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The A380 continues to impress, with Etihad and the UAE continuing to keep the faith with new routes from the capital heading to Europe.
The Airbus-UAE relationship marked its 10th Anniversary this year. The depth and importance of the Airbus-UAE relationship is evident from the fact that Etihad Airways and Emirates Airlines, two of the UAE's and the world's largest commercial airlines, operate more than half (111 of 217) of the A380 aircraft in service. Etihad received its first A380 in December 2014 and presented the mock-up of its planned layout at the Milan Expo in May 2015. To date, Etihad continues to follow the same layout. The entire main deck is filled with 415 economy seats while the upper deck is made up of 70 business-class seats, a premium cabin lounge, nine apartments with access to a shower, and one Residence: a 125sqft home away from home. With a living room, separate double bedroom, ensuite shower room, a dedicated personal butler, and a private chef, the Residence is the only three-room suite on a commercial plane. Although Etihad has made a number of changes to its A380 routes, it currently flies to New York, London, Paris, and Sydney. From October 1, 2018, the airline will operate its second daily service linking Abu Dhabi and Paris, transforming its operations between the two capitals into an all-A380 service, making Paris only the second European destination after London to receive daily multiple visits from Etihad's award-winning double-decker aircraft.
Focusing on the aircraft itself, the Airbus A380 is a product of detail-oriented engineering on a large scale, whose features and articulated supply chain adds up to the final price tag of USD436 million. With 60% of the fleet powered by variants of the GP7200 and the rest Rolls Royce Trent 900 engines, the A380 is the result of a complex multimodal transport process. Despite these imposing aspects, the A380 has had a troubled commercial history. Allegedly, the A380 did not gain its expected success because of cost inefficiencies, miscalculated market insight, and competition from Boeing. The last point, if standing alone, is the easiest to dismiss. With an expected combined share of 75% of the total commercial fleet market share by 2025, according to an Aviation Week report, competition plays a constructive role. Failing to meet targets should lead Airbus, as it did, to identify internal inefficiencies, and looking at a competitor's model can speed up the improvement phase.
Regarding the miscalculated market and cost inefficiencies, the A380 is built around the assumption that airlines will continue to fly smaller planes on shorter routes (spokes) into a few large hubs, then onward to the next hub on giant airplanes. And there is reason to believe the market is slowly moving toward the hub-and-spoke scenario around which the Airbus Superjumbo was launched. As passenger traffic is doubling every 12.5 years, the A380 represents a solution to decongest airports and transport a growing number of passengers at higher occupancy rates per aircraft. After all, traffic is growing worldwide by about 4.4% annually; in the region, it is by more than 12.
From an operational point of view, the A380 is relatively efficient when flying at full capacity in terms of both CO2 emissions per passenger and fuel per seat-mile, burning 20% less than direct competitors. As such, there is reason to assume cost inefficiencies will be mitigated by an evolving commercial aviation market. If these changes come to be, the UAE and the A380 are perfectly placed at the center, both literally and figuratively.
In order to make sure the A380 stays relevant despite its commercial history, Etihad Airways is incorporating innovative services and introducing the airplane to new markets. On September 19, Etihad operated an A380 to the Velana International Airport in the Maldives to mark the opening of the airport's new runway. In terms of innovation, Etihad is testing its new broadband internet system with speeds of up to 50MB/s and plans to rollout this revolutionary service by 2019. Determined to successfully ride the future trends of the aviation industry, the UAE remains loyal to the choice it made 10 years ago.
HERE TO STAY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Focus: Tackling Unlawful Cryptocurrency Use
Crypto Crime
The rapidity and anonymity of crypto-transactions make them attractive not only to risk-prone investors, but also to criminals. Finding an efficient solution that does not completely undermine or overturn the nature of digital currencies is proving to be extremely hard.
read articleGuest Speaker
Juan Carlos Varela, President, Republic of Panama
TBY talks to Juan Carlos Varela, President of the Republic of Panama, on expanding the country's diplomatic footprint, the importance of participating in Expo 2020, and both countries' respective leadership roles as regional entrepôts.
read articleInterview
Rashed A. Al Blooshi, Chief Executive, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)
TBY talks to Rashed A. Al Blooshi, Chief Executive of Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), on highlighting the opportunities available to companies on ADX, adopting best practices in the field, and further developing the market.
read articleFocus: ADNOC’s Partnership Model
Spheres of Influence
Following the announcement of an expanded partnership model and a more active approach to managing its businesses and portfolio of assets, a series of cooperation accords position the national oil company as a champion of commercial liberalism.
read articleInterview
hmed Omar Abdulla, CEO, Abu Dhabi Polymer Company Ltd (Borouge),
TBY talks to Ahmed Omar Abdulla, CEO of Abu Dhabi Polymer Company Ltd (Borouge), on the impact of its new Borouge 4 plant, specialized solutions for global challenges, and the need to continue to invest in innovation.
read articleInterview
Philippe Peccard, President Middle East Engineering & Investment Projects, Linde Group
TBY talks to Philippe Peccard, President Middle East Engineering & Investment Projects of Linde Group, on being a key partner of its regional partners, developing the downstream value chain, and further enhancing operations with technology.
read articleFocus: In-Country Value
Time to Commit
The announcement of the In-Country-Value program is a significant step for ADNOC and Abu Dhabi in growing the local private sector. Vertically, it will develop the energy industry through a trickle-down effect; horizontally, it will affect other sectors through a multiplier effect in the long-term.
