The UAE government continues to advance its dialogue with the Nigerian authorities, and the latest discussions signal great optimism for a positive way forward. We regularly update our website to keep our customers informed, and although our operations are still on hold, Emirates is keen to restart services to and from Nigeria, and are working closely with designated laboratories in Nigeria to provide the required tests and hope to be able to get all laboratories ready for implementation very soon. We are committed to Nigeria, and look forward to providing much needed connectivity for our customers, helping to meet growing air travel demand in and out of our two Nigerian gateways and making air travel more accessible to and through Dubai to over 120 destinations across our global network.” – Emirates spokesperson
Category: Aviation
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Emirates announces major retrofit programme 105 aircraft, to provide best-in-sky customer experiences
At the Dubai Airshow 2021 today, Emirates announced that it will retrofit 105 of its modern wide-body aircraft with its Premium Economy product, in addition to other cabin
enhancements. The 18-month retrofit programme, scheduled to begin at the end of 2022, will be entirely conducted at Emirates’ state-of-the-art Engineering Centre in Dubai. It will see 52 Emirates A380s and 53 Boeing 777s fitted with a new cabin class – the airline’s highly lauded Premium Economy. The airline is also considering installing a brand new Business Class product on its Boeing 777 aircraft, with customized seats in a 1-2-1 layout.Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, said: “Emirates is investing in this retrofit programme to ensure that we continue to serve our customers’ needs, and provide the best experiences in the sky. Since we introduced our Premium Economy seats a year back, we’ve received a hugely positive response. Customers have been amazed by the quality and comfort. As Emirates has done with our signature First, Business and full-service Economy travel experiences, we intend to further develop our Premium Economy into a distinctive Emirates experience that is unmatched in the industry. We are also considering a brand new Business Class product. More details will be revealed in due course.”
Sir Tim added: “It is also a source of pride that the entire retrofit project will be conducted at our home base in Dubai. It demonstrates the strong aviation capabilities that have been built up within Emirates airline and the broader UAE ecosystem to support such a highly
specialized and technical programme.”At the end of the retrofit programme, Emirates will have a total of 111 Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft offering Premium Economy seats, including the 6 A380s that would have been delivered to the airline with four cabin classes by December 2021. On the Emirates Boeing 777, 5 rows of Economy class seats located just behind Business Class will be removed to install 24 Premium Economy seats laid out in 2-4-2 configuration. On the Emirates A380, 56 Premium Economy seats will installed at the front of the main deck also in 2-4-2 configuration.
Emirates Premium Economy
Emirates’ Premium Economy is in a class of its own. Covered in the finest quality anti-stain leather with stitching details and a wood panel finishing, each seat is designed to provide optimal comfort and support with 6-way adjustable headrests, calf rests, and footrests.
Offering a generous pitch of up to 40-inches, each seat is 19.5 inches wide and reclines 8 inches into a comfortable cradle position with ample room to stretch out. Other thoughtful touches include easily accessible in-seat charging points, a wide dining table, and side cocktail table.On their 13.3-inch personal seat-back screen, one of the largest in its class, customers can enjoy the unmatched array of music, movies, TV, news and other content on Emirates’ award-winning ice.
By end of December 2021, Emirates’ A380s with Premium Economy will be operating on the airline’s flights to Frankfurt, London Heathrow, New York JFK and Paris.
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Emirates Recognized for Excellence in Digital Customer Experience
Emirates’ marketing team has been recognized by Sitecore®, one of the world’s leading digital experience platforms, for “Best Use of a Customer Data Platform (CDP)”. The award was presented to Emirates at the recent edition of GITEX, Dubai’s technology trade exhibition, for demonstrating excellence in the delivery of its digital customer experience (CX) utilizing the Boxever platform.
Emirates was selected from amongst 110 large service organisations, based on its best-in-class CX and digital capabilities. Over the past four years, Emirates has invested in CDP solutions such as Boxever, acquired by Sitecore in March 2021, utilizing it in conjunction with its proprietary marketing data platform to deliver to the complex needs of
customers. Their combined capabilities are a reflection of the close collaboration between the Group’s internal marketing team and Boxever, who have maintained a steady focus on delivering to a demanding customer agenda.“Sitecore Middle East recognizes Emirate’s marketing team that has driven its digital customer experiences utilizing the Sitecore CDP solution to meet complex needs of their customers,” said Mohammed AlKhotani, Area Vice President, Middle East and North Africa, Sitecore. “Emirates Airline shows how the Middle East is leading digital innovation, and converting website visits into engaged customers to make their travel planning easier.”
