services in Indian airspace as a potential future customer of Aireon.

This announcement expands the planned deployment of Aireon service in Asia.

Under the terms of this agreement, AAI will work with Aireon to develop applicable regulations, standards and procedures for ADS-B in its airspace; identify specific requirements for AAI’s use of space-based ADS-B surveillance; and demonstrate how the use of ADS-B can improve aviation operations in Indian airspace.

This agreement supports AAI’s commitment to providing safe, efficient and cost-effective air navigation services on a long-term sustainable basis. The relationship will also leverage and support AAI’s experience

AtC/AtM

in controlling a high-traffic area that is developing into a major aviation hub in the region, especially with growing routes between the Middle East and Asia.

“This agreement is yet another important milestone in the growing coalition of ANSPs worldwide who are collaborating with Aireon to transform the future of aviation

surveillance,”said Don Thoma, president and CEO, Aireon. “AAI’s commitment to implementing leading-edge surveillance infrastructure to further India’s aviation industry is pivotal in bringing space-based ADS-B to this region.As we develop and deploy Aireon, our close partnership with them will help brings a much-needed surveillance technology to remote and oceanic areas within AAI’s airspace that are currently underserved.”

“We look forward to working with Aireon to develop this innovative new technology to achieve global harmonization, allowing ANSPs to take advantage of the space-based technology for safe, efficient and cost-effective services,” said V Somasundaram, member (ANS), Airports Authority of India.

In partnership with leading ANSPs and investors from around the world, NAV CANADA, ENAV, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), and Naviair, as well as Iridium Communications, Aireon plans to provide the first opportunity for global air traffic surveillance as early as 2017.


Bahrain Duty Free Shop Complex has announced an all-time high net profit

of US$22.7 million for the year 2014. This was a leap of +32.7 per cent on 2013, with earnings per share also climbing sharply to US$0.21 million (up +35.6 per cent). Financial results for the fourth quarter of 2014 improved too, with net profit more than

doubling (+110 per cent) year-on-year to US$7.48 million.

Sales in the year rose by +7.8 per cent to US$74.5 million, and in Q4 by +5.8 per cent to US$19.6 million. The results for 2014 showed a +7.5 per cent increase in shareholders’ equity to US$118.7 million compared to last year’s figure of US$ 110.4 million. Chairman of the Board

Farouk Almoayyed said that the company’s focus on variety and quality and on its marketing campaigns and customer service were influential in increasing sales.

Profit from investments hit US$9.93 million, a surge of +75.8 per cent over 2013. The investment portfolio increased by +15.5 per cent to US$76.6

Bahrain Duty Free posts record profits in 2014

WDF reveals terms of renewed Kuwait concession

World Duty Free Group and local partner That Es-Salasil have

revealed terms of their new five-year contract to operate the duty free stores at Kuwait International Airport.

The new contract, signed with the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of Kuwait (DGAC), is effective from 1 March 2015. It includes an option for an additional year under the same conditions. World Duty Free Group and That Es-Salasil have been operating at the airport since 2006.

In an candid statement of contract terms World Duty Free Group and that Es-Salasil

said they won the tender after presenting an offer of a flat annual investment rent fee of KWD7.77 million (€23.08 million at current exchange rates) for each of the five years of the concession.

As part of the agreement with the airport, the contract includes an additional six-month refurbishment period to carry out the necessary store renovations (€0.9 million capital investment). The rent fees are therefore payable as of 1 September 2015.

World Duty Free Group noted that unlike other contracts where it agrees rent as a variable percentage of sales,

with the option of including a Minimum Annual Guarantee, the agreement in Kuwait consists of a fixed fee over the life of the concession, regardless of sales performance.

The tender was organised through a competitive bid.

Under the new contract, the retailer will operate two stores at the existing location in departures - a store with World Duty Free Group’s beauty range and Pure Gold jewellery and a shop offering a selection of tobacco and confectionery and other food.

“We are very pleased to have made a very competitive offer to retain the duty free business in

Kuwait and to keep partnering with the General Directorate of Civil Aviation in Kuwait,” media quoted World Duty Free Group International Chief Operating Officer Pedro Castro.

“As the incumbent bidder, and operator of the stores in this airport since 2006, we know the dynamics of Kuwait International Airport and its potential very well. In partnership with That Es-Salasil, we have streamlined cooperation with the DGAC to make this operation a real success story and we are delighted to extend this partnership”.

Duty Free

million. The Board of Directors has recommended a cash dividend to shareholders of US$0.13 per share as a final cash dividend, of which a US$0.05 per share interim dividend was paid during the year. The Board has also recommended a bonus share issue of 10 per cent.

Almoayyed thanked the executive management team and the company’s employees on the efforts that led to the results. Managing Director Abdulla Buhindi noted that Bahrain International Airport posted a +10.4 per cent in passenger numbers. He added that Bahrain Duty Free completed many shop refurbishments during 2014, including the Arrivals shop plus the opening of a new fashion shop, with these and other investments playing a part in enhancing the shopping experience.

