Civil Aviation

New Delhi, May 30, 2022: Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company on May 28, 2022, held the 2022 Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting to review its resilient business performance against the pandemic, the last five-year term of the Board of Directors, and to vote on the 2021 audited financial statements and the development plan for 2022.The global aviation industry has faced the most unprecedented and challenging time in its long history. Vietjet, though, has emerged from the pandemic with its pioneering spirit, patience, and robust inner strength. Vietjet was reported to gain a consolidated revenue of VND12,875 billion (approx. US$555 million) in 2021 with the after-tax profit of VND80 billion (approx. US$3.4 million). As of December 31, 2021, Vietjet’s assets totaled nearly VND51,654 billion (approx. US$2.22 billion). Its debt-to-equity ratio stayed at 0.9 while the liquidity ratio was at 1.6 – all were considered good indicators in the aviation industry. In 2021, Vietjet has bounced back and expanded its flight network, offering everyone more opportunities to fly and joined hands with localities contributing to the country’s economic recovery. The airline last year operated 40,000 flights, transporting more than 5.4 million passengers across over 50 domestic and international routes. It has also airlifted more than 63,000 tons of cargo, reporting a revenue growth of 200% YOY. The airline has operated several flights to airlift doctors, police officers and soldiers to pandemic-stricken localities; delivered millions of Covid-19 vaccine doses and joined hands of strategic partners in Sovico Group to grant medical utilities including ambulances, breathing machines, testing kits, and hospital beds to many localities. By the end of 2021, Vietjet has a fleet of 76 aircraft flying to 44 domestic and 95 international destinations. To prepare for the post-pandemic recovery, Vietjet has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Airbus on the deliveries of aircraft orders and cooperation to develop the airline’s wide-body fleet in addition to further support post-pandemic. Vietjet has invested in a wide-body fleet of Airbus A330-300 following the low-cost model, beginning a new era of longer-range flight routes. Both sides recently have also reached an agreement to continue their order contract with long-term cooperation programs aiming to make Vietnam a regional and global aviation center. Shareholders at the meeting have passed a resolution on business plan for 2022, in which Vietjet eyes to expand its fleet to 82 aircraft, operating 100,000 flights and transporting 18 million passengers. The shareholders have also voted to pass a resolution to pay a 20% stock dividend from accumulated undistributed profits from the years before the pandemic. The airline this year plans to earn more than VND22,300 billion (approx. US$959 million) in air transport revenue and make a profit. Vietjet, since its first flight in 2011, has pioneered in using e-tickets to replace paper ones and the implementation of e-commerce. In 2022, the airline is set to keep broadening its application of advanced technology, automation and innovation; bolstering the digital business sector in air transport, cargo and logistics; and growing and expanding air services including ground handling, training, financing, project investment and other services. Vietjet has rolled out the SFC02 including solutions to optimize the fuel consumption in aircraft operation, reducing environmental pollution. In the coming time, the airline will continue the program to monitor and manage the fuel consumption and CO2 emission of civil aircraft, aiming towards emission reduction and climate change prevention. Recognizing 2021 was a challenging year for the aviation industry, Vietnam Deputy Minister of Transport Le Anh Tuan, representing Vietnam government, however hailed that Vietjet had resiliently overcome it and demonstrated its efforts and business success. Le said that Vietjet has actively resumed its domestic and international routes after the pandemic was put under control, even opening new routes to Japan, South Korea and India. He hoped that Vietjet’s newly added wide-body Airbus A330 fleet preparing to fly to Australia and Europe would bring more success to the airline. Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam Deputy Director Dinh Viet Son acknowledged Vietjet’s contributions to the country’s aviation safety and service quality. He highly regarded Vietjet as a model for flexibility and adaptability to hold firm throughout the pandemic while seeking new opportunities to develop air transport. “Following the scheme of ‘Flying in the digital era’, Vietjet has found the right way that is in line with the government’s (digital) orientation especially in the aviation sector, which demands highest safety and cutting-edge technology, and is also the current trend of the world,” said Dinh Viet Son. Vietjet’s executive board have recognized the orientation of Transport Ministry leaders and contributing ideas from the shareholders. The meeting also approved the profit distribution plan in 2021 and the dividend payment plan in 2022; bond issuance plan; plan to increase charter capital; and elected members of the Board of Directors for 2022 – 2027 term with independent members who are experienced experts in the fields of insurance and aviation.

