Dubai, U.A.E., 20 August 2017:  Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd. has today completed the previously announced acquisition of the AWAS group of companies. The acquisition of AWAS propels DAE into the top tier of global aircraft lessors. DAE will now conduct its aircraft leasing business using the DAE Capital brand name. DAE Capital now features: an owned, managed and committed fleet of approximately 400 aircraft with a value of over US$14 billion; full service capability to 117 airline customers in 57 countries from offices in Dubai, Dublin, Singapore, Miami, Bellevue and New York; and over three decades of experience in the global leasing market. DAE Chief Executive Officer Firoz Tarapore, said: “This acquisition of the best-in-class AWAS platform provides DAE with an enhanced market position. This ......read more

KEY POINTS: JUNE 2017 – JULY 2017 Initial airline financial results from Q2 2017 have been more robust than earlier in the year, and suggest that the squeeze on profit margins from higher costs and weak yields peaked in Q1. Meanwhile, having trended downwards since 2013, the latest monthly data suggest that passenger yields have now started to trend upwards. Exchange rate-adjusted yields were broadly unchanged from their year-ago level in May. Global airline share prices fell in July, driven by a decline in the North America index. Having seen airline shares outperform global equities over the past year, July’s decline appears, in part, to reflect profit taking by investors. Brent crude oil prices rose back above US$50/bbl in July, and ended the month nearly 10% higher than they started it. Nonetheless, the ......read more

Health and safety tips for those travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage  Dubai, UAE, August 16, 2017:  International SOS and Control Risks has issued the latest guidance to Muslims travelling from all over the world to attend Hajj in Saudi Arabia this month. Close to 2 million foreign and domestic pilgrims are expected to perform their religious duties in Mecca between August 30 and September 4, with many also travelling to Medina in the weeks before and after the pilgrimage. Hundreds of thousands of travellers have already arrived in Saudi Arabia, and local authorities and transportation hubs have been preparing for the busy period ahead. All members heading to Saudi Arabia, whether for Hajj, business or personal travel should expect generalised travel disruption throughout the country. James ......read more

Al Mansoori, 15, aims to keep astronauts healthy during space missions   Dubai, UAE, August 15, 2017:   UAE high school student Alia Al Mansoori’s experiment is on its way to the International Space Station. This is the culmination of the first UAE Genes in Space competition held in the UAE and made possible through a partnership of the UAE Space Agency, The National and Boeing.  The DNA-based research competition was open to all students in Grades 7 through 12 across the country. The contest invites students to propose experiments that contribute to solving real-life space exploration problems.   The experiment by Al Mansoori, 15, of Al Mawakeb School Al Barsha in Dubai, will be the third award winner to fly an experiment to the ISS under the auspices of the Genes in Space competition and the ......read more

15th August 2017, Abu Dhabi:  Passengers travelling to or coming from Pakistan or India this week were treated to a terminal-wide festivities at Abu Dhabi International Airport, marking the Pakistan Independence Day on the 14th August, and the India Independence Day on 15th August. The celebrations included a flash mob that surprised passengers arriving from various destinations in both countries, as it suddenly appeared in the baggage claim halls, leaving the arrivals in total amazement. Passengers had also the opportunity to take photos in front of the famous “Wagah Border”, which is a tradition that reflects the close relations between the two communities. Both Terminal 1 and 3 were carrying the flags and colors of both countries in a tribute to those nations. Abu Dhabi Duty Free and several of its concessionaires ......read more

Dubai, UAE, August 14, 2017:  Having the passenger satisfaction as a priority, Turkish Airlines continues to bring innovation to the unmatched travel experience, offered by the carrier. The airline has now started to provide specially designed baby packs in order to make its cross-continental flights more comfortable for the families who fly with their babies (0-2 ages), as of August 2017. The baby packs, offered within specially designed bags, include a diaper changing mat, disposable baby bib, rash cream, baby lotion, baby shampoo, baby wipe, and breast pad. Whole items that do not contain paraben, alcohol, paint, SLS and SLES (harmful chemicals), all produced considering the sensitivity of a baby skin.

