Emirates boss 'shocked' by Lufthansa-linked expansion obstacles

Emirates President Tim Clark has lashed out at Lufthansa as his own airline increases the number of flights between Vienna and Dubai.

The Austrian government coalition of Social Democrats (SPÖ) and the People’s Party (ÖVP) granted Emirates another daily flight from Vienna International Airport (VIA or VIE) to Dubai International Airport (DXB) some days ago. The carrier is now allowed to offer two daily flights to the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) throughout this summer. Newspaper reports suggested that Lufthansa and its Austrian affiliate Austrian Airlines (AUA) tried to get the SPÖ-ÖVP to say no to their rival’s request.

Now Clark admitted he was "shocked about what happened last week". The British businessman, who became head of Emirates in 2003, said today (Fri): "We’ve always had an amicable relationship with the Austrian government. I wonder who’s behind (the recent developments)."

Speaking to the Kurier newspaper, Clark added: "Lufthansa is obviously deeply worried about our presence. (…) Lufthansa makes an annual profit of almost one billion Euros and hires 4,000 new employees. It orders new planes and is a member of Star Alliance, one of the strongest alliances in the world."

The aviation industry manager called on the German company to "document their complaints and give us a chance to react."

Clark explained: "We don’t think about how we can overpower, let’s say, (Hong Kong-based carrier) Cathay Pacific. We just want to do our job. We aim to offer an excellent product and match the interests of our customers."

The Emirates chief made clear his airline wants three daily flights between VIA and DXB "in the coming years".

When asked how he justifies certain competition advantages as there are no labour unions and lower taxes in the UAE, Clark said: "You live in a beautiful country. That’s not fair either. But why do you blame me for the taxation rate, I’m an airline manager. We don’t complain if taxes for the German industry are lowered."

Emirates was founded in 1985. The company is one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world. It has more than 36,000 staff.

Speaking about alleged lower labour expenditures his firm has compared to its competitors, Clark argued: "People in France work 35 hours a week, Germans work 37.5 hours. We do 42 weekly hours. Is it possible that Emirates has more productive staff than Lufthansa? May it be that our planes have a higher load factor and that we have the more efficient network? Is it possible that we simply work a bit harder?"

Clark dismissed speculations that Emirates approached outgoing Lufthansa manager Thierry Antinori. The Frenchman surprisingly announced earlier this week that he decided not to become new AUA boss. Antinori was set to take over at the firm – which was acquired by Lufthansa in 2009 – today.

"We didn’t make him an offer, but maybe we should have done so. (His departure) means a great loss to AUA. He was one of Lufthansa’s strongest assets," the Emirates president said about Antinori.

Meanwhile, FlyNiki chief Niki Lauda has branded Lufthansa’s alleged interference in talks between the Austrian government and Emirates as "one of the most unfair occurrences I have ever experienced."

Lauda previously said: "Austria is not a sheltered workshop. What is happening is breaching EU (European Union) laws and reminds me of occurrences in the deepest Eastern Bloc."

AUA co-chief Peter Malanik argued money would not play a role in the expansion of Emirates since it is owned by the state. "(This is) not a match of airline against airline – it’s a game between a state and AUA," he said.

Lauda, whose airline cooperates with Air Berlin and Emirates, said Malanik’s statements were "incredibly unqualified". He added: "Austria must allow free competition in the aviation industry."

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Federal demographic body forms Emiratisation panel for aviation sector

Abu Dhabi, 2 Apr 2011 (WAM) -- The Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister and Chairman of the Federal Council for Demographic Structure, Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has affirmed that provision of job opportunities to UAE citizens is a national priority in line with instructions of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and continuous follow up of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
''This should be done within an integrated, concerted government initiatives and policies seeking to build constructive partnerships with the public sector with the aim of stimulating the a knowledge-based national economy that generates proper jobs to qualified national professionals,'' Sheikh Saif said while chairing a meeting of the council.
Sheikh Saif paid gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his recent initiatives that included the doubling of the capital of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and expansion of its scope of services to all the country and for establishing the Khalifa Emiratisation Empowerment Fund.
During the meeting, which discussed a number of Emiratisation initiatives, decided to set up a higher committee for Emiratisation of the civil aviation sector under the chairmanship of Sultan Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority.
Sheikh Saif instructed the committee to immediately begin preparing a vision on mechanisms for increasing the Emirati staff in the sector.
The plan with a time line for implementation will be submitted to the federal cabinet for approval.
''The civil aviation sector is dynamic contributor to the national economy and can create jobs for national job-seekers in the long-run given its sustained growth and huge expansion,' Sheikh Saif said.
Projections show that the sector, which reports a 13 per cent growth per annum, will enjoy a maximum growth rate of 6 per cent up to 2020. Aircraft fleet is expected to increase by 16.2 per cent by 2014 while the number of aircrafts is projected to grow 6 per cent by 2012.
A taskforce was formulated to follow up implementation of initiatives launched by the council

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UAE’s non-oil trade up 14%

UAE's imports in 2010 with a total of Dh301.9 billion, or 62 per cent of imports.

