< Previouscapabilities,” Abdul Khaliq Saeed, CEO of Etihad Airways Engineering. Back in January 2019, Etihad Airways Engineering and TARMAC Aerosave completed their fi rst Airbus A350 C-check at TARMAC’s facility in Tarbes, France. The project not only provided Etihad Airways Engineering’s team an opportunity to conduct heavy mainte- nance checks for the aircraft type, but also served as a valuable experience for the company. Beginning from March 2019, the MRO service provider will begin to of- fer A350 maintenance checks from its Abu Dhabi hub. “We are pleased to cooperate with Etihad Airways Engineering in order to de- velop synergies across our businesses and provide greater support to our customers worldwide,” said Alain Leboucher, execu- tive vice-president, TARMAC Aerosave. Magnetic MRO makes moves towards Saudi Arabia Hoping to gain a foothold in the bur- geoning MRO market of Saudi Arabia, Magnetic MRO, a provider of Total Technical Care for aircraft operators and lessors, has signed a MoU with Saudi- based MRO, First Premium for Support Services (FPSS). The two parties will collaborate on joint EASA-compliant MRO operations for both the market in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Gulf region. “Magnetic MRO is delighted to join hands with the honourable Sheikh Ghassan Attar, the owner and CEO of First Premium for Support Services, to develop a wide range of high-quality level aircraft maintenance services in Saudi Arabia and across the region,” shared Risto Mäeots, the CEO of Magnetic MRO. From FPSS’s home base in Jeddah, Magnetic MRO will work closely with the company to develop capabilities centred on wheel & tire, brake, oxygen refi ll, and battery shops. As per the agreement, the two MRO service providers will explore the pos- sibility of launching an engine stands hub, which will be operated by Magnetic MRO’s subsidiary EngineStands24. Other possibilities include the launch of an EASA 147-compliant technical training school and EASA 145-compliant line and base maintenance facilities in Jeddah. “We strongly believe, the new agree- ment between Magnetic MRO and FPSS will provide us with a substantial boost in supporting the needs of our aviation clients and bring us to the leading posi- tion on the aircraft maintenance market of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Sheikh Ghassan Omar Attar, CEO of Attar Travel, as well as CEO and owner of First Premium for Support Services. TS&S sets its sights on Europe Following huge successes in both the Asian and South American markets, Aerospace Turbine Services & Solutions (TS&S) has taken its fi rst step into the European market with the signing of an agreement with TAP Air Portugal. Wholly owned by the Mubadala Investment Company, the aero engine and industrial gas turbine maintenance specialist will oversee repair work for a Trent 700 engine. “We greatly value this milestone agree- ment with TAP Air Portugal signifying an expansion of our customer base in the European market with one of the conti- nent’s fastest growing airlines,” comment- ed Mansoor Janahi, acting CEO at TS&S. “This agreement is a testament to the quality delivered by our workforce and we’re thrilled that renowned European airlines, such as TAP Air Portugal, are confi dent in Abu Dhabi service providers for their MRO requirements.” According to the signed deal, TS&S will oversee repair work of the Trent 700 engines that powers the airline’s fl eet of A330 aircraft, from its facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport. TAP Air Portugal’s fl eet comprises of 17 Airbus A330 with an average age of 13.2 years. It was recently revealed by Rolls-Royce, the manufacturer of the Trent 700 engine that 2,000 models of that type have been delivered since being introduced to market MRO MIDDLE EAST & AIME 2019 40 www.aviationbusinessme.com March 2019 · AVIATION BUSINESS The new agree- ment between Magnetic MRO and FPSS will provide us with a substantial boost in supporting the needs of our avia- tion clients and bring us to the leading po- sition on the aircraft maintenance market of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” Sheikh Ghassan Omar Attarback in 1995. To date, there are 1,710 air- craft across the globe that utilise this par- ticular engine model. Rolls-Royce projects these fi gures will grow to 1,738 by 2020. Air Senegal taps SITAONAIR for IFC Aiming to deploy high-speed IFC across the entirety of its A330neo fl eet, Air Senegal has penned an agreement with SITAONAIR to connect with GX Aviation passenger connectivity solution. Reportedly the fi rst instance that an airline on the African continent to deploy its platform, SITAONAIR is set to deploy its Mobile ONAIR and Internet ONAIR infl ight connectivity solutions across the carrier’s fl eet. The platform will then access internet via Link ONAIR over Inmarsat’s GX Aviation network. “We at Air Senegal are extremely proud to say we are leading infl ight innovation in Africa’s aviation industry, and delivering, thanks to our carefully-considered part- nership with SITAONAIR,” commented Philippe Bohn, CEO of Air Senegal. “With our new A330neo fl eet, we can connect passengers from Europe with