McLarens Aviation has appointed Trehane Oliver as managing director designate ahead of his promotion to managing director (MD) on 1 April 2019.
The move will follow the retirement of Nigel Minett who leaves McLarens after 27 years with the business and 43 years in the industry.
As MD, Trehane will lead a team of over 90 in-house aviation specialists, working across 33 offices, in 22 countries and managing in excess of 4,000 insurance related assignments each year.
Having joined McLarens Aviation as business development director in 2015, Trehane played a key role in supporting the business’ sustained international expansion.
He has also held senior underwriting and broking roles within the London and international markets.
Oliver commented: “I’m delighted to be taking on this role. McLarens Aviation is a fantastic company and one that has grown from strength to strength. I look forward to building from the strong platform that has been created and continuing to develop our international network in line with our clients’ needs.
We have a highly specialist team of aviation engineers and a growing demand for their services, in key regions across the globe. We have ambitious plans for the coming years and see a number of opportunities for further expansion, most notably across the Americas and Asia.”
Gary Brown, chief executive at McLarens added: “Trehane is the obvious candidate for this role. His insight has been hugely beneficial to the continued growth of McLarens Aviation and his wealth of experience, network of contacts and knowledge of the claims, broking and underwriting sides of the market, make him a great asset to the business.
I’d like to thank Nigel for his valued contribution to McLarens and McLarens Aviation over the last 27 years. He’s been instrumental in the development of our global network and has been a highly trusted and valued member of the McLarens Global Management Team.”
Chris Allen will fill the newly created role of business development manager at aerospace logistics provider B&H Worldwide.
He will be based in Singapore at the B&H facility within the ALPS Free Trade Zone at Changi Airport, and will be responsible for identifying opportunities for the company to grow its products and services across Asia.
Allen has worked in operational, business development and customer solutions roles, and served as station manager in Dubai.
For the last six years Allen has been based at the company’s London Heathrow headquarters where was a key customer solutions manager.
Seth Profit, group sales director at B&H Worldwide says, “We are delighted that Chris has accepted this new role to lead the further development of our business across Asia. His in-depth knowledge of our worldwide operations and customer first mentality will enable us to expand our brand plus meet our growth initiatives in the Asian market.”
Allen will work alongside Singapore country manager Bhupesh Malik and Hong Kong country manager Joey Cheng.
FedEx Corp., recently announced that David J. Bronczek, the Company’s president and chief operating officer, has been elected to the Board of Directors. With his election, the Board now has 13 members, including 11 independent directors.
The Company also made an announcement that independent members of its Board have approved changes to the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines to apply the mandatory retirement age of 75 only to non-management directors, effective immediately.
Mr. Bronczek is responsible for all FedEx operating companies and is a member of the five-person Executive Committee. He is also co-president and co-CEO of FedEx Services, which provides sales, marketing, information technology, communications, customer service, and other support functions for U.S. customers of major FedEx business units.
“Dave is an outstanding leader at FedEx, and he will be a valuable addition to the Board of Directors,” said Frederick W. Smith, chairman and CEO of FedEx Corporation. “His knowledge of the company gained over more than 42 years of service is unparalleled, and he will serve the company well in his role as a member of the Board.”
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Bronczek graduated from Kent State University in 1976, the year he joined FedEx. He started as an hourly team member on the front lines of the company’s pickup and delivery operations and progressed through leadership roles in sales and operations. Mr. Bronczek’s responsibilities have included serving as president of FedEx Express in Canada and the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. He was named executive vice president and chief operating officer of FedEx Express in 1998 before becoming president and CEO of FedEx Express in 2000. In 2017, Mr. Bronczek was named president and chief operating officer of FedEx Corporation.
Mr. Bronczek has represented FedEx in a wide variety of industry and community roles, including serving as chairman of the FAA NextGen Advisory Committee, and chairman of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2010. He remains a current member of IATA’s Board of Governors. The President of the United States to the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC) appointed Mr. Bronczek in 2009. He has also served on civic boards for the National Safe Kids Campaign, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the University of Memphis and the University of North Carolina. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Memphis-based International Paper Company.