“Emirates is honoured to be recognized with an award in digital customer experience. The world of service marketing has advanced at top speed over the past few years, and our ambition to deliver the best customer experience in the travel industry is very much a core objective for Emirates and our wider group of travel brands. We are delighted to be acknowledged by Sitecore, a company with a tremendous heritage in digital
marketing, along with the wider fraternity of digital marketing professionals. We look forward to continuing growing our capabilities to better deliver to our customer needs and preferences,” said Boutros Boutros, Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand – Emirates Group.The recognition represents Emirates’ continued investment and innovation in the delivery of relevant and personalized experiences across the digital customer journey. Sitecore’s accolade also underscores Emirates’ ongoing drive to deliver the best customer experiences in the airline industry: digitally, on the ground and onboard.
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Emirates Group Security (EGS) and ICAO sign MoU to collaborate on capacity building
… providing internationally recognized Ground Handling Diploma
Emirates Group Security has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which will see both organizations work closely on capacity building for the industry by providing ICAO-recognized Diploma
programmes provided by EGS and Edith Cowan University (ECU).The Ground Handling Diploma programme is the first initiative ICAO and EMIRATES are collaborating on. Aviation professionals who complete the industry-based Ground Handling Diploma programme jointly provided by Emirates Group Security and ECU will receive a Certificate of succession completion bearing both EMIRATES and ICAO emblems.
The MoU was signed by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group and Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary-General of the International Civil Aviation Organization, at the AVSEC Global Symposium 2021 Opening Ceremony.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group said: “Emirates Group Security is committed to providing educational programmes that meet the highest international standards. The new partnership between ICAO and Emirates Group Security will provide a platform for Diploma programmes to be benchmarked against internationally recognized frameworks, helping strengthen capabilities within the UAE’s aviation industry.”
Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary-General of the International Civil Aviation Organization said: “As aviation continues on its course to global recovery, it is through education that we can assure a skilled and sustainable aviation workforce capable of adapting to and meeting
the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry. This novel agreement between ICAO Global Aviation Training and Emirates is an excellent example of the innovative approaches to capacity building that ICAO is exploring and implementing in partnership with operators.”Dr Abdullah Al Hashimi, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates Group Security said: “The partnership with ICAO provides significant added value to ground handling professionals in the industry who not only gain from having a first-class education from the Diploma Programme but also have the extra incentive of being recognized by ICAO.”
As part of this partnership, the leading AVSEC service provider Emirates Group Security and ICAO will look into jointly developing and delivering other training and academic courses under the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS programme. The two parties will also identify training needs, determine how to effectively use existing training resources, develop new course materials, integrate new technologies, and evaluate the effectiveness of using post-training evaluation methodologies.
