PORTS-

DP World + Maersk boost maritime services at Brazilian port: Dubai-based port operator DP World has inked an eight-year strategic agreement with shipping line giant Maersk to launch new maritime services at Brazil’s Port Santos, according to a press release. Maersk will roll out six services with eight weekly calls in 2025. This will increase to seven services to reach a total of 10 weekly calls by 2026.

DP World is all in on Port Santos: DP World operates one of Brazil’s largest private-use terminals at Port Santos. The terminal — which currently boasts an annual handling capacity of 1.4 mn TEUs — is slated to see DP World invest a total of BRL 2.1 bn (c. USD 369 mn) to expand its annual capacity to 2.1 mn TEUs by the end of 2027. The UAE major and Brazil’s leading railway operator Rumo are also co-developing the port’s new grain and fertilizers terminal. The new terminal is expected to expand the port’s grain and fertilizer handling capacity by some 12.5 mn tons per year.

AVIATION-

AviLease offloads three planes to its JV with China: PIF-owned aircraft lessor AviLease has delivered three Airbus A320neo aircraft to SDH Wings International Leasing Limited — its JV with Chinese sovereign fund Sichuan Development Holding (SDH), according to a press release. The three jets — which boosted the JV’s fleet to a total of 25 carriers — are currently on long-term lease to an undisclosed Saudi-based airline. AviLease holds a 10% stake in SDH.

Background: The move comes as part of AviLease’s MoU with SDH for the supply of up to 20 new technology aircraft, which was inked back in December 2023.

REFRESHER- AviLease acquired Standard Chartered’s aviation finance business in 2023 in a USD 700 mn transaction that saw it assume control of the division’s owned and managed portfolio of 120 aircraft.

SHIPPING + MARITIME-

Mawani boosts links between Jubail and Asia: Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has added shipping giant MSC’s new shipping service — dubbed Clanga — to Jubail Commercial Port to boost the Kingdom’s connectivity to Asia, according to a statement. The new service will have a capacity of up to 6k standard containers and will call at Jubail Commercial Port, King Abdulaziz Port, Singapore Port, China’s Shanghai Port, and Sri Lanka’s Colombo Port.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING THIS MORNING-

  • Air Arabia flies to Armenia: Air Arabia is launching six direct flights between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Armenia’s Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport. (Statement)
  • SalamAir adds new Kenya service: Omani low-budget airline SalamAir launched direct flight services between Muscat and Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. (Statement)
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