< PreviousRADAR July 2019 · AVIATION BUSINESS 10 www.aviationbusinessme.com American Airlines launches fl ights from Munich The carrier will reportedly service the route with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Following FedEx’s annoucement last month that it was ending its air cargo contracts with Amazon, the online retail giant has responded with an announce- ment that it will expand its in-house air cargo fl eet to 70 aircraft by 2021. Amazon, which recently purchased SOUQ in the UAE and re-branded it as Amazon.ae, says it’s leasing an ad- ditional 15 Boeing 737-800 cargo air- craft from partner GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). These will join the fi ve Boeing 737-800’s already leased from GECAS. The aircraft at present only oper- ate within the United States, on 20 air freight gateways in the Amazon Air network. Amazon plans to expand this net- Amazon responds to FedEx with major air cargo fl eet expansion AIRCRAFT Amazon says it’s leasing an additional 15 Boeing 737-800 cargo aircraft from partner GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) work with the new planes, and will open more air facilities in 2019, including at Fort Worth Alliance Airport, Wilm- ington Air Park and Chicago Rockford International Airport. Meanwhile, the main Air Hub at the Cincinnati/North- ern Kentucky International Airport will open in 2021. “We’re delighted to support Amazon Air’s dedicated air network,” said Rich- ard Greener, GECAS Cargo’s senior vice president. “The capability of the 737-800 freighter will further Amazon’s ability to provide reliable and regional delivery to its customers for years to come.” The Amazon Air network was fi rst launched in 2016 as Prime Air, with the goal of speeding up Amazon’s e-commerce deliv- eries, particularly for its Prime members. The aircraft at present only operate within the United States, on 20 air freight gateways in the Amazon Air network. However, increasing competi- tion with partner-rivals like FedEx has created tension, which has led to further expansion. At the end of last year, Amazon an- nounced more aircraft additions for Amazon Air, increasing the fl eet from 40 planes to 50. Now, it says it’s on track to reach 70 planes by 2021, thanks to this new expansion. “These new aircraft create additional capacity for Amazon Air, building on the investment in our Prime Free One- Day program,” said Dave Clark, senior vice president of Worldwide Operations at Amazon, in an announcement. “By 2021, Amazon Air will have a portfolio of 70 aircraft fl ying in our dedicated air network.”www.aviationbusinessme.com 11 July 2019 · AVIATION BUSINESS Sudan flights suspended Emirates, Etihad, fl ydubai have ceased fl ights to the country At SITA’s annual general assembly that was held on 19 June 2019, the air trans- port IT provider celebrated its 70th an- niversary and announced record revenues of $1.7bn for the 2018 year. Last year also saw a turning point for the fi rm’s applica- tion-led business, which overtook its con- nectivity business. “We had a very successful 2018 with record revenues of $1.7bn and for the fi rst time in our 70-year history, our applica- tion business now represents more than 50% of our revenues. This is an important milestone because while connectivity re- mains a vital part of our business, appli- cation growth is a fundamental element of our long-term strategy,” said Barbara Dalibard, SITA CEO. According to the air transport IT pro- vider, 95% of all international destina- tions and over 13,500 industry sites are connected to SITA’s network. Since its inception back in 1949, SITA SITA hits 70th milestone; $1.7bn in revenues for 2018 PERFORMANCE The company also revealed that in 2018, its application-led business overtook its connectivity business has been the forefront of many indus- try advances in technology, such as the deployment of the fi rst common-use in- frastructure at airports, the fi rst airline e-commerce booking engine and the fi rst e-visa system for border management. “It is wonderful that as SITA cel- ebrates this anniversary we continue to transform to meet our customers’ needs. From when SITA took its fi rst steps to create the world’s largest data network in 1949 to today’s software-defi ned net- works (SDN) and tech-savvy passengers, we are transforming to deliver a more ef- fi cient industry and better passenger ex- perience with easy travel every step of the way,” added Dalibard. Over the course of the two-day annual general assembly, SITA also hosted its an- nual Innovation Forum, a platform that examines how digital technologies can be better utilised within the realm of avia- tion. These include artifi cial intelligence, biometrics and blockchain technology. “Our application business now represents more than 50% of our revenues,” commented Dalibard. 