Category Archives: MENA
NetDragon Signs Digital Education MOU with Russia’s Global Rus Trade at BRICS Business Council Midterm Meeting
JOHANNESBURG, April 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (HKSE: 0777) (NetDragon), a global leader in building internet communities, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on digital education with the leading Russian B2B-platform for cross-border e-commerce, Global Rus Trade, at the BRICS Business Council Midterm Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. Held from April 3 – 4, the conference gathers representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) and its related institutions to strengthen business, trade, and investment ties within the five-nation association.
The MOU seeks to leverage the respective technological and resource strengths of both countries’ enterprises and jointly promote such collaborative practices to the other BRICS countries. A core member of the BRICS Business Council’s Digital Economy Working Group, which brings together relevant business organizations from all member countries in an in-depth exploration of their industry, NetDragon was also invited to participate and share its independently-developed White Paper on Education Technology in BRICS 2019. The white paper analyzes the current education policy, systems, and performance in each country. “In the future, NetDragon will team up with other member companies to jointly conduct education research and offer planning recommendations for BRICS countries,” said Mo Junqi, vice president of NetDragon who attended the meeting in Johannesburg.
“In addition to working closely with the BRICS countries, NetDragon has confirmed two major partnerships with Russia in the field of smart education in the last two years, bringing our products to more than 20,000 classrooms across the country,” said Dr. Xiong Li, CEO of NetDragon. “Not only is NetDragon seizing the win-win opportunities opened up by rapid globalization, but we are also answering the call of the One Belt, One Road initiative and spearheading strategic cooperation with countries within this historic network, such as Serbia, Myanmar, and Egypt. Last but certainly not least, NetDragon is launching several educational products, platforms, and applications in the United States, Malaysia, and other countries, establishing a robust offering of hardware, software, and content that covers the spectrum of age groups and businesses to meet the diverse educational needs of global users.”
NetDragon first participated in the BRICS Business Council in 2017 and became a member of the Digital Economy Working Group in July 2018. As it has supported cooperation among BRICS countries and countries within the One Belt, One Road initiative, NetDragon has seen its overseas business flourish and extend further outward to cover more corners of the globe. Not only will this cooperation with Global Rus Trade enhance its efforts to provide digital education services in Russia, but it will also serve as an important step for NetDragon as it continues to cultivate its international objectives and capabilities among the BRICS countries and beyond.
About NetDragon
Established in 1999, NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (HKSE: 0777) (NetDragon) is a global leader in building internet communities. A vertically integrated, cutting-edge R&D powerhouse with a highly successful track record, NetDragon’s achievements include the development of flagship MMORPGs such as Eudemons Online, Heroes Evolved (formerly known as Calibur of Spirit), and Conquer Online. It also established China’s number one online gaming portal, 17173.com, as well as its most influential smartphone app store platform, 91 Wireless, which was sold to Baidu in 2013 in the then-largest Internet M&A transaction in China. As the country’s pioneer in overseas expansion, NetDragon has also directly operated a number of game titles in over 10 languages since 2003.
For more information, please visit www.netdragon.com.
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/
Aireon(SM) System Goes Live – Trial Operations Begin Over The North Atlantic Marking New Chapter In Aviation History
For the first time, air traffic controllers now have real-time data on the position of planes anywhere in the world, including previously un-surveilled airspace
MCLEAN, Virginia and LONDON, April 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Effective today, Aireon, the first ever real-time, global air traffic surveillance system, is fully operational and in trial use over the North Atlantic. This announcement marks a historic milestone for the aviation industry— ushering in a new era of safety and efficiency that will revolutionize the way people fly.
Aireon’s space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) system provides real-time air traffic surveillance and tracking to 100 percent of ADS-B equipped aircraft on the planet. Prior to Aireon’s system coming on-line, traditional ground-based surveillance covered just 30 percent of the globe, meaning civil aviation authorities, commercial carriers and related industry stakeholders relied upon position updates from aircraft every 10-14 minutes to track aircraft outside of radar coverage, not the real-time updates that the Aireon service provides.
