Etihad Airways announced the launch of non-stop daily flights to Washington, D.C., the airline’s fourth destination in North America, from March 31 2013, subject to regulatory approvals.

The Washington region is home to America’s second largest market flying to the Middle East, after New York. Etihad Airways’ new service will link D.C. with Abu Dhabi, a vibrant and growing hub for business, culture and tourism.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “No other UAE carrier is offering nonstop services between D.C. and the UAE, so this capital-to-capital link is a huge opportunity for Etihad Airways.”

The new service will further strengthen the already strong political and economic ties between the National Capital Region and the UAE. Last week, the US Department of Commerce released data showing that total trade volume between the US and the UAE rose to $18.3bn in 2011, a 43% increase from the year before.

This increase represents the highest trade volume to date between the US and UAE. It also means that, for the third consecutive year, the UAE is the single largest export market for US goods in the Middle East. The US is the fifth largest trade partner worldwide for the UAE.

Mr. Hogan said: “The point-to-point traffic between D.C. and Abu Dhabi is expected to contribute significantly to overall loads on the route. The schedule also allows maximum connectivity to key markets in the GCC, Indian Subcontinent and South East Asia.

“The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area ranks as one of the strongest-performing economies in the country. Demand for premium cabins from the market is significantly higher than from other potential US destinations, so we forecast that our award-winning Diamond First class and Pearl Business class will be very popular.

“A large and fast-growing population in the D.C. metro area, coupled with increasing ties to the UAE, means that the demand for travel across all cabins will only increase.”

In addition to strong economic ties between the US and UAE, the two countries also have significant mutual investment in educational, technological and cultural sectors.

In the Washington region alone, there are a number of organizations that have a strong business presence in the UAE, or deep relationships with UAE institutions. Among those companies are the Carlyle Group, Hilton International, Lockheed Martin and Children’s National Medical Center. Respected local think tanks and policy organizations, such as the Brookings Institution and the US Institute of Peace, are also working closely with their counterparts in the UAE.

The Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is expected to open later this year. New York University, which opened its downtown Abu Dhabi location in 2009, will expand its presence to include permanent campus facilities on Saadiyat Island in 2014. The Guggenheim is also scheduled to open its much-anticipated Abu Dhabi museum in 2017.

John E. Potter, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “We congratulate Etihad Airways on this announcement. We are looking forward to welcoming them to our region, and we thank them for recognizing Washington Dulles International Airport as an integral part of the global aviation system.”

The direct flights will be operated by a three class A340-500 aircraft. Each flight will offer 12 Diamond First class, 28 Pearl Business class and 200 Coral Economy seats, for a total 3,360 seats per week.

Etihad Cargo will offer cargo capacity on services to D.C., with an anticipated load of 140 tonnes per week. The new route will complement existing online and connecting interline cargo services to and from North America.

Etihad Airways launched Toronto in October 2005, New York in October 2006 and Chicago in September 2009.

Aircraft configuration: A340-500; 12 Diamond First Class, 28 Pearl Business Class & 200 Coral Economy Class.

The Arab world’s leading aviation industry expert, Mr. Georges Hannouche, has strongly opposed the ‘unilateral’ initiative of the new carbon tax- Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) - imposed by the European Union on the flights into and out of Europe which was nothing short of ‘penalizing’ the Arabian Gulf carriers despite having a young and fuel-efficient fleet.

“Many people in our region believe, and it’s my personal opinion as well, that our airlines have invested millions in a young and fuel efficient fleet but are still being penalized. We should strongly oppose to such unilateral initiatives,” he said during a presentation on Green Airports at the opening day of the Green Aviation and Logistics Conference at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Dubai on Wednesday, February 22, 2012.

Mr. Hannouche, who is the CEO of Bayanat Airports Engineering and Supplies, said the Gulf airlines will start charging passengers additional fees as early as March 1. Etihad Airways will increase the fuel surcharge by US$3 (AED11) per passenger and $0.03 per kg for cargo shipments. The increase will take effect for travel from March 1.

Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing airline with the youngest fleet in the industry, estimate that over €40m in the year 2012 and well over half a billion Euros in the nine-year period to 2020 will have to be passed on to its customers. About a quarter of Emirates’ global operations are in Europe.

He said: “Additional costs per passenger are estimated at €1.50 - €3.50. Whether this can be passed on to the customers depends upon the competitive position of the airlines.”

He said the carbon tax would have far-reaching impact on the aviation industry in the Middle East region considering the fact that the number of commercial aircrafts will increase from the present 950 to 2440 by the year 2029. The Middle East region will record 7.1% increase in passenger transport numbers annually until the year 2029, while it will be 6.8% annual growth for the freight segment.

Mr. Hannouche said the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a scientific intergovernmental body established in 1988 by the United Nations, has estimated that aviation is currently responsible for around 3.5% of anthropogenic climate change. The IPCC estimate that the scenarios for 2050 will be between 5 - 15%.

He said: “The aviation industry is doing a great deal to limit its environmental impact, although it is not the major contributor to the problem. There are not many industries like the aviation which is operating 20% more efficiently now than 10 years ago with ambitious plans to improve further by the year 2020. Implementing green technologies, developing new initiatives in the bio-fuel field, using modern and fuel efficient fleet will certainly have a big impact on limiting the greenhouse gas emissions.

He added: “The UAE authorities are looking seriously into environmental issues. I am confident that the UAE will set the pace towards Green Airports in the region.”

Mr. Hannouche said the international airlines and countries like the US, China, India and many other countries are looking at ‘coordinated retaliation’ if the Europe tries to enforce these measures. In 2008 the European Union passed legislation to include aviation in the EU-Emissions Trading System EU-ETS.

From 2012, overall CO2 emissions of the aviation industry are capped: initially at 97 per cent of 2005 emissions levels, and from 2013 onwards at 95 per cent. All operators flying to and from the EU will have to surrender one allowance for every ton of CO2 emitted on a flight to and from (and within) Europe. The expected growth of aviation sector’s emission is 130% by 2012 compared with 2005 levels.

He said the aircraft operators flying more modern fleets have a substantial advantage. Specific emissions are often proportionally higher on short distances. Occupancy rates especially in the baseline period will also have a substantial effect.

Emirates is responding to strong passenger demand in Tunis by launching an extra frequency and introducing the Airbus A340-500 on to the Dubai- Tunis route, commencing 25 March 2012.

The new frequency means that Emirates will serve Tunis daily, utilizing the Airbus 340-500 family of technologically-advanced aircraft in a three-class configuration, offering 12 First Class Private Suites, 42 seats in Business Class and 204 Economy Class seats.

The additional flight, coupled with an aircraft upgrade, will increase Emirates’ capacity to Tunis by almost 30%, representing an extra 384 seats each way per week. It will also provide an additional 15 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity.

“By providing an extra flight and upgrading the aircraft, we are responding to strong demand for additional capacity on the Tunis-Dubai route,” said Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President -Passenger Sales Worldwide.

“The strengthened service will foster new business and tourism to one of our key destinations within Africa and provide even more convenient connections for onward travel through our international hub of Dubai”.

“The introduction of the A340-500 will offer our customers an even better experience when travelling on this route. Our customers will now enjoy the very latest Emirates in-flight product, including our multi award-winning ice entertainment system.” added Mr Antinori.

Customers in all cabins will enjoy meals prepared by gourmet chefs, award-winning service from the airline’s international cabin crew, as well as the airline’s industry leading in-flight entertainment system, which offers more than 600 channels of on-demand entertainment including 50 new movie releases, more than 20 movie classics and 20 children’s films.

First Class passengers will experience Emirates’ ergonomically-designed private First Class suites, featuring privacy screens for maximum exclusivity and massage-enabled seats which convert into flat beds, while Business Class customers will enjoy the comfort of angled lie-flat beds.

The additional flight EK748 will depart Tunis every Tuesday at 1505hrs and arrive in Dubai at 2355 hrs. The return flight EK747 will depart Dubai at 09:35hrs, arriving in Tunis at 1250hrs.

Currently, Emirates six-weekly flights to Tunis are served by an Airbus A330- 200 aircraft in a three-class configuration.

