Dnata to serve 700 flights a week after Terminal 2 extension

Travel group Dnata is gearing up for a major increase in its operations at Dubai International’s Terminal 2 when the new 37,000 square metre expansion project is completed at the end of March.

The increased space will enable Dnata to serve 700 flights a week from the terminal – 320 cargo services and 380 passenger flights.

The number of passengers passing through the terminal will increase by 50 per cent – equal to an extra five million per year.

The extension includes several new facilities including an additional boarding gate on top of the existing five.

Each gate will be linked to separate lounges. The open gate system will enable simultaneous boarding onto several planes.


“We are glad to be working in co-operation with the Civil Aviation Authority, which runs the airport, to introduce improved facilities,” said Ahmed Linjawi, deputy operations chief at the terminal.

“This will greatly benefit users of Terminal 2, both passengers and cargo customers.”

He said the terminal has seen huge growth since opening in 1998.

“Basically it was designed to handle 10 aircraft with 22 counters and one luggage conveyor belt. We are pleased to offer our customers, after the completion of the new expansion, 36 counters and three belts for arrivals and six open gates for boarding.”

The extension also has first-class and business passenger lounges. Source

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Etihad Airways targets six million passengers in 2008

Etihad Airways is targeting six million passengers this year against the five million passengers it recorded in 2007.

Eithad's CEO, James Hogan, said the UAE national airline is set to hit the ultimate in providing the best services and performance to its growing number of passengers and clients in the new year, adding that in spite of being relatively very young, the airline had made its mark at the local, regional and international levels as one of the most reputable airlines in the world.

He attributed the airline's success to the great support it continues to receive from the Abu Dhabi government, as well as to the directives and excellent stewardship of Etihad's board chairman, Dr. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan and all board members, adding that the airline is now ready to serve its passengers better to all the over 45 destinations it plies worldwide. (WAM)

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Air Arabia announces acquisition of up to 49 Airbus A320 aircraft

Air Arabia announced today that it has signed an agreement with Airbus for the acquisition of up to 49 A320 aircraft. The carrier has signed a firm contract for 34 Airbus A320 aircraft with an option for 15 more. The Sharjah-based airline, which made the announcement during the Dubai Air Show, has yet to specify the engines to be installed on its new fleet.

The deal, whose total book value approaches US$3.5 billion at list prices, will more than triple the size of Air Arabia's fleet, and underlines its stated ambition to increase its total operating fleet to over 50 aircraft by 2015 and become a world-leading airline.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman, Air Arabia, said the decision to choose the Airbus A320 reflects the company's objectives in continuously providing the best value for money services in the region.
"Our vision is to be one of the world's leading low-cost carriers in terms of profit margins, innovation, reputation and operational excellence. Having the A320 at the heart of our fleet is the best and quickest way we can achieve this. The aircraft has an outstanding success record throughout the world and is ideal for our needs and those of our customers," he said.
"We are pleased Air Arabia is expanding with our A320 Family. The decision reflects the technological superiority of the A320, as well as the wider fuselage for operational efficiency and added passenger comfort with increased storage volume. The aircraft has the lowest operating costs in its class," Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO, said.
Air Arabia already operates 11 leased A320s, and serves a network of 37 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, Indian Subcontinent and Central Asia. Launched in 2003 and based in Sharjah, Air Arabia has served more than 5 million passengers over the past four years.
The airline - recently awarded the 2007 world airline award for ?Best Low Cost Carrier in the Middle East? - completed its successful initial public offering (IPO) in March 2007, and the company shares are now traded on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM).
The A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Each aircraft features fly-by-wire controls and shares a unique cockpit commonality across the range. Over 5,450 Airbus A320 Family have been sold and over 3,200 delivered to some 200 operators worldwide, making it the world?s bestselling commercial jetliner ever.
With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family have the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft. In addition, the latest new cabin design saves on weight and offers the passenger a quieter and roomier experience as well as significantly larger overhead stowage lockers.
Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerised cargo system, which is compatible with the worldwide standard wide-body system. Airbus is an EADS company. Source

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Regional airport growth continues to sair with $ 60bn development on horizon

Airport development in the Middle East, Africa and the Indian subcontinent shows no sign of slowing with an estimated US$60 billion in planned and ongoing projects.
Fueled by strong economic growth and increased passenger traffic, the region is one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world.
Major projects currently underway in the Gulf include the US$8.2 billion Dubai World International Airport at Jebel Ali, the US$ 6.8 billion expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport, the US$ 5.5 billion New Doha International Airport in Qatar and the US$11.3 billion upgrade of King Abdul Aziz, Madinah and Tabuk airports in Saudi Arabia.

