Day: January 23, 2023

DUBAI, Emirates has successfully completed the ground engine testing for one of its GE90 engines on a Boeing 777-300ER using fully Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

The objective of the ground testing and analysis is to demonstrate the capability of the GE90 engine to fully run on the specially blended SAF without affecting its performance, requiring no modifications to the aircraft systems, or special maintenance procedures on the Boeing 777-300ER or GE90 engine to operate.

SAF reduces carbon emissions over the fuel’s life cycle by up to 80 percent.

The ground test results will now pave the way for the airline’s first experimental test flight fully using SAF in one engine, which is due for take-off this week. The testing activities involved fully running one engine on SAF and the other on conventional jet fuel to better analyse the fuel system’s behaviour and performance under each fuel type, compare specific outputs of each engine, and ensure seamless operation of the aircraft’s engine and airframe fuel systems during the planned test flight.

During the ground testing at the state-of-the-art Emirates Engineering Centre in Dubai, the aircraft first went through its standard pre-inspection activities. After that, the stationary operating testing began by first running the Honeywell 331-500 auxiliary power unit (APU) on 100 percent SAF.

The APU was then put under full load with SAF to start the engines. The left engine was exercised through its full power range, utilising the same settings that will be used for the experimental flight. This included idle, “take-off” and “climb settings” at full flight profile durations, running at maximum speed and intensity. Engines were then run at “cruise” settings for 15 minutes. After the simulation ended, the engines were cooled down. Fuels were isolated in separate fuel tanks to maintain segregation of test fuels. Upon completion of the ground test, engine data was downloaded for review, comparison, and analysis.

At the Dubai Airshow 2021, Emirates, GE Aerospace and Boeing signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a programme for conducting a test flight fully using SAF on an Emirates 777-300ER powered by GE90 engines.

Emirates has been working with its partners GE Aerospace, Boeing, Honeywell, Neste and Virent Inc., a subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum Corp throughout 2022 on SAF fuel blend testing. The partners have developed a blend with the same qualities and performance characteristics of conventional jet fuel and have collaborated on the technical analysis and operational requirements surrounding ground testing and experimental flight activities. The results of this initiative will provide additional data and research around synthetic fuel blend components and biofuels, supporting standardisation and future approval of 100 percent drop-in SAF.

Following the successful trial on one engine, Emirates will then continue to develop these initiatives with the engine airframe manufacturers as well as SAF providers with the goal of certifying these blends for commercial use. Currently, SAF is approved for use in blends of up to 50 percent with conventional jet fuel.

Emirates has long been a supporter of industry and government efforts to encourage the development of the SAF industry, and regularly participates in initiatives to contribute to SAF deployment. Its first flight powered by SAF blended with jet fuel was in 2017, operating from Chicago O’Hare airport on a Boeing 777. Emirates received its first A380 powered by SAF in December 2020, and uplifted 32 tonnes of SAF for its flights from Stockholm earlier that year, with the support of Swedavia’s Biofuel Incentive Programme. Flights from Oslo have also begun operating on SAF.

Emirates is on the Steering Committee of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Clean Skies for Tomorrow initiative, which seeks to promote SAF deployment worldwide. The airline has also contributed to the UAE government’s work on a SAF roadmap and the WEF-supported Power-to-Liquids Roadmap for the UAE.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Dubai Customs kicked off the 6th Dubai Customs Week, and launched the Dubai Customs Youth Council in line with the standards of the Federal Youth Authority.

The council aims to empower the youth in the organization so that they can better face the challenges and lead the future following the criteria and targets of the UAE Centennial 2071.

Dubai Customs is organizing the 5th Dubai Customs Week for the 5th year in a row between 23 and 31 Jan. This year’s event will run under the slogan: “Customs Innovations for Future Generations”. The Week will raise awareness around the customs role in achieving sustainable development, and securing the borders. There will be 23 activities and initiatives during the weeklong event.

H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, CEO of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation inaugurated the event in the presence of H.E. Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Port and Customs Department, His Excellency Ahmed Abdullah Bin Lahej Al Falasi, Director General of Customs at the Federal Customs Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, His Excellency Mohammed Mir Abdul Rahman, Director of Seaports and Customs Department at the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, Rashid Mohammed Hammad, Director General of Fujairah Customs Department, and His Excellency Majid Abdullah Al-Osaimi, Chairman of the Asian Paralympic Committee.

“During 2020, global supply chains and all passenger traffic were affected by the repercussions of the covid-19 pandemic, and despite this global crisis, the UAE succeeded in overcoming its effects and making a rapid recovery thanks to the vision and directives of its wise leadership, “ said Musabih. “The Customs sector in the country has played a major role in facilitating and maintaining the continuity and flow of the supply chain relying on a sophisticated technological infrastructure, with all smart channels working around the clock 7 days a week without any human intervention, enabling the clients to complete their transactions from anywhere.