22nd International Exhibition for Airport Equipment, Technology, Design & Services www.interairporteurope.com 8 – 11 OCTOBER 2019 Munich Trade Fair Centre Germany Organisers: Mack Brooks Exhibitions Connecting future airports! RADARRADAR July 2019 · AVIATION BUSINESS 12 www.aviationbusinessme.com The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has called on air operators in the UAE to evaluate fl ight paths affected by recent airspace restrictions in the region. In a statement carried by state news agency WAM, the GCAA said that given current regional developments and as a precautionary measure, UAE-registered air operators need to avoid operating in areas “that could jeopardise civil avia- tion safety and operations”. The GCAA’s comments followed just days after Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways rerouted fl ights, a decision that was made in the wake of Iran shooting down a US reconnaissance drone over the Strait of Hormuz. Some of the world’s leading carriers, in- cluding British Airways, Qantas and Sin- gapore Airlines, suspended fl ights over the strategic waterway amid escalating ten- sions between Washington and Tehran. “In light of the current situation, Emirates has taken precautionary meas- ures including rerouting all fl ights away from areas of possible confl ict,” a spokes- person for the Dubai-based airline said. “We are carefully monitoring the ongoing developments and are in close contact with the relevant government authorities with regards to our fl ight op- erations, and will make further opera- tional changes if the need arises.” The suspensions came after the Fed- eral Aviation Administration in the United States issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) “prohibiting US-registered aircraft from operating over the Gulf and Gulf of Oman”. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways said following the NOTAM it had “agreed to change a number of the fl ight UAE regulator urges airlines to review fl ight paths amid tensions AIRSPACE General Civil Aviation Authority says carriers need to avoid operating in areas ‘that could jeopardise civil aviation safety and operations’ paths we operate to and from the Ara- bian Gulf.” Meanwhile, Dubai’s low-cost carrier fl ydubai said it “adjusted some of the ex- isting fl ight paths in the region as a pre- cautionary measure”. The NOTAM was in response to “heightened military activities and in- creased political tensions that might place commercial fl ights at risk”, an FAA Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways, and fl ydubai have adjusted their fl ight paths to compensate. statement said, as Tehran and Wash- ington engaged in a war of words over Thursday’s missile strike on the drone. Iran’s downing of the drone — which Washington insists was above interna- tional waters but Iran says was within its airspace — has seen tensions between the two countries spike further after a series of attacks on tankers blamed by the US on Tehran. Saudia lands new route to Marrakech The national carrier of Saudi Arabia’s new service will operate three times a week from JeddahRADAR 13 July 2019 · AVIATION BUSINESS www.aviationbusinessme.com SpiceJet fl ight lands without issue after burst tyre Despite the tyre bursting upon taking off from Dubai, the fl ight landed safely in Jaipur Jazeera Airways, a low-cost carrier based in Kuwait, recently celebrated a key milestone that saw roughly 2 million passengers pass- ing through its dedicated terminal over the fi rst year of its operation. Launched back in May 2018, Terminal 5 features 11 check-in counters, six self-check- Jazeera: 2 million have fl own from Kuwait International’s T5 in fi rst year PERFORMANCE The milestone was celebrated at an event attended by offi cials from Kuwait’s Directorate of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Interior, Kuwait Customs, KAFCO, and National Aviation Services in kiosks, as well as dedicated passport and security control checkpoints. Additionally on site is an array of duty-free shops and restaurants, as well as the carrier’s signa- ture Pearl Lounge. The milestone was celebrated at a recent event attended by offi cials from Kuwait’s Directorate of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Interior, Kuwait Customs, KAFCO, and National Aviation Services. Members of Kuwait Airways’ own leadership and other local service providers and partners were also in attendance. “In May last year, the inauguration of T5 emerged as signifi cant game-changer for our operations and customer experience. T5 ena- bled us to serve our growing number of pas- sengers, which saw record growth of 46.4% in 2018 as our airline continued to expand its operations in the Middle East, Europe and