In Africa, US$3 billion has been earmarked to expand Libya?s Tripoli International Airport and build five new airports, US$850 million will be spent on airport projects in Egypt including Cairo International Airport and US$725 million on Tambo and Johannesburg International Airports and other regional developments in South Africa.
To match the continuing demand for airport supplies, the Airport Show has expanded its exhibition programme and preparations are well underway for its return to the Airport Expo Dubai in 2008.
Next year's show is expected to attract 750 of the world?s leading airport and aviation suppliers, making it one of the largest airport construction, operations, technology and services shows in the world.
"In the Middle East alone, airport developments and expansions are worth in excess of US$37 billion," said Nick Webb, Director of Streamline Marketing Group, organisers of the Airport Show. ?An outstanding opportunity exists for airport suppliers and contractors to capitalise on this growth and meet with various developers across the region at the 2008 Airport Show." Now in its 8th year, the annual event is held under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and chairman of Emirates Group.
It attracts a targeted audience of regional Civil Aviation departments, government officials, VIPs, consultants and contractors behind many of the region?s airport developments, in addition to ground handlers, security personnel and airline representatives.
The show has become a major forum for the selection and pre-qualification of suppliers for airport development schemes. In 2008, the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation will use the event to source suppliers for the US$33 billion Dubai World Central Project and amongst other key developments.
Three new exhibition areas - air traffic control, ground handling and aviation security will have a dedicated forum at next year's show and two new conferences - baggage handling and emergency planning, will make their debut. The event will also host 12 national pavilions, representing countries such as Germany, France, UK, Canada, China, Singapore, India, Australia and Spain.
The expanded show will cover over 17,000sq.m of exhibition space which is a 35 percent increase on the previous year, and 30 percent more exhibition space has already been sold compared to this time last year. Source

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Dubai aims to be one of the world's most important air hubs

Dubai is investing Dh300bn to make the emirate one of the world's most important air hubs, says The Report: Dubai 2007, published by Oxford Business Group, the prestigious UK-based publishing, research and consultancy services organization.
Officials at Dubai International Airport (DIA) are expecting an annual total of 60m passengers per year by 2010, and the airport is looking to the addition of a third terminal and two extra concourses to reach 70m passengers per year capacity Some 28.6m people passed through the airport in 2006, but the Dubai government is not content with what it sees as modest figures.

DIA is being adjusted to handle the new Airbus A380 and Emirates, Dubai's flagship airline, which has 47 of the aircraft on order - it is the single largest customer for the world's largest airliner - will in a few years time be a likely candidate as the world's largest airline.
An assessment of the emirate's aviation policies is given by Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Group, who told The Report, due out at the end of October: 'Like other airlines, the open-skies policy from the UAE is key to our operation.
'It has been instrumental in encouraging rapid development in Dubai and can bring real benefits to consumers in the UAE by offering a wide choice of carriers to fly with and value for money with competitive fares.' He confirmed: 'Dubai is now the second busiest long-haul route out of London Heathrow.' 'The route is attractive for both business and leisure passengers, which forms a key part of our future business strategy.
'I have visited Dubai many times in recent years, and I've been so impressed with its commitment and innovative approach to further developments.
'I have always considered that Dubai and Virgin Atlantic are very similar in their outlook - both looking to anticipate the future and prepare for it but also always looking at new and exciting ways of doing things.' Source

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Etihad Airways enters Guinness Book 2008

Etihad Airways has entered the world-famous Guinness Book of Records for 2008 following the airlines successful record for the greatest weight difference during flight formation at Januarys Al Ain Aerobatic Show, said the UAE national carrir in a press release.
Etihad Airways vice president flight operations "Captain Granger Narara flew into the record books as he piloted an Etihad Airbus A330-200 in formation with a Sukhoi Su-26 and an Extra-300S, two stunt planes", it said.

The flight formation world record was a magnificent effort by Captain Granger and the other pilots. Etihad Airways regularly sets new records for its growth and to enter the Guinness Book of Records for the flight formation is a very special achievement for everyone at the airline", commented James Hogan, Etihad Airways?chief executive.
Etihad Airways is a platinum sponsor of the Al Ain Aerobatic Show, a highlight of the international aerobatics event calendar which draws an audience of more than 125,000 people from more than 40 countries around the world.
Another world record ws set at the Aerobatic Show by Zoltan Veres who flew one of the stunt planes in the flight formation when he successfully achieved 408 consecutive rolls in his Extra-300S. Source