This has contributed to cementing mutual trade agreements with India, Israel, turkey and Indonesia, and boosted the value and size of trade to more than AED1.6 trillion in the first 9 months of last year, amid expectations to break the 2 trillion barrier at the end of 2022. Number of passengers through the UAE airports skyrocketed to more than 101 million passengers by the end of last year.”

Musabih said the Dubai Economic Agenda – D33, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai will help boost the emirate’s economic ambitions and double its external trade adding more trade corridors to the emirate with 400 new cities around the world.

“The World Customs Organization is dedicating 2023 to Nurturing the next generation: promoting a culture of knowledge-sharing and professional pride in Customs. Innovation is a strategic priority to us, and the Dubai Customs Strategic Plan 2021-2026 stands on five main principles including innovation.”

On his part, His Excellency Ahmed Abdullah Bin Lahej Al Falasi said; “The Customs sector in the UAE is performing well in all aspects, in line with the directives of our leadership, to build a bright future on solid foundations. We provide our services through 100% digital services, and customs administrations were able to achieve optimal employment of human and financial resources, raise efficiency and productivity, and innovate smart systems and leading programs to run the inspection processes, projects and customs platforms. The customs sector was also able to curb smuggling and curtail organized crime networks, thanks to the efficiency of customs administrations, international cooperation, and the exchange of knowledge and expertise. We are confident that in light of the Projects of the 50 and the UAE Centennial Plan 2071, customs sector in the country will be even safer and brighter, for the benefit of our country and the world. Customs administrations in the country made 19,741 seizures, including 6,511 seizures of narcotic substances in 2022.”

His Excellency Majid Abdullah Al-Osaimi highlighted the role of customs in the country in protecting the society and securing the borders against all smuggling attempts.

In the ceremony, Dubai Customs announced the Green Customs Initiative, which will see Dubai Customs work closely with other international authorities to curb illegitimate trade in substances harmful to the environment.

Dubai Customs honored the creative employees of determination (employees with special needs) in recognition of the innovative ideas and solutions they submitted through the smart channels.

Source: Dubai Customs

DUBAI, du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), and Etisalat UAE, branded as etisalat e&, today announced the signing of a Master Developer Agreement (MDA) with UAE-based Aldar Properties.

Through the new partnership, both service providers will deliver essential telecommunications infrastructure for the developer’s major projects in line with the Taawun infrastructure deployment initiative.

Taawun, a joint initiative to support the long-term vision of the government in developing smart infrastructure, gives customers an opportunity to select their operator of choice for telecom services. It is key to establishing a robust telecom infrastructure for property developers by deploying advanced fibre-optic and passive telecom solutions that are best-in-class and future-proof.

Under the agreement, du and Etisalat will install, maintain, and oversee state-of-the-art fixed telecom services and solutions across Aldar Properties’ projects in Abu Dhabi’s most desirable destinations, including Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Raha and Reem Island, as well as government housing and infrastructure projects.

Through the development of advanced telecom infrastructure, Aldar residents will be able to choose their own service provider and have access to the latest fibre-optics and advanced 5G communication solutions. This will help transform these communities into smart, sustainable, and high-quality-of-life areas for their residents with modern ways of living.

Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du, said, “We are excited to partner with Aldar Properties to provide the community members with state-of-the-art telecommunications services and other technologies sought after by tenants. du’s networks offer high-speed connections to empower residents and add value to communities as well as contributing to the UAE’s economic, social, and digital transformation.”

Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of etisalat by e&, stated, “The newly developed telecom infrastructure of the UAE is key to reinforcing the role that the UAE’s telecom industry plays in this ‘connectivity renaissance’ era. In line with our commitment to maintaining our cutting-edge telecom infrastructure offerings and staying aligned with the UAE government’s vision for accelerating digitalisation and innovation, we are delighted to collaborate on this ground-breaking initiative. Through the Taawun initiative and partnering with Aldar Properties, we commit to doing our very best to provide state-of-the-art services and world-class connectivity solutions to the residents of these new property development projects.”

Adel Abdulla Albreiki, CEO of Aldar Projects, commented, “At Aldar, we are committed to building integrated and thriving communities that enrich people’s lives and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s growing attractiveness as one of the world’s most liveable cities. Through this partnership with du and e&, not only will we further advance the telecom infrastructure across our developments, we will also reinforce our continuous efforts to remain at the forefront of digital transformation, sustainable development, and operational excellence. We look forward to seeing the impact that these advanced, state-of-the-art connectivity solutions will have on our communities.”

Residents in integrated communities developed by Aldar Properties will now have the option to choose a retail telecom operator of their choice and the arrangement will further support the UAE government’s long-term vision to develop smart infrastructure and establishing a robust telecom sector for master developers and ensure a high quality of life for all.

Source: Emirates News Agency