Middle Eastern airlines’ demand fell 81.6% in March
IATA announced that passenger traffic fell in March 2021 compared to pre-COVID levels in March 2019 but rose compared to the immediate month prior to February 2021.
Air Transport
in Air Transport / Features Oman duo link up to crack the codeshare
Posted 7 May 2021
Oman’s budget airline and national carrier are getting closer. A codeshare between Oman Air and low-cost carrier (LCC), SalamAir, seems likely to be the first step in more extensive cooperation between the two companies.
in Air Transport Air Liban asks passengers from Lebanon to Dubai to hold negative PCR result
Posted 6 May 2021
The procedures will be checked by Middle East Airlines prior to departure and by Dubai International Airport authorities upon arrival.
in Air Transport IATA: High testing costs could stall recovery
Posted 5 May 2021
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on governments to ensure that high costs for COVID-19 testing don’t put travel out of reach for individuals and families.
in Air Transport Wizz Air Abu Dhabi to offer discount on PCT testing
Posted 5 May 2021
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi will offer discounts on PCR testing for those travelling with the airline.
in Air Transport Oman Air and EgyptAir sign codeshare agreement
Posted 28 April 2021
Oman Air has signed a codeshare agreement with EgyptAir. The codeshare agreement on flights between Muscat and Cairo was signed as part of both airlines’ commitment to work toward a strong restart for air travel to overcome the effects of the
in Air Transport Gulf Air launches ‘A Class of Our Own’ new slogan
Posted 28 April 2021
Gulf Air recently launched its new slogan ‘A class of our own’ during the 2021 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
in Air Transport Air Cairo receives its first Airbus A320neo
Posted 26 April 2021
Air Cairo has taken delivery of its first A320neo aircraft. The new aircraft will join Air Cairo’s all Airbus fleet of seven aircraft.
in Air Transport Gulf Air and Saudia hold talks to enhance partnership
Posted 26 April 2021
Gulf Air and Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) have held talks to discuss their close commercial relationships and explore ways to build on the ties by establishing a codeshare agreement.
in Air Transport Indian COVID-19 strain threatens Gulf aviation
Posted 26 April 2021
The emergence of new COVID-19 strains in India could pose challenges for the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) super-connector aviation hubs as they move towards recovery, said GlobalData’s MEED.
in Air Transport / Features Casablanca site brings new Spirit to Morocco
Posted 26 April 2021
Bombardier’s Casablanca site was one of the assets acquired when Spirit AeroSystems swooped in to buy parts of the Canadian company’s aerostructures and aftermarket services business in October.
in Air Transport IATA: Reduced losses but continued pain in 2021
Posted 22 April 2021
IATA expects net airline industry losses of $47.7 billion in 2021 (net profit margin of -10.4%). This is an improvement on the estimated net industry loss of $126.4 billion in 2020 (net profit margin of -33.9%). Middle Eastern carriers will
in Air Transport Dubai Aerospace Enterprise orders 15 Boeing 737 MAX jets
Posted 20 April 2021
Boeing and Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) have announced the aircraft lessor has ordered 15 737-8 MAX jets.
in Air Transport EgyptAir and Sudan Airways sign strategic partnership
Posted 20 April 2021
EgyptAir and Sudan Airways have signed a strategic partnership MoU.
in Air Transport / Features Dawn of a revival ...or more clouds on the horizon?
Posted 19 April 2021
Two major studies predict that the Middle East airline industry will rebound from Covid-19, but their tone is cautious and some passenger habits are likely to change permanently. Alan Dron reports.
in Air Transport / Features Diplomatic breakthrough paves way for Etihad-Israeli MRO deal
Posted 12 April 2021
Etihad’s expanding engineering division could notch up a new customer in Israeli carrier El Al?
in Air Transport Emirates and Sheraa sign MOU
Posted 12 April 2021
Emirates has signed an MoU with Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) to strengthen and expand the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UAE.
in Air Transport Jazeera Airways announces vaccination drive of pilots and cabin crew
Posted 8 April 2021
Jazeera Airways has announced that all of its pilots have been vaccinated while cabin crew will be fully vaccinated by April 12.
in Air Transport The MAX aircraft re-joins Flydubai’s fleet
Posted 8 April 2021
The first five of Flydubai’s 14 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft have completed their operational readiness flights and have been approved by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to return to service.
in Air Transport Middle Eastern airlines saw demand fall 83.1% in February
Posted 8 April 2021
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that passenger traffic fell in February 2021, both compared to pre-COVID levels (February 2019) and compared to the immediate month prior (January 2021).