On non-oil exports, India, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Iran, Norway, Pakistan, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait respectively topped the list of non-oil export destinations from the UAE with a total of Dh60.8 billion, accounting for 73 per cent of the UAE's exports.

Meanwhile, India, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Hong Kong, Belgium and Kuwait topped the list of re-export destinations absorbing Dh134.2 billion or 72 per cent of the UAE's re-exports.

"The UAE has managed to be at the forefront of Middle East growth and development because of its continuous efforts to maintain strong business and trade relations with key emerging economies," said Shahul Hameed, Chief Executive Officer, My Events International which organises trade events. "The increased trade not only reflects a healthy business relationship with emerging countries in the Southeast Asian region but also shows its eagerness to explore key investment and financial opportunities inside and outside the Middle East."

FCA added that the total value of UAE-GCC non-oil trade hit Dh54.7 billion in 2010 — including Dh22.3 billion imports, Dh10 billion in exports and Dh22 billion re-exports.

Saudi Arabia maintained its position at the top of the list among the UAE's top GCC trading partners in 2010, with UAE-Saudi Arabia trade worth Dh21.1 billion while Bahrain came second with Dh9.1 billion, followed by Qatar at Dh8.6 billion, Oman at Dh8.5 billion and Kuwait at Dh7.4 billion.

The total foreign trade of the UAE with the Arab countries amounted to Dh106.1 billion in 2010, with 43.4 billion worth of imports, Dh16.8 billion worth of exports and Dh46 billion worth of re-exports.

Saudi Arabia topped the list of Arab states in terms of the value of non-oil trade with the UAE, followed by Sudan, Iraq, Libya, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Qatar, Yemen, Lebanon, Jordan, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Mauritania, Algeria, Djibouti, Palestine and the Comoros respectively, FCA added.

Gold took the lead among imported commodities with a value of Dh66.3 billion; followed by diamonds with Dh48.1 billion, cars (Dh26.9 billion); ornaments and jewellery (Dh22.6 billion); telephone sets (Dh10.4 billion); in addition to tractor spare parts and accessories, special purpose vehicles, passenger vehicles and freight vehicles (Dh6.7 billion).

Gold also topped the list of exported commodities in 2010, valued at Dh38.4 billion, followed by light vessels, fire floats, dredgers or ice class barges at Dh5.6 billion; waste and scrap of precious metals or ordinary metals at Dh3.8 billion; sugarcane or sugar beet at Dh2.4 billion and finally ethylene polymers in primary forms at Dh2 billion. On the level of re-exports, diamonds came on top of the commodities re-exported in 2010 with a total value of Dh55.8 billion, followed by ornaments, jewellery and parts thereof (Dh12.7 billion), motor vehicles (Dh11.9 billion) and telephone sets (Dh8.5 billion).

Malaysia-GCC trade hits $11b in 2010

Trade between the GCC and Malaysia reached $11 billion, according to a recent report coming from the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade). The UAE in particular has recorded over $6.418 billion (Dh23.5 billion) in trade with Malaysia, thereby affirming the latter's developing role as a cost-competitive location for investors intending to set up offshore operations for the manufacture of advanced technological products for regional and international markets.

Recent market reports have shown healthy growth in trade between the UAE and Malaysia. In 2010, exports from Malaysia to the UAE totalled $3.953 billion while goods from the UAE to Malaysia reached $2.465 billion. Malaysia's chief exports to the UAE include electrical and electronic products, machinery, appliances and parts, jewellery, and palm oil. In return, the country imports crude petroleum and refined petroleum products, and chemicals and chemical products from the UAE

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Air freight fees in Iraq a threat to recovery

Fees imposed by the government of Iraq on foreign air cargo operators are so high they restrict the flow of essential goods into the country, hindering the nation's long-awaited economic recovery, say cargo companies and aviation authorities.

