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Emirates Flight Catering Opens World’s Largest Vertical Farm in Dubai.

The largest hydroponic farm in the world, supported by a $40 million investment, has officially opened its doors in Bustanica #Emirates

Emirates Flight Catering Opens World’s Largest Vertical Farm in Dubai.

The largest hydroponic farm in the world, supported by a $40 million investment, has officially opened its doors in Bustanica. The facility is the first vertical farm for Emirates Crop One, a partnership between Crop One, a leader in technology-driven indoor vertical farming, and Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC), one of the largest catering companies in the world serving more than 100 airlines.

The 330,000 sq ft plant, which is situated in Dubai World Central close to Al Maktoum International Airport, is designed to produce more than 1,000,000 kilos of premium leafy greens annually while using 95% less water than traditional agriculture. The facility grows more than 1 million cultivars (plants) at any given time, with a daily output of 3,000 kg. A highly specialised internal team made up of agronomy experts, engineers, horticulturists, and plant scientists powers Bustanica’s innovative methodologies, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Produce grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals is guaranteed to be extremely fresh, clean, and pure.

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From July, travellers on Emirates and other airlines can savour these delectable leafy greens, such as lettuce, arugula, mixed salad greens, and spinach, onboard their flights. Salads in the sky are not the only thing being revolutionised by Bustanica shortly, UAE residents will be able to add these greens to their shopping carts at the nearby supermarkets. Bustanica also intends to increase its production and distribution of fruits and vegetables.

Sustainability

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  • Hydroponic cultivation uses up to 95% less water (15 litres for 1kg) than traditional outdoor
    farming (317 litres for 1kg).
  • 250m litres of water saved every year compared to traditional outdoor farming.
  • 1,000MW saved in the production of water.
  • Grown indoors in a controlled environment, leading to zero soil degradation.
  • Nutrient-rich water is recirculated continuously and precisely to each crop, eliminating nutrient
  • leaching into the soil which is a concern with conventional agriculture.

produce

  • The risk of fungal and foodborne diseases is almost entirely eliminated as humidity levels are
    managed, and limited human interaction with the crops removes the risk of contamination.
  • Filtered and purified water is treated with a precisely calculated mix of plant-specific nutrients
    such as nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium and then delivered to the roots of the plants to
    encourage peak nutritional development.
  • The harvested greens are beyond organic, ready to eat and don’t need pre-washing – they can be eaten straight out of the box.

About Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC)

Emirates Flight Catering is one of the world’s largest catering operations. Offering airline, events and VIP catering as well as ancillary services including laundry, food production and airport lounge food & beverage, EKFC is a trusted partner for over 100 airline customers, hospitality groups and UAE government entities. Each day, the company’s 11,000 dedicated employees prepare an average of 200,000 meals and handle 210 tonnes of laundry.

About Crop One Holding Inc.

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Crop One Holdings Inc. (Crop One), headquartered in Massachusetts, USA, is an established and experienced vertical farming leader with continuous commercial operation exceeding 6 years. Leveraging new technological and biological advancements, Crop One has built a scalable, global model to bring fresh, local produce, to previously ungrowable environments.

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Airlines

Alaska Airlines Acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines Reshapes the Air Travel Landscape

Alaska Airlines' Acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines Reshapes the Air Travel Landscape

Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE: ALK) and Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA) jointly announced today the execution of a definitive agreement, signifying Alaska Airlines’ acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines at a cash price of $18.00 per share. The total transaction value stands at approximately $1.9 billion, encompassing Hawaiian Airlines’ net debt of $0.9 billion.

The combination of complementary domestic, international, and cargo networks

This strategic union is poised to open up an array of additional destinations, providing consumers with increased choices in crucial air service options across the Pacific region, Continental United States, and globally.

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The transaction is anticipated to establish a robust platform for growth and competition in the U.S., offering enduring employment opportunities, ongoing community investments, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Key Points:

  1. Acquisition Overview:
    • Alaska Air Group to acquire Hawaiian Holdings for $18.00 per share in an all-cash transaction, totaling approximately $1.9 billion.
    • Combined company aims to maintain the strong, high-quality brands of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.
  2. Fleet Expansion and Network Reach:
    • Creates the fifth-largest U.S. airline with a fleet of 365 narrow and wide-body airplanes.
    • Enables access to 138 destinations through combined networks and over 1,200 destinations via the oneworld Alliance.
  3. Hub Development and Connectivity:
    • Honolulu to become a key hub for the combined airline, offering expanded services to the Continental U.S., Asia, and the Pacific.
    • Tripling the number of destinations from Hawai‘i to North America, while maintaining robust Neighbor Island service.
  4. Commitment to Hawai‘i:
    • Strong commitment to Hawai‘i, ensuring robust Neighbor Island air service.
    • Aiming for a more competitive platform supporting growth, job opportunities, community investment, and environmental stewardship.
  5. Employee and Union Commitment:
    • Commitment to maintaining and growing the union-represented workforce in Hawai‘i.
    • Immediate value creation with at least $235 million of expected run-rate synergies.
  6. Investor Call and Timeline:
    • Investor conference call scheduled for today at 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. HT.
    • Anticipated closing of the transaction within 12-18 months.
  7. Strategic and Financial Rationale:
    • Complementary networks to enhance competition and provide greater choice for consumers.
    • Preservation of both Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines’ brands on a single operating platform.
    • Expected to deliver high single-digit earnings accretion for Alaska Airlines within the first two years.
  8. Community and Sustainability Commitment:
    • Focus on growth in union-represented jobs and strong operational presence in Hawai‘i.
    • Commitment to environmental stewardship, aligning with Alaska Airlines’ five-part path to net zero by 2040.
  9. Synergies and Accretion:
    • Expected run-rate synergies of at least $235 million.
    • Transaction multiple of 0.7 times revenue, approximately one third the average of recent airline transactions.
  10. Conditions to Close:
  • Approval by regulatory authorities and Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. shareholders.
  • Expected to close in 12-18 months, with the combined organization based in Seattle under the leadership of Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci.
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Aerospace