Already this year, Emirates has launched new routes to Rio and Buenos Aires, Dublin Lusaka, Harare and Dallas. Seattle will follow from 1st March, Ho Chi Minh City from 4th June, Barcelona from 3rd July and Lisbon effective 9th July.

Ross Kelly brings with him rich experience from the international aviation field

London, United Kingdom, Dubai, UAE, 18th February, 2012: Private Jet Charter, one of the world’s largest independent private jet charter brokers and consultants, has appointed Mr. Ross Kelly as its new Managing Director for the Middle East, to be based in its Dubai regional office.

Chief Executive Hugh Courtenay said: “In keeping with our aggressive expansion in Europe, North America and the Middle East, we are delighted to appoint Ross as head of our Middle East operations which were launched in 2002 with an operations office in Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA).

Ross has wealth of experience in international aviation and brings with him a range of skills and expertise that will enable him to empower the team to develop the brand and further boost our market share in the region.”

Ross held the role of Sales and Operations Manager for over four years with Starair Ireland, and previously held several roles with Aer Arann also based in Ireland.
 
PJC notched up remarkable sales in 2011 compared with past years; its accumulative experience and wide industry knowledge has defied the recession. The appointment of Kelly will further strengthen the expertise of the Middle Eastern team to enable them to handle the expanding operations of the company.

Kelly said, “It is a matter of pride to work with such a reputed company as Private Jet Charter as a senior management member.  Heading up such a busy regional office that serves the entire Middle East region is an exciting challenge.

Private Jet Charter is a highly regarded company with a great sense of professionalism and I was thrilled to accept the offer.  The company is entirely quality driven and enjoys established partnerships with customers around the world.”

PJC is a reputed provider of VIP aircraft, executive jets, helicopter charter, corporate airliners and dedicated medical evacuation aircraft.

flydubai, Dubai’s pioneering low cost airline, has launched its enhanced in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, offering more movies, TV programmes and audio than any other carrier in its class. Since its launch in November 2010, the ‘Fiber-To-The-Screen’ (FTTS) system from Lumexis has broken new ground in IFE thanks to the fibre-optic technology enabling movies to be shown in high definition in the air for the first time.

Now, Flydubai is leading the way again with an unprecedented increase in movies, TV shows and music. There is also a new payment model offering TV and movie packages rather than the former pay-per-show format, making the system even better value for money for passengers.

Passengers will be able to choose from 149 Hollywood, Bollywood and Arabic films - an 830% increase from the 16 movies offered when the IFE was first installed. Included in this are brand new releases, including The Descendants and Real Steel, plus the top 10 highest grossing movies of all time.

Elsewhere, there will be 154 TV shows - up from 32 in 2010 plus 250 music albums, providing more than 500 hours of non-stop entertainment.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of Flydubai, said: “We are always looking for ways to enhance the flight experience and offer our passengers more choice of optional extras. We also want to pioneer new standards in aviation, and we have done it again as these developments put our IFE ahead of all other low cost carriers around the world. The increased content also means that even our frequent flyers will be able to watch something new every time they travel.”

In another first for low cost carriers, news from English-language website Emirates 24/7 and the Arabic daily newspaper Al Bayan have been added to the system. Sections include sport, features and business in addition to local and global news. And with the news updated every time the aircraft land in Dubai, passengers will be kept up-to-date both day and night.

Meanwhile, the revised payment model now includes a Basic package, which offers customers access to all TV programmes, audio and games. Alternatively, they can choose the Premium package, which includes everything in the Basic package plus movies. Daily newspapers, Flydubai news, the route map and information, however, will continue to be free of charge on all flights.

“No matter which package passengers choose, I am sure they will be as impressed as we are with the choice on offer. We now have more than two thirds of the fleet fitted with this system and with more aircraft on order, more passengers will be able to take advantage of this unique product throughout 2012 and beyond,” added Al Ghaith.

Bahrain Air’s chalet at the Bahrain International Air Show 2012 was throbbing with activity with local and international media, suppliers, industry personal and well wishers viewing and discussing the airlines new business/premium product and future plans in a friendly and cordial atmosphere.

