Beginning from march, Richard Bower, CEO of AIM Altitude, has become chief commercial officer for AVIC Cabin Systems. AIM Altitude was acquired by AVIC International in 2016 and became part of AVIC Cabin Systems in July 2018.
There are further UK executive leadership changes happening across the group, including Andres Budo being appointed senior vice president for aftersales and services at AVIC Cabin Systems, having previously been CEO of Thompson Aero Seating, another AVIC subsidiary.
All operational aspects of both AIM Altitude and Thompson Aero Seating will be managed by newly created positions in each business, namely the role of vice president & general manager responsible for supply chain, quality, operations, program management & engineering.
Wayne Ball has been appointed to this role at AIM Altitude, while Neil Taggart has taken on the responsibility for Thompson Aero Seating, both having previously served as COO for their respective companies.
Richard Bower said: “The companies under the AVIC Cabin Systems alliance have been working closely together for some time, integrating skills and strengthening our position in the market. In my new position, I will be able to continue to enhance this working relationship and deliver value to our customers. Wayne Ball is an excellent choice for AIM Altitude and I have great confidence that his will prove to be an extremely successful appointment.”
AVIC Cabin Systems unites AIM Altitude, based in Bournemouth, UK; Thompson Aero Seating in Northern Ireland; Fesher Aviation Components Company, and Jiatai Aircraft Equipment Co Ltd, both Chinese companies; and Austria-based FACC. AVIC Cabin Systems itself is headquartered in London, UK.
Air New Zealand is appointing two outstanding business leaders to its Board of Directors.
Former global Chief Executive Officer of Avis Budget Group Inc Larry De Shon and former Freightways Manager Director Dean Bracewell will join the Board from 20 April 2020. The appointments are to fill the vacancy left by Sir John Key, who retired as a Director last month, and as part of succession planning for when Deputy Chairman Jan Dawson steps down at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting in September after nine years as a Director.
“Larry will bring outstanding international business, transport and aviation experience to the Board. He was responsible for 11 brands and over $9 billion in revenue when he retired from Avis Budget Group last year and had a distinguished 28-year career with United Airlines where his Executive responsibilities included Airport Operations, Marketing and On-Board Service,” says Chairman Dame Therese Walsh.
“Larry is well familiar with New Zealand from his time leading Avis Budget Group globally and has a keen sense of the opportunities ahead for Air New Zealand both domestically and internationally. His deep experience in growing a global business in the wake of the GFC is also timely given the phase Air New Zealand will go through rebuilding post Covid-19,” she says.
Mr De Shon says it is a privilege to be appointed as a Director of Air New Zealand.
“The airline is deservedly considered one of the best in the world and has been for many years. Its service ethos, commitment to sustainability, innovative approach to product development and operational excellence are the envy of not just airlines but many companies around the world. I am delighted to play a role in helping support the Board, Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran and all Air New Zealanders to grow this great airline,” Mr De Shon says.
Dame Therese says Mr. Bracewell’s deep transport and logistics experience will be of immense value to the Board.
“Dean is one of New Zealand’s most highly regarded business leaders and intimately understands what it takes for a company to succeed in a tough and competitive environment. As we seek to rebuild Air New Zealand after the impact of Covid-19, he brings commercial and leadership skills that will further strengthen the Board,” she says.
Mr. Bracewell is currently a Director of Tainui Group Holdings, Property for Industry Limited and the Halberg Foundation. He is also a member of the Government’s Future of Rail Steering Group.
Mr Bracewell, who is of Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāi Te Rangi descent, says he is thrilled to be given the opportunity to play a role in supporting Air New Zealand’s future success.
“Air New Zealand is a world class company that has earned the respect and love of Kiwis and customers around the globe. While it has challenging times in front of it, the future will ultimately be bright,” Mr. Bracewell says.
Mr. De Shon and Mr. Bracewell will be up for election by shareholders at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting this year.
Meantime, former New Zealand Council of Trade Unions President Ross Wilson has been appointed as an independent advisor to the Air New Zealand Board of Directors providing strategic advice from a unionized worker perspective as the company reshapes its workforce in the wake of the impact of Covid-19. Ross has a strong background in employment relations and governance.