the heart of our country within six hours. These passengers have high standards, needs and expectations when it comes to infl ight connectivity and Air Senegal is ready to empower them, thanks to SITAONAIR’s support and solutions.” According to the latest industry re- port produced by SITA Air Transport IT Insights, 90% of global airlines have moved to offer wireless infl ight connec- tivity options across their fl eets by 2021. “SITAONAIR’s knowledge and exper- tise, both in establishing aircraft con- nectivity in burgeoning markets and in working alongside African telecommuni- cations organisations and governments, makes us perfectly placed to enable all of Africa’s airlines to realise their con- nectivity ambitions,” commented David Lavorel, SITAONAIR CEO. “Our telecommunications experts have been at the heart of the signifi cant work done with regulators and we look forward to advancing further for the benefi t of the region.” Etihad Airways Engineering and TARMAC Aerosave will deliver Part 145-realted services. Representatives from 71 airlines were present at this year’s editions of MRO ME & AIME. MRO MIDDLE EAST & AIME 2019 41 www.aviationbusinessme.com March 2019 · AVIATION BUSINESSAVIATION PARTNERS March 2019 · AVIATION BUSINESS 42 www.aviationbusinessme.com British Airways Showcases Boeing 747 With Throwback BOAC Livery Coinciding with the recent anniversary of the Boeing 747’s fi rst fl ight back in 1969, British Airways has unveiled a historic livery on one of its B747 aircraft. Arriving back at Heathrow after the com- pletion of a paint project at an IAC paint bay at Dublin Airport, the aircraft’s origi- nal British Airways Chatham Dockyard design was replaced with the livery of the airline’s predecessor, the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC). Registered as G-BYGC and aptly named BA100 as a nod to British Airway’s cen- tenary celebrations, the aircraft fl ew to New York JFK as fl ight BA117 on 19 February. Following completion of the fl ight, the aircraft has been moved to continue operating on British Airways’ 747-tasked routes. The original BOAC livery was utilised across British Airways’ predecessor’s fl eets between 1964 and 1974. “The enormous interest we’ve had in this project demonstrates the attachment many people have to British Airways’ history. It’s something we are incredibly proud of, so in our centenary year, it’s a pleasure to be celebrating our past while also looking to the future. We look forward to many more exciting moments like this as our other aircraft with heritage designs enter service,” said Alex Cruz, British Airways’ chairman and CEO. The British Overseas Airways Corporation was founded in 1939 and endured until 1974, at which point it was combined with British European Airways to form British Airways Following the completion of a fl ight to New York JFK, the aircraft will continue to operate on British Airways’ 747-tasked routes. According to the airline, the BOAC liv- ery will remain on the Boeing 747 aircraft until its scheduled retirement in 2023. It is expected by that point, British Airways will have retired the majority of its 747 fl eet and replaced it with current-gen long-haul aircraft. This includes the delivery of 18 A350s and 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliners within the next four years. Both aircraft types feature improved operational effi ciency, reduced environmental impact, as well as wholly new cabin designs. British Airways has also moved to expand its fl eet with the addition of 26 short-haul aircraft. Altogether, the airline has invested $8.3bn for the benefi t of its customer base. LIVERYAVIATION PARTNERS 43 March 2019 · AVIATION BUSINESS www.aviationbusinessme.com Dubai Airports, Careem launch cheaper travel for DWC passengers Dubai Airports’ long-term agreement will offer passengers using DWC TRANSPORTATION Last month, Emirates shared that it had seen on board requests for vegan meals increase by over 40% over January, know as Veganuary to vegans across the world. The worldwide movement, to encourage veganism especially in January, resulted in the airline serving over 20,000 plant-based meals across all classes. The airline has a range of dedicated menus for medical or religious meal require- ments which are designed with a team of nutritionists and chefs. Vegan meals rank as the third most com- monly requested special meal in Economy Class. Last month, travellers voted Emirates as the Best Airline for Vegan Meals in a poll by Vegan News. Emirates said it has over 170 plant- based recipes in its kitchen to cater to its vegan customers. Some of the most popular dishes in- clude Mushroom Ravioli, Vegetable Tagine served with couscous, and a Sweet Potato, Emirates sees 40% spike in vegan meal orders during EASA APPROVED Joramco secures Part-145 ap- proval for key widebodys P44 IN THE STARS JETEX’s Dubai and Paris FBOs secure Five stars P46 POWER OF AI Etihad and Microsoft to launch AI academy P48 ETIHAD CARGO FLIES 68 HORSES TO HONG KONG The animals were flown to the annual Longines Masters P47 CONTENTS Lentil and Spinach Ragout served with steaming brown rice. Vegan meals, along with other special meals, are