AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION JANUARY 2025 • VOLUME 3, ISSUE 01 DRIVING VISION 2030 SAAS’s role in transforming Saudi airport mobility In p ar tn er sh ip w ith S A A S AVB_Jan2025_00_Cover_13485222.indd 114/01/2025 15:53Untitled-15 114/01/2025 13:093 JANUARY 2025 As we fl y in 2025, it’s hard not to marvel at the incredible pace of transformation in aviation. The past year has been a testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and forward-thinking that defi ne our industry. At Aviation Business Middle East, we’re privileged to stand at the intersection of these changes, bringing you stories that matter. This year, we’re sharpening our focus on the key forces reshaping aviation. From the exciting possibilities of eVTOLs becoming mainstream to the industry’s ambitious drive toward net-zero emissions, the path forward is paved with innovation and determination. In this inaugural issue of 2025, we explore the cutting-edge advancements propelling aviation into a new era. Our special feature delves deep into aviation technology and innovation—unpacking how advancements in AI, automation, and sustainable aviation fuels are revolutionising effi ciency, connectivity, and environmental stewardship. We’re also shining a spotlight on the leaders and changemakers who are reimagining what the future of fl ight looks like in the Middle East and beyond. Yet, amidst this innovation, let’s not lose sight of the heart of aviation: people. Aviation is about connection—bridging distances, bringing families together, and enabling businesses to thrive. It’s about the engineers designing the aircraft of tomorrow, the pilots navigating our skies, and the ground teams ensuring seamless journeys. Behind everything, there’s a human story, and it’s those stories we’re committed to telling. Thank you for joining us on this journey. Whether you’re an industry veteran, an emerging talent, or simply captivated by the skies, Aviation Business Middle East is here to inform, inspire, and connect. Let’s take on 2025 together, one story at a time. Ryan Harmon Editor, Aviation Business Middle East EDITOR’S LETTER @AVB_ME facebook.com/aviationbusinessmiddleeast linkedin.com/company/aviationbusinessmiddleeast AVB_Jan2025_3_Editor Letter_13481134.indd 326/12/2024 19:334 JANUARY 2025 24 CONTENTS 10 DRIVING VISION 2030 Saudi Amad for Airport Services & Transport Support (SAAS) is at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence in a rapidly evolving aviation landscape. 16 AVIATION BUSINESS AWARDS The Aviation Business Middle East Awards 2024 honoured the top companies and individuals in the sector. 24 ELEVATING LUXURY Private jets have always been a symbol of exclusivity and opulence. But today, these aircraft are evolving into personalised spaces. 30 PASSION, PRECISION, AND SAUDI ARABIA Cástor Fantoba, one of the world’s most celebrated aerobatic pilots, shares how Saudi Arabia’s investment in sports is positioning it as a global leader in aerobatics. 10 COVER STORY 30 16 AVB_Jan2025_4-5_Contents_13481135.indd 415/01/2025 09:155 JANUARY 2025 42 34 SHAVING MINUTES, SAVING MILLIONS Middle Eastern airlines are embracing cutting-edge technologies to optimise turnaround times, unlocking millions in savings and redefi ning operational effi ciency. 38 AI IN AVIATION Inside GE Aerospace’s journey of transformation and collaboration as AI continues to revolutionising industries worldwide. 42 2025 AND BEYOND As 2025 approaches, the global aviation industry stands at a crossroads, facing an era defi ned by rapid change and complex challenges. 38 34 AVB_Jan2025_4-5_Contents_13481135.indd 515/01/2025 09:166 JANUARY 2025 Published by and © 2025 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. 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HE Al Suwaidi emphasised the importance of the expansion, “The expansion of IATA’s presence in the UAE with a new training center reinforces the country’s position as a global aviation hub. Having a key international organisation like IATA expand its footprint here also IATA OPENS TRAINING HUB IN ABU DHABI TO STRENGTHEN MIDDLE EAST AVIATION demonstrates the attractiveness of Abu Dhabi and its value proposition as a preferred destination for global organisations.” Situated in a region known for its strategic location and excellent connectivity, IATA’s Abu Dhabi offi ce will provide essential services to airlines, trainees, strategic partners, and governments, contributing to the broader development of aviation in the Middle East and beyond. Supporting industry growth As the aviation industry experiences rapid grow th, the demand for skilled professionals has never been higher. IATA’s new training centre is strategically positioned to address this demand, with over 60 specialised courses set to launch in 2025. Key training areas include safety, security, sustainability, airline operations, and airport management. Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice- President for Africa and the Middle East, highlighted the signifi cance of the expansion, “We are proud to expand our presence in the UAE, with our offi ce in Abu Dhabi. Over the past 18 Months our team in Abu Dhabi has grown by 140%. By expanding our physical presence in this global aviation hub, we will be able to support our airline members, trainees from across the aviation value chain and the industry’s many stakeholders more effi ciently. Our aim is to facilitate the further successful growth of the region’s aviation sector, which is a strategic contributor to the region’s social and economic development.” IATA trains over 100,000 aviation professionals annually worldwide. Its programmes are recognised worldwide for their quality, relevance, and practicality, making the new Abu Dhabi centre a vital resource for strengthening the Middle East’s aviation capabilities and supporting its ongoing transformation into a global aviation powerhouse. IATA has inaugurated an expanded offi ce and training centre in Abu Dhabi, showcasing its commitment to supporting the Middle East’s aviation sector AVB_Jan2025_8-9_News_13488264.indd 808/01/2025 10:209 JANUARY 2025 NEWS UPDATE Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Air France- KLM to signifi cantly expand and localise Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities. The agreement underscores a shared commitment to advancing technical operations and fostering mutual growth in the aviation sector. Key areas of collaboration Captain Fahd Cynndy, Managing Director of Saudia Technic, and Anne Brachet, Executive Vice President of Air France-KLM Engineering & Maintenance, signed the MOU on behalf of their respective organisations. The partnership focuses on strengthening Saudia’s technical operations through strategic initiatives, including: • GE90 engine maintenance: Saudia will handle module assembly and disassembly of GE90 engines used on Boeing 777 aircraft, awarding at least SAUDIA AND AIR FRANCE-KLM COLLABORATE ON MRO AND CONNECTIVITY 50% of these work orders to Air France- KLM in return for localised processing. • GEnx engine joint venture: The agreement explores the establishment of a joint venture for GEnx engines used on Boeing 787 aircraft, further enhancing Saudia’s MRO capabilities. • CFM LEAP-1A engines: The collaboration complements Saudia’s local expertise in servicing engines for Airbus A320neo family aircraft. On the commercial front, the MOU aims to strengthen reciprocal code sharing between Saudia and Air France- KLM and optimise Paris Charles de Gaulle operations. Leadership and Saudi Vision 2030 HE Eng Ibrahim Al-Omar emphasised the partnership’s strategic importance, “This agreement refl ects the visionary leadership of the Saudia Group Board, led by its chairman, HE Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics. It aligns with the Saudi Aviation Strategy, spearheaded by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and demonstrates our commitment to advancing the Kingdom’s aviation sector.” Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France- KLM, highlighted the signifi cance of this collaboration, “Saudia is a historic partner of Air France-KLM, and in the context of Saudi Arabia’s fast-paced development, we see a mutual interest in expanding our commercial cooperation and pooling our expertise, notably in the strategic MRO activity. Air France- KLM Engineering and Maintenance is already a leader in the fi eld, and further cooperation with Saudia will unlock additional opportunities in the country and in the region.” The agreement reinforces Saudia’s commitment to fostering local talent and aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 by enhancing local content and building national capabilities. Saudia’s efforts aim to create a thriving aviation ecosystem, positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for innovation, connectivity, and technical excellence in the global aviation industry. Saudia partners with Air France-KLM to enhance local aviation capabilities, expand MRO services and strengthen connectivity AVB_Jan2025_8-9_News_13488264.indd 908/01/2025 10:21Next >