AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION NOVEMBER 2024 • VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11 THE FUTURE IS NOW As eVTOLs prepare for take-off, urban commuting is set for a revolutionary transformation AVB_Nov2024_00_Cover_13429381.indd 125/10/2024 17:10Untitled-6 125/09/2024 17:503 NOVEMBER 2024 The world of urban transportation is about to take off, literally. With the rapid advancements in advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the way we move around cities is on the verge of a major upgrade. As these futuristic aircraft near certifi cation and commercial operations in key cities across the Middle East, this month’s cover story uncovers how these innovations will transform urban mobility, by offering a speedier, greener, and far more convenient alternative to ground transport. And that’s just the beginning! In an exclusive interview with Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of The Helicopter Company (THC), we explore how the company is redefi ning aviation in Saudi Arabia through innovation, sustainability, and strategic alignment with Vision 2030. Next, we shift gears to the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector; where Joramco’s CEO, Fraser Currie, gives us an insider’s look at how technology and digitalisation are transforming the industry and shaping the future of aviation maintenance in the region. On the technology front, SITA’s CEO, David Lavorel, shares his vision for the future of airports and passenger experiences, and how tech-driven innovations are creating a smarter and more connected future of air travel. Oman Air is also on our radar this month, as we analyse how the airline is reinventing itself and working to turn the tide on past challenges. Additionally, as Emirates gears up to welcome its shiny new fl eet of Airbus A350s, we explore how the aircraft will enhance the passenger experience and fuel the airline’s network expansion plans. Finally, we round off this issue by exploring the world of ancillary services, what extras travellers value most, and how airlines can tap into this goldmine to elevate the passenger experience and boost their revenues. Enjoy the read! Karim Tolba Editor, Aviation Business Middle East EDITOR’S LETTER @AVB_ME facebook.com/aviationbusinessmiddleeast linkedin.com/company/aviationbusinessmiddleeast AVB_Nov2024_3_Editor Letter_13410770.indd 325/10/2024 17:134 NOVEMBER 2024 26 CONTENTS 16 THE FUTURE IS NOW As eVTOLs prepare for take-off, we uncover how urban commuting is set for a revolutionary transformation, one that promises faster, greener alternatives to ground transport. 24 THC’S SKYWARD JOURNEY THC’s Captain Arnaud Martinez reveals how the company is transforming Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape through innovation, sustainability, and strategic alignment with Vision 2030. 26 WHAT TO EXPECT FROM EMIRATES’ LATEST FLEET UPGRADE? Discover how the arrival of Emirates’ anticipated Airbus A350 will enhance the passenger experience and fuel the airline’s network expansion. 16 COVER STORY 24 AVB_Nov2024_4-5_Contents_13410771.indd 425/10/2024 17:145 NOVEMBER 2024 42 28 SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MRO IN THE MIDDLE EAST Joramco’s CEO, Fraser Currie, on the role of technology and digitalisation in shaping the future of MRO operations in the region. 36 A NEW ERA IN AIR TRAVEL SITA’s David Lavorel shares his vision for the future of airports and passenger experience, offering a glimpse of what lies ahead for the aviation sector. 42 BEYOND THE TICKET Analysing which ancillary services offer travellers the greatest value, and how airlines can capitalise on them to maximise profi tability. 36 28 AVB_Nov2024_4-5_Contents_13410771.indd 525/10/2024 17:146 NOVEMBER 2024 Published by and © 2024 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised 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 ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: + 971 4 444 3000 Web: www.itp.com Offi ces in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, London, Mumbai, Riyadh & Geneva ITP MEDIA GROUP CEO: Ali Akawi Managing Director: Martin Chambers Head of Digital Media: Thomas Shambler EDITORIAL Editor: Karim Tolba Tel: +971 4 444 3714 email: karim.tolba@itp.com Commercial Editor: Angitha Pradeep Tel: +971 4 444 3278 email: angitha.pradeep@itp.com ART Art Director: Amjad Ayche Art Editor: Tofi q Memon ADVERTISING Chief Commercial Offi cer: Sally Whittam Tel: +971 4 444 3348 email: sally.whittam@itp.com Advertising Director: Richard Mobbs Tel: +971 4 444 3592 email: richard.mobbs@itp.com Commercial Manager : Bethany Bardsley Tel: +971 4 444 3245 email: bethany.bardsley@itp.com PHOTOGRAPHY Video Editor: Liju Cheruvathur MARKETING Senior Events & Marketing Manager: Eleanor Ashton email: eleanor.ashton@itp.com Associate Events & Marketing Manager: Kate Galaktionova Events & Marketing Manager: Dmitry Lazarenko Associate Events Manager: Vrinali Nazareth Events Administrative Assistant: Aronn Pureza Events Administrative Assistant: Bobbie Rosario Events Sales Assistant: Joyce Salonga email: events@itp.com PRODUCTION Production Manager: Balasubramanian P. DISTRIBUTION Circulation Executive: Rajesh Pillai Distribution Coordinator: Avinash Pereira ITP GROUP CEO: Ali Akawi CFO: Toby Jay Spencer-Davies AVB_Nov2024_6_Flannel_13410772.indd 625/10/2024 17:15Untitled-14 129/10/2024 10:37QUOTEWORTHY NOVEMBER 2024 8 Our business is in a diffi cult position, and it is hard to overstate the challenges we face together. Beyond navigating our current environment, restoring our company requires tough decisions, and we will have to make structural changes to ensure we can stay competitive and deliver for our customers over the long term The launch of the fi rst phase of the Dubai Sky Map underscores a commitment to promoting innovation in the aviation sector and marks a signifi cant step towards a safer and more sustainable future for the industry HE Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Director-General, DCAA Emirates has had to make signifi cant and highly expensive amendments to our fl eet programmes as a result of Boeing’s multiple contractual shortfalls, and we will be having a serious conversation with them over the next couple of months Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline Kelly Ortberg, President and CEO, Boeing AVB_Nov2024_8-9_Quote Worthy_13421367.indd 825/10/2024 17:16QUOTEWORTHY 9 NOVEMBER 2024 Routes World 2024 has not only showcased Bahrain’s attractiveness as a premier tourist and business destination but also highlighted the remarkable advancements within our aviation sector Our recent network adjustments were essential for building a strong foundation. While we’ve temporarily left some markets, we’ll consider re-entering them when conditions improve Mohamed Yousif AlBinfalah, CEO, Bahrain Airport Company The future of aviation and its continued growth, as a major economic lever and job creator, is not linearly guaranteed. This is an industry that always deals with crises—irrespective of where they take place Abdul Wahab Teffaha, Secretary General, Arab Air Carriers Organisation (AACO) Con Korfi atis, CEO, Oman Air AVB_Nov2024_8-9_Quote Worthy_13421367.indd 925/10/2024 17:16Next >