read articleInterview
Ali Vezvaei, Executive President & CEO, Bilfinger Middle East
TBY talks to Ali Vezvaei, Executive President & CEO of Bilfinger Middle East, on its keys areas of focus in the UAE, trends in the hydrocarbons sector, and the application of energy efficiency technologies to new sectors.
read articleInterview
Samia Bouazza, Managing Director , Multiply Marketing Consultancy
TBY talks to Samia Bouazza, Managing Director of Multiply Marketing Consultancy, on satisfying sophisticated consumers with high purchasing power, targeting different categories of the population, and thinking globally while acting locally.
read articleInterview
Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)
TBY talks to Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), on the goals of the national space program, attracting youth to the program, and the significance of KhalifaSat.
read articleInterview
Abdulla Jassem bin Kalban, Managing Director & CEO , Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA)
TBY talks to Abdulla Jassem bin Kalban, Managing Director & CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), on its expansion upstream, strategies to grow the sector, and sustainability initiatives.
read articleInterview
Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman , Department of Health (DoH)
TBY talks to Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health (DoH), on facilitating investment for local and foreign investors and building and maintaining a sustainable workforce.
read articleFocus: Technical Training vs. Academic Teaching
Balanced Learnıng
Abu Dhabi's technical institutes are growing in popularity among young Emiratis; however, finding a balance with more traditional academic programs is paramount to ensure the development of a truly knowledge-based economy.
read articleInterview
Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister , Culture and Knowledge Development
TBY talks to Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, on the Creative Industries Contributions Index, bridging the AI-culture divide, and adopting a systems leadership approach moving forward.
read articleInterview
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman , Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT)
TBY talks to Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi, on the role of innovation, the late Sheikh Zayed's cultural vision, and strengthening cultural engagement among youth.
read articleInterview
Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary , Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT)
TBY talks to Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi, on becoming a beacon of cultural tourism, tailoring its approach to different markets, and penetrating the MICE segment.
read articleInterview
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO , Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC),
TBY talks to Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), on fast-tracking Abu Dhabi's economic diversification, the importance of the Year of Zayed, and technology's impact on the world of event planning.
read articleInterview
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister , Climate Change and Environment
TBY talks to Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, on the UAE's commitment to reducing its ecological footprint, transitioning to a climate-resilient green economy, and the importance of sustainable green finance.
read articleInterview
Neri Askland, Vice President , Middle East and UAE Country Manager of Statoil
TBY talks to Neri Askland, Vice President of Middle East and UAE Country Manager of Statoil, on its efforts to help reduce its carbon footprint, opportunities for R&D in the area, and its collaboration with Masdar.
read articleFocus: Nuclear Energy
The Nuclear Option
The UAE is the first country in the MENA region to develop nuclear power, with Abu Dhabi's Barakah nuclear power plant. The Emirate hopes to achieve energy security and embrace alternative sources of energy, ensuring full cooperation and support from the international community.
read articleInterview
Christer Viktorsson, Director General , Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR)
TBY talks to Christer Viktorsson, Director General of Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), on the role of the institution in advancing the nuclear energy regulatory environment, the Barakah Power Plant, and the importance of an integrated network.
read articleInterview
Eng. Omar Husain Al Hashmi, Acting Managing Director , Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC),
TBY talks to Eng. Omar Husain Al Hashmi, Acting Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC), on its successes with STEP, helping Abu Dhabi to reduce its carbon footprint, and its successful Emiratization policies.
read articleInterview
Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director General , Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA)
TBY talks to Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director General of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), on the Farmers Income Support Program, the UAE's agroecological climate, and introducing intelligent control systems.
read articleInterview
Falah Al Ahbabi, Chairman, Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DPM)
TBY talks to Falah Al Ahbabi, Chairman of Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DPM), on coordinating joint-investment programs and strategic alliances with the private sector and integrating technology within developments and services.
read articleInside Perspective
Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, Undersecretary of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Economy
Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, Undersecretary of Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Economy, on efforts to enhance the UAE's intellectual property framework, creating a knowledge-based economy, and fostering a culture of innovation.
read articleInterview
Khalifa Al Mubarak, Group Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Mubadala Investment Company
TBY talks to Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Group Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Mubadala Investment Company, on the company's diversification strategy, its technology investments, and its focus on innovation.
read articleFocus: Economic Stimulus Package
Desert Breeze
Abu Dhabi unveiled the new stimulus package, Ghadan 21, in effort to counter the post-oil crisis slowdown. While it might be too soon to call for the end of austerity measures, it definitely signifies the leadership's commitment to grow the Emirate's economy.
read articleInterview
Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Chairman, Statistics Centre- Abu Dhabi (SCAD)
TBY talks to Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Chairman of Statistics Centre-Abu Dhabi (SCAD), on its efforts to improve data collection and lower costs, innovative statistical development tools, and its Emiratization policies.
read articleInterview
Saeed Al Neyad, Director General, Abu Dhabi Monitoring and Control Centre (ADMCC)
TBY talks to Saeed Al Neyadi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Monitoring and Control Centre (ADMCC), on being a critical enabler for various key partner organizations, efforts to increase Abu Dhabi's competitiveness in tourism and commerce, and improving the quality of life for citizens and visitors.
read articleInterview
Nick Cochrane-Dyet, Chairman, British Business Group (BBG)
TBY talks to Nick Cochrane-Dyet, Chairman of British Business Group (BBG), on Abu Dhabi's forward-looking strategy, the need for British firms to continue to bring value to the Emirate, and areas of opportunity for the UK.
read article