Latest news with #globalconnectivity
Fast Company
16 hours ago
- Fast Company
The grid may fail, airports shouldn't
The power always comes back on. It did at London's Heathrow Airport earlier this year after a fire at a substation disrupted some 1,400 flights at the global hub, upending the plans and lives of 200,000 passengers. It did again on the Iberian Peninsula in April after a power outage, whose cause is still undetermined, knocking out transit in Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon and grounding flights even as back-up generators kicked on. And it did in May after the air traffic control tower at Houston Hobby lost power for an hour and backup generators kicked on. Some might say the missed business meetings, the vacations disrupted, and the cargo delayed are unfortunate costs of doing business, collateral damage in a system that supports $4.1 trillion in world economic activity. Others might think the airport power outages are so rare or brief that the fix—a power source not reliant on the existing electric grid—is a cost-prohibitive solution. Critical role in global connectivity The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) surveyed 24 commercial airports in 2023 and found a total of 321 electrical power outages—i.e., an unplanned loss of power lasting five minutes or longer—from 2015 through 2022. Eleven of the airports reported six or more outages over this eight-year period. The GAO study came after Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport— the world's busiest —had a power outage in 2017 and LAX—the world's seventh busiest —had one in 2019. Because of the interconnected nature of commercial aviation, the effects of those outages rippled across the nation and world. Airports play a critical role in global connectivity, in local and regional economic growth, and— in the event of disasters—the most likely place where aid and rebuilding supplies will first arrive. They are also where transplant organs, high-value, time-sensitive goods, and critical machinery/parts needed for hospitals and utility companies arrive. Reliably functioning airport infrastructure matters. Our lives and livelihoods depend on them. New energy solutions At Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), we started to think about options after Atlanta's outage and took decisive action after Los Angeles' outage. Our goal was to ensure resiliency and redundancy so we could have power, no matter what. Four years ago, we commissioned a first-in-the-world airport microgrid that fully powers a major airport. Since then, we have achieved site-hardened infrastructure, lowered our cost of energy (in the millions, annually) and contributed to cleaner air by sourcing our energy very locally. PIT's microgrid, powered by a 20 MW energy plant using on-site natural gas and a 3MW solar facility with nearly 10,000 panels built on top of a landfill, allows us to operate independently if outside disruptions occur—and they have. A recent regional power loss that impacted commercial customers throughout the region had no effect on the airport. Our microgrid provided full power to our airport and airfield, without any disruption. Not every airport is blessed with huge supplies of natural gas on property, but by adopting innovative solutions to provide energy security, we can make our world a better place for everyone—whether they fly or not. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Airports must analyze the resources available that make the most sense for their circumstances—whether it's solar power, natural gas pipelines, or other creative options. The industry has faced threats and found solutions time and time again. As a result, air travel is safer and more secure. Now is the time for airports to lead with a vision that sees beyond runways and terminals and create plans for resilience and build a future that withstands the loss of power. Because wouldn't it be better and safer for us all if the power never went out?
