Etihad Airways has announced the introduction of a new scheduled service linking Abu Dhabi and Barcelona, Spain, effective 21 November 2018. A two-class Airbus A330-200 will initially operate the route five times a week before becoming a daily operation from 31 March 2019.
Barcelona will become the second city in Spain served by Etihad Airways, complementing the airline’s existing daily service to the capital Madrid. The new link will provide business and leisure travellers with convenient timings to travel between Abu Dhabi and Barcelona, also providing seamless onward connections through Abu Dhabi to major cities in the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Korea and Australia.
Peter Baumgartner, Chief Executive Officer Etihad Airways, said, “As one of the largest unserved markets from our Abu Dhabi base, Barcelona – a hub of culture, commerce, tourism, education, fashion and science, has witnessed a significant increase in travel demand from the emirate, and from across our wider network.
The Catalonia region is immensely popular with business and leisure travellers alike. With 7.5 million inhabitants, beautiful mountain scenery and a 214 kilometre Mediterranean coastline, the region is rich in natural parks and protected areas. Barcelona is one of the world’s most visited cities, famed for its unique culture, Gaudi architecture, history and cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Trade between the UAE and the Catalonia region has enjoyed significant growth in recent years, with food, chemicals, motor vehicles, energy and pharmaceuticals being the main industrial sectors.
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) as the city, which hosted the most international association meetings in the world in 2017, overtaking Paris, Berlin and Vienna to claim first place for the first time since 2004 have recently ranked Barcelona. Etihad Airways will increase frequency to the city to meet passenger demand for the Mobile World Congress, which takes place from 25-28 February 2019.
The new service is being launched in time for the start of the 2018 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Middle East’s largest sporting event, held from 23-25 November at the capital’s 5.55 kilometre Yas Marina Circuit.
Etihad Airways operates an extensive codeshare partnership with Air Europa (UX), on the Spanish airline’s scheduled services from Madrid to Barcelona and 18 other major European cities.
Jacob Matthew is up at dawn preparing for his morning run, walk or a gym workout, typical of a man in high position who takes his responsibilities seriously.
His disciplined lifestyle gives him the strength to face the day’s challenges in his hectic schedule as the President of the Middle East and Asia for the US-based company National Air Cargo, a father, a loving husband and a devout faithful of the Indian Orthodox Church.
“I start my day very early. I’m up by 5 am—going to the gym, running or walking,” shared Jacob who is also an executive member of the Board of Directors for the National Air Cargo Group which owns both National Air Cargo and National Airlines.
He starts work around 8:30 or 9 in the morning presiding over meetings with different department heads, answering emails, seeing clients and communicating with their head office in the US.
National Air Cargo deals with all facets of air cargo charters, freight forwarding and multi – modal transportation. The company has a fleet of 2 B747-400F’s and 2 B757’s and specializes in heavy weight express movements worldwide and a major transporter for the US Department of Defense.
Jacob’s job doesn’t end though in the office: It’s extended outside with dinners or cocktails with clients at least three times a week.
And his hard work has paid off—he has built a successful career in air cargo and aviation industry for more than 30 years and is recognized as instrumental in getting the right footing for National in the Middle East.
“As you know in air cargo, every minute, every hour, we’re moving,” Jacob shared to Air Cargo Update in a phone interview.
“Anything can go wrong, but you know there are solutions,” he added noting that it’s difficult to juggle multiple tasks all at the same time but with God’s help and the right attitude nothing is impossible.
This cargo executive also takes pride in providing for his children the best education. One of them, Gina, recently graduated from Boston University.
Nowadays, the father and daughter spend time together traveling or taking a drive in Fujairah in the UAE and on WhatsApp when she’s overseas.
“WhatsApp is a very helpful tool. We communicate almost every hour,” Jacob fondly says.
Outside of work, Jacob also spends time with the Indian Orthodox Church which is on a mission to help the oppressed, underprivileged and poor communities. Worldwide, it has more than 1,600 churches with over 2.5 million devotees.
Jacob sits in the church’s Managing Committee, a position which requires constant traveling and meetings every quarter. The church has built numerous schools and colleges in different places, supported medical missions and helped other cause-oriented projects.