“For the first time in history, we can surveil all ADS-B-equipped aircraft anywhere on earth,” said Don Thoma, Aireon CEO. “Our air transportation system has operated with a safe but less than efficient system in the 70 percent of the world that does not have real-time surveillance. With the launch of our space-based ADS-B service, Aireon now provides a real-time solution to that challenge—one that will radically optimize flight safety and efficiency. The aviation industry has now joined the rest of the 21st century where real-time connectivity is relied upon for doing business.”
The Aireon system is expected to reduce overall flight safety risks by approximately 76 percent in the North Atlantic according to a joint analysis by NAV CANADA and NATS – the first Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) to use the service. Improved visibility and control over previously un-surveilled airspace—especially across oceanic regions—will allow airlines to fly routes at optimal speeds and levels, delivering expected cost savings of up to US$300 per transatlantic flight, plus reducing carbon dioxide emissions by two tonnes per flight, based on an analysis conducted by NATS and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Use of the Aireon system over the Atlantic allows for air traffic controllers to trial the reduction of aircraft in-trail separation distances from 40 nautical miles (nm) to just as little as 14nm, making the airspace more flexible, predictable and able to accommodate the immense growth predicted in the coming years.
“To know the position, speed and altitude of every ADS-B equipped aircraft in oceanic airspace – in real-time – is a transformational change to how our controllers manage air traffic,” said Neil Wilson, president and CEO of NAV CANADA. “The Aireon system provides an immediate boost to aviation safety and airlines will benefit from more fuel-efficient routings and flight levels. Over 95 percent of the North Atlantic traffic is already ADS-B equipped so the fuel savings, along with the reduced carbon dioxide emissions will be attained very quickly.”
Regulations mandating ADS-B equipage on aircraft have already been implemented throughout the world, going into effect in the United States in January 2020 and in Europe in June 2020. Other countries are in the process of drafting mandates for implementation over the next few years.
Martin Rolfe, NATS CEO, said, “The trial in the North Atlantic, the busiest oceanic airspace in the world, with over 500,000 flights every year and a forecasted 800,000 flights per year by 2030, will demonstrate to the entire aviation industry, that global, space-based ADS-B can revolutionize the service that we provide to our customers and the travelling public by transforming the way we perform air traffic management over remote regions.”
Eight years in the making, Aireon’s ADS-B payloads are hosted on the Iridium® NEXT satellite constellation—the final deployment of which took place January 11, 2019. After receiving control of the final six ADS-B payloads from Iridium on February 7, 2019, Aireon completed payload testing, validation and calibration stages prior to launching the full system into operation to support current ANSP customers.
“Improved safety and cost savings for all aviation stakeholders is just a start. The revolutionary impact of the real-time location data and historical tracking information of Aireon’s space-based ADS-B data will create innovations that we have not even imagined. The opportunities for comprehensive and continuous benefits for the whole aviation community are at our fingertips. We would not be able to achieve this without our dedicated investors, NAV CANADA, Iridium Communications, NATS, Enav, The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and Naviair, and our partners and launch customers. This is a great day for us all,” Thoma concluded.
About Aireon LLC
Aireon has deployed a space-based air traffic surveillance system for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipped aircraft throughout the entire globe. Aireon is harnessing next-generation aviation surveillance technologies that were formally ground-based and, for the first time ever, is extending their reach globally to significantly improve efficiency, enhance safety, reduce emissions and provide cost savings benefits to all stakeholders. space-based ADS-B surveillance covers oceanic, polar and remote regions, and augments existing ground-based systems that are limited to terrestrial airspace. In partnership with leading ANSPs from around the world, like NAV CANADA, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), Enav, NATS and Naviair, as well as Iridium Communications, Aireon is providing a global, real-time, space-based air traffic surveillance system, available to all aviation stakeholders.
For more information, please visit www.aireon.com
About NAV CANADA
NAV CANADA is a private, not-for-profit company, established in 1996, providing air traffic control, airport advisory services, weather briefings and aeronautical information services for more than 18 million square kilometres of Canadian domestic and international airspace.