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Airalo Partners launches new solution to help businesses slash global roaming costs
The rising demand for seamless global connectivity solutions is reinforced by 72% of business professionals expecting more travel in 2025 compared to 2024 Airalo for Business's transparent usage tracking and centralized dashboards enable smarter travel spend management without hidden charges Business travel expenditure reached $18.1 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% in 2025 Dubai, UAE – Airalo Partners, the B2B and B2B2C extension of Airalo, announces the official launch of Airalo for Business. This latest offering provides companies with a powerful and cost-effective way to keep travelling employees connected wherever business takes them. Built for professionals on the move attending client meetings, conferences, or cross-border expansions, Airalo for Business offers affordable eSIM packages with user-level budget controls, meeting the needs of both SMBs and enterprises. Companies can tap into preferential pricing at scale, ensuring their teams remain connected without incurring excessive telecom bills. With Airalo for Business, employees can easily stay connected wherever they travel. Businesses can manage eSIM purchases centrally, via the Airalo Partner Platform, or enable employees to purchase eSIMs through the Airalo app and bill them directly to their organization. Airalo for Business introduces centralized billing and a comprehensive dashboard, giving organizations full visibility and control over their employees' connectivity spend. Admins can monitor employee data usage and set budget limits on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis, and receive a single consolidated invoice. This streamlines administrative tasks and enables more precise control over connectivity costs across departments or regions. Airalo Partners' business offering comes at a time when seamless, predictable connectivity is in high demand. Recent market data shared by Airalo shows that 72% of business travellers and corporate managers in the travel and finance spaces anticipate more business trips this year compared to 2024 [1]. The anticipation of more frequent travel in 2025, accompanied by business travel expenditure in the Middle East reaching $18.1 billion last year and projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% this year [2], makes affordable and high-quality connectivity more important than ever. Tony Kaldas, Arabia and Africa Partnerships Director at Airalo, commented: 'Staying connected shouldn't be a barrier to global business. With Airalo for Business, we're giving companies a scalable, transparent, and intuitive solution to help their teams stay online across 200+ countries and regions - while helping to reduce the common complexities and costs associated with roaming.' What makes Airalo for Business stand out is its transparent pricing and intuitive user experience. Businesses can benefit from Airalo's affordable eSIM packages and exclusive business discounts. Each package is purchased at a fixed price with a set data volume, and includes credits for text and voice if needed, ensuring cost control and no unexpected charges. For larger organizations, the platform supports multi-branch structures and offers advanced reporting features, giving global enterprises granular oversight into spending, usage patterns, and business units. Companies can also take advantage of Single Sign-On (SSO) and SCIM integration, making it easy to onboard employees securely and efficiently across global offices. The platform's enterprise-grade security is also a major draw for global businesses. Airalo Partners is fully compliant with GDPR, PCI DSS, and SOC 2 Type II standards. This ensures peace of mind for companies handling sensitive employee data and prioritizing robust cybersecurity. This new offering builds on Airalo's broader mission to reshape global connectivity. For example, travellers from Egypt heading to Dubai have reported savings of up to 300% when using Airalo's eSIM, highlighting the platform's cross-border value. While rates vary from country to country, Airalo's value proposition remains consistent: affordable and reliable connectivity everywhere. By eliminating hidden charges, roaming fees, and restrictive contracts, Airalo for Business delivers savings of up to 90% compared to traditional mobile plans. These savings free up resources for higher-impact initiatives. For more information or to explore how your company can get started, visit the Airalo Partners website. About Airalo Airalo, founded in 2019, is the world's first and most connected eSIM provider. With eSIM packages available in 200+ countries and regions, Airalo empowers travellers to instantly connect to mobile networks worldwide. Now serving over 20 million users, Airalo is leading the charge in revolutionizing global connectivity. Headquartered in the US, Airalo's team spans 55 countries and is committed to making connecting on the move easier, more affordable, and accessible to all. Learn more at About Airalo Partners Airalo Partners is the B2B and B2B2C extension of Airalo. It provides tailored partnership solutions that empower businesses of all sizes to deliver unmatched connectivity experiences worldwide. From brands and eSIM resellers to corporates, airlines, and tech innovators, Airalo Partners collaborates with a diverse range of organizations to make staying connected easier than ever. To learn more, visit For all media inquiries, contact: Atteline E-mail: airalo@