“I believe nothing is impossible if you keep trying. You will eventually reach your goals,” concluded Jacob whose life embodies how hard work, dedication, giving back to communities and desire to excel leads to success.
Tires are an essential part of our mobility on land and on air. By 2019, an estimated 3 billion tires will be sold worldwide valued at over $258 billion. New technology is discovered and introduced every year to make tires safer and last longer.
Tires are continuously evolving for the better in an era where innovations are highlighted and punctuated by customer demand for products that give more value for their money.
Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs, said Dubai is delighted to connect the global market of spare parts and accessories, particularly the GCC, Arab Countries, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
While cars, trucks and other Wtypes of automobiles outshine tires i n popularity, there’s no doubt it’s an important part of the industry that keep growing and reinventing itself to keep up with the changing times.
Tires are the only thing between the road and your vehicle—be it a car, a truck, a motorcycle, a bike or a plane—thus, performance, durability and safety, matter a lot.
Industry experts estimate around 3 billion tires will be sold in 2019 generating over $258 billion for the industry. Each year, new tire technology is discovered and applied to make tires safer and last longer.
At Automechanika Dubai 2018 held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Middle East and Africa’s largest trade exhibition for the automotive aftermarket and services industry, tires of different sizes and shapes were showcased along with other auto parts and components.
Upward track market
Dubai Customs said the Dubai auto parts and accessories trade is valued at AED39.9 billion in 2017 as more vehicles enter the market, particularly in the industrial sector as various construction projects are undertaken.
Imports of tires, batteries, engine components and systems into Dubai were valued at AED22.35 billion last year, while the value of exports and re-exports coming out of the Emirate was AED17.54 billion, Dubai Customs noted.
The volume of trade in Dubai’s thriving automotive aftermarket has also increased year-on-year, with 2.25 million tons of tyres, batteries, engine components and systems shipped through the Emirate in 2017, 8.4 percent up on 2016.
Japan (AED5.63 billion), South Korea (AED3 billion), USA (AED2.94 billion), Germany (AED2.69 billion), and China (AED2.39 billion) were Dubai’s top country partners last year in terms of total auto parts trade, Dubai Customs noted.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia (AED2 billion), Afghanistan (1.34 billion), Iraq (AED1.1 billion) Oman (AED730 million), and Kuwait (AED580 million) were the Emirate’s biggest export and re- export markets in 2017, accounting for a combined 33 percent of Dubai’s exports and re-exports of auto parts, accessories, tires, and engine components for the year.
The five major trading partners comprised 69 percent of Dubai’s total automotive parts imports in 2017.
Japan was the top destination from which Dubai’s car parts originated, claiming AED5.61 billion of the market and a 25 percent share of total imports.
South Korea followed with AED2.94 billion worth of exports to Dubai (13 percent share. USA (AED2.37 billion), Germany (AED2.29 billion), and China (AED2.17 billion) comprise the other three top exporters to Dubai.
Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, the Director of Dubai Customs, said Dubai is delighted to connect the global market of spare parts and accessories, particularly the GCC, Arab Countries, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Automechanika Dubai, added: “Dubai is the epicentre of Middle East and African automotive aftermarket, and it’s pleasing to see the Emirate’s spare parts and accessories trade value and volume is back on an upward track.”
New innovations
Tires are continuously evolving for the better in an era where innovations are highlighted and punctuated by customer demand for products that give more value for their money.
Manufacturers are ultimately aiming to develop tires that can withstand different road conditions under extreme heat or cold weather without compromising safety and durability.
For instance, Bridgestone Corp., one of the world’s top tire makers, had introduced and patented the so-called Contact Area Information Sensing (CAIS) tires. These tires are equipped with sensors that can identify in real time seven types of road conditions—dry, semi-dry, wet, slush, fresh snow, compacted snow, and ice—empowering the driver to maneuver accordingly.
CAIS is being developed to provide as well information on tread wear and work with air pressure sensors to communicate air pressure data.
A Dutch biotech firm, KeyGene, is experimenting on turning the roots of the Russian Dandelion and the common Dandelion as rubber substitute with tires in mind as primary product.
The phenotype of these crossbreed dandelions are expected to make up for more demand for rubber or latex, the main component of tires.
