Deutsche Post DHL Group digital freight platform subsidiary Saloodo! Is coming to the Middle East by expanding to the United Arab Emirates.
The digital freight platform that is available to shippers, dispatchers and carriers in Europe will be available to users in the Gulf region for domestic transport and international freight.
Saloodo! is a forerunner to digitalizing the logistics industry with customers benefitting from digital handling of their items without lengthy price negotiations on the telephones or fax.
In Europe, more than 18,000 shippers and over 7,000 carriers with more than 250,000 available trucks are already working with Saloodo!, with numbers continuing to grow as it expands in the Middle East.
Thomas Grunau, CEO of Saloodo! in Europe says, “It allows shippers and transport providers to find each other more easily, and makes road freight processes more transparent and efficient. Especially given the strong growth of the logistics market in the Middle East, we feel this is just the right place to begin offering our solution beyond the EU and develop it further.”
Saloodo! simplifies road freight by matching shippers to transport providers with Saloodo! remaining the central contact person, meaning from initial booking to final payment, all documents and information flow goes through a single platform.
Tobias Maier, CEO of Saloodo! MEA says, “Even though the UAE is one of the largest logistics markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), there remain untapped opportunities given the economic diversification and several road infrastructure investments underway.
“Equally, DHL’s deep expertise in the region and wide portfolio of service offerings will support the successful deployment of Saloodo! in the UAE, and ultimately in the Gulf region.”
Smiths Detection has added weapon detection to the innovative iCMORE family of smart and adaptable object recognition algorithms. iCMORE offers automatic detection of an ever expanding list of dangerous, prohibited and contraband goods. It provides invaluable support for security operators, customs officers and other controlling authorities.
iCMORE is designed to identify threats and help combat the movement of unsafe, undeclared or illegal goods. “In doing so, it reduces the burden on image analysts and increases efficiency and detection accuracy,” commented Matt Clark, VP Technology & Product Development, Smiths Detection. “The number of detectable items will continue to grow along with the range of systems offering the various algorithms. Following the introduction of lithium battery detection in 2018, weapon detection is the latest option to go live. We plan to expand the iCMORE family to include other contraband or dangerous goods.”
Offering automatic detection of handguns (pistols, revolvers), gun parts, flick and fixed-blade knives (min. length ~6cm), the weapons module was developed for use in a range of applications such as aviation passenger checkpoints, critical infrastructure protection, prisons and customs. It is available for the HI-SCAN 6040aTiX and HI-SCAN 6040-2is scanners. A weapons algorithm for the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX has also been developed and is now ready for customers to trial.
The weapons kit is offered as an option on new systems or as an upgrade. Potential threats are framed and shown on the main system screen in tandem with the images from the explosives detection scan. The supplementary function does not affect any regulatory certifications or approvals.
Deep learning is fundamental to artificial intelligence (AI) and Smiths Detection took this approach in developing the weapons algorithm – collaborating with customers to build a huge library of images from which the algorithm could ‘learn’. However, conventional methodology may also be employed in future to create iCMORE modules for the detection of substances, which do not present in consistent forms or shapes – such as drugs or currency.
Bombardier Business Aircraft has unveiled the Soleil lighting system, the industry’s most advanced cabin lighting technology, on the award-winning Global 7500 business jet. Designed and developed exclusively for the Global 7500 aircraft, the innovative Soleil lighting system is aviation’s first circadian rhythm-based cabin lighting technology fully integrated with the Flight Management System, and it introduces the revolutionary Dynamic Daylight Simulation feature, which can help combat jet lag.
“We’re pleased to showcase the innovative Soleil lighting system on the Global 7500 aircraft,” said Peter Likoray, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “The Global 7500 jet is the world’s longest range purpose-built business aircraft with an unrivalled cabin experience. Along with the aircraft’s master suite with a full bed, stand-up shower and exceptionally smooth ride, the Soleil lighting system helps passengers arrive at their destination feeling more rested and refreshed.”