Trade Arabia
11-06-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Global consortium in deal to build AAE-2 subsea cable network
In a landmark move to advance global connectivity, a consortium of four powerful subsea cable operators - Zain Omantel International (ZOI), PCCW Global, Sparkle, and Telecom Egypt - have signed a MoU to collaborate on the construction of the Asia-Africa-Europe-2 (AAE-2) subsea cable system. A next-generation subsea digital link, AAE-2 will be linking Asia, Africa and European continent, as part of its efforts to empower emerging markets as well as drive digital transformation and unlocking economic growth. The project is spearheaded by industry leaders combining expertise and resources to deliver a world-class infrastructure. This groundbreaking project marks a vital step in addressing the increasing demand for robust internet infrastructure, facilitating faster data transfer and improved connectivity across multiple regions. The consortium aims to deliver unprecedented capacity and reliable connectivity by creating a future-proof data highway across the three continents. It is dedicated to ensuring the successful delivery of this transformative infrastructure project, which will play a crucial role in shaping the future of global connectivity. The project aims to establish a robust next-generation subsea digital link connecting Hong Kong and Singapore to Italy traversing secure and high-capacity terrestrial corridors across Thailand, the Arabian Peninsula, and Egypt. It is planned to strategically deliver unprecedented capacity and foster seamless, reliable connectivity across the three continents, it added. On the mega initiative, Zain Omantel International CEO Sohail Qadir said: "This collaboration marks a defining milestone for ZOI and the region we proudly serve. As the international gateway for the Middle East, we are uniquely positioned at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe, making us a strategic enabler of next-generation connectivity." "AAE-2 reflects our long-term vision to connect continents and digital ecosystems through resilient and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Our cooperation brings together advanced infrastructure, diverse terrestrial routes and AI-ready capacity. AAE-2 will strengthen global traffic flows, empower emerging markets and unlock new avenues for economic growth across the region and beyond," he stated. AAE-2 will also feature strategic extensions to additional key destinations across its route, further enhancing intercontinental connectivity and supporting the growing demands of cloud services, content delivery, and digital transformation initiatives across the regions. This ambitious initiative is designed to revolutionize global connectivity by delivering a geographical diverse, resilient, and high-performance route for international traffic. By integrating both subsea and terrestrial infrastructure, AAE-2 will create a future-proof data highway between Asia, Africa and Europe. Building on the legacy of the AAE-1 cable, AAE-2 will incorporate the most advanced technological innovations offering unprecedented bandwidth capacity to serve the tremendous traffic needs and empowering communities and businesses across Asia, Africa and Europe. Frederick Chui, Chief Executive Officer of PCCW Global, said: "PCCW Global is proud to contribute to the AAE-2 initiative, building on our legacy of supporting vital global infrastructure. Following our instrumental role in the success of the AAE-1 system, we are pleased to bring our expertise to AAE-2, an advanced, high-capacity and geographically diverse subsea cable system connecting Asia and Europe." "This next-generation network underscores our continued commitment to delivering resilient, secure and scalable connectivity for key markets such as Hong Kong, empowering the digital growth of tomorrow," he stated. Sparkle CEO Enrico Bagnasco said: "The AAE-2 cable system is an innovative project perfectly in line with Sparkle's long-term strategy to strengthen the Asia-Africa-Europe corridor by enhancing route diversity and ensuring the highest levels of network resilience." "In recent years, we have invested in new submarine systems and established advanced landing hubs along this strategic route, reinforcing our commitment to reliable global connectivity," he noted. Among the key initiatives are the Blue & Raman submarine cable systems - that links Italy to India through an innovative path - together with the strengthening of the Sicily Hub in Palermo and the hub in Chania as well as the creation of a brand new scalable landing platform in Genoa. "With AAE-2, we are taking a further step forward, contributing to the creation of a distinctive infrastructure that combines terrestrial and subsea solutions to deliver secure, high-capacity, and low-latency connectivity in support of the digital transformation of businesses and communities worldwide," stated Bagnasco. Telecom Egypt Managing Director and CEO Mohamed Nasr said: "Over the years, we have made major investments and established partnerships to develop our cutting-edge subsea cable infrastructure, that we are witnessing today." "The construction of AAE-2 cable system is a continuation of our success stories as a global data connectivity provider and is another testament to our commitment to driving digital connections through major collaborations," he noted.