available on all Emirates fl ights and across all classes and can be requested 24 hours before departure. All the menus on board are changed monthly. The airline introduced vegan cheese on board in April last year and to date, Emirates has served 18,000 kg of the nut- based cheese. Dubai airline serves more 20,000 plant-based meals during the campaign to encourage veganism worldwide A total of 20,000 plant-based meals served. INFLIGHT Etihad adds extra fl ights to Heathrow The increase in fl ights from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow will meet demand over April Dubai Airports has partnered with ride hailing app Careem to offer cheaper transport to and from Dubai World Central (DWC). The long- term agreement will offer passengers using DWC a 25% discount by using the code FLYDWC on the Careem app. Just days after releas- ing the full schedule into the airport during the southern runway refurbishment pro- gramme at DXB, which will see fl ight movements at the airport increase by over 700%, Dubai Airports said the partnership with the local transport supplier will sup- port customers experience during this 45-day period. “We are delighted to part- ner with Careem and to have this discount available to our customers for an extended pe- riod,” said Eugene Barry, EVP Commercial, Dubai Airports. “DWC is an evolving airport offering both resi- dents and visitors fast and convenient access to a growing choice of desti- nations and is defi nitely worth considering.”AVIATION PARTNERS GROUND SERVICES March 2019 · AVIATION BUSINESS 44 www.aviationbusinessme.com Last month, MRO service provider Joramco secured EASA Part 145 approvals for both Boeing 737 Max and Airbus A320neo aircraft. The latest approval is the third awarded to the company over the last six months, the previous being the receipt of EASA Part-145 approval for Boeing 787 back in September 2018. The latter covered both -8 and -9 variants. Bringing the Jordanian in line with European regula- tor standards for design, production and maintenance of aircraft components, the Amman-based MRO provider and subsidiary of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, has long offered services for 737 and A320 predecessors. Back in September 2017, the company added maintenance services for the 737 MAX and has positioned itself to deliver similar services for the A320neo, which it expects to be able to offer by the close of the second quarter of 2019. From its base near Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport, Joramco offers its clients a range of MRO services, which includes airframe, line maintenance, components, base maintenance, aerospace systems and maintenance management services. “The addition of these approvals marks a signifi - cant milestone in Joramco’s transformation journey led by Joramco’s CEO, Jeff Wilkinson,” commented Firoz Tarapore, CEO of DAE. “It reaffi rms Joramco’s commitment to excel- lence, allows us to deepen our existing customer relationships and supports DAE’s vision of expand- ing Joramco’s capabilities and service offerings”. Joramco is part of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), a globally recognized aerospace corporation and one of the largest aircraft leasing companies in the world. ACCREDITATION Joramco secures Part-145 approval for Boeing 737 Max and Airbus A320neo Volga-Dnepr targets B777; S7 Technics expands textile capabilities; GA Telesis begins tearing-down B737-700s CONTRACT UPDATE Round up of MRO agreements and capability developments, both in the region and beyond Volga-Dnepr Technics’s Middle East branch has received approval to de- liver MRO services for Boeing 777 aircraft. With the approval in hand, the company is now able to extend its base and line maintenance capa- bilities for Boeing 747-400, 737CL/ NG aircraft, along with Airbus A320 and B777-200/300 aeroplanes. “We know that the introduction of the 777 into our work scope will benefi t not only companies working with VD Gulf, but the region as well,” commented Ayrat Gilmutdinov, VD Gulf commercial director. S7 Technics has expanded the capa- bilities of its facilities at Domodedovo Airport with new equipment designed for repairing and sewing interior tex- tiles that are utilised in cabins. The ad- dition of imported leather lamination technology, as well as a special cutting machine will enable the company to meet future demand at a time where it has already boosted production output by 30% (2018 over 2017). Lamination technology not only aids to reduce the weight of aircraft passenger seats but is also highly durable. Aiming to support the used material market, GA Telesis has acquired two Boeing 737-700s and has begun work on tearing down the aircraft. The 737NG disassembly project, which is being conducted at the com- pany’s facilities in Marana, Arizona. Expected to produce critical aircraft components, GA Telesis will trans- port the parts to its UK- and US-based distribution facilities. The company shared that the components will uti- lised across its iGEAR, SNAP and ACCESS programmes. Aero Norway expands CFM56 service The company has increased its capacity for both light and heavy maintenance Joramco is part