Bahrain Air Managing Director, Capt. Ibrahim Al Hamer, said “We are glad to participate for the second time in this event and are happy to find such popularity for our airline among the local public. We have received many queries and suggestions from visitors at the show. We have noted the feedback and will review how we can further enhance our product and service to further improve customer satisfaction going forward”. He concluded “The remarkable success we all saw at the international event has proven that Bahrain Air is on track in its goal to become a favorite airline in the region”.

Capt. Ibrahim Al Hamer, briefed the media of the new business/premium class seat upgrades which will be installed on all Bahrain Air Aircrafts soon and emphasized that the airlines product and service will be upgraded along with the new seat to ensure a superior offering to attract the business.

Bahrain Air, CEO Mr. Richard Nuttall is very optimistic of the future progress of Bahrain Air’s operation as a hybrid carrier in the region. Mr. Nuttall stated “with the expertise of our team, and with shareholder support we have come a long way in the last 12 months. We have used this platform to showcase our current products and services, and our future plans. Over the last two years we have expanded our network, added complimentary meals for all passengers, introduced a new reservation system with flexibility to offer different fare types, and to provide value added products such as advance seat reservation, purchase of extra baggage, and travel insurance (coming soon).”

He added “Our strategy for this year has three major areas; firstly enhancement of our product and service, secondly development of our distribution systems making it easier for individuals and agents to book, and finally enhancement of our network. Some of this will be through our own organic growth and better aircraft utilization and later systems developments and IATA membership will facilitate working with other carriers to provide a wider choice of destinations. Watch this space!”

Bahrain Air’s latest A320 aircraft in its fleet A9CBAO (Oscar) participated in the air show and the demonstration flight was flown by Captain Waleed Al Shamsi and assisted by Captain Ahmed Yacoubi, the most experienced senior pilots of Bahrain Air.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and airberlin, Europe’s sixth biggest carrier, today started the sale of joint codeshare flights.

It follows last month’s historic announcement that Etihad Airways would become airberlin’s largest single shareholder.

Using an Airbus A330-200 aircraft, airberlin will operate four flights a week between Berlin and Abu Dhabi from January 15.

Etihad Airways will place its EY code on these flights, providing European travellers with immediate access to a total of 29 flights a week to and through Abu Dhabi from four German hubs (Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich), with a plan to increase to 42 flights from mid-April.

Part of the new strategic partnership will see airberlin place its AB code on Etihad Airways flights from Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich to Abu Dhabi and on Etihad Airways’ flights from Abu Dhabi to Bangkok, Malé and Singapore.

Etihad Airways will in turn codeshare on airberlin flights to Basel, Berlin, Catania, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Hannover, Helsinki, Milan, Rome, Stuttgart, Venice and Zurich.

Additional codeshare destinations will be announced in the coming weeks, subject to government approvals.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has mandated sale and lease back transactions to the value of $367 million to Sanad Aero Solutions (Sanad) and Engine Lease Finance Corporation (ELF), for the financing of its 16 in-service spare engines and seven future spare engine deliveries.

Sanad will purchase and lease back to Etihad Airways five GE90 and six Rolls Royce Trent 500 engines and ELF will purchase and lease back to Etihad Airways six Rolls Royce Trent 700 and six IAE V2500 engines. Both transactions are for a 10-year operating lease term.

The spare engines are for Etihad Airways’ entire fleet of passenger and cargo aircraft.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “These spare engine sales and lease back transactions provide the airline with a long-term financing solution for its entire spare engine fleet while mitigating residual value risk and providing competitive cost of ownership over the long term.

“We are delighted with the support that we were shown by the market in a very competitive bidding process, and we are pleased to mandate such strong partners as Sanad and ELF.”

Troy Lambeth, Sanad Chief Executive Officer, said:  “We are excited to expand our relationship with Etihad Airways through this transaction.  It is another significant milestone in our shared mandate to establish Abu Dhabi as a global aerospace hub and expands the foundation for further cooperation and partnership between our companies.”