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Air Arabia to list on DFM

Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East, announced today that it has received the approval of the Emirates Commodities and Securities Authority (ESCA), the UAE's capital markets regulator, to list its shares on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM).Trading in shares of Air Arabia PJSC will begin on July 17, 2007. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, extended his thanks to UAE regulators, the Ministry of Economy, SHUAA Capital and all those who have helped bring about what he called "an important step in the history of Air Arabia." "It is important to note that Air Arabia was a pioneer in the low-cost airline industry in the region, and has experienced continued and increasing success," Sheikh Abdullah said. "Our shareholders are an integral part of our success story, and we thank them for their vote of confidence and support", said Adel Ali, Air Arabia CEO and board member."The listing of Air Arabia is indeed a milestone for our company, having come such a long way in a short span of time. These past few years have witnessed great achievements, growth and expansion into new markets. With the support of our shareholders we will take Air Arabia to new heights, consolidating our position as the market leader, adding new travel destinations and increasing our fleet size." In accordance with ESCA's regulations, the company will publish its complete financial statements for the past two financial years, its first quarter results and its opening balance sheet on July 7, 2007, for the benefit of its current shareholders and potential future investors. Source

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DDF losing Dh73,000 per day

Following the implementation of the new aviation security regulations, the Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has been losing around $20,000 (Dh73,000) per day on sales revenue.
The new policy imposes restrictions on the amount of liquids, aerosols and gels that passengers can carry in their hand luggage.
The new security policy, which is a standard requirement of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), is set to be strictly implemented at the Dubai International Airport (DIA) from June 17.
Duty free shops all across the world have been reporting losses following the implementation of the new rules. Members of the Duty Free World Council (DFWC) have already expressed their concern over the losses they are having to incur. However, Colm McLoughlin, managing director of DDF, has said that certain measures are being sought to sort out the matter.
McLoughlin said that the DDF, together with other representatives of the travel retail industry, had been actively coordinating with the DFWC in a bid to specifically address the ‘transfer passenger problem’, where duty free-purchased items often get confiscated at security checkpoints of the connecting airports.
While the issue about confiscation of duty free items may not affect passengers travelling in direct flights, it has become a concern for those taking transfer flights. “We are talking with the European Union civil aviation and seeking their certification on DIA as a secure and safe airport,” said McLoughlin.
McLoughlin said the other option that had been introduced was the use of sealed and tamper-evident bags (STEBs), which are accepted by airports worldwide. “We have already ordered the bags and we are expecting the delivery soon. By using the STEBs, passengers can purchase any items like perfumes and beverages at the DDF without fear of the goods being confiscated during transfer flights,” he assured.
Khaleej Times has learned that the bags will be available at the DDF towards the end of this month or by the first week of July.
The other duty free organisations lobbying for sorting out of the “transfer passenger problem” include the European Travel Retail Council, the Middle East Duty Free Association (to which DDF is affiliated), and airport retail groups in the Americas and Asia Pacific, according to McLoughlin. Source

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Travellers can carry a litre of liquids in hand luggage

Officials at Dubai International Airport have clarified the rules on carrying liquids in hand luggage on flights following confusion among Gulf News readers.The new rules for passengers flying from the airport are being introduced by Dubai Department of Civil Aviation on June 17.Gulf News reported on the introduction of the new procedures on Friday, but since then some travellers have remained unclear about exactly what they can and cannot carry in their hand luggage.Rose Kulsum, 28, a teacher from Poland, said she was unsure exactly what the rules will be when she flies from Dubai next month. Starting from June 17, travellers flying from Dubai International Airport will not be allowed to bring on board containers containing liquids that are larger than 100ml.

The rules apply to all liquids, including drinks, water, creams, pastes such as toothpastes, gels, shampoos and perfumes."You cannot put 100ml of liquid in a 200ml container," said Shamma Lootah, media relations and communications manager at Dubai International Airport.Baby food exemptedAll containers with liquids must be packed in a transparent, resealable 20cm by 20cm plastic bag.The total volume of liquids that can be carried by any one passenger in containers of up to 100ml is one litre.All of the containers in which these liquids are carried must fit comfortably inside the transparent plastic bag. "The containers must all fit comfortably inside the bag — they must not be jammed in," added Shamma.Exceptions to these rules are made for medicines and special foods, such as baby foods, which are required during the flight. These do not need to be carried in a plastic bag although they must be presented at the security check.Liquids such as perfumes can still be bought at Dubai Duty Free. They will be sold in two-litre tamper-evident bags that passengers are advised not to open before they are screened. Source

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The UAE Now Has A New Private Jet Company

A company providing charter private jet solutions have been launched in the United Arab Emirates.
The company, Prestige Jets, will operate out of Dubai airport.
There has been increasing demand for VIP and private jet services throughout the affluent Middle East and the new company looks forward to profiting form this large and increasing demand for private jet services.
Industry analysts say that more people in the Middle East are getting sold on the convenience of private business jet travel, especially as prices have been falling substantially in the last decade.
The Middle East is also in a period of increased economic growth, and there are increasing numbers of wealthy private individuals and corporations able to pay for private jet aviation services. The increasing numbers of wealthy individuals has especially enlarged the market for charter based occasional private jet usage.
The company currently has two jets, a Bombardier 10 seat Challenger 604 which can fly as far afield as London, and the 8 seat Raytheon Hawker 800XP which is appropriate for flights throughout the Arab world.
The company will plan and arrange every aspect of the trip, including airport transfers and hotel reservations, for customers using their charter services.

