As the Hajj season approaches, the aviation industry is preparing for one of the most crowded year. Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, attracts millions of Muslims from all over the world. Coordination of logistics services for such a huge flow of pilgrims is a huge task that includes careful planning and implementation.
ACW spoke with Priyantha Brito, Executive Director of Procurement and Special Projects in Aviation Services Management (ASM), to shed light on preparations and challenges.
Read: The cockpit in Rotate sales chosen by Air Canada Cargo
Brito emphasized the distinctive nature of Hajj. “Hajj operations are unique when compared to regular aviation operations,” he explained.
“ASM plays a major role during the Hajj project and in all UMRH services. We have contracted with many major airlines, within the region and internationally, to manage land handling and global checks and work as one store for various elements involved in pilgrims.”
Flow
During the Hajj, land dealings include many important responsibilities. ASM acts as a ground treatment coordinator, ensuring that all elements of aviation operations work smoothly. This includes coordinating rented flights managed by various governments and private airlines.
“We are the coordinator of the ground handling, the global arrival coordinator, and the single stoppage store for many elements participating in the Hajj flight operations, including government advanced passenger information services,” Preto pointed out.
While dealing with passengers is a great focus during the Hajj, shipping operations are equally important. ASM is responsible for the basic supply transfer department, the personal property of pilgrims, and other shipments that support the Hajj.
“Our responsibilities include the basic supply transfer management, personal property of pilgrims, and other shipments that support Hajj. During the Hajj, the size of the goods increases significantly, including food supplies, medical equipment and religious tools.”
“Our role in cargo operations is to ensure that all elements are transferred without delay and safely reaching their destinations,” addo.
Holy Logistics services
An interesting aspect of the pilgrimage logistics that BRITO mentioned is the transfer of Zamzam Water, which is a special sacred water for Muslims. Ensuring that pilgrims return the water of custody to their countries of origin in accurate planning and coordination; Without appropriate and advanced planning, this element can lead to great complications during the return trip. This task is part of the broader logistical efforts made by ASM to ensure the experience of the smooth and satisfactory pilgrimage to all.
Read: Waku welcomes Rotra Air & Ocean as representatives of Belgium and the Netherlands
“One of the unique and important aspects of our operations during the Hajj season is to deal with Zamzam water. This sacred water is largely estimated by pilgrims, and it is a tradition for them to return it to the homeland.
“We coordinate with airlines and ground treatments to ensure that water is safely mobilized and loaded on flights. Logistics challenges are great, given the size and the need to maintain the sanctity of water, but it is an essential part of our service during the Hajj. Safe Delivery of Zamzam water to pilgrims around the world is a task that we are proud of.”
Beyond Hajj: ASM role in the Middle East
After the Hajj season, ASM still plays a vital role in land handling across the Middle East and the rest of the world. Brito explained that the ground handling represents about 8 percent of the total cost of airlines, and for corporate aircraft, can reach 15-20 percent. ASM comprehensive services not only include aircraft treatment, but also includes food, fuel and coordination with airport authorities.
While preparing for Hajj, ASM develops a standard operating procedure (SOP) for HajJ operations per year, which is refined based on the lessons learned from previous years.
We usually develop a standard SOP for the Hajj mission every year. After each season of the Hajj season, we review any shortcomings or delay, and determine their radical causes, and we develop reduced measures for the next year.
There was a noticeable ASM effectiveness while converting Airbus 330 emergency to Vienna Airport. “Airbus 330 was recently transferred to Vienna Airport to one of our customers. It could have been an absolute struggle without one of ASM supervisors at the airport because the ground processor had no sufficient employees.”
The comprehensive planning and implementation required for Hajj operations emphasizes the decisive role of land dealing with success. From the management of passenger flows to the coordination of logistical services for charging and the treatment of unique challenges such as Zamzam water, experience and accurate efforts concerned are crucial. These operations not only facilitate a smooth and satisfactory experience for pilgrims, but also highlights the basic nature of dealing with the Earth in the broader aviation industry. With the continued growth of the demands of Hajj operations, the importance of the innovative and effective land treatment solutions to meet these challenges.