Jon Sharp, President and Chief Executive Officer of ELF, said:  “We are particularly pleased to extend our already strong relationship with Etihad Airways, which continues to set the pace for airline performance.  This transaction is a perfect illustration of how two innovative companies can work together to mutual advantage.”

Dubai, UAE; 10 January 2012: Bishkek has been named as flydubai’s 50th destination, marking the pioneering airline’s entry into the Kyrgyz Republic and expanding its global network to 28 countries across the GCC, Middle East, Africa, Indian Sub-Continent, Asia and Central and Eastern Europe in just two and half years of operations.

The new service, which is due to begin on 7 February 2012, makes flydubai the first UAE airline to offer direct flights between the Emirates and Kyrgyz Republic. Flights will operate twice a week, departing Dubai on Tuesdays and Fridays, with flights from Bishkek to Dubai leaving on Wednesdays and Saturdays. One-way fares start from AED 990.

flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “We are proud to launch our latest services, bringing our destinations in the former Soviet Union to 12. It is also a significant milestone for us as the 50th destination we have announced – quite an achievement since our first flight in June 2009.

“We have already launched operations to a number of cities in Central Asia and we believe Bishkek will be just as well received. We are confident it will prove popular with people seeking alternative travel destinations, as well as offering people in the Kyrgyz Republic a gateway to the Middle East, the Indian sub-continent and Africa through the flydubai network.”

The capital and largest city of the Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek is flydubai’s first foray into the Central Asian country and marks the continued rise in demand for flights to previously under-served destinations in Central Asia.

The Kyrgyz Republic has opened its economy to foreign investment in key industries including metallurgy and is developing its tourism potential. Beauty spots such as Issyk Kul Lake are growing into popular tourist destinations while trekking and camping trails as well as skiing bases are developing all over the country, drawing in travellers locally, regionally and internationally.

The Kyrgyz Republic has a growing presence in the UAE thanks to a 3,000-strong expatriate population. Flights to Bishkek will start from February, ensuring they are able to travel home to visit friends and family more often.

Flight Information

Flights to Bishkek will operate twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7 February 2012. Flight FZ771 is scheduled to depart Dubai Terminal 2 at 2255, landing at Bishkek International Airport at 0500hrs local time. The return flights leave on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with FZ772 departing at 0620hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0845hrs. One way fares from Dubai to Bishkek start at AED 1,055 and fares from Bishkek to Dubai start at AED 1,020.

Fares include 20kg checked baggage plus one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7kg and one small laptop bag or hand bag. A seat with extra legroom costs AED100 extra.

Flights between Dubai and Bishkek can be purchased from flydubai’s website (www.flydubai.com), its call centre (+9714 231 1000) and through travel partners.

muscat, january 10 –   Oman Air today announced the adoption of SITA’s resource management solution for planning, rostering, management and real-time scheduling of work tasks for its 2,500 employees at Muscat International Airport.

The new system allows tasks to be communicated to work crews using mobile communications and captures operational status and billing information in real-time. Implementation of the system will be completed early in 2012 and the agreement extends for five years.

This is SITA’s first deployment of the solution in the Middle East since WorkBridge A/S, an air transport industry leader in the field of mobile resource management solutions, became part of its airport solutions division in 2010. The resource management system is now an integral part of SITA’s overarching next-generation Airport Management Solution which is focused on pro-active, real-time control of airport operations.

Don Hunter, Oman Air’s Chief Officer, Airport Operations, said: “SITA’s sophisticated resource management solution will help Oman Air to optimize all ground operations and lead to a significant increase in productivity. We will be able to establish new ways of working while improving aircraft turnaround time with automated work scheduling capability and direct communication to ground crews using mobile devices.

“It will help us to validate the effectiveness of our flight schedules and calculate accurate costs for all our ground operations. The quality of decision support and operational transparency will also greatly improve our ability to handle any disruptions.”

Hani El Assaad, SITA Regional Vice-President, Middle East and North Africa, said: “SITA’s resource management solution is ideal for a dispersed work-force at a large site like Muscat International Airport. Most airport employees do not work from a fixed location anymore so real-time, pro-active planning and rostering is essential to be effective.”