Indian subcontinent,” commented Marwan Boodai, Jazeera Airways chairman. “As we move forward, we are investing in expansion plans to continue better serve our customers. We are planning a new route to London Gatwick, in addition to new routes in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Gulf. The expansion will be supported with the delivery of three new A320neo air- craft this year.”July 2019 · AVIATION BUSINESS 14 www.aviationbusinessme.com SELECTING THE PERFECT VENUE GOLD SPONSORSCATEGORY SPONSORS For our July coverage of the up- coming Aviation Business Middle East Awards that is set to be held on the 9 October 2019, we will be looking more deeply into the venue for our event— the Grosvenor House Dubai. This year’s edition of the AVB Middle East Awards is brought to you in close collaboration with Gold Sponsors Honeywell and Olympus, as well as Category Sponsors Dunleavy White and JETEX Flight Support. Located in the heart of the Dubai Marina, the Grosvenor House West Marina Beach is one of two tower complexes of equal height featuring 48 fl oors. Featuring an impressive twelve restaurants and bars, the venue features an 800sqm Conference Centre capable of hosting a variety of events. Part of that includes the expansive 480sqm Windsor Ballroom, which can ac- commodate up to 400 guests and is ideally suited to host large conferences, gala din- ners, dine and dance parties, exhibitions, cocktail receptions, and weddings. These rooms feature a décor compris- ing of a mix of cream and chocolate hues, and is bolstered by engaging mod- ern art. Separately, the other two venues, Kew and Eton, offer both windows and an impressive terrace view overlooking the Dubai Marina. To submit nominations for the upcom- ing awards, or to make an advanced table booking, fi rstly, please visit - www.avia- tionbusinessme.com/awards. Aviation Business Middle East Awards 2019 Categories THIS YEAR’S AVIATION BUSINESS AWARDS WILL FEATURE 14 CATEGORIES, TWO OF WHICH ARE NEW ADDITIONS TO THE LINE-UP • TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION OF THE YEAR • MRO SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR • TRAINING PROVIDER OF THE YEAR • HEALTH & SAFETY INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR • UNSUNG HERO OF THE YEAR • BUSINESS AIRCRAFT OPERATOR OF THE YEAR • GROUND SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER OF THE YEAR • ENGINEERING INNOVATION OF THE YEAR • FBO OF THE YEAR • LOW COST AIRLINE OF THE YEAR • AIRLINE OF THE YEAR • AIRPORT OF THE YEAR • YOUNG EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR (NEW) • AVIATION EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR This month’s coverage of the Aviation Business Middle East Awards 2019 takes a quick look at our venue for the upcoming event AVIATION BUSINESS AWARDS 201915 July 2019 · AVIATION BUSINESS www.aviationbusinessme.com AVIATION BUSINESS AWARDS 2019AIRBUS INNOVATION DAYS July 2019 · AVIATION BUSINESS 16 www.aviationbusinessme.com Following a two-year hiatus, French aerospace manufacturer Airbus took the decision to once again host its Airbus Innovation Days event. Running from the 21 – 22 May 2019, a group made up of over 130 jour- nalists and media from across the world were invited to meet with Airbus’ execu- tive team, who delved into the latest devel- opments and announcements within the company’s various business divisions. The new and improved A220 As part of this year’s Airbus Innovation Days, the French aerospace manufac- turer announced new improvements to its single-aisle A220 family aircraft. Effective from the second half of 2020, A220 aircraft will see an increase in their maximum take-off weight (MTOW) by 2.3 metric tonnes. This, in turn, will have a substantial impact on the maximum range to all aircraft in the family, an in- crease of 3,350nm for the A220-300 and 3,400nm for the A220-100, roughly 450nm more than current offerings. “This new MTOW will allow operators to reach markets which today cannot be served by other small single-aisle aircraft types,” shared Christian Scherer, chief commercial offi cer, Airbus. Built from the ground up with ef- fi ciency in mind, the A220 features a novel aerodynamic design, advanced and lightweight materials, as well as ON THE WINGS OF TOMORROW AVB takes a trip to Toulouse to visit the headquarters of the renowed French aerospace manufacturer Airbus Grazia Vittadini, chief technology offi c- er, Airbus, and Goran Jansson, deputy president of EVP Strategy & Ventures, Scandinavian Airlines, will go into ef- fect from June 2019. The collaboration is expected to then continue until the close of 2020. As per the MoU, the two parties will work closely together on a joint research project that will explore the operational and infrastructure opportunities, as well as the