Passengers departing from Miami International Airport to Munich on Lufthansa flight 461 can now board with the quick click of a camera instead of a boarding pass and passport, thanks to the airport’s launch of biometric exit technology last week.
“MIA continues to explore innovative ways of streamlining and expediting the travel experience for visitors to our community,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “I look forward to seeing biometric exit technology expand throughout MIA and enhance the level of customer service for its passengers.”
Through a partnership between MIA, Lufthansa, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and global air transport IT provider SITA, a simple photograph taken at Lufthansa’s boarding gate is used to confirm passengers’ identities and their authorization to travel. The facial recognition verification process takes less than two seconds with a 99-percent matching rate, according to CBP. MIA expects to launch biometric boarding with additional airlines this year.
“Almost a million times each day, CBP officers welcome international travelers into the U.S., using a variety of techniques to assure that global tourism remains safe and strong,” said CBP Miami Port Director Christopher Maston. “Collaboration with our Miami-Dade County, Lufthansa and SITA partners has resulted in real momentum toward enhancing both traveler safety and convenience at MIA. This has helped make the path forward in the implementation of a biometric entry-exit system that will transform travel for all flyers.”
“Lufthansa prides itself as being an industry leader and trendsetter in digitalization and innovation, and biometric boarding is a large part of this category,” said Dr. Bjoern Becker, Lufthansa Group Senior Director Product Management Ground & Digital Services. “Biometric boarding is an efficient and hassle-free form of travel that helps speed up the boarding process while also increasing security. We are thrilled to be the launch airline that introduces this technological advancement at MIA.”
The launch of biometric exit at MIA follows the airport’s February 2018 opening of America’s first all-biometric entry facility at Concourse E, which screens all international arrivals via facial recognition. The facility, which has decreased processing times by as much as 80 percent for participating airlines, was chosen from among 80 nominations worldwide as the 2018 International Airport Review Award winner in the Passenger Experience and Seamless Travel category.
SITA and MIA have already partnered on a number of innovative travel experience solutions, including Mobile Passport Control and MIA Airport Official, the airport’s mobile app.
Sabre Corporation, the leading technology provider to the global travel industry, today announced the renewal of its collaboration with Azerbaijan Airlines.
The continued partnership ensures that the travel agents and corporations connected to Sabre’s travel marketplace continue to enjoy access to the best of Azerbaijan Airline’s fares and inventory. This holistic approach positions Sabre as a technology provider enabling both direct and indirect channels and giving travelers the freedom to purchase tickets and ancillaries however they choose.
Azerbaijan’s travel industry is one of the fastest growing in the region, with 2.2 million tourists visiting the country from January to November 2018 – a 6.1 percent increase over the year before. In the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017, Azerbaijan rose by 13 rankings compared to the 2015 edition, making it the most improved travel market in the world. As the country’s flag carrier, Azerbaijan Airlines is a key facilitator of this success. Founded in 1992, the company today maintains a fleet of 23 airplanes and operates a route network that covers key cities in Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia and Europe – and long-haul destinations in Asia and North America.
Sabre has forged a strong relationship with Azerbaijan Airlines, since the carrier first selected Sabre as its global distribution system (GDS) partner in 2006. As the airline faces robust domestic and international demand from consumers, it continues to stay focused on delivering the very best travel experience to its passengers.
Alessandro Ciancimino, vice president, Air Line of Business EMEA, Sabre, said, “The airline is a key player in the region’s vibrant tourism industry and Sabre’s forward-thinking technology will help it improve profitability and enhance its guest experience. We are excited to distribute Azerbaijan Airlines’ content through Sabre’s leading global travel marketplace, the platform of choice for more than 425,000 travel agents around the world.”
