Monday, Jul 05, 2010

Gulf News

Saif Mohammad Al Suwaidi presents Mohammad Al Bulooki, general manager for the Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS) with the certification at the GCAA headquarters.

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Topaz acquires Multipurpose Support Vessel

Dubai Topaz Marine recently confirmed its acquisition of the multipurpose support vessel (MPSV) Ocean Commander in Singapore. The vessel has been renamed Topaz Commander and joins Topaz Marine’s fleet of about 100 vessels, reinforcing Topaz’s position as one of the top ten offshore vessel operations in the world. Built in 1999 in Myklebust, Norway, as an 84-metre UT 745 platform supply vessel, the addition of a 50-tonne knuckle boom crane makes the Topaz Commander a highly competent MPSV. She is classed as a DP2 vessel and features twin thrusters, a tunnel thruster and drop azimuth forward. Topaz Commander will immediately commence work under a contract with ADAMS Offshore Services Limited in Vietnam.

Oman Air showcases new Airbus aircraft

Al Ain Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) yesterday welcomed senior government officials and trade delegations to Al Ain International Airport where Oman Air showcased one of its two new Airbus A330-200s after having begun its Muscat-Al Ain route in May. The new aircraft offer economy and business class cabins. Both are fitted with brand new seats that offer more space, greater comfort, fantastic in-flight entertainment options and the very latest in communications technology.

Dubai Quality Group, Dnata renew alliance

Dubai Dubai Quality Group renewed its strategic partnership with Dnata, a subsidiary of the Emirates Group, at a meeting held at Dnata’s head office in Dubai. Esmail Al Banna, Dnata executive vice-president, said: “Renewing this partnership has positive effects on our new projects and enables us to have new achievements, especially in light of our geographical expansion. We operate at 20 airports around the world, including Britain, Australia and Switzerland. We also manage corporate travels and governmental departments travel services, holiday schedules, tourist tours, marketing, events management and marine services in the UAE.”

BA launches new private jet service

Dubai British Airways and CitationAir have launched a new private jet service exclusively for British Airways customers flying within North America and the Caribbean. The ‘PrivateConnect’ service will give customers ‘pay-by-the-trip’ access to a network of private aircraft operated by CitationAir and its parent, the Cessna Aircraft Company. An online registration and dedicated phone number allows BA customers to simply ‘pay and go’ with a credit card, avoiding the long-term commitment and up-front fees normally associated with private jet hire.

SITA, Motorola to cut air turnaround delays

Dubai SITA and Motorola yesterday announced a partnership that aims to reduce delays in aircraft turnarounds and achieve significant savings in ground operations through a complete SITA Mobile Workforce Solution. SITA Mobile Workforce removes static, paper-based processes and provides real-time data to reduce business costs, automate workflow management, improve staff flexibility, better manage disruption and improve customer service. Using a single Motorola handheld device for all applications, duty managers can perform up to five aircraft turnarounds simultaneously: a significant improvement on the present ‘norm of one manager per turnaround. Real-time data communication reduces the chance of human error which occurs with dependence on voice communication and paperwork.

ALE announces ?fleet expansion

Dubai ALE, the global heavy transport and lifting company, has announced substantial additions to its global fleet, including a second AL.SK190, its ultra heavy lifting machine. The AL.SK190, the world’s largest land-based crane, won the Innovation and Development Award for End Users at the ESTA Awards of Excellence in April. The crane features a quick winch system for lifting smaller items quickly. The new AL.SK190 will be completed in the second half of 2011. Michael Birch, Executive Director at ALE Projects, said: “Even now, two years after it was first launched, no other machine out there has even come close; we out-lift the nearest competitors’ crane, which is still yet to be built, by 160 per cent.” In addition to the second AL.SK190, Alehas built a new heavy duty skid shoe for the load-out and load-in of offshore modules, as well as the installation of bridge decks, container cranes and other heavy weight loads. The new skid shoe system’s first job is in June.

HP Watermaker, Mayeh Marine ink deal

Dubai Mayeh Marine Trading (MMT), a distributor of premium products for the maritime industry has been named as the exclusive distributor for HP Watermakers SRL, an advanced technology manufacturer of reverse osmosis watermakers catering to GCC markets. The agreement will combine the two companies’ strengths to deliver an exceptional product to thriving boat builders, yacht manufacturers, offshore platforms, and the entire maritime industry in the region.

— Compiled from staff reports and agencies

Staff Report

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