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QATAR AIRWAYS SELECTS SITA TO TRANSFORM NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE Qatar Airways has partnered with SITA to transform the airline's global network infrastructure with state-of-the-art secure access service edge (SASE) solutions that boost connectivity, operational efficiency, and security.   As part of the transformation SITA will deploy its Secure SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network), SITA Connect Go, which offers agile, scalable, and secure access to airline systems and applications by connecting infrastructure outstations and airports, to Qatar Airways’ hybrid cloud infrastructure, and to the airline’s partner systems.   Qatar Airways is among the first airlines globally to adopt SITA's Secure SD-WAN solution. SITA Connect Go is a new Secure SD-WAN solution designed specifically for the air transport industry. The solution was developed in partnership with Versa Networks, the recognized secure access service edge (SASE) leader. It offers a software-based solution that allows multiple airlines, ground handlers, and tenants to digitally transform at their own pace.   By leveraging SITA’s network solution, Qatar Airways will achieve significant strategic benefits. These include:   ·         Cost optimization resulting from faster connectivity and streamlined operations ·         Higher capacity bandwidth with multiple connection types managed centrally with holistic network performance visibility ·         SD-WAN gateways will provide compatibility ensuring a smooth transition to the new network architecture and the flexibility to innovate with new digital products and services that improve the passenger experience Mr. A.T. Srinivasan, Qatar Airways Group CIO, said: "Qatar Airways is always looking for innovative technology solutions that will enable the group to optimize day-to-day network operations with increased speed, reliability, security, and flexibility thereby enabling best-in-class connectivity across key operations. We are committed to continually improving operations and the passenger experience and procure systems that will serve as a solid foundation for future innovation."   Hani El Asaad, President, Middle East & Africa, SITA, said: "We are delighted to collaborate with Qatar Airways, an industry leader renowned for its commitment to innovation and excellence. Data and connectivity remain the backbone of our industry, and ensuring fast, secure, and reliable connections are crucial for optimizing airline operations and improving the passenger experience. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the evolution of air travel technology, exemplifying our dedication to transforming travel and transport through cutting-edge solutions."

Commercial aviation orders dominate deals at Dubai Airshow 2023 The largest ever edition of Dubai Airshow 2023 opened today at Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai Airshow site, with a royal tour led by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; Chairman, Dubai Airports; Chairman And Chief Executive, Emirates Airline And Group, taking government leaders and senior industry stakeholders through the static aircraft display and main exhibition. The industry mega-event gathered key players from across aerospace, space and defence for the 18th edition, ready to redefine the future of the industries. It runs until 17th November 2023 and has more than 1,400 exhibitors from over 95 countries and more than 190 aircraft on static display. During day one, a significant amount of orders and deals were announced, including a multi-billion dollar commercial order from Emirates, backed by air travel demand returning strongly to reach pre-pandemic levels. Emirates announced an order of 95 wide-body aircraft, committing to additional Boeing 777-9s, 777-8s, and 787s, worth US$ 52 billion. Low-cost carrier FlyDubai also confirmed an $11 billion order for 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, the first wide-body aircraft in its fleet, SunExpress, the Turkey-based low-cost carrier, placed a firm order for 45 narrow-body 737 MAX jets to be delivered between 2029 and 2035, with options or purchase rights for another 45, and EgyptAir ordered its first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, as the airline will take delivery of a total of 18 737 MAXs as part of a lease agreement with Air Lease Corporation (ALC). Another milestone order was made by airBaltic, the Latvian national airline, which will see it become the largest Airbus A220 customer in Europe, following the confirmation of an incremental order for an additional 30 A220-300s, taking the airline’s total firm orderbook to 80 aircraft. Timothy Hawes, Managing Director of Tarsus Middle East, said: “Today was a true testament to the continued growth we have seen across the industry and serves as the perfect platform to showcase the next-generation features and innovative technologies that will ensure an efficient and sustainable future. Day one has seen a series of landmark orders, deals and launches take place, and we look forward to seeing more over the coming days as industry players from across the world continue to gather in Dubai and collaborate to define the future for aerospace.” With an increased focus on Space at this edition of Dubai Airshow, the UAE Space Agency led the largest space pavilion in the exhibition’s history to date, reflecting its commitment to enhancing and consolidating the UAE’s position in this vital sector. Here, Sultan Al Neyadi and Hazza Al Mansouri, the first two astronauts from the United Arab Emirates were present at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre stand, showcasing the pioneering UAE space missions.