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The session was headed by H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency 14 August 2017, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:  The new formation of the UAE Space Agency Board of Directors has met for the first time, chaired by H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education. Board members include H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Khalid Al Buainain, Badr Al Olama, Sultan Muhair Al Ketbi, Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Mohammed Saif Al Maqbali, Massaoud Mohammed Sharif, and Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf.   The new members praised the diligent efforts and successes of the previous Board over the past three years, during its period under the chairmanship of H.E. Dr. Khalifa Al Romaithi. In particular, the Board highlighted the establishment of the Space Agency and its subsequent international ......read more

Dubai, UAE, August 9, 2017:  The General Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates denies allowing aircraft registered in the State of Qatar to cross the sovereign airspace of the state, adding that those aircraft are only  allowed to use the airspace managed by the UAE above international waters.

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SITA enables Miami Airport app users to quickly tap and clear immigration and customs Dubai, UAE, August 9, 2017:  Miami International Airport (MIA) is the first airport in the world to bring the convenience of Mobile Passport Control, the fast entry process into the USA, into its own airport app experience. US citizens and Canadian visitors arriving into Miami can now use the MIA Airport Official app to submit details to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and simply receive a barcode on their phone to present for clearance.  This convenient service, developed by global air transport IT provider SITA and certified by US CBP for Mobile Passport Control, speeds up the entry process into the USA. As an integral part of MIA’s official app, the new mobile service builds on the personal travel assistant experience ......read more

9th August 2017, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:  Abu Dhabi Airports has been awarded the UAE’s first Aerodrome Flight Information Services (AFIS) certification from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), for Sir Bani Yas Airport.  AFIS is provided at airfields where flight information is required, but where the aircraft traffic does not warrant having a full Air Traffic Control service. AFIS can provide information to pilots about other known traffic that is landing, taking off, or flying in the vicinity of the airfield, as well as relevant meteorological information and status of the runway. Based upon information received from AFIS, the pilot will determine how best to safely operate the flight.  H.E. Eng. Awaidah Murshed Al Marar, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports commented: “The successful ......read more

Results exceeded analysts’ expectations and second quarter revenues reached AED 906 million First half 2017 net profit increases 7% and 12 new routes launched in the same period  Sharjah, UAE; 08 August 2017:  Air Arabia (PJSC) today announced strong financial results for the second quarter of this year ending June 30, 2017 as the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier continued to deliver robust and sustained performance.   Air Arabia’s financial results for the second quarter exceeded analysts’ expectations and registered a net profit of AED 158 million, an increase of 21 per cent compared to the AED 131 million reported for the same period last year. The company’s turnover for the second quarter of 2017 increased to AED 906 million, compared ......read more

The licensing system has paved the way for the exponential growth of Abu Dhabi’s expanding events sector Mandatory register provides fast effective solutions for processing, licensing and promotion of all Abu Dhabi events Abu Dhabi, UAE – 08 August 2017:  The Abu Dhabi Events Licensing System (ELS), which was launched earlier during the year by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), has experienced unprecedented growth of 19.5% in total applications between Q1 and Q2.    Operated by TCA Abu Dhabi on behalf of Abu Dhabi Government, the ELS, a mandatory register of all business, leisure and public events in Abu Dhabi, is a one-stop platform for all venues and bodies responsible for staging, organising and managing events.  About 9,002 applications that covered all ......read more

Dubai, UAE, August 7, 2017:  Airbus logged orders for four jetliners from its A330 and A350 XWB widebody families in July, while delivering 47 aircraft from across its current-production single-aisle and widebody product lines during the month. The new business in July involved three A330-200s for International Airlines Group, along with one A350-1000 for an undisclosed customer. Taking these transactions into account, along with conversions and cancellations, Airbus’ overall net orders for the first seven months of 2017 totalled 205 jetliners. July’s deliveries involved 36 A320 Family aircraft (including nine A320neo versions), four A330-300s, six A350-900s and one A380. As part of this activity, Airbus reached the 100th A350 XWB delivery milestone with its handover of an A350-900 version for China Airlines, ......read more

Dubai, UAE, August 6, 2017:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global passenger traffic data for June showing that demand (measured in total revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose by 7.8% compared to the year-ago period. This was in line with the 7.7% growth recorded in May. All regions reported growth. June capacity (available seat kilometers or ASKs) increased by 6.5%, and load factor rose 1.0 percentage point to 81.9%.   For the first six months of 2017, the industry experienced a 12-year high in traffic growth (7.9%) and a record first half load factor of 80.7%.   “A brighter economic picture and lower airfares are keeping demand for travel strong. But as costs rise, this stimulus of lower fares is likely to fade. And uncertainties such as Brexit need to be watched ......read more

Dubai, UAE, August 2, 2017:  Jazeera Airways today announced its second quarter financial results, reporting an operating profit of KD2.2 million, up 22.9% from the same period last year, and a net profit of KD2.3 million, reflecting a growth of 18.1% from the same period last year. Jazeera Airways’ positive results were driven by higher utilization, improved network planning, and a strong demand for travel during the quarter, which was airline’s best second quarter by flown passengers since Q2 2009.    Q2 2017 Financial and Operational Highlights:  Operating revenue: KD14.0 million, up 9.5% from Q2 2016 Operating profit: KD2.2 million, up 22.9% from Q2 2016 Net profit: KD2.3 million, up 18.1% from Q2 2016 Load factor: 73.3%, up 1.5% from Q2 2016 H1 2017 Financial and Operational ......read more

Dubai, UAE, August 2, 2017:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTKs), grew by 10.4% in the first-half of 2017 compared to the first-half of 2016. This was the strongest first half-year performance since air cargo’s rebound from the Global Financial Crisis in 2010 and nearly triple the industry’s average growth rate of 3.9% over the last five years.   Freight capacity, measured in available freight tonne kilometers (AFTKs), grew by 3.6% in the first half of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. Demand growth continues to significantly outstrip capacity growth, which is positive for yields.  Air cargo’s strong performance in the first half of 2017 was confirmed by June’s ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 02, 2017:  Dubai-based DC Aviation Al-Futtaim (DCAF), a joint venture between DC Aviation Group based in Germany and Al-Futtaim, has expanded its fleet under management with the addition of a Challenger 605 aircraft.  This brings the total number of aircraft under management to six including two Globals, three Challengers and a Falcon 7X.  The management contract will see DCAF provide a complete 360-degree service package from its facility at Al Maktoum International Airport including FBO handling, maintenance and air-conditioned hangar parking in addition to flight management, dispatch and Continued Airworthiness services.  Holger Ostheimer, Managing Director of DC Aviation Al-Futtaim said: “Our facility offers the shortest distance from limousine drop-off to ......read more

LG Robots to Deliver Expert Service for Visitors to Korea DUBAI, August 1st, 2017 — As South Korea prepares for the largest winter sporting event in its history, LG Electronics (LG) is focusing on improving automated services at the main hub for the world’s travelers – Incheon International Airport (IIA). Starting on July 21, LG will put into service a number of Airport Guide Robots and Airport Cleaning Robots at the award-winning airport to assist travelers arriving and departing Korea. The Airport Guide Robot will roam the airport providing information and assistance to visitors while the Airport Cleaning Robot will be on hand to keep the floors impeccably clean.  By dispatching its robots to one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, LG will be able to provide its robotic services to ......read more

One-off impairments on aircraft and equity investments contribute to US$1.87 billion net loss  Passenger revenues steady on record passenger numbers and 79% load factors  11% reduction in unit costs helps to offset pressure on yields Group-wide strategic review well underway to drive change and improve performance  Abu Dhabi, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, July 27, 2017:  Etihad Airways today announced its 2016 financial results, recording a net loss of US$ 1.87 billion on US$ 8.36 billion in revenues as one-off impairment charges and fuel hedging losses weighed against a solid performance of the core airline.     The core airline business achieved steady passenger revenues of US$ 4.9 billion and 79% load factors while carrying a record 18.5 million passengers. Available seat kilometres (ASKs) ......read more