*The consultation, also involving other government departments and private players, was to identify the pain points, narrow down key focus points of the proposed policy, and finalise proposed incentives. *The consultation was very productive with all stakeholders coming up with excellent inputs and suggestions for the proposed policy. Gandhinagar: The Gujarat State Aviation Infrastructure Company Limited (GUJSAIL), the nodal agency for the development of aviation and related infrastructure in Gujarat, held a stakeholder consultation as a part of the preparation of the Gujarat Aviation Policy. Stakeholder consultation is an important part of any policy preparation to identify and address the pain points faced by stakeholders, narrow down the key focus points of the proposed policy, discuss financial implications, and finalise proposed incentives. GUJSAIL has identified seven themes as a part of the proposed aviation policy, which include enhancing airport and allied infrastructure, air cargo, supporting maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) and industrial ecosystem, developing aero sports, improving regional connectivity, boosting R&D, training, &startups, and aircraft financing and leasing. “The Gujarat government is committed to the growth of the aviation sector and coming out with the best policy that can play the role of a catalyst in the further growth of aviation. We discussed if any specific focus areas or incentives or reforms are needed to be included in the policy to attract more participation from private players, generate employment, and bring more investment to the state. The consultation was very productive with all stakeholders coming up with excellent inputs and suggestions. There is a lot more clarity about what the stakeholders expect from the proposed policy, and will have more such consultations if the need arises,” said Captain Ajay Chauhan, CEO, GUJSAIL, and Director, Civil Aviation Department. GUJSAIL, which won the award for the “Best State with a Dedicated Outlook for the (Aviation) Sector” at the recent WINGS India 2022, Asia’s largest event on civil aviation, has launched or announced several initiatives in recent times. To bring smaller cities on the air map, the state has introduced a regional air connectivity scheme, under which four routes are already operational and another route is planned to be operationalised in the coming weeks. GUJSAIL has launched a pilot project of Helicopter Joyride at Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad to boost both aviation and tourism sectors and has also launched the first state-specific air ambulance service for medical emergencies. “The growth of aviation is directly linked with tourism, which also has a multiplier effect on the economy. GUJSAIL is committed to the growth of aviation infrastructure in the state. Three state-owned airstrips are being developed at Mehsana, Amreli, and Mandvi. Similarly, new airstrips are being developed at Ankleshwar, Morbi, Rajpipla, and Dwarka, besides water aerodromes at Sabarmati Riverfront and Statue of Unity,” said Captain Chauhan. The stakeholder consultation was attended by senior officials from the Department of Science & Technology, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited, and Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board, along with various private players connected with the aviation industry, and moderated by Deloitte.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) flagship Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN (UdeDeshkaAamNagrik) has been awarded Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2020 under the category “Innovation (General) – Central”. The award was given away by the Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia to UDAN team lead by Smt Usha Padhee, Joint Secretary, MoCA in presence of Secretary, MoCA, Shri Rajiv Bansal and Chairman, Airport Authority of India, Shri Sanjeev Kumar. Government of India has initiated this award to acknowledge, recognize and reward extraordinary and innovative work done by Districts and Organizations of State/Government. This scheme emphasises on Good Governance, Qualitative achievements, and last mile connectivity rather than only on achievement of quantitative targets. The award consists of a trophy, scroll and an incentive of Rs 10 lakhs. Launched in 2016, UDAN scheme aims to fulfil the aspirations of the common man by following the vision of UdeDeshkaAamNagrik, with an enhanced aviation infrastructure and air connectivity in tier II and III cities. In a short span of 5 years, today 419 UDAN routes connect 67 underserved/unserved airports, including heliports and water aerodromes, and over 92 lakh people have benefited from it. More than 1 lakh 79 thousand flights have flown under this scheme. UDAN scheme has immensely benefitted several sectors pan-India including Hilly States, North-Eastern region, and Islands.

SalamAir to fly from Salalah to Calicut, Muscat to Jaipur, Lucknow, Trivandrum Muscat, 31st March 2022: Sultanate’s fastest-growing value-for-money airline, SalamAir, has announced non-stop flights to four Indian cities – from Salalah to Calicut and from Muscat to Jaipur, Lucknow, and Trivandrum. The flights from Salalah to Calicut will operate on Friday and Sunday starting from 3rd April. Flights from Muscat to Jaipur will operate daily except Sunday, Lucknow double daily, and Trivandrum daily except Monday. While the Salalah to Calicut route is new, previously, SalamAir operated special flights to these Indian destinations as part of the COVID-19 pandemic related air bubble pact between India and Oman, now with the launch of the scheduled flights from Muscat to Jaipur, Lucknow, and Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), SalamAir has expanded its network in the Indian Subcontinent.Capt. Mohamed Ahmed, CEO of SalamAir, said, “In line with our network expansion plan, it is with great pleasure that we announce our direct flights to India. Our aim is always to provide our customers with greater connectivity and convenience, and the addition of these routes will cater to the expat population, business travellers, and tourists. Our strategic cooperation with Oman Air enables us to serve the Indian market and augment demand and traffic volume, thus fulfilling the Oman Vision 2040”. SalamAir recently announced its strategic cooperation with Oman Air, which expanded the codeshare agreement to facilitate dynamic and smooth passengers’ movement to the Sultanate to promote tourism growth. He added, As part of our network expansion goals, we plan to introduce non-stop flights from Suhar to Calicut; the groundwork for these flights is currently being done to have four flights a week on this route, which we hope to announce soon. He continued, While Oman is home to a large Indian community, India is one of the top trading partners of Oman. During the pandemic, we operated multiple charter flights; and we hope to continue our service to the community and hope our flights will continue to facilitate and strengthen these strong ties and bilateral relationships in the future.