Trade Arabia
11-06-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Global consortium inks deal to build AAE-2 subsea cable line
In a landmark move to advance global connectivity, a consortium of four powerful subsea cable operators - Zain Omantel International (ZOI), PCCW Global, Sparkle, and Telecom Egypt - have signed a MoU to collaborate on the construction of the Asia-Africa-Europe-2 (AAE-2) subsea cable system. A next-generation subsea digital link, AAE-2 will be linking Asia, Africa and European continent, as part of its efforts to empower emerging markets as well as drive digital transformation and unlocking economic growth. The project is spearheaded by industry leaders combining expertise and resources to deliver a world-class infrastructure. This groundbreaking project marks a vital step in addressing the increasing demand for robust internet infrastructure, facilitating faster data transfer and improved connectivity across multiple regions. The consortium aims to deliver unprecedented capacity and reliable connectivity by creating a future-proof data highway across the three continents. It is dedicated to ensuring the successful delivery of this transformative infrastructure project, which will play a crucial role in shaping the future of global connectivity. The project aims to establish a robust next-generation subsea digital link connecting Hong Kong and Singapore to Italy traversing secure and high-capacity terrestrial corridors across Thailand, the Arabian Peninsula, and Egypt. It is planned to strategically deliver unprecedented capacity and foster seamless, reliable connectivity across the three continents, it added. On the mega initiative, Zain Omantel International CEO Sohail Qadir said: "This collaboration marks a defining milestone for ZOI and the region we proudly serve. As the international gateway for the Middle East, we are uniquely positioned at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe, making us a strategic enabler of next-generation connectivity." "AAE-2 reflects our long-term vision to connect continents and digital ecosystems through resilient and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Our cooperation brings together advanced infrastructure, diverse terrestrial routes and AI-ready capacity. AAE-2 will strengthen global traffic flows, empower emerging markets and unlock new avenues for economic growth across the region and beyond," he stated. AAE-2 will also feature strategic extensions to additional key destinations across its route, further enhancing intercontinental connectivity and supporting the growing demands of cloud services, content delivery, and digital transformation initiatives across the regions. This ambitious initiative is designed to revolutionize global connectivity by delivering a geographical diverse, resilient, and high-performance route for international traffic. By integrating both subsea and terrestrial infrastructure, AAE-2 will create a future-proof data highway between Asia, Africa and Europe. Building on the legacy of the AAE-1 cable, AAE-2 will incorporate the most advanced technological innovations offering unprecedented bandwidth capacity to serve the tremendous traffic needs and empowering communities and businesses across Asia, Africa and Europe. Frederick Chui, Chief Executive Officer of PCCW Global, said: "PCCW Global is proud to contribute to the AAE-2 initiative, building on our legacy of supporting vital global infrastructure. Following our instrumental role in the success of the AAE-1 system, we are pleased to bring our expertise to AAE-2, an advanced, high-capacity and geographically diverse subsea cable system connecting Asia and Europe." "This next-generation network underscores our continued commitment to delivering resilient, secure and scalable connectivity for key markets such as Hong Kong, empowering the digital growth of tomorrow," he stated. Sparkle CEO Enrico Bagnasco said: "The AAE-2 cable system is an innovative project perfectly in line with Sparkle's long-term strategy to strengthen the Asia-Africa-Europe corridor by enhancing route diversity and ensuring the highest levels of network resilience." "In recent years, we have invested in new submarine systems and established advanced landing hubs along this strategic route, reinforcing our commitment to reliable global connectivity," he noted. Among the key initiatives are the Blue & Raman submarine cable systems - that links Italy to India through an innovative path - together with the strengthening of the Sicily Hub in Palermo and the hub in Chania as well as the creation of a brand new scalable landing platform in Genoa. "With AAE-2, we are taking a further step forward, contributing to the creation of a distinctive infrastructure that combines terrestrial and subsea solutions to deliver secure, high-capacity, and low-latency connectivity in support of the digital transformation of businesses and communities worldwide," stated Bagnasco. Telecom Egypt Managing Director and CEO Mohamed Nasr said: "Over the years, we have made major investments and established partnerships to develop our cutting-edge subsea cable infrastructure, that we are witnessing today." "The construction of AAE-2 cable system is a continuation of our success stories as a global data connectivity provider and is another testament to our commitment to driving digital connections through major collaborations," he noted.