Operators seeking permission to fly cargo into the country say the government directs them to give their business to Iraqi Airways and RUS Aviation, a small company based in Sharjah, or pay fees ranging from US$20,000 (Dh73,456) to $100,000 a flight to fly directly.

Such fees are many times higher than those charged by any other country in the region. For many companies they make flights economically unfeasible.

"The justification for taking these charges and fees is not clear," said Saif al Suwaidi, the director general of the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority, which has asked Iraq to clarify the situation.

Some 40 per cent of the value of world trade is carried in the form of air cargo.

In Iraq, which suffers from poor road and sea connections, air cargo has played a crucial role in bringing in oil and gas equipment, foodstuffs, electronics and humanitarian aid to help drive the country's recovery.

Saleh al Aroud, the chairman of RUS Aviation, defended the fees, saying RUS was obliged to invest heavily in rebuilding Iraq's aviation infrastructure as part of an exclusive arrangement with Iraqi Airways.

RUS, based in the free zone at Sharjah International Airport, describes itself as a long-term partner to the Iraqi government. Due to the status of the UAE as a global transport centre, air cargo companies in the country have played important roles in rebuilding Iraq and the estimated $10 billion bilateral trade between Iraq and the Emirates.

RUS was the first cargo firm to operate in Iraq after the Second Gulf War. It flew almost 200 flights in two weeks to carry electoral materials for the first elections in 2005, and has been a service provider to the UN and the US government.

In exchange for its exclusive relationship with Iraqi Airways, which effectively gives it control over the broader cargo market, RUS said it agreed to provide services, equipment and even aircraft to its partner, valued at a total of more than $15 million.

This includes cargo handling equipment and machinery, paying for an estimated $10m aircraft landing system at Baghdad International Airport, financing the hire of outside consultants for the Iraqi carrier, providing extensive training, IT and management support, and handing over two cargo aircraft to Iraqi Airways.

The four-year contract began in 2009, and RUS has yet to deliver the landing system and the two aircraft, Mr al Aroud said.

At the time of the contract negotiations, "they were adding more and more conditions", he said. RUS officials now say they are unsure whether the risks they assumed in agreeing to the contract were worth taking.

The Iraqi government has earmarked $50bn to refurbish nine of the country's 14 airports, while another $28bn in investment is planned to build six airports.

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Emirates boss 'shocked' by Lufthansa-linked expansion obstacles

Emirates President Tim Clark has lashed out at Lufthansa as his own airline increases the number of flights between Vienna and Dubai.

The Austrian government coalition of Social Democrats (SPÖ) and the People’s Party (ÖVP) granted Emirates another daily flight from Vienna International Airport (VIA or VIE) to Dubai International Airport (DXB) some days ago. The carrier is now allowed to offer two daily flights to the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) throughout this summer. Newspaper reports suggested that Lufthansa and its Austrian affiliate Austrian Airlines (AUA) tried to get the SPÖ-ÖVP to say no to their rival’s request.

Now Clark admitted he was "shocked about what happened last week". The British businessman, who became head of Emirates in 2003, said today (Fri): "We’ve always had an amicable relationship with the Austrian government. I wonder who’s behind (the recent developments)."

Speaking to the Kurier newspaper, Clark added: "Lufthansa is obviously deeply worried about our presence. (…) Lufthansa makes an annual profit of almost one billion Euros and hires 4,000 new employees. It orders new planes and is a member of Star Alliance, one of the strongest alliances in the world."

The aviation industry manager called on the German company to "document their complaints and give us a chance to react."

Clark explained: "We don’t think about how we can overpower, let’s say, (Hong Kong-based carrier) Cathay Pacific. We just want to do our job. We aim to offer an excellent product and match the interests of our customers."

The Emirates chief made clear his airline wants three daily flights between VIA and DXB "in the coming years".

When asked how he justifies certain competition advantages as there are no labour unions and lower taxes in the UAE, Clark said: "You live in a beautiful country. That’s not fair either. But why do you blame me for the taxation rate, I’m an airline manager. We don’t complain if taxes for the German industry are lowered."

Emirates was founded in 1985. The company is one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world. It has more than 36,000 staff.

Speaking about alleged lower labour expenditures his firm has compared to its competitors, Clark argued: "People in France work 35 hours a week, Germans work 37.5 hours. We do 42 weekly hours. Is it possible that Emirates has more productive staff than Lufthansa? May it be that our planes have a higher load factor and that we have the more efficient network? Is it possible that we simply work a bit harder?"