of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE).FOR EVENT ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT: TERI DUNSTAN Event Manager Direct: +971 4 444 3227 Email: teri.dunstan@itp.com FOR TABLE BOOKINGS, PLEASE CONTACT: LACIE CURTIS Table Sales Executive Direct: +971 4 444 3223 Email: lacie.curtis@itp.com Visit www.logisticsmiddleeast.com/awards for further information or contact one of our team today: FOR NOMINATION ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT: SHAUN EBELTHITE Editor, Logistics Middle East, Direct: +971 4 444 3420 Email: shaun.ebelthite@itp.com FOR SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT: MARK PALMER Group Sales Director Direct: +971 4 444 3398 Email: mark.palmer@itp.com BOOK YOUR #LogisticsMEAwards WEDNESDAY 17th APRIL 2019 RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE IN SUPPLY CHAIN AND LOGISTICS IN THE MIDDLE EAST SILVER SPONSORCATEGORY SPONSOR TABLE TODAY!AVIATION PARTNERS GROUND SERVICES March 2019 · AVIATION BUSINESS 46 www.aviationbusinessme.com Jetex, a private aviation company, has had both it’s Dubai and Paris-based FBOs awarded 5 Stars by The Global Star Rating System for Services. The offi cial results of the evaluation were unveiled by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Both Jetex Paris - Le Bourget and Jetex Dubai were assessed on eight aspects of their daily operation. This consisted of reviews of its strategic alignment, customers, services, channels, customer experience, service effi ciency and innovation, human resources and technology, against 127 requisites. “Our primary mission is to contribute to excellence in hospitality, serving the entire aviation industry,” said Adel Mardini, Jetex CEO and president. “We’re so proud to be awarded by The Global Star Rating System and look forward to expanding the assessment throughout our global network.” In addition to the recent recognition by The Global Star Rating System for Services, the company was previously certifi ed by both Safety 1st and The International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) in both France and the Middle East. Moving forward, the company aims to have some of its other stations assessed un- der the rating programme. This includes its FBOs is Abidjan, Oman, and Morocco. To date, JETEX maintains a global workforce of 465 employees in over 56 locations around the world. FBO Dubai’s dnata increases ownership in JV companies Dubai-based air services provider Dnata has strengthened its position in the UAE and international freight forwarding industry by increas- ing its ownership in two of its joint venture companies. Dnata said it has purchased a 50% stake in Dubai Express, Freightworks and a 25.5% stake in Bolloré Logistics, UAE from Kanoo Group. As a result of the transaction, Dnata is now the sole owner of Dubai Express, Freightworks and holds a majority stake of 51% in Bolloré Logistics, UAE, it added in a statement. The parties have agreed not to dis- close the details of the transaction. The current leadership teams will continue to manage the business and operations. “This strategic investment under- lines Dnata’s commitment to the freight forwarding industry and its growing importance. We are driven to provide superior services to the regional market as well the world- wide network of Bolloré Transport & Logistics as their regional partner,” said Bernd Leo Struck, senior vice president UAE Cargo and DWC Airline Services, Dnata, and chairman of Freightworks and Bolloré Logistics. JETEX’s Dubai and Paris FBOs recognised with Five stars The private aviation company was awarded the recognition by The Global Star Rating System for Services Dnata buys 50% stake in Dubai Express, Freightworks and a 25.5% Both Jetex Paris - Le Bourget and Jetex Dubai were assessed on eight aspects of their daily operation. Saudi Cargo sets up at King Abdullah Port The carrier will work with the port to establish a secure logistical operations zoneAVIATION PARTNERS GROUND SERVICES 47 March 2019 · AVIATION BUSINESS www.aviationbusinessme.com Emirates Flight Catering secures ISO 45001 EKFC is the first airline catering firm to secure the new international health standard The horses for the Longines Masters of Hong Kong were transported on a Boeing 777 freighter. Etihad Cargo recently secured a contract from EEM World, a global leading organ- izer of equestrian events, to transport a special consignment of show jumping horses. The airline moved the horses from Belgium to Hong Kong for the annual Longines Masters of Hong Kong, which ran from 15-17 February. This is the third consecutive year that Etihad Cargo has handled the equestrian air transport for the world’s most prestigious show jumping event. The dedicated charter fl ight from Liège Airport to Hong Kong International Airport delivered 68 horses, who were joined by professional grooms and a veterinarian for the round-trip journey. “We are honoured to have been chosen again to look after this very important shipment of prized animals,” said Wiam Al Qamshui, business development manager, responsible for Etihad Cargo’s Equine product ‘SkyStables’. “In the fi ve years since our SkyStables product was