Revolutionizing Air Cargo: Dronamics and Qatar Airways Cargo Pioneer Drone-Airline Partnership

Dronamics, the inaugural cargo drone airline licensed to operate in Europe, and Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s largest international cargo carrier, have announced a groundbreaking interline agreement. This partnership marks the first-ever interline agreement between a global airline and a cargo drone carrier.

The interline agreement facilitates the expansion of delivery networks for both collaborators, significantly broadening their outreach and granting access to regions traditionally challenging for conventional air freight.

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Droneports Network of Qatar Airways Cargo.

Through this arrangement, Dronamics can offer cargo services from any of its droneports, initially located in Greece, to the extensive network of Qatar Airways Cargo.

This network includes destinations like Singapore, China (including Hong Kong), and the United States (JFK). Conversely, Qatar Airways Cargo gains access to remote locations served by Dronamics, such as the Greek islands, through the cargo drone network.

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The expansion of this network allows Dronamics customers to make seamless bookings for transporting goods from a Dronamics droneport to any destination covered by the joint interline network, and vice versa.

It enables swift and reliable shipments

This development opens up significant potential for the flow of various goods, including pharmaceuticals, food, e-commerce items, mail, parcels, and spare parts. It enables swift and reliable shipments to and from locations that were previously underserved by air freight.

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Svilen Rangelov, Co-Founder and CEO of Dronamics, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We’re very excited to have the world’s largest air cargo carrier as our partner for the first-of-its-kind interline agreement with our category-defining cargo drone airline.”

Rangelov emphasized the opportunity to exponentially expand air cargo accessibility globally, enabling same-day delivery to numerous communities worldwide.

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Elisabeth Oudkerk, SVP Cargo Sales & Network Planning at Qatar Airways Cargo, highlighted the airline’s commitment to embracing disruptive technology and supporting ambitious companies like Dronamics.

She noted the significance of being the first international airline to offer this innovative service, marking a milestone in the advancement of autonomous cargo drone transportation.

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Dronamics is set to commence commercial operations in Greece early next year, with a focus on establishing a same-day service connecting Athens, the capital city, with the industrial north area of the country, as well as the southern islands.

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Aerospace

Boeing’s Showstopper Aircraft and Green Commitment at Dubai Airshow 2023

– The airshow will feature a Boeing 777-9 flying display, while customer 777, 787 Dreamliner, and 737 MAX aircraft will be on static display.

Boeing's Showstopper Aircraft and Green Commitment at Dubai Airshow 2023

Boeing Co [NYSE: BA] is set to showcase its market-leading commercial, defense, and services portfolio at the 2023 Dubai Airshow. During the event, they will feature their new widebody 777-9 jet in the flying display. Additionally, the company will demonstrate the state-of-the-art F-15QA (Qatar Advanced) fighter, marking the first time that the digitally advanced Qatar Emiri Air Force F-15 has performed at an air show.

As a strategic sponsor of the Aerospace 2050 conference at the airshow, Boeing will emphasize its commitment and actions in promoting a more sustainable aerospace future. They will also express their support for the aviation industry’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

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Boeing's Showstopper Aircraft and Green Commitment at Dubai Airshow 2023

Boeing’s activities at the airshow:

Boeing Commercial Airplanes:

  • Boeing will showcase its widebody 777-9 airplane from November 13-15.
  • The 777-9 is the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, based on the successful 777 family with technology from the 787 Dreamliner. It can seat 426 passengers and has a range of 13,510 km.
  • Customer displays will feature aircraft from various airlines, including the 787-9 Dreamliner, 777-300ER, 787-10 Dreamliner, and 737 MAX.

Riyadh Air:

  • Riyadh Air, a new Saudi carrier, will display a Boeing-owned 787-9 in a new indigo livery inspired by the sky at dusk.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security:

  • Boeing’s Advanced F-15QA fighter jet will perform aerial demonstrations.
  • The T-7A Red Hawk Advanced Pilot Training System simulator will be showcased.
  • Several Boeing aircraft, including the F-15E, KC-46A Pegasus, P-8A Poseidon, AH-64 Apache, and CH-47F Chinook, will be on display.