The Soleil lighting system’s Dynamic Daylight Simulation uses specific combinations of red and blue light wavelengths that studies have shown to help stimulate or suppress the production of melatonin – which assists in regulating the sleep-wake cycle and can help contribute to synchronizing passengers’ circadian rhythms to the time at their destination.
The Soleil lighting system is fully integrated into the Global 7500 aircraft’s nice Touch cabin management system, and can also be customized to a passenger’s preference for either extended sleep or productivity via the system’s unique circadian adjustment setting. The Soleil lighting system can also conveniently be programmed to schedule the optimal times for meal services, allowing the cabin crew to better prepare and plan more efficiently.
Incorporating twice the number of individual LEDs than other cabin lighting methods, the Soleil lighting system delivers the most vivid and high-definition color rendering index (CRI) of any lighting system available today.
The Soleil lighting system is ideally suited to the Global 7500 aircraft and its long-range mission profile. Proven to be the highest-performing aircraft in the industry, the Global 7500 business jet has demonstrated the capability for long-haul flights over 16 hours. With its unparalleled performance, the Global 7500 business jet can access the most expansive city pairings, including such routes as New York to Hong Kong, and Singapore to San Francisco, and the Soleil lighting system is the perfect complement to help combat jet lag and maximize comfort and relaxation while traversing a multitude of time zones.
The Soleil lighting system is a standard feature on the Global 7500 aircraft, which entered into service in December 2018. With unmatched speed and range, the Global 7500 business jet continues to blaze a trail in this new market segment, setting the bar for excellence in the world of business aviation.
Oman Shipping Company (OSC) is planning the next stage of its continued expansion by attempting to raise $4 billion by the end of the year, according to the Oman government.
The move should add between 15 and 20 refined product tankers to the OSC fleet, in addition to an order for 10 other vessels announced in February, and will meet the growing demand for energy transportation.
The financing arrangements are likely to come via loans from either North Asian institutions or European banks such as BNP Paribas or Société Générale. “It is too big for local financial institutions to wholly finance the deal but we can collaborate with foreign banks to raise the money,” said Ahmed Al Abry, Bank Muscat.
In February, OSC ordered five supertankers from Hyundai Heavy Industries, the world’s largest shipbuilder, in addition to an order for five VLCCs from Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Company in deals worth $770 million each.
OSC currently has six LNG vessels in operation, plus a crude oil tanker and a chemical tanker, and the cash raised will certainly help to finance the expansion and diversification of the company’s fleet into VLCCs, product tankers, petrochemical carriers, bulk carriers, LPG tankers, methanol carriers and containers.
Aramex has signed over 1,000 Saudi nationals onto Aramex Fleet, its crowd-based delivery platform in the kingdom, according to chief operating officer Iyad Kamal.
The program – launched in December 2018 – aims to offer Saudi nationals employment opportunities in flexible last mile delivery work.
“Whenever there is a spike in business, instead of recruiting new people and having them on standby, we have a crowdsource model,” Kamal explained.
“People come and subscribe to the model online, put their licence, ID and all the paperwork required, come into classroom training at Aramex and go with a courier on a route.
“From there, they are on standby to start delivering packages. Whenever there is a peak, they notify them.”
Kamal added that the drivers, many of whom specialize in particular routes and geographies, are compensated on a delivery basis.
Additionally, Kamal said the firm is working to expand its network of pick-up points in the kingdom. Currently, Aramex has 150 pick-up points in the kingdom.
“In the next two years, that will, at a minimum, double,” he said. “They don’t have to be Aramex pick-up points. They can be retail pick-up points. The idea is not necessarily to set up an Aramex point where we have to rent a space, but to also partner with third parties and they can become our pick-up points in strategic areas.”
As an example, Kamal pointed to Aramex’s partnership with Saudi-based Al-Dawaa Medical Services Co. (DMSCO), owner of Al-Dawaa Pharmacies that saw Aramex launch service centers in 20 branches of Al-Dawaa Pharmacies across Saudi Arabia.
A second phase will see it expand to hundreds of branches within the company’s pharmaceutical network.
UAE mass-market e-commerce platform AWOK.com has closed its first external round of financing to pursue its ambitious regional growth plans, achieving $30 million (Dh110-million).
The financing round was jointly led by StonePine ACE Partners out of its StonePine ACE Fund – a joint venture between StonePine Capital Partners and ACE & Company SA – and Al Faisaliah Ventures, the newly created Corporate Ventures Capital arm of Al Faisaliah Group.
Both are top tier regional investment companies. The deal is being co-invested in by globally renowned investment group Endeavor Catalyst.
The new capital raised will be mainly used for further geographical expansion into Saudi Arabia, to enhance the AWOK platform empowered by technology development, and to increase AWOK’s offering across multiple product categories.
“These are truly exciting times for Awok and its entire ecosystem,” said Ulugbek Yuldashev, founder and CEO of AWOK.com. “We founded AWOK.com in 2013 and have been pioneers in servicing a previously untapped segment of the market with a unique product selection.”
“Our success was built on providing our customers with the best experience we could, and with this round of financing we will be able to provide an even better experience to an even larger market,” he added.
AWOK.com said in a release that it plans to increase its team, attracting global talent and raising the level of customer experience and after sales support.
In the near future, AWOK will also scale its operations across key growth markets in the GCC countries and North Africa.
Youssef Haidar, founder and CEO of StonePine Capital Partners and head of the StonePine ACE Fund, said he was excited to help AWOK.com accelerate its growth.
Transguard Group, which provides security solutions and high-net-worth logistics services in the Middle East has announced record profit growth of 22% to over Dh186 million for the financial year ending 31st March 2019.
The profit results for the year were driven by its logistics and aviation services, with these sectors seeing revenue growth of 13% and workforce growth of 16%.
“The diversity of our service portfolio continues to power our growth in other areas as well: For example, Transguard’s combined service portfolio has a very strong presence in the aviation sector for a combined contract value of Dh440-million,” said Greg Ward, managing director of Transguard Group.
The Group’s revenue climbed 11% to a record Dh2.578 billion with record contract wins of more than Dh2.8 billion – representing a 33% increase from the previous year.
“With a key focus on profit improvement, the 2018-2019 financial year was one of steady revenue growth as a result of continuous optimization in operational efficiencies and strategic alignments,” added Dr. Abdulla Al Hashimi, CEO, Transguard Group.
Logistics services provider fires employee over New Zealand attack posts
One of the highlights from the past year is the acquisition of Abu Dhabi-based G4S Cash Services LLC in December 2018, in which Transguard Group acquired more than 540 employees, 74 cash vans, the Abu Dhabi Cash Centre and all other assets of G4S Cash, increasing the market share of Transguard Cash to 95%.
“What’s particularly inspiring about this year’s financial results is that every one of our business units experienced historic growth over the past 12 months: Security, Facilities Management, Manpower, Workforce Solutions, Hospitality, Aviation, Transguard Living and Transguard Delivery all exceeded their targets,” Ward added.
Dubai International Airport’s first quarter passenger traffic fell 2.2 per cent to 22.2 million compared to the same period a year earlier, which operator Dubai Airports partly blamed on the worldwide grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX.
The drop in quarterly passenger figures was largely due to a 3 percent reduction in flights, some caused by the 737 MAX grounding, and the timing of the Easter break this year, Dubai Airports said.
The MAX has been grounded since an Ethiopian Airlines MAX crashed in March, which followed a LionAir crash last October, killing a total of 346 people.
Flydubai, which is based at the airport, has grounded all of its 14 MAX’s, forcing it to cancel dozens of flights.
Other airlines that use the airport have grounded the plane.
The airport’s main airline, Emirates, does not operate the MAX.
The average number of monthly passengers was 7.41 million compared to 7.42 million a year earlier.
Quarterly cargo volumes rose 4.1 per cent to 641,250 tons.
