Transport

Jun 26, Low cost airline named

The Emirates Group have announced that Dubai’s new low cost airline will be called FlyDubai. The budget carrier will operate regional flights within the GCC area and surrounding countries and is scheduled to launch its first routes in 2009.

Operating as a separate entity to the Emirates Group and Emirates Airline, its fleet will comprise either Boeing 737s or Airbus A320s. A logo and brand identity will be unveiled sometime in the next few months.

Jun 16, Emirates to close boarding gates 15 minutes before departure

Emirates Airline is set to close boarding gates at Dubai International Airport 15 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time to ensure its flights leave on time. The new policy will be introduced on June 22.

Passengers are requested to check in 2 hours before their scheduled departure time and be at the boarding gate 35 minutes before their flight departs. Passengers will be advised of the new 15 minute gate closure policy at check in.

Mohammed H Mattar, Emirates' Senior Vice President Airport Services said, ‘Emirates is implementing the 15-minute before departure gate closure in consideration of our customers who arrive on time for their flights. The new policy will allow aircraft to take off as scheduled as it takes about 15 minutes to locate and off-load the baggage of missing or late customers.'

Jun 1, Silverjet suspends operations

Silverjet Airlines has grounded its fleet after rescue funds promised last week failed to materialise.

A statement on the company’s website dated May 30 reads, ‘Silverjet continues to be in discussions with investors interested in supporting the business of Silverjet, however it has yet to conclude such discussions to its satisfaction. It is with deep regret that the Board of Silverjet has therefore decided that it must suspend operations with immediate effect. The last service of Silverjet was the flight from Dubai to London Luton, which departed at 7.30 am (BST) this morning.’

May 29, Car parks to be built at 3 Metro stations

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that car parks will be built at 3 Metro stations to encourage use of the system.

The car parks will be situated at Al Ghusais at the end of the Green Line, at Rashidiya on the Red Line, and at the Jumeirah Islands station on Sheikh Zayed Road. They will accommodate 6,000, 2,800, and 2,000 cars respectively.

There will be no car parks at any of the other Metro stations.

May 1, Silverjet Airlines saved by mystery investor

Silverjet, the UK business-class airline, announced yesterday that it has found a UAE-based investor to avert its deteriorating working capital position. Under the terms of a memorandum of understanding, agreed on April 29, the unnamed investor will provide funds of approximately $25 million in debt and equity.

Silverjet’s working capital has decreased in recent months due to increasing fuel prices and tightening of credit conditions in the airline industry.

The airline commenced flights from London to Dubai International Airport in November 2007. Eos and MAXjet, two other business-class only airlines, have filed for bankruptcy in recent months.

Apr 29, Plans for Al Sufouh light rail system announced

Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced plans for a 14 km light rail system linking the Dubai Marina/Jumeirah Beach Residence to the Madinat Jumeirah/Burj Al Arab. The Al Sufouh tram project will cost Dh 4 billion and will feature 19 stations.

The tramline will run along the Al Sufouh Road and with connections to the monorail at the Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai Metro. Completion is expected in late 2009.

Apr 1, Metro stations and lines to be branded

The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) had announced naming rights for the Dubai Metro. Companies will shortly be able to bid to have their names attached to 23 stations and the Red and Green Lines, due to open in 2009 and 2010 respectively. Companies wishing to be considered must have a presence in the United Arab Emirates and the company and its products must respect the culture and values of the region.

Mar 25, Serco to run Dubai Metro

Serco has won a 10 year contract to run the Dubai Metro when it opens next year. The British services company currently operates the Docklands Light Railway in London. The first line (Red Line) is due to open next year.

Mar 25, Emirates launch world’s first in-flight mobile telephone service

Emirates have launched the world’s first in-flight mobile telephone service. The Dubai-based airline said first authorised mobile phone call on a commercial flight was made on March 21 on a flight from Dubai to Casablanca.

The Airbus A340-300 was the first in the fleet to be fitted with the AeroMobile system. A second system has been installed in another plane and will be operational shortly.

The service is only activated when the aircraft has reached cruising altitude and can be turned off by cabin crew at certain times, for example during the night. Callers are billed by their own networks at premium international roaming rates.

Feb 20, DJ receives 4 year jail sentence for possession of cannabis

The severity of Dubai’s drug laws was highlighted yesterday when influential British DJ Grooverider was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment for possession of cannabis. Grooverider, the stage name of Raymond Bingham, is widely recognised as one of the founders of the drum and bass movement.

Grooverider was arrested at Dubai International Airport in Novemeber as he flew into to perform at The Lodge nightclub. He had forgotten to remove a joint containing 2.16 grams of cannabis from his trousers.

Earlier this month another British visitor, Keith Brown, was jailed for 4 years after 0.003 g of cannabis was found stuck to the bottom of his shoe. The piece of cannabis was so small that it could not been seen with the naked eye.