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New rules on hand baggage liquids at DIA

Dubai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) will implement new security regulations on hand baggage liquids, aerosols and gels at Dubai International Airport starting June 17, 2007.The announcement follows a recent decision by the General Civil Aviation Authority to enforce rules as specified by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) for its member states. Under the new security rules passengers are allowed to take small quantities of liquids in their hand luggage provided these are in separate containers with a maximum capacity of 100 millilitres each. Passengers are required to pack all such containers in one transparent, re-sealable plastic bag of not more than one litre capacity per individual. In addition passengers must present all liquids being carried to the screeners at security checkpoints for examination.Since the new rules only affect what can be carried as hand luggage, passengers can still pack liquids in bags that are checked in. Medicines and dietary requirements, including baby foods, can be carried in hand luggage, without being sealed in a clear plastic bag, for use during the journey, but passengers may be asked to prove these are needed.Passengers can still buy liquids such as perfumes etc. on board an aircraft or at Dubai Duty Free. Here the liquids will be sold packed in 2-litre security tamper-evident bags, which passengers are advised not to open before they are screened or risk confiscation of the item at the checkpoint.All these liquids are additional to the quantities mentioned for re-sealable bags.Almost all airports worldwide follow the same regulations.Referring to the new rules, Mohammed Bin Ahmed Al Tayer, Director of Aviation Unit at DCA, said, ? The UAE is an ICAO member state and as such the GCAA, the UAE?s federal civil aviation authority, and through it all local civil aviation authorities across the country, follow safety and security standards set by the organisation. It translates into greater security for the passengers, and should therefore be welcomed by one and all.? People are being made aware of the new regulations to ensure passengers are already well-adjusted to the system. ?Information on the new rules is available on DIA?s website, and will be published in our various internal and external newsletters.? Al Tayer said. For more information, passengers are advised to check with their travel agents and airline offices.

Liquids Included Water and other drinks, soups and syrups Creams, lotions and oils Perfumes, sprays Gels, including hair and shower gels Contents of pressurised containers, including shaving foam, other foams and deodorants Pastes, including toothpaste Liquid-solid mixtures Mascara. Source

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Air cargo sector to hit $2.5bn profit

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said today that the global airfreight industry is record a profit of US $2.5 billion in 2007, and see a 5.3% growth between 2006-2010.Speaking at the World Cargo Symposium in Mexico City, Giovanni Bisignani, Director General of IATA, noted that the main growth for air cargo would be in Asia.He added that with intra-Asia routes, this will account for 8.3 million tonnes of cargo - 26% of the global total - by 2010.
"That is good news, but it also presents challenges. China alone will account for 30% of the industry's growth and we must work particularly hard to overcome potential infrastructure bottlenecks," he said.This major boost will lead to a unique challenge, which according to Bisignani is "how to add capacity to meet outbreak peak demand from Asia while effectively utilising the equal inbound capacity."Although the US$2.5 billion global profit is good news, it is still "a long way" from the 7-8% return that the industry must generate to cover its cost of capital, IATA said.The World Cargo Symposium gathered 800 of the top leaders of the US$55 billion global air cargo industry. Source

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Jazeera airline to use Dubai as hub

The government of Dubai has granted permission to Kuwaiti budget carrier Jazeera Airways to make the city a hub for international flights.
The privately-owned airline will be the second carrier after Emirates to use Dubai International Airport as its base.
Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group, told reporters the move is in line with the government's open skies policy.
Jazeera chairman and chief executive officer Marwan Boodai announced the airline will initially fly to seven destinations from Dubai, offering travellers "year-round low fares."
Jazeera becomes the only low-fare airline operating out of Dubai International Airport.
Boodai said the airline will "add value" to the city's travel trade by attracting more passengers.
The company will consider a second stock exchange listing in Dubai after its shares are listed in Kuwait in the middle of this year, Boodai said.
Jazeera will mark the beginning of its Dubai operations with a flight to Bahrain tomorrow. It will have thrice-weekly direct flights between Dubai and Bahrain. Services to the remaining six routes will begin on March 27.
The airline will serve Kuwait, Mumbai, Kochi, New Delhi, Muscat and Salalah from Dubai. Jazeera operates a fleet of five Airbus A320s fitted with all-leather seats. It is scheduled to take delivery of 10 aircraft by the end of 2009. The airline is likely to turn its option on six A320s into a confirmed order.
Since starting operations in October 2005, Jazeera has flown 650,000 passengers. The airline is targeting 1.3 million passengers by the end of 2007.
Source

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