“Increasing our international customer base is a central element of Azerbaijan Airlines’ strategy,” said Jamil Manizade, director of Azerbaijan Airlines. “We are confident that our continued collaboration with Sabre will provide us with the reach and the innovative solutions needed to meet our objectives and service our global customers.”
dnata has launched a resource management system in Dubai to optimize operations and manage employees and resources at Dubai International and Dubai World Central.
The resource management system is expected to significantly enhance operational efficiency, improve employee productivity and support better on-time performance.
The platform will allow dnata to apply innovative technologies in its operations including artificial intelligence-driven solutions and autonomous vehicles.
The system will be gradually implemented across dnata’s ground handling and cargo operations from June 2019, with the technology being provided INFORM.
Steve Allen, divisional senior vice president UAE airport operations for dnata say, “Innovation is at the heart of dnata and is key to deliver the next generation airport experience in Dubai. Our new, cutting-edge resource management system will enable us to plan and manage the world’s largest ground handling operations at a level never seen before in the industry.”
Thomas Schmidt, director airport systems for INFORM says, “For over 20 years, we have worked closely with dnata and supported the successful growth of its ground operations at Dubai International Airport. We are proud of this long-term relationship. With this project we will provide dnata with the latest technology and an expert, Dubai-based team.”
Accelerating its strategy to ensure quick adoption of its New Distribution Capability (NDC) enabled distribution, Oman Air has partnered with TPConnects in integrating Oman Air NDC API to its Travel Aggregator Platform.
This partnership will enable IATA and Non-IATA Travel Agents to access the Travel Agents’ own contracted global distribution system (GDS) along with Oman Air NDC Direct Connect to shop, book and manage travel content from all airlines, hotel suppliers and car rental brands from one single screen. With ZERO initial investment, and on a per passenger transaction fee based model, travel agents will get their own website with booking engine, B2B platform for sub agents and own staff usage, mobile application and corporate booking tool.
Umesh Chhiber, Vice President Revenue Optimization & Pricing, Oman Air commented, “Enhancing our strategic partnership with TPConnects is an important step for the quick adoption of Oman Air NDC enabled distribution. Our technology partner TPConnects has a deep understanding of personalized offer creation and distribution requirement of Oman Air and was also instrumental in implementing NDC Offer and Order Management at Oman Air. We’re committed to partnering with TPConnects and other travel industry leaders to bring NDC benefits to our customers”.
Viraf Tengra, Senior Manager Global Distribution Systems, Oman Air said, “Through our partnership with TPConnects for NDC enabled distribution, Travel Agents will be able to upgrade themselves to a complete digital environment as demanded by today’s customers with Oman Airs NDC Direct Connect feed. Unlike in the past where travel agents only made commissions by selling tickets, Oman Air NDC Direct Connect would enable the agents to make more money by selling ancillaries, both air and non-air. We encourage travel partners to make use of this opportunity”.
TPConnects is the only IATA NDC DUAL Level 3 Certified IT Provider and Travel Aggregator to get the IATA Financial Gateway (IFG) Solution Provider certification in the MENA Region. TPConnects specialized in Next Generation Travel Retailing with air and non-air ancillaries, NDC Offer & Order Management with customer-centric business rules and NDC enabled Distribution.
All enhancements and upgrades of the complete solution will be taken care by TPConnects.
Volga-Dnepr Airlines, the leader in airfreight solutions for oversized and super heavy shipments, has successfully completed the first delivery of satellites for the OneWeb constellation project.
In cooperation with Volga-Dnepr’s partner, Bolloré Logistics, one of the airline’s An-124-100 freighters delivered six satellites from their manufacturing facility in Toulouse, France, to Cayenne in French Guiana. The satellites were transported in two special containers, with an overall payload of approximately 30 tons.
Volga-Dnepr’s specialists organized the most effective transportation with a direct charter flight ensuring a timely delivery as well as ensuring all six satellites were shipped with the upmost care to South America. On arrival in French Guiana, OneWeb’s sophisticated equipment was delivered to its final point of destination in Kourou, with the first satellite launch scheduled for the middle of February. The satellites will operate in near-polar, 1,200km LEO orbit.