The Company is internationally recognized for its safety record, and technology innovation. Air traffic management systems developed by NAV CANADA are used by air navigation service providers in countries worldwide.
NAV CANADA is a partner in Aireon LLC, an international joint venture deploying a space based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system that will expand air traffic surveillance to all regions of the globe.
For more information, visit www.navcanada.ca
About NATS
NATS is a leading air traffic management and solutions company, established in the UK in 1962 and now operating in countries around the world.
NATS handled 2.6 million flights in 2018, covering the UK and eastern North Atlantic from its centres at Swanwick, Hampshire and Prestwick, Ayrshire. NATS also provides air traffic services at 13 UK airports; at Gibraltar Airport and, in a joint venture with Ferrovial, at a number of airport towers in Spain.
Building on its reputation for operational excellence and innovation, NATS offers aerodrome, data, engineering, capacity, efficiency and environmental performance solutions to customers worldwide, including airports, airlines air traffic service providers and Governments.
For more information visit the NATS website at www.nats.aero
Press Contacts:
Jessie Hillenbrand
Aireon
+1 703 287 7452
Jessie.Hillenbrand@Aireon.com
Ron Singer
NAV CANADA
+1 613 563 7303
Ron.Singer@navcanada.ca
NATS Press Office
+44 (0) 1489 615945
www.nats.aero
The Last Major North American City Without Ride-hailing Just Found its Solution with Kater
Vancouver-based technology company, Kater, launched the beta phase for the city’s first ride-hailing app on March 30
VANCOUVER, April 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Kater Technologies Inc. launched the beta phase for Vancouver’s first ride-hailing app on March 30. The app connects users with safe, predictable and reliable rides-on-demand using their smartphones. Kater will launch its full fleet of cars later this Spring.
Scott Larson, CEO of Kater comments: “Vancouver is a unique city when it comes to transportation regulations and ride-hailing, and we believe Kater is the solution to many of the mobility dilemmas that have plagued us for too long. With the tap of a button, you can order a Kater car to pick you up, get an estimated cost and arrival time for your trip, check the driver’s name and licence plate, track your car as it arrives, pay via the app and rate your driver.”
Ride-hailing has been a contentious issue in Vancouver, with current legislation including permitting requirements, boundary rules, pricing restrictions and driver qualifications blocking traditional ride-hailing companies from entering the market. Kater has developed a hybrid solution that works within the current regulatory framework.
Kater will operate its own brand new fleet of cars that can only be hailed through the app. Kater drivers are guaranteed a living wage of $20 an hour and can earn up to $35 an hour. Drivers are provided with a car and maintenance costs are covered, as well as insurance, permitting, and the costs of Chauffeur Permits, if needed.
“We have found a ‘here and now’ solution that complies with the current regulations and offers a much-needed solution for Vancouverites. Our smart approach to scaling up will ensure we do not add to Vancouver’s congestion or pollution during busy times, and drivers are set up for success with a minimum living wage of $20 an hour. Safety is a number one priority for Kater, and as such, all our drivers are required to hold a professional class 4 and chauffeur license, in addition to rigorous training. I believe Kater’s model can be rolled out across other cities in the world that have seen some of these issues and are looking for more holistic solutions,” adds Larson.
For further information:
Olivia Bradford + Sophie Kelk, Jive PR + Digital
1+ (778) 919-9004
Media@kater.com
The Last Major North American City Without Ride-hailing Just Found its Solution with Kater
Vancouver-based technology company, Kater, launched the beta phase for the city’s first ride-hailing app on March 30
VANCOUVER, April 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Kater Technologies Inc. launched the beta phase for Vancouver’s first ride-hailing app on March 30. The app connects users with safe, predictable and reliable rides-on-demand using their smartphones. Kater will launch its full fleet of cars later this Spring.
Scott Larson, CEO of Kater comments: “Vancouver is a unique city when it comes to transportation regulations and ride-hailing, and we believe Kater is the solution to many of the mobility dilemmas that have plagued us for too long. With the tap of a button, you can order a Kater car to pick you up, get an estimated cost and arrival time for your trip, check the driver’s name and licence plate, track your car as it arrives, pay via the app and rate your driver.”