The EGS-ECU Ground Handling Diploma programme offers industry-focused subjects on ground handling operations and management, contemporary aviation issues, safeguarding the aviation industry, aviation logistics and passenger handling services. The course encapsulates the fundamentals of ground handling ramp, baggage, airside load, security,
catering, labour and equipment, along with developing practical management skills. -
CopterJet International berths in Lagos
…calls for synergy to transform the aviation industryAviation specialist service firm, Copterjet International has called for strategic collaboration with stakeholders to drive growth, transformation and development in Nigeria’s aviation value chain.The company, which officially launched on Thursday, September 30th at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), said that with the right initiatives, support and collaboration with key players, the Nigerian aviation industry would drive economic prosperity and sustainability.Speaking during the highbrow event, Chief Executive Officer, Copterjet International, Captain Toluwa Olorunyomi stated that the company is fully prepared to step into the aviation industry from the top end of the market with the capacity to drive growth and development, not only in Nigeria’s aviation industry but in Africa at large.According to Olorunyomi, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global aviation ecosystem and its fallout on the tourism and hospitality businesses have created an opportunity for stakeholders to identify strategies and innovative solutions that would change the narratives in the business space; hence it is a fitting time for Copterjet to emerge.“At Copterjet, our vision is premised on a resolute mandate to transform the aviation industry in Nigeria and beyond. We have drawn a detailed roadmap with a back-end strategy geared towards driving major initiatives that would herald a new era of opportunities to position Nigeria’s aviation industry as a global powerhouse. Our coming marks the beginning of a new dawn and also a historic event in the aviation industry”, he stated.Speaking on the need for innovative solutions that will propel the aviation industry to the fore of global competitiveness, Olorunyomi stated that collaboration with key stakeholders, such as government and the private sector will play a critical role. According to him, Copterjet is focused on building strong and dynamic partnerships with people from diverse backgrounds as no entity can possibly drive structural transformation alone; hence strategic collaboration is key.“I call on captains of industry to rise to the occasion and make Nigeria the hub of aviation in Africa. We have the number, we have the strength and so it is high time we leveraged on our strengths. We must be as competitive as possible in the industry given the necessary support”, he added.Also speaking at the event, National President, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Engr. Abednego Galadima, lauded Copterjet for its commitment to taking aviation to an enviable height, stating that the company’s emergence at a time COVID -19 is still ravaging all sectors of the economy including aviation is a favourable development.He said that the services which the company offers would not only help airline operators but also other aviation stakeholders.“Copterjet will provide solutions to aircraft and equipment leasing where there has been a huge gap for years. With greater cooperation in the industry, Nigeria will experience newness and that will spur a new impetus in the industry. They have come and are here for the good of all,” Galadima stated. -
Emirates takes Expo 2020 Dubai’s message to the skies with its first-ever full aircraft livery
Emirates, the Premier Partner and Official Airline of Expo 2020 Dubai, today revealed a head-turning A380 livery dedicated to further carrying the global event’s messages worldwide.
A bold departure from the airline’s traditional white and gold paint scheme, this bright blue aircraft livery features large-scale graphics in vivid green, orange, pink, purple and red, which run across the fuselage and all the way up to the tail and fin interlaced with the
distinct ring-shaped Expo 2020 Dubai logo. Special ‘Dubai Expo’ and ‘Be Part of the Magic’ messages run across both sides of the A380 fuselage. The engine cowls also carry the Expo 2020 Dubai messages and dates of the event.In addition, the brave Burj Khalifa stuntwoman who appeared in the recent viral Emirates ad, carries an invitation to visit the event on both sides of the aircraft, holding a message board that says: ‘See you there’ and ‘Dubai Expo Oct-Mar 2022’.
The iconic Emirates red belly branding, which can be only seen when the aircraft is flying overhead, has been replaced by the opportunity themed orange ‘Dubai Expo’ branding, further increasing the event’s visibility and awareness as it flies to the airline’s A380 network over the course of the next 6 months.
The new A380 livery was designed, painted, produced and installed in-house by the teams at Emirates. The livery was not just a decal, but a complete paint project, and is by far the largest one the airline has ever embarked on. A great deal of planning and ingenuity was involved to ensure the distinct livery design was brought to life and flawlessly
executed.The paint on A6EEU, the aircraft chosen for the livery, was completely stripped. After that, eleven colours were applied on the aircraft in a careful, methodically sequenced manner. A ‘wild spray method’, electrostatic spray guns and conventional cup guns were used to put on the different colours, using over 2,500 sqm of tracing and masking material. All of the stencils and tracing guides were produced in-house by the airline’s UV printer and graphics workshop, and took numerous hours to fabricate and complete. The Emirates Engineering Aircraft Appearance Centre teams skilfully worked through the challenges of fine-tuning the outlines and masking to convert the designs onto a three dimensional aircraft, in addition to managing the contrasting colours and intricate background shades in this unique livery.
Decals were then applied on the engine cowls and, as well as the image of the Emirates Cabin crew holding the message boards adjacent to the aircraft’s exits.The process of painting the livery design and applying the decals took 16 days and 4,379 man-hours to complete.