BFGoodrich Tires, another global major tire manufacturer, says it uses synthetic rubber, specifically butyl rubber, as it is virtually impenetrable to water and air. Its tires are also equipped with technologically advanced tread that can withstand abrasion and heat and is designed to resist wear.
Considered the lowest tech development in tires, discoloration is also used among some tire manufacturers to warn drivers when to change tires. This technique turns the tire from black to bright orange which indicates that it’s time to change the tire.
Other more technologically advanced techniques in tire manufacturing are being designed and tested and are expected to be introduced in the market in less than a decade.
How to Check Tire Pressure
Believe it or not, tires can actually lose up to 1psi (pounds per square inch) every month. So be on the safe side and check all tires, including your spare, once a month (or before a long trip). It’s no biggie. Here’s how you do it:
1. Purchase a trusted pressure gauge.
2. Check your tires “cold” – before you’ve driven or at least three hours after you’ve driven.
3. Insert pressure gauge into the valve stem on your tire. (The gauge will “pop” out and show a measured number. When you hear a “pssst” sound, that’s air escaping the tire. The escaping air shouldn’t affect pressure substantially, unless you hold down the air pressure gauge too long.)
4. Compare the measured psi to the psi found on the sticker inside the driver’s door of your vehicle or in owner’s manual. DO NOT compare to the psi on your tire’s sidewall.
5. If your psi is above the number, let air out until it matches. If below, add air (or have a BFGoodrich Tires dealer help you) until it reaches the proper number.
Nitrogen Versus Compressed Air
It’s pretty common knowledge that most tires are filled with compressed air. But some tire dealers have started putting nitrogen in their customers’ tires. (Nitrogen is simply dry air with the oxygen removed.
Air contains nearly 79% nitrogen already. Note: Welcome to science class.) Because nitrogen replaces oxygen, less air can escape your tires, and your air pressure stays higher for longer. Also, know that nitrogen and compressed air CAN be mixed, if needed.
Unfortunately, there are other possible sources of leaks (tire/rim interface, valve, valve/rim interface and the wheel), which prevent the guarantee of pressure maintenance for individuals using air or nitrogen inflation. Tires manufactured by BFGoodrich Tires are designed to deliver their expected performance when inflated with air or nitrogen, as long as, the user respects the pressures recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle’s placard or by the tire manufacturer. Source: BFGoodrich Tires
Returns offer a key point of differentiation for merchants. Clear communication of return policies and processes are important points which help in growing sales
The definition of ‘logistics’ is becoming more and more diverse, covering a wide array of operations inside and outside of a company.
Today, economics, environmental and social efficiencies are some of the core objectives for modern business development. Reverse logistics is one of the methods which companies can use in achieving sustainability.
Reverse logistics is a multi-facet process that connects chain of post-purchase services designed to increase customer loyalty and minimize return costs for merchants.
It includes the following services: return authorization, label creation, transportation, inspection and grading, refurbishment, product resale, recycling, liquidation, customer and merchant notifications, expedited refunds, and returns business intelligence. It is also a process of planning, implementing and controlling the efficient, cost effective flow of raw materials, in process inventory finished goods and related information from the point of origin for the purpose of recapturing value or proper disposal.
Regular transaction cycle
Many industry sectors such as high tech, automotive parts, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, etc. where products and components return are part of the everyday transaction cycle.
Companies from within these industries factor the cost of returns into their pricing strategies and are good at managing the efficiency of flows for both the outbound and return supply chains, thereby helping to control the operational cost base.
However, some companies within these industries Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs) and other manufacturing sectors are not as focused on the returned goods supply chain, thereby unknowingly absorbing the cost of their reverse logistics activities into their ‘business as usual’ cost base.
In an email interview with Air Cargo Update, Joe Ballato, Product Manager, Parcel Operations , Newgistics, Jim Brill, Marketing Manager, UPS and Mike Hachtman, President and CEO, Relogistics, explained to us the working process of Reverse Logistics and how is it different from a traditional forward logistical flow?
Product flow
The flow of Reverse logistics, however, is a different story. It involves Return Authorization, Transportation, Receipt, Product Recovery, Customer Credit, Restock, and Resale.
Shippers generally do not initiate reverse logistics activity as a result of planning and decision-making on the part of the firm, but in response to actions by consumers or downstream channel members.