Buhindi also hailed the partnership of Bahrain Duty Free and Bahrain Airport Company, which won the 2014 Frontier Award for Best Marketing Campaign by a Retailer / Airport in Cannes last October.


Abu Dhabi Duty Free revenues reach Dhs 1 billion in 2014

Abu Dhabi Airports announced today that Abu Dhabi Airport Duty Free

exceeded sales of Dhs 1 billion in 2014, closing the year at Dhs 1.009 billion, representing a rise of 10.5 per cent versus 2013 (Dhs 912.9 million).

Abu Dhabi Airports’ Chairman HE Ali Majed Al Mansoori said, “This significant milestone confirms that we are providing passengers with the diverse services and offerings they expect at a major international airport and reflects the incredible growth in passengers which is largely driven by the success of the national airline, Etihad Airways”.

A number of new retail stores opened in 2014, including 2 new multi category Duty Free stores, a new 253m2 award-winning Fragrance Boutique in Terminal 3, refurbished core duty free stores on the Terminal 1 Upper Level, and several initiatives including a new Wellness Spa and Minimart outlet.

Beauty & Fragrance emerged as the biggest selling product categories in 2014 with a 31 per cent share of Duty Free turnover increasing sales by 9.7 per cent over 2013. Indian, Chinese and Emirati passengers continued to account for the highest share of sales at the airport (36 per cent). In addition, passengers spending registered an increase throughout the year.

HE Al Mansoori added, “To achieve an increase in average spend per head amid refurbishment works and new store installations is always challenging however we continue to align our range of products more closely to the passenger demographic. This has played a big part in driving sales beyond the Dhs 1 billion mark.”

The growth was across all categories with the perfume and cosmetics recording the strongest growth of 9.7 per cent, Rolex 36.6 per cent, watches 15.5 per cent, cigars

13.2 per cent and Food and Confectionery 8.4 per cent.

In parallel, Abu Dhabi Airports has rolled out a variety of new food and beverage concepts to ensure its passengers arrive and depart feeling happy and refreshed including a Montreux Jazz Café in addition to the world’s first airport café from CNN.

Many of the world’s leading brands and retailers are expected to submit bids for the Midfield Terminal Building, which is making rapid progress and will have an annual capacity of 30 million when it opens in 2017. Abu Dhabi Duty Free vision is to create the world’s best commercial offer at an airport within the Midfield Terminal and provide customers with a sensational experience and exclusive innovative offers, supported by high levels of service and traditional Emirati hospitality.

Dubai Duty Free becomes title sponsor of the Irish Open

Duty Free

Dubai Duty Free will be the title sponsor of the 2015 Irish Open Hosted by The

Rory Foundation. Taking place at Royal County Down Golf Club from May 28 – 31, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will see World Number One Rory McIlroy play the role of tournament host on behalf of his charitable foundation.

McIlroy is set to be joined by many of world golf’s most exciting names, with Rickie Fowler, Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood already confirmed to join Ireland’s golfing superstars McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, Padraig Harrington and Ryder Cup Captain Darren Clarke. McIlroy said, “It’s great news that Dubai Duty Free has come on board as the title sponsor for this year’s Irish Open. Dubai Duty Free is a strong global brand with great experience in sports sponsorship through golf, tennis and horse racing. The European Tour and I both have strong links to Dubai, and I am sure Dubai Duty Free will bring a lot to the event and add to its already great prestige.”

One of the world’s leading airport retailers with a turnover of US$1.9 billion in 2014, Dubai Duty Free is already associated with The European Tour as sponsors of the DP World Tour Championship and the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, won at the Emirates Golf Club this year by McIlroy. Dubai Duty Free’s golf portfolio also includes the

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free said, “Sports sponsorship plays a huge role in our overall marketing strategy, it fosters goodwill and allows our brand to travel all around the globe. We are delighted to become the title sponsor of the Irish Open hosted by The Rory Foundation. The tournament has a tremendous history and is the flagship golf event in Ireland providing thrilling golfing action for spectators, golf fans and television viewers around the world. This year’s tournament features a fantastic line up and we are very much looking forward to working with Rory McIlroy and his Foundation, The European Tour, Tourism Northern Ireland and the

members and management of Royal County Down on this prestigious sporting event.”

Northern Ireland’s Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Arlene Foster said, “I welcome the announcement that Dubai Duty Free is to become title sponsor of the Irish Open. The partnership with Dubai Duty Free will further raise the profile of the tournament when it takes place in Northern Ireland this year, and again in 2017, and will help to increase our reputation as a fantastic golfing destination. This sponsorship announcement is further proof that we are establishing Northern Ireland as the home of great events with which world class brands wish to be associated.”

Dubai Ladies Masters, as well as a series of high-profile events including the annual Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup, Dubai Duty Free UAE Nationals Cup, Dubai Duty Free Golf Cup and Dubai Irish Golf Society tournament.