Clark dismissed speculations that Emirates approached outgoing Lufthansa manager Thierry Antinori. The Frenchman surprisingly announced earlier this week that he decided not to become new AUA boss. Antinori was set to take over at the firm – which was acquired by Lufthansa in 2009 – today.

"We didn’t make him an offer, but maybe we should have done so. (His departure) means a great loss to AUA. He was one of Lufthansa’s strongest assets," the Emirates president said about Antinori.

Meanwhile, FlyNiki chief Niki Lauda has branded Lufthansa’s alleged interference in talks between the Austrian government and Emirates as "one of the most unfair occurrences I have ever experienced."

Lauda previously said: "Austria is not a sheltered workshop. What is happening is breaching EU (European Union) laws and reminds me of occurrences in the deepest Eastern Bloc."

AUA co-chief Peter Malanik argued money would not play a role in the expansion of Emirates since it is owned by the state. "(This is) not a match of airline against airline – it’s a game between a state and AUA," he said.

Lauda, whose airline cooperates with Air Berlin and Emirates, said Malanik’s statements were "incredibly unqualified". He added: "Austria must allow free competition in the aviation industry."

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UAE seeks investments in aviation to meet demand

ABU DHABI — The UAE on Tuesday called for more investments in aircraft, airports and new aviation facilities to help cater the growing number of passengers in the region.

The call was made by Minister of Economy Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri at the first meeting of the Directors General of Civil Aviation in the Middle East hosted by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), in cooperation with theInternational Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The minister pointed out that the current stage required a shift in focus to keep pace with the current changes and emerging challenges with demand for air transport is growing rapidly.

The ICAO estimates that the number of passengers will grow at a yearly rate of 4.6 per cent until 2030, which means that the number of passengers, currently 2.3 billion, could double to 5 billion, and it will definitely be higher by 2050.

“We need more investments in aircrafts, airports and new aviation facilities in order to cater to the hundreds of millions of additional passengers. This means that several hundred thousand of air aviation staff members need to be trained on managing and operating complex systems and technologies yet to be invented.

“This also requires close cooperation with other countries and other stakeholders in the industry, including passengers, to maintain an integrated global air transport system and facilitate its growth in order to meet the unprecedented growth in demand for air transport.”

The three-day meeting is attended by many directors general and officials of civil aviation authorities in the region.

Al Mansouri stressed that a united vision was essential for the effective implementation of the aviation safety and security system worldwide, and that inefficiency in any part of the system would threaten the whole 
global network.

“Therefore, countries are collectively responsible for the implementation and maintenance of an efficient safety and security system. Regional cooperation and coordination is necessary to ensure proper safety and security mechanisms are in place to enhance regional dialogue and sharing information in order to protect and develop aviation interests in the region,” he added.

The minister further emphasised the necessity to adopt open sky policy in the region saying that some countries are slow when it comes to adopting open sky policies despite all efforts made by the ICAO in encouraging all contracted countries to adopt the free policy, and that still some countries are committed to hold onto protective restrictions.

Raymond Benjamin, the Secretary General of ICAO, said in his speech the global air transport system is arguably as safe as it has ever been, and that ICAO has completed the development of a global safety information exchange mechanism and system.

He said that at the last ICOA assembly meeting, member states adopted a resolution which made ICAO the first United Nations agency to lead a sector in the establishment of a globally harmonised agreement for addressing its CO2 emissions.

“The Resolution includes a global goal of 2 per cent annual fuel efficiency improvement up the year 2050,” Benjamin added. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General, GCAA said: “The meeting discussed a number of topics and issues related to the development of the civil aviation sector. Points of view varied, but all aimed at achieving this goal in the light of the many changes in the region, which call for intensive efforts to reach an advanced level of bilateral and regional cooperation in all fields of interest to all stakeholders in line with the future outlook of the sector.” 

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Cadets complete training phase in UAE

Dubai: Graduates of the Emirates Airlines National Cadet Pilot Programme are spreading their wings after receiving their diplomas yesterday.

In a convocation ceremony at Emirates Group headquarters on Airport Road, two dozen young Emirati pilot graduates beamed as Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, honoured their achievements with trophies and certificates.

This graduation came roughly six months after 46 Emiratis graduated in September 2010.

Exponential growth

"With the ongoing support from His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the success of Emiratisation at Emirates, including the National Cadet Pilot Programme, has grown exponentially since it began in 1992," said Shaikh Ahmad in a statement.

"As a result, a quarter of Emirates senior management are UAE nationals and the number of UAE pilots is steadily increasing as well."