Boeing Global Services:

  • Boeing will present services for government and commercial customers, including digital, sustainment, modifications, parts, and training solutions.
  • They will highlight partnerships for support and digital capabilities for aviation operations.

Sustainable Aviation:

  • Boeing will discuss efforts to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint at the Aerospace 2050 forum.
  • They will also talk about the Cascade Climate Impact Model, a tool for reducing carbon emissions.

Innovation and Technology:

  • Boeing’s Aerospace Xelerated is partnering with the Vista 2023 startup hub.
  • They will feature 10 portfolio companies supported by the UAE’s Tawazun Council.
  • Boeing’s Applied Innovation team will work with seven portfolio companies to bring startup technology into their products.
  • Visitors can learn more about Boeing’s capabilities at Exhibit 1005.

Boeing’s High-Flying Presence at Dubai Airshow 2023

Boeing showcased its Business jet BBJ aircraft at the MEBAA event in Abu Dhabi last year, an event designed for a private jet flight expo. The Dubai Airshow 2023 is also highlighting private jet companies such as Gulfstream, Embraer, and Bombardier. Boeing recently secured a significant order for its Boeing 737 Max aircraft, with 108 orders for the 737-7 Max variant from Southwestern Airlines. Similar aircraft of this type will be featured at the Dubai Airshow, targeting new commercial market segments. Additionally, the event will feature the presentation of the new Boeing 777x upgraded versions.

Passenger planes are available for sale with prices that vary depending on their seating capacity and range. Boeing offers a range of commercial planes priced between $50 million and $450 million, all customized to meet specific customer requirements.

The Boeing 777x is in competition with the Airbus A350, both incorporating cutting-edge technology and composite materials that reduce the aircraft’s weight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and range for airlines. Boeing is also conducting tests with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on all its aircraft to make them more environmentally friendly by 2040. At the Dubai Airshow 2023, Boeing and Airbus are presenting the finest aircraft available for sale. The event also includes demonstrations of simulation technology for airline pilot training, electric aircraft, and the latest innovations in aviation.

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Aviation

Nigeria In Talks For The 5th Generation Su-75 Checkmate

Nigeria has expressed an intense interest in purchasing the highly desired fifth-generation Su-75 Checkmate stealth fighter jet from Russia in an effort to strengthen its air power capabilities. The Su-75 Checkmate was created by Sukhoi, a division of United Aircraft Corporation, and was formally presented in July 2021 during the MAKS-2021 aerospace Exhibition. Russia has been vigorously promoting cutting-edge fighters to allies throughout the world, and it has drawn interest from several nations in Africa and Asia, including Nigeria.

Russia is now setting its sights on African countries for potential exports of this stealth aircraft, and Nigeria is among those expressing a strong interest. The development of the Su-57, a previous Russian fighter, was partly funded by India. However, India’s withdrawal from the program posed challenges, leading Russia to look for alternative markets for its advanced military technology. Additionally, Western sanctions have hampered the development and foreign sales of Russian aircraft, making it crucial for Russia to seek potential buyers in other regions.

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The Su-75 Checkmate is a state-of-the-art, single-engine fighter aircraft designed to enhance air defense capabilities significantly. Its stealth capabilities, cutting-edge technology, and superior performance make it a highly coveted asset for countries seeking to modernize their military forces.

The director of Russia’s Federal Services for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), Dmitry Shugaev, disclosed during the Russia-Africa Forum that Nigeria has expressed an interest in purchasing Russia’s cutting-edge aircraft. Even though it is too soon to talk about specific contracts, Nigeria is actively interacting with the Russian arms sector. The possible agreement shows Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing its air defense capabilities and highlights the rising demand for the Su-75 Checkmate on the global market.

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Nigeria emerges as a possible prospect for the advanced stealth fighter jet as Russia looks to widen its customer base for the Su-75 Checkmate. The procurement of cutting-edge aircraft will greatly improve Nigeria’s military capabilities and provide the nation with a competitive edge in its stance for regional security.

The development and potential sale of the Su-75 Checkmate also showcase Russia’s ongoing efforts to maintain its presence in the global defense market, despite the challenges posed by international sanctions and financial constraints. As negotiations proceed, the world watches keenly to see how this prospective arms deal will unfold and contribute to the evolving geopolitical landscape in the African region.

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The Su-75 Checkmate, a remarkable achievement in Russia’s aerospace technology, is poised to revolutionize air warfare on a global scale. This cutting-edge aircraft combines stealth capabilities and advanced avionics, propelling it to the forefront of modern combat aviation.

The Su-75 Checkmate has the potential to change the world, and it also has an impressively cost-effective design. According to Sergei Chemezov, the chairman of Rostec, each Checkmate jet will cost between $ 25 and $ 30 million. This tactical strategy aims to increase the aircraft’s utility for a wide variety of customers ensuring that its influence will be felt across various air forces around the world.

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