Category Archives: Aviation

Rwanda’s airports will reopen for scheduled commercial flight operations on August 1, 2020 stated the Ministry of Infrastructure in an official statement released. To ensure the safety and health of passengers, crews and staff, airport operations will adhere to guidelines developed by the ministry of health and recommendations of the ICAO Council on aviation recovery taskforce. All passengers including those in transit will be required to show proof of a COVID -19 PCR negative test from a certified laboratory taken within 72 hours of arriving in Rwanda. For passengers entering Rwanda, a second PCR test will be conducted upon arrival with results delivered within 24 hours during which time they will remain in designated hotels at own cost.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will take wings on July 14, 2020 with direct flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Alexandria and Sohag in Egypt. The inaugural flight will take off from Abu Dhabi to Alexandria on July 14 followed by flights to Sohag the next day. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will start its operations with two Airbus A320 aircraft based in Abu Dhabi International Airport offering the same value-added product and services provided by Air Arabia across its hubs. The customer journey has also been upgraded adhering to all local and international guidelines set in place to ensure safety protocols and health measures are always met. Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said, “This joint venture between Etihad and Air Arabia will offer greater convenience and direct access to the UAE’s thriving capital for new markets worldwide, beginning with two key Egyptian routes, and expanding in time. Abu Dhabi has earned itself an exceptional reputation for business and leisure travel alike, and we look forward to seeing the emirate continue to prosper as the current global situation improves and markets begin to reopen.” Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said, “While the global aviation sector continues to witness unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19 pandemic, this step is a testament to the strength of the UAE aviation sector and our commitment to its long-term prospects”. He continued, “Egypt is a key travel market and the launch of the first flights reflects our focus on supporting commercial and trade ties between both nations while providing our customers with a new value-for-money option to travel between both countries. Abu Dhabi is a major travel and tourism hub and …

Saudi Ground Services announced that its digital transformation with SAP is boosting the aviation sector’s USD 37 billion contribution to GDP. Saudi Vision 2030 is rapidly developing international business and tourism connections, underpinned by the aviation sector, which supports 594,000 jobs and USD 37 billion to GDP in the Kingdom, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). As the Kingdom’s aviation market grows, Saudi Ground Services, which serves 670,000 flights per year for more than 90 airlines and 100 million passengers, needed to operate in real-time. Saudi Ground Services implemented the S/4HANA real-time business suite and Success Factors human experience management suite for over 12,000 employees. Now, Saudi Ground Services has access to customised airline invoices, integrated flight schedules to automate sales orders, as well as localised payroll solutions. “The Saudi Ground Services Company is asserting its market position within Saudi Arabia, in 2020 and beyond, through operational excellence capabilities,” said Capt. Fahd Cynndy, CEO, Saudi Ground Services. “Technology is positioned as a core enabler moving forward our strategy, and SAP facilitated the transformation journey by automating human resources processes, flight data, sales orders, sourcing and contracting for over 200 tenders per year.” Saudi Ground Services is also embracing its customer centric approach through augmented reality and mobility solutions, on-flight live services, strategic sourcing, automated financial postings, and predictive analytics. Remarking on the success, Saudi Ground Services has won an SAP MENA Quality Award, which recognise the region’s top digital transformation initiatives, in the “Business Transformation” category. “Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is evolving with traveller demands, technology advancements, and global growth,” said Taha Al Madani, Head of Customer Office, SAP Middle East North. “Saudi Ground Services shows how aviation …

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) revealed the number of travellers and flights across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s airports, after the issuance of the approval for resumption of domestic flights, started on Sunday May 31, 2020, through national air carriers. The recorded official statistics issued by GACA here today, indicated that the number of travellers who passed through the Kingdom’s airports, during the period from May 31 to June 30, has exceeded 756,644 passengers, departed through 9,558 flights from the Kingdom’s airports. GACA has gradually resumed domestic flights, with the aim of ensuring a safe travel journeys through the Kingdom’s airports. All necessary preventive and health measures have been taken, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the relevant government agencies, at airport facilities. GACA is working in coordination with airports, air carriers and operators in the sector to meet the local market demand. Meanwhile, GACA revealed the arrival of more than 55,000 men and women on board of Saudi Arabian Airlines fleet, since April 5 with the participation of a number of government agencies.

Wizz Air and Abu Dhabi Airport celebrated the arrival of Wizz Air’s first scheduled Wizz Air Hungary flight to Abu Dhabi International Airport. Marking a great milestone in Wizz Air’s history and further strengthening of Abu Dhabi’s connectivity and accessibility as a destination of choice for business and leisure travel, the first Budapest-Abu Dhabi flight landed in the capital of the United Arab Emirates on July 1, 2020. The inaugural Wizz Air route from Bucharest will be followed in September by flights from Sofia, Katowice and Cluj-Napoca. With these services, Wizz Air will connect these exciting European cities with Abu Dhabi and will provide countless opportunities for travellers to visit the exciting Emirate of Abu Dhabi and discover its rich array of cultural, historic, culinary and entertainment-oriented tourist attractions. George Michalopoulos, Chief Commercial Officer of Wizz Air said, “Our new sanitising protocols will give our customers the confidence that they can safely rely on Wizz Air’s ultra-low fares to visit Abu Dhabi on board one of the world’s greenest fleet. Wizz Air’s ultra-low fares and route network will contribute to the further growth of Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector.” Khalil Lamrabet, Senior Vice President of Aviation Development at Abu Dhabi Airports said, “The arrival of Wizz Air is a testament to the strength of the Abu Dhabi market and a reflection of the success of our investments in transforming Abu Dhabi International Airport into a strategically positioned global hub for airlines from across the world.” “Abu Dhabi Airports has implemented comprehensive health and safety measures across its facilities and is committed to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of all passengers and employees. As commercial flights resume and the international aviation …

Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) announced the completion of the second phase of AlUla’s airport development project, a key component of its strategy to position the city as a major tourism destination and logistics hub. Encompassing the renovation of the airport’s main terminal building and the expansion of the apron to add 6 Code C and larger 4 Code E Aircraft Stands – an additional 150,000 metre square of taxiways with 2 additional connections to the runway – the second phase of the development project increases the airport’s annual capacity from 100,000 to 400,000 passengers. The completed Airside Works (Aprons & Taxiways) can facilitate the 15,000 aircraft movements per year required to serve the over 2,000,000 visitors to AlUla in 2035 and beyond. The development project also included the construction of a VIP lounge terminal, built using local materials and reflecting the picturesque AlUla environment, its rich heritage and includes a range of other amenities to improve passenger experience. The completion of the second phase of the airport development project is in line with RCU’s aim to continue reopen the area in readiness to receive visitors in October. Adil Jamil, Head of Infrastructure Development and Asset Management, RCU commented, “Vital infrastructure projects such as this provide the foundations for RCU’s sustainable growth strategy. The airport is continuing to create a range of employment opportunities for local residents as it emerges as a logistical hub catering to the northwest of the Kingdom.” In cooperation with Saudi Arabian Airlines, the Royal Commission for AlUla has also facilitated the resumption of flights from Riyadh to AlUla. Four flights currently run each week and it is expected that flights to AlUla from Jeddah and …

“The sterilisation programmes, safety protocols and regulations guiding airports and airlines have made it all possible for the country and Dubai, one of the world’s leading tourist destinations and hub to reopen for visitors,” said Timothy Njihia – Country Manager U.A.E – RwandAir. “As an aviation and Tourism stakeholder, this is a key milestone that signals a safe return of tourism (visitors). The re-opening also coincides with Dubai Summer Surprises 2020 a return to business and finally the elusive revenues that were lost since the cessation of flights on the 25th March. What is important are the safety protocols and precautions in place and the continuous monitoring as this is what led to informed decisions on the resumption of key sectors of business and flights. One cannot underscore the importance of tourism for Dubai and the reassuring messages that have been continuously communicated. They have been very encouraging and a big boost!” “I personally cannot wait for the July 7, 2020 to welcome incoming visitors who will come to experience the diverse attractions, as well as being amongst the first of Dubai’s residents to travel overseas whilst observing the strict new rules for safety. As an airline, we look forward to resuming our daily passenger flights to Dubai at the earliest opportunity and being a contributor and driver to Dubai’s tourism,” he concluded.

Abu Dhabi Airports announced the introduction of wellness ambassadors to Abu Dhabi International Airport. This team of specially trained service professionals are part of Abu Dhabi Airports’ commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of passengers throughout their journey through the airport. Abu Dhabi Airports’ Wellness Ambassadors will support passengers by answering common questions relating to keeping healthy during travel, provide advice and recommendations on how to stay safe and provide additional support to passengers who need it. Mohammed Husain Ahmed, General Manager of Abu Dhabi International Airport, said, “We are pleased to introduce our Wellness Ambassadors, who are a reflection of Abu Dhabi Airports’ commitment to delivering exceptional services and prioritising health and safety. The ambassadors will ensure every traveller feels cared for and comfortable at Abu Dhabi International Airport.” “We have introduced a comprehensive range of new precautionary measures – ranging from touchless elevator systems to autonomous sterilisation robots – and are confident that passengers will find their journey through Abu Dhabi to be smooth and seamless, safe and assuring.” added Ahmed. In addition to addressing passenger needs, the Wellness Ambassadors work to ensure that the airport and its travellers continue to comply with all the relevant UAE Government regulations and guidelines issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).This entails encouraging social distancing amongst travellers, monitoring the regular sanitisation of surfaces, communicating testing and isolation procedures, and providing hand sanitiser and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves to passengers.

International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged governments in Africa and the Middle East (AME) to implement alternatives to quarantine on arrival that would allow economies to re-start while avoiding the importation of COVID-19 cases. Government-imposed quarantine measures in 36 countries across Africa and the Middle East (AME) account for 40% of all quarantine measures globally. With over 80% of travellers unwilling to travel when quarantine is required, the impact of these measures is that countries remain in lockdown even if their borders are open. “It is critical that AME governments implement alternatives to quarantine measures. AME has the highest number of countries in the world with government-imposed quarantine measures on arriving passengers. The region is effectively in complete lockdown with the travel and tourism sector shuttered. This is detrimental in a region where 8.6 million people depend on aviation for their livelihoods,” said Muhammad Albakri, Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, IATA.

Air France and KLM resume services to Dubai, with ten weekly flights starting today. KLM will offer daily flights to and from Dubai. Flights will be operated with a Boeing 777-200. Air France will offer three weekly flights from Paris on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday with a return from Dubai on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; flights will be operated with an Airbus A350-900. “Our passengers comfort, well-being and health remain our highest priority. All of our flights are operated with additional sanitary measures to ensure our passengers safety. We profoundly thank our customers for their patience and the authorities involved in the UAE; in France and in the Netherlands for their continuous support”, said Yeshwant Pawar, General Manager, Air France KLM, Gulf, Iran and Pakistan. Prior to travelling, the Air France KLM group encourages customers to ensure that they have met all requirements to enter the country of destination including the requirements for any transit point as these requirements are subject to change as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic.