Dubai implements eWTS: Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) has started implementing new procedures that create more hourly runway capacity for departing and landing aircraft through their re-categorisation based on the wake turbulence to reduce the minimum safe separation distance between two aircraft of different or the same size and increase the efficiency of the landing and departing procedures along with reducing the delays. The Dubai RECAT-Enhanced Wake Turbulence Separation within Dubai Control Area extends across 50 nautical miles centred at Dubai International (DXB), one of the three airports the Air Navigation Services Provider (ANSP) handles in the UAE, in cooperation and coordination with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other relevant international organisations to upgrade the standards of air navigation services at the global and regional levels. The project comes within the framework of the strategy of the world-class ANSP at three airports in the UAE, including Dubai International, the world’s busiest airport for international travellers, that calls for implementing pioneering measures and innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing Dubai’s global position in the aviation sector and continuously upgrade the standards of security and safety across its airspace and that of the whole of the UAE.
BAC distributes A$18,000 in grants to local community groups: Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) has distributed more than A$18,000 in grants to 19 charitable organisations and community groups as part of its philanthropic Community Giving Fund. BAC acknowledges in the current environment, it is now more important than ever to support organisations doing exceptional work in our community. Twice a year BAC calls for applications for grants for projects that provide health and wellbeing, safety, sport, education and environment programs, or other community benefits and initiatives. Since the launch of its Community Giving Fund in 2015, BAC has donated nearly A$300,000 to help smaller charities continue the fantastic work they do within the community. Recipients of donations from BAC’s latest round of Community Giving include: The Gap State School P&C; Pullenvale State School; Reef Check Australia.
JET MS expands services: With a surge in demand for pre-owned planes, JET MS – a member of the Avia Solutions Group, announced a new range of services to embrace this rapidly growing market. In what has been described as a very active global pre-owned aircraft sales market, JET MS, the leading provider of base and line maintenance services for business aviation and regional aircraft, are ready to perform pre-purchase inspections – a necessary step before the sale of any aircraft – in accordance with aircraft type maintenance regulations. From document and aircraft record inspections, airframe reviews, functional airframe systems check, avionics and electronics checks, full exterior paint jobs to full interior technical and aesthetic reviews and upgrades, the JET MS team have the experience and the expertise to ensure a timely turnaround in a thriving market. Either prior to, or post sale, JET MS can be trusted to enhance and upgrade the aircraft exactly to the customer’s wishes.
Qatar Airways Cargo launches WebCargo: Qatar Airways Cargo announced that WebCargo by Freightos will be introduced across the European region. Forwarders will be able to conduct eBookings with access to live rates and available capacity on the WebCargo platform. With the implementation of WebCargo across Europe, the total count of countries in the airline’s network on the platform will increase to 32. This will allow customers to further digitalise their experience with the airline in the region, resulting in more process efficiencies and faster market responses. Qatar Airways Chief Officer Cargo Guillaume Halleux, said: “We are glad to further roll out the third-party eBooking platform, WebCargo throughout Europe, as we aim to provide digital connectivity for our customers and extend digitalisation across our operations. This will bring in more efficiencies in the supply chain and provide multiple benefits for our customers. Our aim is to gradually roll out WebCargo throughout our global network during the year, providing convenience and transparency to our customers.”
MRO Insider adds 76 locations: MRO Insider announced that the company has added a record-breaking 76 locations to the network in the month of June. There are now 235 locations available on the platform that provide scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, aircraft cleaning and detailing, parts procurement or overhaul, and ground service equipment rental. Andy Nixon, co-founder of MRO Insider, said, “We are beyond excited that our network location count has grown 46% in the last 30 days. By providing one space for operators to obtain quotes for such a variety of service needs from such a large number of providers, we increase the value our platform provides to both our operators and our service providers. As always, we couldn’t do it without the support of our users.” Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems accounted for 29 of the 41 mobile service maintenance technicians the network added in the United States in June. In addition to mobile service teams to assist AOG aircraft, in June the network also added 29 aircraft cleaning and detailing locations supported by Prime Appearance, for a total of 52 aircraft cleaning locations.