Ride-hailing has been a contentious issue in Vancouver, with current legislation including permitting requirements, boundary rules, pricing restrictions and driver qualifications blocking traditional ride-hailing companies from entering the market. Kater has developed a hybrid solution that works within the current regulatory framework.
Kater will operate its own brand new fleet of cars that can only be hailed through the app. Kater drivers are guaranteed a living wage of $20 an hour and can earn up to $35 an hour. Drivers are provided with a car and maintenance costs are covered, as well as insurance, permitting, and the costs of Chauffeur Permits, if needed.
“We have found a ‘here and now’ solution that complies with the current regulations and offers a much-needed solution for Vancouverites. Our smart approach to scaling up will ensure we do not add to Vancouver’s congestion or pollution during busy times, and drivers are set up for success with a minimum living wage of $20 an hour. Safety is a number one priority for Kater, and as such, all our drivers are required to hold a professional class 4 and chauffeur license, in addition to rigorous training. I believe Kater’s model can be rolled out across other cities in the world that have seen some of these issues and are looking for more holistic solutions,” adds Larson.
For further information:
Olivia Bradford + Sophie Kelk, Jive PR + Digital
1+ (778) 919-9004
Media@kater.com
Sir James Dutton Appointed Bechtel Regional President for Africa
Former Gabon infrastructure project director and British governor of Gibraltar will guide Bechtel’s continued commitment to expanding economic growth on the continent
RESTON, Virginia, March 28, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Bechtel has appointed Sir James Dutton, a former United Kingdom governor of Gibraltar and retired officer in the British Royal Marines, regional president for Africa.
Dutton returns to Bechtel following his tenure in Gibraltar and succeeds Andrew Patterson, who oversaw the opening of Bechtel’s regional headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The company’s presence in Nairobi is part of a long-term commitment to supporting economic growth on the continent through major infrastructure, oil and gas and mining projects.
“I am delighted and honoured to have been chosen for this role, and I want to thank Andrew for his significant contributions,” Dutton said.
Dutton served in the United Kingdom Royal Marines for 38 years, retiring as a lieutenant general. He joined Bechtel in 2010 and following brief appointments in several projects in the Infrastructure business unit became project director of the Gabon infrastructure project. He left Bechtel for two years and served as the UK’s governor and commander-in-chief of Gibraltar and rejoined the company in 2016.
In his new role, Dutton will work to build on the company’s relationships established throughout Africa and pursue projects that will support local employment and productivity in sustainable ways. His leadership of the Gabon project, in which Bechtel supported that government’s national master planning for infrastructure and worked with local contractors to drive development, provides a useful model.
“I look forward to doing the same on more key projects, such as the Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway, that will bring huge opportunities to local communities and businesses,” Dutton said.
Outgoing Africa regional president Patterson has been appointed global manager of marketing and business development for Bechtel’s Infrastructure business. Patterson said, “Africa is a huge market and Bechtel looks forward to continuing to support the development of projects that will leave a transformational and long-term legacy – not just physically but in terms of jobs, skills, businesses and the quality of lives. That is Bechtel’s commitment to all the projects we deliver, and I am confident that under Sir James’ leadership we will continue to play a meaningful part in Africa’s sustainable growth.”
Bechtel has delivered hundreds of projects in Africa over more than 70 years. At the core of our projects is sustainability, which includes building the capacity of local workers, businesses, and communities.
About Bechtel
Bechtel is one of the most respected global engineering, construction, and project management companies. Together with our customers, we deliver landmark projects that create long-term progress and economic growth. Since 1898, we’ve completed more than 25,000 extraordinary projects across 160 countries on all 7 continents. We operate through four global businesses: Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Oil, Gas & Chemicals; and Mining & Metals. Our company and our culture are built on more than a century of leadership and a relentless adherence to our values, the core of which are safety, quality, ethics, and integrity. These values are what we believe, what we expect, what we deliver, and what we live. www.Bechtel.com
Media contact:
Corey Dade
cadade@bechtel.com
tel. +1 (571) 262-7067
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/