Emirates has a long tradition of showcasing special liveries on its Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 fleet, and in the last five years alone, close to 50 unique designs and 100 liveries have been brought to life by the team at the airline. Special liveries have helped pay a special
tribute and carry the legacy of the late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan; bring sports fans closer to their favourite clubs, players and global tournaments; spread the UAE’s message of tolerance and multi-culturalism; raise awareness of the illegal wildlife trade, and much more. The innovative work done on the liveries has kept travellers, plane-spotters and the general public looking to the skies for inspiration.The new Expo 2020 Dubai livery will appear on three Emirates A380 aircraft to help visually tell the story and reaffirm the themes of one of the largest global events to take place since the onset of the pandemic. The distinctive blue Expo aircraft will join the 40 other special liveries dedicated to Expo 2020 Dubai, which have collectively flown to over 130 destinations across the Emirates network since 2018. The new livery will wow travellers and drive the Expo 2020 Dubai message when it heads to Los Angeles on 29 September.
Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo ever hosted in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, and will run from October 2021 to March 2022. Its six-month program is packed with experiences to suit all ages and interests, including a rich line-up of themed weeks, entertainment, and edutainment. Art and culture fans as well as food and
technology enthusiasts can explore exhibits, workshops, performances, live shows and more. Visitors can also drop by their national pavilion for a taste of home or experience the 190 other country pavilions. Emirates will be showcasing its own pavilion focused on the future of commercial aviation. -
Aviation Stakeholders to Address Industry Challenges, Opportunities at Upcoming CopterJet Forum
In demonstration of its commitment to proffer innovative solutions and drive a new phase of growth in the aviation value chain in Nigeria and Africa, CopterJet International has announced the maiden edition of its ‘Aviation Stakeholders Forum’. The aviation industry specialist firm will host the cream of aviation stakeholders on Thursday, September 30th, 2021 at Legend Airport Hotel in Lagos.
Themed ‘Positioning the Nigerian Aviation Sector for Sustainable Growth and Economic Transformation’, the forum will bring together several key aviation stakeholders and luminaries to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the industry as well as strategies to emerge stronger as a nation.
According to CopterJet, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global aviation ecosystem and its fallout in the tourism and hospitality businesses has created an opportunity for stakeholders to seek innovative solutions that would change the narratives in the business space.
The event will also serve as a platform for CopterJet to showcase its capacity to charge the course of the aviation industry through its cutting-edge solutions as well as its end-to-end specialist services.
The forum will also feature a panelist session, which will comprise the heads of Nigerian aviation agencies to facilitate discourses across several topics related to acceleration of sectoral transformation as well as how to attain new standards of safety and efficiency and mobilization of investment capital for industry retooling and recovery.
CopterJet,is a fully integrated aviation specialist service firm with a broad operational focus on aviation consulting services, project management, aircraft & equipment leasing solutions, aviation business intelligence, asset management, and infrastructure development in the African market space.
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NAF plane crash: AIB submits interim report
…in the report are 27 initial findings and 8 immediate safety recommendations
An interim investigation report into the Nigeria Air Force plane crash on May 21 has been submitted by the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladapo Amao.
The report according to the Director, Public Affairs, NAF, Air Commodore Edwards Gabkwet and the General Manager, Public Affairs, AIB, Tunji Oketunbi in a joint statement say, the submitted report is organized into three sections namely; the information obtained in the course of the investigation; analysis of data collected in view of the Board’s Terms of Reference; and the conclusion, which covers the initial findings and immediate recommendations.
Following the unfortunate incident involving a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) King Air -350 aircraft at the vicinity of Kaduna Civil Airport on 31 May 2021, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao directed that a joint investigative body consisting of experienced NAF safety officers and the Accident Investigative Bureau (AIB) be constituted to investigate the circumstances surrounding the air crash.
After about three months of painstaking joint investigation, the Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of AIB, Engr Akin Olateru FNSE, today 15 September 2021 submitted an interim report on the sad incident to the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Amao, at his office at NAF Headquarters, Abuja.
The statement also says, that, the interim stage, a total of 27 initial findings and 8 immediate safety recommendations were made for the convening authority as well as other aviation related agencies for immediate implementation.
“It is expected that the final report will contain the flight data recorder readout, the reviewed operator’s and service provider’s standard operating procedures as well as other detailed analysis”.
While receiving the report, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal, Oladapo Amao CAS reiterated the main essence of activating the ‘joint investigative’ clause contained in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the NAF and the AIB on 1 July, 2020.