in Air Transport Qatar Airways operates fully COVID-19 vaccinated flight
Posted 7 April 2021
Qatar Airways operated its first fully COVID-19 vaccinated flight yesterday.
in Air Transport Baby born on EgyptAir flight coming from N'Djamena
Posted 7 April 2021
An EgyptAir flight from N'Djamena to Cairo had to make made an emergency landing at Aswan Airport to check on the safety of a Chadian passenger and her new born baby boy, after giving birth safely on board, with the help of a medical student.
in Air Transport Travelport+ launches next-generation platform for a new era of travel
Posted 7 April 2021
Global travel retail platform, Travelport, has launched its next-generation platform, Travelport+.
in Air Transport BAA health check could help prepare airlines for recovery
Posted 6 April 2021
Middle East airlines are being offered a health check package to prepare better for the post covid recovery.
in Air Transport Flydubai reinstates its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft
Posted 5 April 2021
Flydubai, has announced that its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will return to passenger service from April 8.
in Air Transport IATA urges governments in the Middle East to work together
Posted 1 April 2021
IATA has called on governments in the Middle East to develop re-start plans to safely re-link their citizens, businesses and economies to global markets when the COVID-19 epidemiological situation permits.
in Air Transport Emirates SkyCargo first air cargo carrier to deliver 50m COVID-19 vaccines
Posted 1 April 2021
In the run up to World Health Day (7th April), Emirates SkyCargo has become the first airline cargo carrier in the world to have transported more than 50 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines on its flights.
in Air Transport IATA releases 2020 safety report
Posted 31 March 2021
(IATA) announced the publication of the 2020 Safety Report and released data for the 2020 safety performance of the commercial airline industry.
in Air Transport / Features Downsizing Etihad changes its fleet path
Posted 31 March 2021
As Etihad Airways announces its restructuring into a ‘mid-size’ airline, Alan Dron asks: What now for the carrier after the formalisation of its new, scaled-down role?
in Air Transport Research backs rapid testing for safe and efficient restart of air travel
Posted 30 March 2021
IATA has urged governments to accept best-in-class rapid antigen tests in fulfilment of COVID -19 testing requirements following the publication of new research by OXERA and Edge Health.
in Air Transport / Features The MAX is back… but not yet in the Middle East
Posted 22 March 2021
Boeing’s troubled 737 MAX is starting to return to service. Alan Dron looks at what this could mean for airlines, passengers and the aircraft’s future?
in Air Transport Emirates and TAP sign MOU to expand partnership
Posted 16 March 2021
Emirates and TAP Air Portugal have signed an MoU to expand the codeshare partnership.
in Air Transport IATA: Updated ICAO recommendations support industry restart
Posted 15 March 2021
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has welcomed the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council’s approval of the latest recommendations from its Aviation Recovery Task Force (CART).
in Air Transport Oman Air certified with COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating
Posted 12 March 2021
Oman Air has been certified with Skytrax’s 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating and its 5-Star COVID-19 Lounge Safety Rating at Muscat International Airport.
in Air Transport Rolls-Royce and Tecnam to deliver all-electric passenger aircraft
Posted 11 March 2021
Rolls-Royce and airframer Tecnam are joining forces with Widerøe – the largest regional airline in Scandinavia, to deliver an all-electric passenger aircraft for the commuter market, ready for revenue service in
in Air Transport Air Cairo and SunExpress sign cooperation agreement
Posted 10 March 2021
Air Cairo and SunExpress have signed a sales cooperation agreement which will allow up to 30 flights per week to the Red Sea resort of Hurghada from 14 airports in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
in Air Transport IATA: Travellers are gaining confidence
Posted 9 March 2021
IATA has announced results from its latest poll of recent travellers, revealing growing confidence in a return to air travel, frustration with current travel restrictions, and acceptance of a travel app to manage health credentials for travel.
in Air Transport Etihad Airways extends its COVID-19 global wellness insurance cover
Posted 8 March 2021
Etihad Airways has extended its COVID-19 global wellness insurance cover until 30 September 2021.
in Air Transport Middle Eastern airlines saw demand plunge 82.3% in January
Posted 5 March 2021
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that passenger traffic fell in January 2021, both compared to pre-COVID levels (January 2019) and compared to the immediate month prior (December 2020).
in Air Transport / Business & Finance Etihad confident despite Covid financial impact
Posted 5 March 2021
Etihad Airways confirmed the bitter impact of the Covid pandemic and resulting global travel restrictions on its fortunes, writes Alan Peaford.
in Air Transport Gulf Air to trial IATA Travel Pass
Posted 4 March 2021
IATA is partnering with Gulf Air to trial IATA Travel Pass – a mobile app to help passengers easily and securely manage their travel in line with any government requirements for COVID-19 testing or vaccine information.