Dubai Airshow dazzles with landmark deals Building on the momentum of its opening day, day two of Dubai Airshow 2023 soared to new heights at Dubai World Central (DWC), the Dubai Airshow site. The day was marked by a flurry of landmark deals and ground-breaking announcements, further cementing the event's status as a pivotal platform for the global aerospace, space, and defense industries. Key industry leaders, decision-makers, and innovators engaged in high-level discussions, explored new partnerships and showcased the latest technological advancements. With over 1,400 exhibitors from more than 95 countries and a stunning array of over 190 aircraft on static display, the Airshow continues to shape the future of aerospace. New aircraft orders continued during day two, as EGYPTAIR announced an order for 10 new Airbus A350-900s, providing the airline with 25% less fuel burn and, in turn, reduced emissions. Meanwhile, Oman Air announced an order and delivery of the operator's first 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF), its first dedicated cargo aircraft, SCAT Airlines announced an order for seven Boeing 737-8 airplanes, and Ethiopian Airlines made a commitment to order 11 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 20 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, with an opportunity for 15 and 21 additional jets, respectively, representing the largest-ever purchase of Boeing airplanes in African history. Following yesterday’s order for 30 787-9 Dreamliners, today flydubai also signed a multi-year agreement with engine-maker CFM's LEAP-1B engines to support its growth plans as it takes delivery of more than 130 aircraft over the next few years. Day two also saw Emirates airline sign deals with Safran worth over US$1.2 billion for Emirates’ new fleet of Airbus A350, Boeing 777X-9 and existing Boeing 777-300 aircraft. Timothy Hawes, Managing Director of Tarsus Middle East, commented: "Day two of the Dubai Airshow 2023 has surpassed our expectations, setting a new standard for global aerospace events. The dynamic atmosphere was charged with ground-breaking deals and strategic partnerships, reflecting the vibrant evolution of the aerospace sector. The new innovations and significant deals not only highlighted the industry's commitment to sustainable and efficient future growth, but also underscored the Airshow’s role as a catalyst for shaping the future of aerospace. We are excited and optimistic about the potential collaborations and developments that the next few days will bring, as we continue to foster a space for innovation and progress."

Dubai Airports’ 2023 forecast sees DXB soar beyond 2019 traffic to reach 86.8m Propelled by strong growth throughout the first three quarters of the year and anticipation of an exceptional surge in guest numbers in the final quarter, Dubai Airports is forecasting annual passenger traffic at Dubai International (DXB) to reach 86.8 million – surpassing 2019 traffic.   “We’re thrilled but not entirely surprised that DXB is all set to surpass the pre-pandemic milestone well ahead of our initial projections by almost a year. Our outlook for the remainder of this year and the next remains optimistic. Teaming up with our strategic partners, we’re ready for the challenge to continue to exceed guest satisfaction amidst the continuous surge in traffic,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.   He added: “Our team embarked on a remarkable journey, navigating fresh challenges during the recovery period and swiftly revitalising the business. Instead of settling, we’re dedicated to exploring inventive solutions, reimagining traditional concepts, integrating state of the art technology, and addressing the mammoth challenge of sustainability. Events like the Dubai Airshow present the ideal platform to recognise accomplishments and foster future growth. This edition is clearly playing a critical role in forging the path for the industry’s future.”   Future Outlook Dubai Airports is expecting record-breaking numbers to continue in Q4 and 2024. To accommodate growth and to achieve the company’s ambition of revolutionising the guest journey at DXB, Dubai Airports is undertaking a strategic project to expand infrastructure capacity while enhancing operational efficiency. With a current capacity of 100 million passengers annually at DXB, the deployment of innovative technology, expansion and refurbishment of existing infrastructures and more efficient use of its space and resources is expected to propel the airport’s capacity to 120 million.   As Dubai tops the list of cities with the highest spending by international visitors with a total earning of $29.4bn[1], and the Emirate at the forefront of deploying the latest technologies, Dubai Airports has continued to work closely with its stakeholders to provide guests the experience they expect from Dubai.   Top destinations With 8.9 million passengers in the first nine months of the year, India was DXB’s top country destination in terms of traffic volume, followed by Saudi Arabia with 4.8 million passengers, and the UK (4.4 million passengers). Other country destinations of note include Pakistan with 3.1 million passengers, the US (2.7 million) and Russia (1.8 million). The top cities by traffic were London (2.7 million passengers) and Riyadh (1.9 million), closely followed by Mumbai (1.8 million) and Jeddah (1.7 million passengers).

