National Development Driving Cross-Border Momentum
Abu Dhabi, UAE: The role of cross-border partnerships in the global aviation, aerospace, defence and space sectors will come under the spotlight in Abu Dhabi this month when international leaders from all four industries meet at the Global Aerospace Summit to explore and identify future development strategies.
C-suite executives from the four sectors say with national development agendas gaining momentum, cross-border partnerships are now vital to sustaining business.
Partnership patterns and projects will be examined in two key sessions - one sponsored by Dassault Aviation, which will examine how innovative offset programmes can support local economic development while achieving business goals, and a second, sponsored by the Cytec Solvay Group, which will help define how to create successful partnerships with GCC players.
Globally competitive dynamics, say experts, are now driving partnership deals across the entire aviation, aerospace, defence and space segments. IATA's recent economic briefing says for airlines, partnerships that begin as simple code-share agreements are now leading to closer cooperation and integration of international services through joint ventures.
The Association says JVs allow airlines to gain access to otherwise unattainable valuable assets such as slots at congested airports. Other benefits include mutual traffic feed and branding, joint purchasing and common frequent flyer programmes, stimulating additional business, sharing training facilities and joining forces on maintenance.
Etihad Airways--the national airline of the UAE-- has formed an extensive network of codeshares and equity sharing partnerships to leverage global expansion.
"We believe that our strategy of organic expansion, codeshare partnerships, minority investments in other airlines and deep commercial agreements, have set the benchmark and form the basis of a long and sustainable future for the airline and its partners," said James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer.
Boeing believes the UAE and India will be key to partnership progression and that much can be taken from collaborative agreements already operating in the West. "Partnerships are key," says Jeffery L. Johnson, Vice President, Business Development, Boeing Military Aircraft. "When you look at the UAE in particular, their national agenda really helps align government and industry, it also helps industry partners like Boeing to be able to focus on priorities and not run down a rabbit trap but spend our investments in areas that really pay off for government.
"We have a great industry strategy with the government. Partnership globally is key. You see it in the US where OEMs team together to offer better products and services to the US government and I think you will see that trend in the UAE, India and globally in the way that companies, like Boeing, team for local manufacturing and local technology companies to provide a better product to their government and to align with the national strategies."
And the MRO and after-market segment is also likely to see more international partnership agreements to remain competitive, according to Abu Dhabi's management consultancy ADA Millennium, which has forecast an era hallmarked by joint ventures, mergers and investment to address increasing demand, particularly from the Middle East.
AAR, a global leader in aviation aftermarket services, was chosen by Advanced Military Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Center LLC (AMMROC), the Abu Dhabi-based Joint Venture between Mubadala Development Company, Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin, to support in the design, outfitting and integration of key areas of AMMROC's state-of-the-art facility in Al Ain, UAE.
The new facility will be one of the world's largest dedicated military MRO centres and an anchor tenant at the Nibras Al Ain Aerospace Park (Nibras), the free-zone being jointly developed by Mubadala and Abu Dhabi Airports Company to support the establishment of a sustainable aerospace hub in Abu Dhabi.
"This partnership allows the UAE government to leverage AAR's industry-leading MRO experience and best practices to reduce maintenance costs and increase fleet readiness levels," said David P. Storch, CEO and Chairman of AAR CORP. "While AAR has provided customers with counsel and training in the past, this deal brings our work to the next level, and will hopefully lead to additional opportunities in the Middle East."
Knowledge transfer is the foundation of cross-border strategies, according to US-based Alcoa, a global leader in lightweight metals technology, engineering and manufacturing. It closely partners customers to drive innovation in the aerospace supply chain.
"Through our home-grown innovation and recent aerospace investments, Alcoa has successfully built a strong leadership position in the aerospace market," said Olivier Jarrault, Alcoa Executive Vice President and Group President, Alcoa Engineered Products and Solutions. "We combine metallurgical and engineering expertise with advanced manufacturing to solve some of our customers' toughest challenges and help them enhance aircraft and engine performance."
Streamline Marketing Group, which organises the Summit, said the partnership issue was incorporate into the programme at industry demand. "Members of our own Advisory Committee identified cross-border collaboration as the issue defining the aviation, aerospace, defence and space future," explained Nick Webb, Managing Partner, SMG. "The landscape of all four sectors is changing rapidly and solutions are being sought to how they can remain competitive and play a role in national development programmes."
Hosted by Mubadala Development Company, the 2016 Summit, the third in the series, is part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Aviation and Aerospace Week, which is held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
The Summit will take place on 07 and 08 of March at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Abu Dhabi Airports Company is backing the Summit as an official event partner while Etihad Airways is its official airline.
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The Global Aerospace Summit
The Global Aerospace Summit is an exclusive, invitation-only event for C-level executives, senior decision makers and government officials involved with the aerospace, aviation, defence and space industries. The 2016 edition, the third in this biennial series, will take place March 7-8 in the capital of the United Arab Emirates and will be part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Aerospace and Aviation Week (ADAAW). The Summit, which is hosted by Mubadala Development Company, will debate and analyse key issues and solutions that face the aviation, aerospace, defence and space sectors across the globe under the over-arching theme of 'Innovation.'
The Global Aerospace Summit is organised by Streamline Marketing Group. For more information, please visit - www.aerospacesummit.com.
About Mubadala Development Company
Established and owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi, the company's strategy is built on the creation of partnerships and on long-term, capital-intensive investments that deliver strong financial returns and tangible social benefits for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and that contributes to the growth and diversification of its economy.
Mubadala brings together and manages a multi-billion dollar portfolio of local, regional and international investments and partners with leading global organizations to operate businesses across a wide range of industry sectors. These include aerospace, semiconductors, metals & mining, oil & gas, renewables, information & communications technology, healthcare, real estate & infrastructure, and services. For more information about Mubadala please visit www.mubadala.com.
About Streamline Marketing Group
SMG is an events consultancy specialising in creating innovative events with a global profile and reach. Our success lies in the fact that we think differently about events - a strategy that has won us several international awards and nominations. We look at format and content as well as staging and marketing to create exceptional events that are of real value to our clients and audiences.
SMG also focuses on working closely with government entities and commercial partners to deliver content led, world-class events. Over the years we have worked with some of the world's leading brands, government agencies and industry leaders including: The Emirates Group; Mubadala Development Company; Etihad Airways, Dubai Municipality; Dubai Exports; The General Civil Aviation Authority; Ministry of Economy, UAE and more. Please visit www.smg-online.com for more information.
© Press Release 2016