TEL AVIV, 10th FEB 2022: In a major milestone, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has completed the conversion of the 100th B767-300 aircraft, becoming the world leader in conversions of this model. This achievement highlights IAI’s leading role in the cargo conversion industry for over four decades, and is a testament to IAI’s advanced capabilities, robust pace, and expanding capacity to provide customers worldwide with the most optimal freighter solution. The 100th B767-300 freighter was converted at IAI’s cargo conversion facility in Tel Aviv, Israel, prior to being delivered to the customer. IAI began operating the B767-300 conversion line in Israel in 2007 together with M&B Conversions, a joint venture with Mitsui, and received the STC (Supplementary Type Certificate) in 2009. In 2017, IAI opened an additional B767-300 conversion facility in Mexico, increasing operations to meet global demand for the converted widebody aircraft. The converted B767-300 aircraft provides a competitive and cost-effective solution for customers seeking to increase their cargo fleet, and as air cargo traffic doubles in the next two decades and e-commerce continues rising, IAI will continue providing the best solution on the market.

London,18th January2022: Flypop Airlines, UK based LCC is gradually expanding its fleet size with addition of one more aircraft on Monday. The aircraft is currently pressed into service for cargo operations. Flypop has been partnering with Hi Fly airline for zero LOPA cargo operations over the past few months to meet the growing international demand for cargo flights. (Nino) Navdip Singh Judge, CEO & Principal of flypop, commented,“Fantastic to see our second flypop aircraft in the skies and especially here at our UK base at London Stansted Airport and flying over my house! flypop is now a revenue generating airline and we look forward to continuing to grow our fleet of aircraft throughout 2022 for both cargo and passenger operations.” Over the weekend the Airbus A330 flew into London Stansted Airport, flypop’s headquarters where the team celebrated the airline’s growing fleet with a party in theDiamond Hangar. Over the next few months flypop will bring two more of its fleet of aircraft into service for cargo duties and plan to launch passenger flights in the summer to meet the pent-up demand of the Indian diaspora communities living in the UK and their visiting friends and relatives. “We expect a surge in demand for low-cost flights to India from the UK from Q2 onwards.”added Nino. The flypop team are currently considering several destinations on the Indian subcontinent including Amritsar, Hyderabad, Goa, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Kochi and Chandigarh.

30 December 2021, Abu Dhabi, UAE: Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s ultra-low-fare national airline, the joint venture established between ADQ and Wizz Air Holdings plc, today announced its outstanding operational results for 2021. During its first operational year, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi launched more than 34 destinations including Alexandria (Egypt), Athens (Greece), Baku (Azerbaijan), Bahrain, Belgrade (Serbia), Kutaisi (Georgia), Kyiv (Ukraine), Muscat (Oman), Odesa (Ukraine), Sarajevo (Bosnia), Sohag (Egypt), Tel-Aviv (Israel), Tirana (Albania) and Yerevan (Armenia) among others. The airline has successfully operated more than 1,080 flights since its launch in January 2021, with 506 flights taking place in the fourth quarter of the year. Kees Van Schaick, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi commented: “We are proud of what has been achieved since launching our operations in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Through collaboration with key stakeholders, we have been able to grow and expand our network to more than 34 destinations despite all the challenges we have faced. This has helped us play our role in attracting tourists into the emirate and build on our ambitions to expand our network to even many more destinations. Our aim is to serve a large segment of travellers and provide them with affordable packages with great memories and experiences to remember. We look forward to continuing our contribution to enhancing the development of the aviation and tourism sectors in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and achieving many more successful milestones in the coming years,” Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has introduced a new segment of travel in the UAE in line with its socio-economic vision. The launch of the airline highlighted the importance of bringing in a bold new frontier for ultra-low fare travel in the region. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has contributed to supporting the UAE and Abu Dhabi’s efforts towards the post-pandemic tourism recovery and driving the UAE capital’s ongoing economic diversification strategy. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi provides ultra-low fare, hassle-free and efficient travel options for people looking to explore a wide range of attractive destinations in the UAE and abroad. The airline has a young fleet composed of four brand new state-of-the-art Airbus A321neo aircraft, offering the lowest fuel burn, emissions and noise footprint. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has the lowest environmental footprint among its competitors in the region, supporting long-term sustainability.