Zawya
02-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM sign MoU to establish strategic cooperation and expand global connectivity
Partnership aims to enhance global connectivity for guests traveling between Riyadh, Paris, Amsterdam and beyond. Focus areas include network connectivity, codeshare cooperation, loyalty program rewards and seamless guest experience. Collaboration to explore joint opportunities in MRO, sustainability, digital transformation and cargo. New Delhi – Saudi Arabia's new national carrier, Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step forward in global connectivity for guests traveling between Riyadh, Paris, Amsterdam, and destinations far beyond. The MoU, signed at the 2025 IATA Annual General Meeting by Tony Douglas CEO Riyadh Air and Benjamin Smith CEO of Air France-KLM Group, sets the foundation for a dynamic partnership. Subject to regulatory approvals, the collaboration aims to gradually introduce a wide range of benefits for guests and to unlock new opportunities across Western Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Asia, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This strategic partnership will focus on strengthening network connectivity, with both partners working together to maximize future opportunities through Riyadh Air's hub in the capital of Saudi Arabia and Air France-KLM's Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol airport hubs. The recent launch of Air France's Paris Charles de Gaulle–Riyadh service, alongside KLM's established Amsterdam–Riyadh operations, reflects the shared commitment to expanding travel options for guests. Beyond route connectivity, Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM will collaborate to enhance the guest experience, exploring opportunities in reciprocal loyalty program rewards, operational support, and lounge access. The partnership also extends to areas such as Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), digital transformation, sustainability, and cargo services—ensuring a comprehensive approach to delivering value. Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, commented: ' We are dedicated to connecting Riyadh to the world, and partnering with Air France-KLM - a leader in global aviation, will accelerate bringing to life our vision to deliver exceptional experiences and the realization of our long-term vision: to redefine air travel through innovation, operational excellence, and guest-centric services. This partnership not only strengthens our international network but also reinforces confidence in our growth trajectory and our role in supporting Saudi Arabia's broader economic diversification goals under Vision 2030.' Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM Group, added: 'Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a key market for aviation. With our three brands, Air France, KLM and Transavia now serving the country, and with this new agreement with Riyadh Air, we aim to continue increasing our footprint in the region. We look forward to combining our networks and expertise with Riyadh Air, and to offer our mutual customers more choice and convenience. This cooperation is complementary to our SkyTeam partner in the region.' As Riyadh Air embarks on its journey to become a leading global carrier, this partnership with Air France-KLM underlines a bold commitment to excellence, innovation, and exceptional guest experience. About Riyadh Air Riyadh Air, a PIF company, is a world-class airline. Launched in March 2023, the airline will be a digitally led, full-service airline that adopts the best global sustainability and safety practices across its advanced fleet of aircraft. Riyadh Air will equip its aircraft with the most advanced, state-of-the-art features with innovative, best-in-class cabin interiors and experiences, including next generation digital in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity solutions. Riyadh Air will connect guests to over 100 destinations around the world by 2030 through offering an exceptional guest experience with an authentic, warm Saudi hospitality at its heart. Website: About Air France-KLM Group A global player with a strong European base, the Air France-KLM Group's main areas of business are passenger transport, cargo transport and aeronautical maintenance. Air France-KLM is a leading airline Group in terms of international traffic on departure from Europe. It offers its customers access to a worldwide network, covering over 320 destinations thanks to Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Transavia, mainly from its bases at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly and Amsterdam-Schiphol. Flying Blue is the loyalty programme of the Air France-KLM Group with more than 26 million members. Together with its partners Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic, Air France-KLM operates the largest transatlantic joint venture, with more than 375 daily flights. Air France-KLM is also a member of the SkyTeam, the alliance dedicated to providing passengers with a more seamless travel experience at every step of their journey 19 member airlines working together across an extensive global network. Recognized for 20 years as an industry leader in sustainable development, the Air France-KLM Group is determined to accelerate the transition to more sustainable aviation. Air France-KLM press office:– - @AirFranceKLM