FIATA and ICHCA strengthen collaboration: FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations and the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to reinforce collaboration between the two organisations. FIATA represents the freight forwarding industry by advocating trade facilitation policies and promoting best practices in the supply chain to speak with a unified voice in support of freight forwarding associations and logistics companies. ICHCA is dedicated to improving the safety, security, sustainability, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and goods movement by all modes and through all phases of national and international supply chains. The MoU facilitates close coordination between FIATA and ICHCA to help them pursue their respective organizational goals and further mutual understanding. The MoU also creates the framework for cooperation that will enable both organisations to benefit from agreed actions and initiatives to achieve common objectives.
Etihad Airways extends Verified to Fly: Etihad Airways has extended its ‘Verified To Fly’ travel document initiative, enabling travellers to validate their COVID-19 travel documents before arriving at the airport, to routes across its global network. Available for the vast majority of Etihad flights, to use the Verified to Fly service passengers sign-up by visiting Manage my Booking and following the simple instructions to upload and submit their travel documents. Guests will receive confirmation once their documents have been approved in line with government requirements and can travel to the airport with confidence and peace of mind, knowing they have met all essential requirements before their flight. With the formalities out of the way, verified travellers enjoy fast track check-in at the airport through the dedicated Verified to Fly desk for a quicker and smoother experience. Early trials showed that Verified to Fly Guests saw their processing times at the check-in desk almost halved and the average queuing time for all guests reduced – helping expedite journeys and maintain social distancing at the airport. Launched at the start of June, Verified to Fly has proven a successful tool helping people return to travel, providing passengers with confidence they have the necessary documents to meet government COVID-related travel rules to be allowed to fly. A key benefit of Etihad’s Verified to Fly programme is passengers are only sharing their data with the airline itself, with no third-party involvement.
Magnetic MRO signs deal with Component Overhaul Services: Magnetic MRO, a Total Technical Care and Asset Management organization, has announced the recent signing of cooperation and representation agreement with Component Overhaul Services (COS), commercial/regional landing gear, accessory, and airframe repair station located in Miami, Florida. The recent agreement is the extension of previous ad-hoc cooperation between two companies and allows Magnetic MRO to work as the exclusive representative of COS in the European and African markets, providing landing gear overhaul and repair services. “Although we have been working with Component Overhaul Services for many years, this exclusive agreement is a big step forward for both companies. It is a perfect example of a long-lasting partnership that holds many benefits not only for us but to our clients also, as we can provide better pricing on landing gear maintenance events,” said Eigirdas Keblikas, vice president for Asset Trading and Leasing at Magnetic MRO. In 2020, Magnetic MRO performed 25 landing gear overhaul and repairs while representing COS, and, according to companies representatives, the aim to double the number throughout 2021.
ST Engineering celebrates 30th anniversary of Mobile facility: ST Engineering recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of its commercial aircraft maintenance operations at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, US. The Mobile facility, Mobile Aerospace Engineering (MAE), established in 1990, obtained its FAA 145 Repair Station Approval for airframe maintenance on January 17, 1991, and commenced operations soon after in the same year. With more than 1,100 employees split between its aviation facilities in Mobile and Pensacola, and an annual payroll of over US$50 million, MAE is a key contributor to the region’s economy. Beyond direct employment, MAE indirectly stimulates economic activities in airport logistics, education and training, housing, transport and many other areas. It actively gives back to the local community, participating in various local charities and donation drives as well as sponsoring initiatives such as the Mobile Area Education Foundation and the Worlds of Opportunity Career Expo. Built on the site of the former Brookley Air Force Base, MAE has steadily expanded its operations in Mobile over the years by adding additional hangars to arrive at its current capacity of eight widebody and two narrowbody bays, covering one million square feet. In 2018, its operations extended to a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility at nearby Pensacola International Airport, which was built with sustainability in mind to reduce the carbon footprint of the business, and has the capacity to accommodate two large widebody or six narrowbody aircraft.
Emirates ramps up operations: Emirates is ramping up its operations and expanding services across its network to meet strong leisure travel demand over the summer, as entry restrictions ease for travellers. The airline has been gradually and safely rebuilding its route network and advancing its strategy to optimise its presence in key markets to serve leisure and growing business travel demand, as well as segments of travellers visiting friends and relatives. Today, Emirates serves 115 global passenger destinations, and by the end of July, it will have recovered close to 90 percent of its pre-pandemic network, operating 880 weekly services across 124 cities. The airline will resume services to several cities in July including Venice, Nice, Orlando, Mexico City, Lyon, and Malta. Emirates will also launch flights to Miami starting 22 July.
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