According to him, the successful collaboration is a clear indication of the potency of collaboration in aircraft accident investigation, which must be encouraged.
Air Marshal Amao also noted that such collaborative efforts make accident investigations more transparent and open while also stating that the outcome of the investigation is not necessarily aimed at punitive measures but essentially at generally improving safety in the aviation industry.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of AIB, Engr Akin Olateru stated that the joint investigation with the NAF was its first direct involvement in military air crash investigation in Nigeria and second investigation outside its mandate having also assisted Sao Tome and Principe in the past.
He also stated that copies of the report, with the endorsement of the CAS, will also be submitted to the Hon. Minister of Aviation and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to ensure that the recommendations addressed to aviation agencies are implemented.
The Commissioner also stated that although the accident involved a military aircraft and crew, it happened at a civil airport adding that the involvement of AIB in the investigation by the Nigerian Air Force would help in closing the gaps on the civil aviation side.
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Emirates Pushes Boundaries with Behind the Scene Video
The World’s leading airline, Emirates, has revealed how it pulled off the stunt through its new video advert. The airline has proved its worth and disclosed how it pushes boundaries
through its products, services and also with its advertising activities.Recently, the airline released an advert featuring a member of the Emirates Cabin Crew in full uniform standing tall on the tip of the Burj Khalifa by Emaar at 828 metres above ground, which marks one of the highest ads ever filmed. Emirates is very good at bold advertising, but this latest commercial takes up a notch. The airline also proudly showed
off its home city Dubai, as well as the confidence of its Cabin Crew team who work hard every day to ensure the comfort and safety of travellers.The TV commercial will run in the UK first, and then, adapted for several markets across the Emirates network, incorporating relevant messages for different audiences. The behind the scenes edit can also be viewed on Emirates YouTube channel and across the airline’s other social media channels.
The ad was filmed without any green screen or special effects and, it was the result of rigorous planning, training, testing and a strict safety protocol. A custom platform with attached pole was built at the top for the protagonist to stand on. The Cabin Crew was attached to the pole as well as two other different points directly to the pinnacle,
through a hidden harness under the Emirates uniform. She joins only a handful of individuals who have had the privilege to stand at the pinnacle of the world’s tallest building – including Tom Cruise and the Crown Prince of Dubai, H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.The 30-second clip opened with a close up of the cabin crew holding up message boards in a nod to the famous scene in the 2003 cult hit “Love Actually”. As the camera pans out, audiences soon find that the crew, with her iconic red Emirates hat and uniform, is actually standing at the very top of the Burj Khalifa by Emaar, giving audiences a panoramic
view of Dubai’s skyline“We always look to challenge the norm and push boundaries at Emirates. We do it every day through our innovative services, our best-in-class product and of course through our advertising. The calm and confidence of the cabin crew you see in the ad is an embodiment of our frontline team, serving travellers and ensuring their safety. We’re proud to be
among a privileged few who have been allowed to film at the top of the Burj Khalifa by Emaar; and even prouder that we get to showcase our beautiful city, Dubai,” said Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline.A casting call was put out to Emirates’ very own cabin crew team and while there were some willing and capable candidates, a professional skydiving instructor was cast to ensure the highest levels of safety. Throughout filming and in preparation of the shoot, safety remained the main priority. A custom platform with an attached pole was built at the
top for the protagonist to stand on. She was attached to the pole as well as two other different points directly to the pinnacle, through a hidden harness under the Emirates uniform.Filming started at sunrise to catch the golden hour light and the team, including the main star of the ad, began their ascent to the pinnacle before sunrise. The climb took 1 hour and 15 mins from level 160 of the Burj Khalifa by Emaar and the team had to scale several tiers and ladders inside a tube to reach the top. The team was at the pinnacle for around 5 hours with the stunt woman, wearing a safety harness under the Emirates uniform secured to a custom-made platform that was attached directly to the pinnacle. A single drone was used to capture the footage in a continuous take to film the complete sequence.
The Commercial was conceptualized and directed by Emirates’ in-house brand team with the help of Prime Productions AMG, based in Dubai. -
NAMA’s Director of Finance and Accounts dies
Mr. Aniefiok Umoh, the Director of Finance and Accounts of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has died on Sunday, the 8th of August, 2021, after a brief illness.