in Air Transport The airline industry is expected to remain cash negative throughout 2021
Posted 26 February 2021
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released new analysis showing that the airline industry is expected to remain cash negative throughout 2021.
in Air Transport ACIA Aero Leasing delivers two aircraft to Air Express Algeria
Posted 24 February 2021
ACIA Aero Leasing (ACIA) has completed the transition of two aircraft to Air Express Algeria (AEA).
in Air Transport Emirates operates first flight serviced by fully vaccinated frontline teams
Posted 22 February 2021
Emirates has become among the first airlines in the world to operate a flight with fully vaccinated frontline teams servicing customers at every touchpoint of the travel journey.
in Air Transport Wizz Air Abu Dhabi launches price alert app feature
Posted 22 February 2021
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s new national airline, has introduced a new feature on its mobile app, which will enable Wizz Air Abu Dhabi customers to activate price alerts on flights of interest.
in Air Transport Etihad Airways and Gulf Air in strategic commercial cooperation agreement
Posted 17 February 2021
Etihad Airways and Gulf Air have signed a Strategic Commercial Cooperation Agreement (SCCA) to deepen their partnership between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain and beyond the respective hubs.
in Air Transport Mid East fleet to recover - but narrow bodies will rule
Posted 15 February 2021
Despite shrinking to its lowest point of under 400 aircraft during the pandemic, the in-service fleet size in the Middle East is forecasted to reach more than 2,300 by 2031, according to Oliver Wyman’s latest fleet and MRO forecast.
in Air Transport Etihad is the first airline with 100% of crew on board vaccinated
Posted 10 February 2021
Etihad Airways has become the first airline in the world with all its operating pilots and cabin crew vaccinated to help curb the spread of COVID-19 and give passengers who travel with the airline peace of mind.
in Air Transport Gulf Air welcomes its new 70th anniversary Airbus A321neoLR
Posted 5 February 2021
Gulf Air today welcomed its new Airbus A321neoLR which landed in the new terminal of Bahrain International Airport.
in Air Transport 2020 worst year in history for air travel
Posted 4 February 2021
IATA has announced full-year global passenger traffic results for 2020 showing that demand (revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) fell by 65.9% compared to the full year of 2019, by far the sharpest traffic decline in aviation history.
in Air Transport IATA: The industry is in a severe situation
Posted 4 February 2021
Alexander de Juniac, CEO of IATA, has delivered a briefing updating the global air transport industry saying the industry ‘clearly shows the severe situation it is in.'
in Air Transport IATA: We can see the light at the end of the tunnel
Posted 28 January 2021
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on governments to partner with the air transport industry to devise plans to safely re-link people, business and economies when the COVID-19 epidemiological situation
in Air Transport Boeing 737 Max cleared to fly again
Posted 27 January 2021
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has cleared the Boeing 737 MAX to fly again in European skies, 22 months after the plane was grounded following two fatal crashes.
in Air Transport / Features Summer sun is cold comfort to north African airlines
Posted 26 January 2021
It was hoped that the summer period would give north African airlines the chance to recover from the early blows dealt them by the coronavirus pandemic. However, as Vincent Chappard and Anuradha Deenapanray report, the results were
in Air Transport Boeing: Aircraft flying on 100% sustainable fuels by 2030
Posted 25 January 2021
Boeing is setting an ambitious target to advance the long-term sustainability of commercial aviation, committing that its commercial aircraft are capable and certified to fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuels by 2030.
in Air Transport Qatar Airways and Iberia strengthen strategic partnership
Posted 21 January 2021
Qatar Airways has signed an expanded codeshare agreement with Iberia.
in Air Transport Royal Jordanian to implement new measures on inbound flights
Posted 20 January 2021
Royal Jordanian will start implementing the new measures required by the Jordanian Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission for inbound flights as of January 20th, 2021.
in Air Transport Emirates and Etihad trial IATA Travel Pass
Posted 19 January 2021
Both Emirates and Etihad Airways have partnered with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to trial IATA Travel Pass – a mobile app to help passengers easily and securely manage their travel in line with any government requirements
in Air Transport IATA CEO speaks The World Tourism Organisation
Posted 19 January 2021
IATA CEO Alexandre de Juniac said during a speech at The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) that we will not be able to eliminate the risk of Covid-19 in any foreseeable timeline, so we must learn to manage the risk of it.