challenges associated with the large-scale introduction of hybrid and full electric aircraft, for airlines and their respective operations. “It’s not enough to build a zero-emission aircraft. We need to be able to operate it in Pratt & Whitney’s Pw1500G geared tur- bofan engine. Combined, these factors have led the aircraft to achieve at least 20% lower fuel burn per seat compared to older aircraft. Boasting an order book of over 530 aeroplanes to date, Airbus has positioned the A220 to serve as a strong contender for the 100- to 150-seat market, which pro- jected to represent 7,000 aircraft over the next two decades. “Since its entr y-into-ser vice close to three years ago, the A220 aircraft has already proven that it is meet- ing or beating its initial performance targets, bringing more fl exibility and revenue potential to customers,” said Rob Dewar, head of Engineering & Customer Support for the A220. “Today, Airbus is reinforcing its confi - dence in the A220 platform and further enhancing its capabilities to meet upcom- ing market requirements.” Going electric Another key area of discussion that came up at this year’s Airbus Innovation Days was the topic of sus- tainability. On that front, the French aerospace manufacturer revealed that it had inked a MoU with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) for research into hybrid and electric aircraft systems and infra- structure requirements. The agreement, which was signed by Since its entry-into-service close to three years ago, the A220 aircraft has already proven that it is meeting or beating its initial performance targets, bringing more flexibility and revenue potential to customers.” Rob DewarAIRBUS INNOVATION DAYS 17 July 2019 · AVIATION BUSINESS www.aviationbusinessme.com After a two-year break, Airbus invited a group of over 130 journalists to visit the company’s headquarters in Toulouse, France. a given environment. And so this MoU will be about analysing the impact of ground infrastructure and logistical charging and refuelling impact on the range, resources, on-time, and availability at airports,” Vittadini told journalists at the event. “We are proud to be in this joint under- taking, also with Scandinavian universi- ties and renewable energy suppliers in the equation as well,” she added. Part of the plan includes the involve- ment of a renewable energy supplier, who will be instrumental in ensuring zero CO2 emissions operations are accessed. Despite the fact that aircraft have become 80% more fuel effi cient per pas- senger kilometre over the past 50 years, the rising demand of air travel continues to grow and will likely double within the next 20 years. To tackle this issue, the Global Aviation Industry (ATAG), which in- cludes Airbus and SAS, have committed themselves to achieve carbon-neutral growth for the aviation industry as a whole from 2020 onwards. The goal is to drastically reduce aviation net emissions by 50% by 2050 (as compared to 2005). Transforming the aviation workforce In addition to the main presenta- tions on stage, the event featured an Innovation Zone, which included ever ything from mock-up teasers of connected cabins, to the latest in manu- facturing robotics. One nifty technology that was on display was an Airbus’ industrial exoskel- eton, which was designed to assist work- ers active across production sites and Final Assembly Line (FAL). Comprising of a rigid, bone-like structure that can be fi tted over the clothing, the exoskeleton supports the user’s bones and muscles, helping to reduce fatigue and strain in uncomfortable working conditions. Also present in the Innovation Zone was an advanced robotic under the SmartDrill project. At the core of the design is a solution that enables equip- ment, such as handle machines and robots, to utilise spatial recognition within an aircraft environment. Currently being developed by Airbus Bizlab, by combing computer vision with artificial intelligence, SmartDrill supports assembly line operations by making the machines they utilise more intelligent by connecting them to an existing IT as found in smart factories. Vir tual reality was also featured quite extensively in Airbus’ innova- tion zone, both as an enter tainment novelty but also as a training tool. In the case of the former, Airbus Bizlab showcased its Inflight VR platform, which is compatible with VR-ready aircraft, such as the A320 family, A330, and A350. Martin Gauss, CEO of airBaltic, sheds light on the Latvian airline’s hybrid model and why it has dedicded to go all in on the Airbus A220-300 A/S AIR BALTIC CORPORATION 18 www.aviationbusinessme.com By Alexander Sophoclis Pieri BANKING ON A HYBRID APPROACH July 2019 · AVIATION BUSINESSA/S AIR BALTIC CORPORATION 19 www.aviationbusinessme.com July 2019 · AVIATION BUSINESSNext >