Aviation
5 Best Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi by airBaltic.
The Latvian airline will continue to perform regular flights between the two cities also during the
next winter season, with flights restarting on October 28, 2018. The most attractive prices for the
tickets on next winter’s flights are now available on www.airbaltic.com. airBaltic has gathered five
tips that will inspire you to plan a trip to Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi, perched between the stunning clear waters of the Arabian sea and the ever-changing
orange sands of the Western deserts, is known far and wide for its brilliant shopping opportunities,
Ferrari World, the most exhilarating water parks, exquisite restaurants and, of course, the Formula
1 itself. However, it hasn’t always been glitzy and modern – Abu Dhabi started out from very
humble beginnings. airBaltic introduces the taste of the traditional side of Abu Dhabi with these five
amazing experiences when visiting Abu Dhabi.
1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a great place to
begin your trip to Abu Dhabi and learn a little its culture, heritage, history and traditions. The
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic buildings: 82 domes, 1000
columns, 24-carat gold chandeliers and a capacity of 40 000 worshippers make it one of the
largest in the world. The mosque bears the name of the founder of the United Arab Emirates,
Sheikh Zayed, who was also laid to rest here. If you’re keen on exploring this truly traditional
highlight of Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open to visitors daily from 9am to
10pm (except Friday mornings).
2. An Oasis in the desert. A day trip to the Oasis city of Al Ain is well worth the effort. Al Ain is fed
by natural springs and set among a date palm oasis, just a 2-hour drive from Abu Dhabi. The
garden city is also Sheikh Zayed’s hometown, and you can visit his childhood home, Al Jahili
fort. Constructed in 1890 to defend the city and protect the palm groves within, set in beautifully
landscaped gardens, it houses a tourist centre and a terrific photo exhibition by the British
explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger that offers a fascinating insight into the UAE life in the 1940s.
3. Abu Dhabi’s special home for Falcons. Falconry is close to the heart and heritage of many
Emiratis, and is still a popular pastime for many. Traditionally, falcons were an important part of
the desert life, as these birds were trained to become excellent hunters. Today, it’s just a
recreational sport, but the skills and training of the birds are the same as in the past and are
passed down through generations. Having said that, a stop at the Abu Dhabi Falcon hospital is
a must. Opened in 1999, it has cared for over 42 000 falcons. Join a two-hour tour to see the
falcons up close, visit the hospital to see where the injured birds are treated or have come to
receive a falcon pedicure, watch these majestic birds soar in the open air aviary and take home
a souvenir photo with a falcon perched on your arm.
4. Desert Dune Bashing. Locals will tell you that you should never miss the chance to go on a
safari through the vast empty Western Desert. This is one of the most popular adventures for
tourists and locals, a mixture of fun and adventure, plus it serves as a lesson on the local
culture. You can choose to travel through the sands on a camel or in an air-conditioned 4×4.
Various safari options are available for half and full day tours, and staying the night in a luxury
desert camp is also a brilliant way to enjoy the Arabic hospitality and gaze at the most amazing
sky you have ever seen.
5. Have a Pearl of a Time. A great way to explore the warm clear waters of the Arabian Sea is to
set off on a pearling journey aboard the Jalboot, a traditional sailing vessel known in Arabia as a
Dhow. Once on the boat, you’ll be overwhelmed by the local hospitality and begin your journey
with a leisurely cruise along the coast of Abu Dhabi, with superb views of the city. Watch out for
herons, flamingos and other sea birds that make this unique area their home. While comfortably
seated on traditional cushions enjoying locally made Arabic coffee and dates, your Emirati guide
will tell you stories of how their forefathers spent their days diving for oysters in the hope of
finding the elusive and valuable pearls to trade. After a diving demonstration, you’ll be
encouraged to try your hand at opening a few oyster shells. Then search the oyster for a pearl,
which of course will be yours as a memory of your day if you are lucky enough to find it. The
pearling journey takes about two hours and departs daily.
Airlines
Russia has started branding the SJ-100 short-haul aircraft
Russia has recently initiated a branding campaign for the SJ-100 short-haul aircraft, which has been developed by Yakovlev PJSC, a notable Russian aerospace company. The primary focus of this branding effort is to highlight and emphasize the aircraft’s use of 100% Russian domestic components.