Dubai airport, which usually posts monthly traffic figures, has seen growth slow over the past year.
In 2018, it handled 89.1 million passengers, missing its target of 90.3 million but remaining the world’s busiest for international travellers.
Air Arabia (PJSC) recently reported strong financial results for the first quarter (January to March) 2019 as the Middle East & North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier continued to deliver solid commercial and operational results.
Air Arabia reported a net profit of Dh128 million for the three months ending March 31, 2019, a 16 percent increase compared to the corresponding 2018 figure of AED110 million. In the same period, the airline posted a turnover of Dh1,029 billion, a 17 percent increase compared to the first quarter of last year. More than 2.8 million passengers flew with Air Arabia between January and March 2019 across the carrier’s four hubs, an 8 percent increase compared to a total of 2.6 million passengers carried in the first quarter of last year. The airline’s average seat load factor – or passengers carried as a percentage of available seats – during the first three months of 2019 stood at an impressive 84 percent, up 3 percent compared to the same period last year.
Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohamed Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, said, “Air Arabia’s strong first quarter financial and operational performance reflects the strength of the business model we operate and the continuing customer demand for Air Arabia’s value-added services. We have continued with our network expansion strategy in the first quarter of this year adding new routes and new frequencies across all operating hubs while driving cost margins lower.
He further added, “Oil price, geopolitical and economic developments continue to impact the trading conditions in the region, including the aviation sector. Nonetheless, we are confident of the long-term fundamentals of the aviation sector in the region, and the increased demand for affordable air travel that Air Arabia now serves across a wide geographic network in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe”.
Air Arabia added five new routes from its hubs in the first three months of 2019 with flights commencing from Casablanca to Lisbon and Tunis; and from Sharm Al Sheikh to Amman and Luxor; and from Sohag to Riyadh. The carrier received its first Airbus A321 neo LR in April and announced the launch of direct flights from Sharjah to Kuala Lumpur starting July 1st, 2019. Air Arabia now serves over 155 international and domestic routes from its hubs in the UAE, Morocco and Egypt.
Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohamed Al Thani concluded, “Air Arabia is driven by a clear strategy for growth, providing customers with more places to explore for less. As we continue with our expansion plan in 2019, we remain committed to investing in innovative products that provide unmatchable value while traveling by air
Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohamed Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia”.
Saudi Airlines Cargo Company resumed its freighter flights to Guangzhou in China & Mumbai in India with a weekly freighter flight effective first of April 2019, aiming to meet the growing demand for cargo operations & stimulate trade movement to/from the Asian continent, in addition to the already operating 5 weekly flights to Dhaka & the 7 weekly flights to Hong Kong.
CEO of Saudia Cargo, Omar Hariri said, “This operation reflects the company’s policy aiming to enhance and increase trade activities between the Kingdom & both countries.”
Hariri added, “Saudia Cargo will mobilize its logistical capabilities to and from both destinations, adding an extra weekly freighter flight to Guangzhou operated by a Boeing 777F Aircraft & another to Mumbai, operated by a Boeing 747-400F, offering estimated 100 tons of capacity to each destination in addition to the belly-capacity on board Saudia passenger flights.”
During this year Saudia Cargo strengthened its presence in the Asian continent to fill the exceeding demand for Air Cargo & logistical services through the belly-capacity on-board Saudi Arabian Airlines that operates 480 Weekly flights with the capacity of 5,836 Tons a week to/from 21 destinations in Asia.
Saudia Cargo, the national Saudi air freight carrier, offers 225 international destinations & 26 routes within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a proud member of SkyTeam Cargo (www.skyteamcargo.com), the world’s leading cargo alliance established in 2000, further expanding its global network with SkyTeam Cargo members reaching across 900 destinations in more than 175 countries, through a dedicated state-of-the-art freighter fleet in addition to the belly capacity on board Saudia passenger flights, providing quality Ground Handling & logistical services in four mainline international stations around the Kingdom, delivering an efficient & cost-effective solutions for cargo services around the world.
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