A native of Akwa Ibom State, late Aniefiok Umoh, was attended Accra Polytechnic, and Methodist University College, both in Ghana, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting respectively. He started his banking career in 1977, with the then Barclays Bank of Nigeria (now Union Bank). He later transferred his services to MedAfrica Shipping Line, Lagos in 1985 as an accountant.
The late Umoh held a number of leadership positions at corporate levels in some blue-chip organizations. For instance, he was an Executive Director, Astraeus Airline, Ghana for over 9 years and Finance Director, Air Chartered Services, also in Ghana.
Umoh was appointed Director, Finance and Accounts (DFA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) in 2017. Prior to this time, he was General Manager, Accounts, at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Upon assumption of office in NAMA, Umoh brought his rich experience in finance to bear as he ensured that the agency’s accounting practices met statutory requirements and were in tandem with professional standards. His stint at the agency was responsible for the implementation of financial strategies including accuracy, transparency and timeliness of financial disclosures, critical to management business plan development.
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) hereby uses this opportunity to appreciate everyone for your prayers, support and words of encouragement all through this trying period. While we mourn his painful exit, it is worthy of note that Mr Umoh lived a good life and we take solace in the fact that he has gone to be with his creator. He is survived by his wife and children.
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Over 2,500 Emirates customers ease through airport during July travel peak with innovative home check-in services
Over 2,500 Emirates customers enhanced their
travel experience by adding innovative home check-in services to their
bookings in July. The airline’s popular service enables passengers
departing from Dubai to quickly and efficiently complete the check-in
process in the comfort of their home and enjoy a swift and smooth
journey through the airport.During the peak summer travel departures from the UAE in July, Emirates’
home check-in services were typically booked for groups of four to five
people, with travellers’ most popular destinations being Amman (Jordan),
Beirut (Lebanon) and Male (Maldives). Thursdays and the Eid long weekend
were particularly busy with up to 130 home check-ins completed and 150
pieces of baggage delivered to the airport a day across Dubai.
Underscoring the popularity of the service, some 400 home check-ins were
for repeat customers who had already taken advantage of the service
before.During the safe and convenient home check-in process, customer-oriented
agents check in travellers for their flights, issue boarding passes,
weigh and tag their sanitized baggage and ensure these are delivered to
the airport and loaded onto the aircraft. Each piece of baggage is
disinfected with a long-lasting protective coating that lasts for up to
72 hours.Emirates customers can easily book their home check-in service on
emirates.com up to 24 hours before their flight and receive the service
up to 8 hours before scheduled departure time.
Customers also have the option to book fast-track marhaba services to
help whisk them through airport immigration for an even more contactless
on ground experience. In addition, travellers can also book pre-travel
COVID-19 testing. A qualified medical professional performs the swab
test ahead of the home check-in process, and results are shared with
customers digitally. All passengers who test negative for COVID-19
receive a medical certificate within 24 to 48 hours to meet the entry
guidelines of their destination.For their return to Dubai, customers can choose to book a land and leave
service which enables them to proceed directly home while trained agents
collect their baggage, clear it through customs, sanitize the baggage,
and then deliver it directly to their doorstep.Emirates’ home check-in service is delivered by DUBZ, dnata’s baggage
technology and logistics company. Based in Dubai, DUBZ providers
innovative, unique solutions to travellers, ensuring a safe and seamless
experience for them throughout their journey. -
Feature: Turning Calabar into Nigeria’s Aviation Hub
By Ayo Akinfe
It is time for the Cross River State government to cash in on its unique location as the gateway to east and central Africa
[1] Cally Air , the state-own airline should be boosted into Nigeria’s main domestic operator
[2] Cally Air’s headquarters should be in Calabar, designated as the country’s aviation hub but it will also have an office in Obudu, where there will be a landing strip specifically built to cater for tourists and visitors to the Obudu Cattle Ranch
[3] In the first year of Cally’s Air’s operation, planes should fly to and from Calabar to Abuja, Lagos and Kano. There should be one flight a day to each destination. There should also be one daily flight to and from Obodu to Lagos and Abuja for tourists
[4] Given the unique location of Calabar and the way it serves as Nigeria’s link to Central and East Africa, the plan should be to make it a regional hub by 2023. By January 1 2023, we want to have daily flights to destinations including Yaoundé, Libreville, Luanda, Kinshasa, Brazzaville, Malabo, Sao Tome and N’djamena
[5] More importantly, however, if we want to build Calabar into a genuinely regional hub like say Cairo, Addis Ababa or Johannesburg, we need to make the airport a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) depot. There is not one MRO depot in Nigeria today, which is why when foreign aircrafts land, they fly back to their destinations immediately. If we want to attract airlines to Calabar, the airport needs to become an MRO hub, so the airlines can park and maintain their aircraft there
[6] Plans should include runway expansion so the airport can take aircrafts such as the Airbus A380, schedules to other cities.
