Latest news with #WouterVanWersch
Mid East Info
17 hours ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Cluster 2 signs an agreement to advance smart airport operations in Saudi Arab - Middle East Business News and Information
Airbus Defence and Space has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cluster 2 at the Paris Air Show to deliver next generation digital solutions that enhance airport efficiency, security and collaboration across Saudi Arabia. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Wouter Van Wersch, Executive Vice President of Airbus International, Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus in Middle-East and Africa, and Mr. Saad A. Alajlan, General Manager of Commercial Operations and Business Development at Cluster 2. The partnership will introduce advanced technologies including Agnet Turnaround by Airbus , a smart platform that enables real time coordination of airport operations. This will empower Cluster 2 to streamline workflows, enhance on-time performance and elevate the passenger experience across its network of 22 international and domestic airports. Through this MoU, Airbus and Cluster 2 aim to raise operational standards, improve situational awareness and drive seamless collaboration between ground staff, security teams and control rooms. 'This partnership underscores our commitment to driving digital innovation in aviation. With Agnet Turnaround, we are enabling smarter, safer and more connected airports that align with the Kingdom's vision for the future of transportation.', said Antoun Farra, Managing Director of Airbus Defence and Space in Saudi Arabia. 'Airports are vital gateways to the Kingdom, and digital transformation is at the heart of our strategy. Partnering with Airbus allows us to enhance safety, reduce response times and create a unified operations ecosystem across our airports.', commented Eng. Badr Al-Dalami, Chief Executive Officer of Cluster 2. With multiple communication and automation capabilities, Agnet Turnaround is a smart and secure solution which aims at solving daily operational challenges for aviation stakeholders and enhancing On Time Performance (OTP).
Morocco World
05-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Airbus Set to Supply Royal Air Maroc with 200 Aircraft by 2037
Doha – In what will be a first-ever partnership for the national carrier, Airbus is poised to become a supplier for Royal Air Maroc (RAM), breaking the airline's long-standing reliance on Boeing and ATR. According to French media, Airbus has secured a position as one of two suppliers for RAM's fleet expansion. 'Airbus has been retained to be one of the two suppliers of Royal Air Maroc. The French aircraft will indeed fly in the colors of the national company,' confirms a source close to the file. The official announcement of this partnership, which would be a first in Moroccan aeronautical history, is expected in the coming weeks. The finalization of the agreement has been delayed by issues related to traffic rights and slots that RAM lost during renovation works at French airports, particularly Orly. The Moroccan side argues that Air France and its subsidiary Transavia have never faced similar problems with slots in Moroccan airports. This deal comes as part of RAM's ambitious expansion plan announced in April 2024, when the airline launched a tender for new aircraft. The national carrier aims to quadruple its fleet from the current 60 aircraft to nearly 200 by 2037. This rapid growth positions RAM as one of the largest carriers on the African continent. The airline's expansion is fueled by Morocco's flourishing tourism industry, which recorded 17.4 million visitors in 2024 — a 20% increase from 2023. The momentum has continued into 2025, with 4 million tourists visiting in just the first quarter. Additionally, preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal, are accelerating the need for enhanced air transport infrastructure. RAM has already begun implementing its fleet development strategy. In November 2024, the airline welcomed a new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport, bringing its long-haul fleet to 10 aircraft. This delivery was part of a larger order of 10 aircraft, including seven Boeing 737 MAX jets for medium-haul routes and three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for long-haul operations. Airbus has recently expressed its view of Morocco as a key partner in aviation growth. During Airbus's third summit held in Toulouse in March, Wouter Van Wersch, Airbus's International Executive Vice President, stated that Morocco is a pivotal partner for the company due to its major growth potential in the aviation sector. He noted that Airbus represents 70% of Morocco's aviation industry, with revenues exceeding €1 billion in 2023. The European aircraft manufacturer has also been strengthening its 70-year presence in Morocco. In April, Airbus finalized a $439 million agreement to acquire Spirit AeroSystems' Casablanca facility, which produces components for the A321 and A220 aircraft models. The 25,000-square-meter facility, employing 800 workers, manufactures leading edge wing components and the ventral beam for the A220, as well as flap track stringers for the A321. To meet growing global demand, Airbus is turning to its Moroccan facilities to boost production. In June 2024, Patrick Derderian, the Group's Director of International Cooperation for Africa, announced plans to reach a production goal of 75 aircraft per month by 2026. Derderian stressed the company's commitment to utilizing a fully Moroccan workforce at its plants, underlining the country's skill development and readiness to meet high industry standards. This economic collaboration is part of the broader warming of relations between France and Morocco. The diplomatic chill that had temporarily frozen relations between the two countries, and consequently suspended certain business agreements, has thawed. The €10 billion in contracts signed in October 2024 demonstrate both countries' willingness to renew their partnership built over time. The warming ties are evident in other sectors as well, with Alstom supplying 18 TGV trains for the new high-speed rail line connecting Kenitra to Marrakech. This 430-kilometer LGV project, inaugurated by King Mohammed VI in late April, represents a €5 billion investment and is crucial for infrastructure development ahead of the global sporting event. Read also: IATA Welcomes Morocco's 'Airports 2030 Strategy' Tags: AirbusRoyal Air Maroc
Morocco World
25-03-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Airbus Sees Morocco as Key Partner in Aviation Growth
Rabat — In an interview during Airbus's third summit held in Toulouse held on March 24-25, Wouter Van Wersch, Airbus's International Executive Vice President, stated that Morocco is a pivotal partner for the company due to its significant growth potential in the aviation sector. Van Wersch recalled the longstanding relationship between Airbus and Morocco, expressing a desire to further enhance this partnership, as reported by MAP. . Van Wersch noted that Morocco has ambitious goals under King Mohammed VI's leadership, positioning the nation as a key player in the aviation industry, especially that Airbus represents 70% of Morocco's aviation industry, with revenues that exceeded one billion euros in 2023. He also talked about the 2030 vision for airport development, saying it aligns with Morocco's role as the host of the upcoming World Cup, which will be a a significant opportunity to bolster the country's international stature. He also pointed out that the aviation sector is crucial to Morocco's economy, having experienced remarkable growth in recent years. Van Wersch reaffirmed Airbus's commitment to strengthening its collaboration with Morocco, mentioning that the company currently employs over 1,000 Moroccan staff across its facilities, with plans for expansion following its acquisition of Spirit, which operates a factory in Casablanca. Furthermore, Van Wersch noted that all Airbus aircraft are equipped with components manufactured in Morocco, underscoring the country's essential role in Airbus's global supply chain. Earlier in 2024, Airbus announced its plan to turn its Moroccan facilities to significantly boost its production capabilities, aiming to manufacture 75 aircraft per month by 2026. Patrick Derderian, the Group's Director of International Cooperation for Africa, elevated the company's commitment to employing a fully Moroccan workforce at its Morocco plants, proving the country's skill development and its readiness to meet industry's demands. Tags: Morocco aeronautics industryMorocco aerospace
Bahrain News Gazette
12-02-2025
- Business
- Bahrain News Gazette
Finance Minister Meets Airbus Executive Vice President During World Government Summit 2025
Dubai: Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, met with Wouter Van Wersch, Executive Vice President of Airbus, during the World Government Summit 2025 in Dubai. He emphasised the importance of further developing cooperation with leading global companies and creating promising investment opportunities to support economic growth. According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting also covered the latest global economic developments. Attending the meeting were Noor bint Ali AlKhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Economic Development Board; Shaikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of Mumtalakat; and Khalid Hussain Taqi, Chairman of Gulf Air Group.