Saudia Technic and Airbus Helicopters sign an agreement to set up a regional authorized Service center During the Dubai Air Show, Saudia Technic and Airbus Helicopters have signed a memorandum of agreement for the creation of an authorized service center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support the civil helicopters in operation in the region. "The signing of this agreement testifies to our dedication to continuously improve our customers' satisfaction in the Middle East but also globally,” said Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters. “Saudia Technic is a proven maintenance provider and I look forward to exploring new opportunities to strengthen our collaboration with them in the future. We are both commited to expanding the helicopter ecosystem in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." Capt. Fahd Cynndy, CEO of Saudia Technic, highlighted the significance of this collaboration with Airbus Helicopters. “This is not just an agreement but a milestone that aligns perfectly with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the national aviation strategy. Saudia Technic is not only expanding its capabilities but is also setting new benchmarks in the MRO sector,” remarked Capt. Cynndy. This strategic agreement marks a pivotal moment for Saudia Technic, reinforcing its commitment to delivering top-tier helicopter maintenance services and solidifying its leadership in the MRO landscape. Simultaneously, Airbus Helicopters expands its footprint in the Middle East, aligning with local partners for fleet modernization, maintenance, repair, and overhaul, and supporting the region with Airbus Helicopters Arabia. The Approved Service Center status by Airbus Helicopters will bring a plethora of benefits, including enhanced response times, streamlined maintenance processes, and significantly reduced downtimes for operators across the region. This collaboration not only marks a significant step for Saudia Technic and Airbus Helicopters but also signifies a remarkable achievement in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, showcasing the Kingdom's growing influence and capabilities in the global aviation sector.

Boeing Shifts Toward Production of MH-139A Grey Wolf Boeing continues to transition towards low rate initial production of the MH-139A Grey Wolf after completing the program’s Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) phase, delivering the sixth and final test aircraft to the U.S. Air Force last month. “Delivering all of the RDT&E aircraft to the Air Force enables them to continue critical operational testing and allows Boeing to focus on building the first production aircraft.” said Azeem Khan, MH-139 program director. “The Grey Wolf will provide crucial national security capability improvements to the Air Force. This is an important step in getting the aircraft into service.” Boeing expects to provide the first low rate production aircraft to the customer in 2024. To date, the Air Force has awarded Boeing a contract to build the first 13, with the first aircraft already in final assembly. Ultimately, Boeing will provide up to 80 MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters to the Air Force. “With the final test aircraft delivered, we’re headed into an exciting production phase. With the MH-139, the United States Air Force is getting a faster and more capable aircraft to bring them into a new era of service for this mission,” said Robert Beyer, MH-139 Senior Program Manager, Leonardo Helicopters US. “Leonardo is incredibly proud of this aircraft, and we look forward to the continued partnership with Boeing and the USAF as we deliver additional Grey Wolf helicopters.” MH-139A aircraft will replace the UH-1N Huey and are tasked with protecting intercontinental ballistic missiles across the U.S. and transporting VIP and security personnel.