“As an air cargo operator, we understand all too well how important stable internet access is, with customers relying on real-time cargo shipment data, airline specialists communicating through internet systems to guarantee cost-effective and timely deliveries, and innovative technologies being facilitated through the development of internet solutions. We are, therefore, especially honored to be part of the OneWeb constellation project, which will enhance the quality of life for customers globally,” stated Axel Kaldschmidt, Global Director Aerospace of Volga-Dnepr Group.
Volga-Dnepr Airlines has been operating its unique fleet of An-124-100 and Il-76TD-90VD freighters for more than 29 years, providing dedicated airlift for project shipments for various industries, including the aerospace, oil&gas, energy, automotive and humanitarian sectors, and others. In 2018, the company performed more than 55 flights carrying satellites and related equipment, contributing to the development of the space industry.
Energy logistics firm Petrasco will provide warehousing and freight services for Flowline’s operations in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, according to a new six-figure deal signed between the two companies.
The two firms have been working together since 2010, with Petrasco starting its logistics support for Flowline in the Middle East three years ago.
Agility to handle logistics for Middle East’s largest petrochemicals complex
Petrasco established its operation in Dubai in 2003, employing 30 people there, and also has main offices in Aberdeen and Houston.
“This contract highlights the full range of logistics capabilities possessed by the Petrasco team. We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Flowline Specialists and look forward to further strengthening this relationship over the coming years,” said Petrasco managing director, Kevin Buchan.
“It’s been an exciting period for the business as we prepare for the upturn amid growing confidence in the global oil and gas industry, including in the Middle East which remains a key market for us with huge potential,” he added.
Flowline Specialists, which is based in Oldmeldrum and has operational bases in the UAE and the Netherlands, creates cable and pipe equipment for the oil and gas and renewables industries.
Group manager, Graeme Chalmers said, “By renewing our agreement with Petrasco Energy Logistics Middle East we continue to focus on servicing our energy industry clients to the high standards they are accustomed to receiving when dealing with Flowline Specialists.
“We have an extensive range of cable and pipe handling and deployment equipment based in the UAE at Petrasco’s secure Dubai storage facility, allowing us to efficiently service the needs of our clients in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia.
“The close working relationship we have established with the firm’s Middle East team enables us to quote shipping and transportation rates for clients speedily and accurately, and its extensive and long established network and supplier base is one that we can rely on.
“All of which has aided us in entering the Australian, Indian and Bangladeshi markets in the last 12 months.”
The chairman of Dubai’s DP World said the port operator was facing a challenging 2019, particularly at its flagship Jebel Ali Port, but would still be investing in expanding the JAFZA freezone.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman and CEO of DP World, told Reuters that the U.S.-China trade dispute had created uncertainty in the market, while the UK’s imminent departure from the EU would create a lot of confusion.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem said he expected both sides to reach an agreement and that the company would be able to cope, whatever happened with US-China trade negotiations.
Improving regional economic growth and the forthcoming Expo 2020 Dubai will boost business transactions in the year ahead, but due to the factors globally, DP World will take a “cautious approach with regard to our supply chain and investments,” he said.
DP World reported a 0.5 percent annual decline in shipping container volumes in the third quarter of 2018, attributed to a tougher macro-environment, loss of lower margin cargo and softer volumes in the UAE – where Dubai container volumes declined 6.7 percent year-on-year.
But that cautious outlook has not dampened the port operator’s appetite for ongoing expansion of Jebel Ali Freezone (JAFZA).
JAFZA is Dubai’s oldest port and free zone and houses around 7,500 companies, which accounted for 33.4 per cent of the emirate’s gross domestic product and 10.7 per cent of the UAE’s GDP in 2017, according to an Oxford Economics analysis published by DP World.
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