When a return is initiated, the returned product is collected and sent to the distribution center. At the same time the relevant information about the return item description, condition at return, customer information etc., is transferred to the return-processing center.
Mike Hachtman, President & CEO at Relogistics, explains the product cycle,“As product is shipped to retailers, it is often shipped on, or in, a reusable or returnable packaging such as reusable pallets, totes and containers. A perfect example is the millions of wood pallets that move through the supply chain every day. After these pallets are emptied of their product, they are transported back to Relogistics where we segregate them by type. Some are returned to the retailer for reuse while others are ready for shipment back to their owner.”
UPS’ Marketing Manager Jim Brill explains, “The front end of the reverse process is those activities involved in the pickup and transportation of the goods or materials needing to be returned or recovered. The back end activities occur once the goods or materials are delivered; these activities then surround the receipt, unpacking, grading, reworking and decision making of what to do with these items. A key term here is the ‘disposition’ of the returned goods; what are we going to do with it?”
Reverse Logistics vs. Traditional Logistics
Reverse logistics is drastically more complex than forward logistics as there are many more steps and decision points involved when dealing with goods moving in reverse.
The emphasis has been shifted from speed of transportation toward total cost of return processing including time to refund, ability to recover an asset as close to full value as possible and prepare for resale.
Sales forecast is used to project sale requirement, when certain amount product is required, they will be shipped to the distribution center and then shipped to the retail stores from distribution center. At every single level of the supply chain, ASNs (Advanced Shipping Notices) will be assisting the useful information as the products flow.
Hachtman said, “Traditional logistics focuses on the shipment of product from manufacturing through distribution and ultimately to retail stores. At Relogistics, we focus on the reverse flow of the reusable, returnable and recyclable packaging as it moves from the stores back to its destination for reuse.”
“It requires strong data analytics and integration between the merchant and the reverse logistics provider. Solutions are merchant specific requiring product knowledge that may be different for every product line or every SKU. Reverse logistics solutions may need to adapt seasonally as product mix changes and returns become obsolete,” says Joe Ballato, operations manager, Newgistics.
Rising practices in aftermarket activities
Returns offer a key point of differentiation for best-in-class merchants. Clear communication of return policies and processes are important points, which will helpgrow sales.
Ballato said, “In many verticals e-commerce return rates exceed 30% and return costs eat away at product margins. A reverse logistics solution designed to maximize customer loyalty and maximize product recovery is critical to maintaining profitability”.
Hachtman said, “Reusable packaging improves the efficiency of the supply chain by providing better protection for the product it is carrying. While the increased use of reusable packaging has improved retail supply chains, it has also led to the need to find more efficient methods of handling and returning these packaging”.
Now part of Pitney Bowes, Newgistics combines its expertise in returns transportation and turn-key order fulfillment with even greater scale and data insights to create a bundled reverse dispositioning solution that allows merchants to outsource their returns processing.
The process of Reusing
There are several types of reusable packaging. Pallets are used throughout supply chains and include traditional wood pallets as well pooled pallets (CHEP, Peco, iGPS and others) that must be returned to their owner after use. Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs) are used to transport the majority of produce to retail stores.
These must be sorted and returned to their owners to be used again. In addition, there are various types of containers and totes used to ship product to store shelves that must be returned to the retailer to use again.
“Ideally, returns are refurbished back to first quality for resale at full retail value. This provides the best-cost recovery for merchants and minimizes the problems created when returns are liquidated through aftermarket solutions, which can put price pressure on first-quality items. Purchasers of second-hand items expect manufacturers to honor original warranties even though manufacturers do not get the revenue on those sales.
Returns can be used to support warranty operations and parts recovery or sold on secondary marketplaces,” said Ballato.
Disposition activities could include return to inventory, light repair or touch up for resale, major repair or rework, dismantle and harvest parts or useable components, recycle, scrap and send to landfill, or donate, according to UPS.
Tracking system notifies merchant and consumer about every scan/tracking event as the parcel moves through the transportation network. Product catalog integration along with a business rules engine allows merchants to specify how each product should be dispositioned, i.e. refurbish, recycle, donate, RTV, etc. APIs facilitate fast transfer of information to and from the 3PL to the merchant and consumer.