[7] Also a rail link should be built between Calabar and Obudu and major local hotel construction undertaken
[8] Uyo Airport only generates about N30m ($77,300) a month, which for me makes it unviable. Calabar should be able to generate at least N50m within the first month of operations. Thanks to facilities like the Tinapa Resort and the Obudu Cattle Ranch, this can easily be done
[9] This should at least quadruple once we get an MRO status and multiply by ten-fold once international flights start. The state government should launch a campaign around the slogan – Calabar: The African Bosporus
[10] By 2025, plans should be to make Cally Air’s a genuine international airline that flies to Europe, North America and Asia. This may mean merging with other local airlines such as Air Peace, Ibom Air and Overland Airways. However, given that Air Cally will be the biggest and most profitable of all of them, it will be in the driving seat. Over the long term, we have to think of building Cally Air’s into a global brand that will rival the likes of Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, BA, Lufthansa, etc.
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Wakanow Unveils State-of-The-Art Experience Center in Lekki Amidst Rising Travel Demand
As travelers adapt and social interactions slowly return to normalcy, Wakanow, the largest online travel agency in Africa has once again has taken the lead by opening up an experience center in Jubilee Mall, Admiralty way, Lekki, Lagos as it positions to deliver an unparalleled immersive travel experience in a warm and relaxing atmosphere.
The COVID-19 pandemic heavily impacted the travel and tourism industry particularly in 2020 at the peak of global lockdowns with most countries closing their borders to non-essential travel forcing airlines to heavily reduce capacity globally.
Wakanow was able to scale through this period due to the hybrid model of being an offline and online agency further solidified by the massive investment, it has made in technology over the years enabling business sustainability through the pandemic. During this same period, Wakanow was the only travel the agency running 24/7 customer service center operations which enabled it to to take care of teeming customers during the upheaval in flight operations.
According to the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bayo Adedeji, “Wakanow was able to weather the pandemic storm due to its innovative approach in the development of new complementary products and the unwavering commitment of the staff to the customer which has paid off hugely in customer retention and service uptake in the wake of travel restrictions.”
2021, has seen the resurgence of interest and demand in travel, with Airlines steadily increasing capacity offered to Nigeria and even the launch of new domestic and international airlines. Wakanow is positioned to continue supporting its customers across all channels with their travel needs as travel demand resurges and are now closer to their customers in the heart of Lekki with the state-of-the-art travel experience center. The event drew stakeholders from local and international airlines and other Nigerian travel enthusiasts.
“Wakanow is an online travel agency also with extensive offline presence with over 30 travel centers across Nigeria, Ghana & Dubai. We meet our customers’ travel needs across multiple touchpoints, wherever they are. We continue to expand our product portfolio& service offering as we aim to be their indispensable and trusted travel companion exciting them with travel deals, packages, and services that are unobtainable elsewhere” says Mrs. Adenike Macaulay, Chief Commercial Officer.
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NAMA Simulates Aircraft Accident Search and Rescue Operation
Ahead of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit coming up by first quarter of 2022, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) on Saturday joined forces with critical stakeholders in aviation emergency International Civil Aviation Organization operations to conduct a live aeronautic simulation of an air crash which occurred at the Mafoluku area of Oshodi in Lagos, a few meters from Runway 18 Left and the local airport, Ikeja.
Code named “SAREXNAMA 2021,” the search and rescue exercise focused on a disaster that could result from an air crash and create mass casualty incident which requires a coordinated response from critical stakeholders saddled with the responsibility of managing aviation emergencies. The mock air crash search and rescue exercise involved an aircraft with registration No. ZYMMM from Abuja to Accra. The aircraft diverted to Lagos due to electrical problem, and on board were 38 souls including 4 crew. 15 survivors were rescued while 23 others were unaccounted for.