in Air Transport / Features Global consistency the key to travel recovery
Posted 18 January 2021
Air Arabia’s dynamic business model has enabled the airline to react quickly to sudden changes in the market due to the coronavirus crisis. Group CEO, Adel Al Ali, told Vincent Chappard that consistent measures must be taken globally to enable
in Air Transport Oman Air passes IATA’s Operational Safety Audit
Posted 18 January 2021
Oman Air has successfully passed the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA).
in Air Transport Turkish Airlines launches new hygiene programme
Posted 18 January 2021
Turkish Airlines has launched a new hygiene programme 'TK Extra Care', which highlights new protective hygiene measures, in collaboration with the global carrier’s ambassador Dr. Mehmet Oz, the producer and host of the world-renowned
in Air Transport Jazeera Airways takes delivery of new Airbus A320neo
Posted 18 January 2021
Jazeera Airways has taken delivery of its sixth Airbus A320neo aircraft which landed at Kuwait International Airport on January 16, growing its fleet to 15 aircraft.
in Air Transport IATA: A more balanced public policy approach is needed during Covid-19
Posted 13 January 2021
IATA’s Alexander de Juniac has delivered his first briefing of 2021 regarding Covid-19 saying governments are not interested in managing a balanced approach to the risks of Covid and a more balanced approach is
in Air Transport / Route Planning & Tourism Jordan Aviation eyes USA destinations
Posted 13 January 2021
Jordan Aviation has filed a formal request with the US Department of Transportation to begin flights to the USA in competition to the country’s national carrier Royal Jordanian (RJ).
in Air Transport Middle Eastern airlines’ demand plummeted 86.0% in November
Posted 8 January 2021
IATA has said that the recovery in passenger demand which had been slowing since the Northern hemisphere’s summer travel season, came to a halt in November 2020.
in Air Transport Resumption of air connectivity between key nations in Middle East
Posted 8 January 2021
IATA said it has welcomed the signing of the ‘solidarity and stability’ agreement that will see Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Egypt open their air, land and sea borders with Qatar.
in Air Transport Qatar Airways allowed to reroute some flights through Saudi airspace
Posted 8 January 2021
Qatar Airways began rerouting some of its flights through Saudi airspace from last night (Thursday) after the lifting of a blockade imposed more than three years ago.
in Air Transport / Features Palestinian Airlines in limbo as aircraft put up for sale
Posted 5 January 2021
Palestinian Airlines faces yet another challenge as the occupied territories’ government puts its aircraft up for sale.
in Air Transport Emirates expects first Boeing 777X to arrive in 2023
Posted 5 January 2021
Emirates has confirmed its first Boeing 777X will now not arrive until 2023 after it was originally slated for 2020.
in Air Transport Qatar Airways reflects on 2020
Posted 31 December 2020
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker has reflected on an ‘extraordinary year’ in the history of aviation.
in Air Transport / Route Planning & Tourism Wizz Air to begin Abu Dhabi ops on January 15
Posted 29 December 2020
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the newest national airline of the UAE, is to start operations on January 15th with its inaugural flight to Athens.
in Air Transport Etihad Airways introduces charter flight services
Posted 28 December 2020
Etihad Airways has expanded its business with the launch of charter and special flight services.
in Air Transport Qatar Airways and Oman Air in code-share expansion
Posted 28 December 2020
Qatar Airways has signed an expanded code-share agreement with Oman Air.
in Air Transport Qatar Airways offers unlimited changes for travel completed during 2021
Posted 23 December 2020
Qatar Airways has announced that it will offer passengers unlimited date changes and fee-free refunds for all tickets issued before 30 April 2021 for travel completed by 31 December 2021.
in Air Transport / Technology Gogo has eyes on Middle Eastern Airlines
Posted 22 December 2020
Gogo is keen to establish its 2Ku inflight connectivity solution on more Middle Eastern Airlines following its purchase by satellite giant Intelsat.
in Air Transport Gulf Air and EgyptAir expand codeshare agreeement
Posted 21 December 2020
Gulf Air and EgyptAir have expanded their codeshare partnership.
in Air Transport Etihad inaugurates 2020 ecoDemonstrator aircraft into service
Posted 15 December 2020
Etihad Airways has officially inaugurated the latest aircraft in its journey towards sustainability, with the pioneering 2020 ecoDemonstrator entering commercial service following a series of industry-leading test
in Air Transport / Features Low blows...