Value of goods
Reverse Logistics is the process of moving goods backwards and then determining what to do with them; the RL process itself is not what reduces the value of goods. Rather it’s the erosion of product value due to time, the disposition activities, condition of returned goods, and the amount of re-work involved to get the goods back to saleable condition that ultimately reduces value.
The cost of returns should be forecasted along with product sales. A good reverse logistics program will improve the bottom line by reducing the cost of returns, according to Newgistics.
Relogistics utilizes its online, proprietary application, Velocity that provides online visibility to all data anytime, anywhere.
Hachtman said, “We also present a customized, comprehensive, monthly statement of all activity that includes a summary and various detailed reports depending on the services provided. By tracking all movements within the system, we can ensure that all assets are properly cared for, compensation is fair, and costs are as low as possible”.
UPS provides a variety of technology platforms to help merchants of all sizes provide return capabilities to their customer for a friction free experience. (front-end returns)
UPS and its alliance with Optoro help merchants then with the dispositioning process of the returned goods and materials (back end processing).
Ecommerce freight logistics
Reverse logistics presents one of the biggest operational challenges in the world of eCommerce freight logistics due to the sheer volume and cost of processing returns.
Effective reverse logistics is believed to result in direct benefits, including improved customer satisfaction, decreased resource investment levels, and reductions in storage and distribution costs.
The amount of returned goods going backwards along the supply chain from the end point (customers) is usually much more than people normally think.
For example, the sheer volume of returns generated i n many companies, ranges from 3% to as high as 50% of total shipments across all industries. Many other studies indicated the real costs of the returns take up roughly 3%-5% of total revenue.
Surprisingly, for the traditional bricks-and-mortar retail operations, returns are 3 to 4 times more expensive than forward (outbound) shipments.
“More merchants are now looking for ways to outsource all or part of their returns operations. Facing increasing pressure from: Amazon influence on speed to refund, trying to grow outbound while containing return rates, delay new capital investments needed for returns, avoid dealing with increasing labor costs,” says Ballato.
Return costs are a drag on product margins and a disproportionate percentage of distribution center expenses. In a drop-ship environment the return of goods to OEMs presents a huge challenge, according to Newgistics.
Future of reverse logistics
Supply chains are becoming more complex — and competitive — every day. Product is moving faster than ever before and more of it is being moved in reusable packaging.
Because no two-supply chains are identical, customized solutions to handle the return of this reusable packaging will grow in importance according to the experts.
“Reverse logistics will continue to grow in the coming years as ecommerce continues to grow, as well as new and exciting sales and service models are developed in all industry segments. There will always be the need for goods or materials to move in reverse and these needs will continue to grow along side of the growth of commerce,” concludes UPS’ Jim Brill.
G M R Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) which operates Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad has been continuously innovating, improving and expanding to provide the best of aviation services, be it on the passenger side or the cargo.
Not for nothing, last year GHIAL received Airport Service Quality (ASQ) award from the Airports Council International (ACI). RGIA was adjudged as world’s number one airport in the 5-15 million passengers per annum (MPPA) category for excelling 34 key service parameters.
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport’s efforts to keep on upgrading is well-known and now comes the recognition by the World Health Organisation. GHIAL’s cargo terminal has been certified with the WHO’s Good Storage and Distribution Practices (WHO-GSDP).
Awarded by SGS India, a leader in certifications in pharmaceutical sector, the WHO-GSDP certificate underscores Hyderabad airport’s commitment to and compliance with quality management standards and international requirements throughout the pharma supply chain.
The Hyderabad Airport Cargo Terminal received this certification following a six–month long rigorous evaluation process, during which a team of SGS India auditors analyzed Hyderabad Airport Cargo Terminal’s transportation, handling and storage processes, quality policies, facility management, equipment maintenance and security and assessed them against the guidelines outlined by the WHO’s GSDP framework.
The CEO of GHIAL, Mr. S.G.K Kishore, said, “As a Company, which is committed to ensuring end-to-end product safety and its integrity, we are proud to achieve WHO – GSDP certification. Our rigorous quality standards, specialty logistics expertise and meticulous execution, enable us to meet the demands of the Pharma City and optimize the supply chain for our customers globally.”