After being barred from Western nations, Russia intends to debut its smaller aircraft, the SJ-100, in a significant way on the global market. The SJ-100 will face off against the Boeing 737-7, Embraer E195, and Airbus A220. For countries like Indonesia, China, India, Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran, and those that are allies of Russia, the SJ-100 is a potential aircraft for operation.
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This branding effort is remarkable for various reasons. First and foremost, it demonstrates Russia’s dedication to showcase its domestic aerospace capabilities. Russia’s choice to highlight the use of only 100% Russian components in the branding of the SJ-100 short-haul aircraft is of the greatest strategic significance. In addition to showcasing Russia’s aerospace capabilities, this branding campaign also makes a strong impression on potential customers from other countries.
From an economic standpoint, Russia’s focus on using domestic components aligns with the global trend towards supply chain resilience and reduced reliance on foreign suppliers. The SJ-100’s incorporation of Russian-made components not only assures international buyers of its quality and performance but also presents an opportunity for economic development in their own countries. This can lead to the creation of jobs, the growth of local industries, and the transfer of technology and expertise.
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Recently, The Yakovlev JSC-built SJ-100 Superjet made history by successfully completing its first flight in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Russia. The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade acknowledged this significant development, adding that the test flight verified the plane’s overall stability, steady functioning, and stable handling.
The ability to implement and install their own design solutions and technologies, such as avionics, gear, auxiliary power units, electric power supply systems, air conditioning, fire prevention, and other systems, was demonstrated by Russian developers and producers.
The SJ-100 is a modern regional jet designed to offer exceptional performance and comfort for both passengers and operators. With a length of approximately 29 meters and a wingspan of around 27 meters, the spacious and comfortable cabin is designed to enhance the passenger experience. with modern amenities and ergonomic seating arrangements. During its first flight climbed to heights of up to 3000 metres and reached speeds of 343 kilometres per hour.
Airlines
Akasa Air vs. Pilots: Delhi High Court Upholds DGCA’s Authority to Act in Case of Contractual Breaches
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is authorized to take action against pilots who violate civil aviation rules (CAR), the Delhi High Court ruled on Wednesday.
Akasa Air initiated legal action against pilots who had quit their jobs without giving the required notice by their contracts. In response to a request from the startup airline, which claimed it was in a crisis as a result of the sudden and abrupt resignation of 43 pilots who left the airline without providing the required notice period, the civil aviation regulator submitted written responses.
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However, the Court ruled that it is now unable to give any explicit instructions to the DGCA and MCA regarding how to respond to a future representation that Akasa might make against defaulting pilots.
The court made it clear that there are no limitations on the DGCA’s power to take action in situations of pilot noncompliance in an interim judgment that offers relief to Akasa Air. The airline firm maintained that it is merely requesting a directive to the DGCA to decide their (Akasa’s) claims against pilots who may depart the airline in the future without serving the notice period, not that it is pressing for any action against the pilots who have already quit.
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The DGCA had stated that it lacked the power or authority to intervene in any employment contract and therefore was unable to affect the employment contract between the pilots and Akasa Air.
The aviation authority said that if Akasa Air doesn’t have enough pilots to continue operating flights, it would be in the interests of all parties if it complies with the requirement to keep a limited schedule.
Airlines
Global Airlines to contract Hi Fly to accelerate A380 Entry into Service
- Under the agreement, Global Airlines will benefit from Hi Fly’s expertise to accelerate the Entry into Service (EIS) programme for the airline’s new fleet.
- Hi Fly, based in Lisbon, has significant A380 technical and operating experience.
- First Global aircraft expected to fly to Europe in the months ahead, with a new registration of 9H-GLOBL
In a significant operational move, Global Airlines and Hi Fly have inked a contract to collaborate on the development and maintenance of the four A380 aircraft the new airline has agreed to purchase.
Hi Fly, the first company to operate the A380 on the secondary market, will collaborate with Global as it gets ready to launch operations to help the new carrier realize its goal of giving passengers the best possible experience when flying commercially.
Hi Fly takes delivery of its first Airbus A380(Opens in a new browser tab)
The EIS and Return to Service (RTS) procedures for Global’s first aircraft, which are anticipated to start in the coming months, are the organisation’s immediate priorities. However, with an affinity for the aircraft and confidence in its long-term potential and popularity, both businesses will look at further possibilities to deepen their partnership.
Hi Fly holds authorization to operate worldwide and currently operates 35,000 flights per year for a base of 140 airlines and governments on a global basis.
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