"We at Emirates believe that this new generation of cadet pilots reflects true dedication through their care and commitment to the programme itself and we are proud to have the graduates embark on exciting careers, joining the Emirates Group's ever-growing family," said Shaikh Ahmad. "These talented, professional Emiratis will help shape the future of Emirates through their role in our vast global network.

"These graduates will not only be assets to Emirates, but will serve as role models for future generations in the UAE."

Graduating cadets will now undergo a third phase of training over the next four months in intensive simulator sessions at Emirates' Training College followed by actual flights with their training captains.

When completed, graduates will helm large aircraft, joining the ranks of 174 certified Emirati pilots currently flying the Emirates fleet of 152 passenger jets.

Emirates employs about 2,500 pilots and prides itself on maintaining the highest standards of training for pilots assigned to fly one of the world's youngest and most modern aircraft fleets.

Abdullah A. Al Hammadi, manager of the Emirates National Cadet Pilot Programme, said Emirates has come a long way from its first efforts to recruit and train nationals in 1992 when four Emiratis were enrolled.

The airline spends more than Dh50 million a year on training Emirati cadets.

Requirements

According to Emirates, requirements for applicants interested in the National Cadet Pilot Programme are:

    * Aged 17-29
    * Grade 12 secondary school certificate
    * A good command of written and spoken English
    * A valid passport as well as Khulasat Al Qaid (family book).

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Google may soon launch Apple iTunes rival

Computerworld - Reports are swirling around the Internet that Google is in the advanced stages of testing a music service that could one day rival Apple iTunes.

The latest reports the the company is internally testing the service, dubbed Google Music, come just weeks after a developer at the XDA Developers forum noted online that he stumbled upon Google Music when he fired up the Honeycomb version of Google's Android operating system on a smartphone.

Both reports come amid ongoing online murmurings that Google is working away on a social networking platform behind closed doors.

For months now, online chatter has focused on whether Google is secretly trying to build its own social network, which would focus on gaming, music and/or movies. Potential names for the service include Google Me and Google Circle.

Analysts say Google Music is not likely to be the social platform that the industry has been anticipating.

However, some do note that it could be a big piece of Google's social puzzle.

"I don't see this serving as Google's primary, stand-alone social networking service with which it will compete with Facebook et al," said Brad Shimmin, an analyst with Current Analysis.

"That won't preclude Google from releasing a broader, general social networking platform. If anything, this music service will incorporate social networking facilities, perhaps tying into ... any potential Google offerings, such as the rumors surrounding a Google Me service," he added.

Hadley Reynolds, an analyst with IDC, agreed that Google Music won't be the company's social platform. "The music service category is well-defined on its own terms at this point," he said.

Reynolds said it would be a good idea for Google to take on Apple and its popular iTunes service. While iTunes has had a significant head start, a similar service from Google for Android devices could chip away at Apple in a lucrative business.

"The iPod and iTunes, and later the iPhone and the iPad and iTunes, has given Apple close to a decade to define this mobile music experience in its own terms," said Reynolds. "The proliferation of Android devices is creating a customer base that will pull Google into competition with Apple in these areas."

And this might be a good time for Google to go after iTunes as Apple must make moves to fend off competition on another front as well.

Amazon.com announced today that its new Cloud Drive online storage service will enables users to store music in the cloud and, in the U.S., stream it to an Android app.

Previously, Amazon has offered an MP3 store where customers can buy music using a Web browser or the MP3 app for Android, which now includes the Cloud Player functionality.

That means Google, Apple and Amazon may just be vying for a lot of the same customers.

"Interestingly, both Google and Amazon target the Android device as their player of choice, which in a way does encourage greater competition between Android and iOS in terms of offering customers with a rich music experience on both devices," said Shimmin.

Shimmin said Google has a good shot at making a go of a music service if it's able to build a strong record label ecosystem.

"I don't think this can turn into a losing proposition for Google," he added. "I think it's an important move to further secure and bolster Android's popularity as a mobile device capable of matching Apple's iOS blow for blow."

GCAA and GCAS Sign a Cooperation Agreement to Develop Specialized Human Resources

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: In line with the UAE government's strategy aimed at establishing active partnerships between government and non-government entities in order to achieve the country's main objectives, the UAE General Civil Aviation AuthorityGeneral Civil Aviation AuthorityLoading... (GCAAGCAA
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) signed yesterday (28 March) a cooperation agreement with the Abu Dhabi Airports CompanyAbu Dhabi Airports Company
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's Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS) with the aim of developing specialized civil aviation human resources through the provision of specialized scientific, technical and administrative training courses.