Dedicated Pharma Zone
In 2010, Hyderabad International Airport operated India’s first airport-based dedicated pharmaceutical handling facility (Pharma Zone), to handle the export of pharmaceutical products. It created a benchmark for dedicated temperature-controlled cargo handling facilities, influencing other airports in India.
Hyderabad is the pharma hub of India with Hyderabad Airport’s 60 percent cargo exports comprised of pharma products. Hyderabad Airport pharma cargo has witnessed CAGR of 10 percent for the last five years.
Its cargo terminal has been taking initiatives for effective handling of pharmaceuticals in order to meet the growing requirements of customers the world over. Over the years, there has been a growing demand for temperature controlled facilities and major focus has been on establishing an end to end unbroken cold chain for handling exports and imports.
Best-in-class cooling systems
Consistently being at the forefront of taking path breaking initiatives, Hyderabad Airpor t Cargo has inducted best-in-class active and passive cooling storage mechanisms in partnership with Envirotainer and Agility to keep the pharma products’ integrity sacrosanct. Hyderabad Airport Cargo Terminal has also inducted a large tunnel X-Ray to facilitate the screening of shipper built units (SBUs).
Since the inception of the Air Cargo Complex, 10 years ago(commissioned on March 23, 2008),
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport has come a long way. It is the foremost cargo complex in India to have implemented a concept of an integrated cargo facility housing both domestic and international facilities under one roof. The Air Cargo Complex has a built-in area of 14,500 Sq meters, with a capacity to handle cargo throughput of 1,50,000 MT annually. The complex has dedicated cargo apron facilities both for handling regular and freighter operations.
The key features of the complex include:
Joint venture with Hyderabad Menzies
To ensure world class facilities are provided to the cargo community, GHIAL has formed a joint venture company, Hyderabad Menzies Air Cargo Pvt. Ltd (HMACPL). One of the globally leading cargo and ground handling operator viz Menzies Aviation Plc (HMACPL) is the joint venture partner.
Hyderabad Menzies Air Cargo offers optional documentation handling for International cargo; total documentation handling for domestic cargo; Air way bill (AWB) execution for walk-in customers; and acceptance of cargo in ready for carriage condition subject to carting orders from airlines. It provides AWB execution for walk-in domestic customers. It also takes cargo in ready for carriage condition subject to carting order from airlines. HMACPL provides complete physical storage handling including build-up & break-down of ULDs. It has created dedicated handling of freighter operations and not to forget the Warehouse Inventory Management.
Free Trade Zone
The Free Trade Zones (FTZ) is a special category of Special Economic Zone and is governed by the provisions of the SEZ Act and the Rules under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.The only airport based FTZ is located two kilometres east of the Passenger Terminal building of the Hyderabad-RGIA while the logistics /FTZ precinct is approximately 19.85 acres in area.
The site is high quality, ideal with flat & barren characteristics under the possession of GHIAL as notified multiproduct SEZ. The FTZ site includes direct road access which is strategically significant for future development of the logistics district.
Cargo Village
The Cargo Village consisting of the existing Cargo Satellite Building (CSB), houses 120 units, each unit measuring 6800X7600 mm with 40 warehouses on Ground Floor along with 80 offices on 1st and 2nd floor.
Many leading Customs House Agents (CHAs) and Freight Forwarders are currently present in the CSB .
Regulatory agencies like CDSCO (Central Drug Standards Control Organization), Plant Quarantine, Animal Quarantine and Government agencies like Department of Posts are also provided with premises at CSB.
RGIA is now constructing a new facility that will meet the growing demands of warehousing and office space at RGIA. The new building is called CSBX (Cargo Satellite Building Extension) and is adjacent to the current CSB space. The CSBX will complement our efforts to establish and grow India’s 1st functional Cargo Village.
The international freight carried by Hyderabad airport indicates healthy growth. It processed 65279 metric tons from April 2017 to January 2018 as against 56574 metric tons during the previous period. Qatar Airways Cargo and Lufthansa operate dedicated freighters from here. As regards domestic freight, it carried 45994 metric tons from April 2017 to January 2018 as against 43987 metric tons.
The airport is all set to embark on a major expansion by doubling the capacity up to 25 million passengers per annum (MPPA).