Mike Meierkort has been appointed Head of Americas, DAMCO, as the freight forwarder launches a new Cargo Rescue Program in the USA, with two service offerings to help ease supply chain congestion caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Based in Chicago, Illinois, Meierkort has over 32 years’ experience in logistics, including senior roles with Panalpina, Vanguard Logistics, and, most recently, Livingston International.
He is overseeing the launch of the new Rescue Program across the USA, which includes a ‘Park and Save’ option for customers who need short-term assistance when supply chains are congested, and a ‘Strip and Store’ option for cargo without a functional receiving location.
“I am joining DAMCO at a time when our customers face unprecedented challenges and I am proud of my team’s initiative in developing these services to support them,” said Meierkort.
“DAMCO has a clear focus on delivering excellent freight forwarding solutions, which is proving invaluable as we work to find new ways to keep the supply chain moving.”
Under the ‘Park and Save’ offering, DAMCO will pre-pull laden Customs-cleared containers and store containers and chassis intact in a secure location to be delivered when the customer is ready.
‘Strip and Store’ customers have the option for DAMCO to de-van and store palletized freight so that empty equipment can be returned, stopping the clock on detention and chassis fees.
“Mike has a solid track record in logistics and brings valuable insight and experience to the DAMCO team,” said Saskia Groen-in’t-Woud, Chief Executive Officer, DAMCO.
“The new Recovery Program is the result of agile thinking supported by the investment we have made over the last 18 months into building a robust Business Resilience Program, which supports us as we keep cargo moving, as well as making sure our people are safe.”
DAMCO has been working with customers to move medical supplies in the fight against Covid-19, organizing multiple charters between Asia, and Europe and the USA, including a recent move of 7.8 million face masks from Shanghai, China, to Los Angeles, USA.
Meierkort’s appointment follows the recent opening of DAMCO’s new warehouse at London Heathrow, UK, part of global development plans underpinned by its Business Resilience and its Digitalization Programs.
International Airlines Group (IAG) is taking drastic measures to weather the coronavirus crisis but will stop short of asking governments for financial assistance, as rival businesses have done.
The group, which owns British Airways, will cut capacity by “at least 75%” until May and IAG’s chief executive Willie Walsh will defer his retirement, meaning Luis Gallego will remain Iberia’s chief during the crisis.
IAG has already heavily reduced capacity on Asian routes, cancelled flights to Italy and seen its lucrative North Atlantic routes come under threat from a US travel ban on Europeans.
Other cost-cutting measures IAG has taken include grounding aircraft, deferring capital spending, freezing recruitment, temporarily suspending staff contracts and reducing working hours.
Walsh said that he expects demand to “remain weak until well into the summer”. He said: “IAG is resilient with a strong balance sheet and substantial cash liquidity.”
Gallego meanwhile has been asked to continue in his role at Iberia for the next few months to lead the response in Spain.
Walsh insisted that IAG had not followed individual carriers in asking governments for financial assistance.
Rival Virgin Atlantic appealed to the UK Government to support the industry with around $6 billion of emergency credit to boost confidence. EasyJet, which along with Ryanair has grounded most of its flights, has also requested assistance.
But Walsh said at a briefing that airlines should look at ‘self-help’ before asking for state aid.
Embraer is working in partnership with companies and research centers on technologies that can increase the availability of equipment and solutions to combat COVID-19 in Brazil.
The actions, developed jointly with Embraer’s supply chain, include the manufacturing of parts for the ventilator and respirator industry, the replacement of imported components for ventilators, the development of high-efficiency filtration systems for transforming regular hospital beds into intensive care beds and studies for the development of simple, robust and portable respirators aimed at rapid implementation and availability.
A group of professionals has already been leading initiatives in support of a respirator factory in Brazil, with a plan to start the production of parts next week, in response to the emergency demand for this equipment. Embraer, in cooperation with partner organizations, has already completed the technical and production capacity analysis required to meet the identified needs.
In partnership with the Albert Einstein Hospital, located in São Paulo, Brazil, Embraer is also working to provide technical support for the development of biological air filter systems for air-quality control, which can convert regular hospital beds into intensive care beds. Using highly efficient filters for absorbing air particles, already utilized in air conditioning systems on aircraft, the objective is to provide this solution to hospitals with immediate needs.