Al Shaibani: MBRSC’s membership at Sentinel Asia reflects the approach of giving and humanitarian support, and is in-line with 2017’s initiative - Year of Giving   Dubai, UAE, July 27, 2017:  Mohammed Bin Rashid Space (MBRSC) has joined Sentinel Asia, an international initiative among space agencies, disaster management agencies, and international agencies for applying remote sensing and Web-GIS technologies to support disaster management in the Asia-Pacific region. The Center joined the initiative as part of its support to disaster risk reduction, and will contribute by providing DubaiSat-2 high-resolution data and is willing to effectively contribute through its long term Earth Observation program using future missions, such as KhalifaSat, which will be launched into space next year. H.E. Yousuf Al Shaibani, ......read more

New SITA services includes South Africa’s first self-bag drop and mobile boarding   Dubai, UAE – 26 July 2017 – Lanseria International Airport is investing in SITA’s self-service technology that will add new convenience for passengers while providing improved common-use functionality for airlines. Using SITA’s self-service systems, passengers will now be able to quickly check-in and drop their bags before proceeding directly to the gate without having to visit a traditional check-in counter.    In a first for a South African airport, passengers who have checked-in online or on their mobile device can now tag and drop their bags in less than a minute using SITA’s Scan&Fly self bag-drop units. Scan&Fly’s plug-and-play design allows the bag-drop solution to be ......read more

Dubai, UAE. July 26, 2017:  As a key part of its vision to operate sustainably, Armani Hotel Dubai has been awarded its first Green Globe certification. General Manager, Mark Kirby said, “Green Globe certification for Armani Hotel Dubai is a strong testament to our commitment to be a socially and environmentally responsible hotel operator, focused on international best practices in energy and water use efficiency and sustainable development.  “Since inception, we have focused on promoting green initiatives hotel-wide and encouraged the participation of not just our employees but also our guests and partners. Through our green programs– from recycling materials to minimizing food wastage and supporting environmental campaigns, we have set an industry benchmark in being a green hotel that works to secure a ......read more

Upgrade to widebody 787 Dreamliner provides significant capacity increase on key route Aircraft features industry-leading, award-winning cabins  Acclaimed Flying Nanny service now available on 787 Dreamliner flights to Beirut Dubai, UAE, July 25, 2017:  Etihad Airways today introduced the Boeing 787-9 on its scheduled daily service from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to Beirut, Lebanon.    The new 787 Dreamliner service replaces the Airbus A321 aircraft previously operating the airline’s EY535/EY538 flights to and from the Lebanese capital. The Boeing 787-9 features Etihad Airways’ next-generation Business and Economy Class cabins and is configured with 299 seats – 28 Business Studios and 271 Economy Smart Seats.   Mohammad Al Bulooki, Etihad ......read more

23 July 2017 (Geneva):  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airlines for America (A4A), have launched a year-long global campaign related to baggage tracking with the goal of reducing mishandled bags in addition to increasing efficiency in baggage operations.  Annually, more than 4 billion bags are carried by airlines globally. Less than 0.43 percent do not arrive with their owners. The industry is determined to do even better and has agreed to Resolution 753 (R753). By June 2018, airlines have committed to being able to track a bag when it is accepted at the airport, loaded onto the aircraft, transferred to the arrival system or put into the transfer system for carriage by another airline. Airlines should also be able to share this tracking information with interline carriers as needed. “Arriving ......read more

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 18 July 2017:  Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), the organiser of this year’s Abu Dhabi Summer Season running from July 20 to August 20, held a networking meeting with partners and stakeholders at the Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island to help drive the success of the event. Representatives from the Authority met with companies from the public and private sectors to see how all could work together during the month-long programme of entertainment across the emirate. This year’s edition of Abu Dhabi Summer Season is being held at venues and malls across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain Region and Al Dhafra Region and includes ten live shows, hundreds of retail discounts at 12 participating malls, restaurant deals and the chance to win one of five luxury BMW cars.

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