Addressing participants at the end of the exercise, the convener of the exercise and Managing Director of NAMA, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu expressed delight for the huge turnout by different agencies and stakeholders. The NAMA boss however noted that several gaps were observed during the exercise especially in the areas of coordination and response to alert, even as he assured that the agency would work assiduously with relevant stakeholders in order to close the said gaps.
Participants included all the aviation agencies, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria Air Force, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), the Nigerian Red Cross, as well as Caverton Helicopters, among others.
As specified by the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) of ICAO Annex 12, Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation Pt. 14 of 2005, NAMA Search and Rescue Manual and the National Disaster Response Plan by NEMA, in accordance with Act 12 of 1999 constitution, the mock search and rescue operation is being coordinated by NAMA annually in order to test the procedures and communication between NAMA and other agencies involved in search and rescue and their collaboration; ascertain the prompt response of NAMA facilities and personnel to an incident, ascertain the preparedness of other agencies involved in the exercise and their response to alert as well as verify the operability of the joint rescue coordination centre.
The exercise also seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of all functional elements of NAMA Search and Rescue systems and their collaboration with other organizations within and outside the airport in the event of an emergency.
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Emirates highlights role of small businesses in post-pandemic economic recovery
Emirates is empowering small and medium-sized enterprises to get back into the skies and turn their travel budgets into rewards by debuting a Business Rewards incentive for new members.
This is recognition of the strategic role of Small businesses in post-pandemic recovery and to mark the UN Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Day.
Small and medium-sized businesses who sign up for an account to Emirates’ Business Rewards corporate loyalty programme from 27 June to 27 July 2021 will receive a bonus of 10,000 Business Reward Points, the equivalent of one Economy Class return ticket to selected destinations in Europe.
Emirates currently has over 20,000 small and medium-sized businesses enrolled in its Business Rewards programme, and is providing a gamut of benefits including simplified enrolment, easier earning and redemptions, greater flexibility on retaining and using points as well as upgrade opportunities, even on last-minute bookings.
With countries easing their entry restrictions, business travel has begun accelerating, and small and medium-sized enterprises have become key drivers of demand with the flexibility to make travel plans quickly as new opportunities emerge.
Emirates has been supporting small and medium-sized business hit by the pandemic. Emirates Business Rewards programme members are taking advantage of the airline’s flexible booking policies in addition to its multi-risk insurance cover. Since the outset of the pandemic, Business Rewards programme members were provided additional reassurance with extensions on their points’ validity if travel plans needed to be adjusted.
Knowing their travel plans are protected, top destinations for Business Rewards programme members have been frequenting during the pandemic include London, Manila, Paris, Cairo, Milan and Beirut. Dubai also continues to be a key destination regularly visited by Business Rewards members, mainly due to its open business environment throughout the pandemic, world-class infrastructure and thriving start-up ecosystem.
The airline continues to work hard to restore its network and schedules to enable small and medium-sized businesses to visit clients and ramp up their business development activities as cities around the world gradually ease travel restrictions.
Businesses of all sizes can also ensure their health and safety expectations are taken care of throughout their journey. Emirates has lead the industry with clear, consistent, and properly implemented safety measures at every touchpoint, including a contactless travel journey and digital verification solutions such as the IATA Travel Pass to ensure it remains the preferred airline for business travelers.
Emirates has a long track record of supporting small and medium-sized businesses, not only through its Business Rewards programme, but also through its procurement of products and services across the business. Hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses in a range of industries from around the world have benefitted from showcasing their products to a global travel audience, providing a boost to their growth plans.
In the UAE, Emirates prioritizes SMEs as part of its tendering process and is actively committed to work with government stakeholders like Dubai SMEs in identifying businesses and evaluating the performance of active suppliers on a regular basis. As a result, according to the Dubai SME report 2020, which summarises support provided to SMEs, Emirates ranked first among semi-governmental organisations, investing in procurement contracts worth over AED 79 million. It also ranked among the top five organisations supporting small to medium size businesses in Dubai.