Another work front is dedicated to analyzing the manufacturing of control valves and flow sensors for another respirator industry in the country, in addition to adapting an existing respirator model for use in combating COVID-19.
The analysis of innovative solutions and the potential of additional actions presented by the market can contribute to the identification of new opportunities for action. The global health care system is facing an unprecedented scenario, and Embraer plans to apply its capacity during this moment of global collaboration and demand for effective and short-term solutions.
Embraer will keep monitoring the situation to find ways to contribute by utilizing its expertise integrating complex systems for the benefit of the society in this worldwide cooperation to combat COVID-19.
A mobile testing site for diagnosing COVID-19 was launched at Pulkovo St. Petersburg Airport (Russia).
The procedure requires registration at a special information desk in the arrivals hall of Pulkovo Airport on the 1st floor of the centralized passenger terminal. The test is carried out in a mobile station located opposite the entrance to the airport, and includes the collection of nasopharyngeal swab.
The results are sent by e-mail or SMS.
Northern Capital Gateway, the operator of Pulkovo Airport, deploys a set of measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus infection. An emergency response center operates at St. Petersburg airport for joint work with airlines, state control bodies, local authorities on coronavirus matters. All aircraft arriving at Pulkovo from regions with an unfavorable epidemiological situation are subject to disinfection. The frequency and thoroughness of cleaning is intensified in all airport premises including elevators, check in counters, information desks, inspection areas, offices and staff break rooms. Steps and passenger buses are disinfected regularly. The air in the terminal is purified using disinfecting units installed in the areas designated for passengers. The airport staff is informed about preventive measures and equipped with protective masks, gloves, antiseptic wipes and gels. Airport’s first-aid station located on the second floor of the terminal operates 24/7 for those feeling unwell, including passengers, visitors and staff of the airport.
Abu Dhabi Ports announced recently its collaboration with a global commercial vessel designer and tugboat leader, Robert Allan Ltd., to develop the world’s first fully unmanned autonomous commercial marine tugs. Once developed, the tugs will join SAFEEN, Abu Dhabi Ports’ maritime service arm, which maintains an expanding fleet of world-class service vessels.
One of the primary advantages of the innovative design includes greater capability, as shifting the human element from on-board to onshore, will allow such vessels to operate in far more adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, the new technology will help increase efficiency and enhance operational safety.
Abu Dhabi Ports will work closely with one of Canada’s oldest privately-owned Naval Architectural and Marine Engineering firms on the research and development of remotely controlled marine tugs that will be fully unmanned and be able to operate within a wide spectrum of autonomy.
“The two entities have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to this effect at the International Maritime Organization gathering in London. His Excellency Falah Mohammad Al Ahbabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports said,
“Developing solutions and building strategic partnerships with industry experts will help achieve a paradigm shift in maritime operations worldwide, and globally in line with the directives of the leadership.”
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Abu Dhabi Ports Group CEO, said, “Our cooperation with Robert Allan to develop a new generation of tugboats equipped with superior capabilities and modern technologies, reflects our commitment to
ensuring that the infrastructure at Abu Dhabi Ports is at the cutting edge. We are engaged to provide smart and innovative digital solutions to the marine trade and port community, and to our valued customers. This agreement marks another qualitative addition to our digital armory that will enhance performance efficiency, productivity, transparency, and safety, as well as reduce costs. Continuing our investment in technology and advanced infrastructure ensures the growth and sustainability of our business and increases our contribution towards the
diversification of Abu Dhabi’s knowledge-based economy.”
Global logistics and transportation company Tigers has released new updates for its SmartHub:Connect freight and e-commerce portal, which are designed to help customers during current disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and to support them in the aftermath of the crisis.
SmartHub:Connect has seen a spike in logins and has been supporting increased e-commerce volumes since the beginning of March.
The new features, which will help manage rapidly changing customer demands, include streamlined Purchase Order functions, online notification to the customer or operations if a booking needs attention, and bulk upload of order exceptions.