“Though the work has begun in a small way, it will gather speed in January 2018 and will be completed in 24-30 months. Last year, the airport handled 16 MPPA and expected to hit 18 MPPA by end of this fiscal,” Mr. Kishore mentioned. “When the terminal was planned in 2006, it was designed to facilitate expansion and handle twice the current capacity of 12 MPPA when completed. Of the 16 MPPA handled last year, one third for international travelers.”
There is no stopping the expansion of the Hyderabad airport which is keeping itself abreast of the times and passenger comfort and needs.
Technology has changed the way we live and that will be fully exploited in airports as they grapple to handle more than 7.8 billion passengers forecast to travel across the globe by 2036.
Industry experts say governments around the world are investing approximately US$1.1 trillion in airports and related construction projects to cope up with the current and future demand. Of the figure, the Center for Aviation (CAPA) says US$255 billion are being invested in new (Greenfield) airport projects and US$845 billion in new runways, terminal buildings, or terminal extensions.
Asia-Pacific tops the list with projects valued at US$291.2 billion, CAPA noted. The Middle East and Africa (MEA) comes next at US$163.5 billion, with Saudia Arabia and the UAE accounting for the lion share with their airports up for further modernization. In North America, the US leads with projected spending of over US$90 billion.
China, the world’s most populous country with over 1.4 billion people, is spending US$76.7 billion for its airports. Its capital, Beijing, is taking as much as US$12.6 billion of the budget to increase its airport’s capacity to 100 million which is scheduled to open in October 2019.
Analysts say China’s domestic air-travel traffic will quadruple to 1.6 billion, thus, the government envisions increasing from 207 its domestic airports to 260 by 2020.
Already choking with its steadily increasing air travelers, India is spending US$62.2 billion to make 100 airports operational by 2035, collectively able to handle one billion passengers. Next year, India’s aviation industry is forecast to be the world’s third largest.
Tomorrow’s airports
Hailed for innovative concepts and state-of-the-art facilities, oil-rich countries in the Middle East are rivaling their counterparts in the West for bespoke design and technological advancements when it comes to airports.
In the UAE, the capital Abu Dhabi and the megacity Dubai have both ongoing airport construction projects designed to strongly support the country ‘s future economic growth.
Costing Dh19.1 billion, Abu Dhabi’s Midfield Terminal will boast of contemporary art and architecture exuding openness and modernity. It has long-span arches with a roof that is almost twice as wide as the Heathrow International Airport and a central terminal space that can easily fit 21 football fields.
It will have 65 gates and can handle more than 45 million passengers a year who will be treated with visual connectivity between the airport’s outdoor landscaping and indoor spaces spread over six levels which have a hotel, shops, restaurants and a n art gallery, among other amenities.
First opened in 2010 to handle only cargo planes, Dubai World Central (DWC) is up for a major expansion to become the region’s first integrated multimodal transportation platform connecting air, sea and land.
Its main component, the A l Maktoum International Airport, is envisioned to be the world’s largest with capacity to handle up to 260 million passengers annually with the airport capable of landing four aircraft simultaneously.
The airport is designed to have three passenger terminals—one strictly for Emirates; two, to other airlines, and; three to low cost carriers. It will also have hotels and shopping malls, maintenance facilities and multiple concourses. Additionally, it is proposed to be linked to Dubai International Airport through a high-speed express rail system. Dubai had secured US$3 billion financing for its airport projects.
Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE, is also constructing a new terminal scheduled to be launched in 2021 in a move designed to increase the airport’s capacity to 25 million annually. The project is part of the AED1.5 billion expansion plan.
The emirate of Fujairah in the UAE is also transforming its airport with US $ 180 million budget amid anticipated in flux of more passengers.
In near by Oman, Muscat International Airport’s new terminal is expected to boost its capacity to 20 million passengers annually. The Sultanate is also planning to refurbish regional airports in Ad Duqm, Sohar and Ras Al Hadd.
In Egypt, three new airports are being built costing US$18.5 billion. One of them, the Sphinx International Airport, is slated to open this year.
Saudi Arabia, which has 27 airports across the Kingdom, is building four new airports with the help of the private sector. Riyadh’s newly-modernized King Khalid International Airport is scheduled to be opened in 2019 while the new Taif International Airport is expected to open in December 2020.