Emirates’ operations in Europe: A €6.8 billion impact on GDP

flydubai takes delivery of 44th Boeing 737-800

flydubai recently took delivery of its 44th Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

According to the airline the vision of the UAE government together with its focus on the development of world-class infrastructure has enabled flydubai to grow its fleet, one of the youngest in the skies today, with an average of 3.1 years.

This first delivery in 2015 will see flydubai realise its original business plan as it will receive its 50th aircraft later this year. The continued investment in the aviation sector in the UAE will ensure that flydubai is well

positioned to take delivery of its next order of 111 new aircraft which will be used to further enhance connectivity to and from Dubai over the next few years.

After the addition of latest aircraft flydubai’s fleet consists of 44 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft from an order of 50 at the Farnborough Airshow in 2008. The first order of 50 aircraft was valued at USUS$ 4 billion at current list price. flydubai has received 8 Next-Generation Boeing aircraft in 2014 and the first aircraft for 2015.

More recently flydubai placed order for 75 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 11 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft at the Dubai Airshow 2013. The order is valued at USUS$ 8.8 billion at current list price and the first aircraft from 11 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800s order is expected to be delivered between 2016 and 2017. Deliveries of the first Boeing 737 MAX will commence in the second half of 2017 and continue until the end of 2023. flydubai created a network of 89 destinations, with 23 new routes launched in 2014

Emirates, a global connector of people, places and economies, and Frontier

Economics, a leading European consultancy, released today the results of a socio-economic impact study that measures Emirates’ contribution to the European economy.

Frontier estimates that Emirates’ operations, including the catalytic impact of the 220 unique connections it offers, supported 85,100 jobs across the EU in 2013/14, equivalent to €6.8 billion GDP of the total EU GDP. In addition, Emirates’ Airbus A380 deliveries for the same period supported 41,000 jobs, equivalent to €3.4 billion GDP.

“Emirates is fully committed to the European market. The relationship goes back to 1987 when we first started flying from Dubai to London Gatwick. Since then, we have witnessed growth based on demand and now operate over 350 passenger flights a week from Europe, providing global connectivity via our hub in Dubai,” commented Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline. “Emirates’ economic impact is significant; based on Frontier’s report; we supported over one hundred thousand jobs across Europe through our operations and our aircraft purchases from Airbus. By stimulating demand for travel and cargo, especially in markets underserved by other airlines, Emirates contributes to the economies of the communities we serve.”

The study conducted by Frontier demonstrates that Emirates’ presence in 28 European cities

The Value of Connectivity

Traditionally, international travel from Europe involved flying from or often backtracking to one of the big European hubs. This contributed to a connectivity gap for other major European cities, restricting their ability to develop trade and Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) opportunities. Since launching services to Europe in 1987, Emirates has helped bridge this gap, by gradually and on the basis of demand, increasing services to major and secondary cities across Europe.

The Frontier analysis, which covered 28 cities served by Emirates in 16 EU Member States, identified a total of 220 routes from Europe that are unique to Emirates. 21 of these are non-stop connections from European cities to Dubai, and the remaining 199 routes are unique one-stop connections, via Dubai. Using any other airline or alliance on these unique routes would require at least one more additional stop.

“The connectivity Emirates provides through these 220 unique routes positively impacts

FDI and trade and supports the development of regional centres. It also increases tourism, provides choice for the consumer and supports air cargo shipments to and from regional centres”, commented Dan Elliott. “We estimate that an additional 3,000 jobs are facilitated through the catalytic impact of the 220 unique connections, equivalent to €215m of GDP, taking Emirates’ total contribution to €6.8 billion.”

Considering the breadth of Emirates’ network and how air travel demand is expected to double in the next 5-10 years, Emirates is well positioned to bring a growing number of tourists and business travellers to Europe, further enabling trade and investment.

A380 Deliveries

With a total of 140 aircraft ordered, Emirates is the largest purchaser of Airbus’ A380, accounting for more than 40 per cent of the total A380 order book. Airbus estimates that Emirates’ A380 orders support the employment of 41,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs in Europe.

significantly contributes to regional development, especially in non-hub markets that have traditionally been overlooked by other carriers.

“Some of Emirates’ competitors have in the past accused the airline of having a negative impact on Europe, but the Frontier analysis paints a different picture. Our research shows that the direct, indirect and induced impact of Emirates’ operations and the development of connectivity to secondary cities in particular, makes a substantial contribution to EU GDP”, stated Dan Elliott, founder and Director of Frontier Economics. “The economic value this connectivity brings to the EU is at times underappreciated, and something that merits attention.”

AirlineS


Cavotec helping to improve sustainability

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Four decades of innovation and efficiency.

A potential much bigger than expectedFrom the finest pearls in the world to one of the best airports in the Middle East, Bahrain has

always been a long-standing crossroad of cultures and civilisations. Bahrain is uniquely located in the heart of the Gulf, offering international airlines the opportunity to tap into a potential of

over 5 million passengers. We look forward to welcoming you.

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