introduced, Etihad Cargo has become one of the industry’s most experi- enced specialist equine carriers.” “We move horses all around the world from places like Barbados, Bogota and Japan, as well as the key Europe and the Middle East equine markets,” he added. “Today’s announcement comes on the back of a record 2018 that saw us transport over 2,000 horses for the fi rst time.” Etihad Cargo achieved a number of mile- stones with SkyStables in 2018, including its largest transportation of 90 horses in one day, as well as the transportation of 99 horses from MIA-AMS, as they returned from the horse racing season in Miami. “The horses fl ying to Hong Kong are the stars of our show and without them, there would be no Longines Masters of Hong Kong. We are delighted to entrust the safety and care of these world-class show jumping horses to Etihad Cargo this year again. We look forward to their arrival at Hong Kong airport next Monday 11 February and kick off of the Masters and the Asia Horse Week,” said Christophe Ameeuw, founder and CEO of EEM. The horses for the Longines Masters of Hong Kong were transported on a Boeing 777 freighter equipped with a specially designed ventilation structure and tem- perature control system. It is also equipped with EASA and FAA certifi ed - horse ‘air stalls’. Designed with non-slip fl oors which are covered with absor- bent materials, the stalls are stocked with hay and water for the horses to remain fed and hydrated throughout the fl ight. A team of professional grooms and veterinarians handled the horses during loading and throughout the duration of the fl ight. Etihad Cargo chosen to fl y 68 horses to Longines Masters of Hong Kong SPECIALISED TRANSPORT This is the third consecutive year that Etihad Cargo has handled the equestrian air transport for the world’s most prestigious show jumping eventMarch 2019 · AVIATION BUSINESS AVIATION PARTNERS TECHNOLOGY 48 www.aviationbusinessme.com Airbus and Farsoon join forces Both fi rms will develop polymer additive manufacturing materials for civil aviation (L-R): Ihsan Anabtawi, chief operating and marketing offi cer, Microsoft Gulf, and Tony Douglas CEO, Etihad Aviation Group. Etihad Airways has partnered with Microsoft to launch an inhouse AI academy. The upcoming institution is intended to help Eithad, the national airlines of the UAE, to train its staff to use AI to optimise opera- tions and create alternate revenue streams. As part of the AI Academy, all Etihad employees will be given access to an online training programme, and instructor led classes, to drive companywide AI literacy, empowering every employee to deliver more value to the company and its customers. Microsoft specialists will also conduct a series of AI business workshops and hands-on technical lab sessions to help identify business challenges that can be optimised with AI. Etihad is currently embarking on a digital transformation journey in order to enhance the capacity and quality of its services to the almost 20 million passengers it carries each year. Etihad Airways has partnered with Microsoft to launch in-house AI academy ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE The academy is intended to help Etihad, the national airlines of the UAE, to train its staff to use AI to optimise operations and create alternate revenue streams “There is a simple reason that we are long-term partners with Microsoft - we think alike,” said Tony Douglas CEO, Etihad Aviation Group. “Our people make us who we are. By upskilling them to use technology powered by AI, we are future-proofi ng our organi- sation. We believe that human interaction augmented by technology delivers an en- hanced experience for our guests which will give us a competitive edge” Etihad has also adopted Offi ce 365 as part of its strategy to become a more effi cient organisation. The group’s senior leadership has also spearheaded initiatives for the au- tomation of numerous business processes, to enhance day-to-day operations. The airline plans to provide structured, fl exible education programmes for its em- ployees that will allow them to use AI and other smart technologies to ‘supercharge’ their productivity and innovation. The train- ing seminars will be carefully designed around the roles of their attendees, for maximum impact. “In a world where every company is be- coming a digital company, it’s great to see Etihad and its leadership set an example by investing in their people, and in embracing what we refer to at Microsoft as tech inten- sity,” said Ihsan Anabtawi, chief operating and marketing offi cer, Microsoft Gulf. “By building their own unique digital capabilities, Etihad is becoming a fast adopter of best-in-class technology on a company-wide level - and our AI Academy partnership is a key part of that objective. “AI is one of the technologies that will transform every industry, and we’re proud to be partners with Etihad in readying and upskilling their world-class team and organisation, which is foundational to achieving their transformation vision and digital outcomes.”17-21 NOVEMBER 2019 DWC, DUBAI AIRSHOW SITE WWW.DUBAIAIRSHOW.AERO | @DUBAIAIRSHOW THE AEROSPAC E INDUSTRY CONNECTING JOIN US NOWNext >