Despite having enough cash, Saudi Arabia is exploring three main models to privatize its airports. The first method enjoins the private sector to manage its airports which is being done for Dammam and Riyadh Airports.
Second model is the public-private partnership (P3) and the third, management contract, is being tested in Jeddah.
Not only are new airports being built in Saudi, the Kingdom is also upgrading airport systems in many aspects.Dammam Airports Company (DACO), for instance, has signed two strategic agreements with Vanderlande and Serco Middle East last May at the 18th Airport Show held in Dubai.
Vanderlande, the global market leader for value-added logistic process automation at airports, agreed to work with DACO on introducing a state-of-the-art Baggage Handling System (BHS) at KFIA that will help make travel procedures smoother for airport personnel, passengers and airlines.
“Guided by our vision to transform airports and redefine the travel experience, our efforts in the last 10 months have focused on expanding the airport’s operational efficiency, as it witnesses a steady growth in passenger traffic and an increased demand for commercial services. We are pleased to partner with global leaders like Vanderlande and Serco Middle East to execute our long-term plans for the airport, and transform it into a major hub for air transportation within the region and beyond,” said Turki Abdullah Al-Jawini, Chief Executive Officer of Dammam Airports Company.
Serco Middle East, meanwhile, will install cutting-edge fire and rescue services at the airport.
Dammam Airpor t is investing Dh1.37 billion to refurbish its airport which include the expansion of its cargo village.
Bahrain, which recently discovered new oil sources in the tiny kingdom, is building its second international airport on an artificial island for US$1.1billion. The project’s first phase is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2019. The new airpor t is projected to boost Bahrain’s passenger traffic to 14 million annually.
Kuwait is also constructing a new airport terminal to handle 25 million passengers a year. Costing US$4.3 billion, the new facilities will accommodate all types of aircraft.
Set to open late this year, Istanbul New Airport will be the biggest in the world with capacity to handle up to 150 million passengers with potential to be increased to 200 million.
The new airport will become the hub of Turkish Airlines which flies to more than 121 countries. Covering 76.5 million square meters, the site will have 228 passport control desks, two terminals, six runways and futuristic hotel rooms with trendy brand Yotel opening its first property in Turkey.
The old Ataturk airport, which in 2016 was hit by a terror bomb attack, will cease to operate when the new old located about 22 miles from the city center is opened.
Technology and immigration
With the use of technology, Dubai International (DXB), which last year handled more than 88 million passengers, managed to reduce immigration process within 6 seconds through the use sophisticated equipment and data intelligence.
Thani Al Zaffin, director general and board member of Emaratech who was among the panelists at the Global Airport Leaders Forum “Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM), emphasized technology is not only hastening the process but also making passengers happy.
Technology is also being used in the simplest of things at airports for convenience and seamless flow of activities while dealing with tens of thousands on a daily basis.
Airports Council International said airports generate about 40 percent of its income from non-aeronautical revenue sources such as car parking, land rents, terminal concession and advertising. In 2016, this totaled to US$152 billion. PS Nair, Chief Executive Officer of GMR Group, said knowing how to serve well your customers made a difference.
“When we took over Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport the commercial revenue was negligible. Today, the same airport is ranked number 1 in the world in service quality,” said the CEO of GMR Group which operates Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad and Mactan Cebu International Airport in the Philippines.
By 2030, Smart Gates at Dubai airports will officially be fully adopted and used to reduce human involvement in processing travelers for immigration purposes, Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA-D), emphasized at the recently held Airport Security Middle East Conference.
Col. Hamooda Belsuwaida Alameri, Assistant Director-General Operations at General Department of Airport Security, Dubai Police, meanwhile noted, technologies have been put into strategies to make Dubai airports safer and secure for everyone.
“Dubai police has plans to coordinate its human resources and capabilities to ensure security at airports. The airport security challenges are land side security, cyber security and security checkpoints. Airports, the police and the security agencies need to collaborate and exchange information as well as to do risk assessments to ensure security on all fronts,” Al Marri added: “We are constantly evolving with the advent of modern technology and artificial intelligence tools. This may be one of the factors facing some sectors, requiring the deployment of innovative and intelligent solutions by governmententities and contribution to promoting Dubai’s global leadership.”
Technology has made the world smaller and faster.Real time communication with people from all over the world at different time zones through phones and gadgets