This agreement falls under the GCAAGCAA
General Civil Aviation Authority
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's efforts to contribute to the development of the civil aviation sector so that it meets world standards through the establishment of frameworks for mutual cooperation with local and federal training centers in order to develop human resources and enable them to keep abreast of the latest developments in the civil aviation sector and enhance safety and security in the sector.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Omar bin Ghalib, Deputy Director General of GCAAGCAA
General Civil Aviation Authority
GCAA
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, and Mr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Belooki, Director General of Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS) on behalf of ADACADACLoading... and in the presence of official from both sides.

Under the agreement, the two parties will cooperate through all means to support initiatives and programs proposed and provided by either of them in order to achieve the goals of the agreement. The agreement allows the GCAAGCAA
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GCAA
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to use the free seats allocated to it for non-profit purposes under the terms of the agreement and to send lists of candidates for the training courses. On the other hand, GCAS will provide the GCAAGCAA
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with experienced trainers as and when needed, subject to availability.

"Through various mechanisms and agreements, the GCAAGCAA
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aims at promoting specialized human resources, particularly UAE nationals, in the civil aviation sector. There is a remarkable shortage of UAE nationals who are qualified to work in this sector, and one of the priorities of the GCAAGCAA
General Civil Aviation Authority
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is to enhance safety in this sector, which is strongly connected with the safety and security of the civil aviation staff and customers." said bin Ghalib.

"This agreement with the GCAS is part of the GCAAGCAA
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's efforts in this respect. It also highlights the recognition by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) of the significant role played the GCAAGCAA
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in providing specialized training courses, conducting and publishing research, hosting conferences and organizing forum for the Middle East aviation sector. This shows the leading position of the GCAAGCAA
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in this regard." He added.

On his side, H.E. Khalifa Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports CompanyAbu Dhabi Airports Company
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(ADACADACLoading...) said that "the GCAS was able to occupy a leading position in the field of civil aviation training through an international network of training centers and specialized world class trainers. This agreement will enable us to have more contribution to the development of specialized UAE cadres in this vital sector which is a key component of the economic development of the UAE."

The Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies is a leading and specialized training center for the aviation sector. It has contracted with global and regional specialized providers of training courses, and employs many qualified trainers in various fields. It aims at enhancing the level of safety and security in the aviation sector.

Burj Khalifa stages Education Without Borders in Dubai

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai was present at the inauguration of the Education Without Borders (EWB) 2011 at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai on Monday. Prominent persons present during the opening ceremony were Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of Emirates Group Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

Other prominent persons who graced the occasion were Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi; Minister of Education Humaid Mohammed Obeid Al Qattami; Director General of Dubai Department of Information Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shebani, Director of Dubai Ruler's Court; and Commander General of Dubai Police Lt. General His Excellency Dahi Khalfan Tamim.

Renowned educational leaders from across the world and a large gathering of national and international students were also part of the inauguration. EWB conference, hosted by the Higher Colleges of Technology, is expected to host about more than 1,000 students representing 300 universities from around 130 different countries, including UAE.

UAE General Civil Aviation Authority discusses Air transport ties with Aeronautical Authority of Austria

WAM Dubai, March 28th, 2011 (WAM) -- The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has discussed bilateral air transport relations with Aeronautical Authority of Austria.

This came during a meeting of Omar bin Ghaleb, Deputy Director General, UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), with officials of Aeronautical Authority of Austria at Vienna.

During the meeting, both countries expressed their desire to further promote their aeronautical relations and progress was achieved on the Air Services Agreement text.

Finally, the Austrian Authorities advised the UAE GCAA about the approval they have granted for Emirates additional frequencies to Vienna on Summer 2011 schedule, reaffirming the excellent air transport relations between the two countries.

Foul by 3 European carriers

A top official of the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has accused three European airlines of using unfair means of competing against UAE carriers. “Lufthansa, British Airways and Air France are hindering UAE carriers by any and all means,” Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the (GCAA), was quoted in a report by Emarat Al Youm.

He added that Canadian airlines were also allied with these three companies in their plans.

“The three companies are seeking through dishonest methods of competition to strike alliances with other global airlines and close airspace to UAE companies, to restrict movement in global air navigation and reduce their competitiveness,” Suwaidi was quoted as saying.