Posted 14 December 2020
Airline passengers in Abu Dhabi stand to benefit as two new low-cost carriers fight it out for their dirhams. But, asks Alan Dron, is there enough business for both companies?
in Air Transport DAE delivers 737 MAX 8 aircraft to American Airlines
Posted 14 December 2020
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has delivered the first of 18 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to American Airlines as part of the Purchase and Leaseback agreement signed with American in the third quarter of this year.
in Air Transport Hope Consortium flies two million Covid vaccine doses into Abu Dhabi
Posted 10 December 2020
Abu Dhabi’s Hope Consortium has achieved a major milestone in steering the global logistics industry towards worldwide COVID-19 vaccine distribution after facilitating the transportation and storage of two
in Air Transport Gulf Air signs five agreements in Tel Aviv
Posted 9 December 2020
Gulf Air has ceremonially signed five agreements with a number of companies during an official visit from the Kingdom of Bahrain to the State of Israel.
in Air Transport IATA: Governments should add market stimulation measures
Posted 9 December 2020
IATA has called on governments to add market stimulation measures to the support they are giving to keep aviation financially viable.
in Air Transport Middle Eastern airlines saw an 86.7% traffic drop for October
Posted 9 December 2020
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said the recovery of passenger demand continued to be disappointingly slow in October.
in Air Transport IATA: States urged to follow global guidelines on crew testing
Posted 8 December 2020
IATA and the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) have jointly called on governments to follow the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council Aviation Recovery Task Force
in Air Transport Etihad launches first aircraft carbon offset programme in the Middle East
Posted 8 December 2020
Etihad Airways is purchasing carbon offsets to completely neutralise the CO2 emissions of its flagship “Greenliner” 787-10 aircraft for a full year of operations in 2021.
in Air Transport / Features Etihad's sound investment
Posted 7 December 2020
A research programme has seen Etihad Airways, Boeing, NASA and Safran banding together to reduce noise emissions from future generations of airliners. Alan Dron has been finding out more.
in Air Transport Emirates receives first of three A380s to be delivered in December
Posted 7 December 2020
Emirates has welcomed its 116th A380 as the first of three A380s to join its fleet in 2020. The aircraft arrived in Dubai in the early hours of Saturday morning, powered by a blend of conventional jet fuel and sustainable
in Air Transport Gulf Air and EL AL Airlines sign agreement in Tel Aviv
Posted 4 December 2020
Gulf Air and EL AL Airlines are set to embark on a historic collaboration following the signing of an MOU during an official visit from Bahrain to Israel.
in Air Transport Embraer's 10-Year Market Outlook identifies trends influencing the industry
Posted 3 December 2020
Embraer has released its newly published 2020 Commercial Market Outlook which examines passenger demand for air travel and new aircraft deliveries over the next 10 years.
in Air Transport / Defence / Business Aviation / General Aviation / Events Saudi Airshow 2021 postponed
Posted 3 December 2020
The Saudi Airshow- due to take place in February - has been postponed.
in Air Transport BOC Aviation leases 5 A321neo to MEA
Posted 1 December 2020
BOC Aviation has delivered the first two of five new Airbus A321neo aircraft for lease to Middle East Airlines (MEA). The aircraft will be powered by Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower PW1100G-JM engines.
in Air Transport Aviation industry agrees vital slot use relief
Posted 27 November 2020
The Worldwide Airport Slot Board (WASB), comprising Airports Council International (ACI World), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the Worldwide Airport Coordinators Group (WWACG) released a joint
in Air Transport IATA calls on governments to support industry move to SAF
Posted 25 November 2020
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on governments worldwide to support the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as a critical step to achieving its target to cut net emissions to half 2005
in Air Transport CFM to support Air Arabia’s A321neo fleet
Posted 24 November 2020
CFM International will provide time and material support for Air Arabia’s fleet of six LEAP-1A-powered A321neo aircraft.
in Air Transport Saudia gets place on the IATA governing board
Posted 24 November 2020
Saudi Arabian Airlines’ (Saudia) new director general Ibrahim Al-Omar, has been appointed to the governing board of directors of IATA, the international airline association at today's AGM.
in Air Transport IATA: Steps forward for testing to reopen borders without quarantine
Posted 24 November 2020
IATA has welcomed the publication of the Manual on Testing and Cross Border Risk Management Measures by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
in Air Transport / Route Planning & Tourism Vistara Begins Non-Stop Delhi-Doha Flights
Posted 20 November 2020
India’s privately-owned full-service carrier Vistara has started operating non-stop flights between Delhi and Doha, as part of an effort to strengthen its presence in the Middle-East.
in Air Transport Etihad and El Al to collaborate with codeshare cargo and loyalty schemes
Posted 19 November 2020
A historic deal that could stimulate some of that growth came this week as Etihad and Israel’s El Al signed an MOU to explore greater cooperation, code sharing, joint engineering and cargo services and even
in Air Transport FAA approve resumption of 737 MAX operations
Posted 18 November 2020
After nearly two years of being grounded following two deadly crashes, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has cleared Boeing’s 737 Max for flight.