“In the last month, we have continued to see an upsurge in health-related products and some of the more essential e-commerce items, with conversely B2B and luxury clothing items seeing a dip,” said Mark Gatenby, Chief Information Officer, Tigers.
“At the same time, we are noticing that demand for outdoor leisurewear, while not increasing, is holding steady, and we believe we can reasonably expect a surge as people are more likely to take holidays nearer to home; certainly, interest is there.
“With the e-commerce and logistics landscape changing so rapidly as these examples demonstrate, Tigers has been working on new SmartHub:Connect features designed to help people get through the crisis and its aftermath.”
Tigers plans to release real-time alerts for delayed sailings or flights, and is further developing its SmartHub:Connect app as part of the ongoing improvements.
Tigers last week organized the safe transportation of over 1.38 million masks and 53 large ventilators on a charter flight from Shanghai, China, to Rome, Italy to support the Italian Government’s fight against Covid-19.
The medical supplies travelled in the bellyhold and on the passenger deck of a Boeing 777-200 from Shanghai Pudong Airport, to Fiumicino Airport.
A total of 1,385,000 masks, 53 large ventilators, and a consignment of ventilator accessories were delivered to hospitals across the Italian capital, with more flights expected over the coming weeks.
flydubai has allocated six Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft to operate as all-cargo flights to enable the movement of essential goods across its network and beyond. This follows the temporarily suspension of passenger operations as part of the precautionary measures announced by the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in the UAE.
Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said, “we recognize that air cargo has an important role to play in supporting the continuity of the supply chain and the efforts at a government and a private sector level to ensure the movement of essential supplies especially during these unprecedented times.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, air cargo has been a vital partner in delivering medicines, medical equipment, perishables, valuable goods, courier, spare parts, electronic items and post office mail to affected areas.
flydubai is utilizing the cargo hold capacity in its passenger aircraft and has been working with the authorities to increase its cargo capabilities by allowing cargo in the cabin to a number of destinations, in line with the guidelines and recommendations issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Boeing.
flydubai Cargo has currently operated 44 cargo flights, carrying 146 tons of cargo. The airline has operated relief flights to a number of countries affected by the travel restrictions including Azerbaijan, Egypt, India, Kuwait, Lebanon, Montenegro, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Sudan.
Mohamed Hassan, Vice President of Cargo Operations at flydubai, added, “we have seen a strong global demand for cargo and we are working towards expanding our operations beyond the flydubai network to enable more goods to be transported to those who need them the most. We are following the guidelines set by the IATA and the World Health Organization (WHO) to the highest standards and coordinating closely with our strategic partners to maximize existing capacity, resources and our network reach.”
Dubai Airports has been working with airlines, embassies and government authorities to provide the necessary solutions for passengers who have been stranded at Dubai International (DXB) following the decision to suspend the majority of passenger flights at 11:59 pm local time on 24th March, as part of a comprehensive array of measures designed to combat the COVID-19 global pandemic.
With solutions having been found for a large number of stranded passengers, only 91 passengers remain. Passengers awaiting either further repatriation flights – or for health and immigration formalities to be completed – are being provided with rooms and meals in the hotels inside DXB where heightened precautionary measures have been implemented. Solutions are likely to be put in place for the remaining passengers over the next few days.
Over 600 passengers were affected by the suspension, either because their onward journeys were curtailed beyond DXB, or they were seeking to enter the UAE after restrictions had been placed on entry. Significant efforts have been made to either repatriate travelers stranded at the airport, or subject them to the necessary health checks to enable entry into the UAE, whereupon strict quarantine measures have been applied. During their stay at DXB, travelers have been given food and drink, welfare and support to ensure that they are properly looked after.
“These are unprecedented circumstances and our primary focus is to ensure that those passengers who are stranded at DXB receive the necessary levels of care and attention” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. “We have worked closely with the airlines and the authorities to either clear passengers through health checks and immigration formalities to enter the appropriate quarantine arrangements or helped to organise flights to repatriate passengers to their home or onward destinations.”
Every day, repatriation flights are taking off from both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC), taking passengers to their point of origin or intended destinations. Airport service staff are on hand at all times of the day and night to provide assistance to passengers as and when required.
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