He, however, also said: “The GCAA is conducting studies to address this situation, including the option to negotiate with these companies. But this takes time, because it needs to issue new laws and regulations.” Al Suwaidi also revealed that Deputy Director-General of the GCAA, Omar Bin Al Ghalib, has started talks with the Austrian authorities in Vienna on the request of Emirates to double its flights to the European country.

Al Suwaidi said the GCAA is seeking to open new markets for carriers in Africa, Asia and Europe, and Latin America, and that the UAE plans to conclude 25 agreements during the current year, focusing on open skies, which allows increasing the number of the flights significantly.

He added that the airports of Seer Bani Yas and Dalma will begin work before the end of the year, while the GCAA is still considering a request by the Ajman International Airport.

Wing and a prayer

Gulf carriers are ruling the world of aviation, and they have no plans to rest on their laurels

The roots of Middle Eastern aviation can be traced back to 1937, when an air agreement was signed to allow flying boats to use Dubai as a base. It was not until 1960 that a runway – made of compacted sand – was built, and that runway is now less than the length of the terminal buildings at the current Dubai International Airport. By any measure, the growth of the aviation industry in the Gulf has been exceptional.

Helped by its strategic location as an ideal location in which to refuel intercontinental flights, the big European carriers selected the Gulf as an ideal stopping-off point, but local authorities soon realised that this was a potentially massive revenue stream. First came Gulf Air – which was originally owned by Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE and Oman – followed by Emirates, launched in 1985. In its 25 years of operation, Emirates has grown to become an international powerhouse, led by chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who ranks fourth on our list.

Emirates is now the world’s third-biggest airline by capacity, and its biggest in terms of international scheduled passenger kilometres flown. By 2020, the airline will be operating around 250 aircraft, boosted by around 70 A380 ‘superjumbo’ aircraft.

Aside from Dubai International Airport, Emirates is likely to move to its new home in the next 15 years or so, out in the desert near Jebel Ali. Al Maktoum International Airport is part of the $33bn Dubai World Central project, and is set to be the world’s largest airport.

But Emirates is not the only carrier to take advantage. Qatar Airways – led by CEO Akbar Al Baker (ranked  at No.24 on our list) has built a brand based on luxury and affordability. Like Emirates, it is investing hugely in infrastructure, with its landmark New Doha International Airport set to open next year. The UAE’s flag-carrier, Etihad, also has significant growth plans, and is set to break even for the first time this year.

All three airlines have sucked intercontinental traffic through the Gulf’s hubs, raising hackles at more traditional carriers in the process. But if British Airways, Lufthansa and the like are worried now, they are likely to be even more concerned over the next decade or so, if the Gulf’s aviation plans amount to fruition.

Google Nexus Tablet Idea Makes Sense: 10 Reasons Why

News analysis: Google might be closing in on plans to develop its own tablet. It’s an idea that makes perfect sense and something that the company should stick with. A Nexus tablet would help both Google and its Android partners.
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Google Nexus Tablet Idea Makes Sense: 10 Reasons Why
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 A new report has surfaced, claiming Google is in the process of working with LG to release a Nexus tablet over the summer. For now, details are slim and neither Google nor LG have commented on the possibility of such a launch. But that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from guessing what the device will offer, when it will actually be released, and much more.

Rather than do that, however, perhaps it’s a better time to consider whether or not Google should really launch its own Nexus tablet. To some, Google’s decision to release an Android-based tablet might make little sense. As a software provider, its goal should be to attract hardware vendors so its operating system will run on those devices; not to compete with them. But those comments are short-sighted. As Google has shown in the smartphone market, offering its own Nexus device hasn’t hurt its relationship with vendors one bit.

It’s undoubtedly a smart idea on Google’s part to launch its own Nexus tablet. Such a device could do wonders for its Android operation and the tablet market as a whole. The sooner its tablet comes out, the better.

Here’s why:

1. A proof-of-concept

A Google Nexus tablet could be the proof-of-concept that the company needs to get Android off the ground in the tablet market. Though many are launching soon, right now, there are few Android tablets on store shelves. For the most part, customers don’t know what to expect. Google has the opportunity to use its own Nexus tablet to show both customers and other vendors what a true Android tablet can offer.

2. Google’s brand can help Android devices

Right now, the top companies in the Android tablet space, including Motorola and Samsung, are having trouble selling their devices. Consumers and enterprise customers are turning to the iPad 2 to whet their tablet appetites. But Google can change that. It has the brand recognition that not even those companies can match. For the most part, consumers trust Google. If customers like what they find with Google’s Nexus Tablet, and Android vendors do their best to follow the search giant’s lead, Android-based devices should see stronger sales after the release of Google’s option.

3. It worked in the smartphone market

This wouldn’t be the first time that Google would deliver its own hardware in partnership with another company. It has done the same in the smartphone space. And as history has shown, Google-branded products have done nothing to hurt Android sales or the company’s relationship with other vendors. In fact, it helped turn customers’ attention towards Android. Now, the platform is selling extremely well. If that plan has worked in the smartphone space, why wouldn’t it work in tablets?

4. LG seems like a winner

If Google is in fact partnering with LG for its Nexus tablet, it’s a smart move. LG has developed some worthwhile Android-based smartphones and the company’s tablet, the T-Mobile G-Slate by LG, looks to be a fine platform for those who don’t want the iPad 2. LG has a long history of making solid products, and by partnering with the company, Google could dramatically improve the chances of its tablet succeeding.

Google, MasterCard, Citigroup Huddle on Android Phone Payments

Google, MasterCard, Citigroup Huddle on Android Phone PaymentsFurther details have emerged regarding Google's mobile-payment plans for Android smartphones, which includes using near-field communication technology.

Google is working with credit card providers MasterCard and Citigroup to let consumers make purchases by waving their smartphones at point-of-sale terminals made by VeriFone Systems, the Wall Street Journal said.

The service, which involves embedding chips, software and sensors based on the NFC (near-field communication) short-range wireless technology in Android mobile devices, will launch later this year. Google declined to comment on this report.

MasterCard and Citigroup debit and credit card owners would pay for goods and services with a mobile-payment application for the Samsung Nexus S, a smartphone based on Google's Android 2.3 "Gingerbread" operating system, which includes native NFC support to enable mobile payments.

Future Gingerbread phone models, such as the Samsung Galaxy S II, could also include this technology.

To entice users to try its mobile-payment system (and to make money from it), Google would offer targeted ads for discount offers from local merchants.

Google is testing Google Offers, a fledgling, Groupon-like local deals service. A Nexus S smartphone user could come within close proximity to a participating store and receive offers for discounted goods. Google could take a cut of any transaction facilitated by this deal connection.

The Journal's report comes less than two weeks after Bloomberg said Google teamed with VeriFone Systems to test mobile payments on thousands of cash registers in New York and San Francisco. VeriFone Systems makes credit card readers for cash registers that let consumers pay by tapping their smartphones.

Google's move with the credit card giants is part of a broader push to turn the smartphone into a wallet across several vertical markets. Making the smartphone a wallet would help users transition away from feature phones.

Phone makers appreciate this because it would help their handsets find homes among hundreds of millions of consumers. Carriers are pushing the mobile-payment plan because it means more data consumed, which translates to more dollars. To wit, Verizon Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile have teamed on ISIS to enable such mobile payments.        

Internet companies such as Google can insert themselves in the middle of the commerce equation, connecting businesses with consumers. Google would learn a lot more about consumer behavior in the process, boosting its ad targeting capabilities.

Google isn't the only smartphone platform proprietor looking at NFC. Research in Motion is building Blackberry phones with NFC, while Apple is building NFC for a future iPhone release.   

UAE accuses 3 European carriers of 'dishonest competition'

A top official of the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has accused three European airlines of using unfair means of competing against UAE carriers. “Lufthansa, British Airways and Air France are hindering UAE carriers by any and all means,” Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the (GCAA), was quoted in a report by Emarat Al Youm.

He added that Canadian airlines were also allied with these three companies in their plans.

“The three companies are seeking through dishonest methods of competition to strike alliances with other global airlines and close airspace to UAE companies, to restrict movement in global air navigation and reduce their competitiveness,” Suwaidi was quoted as saying.

He, however, also said: “The GCAA is conducting studies to address this situation, including the option to negotiate with these companies. But this takes time, because it needs to issue new laws and regulations.” Al Suwaidi also revealed that Deputy Director-General of the GCAA, Omar Bin Al Ghalib, has started talks with the Austrian authorities in Vienna on the request of Emirates to double its flights to the European country.

Al Suwaidi said the GCAA is seeking to open new markets for carriers in Africa, Asia and Europe, and Latin America, and that the UAE plans to conclude 25 agreements during the current year, focusing on open skies, which allows increasing the number of the flights significantly.

He added that the airports of Seer Bani Yas and Dalma will begin work before the end of the year, while the GCAA is still considering a request by the Ajman International Airport