Home-grown growth
Saudi low-cost carrier, Flyadeal, is so busy coping with a flood of domestic traffic that it has had to postpone the start of international services, says its CEO. Alan Dron reports.
Air Transport
in Air Transport Daher’s TBM 940 receives EASA certification
Posted 23 May 2019
Daher has said its new TBM 940 has been certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), enabling deliveries to begin with this latest very fast turboprop aircraft version.
in Air Transport / Features Maltese ready to cross a new bridge
Posted 21 May 2019
Libyan-owned Medavia has a varied business model encompassing charter operations, wet-leasing, and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services at its Malta hub. Now chief executive, Rammah Ettir, is looking to add scheduled flying to the mix.
in Air Transport Boeing has released a statement on 737 MAX certification
Posted 17 May 2019
Boeing has completed development of the updated software for the 737 MAX, along with associated simulator testing and the company’s engineering test flight.
in Air Transport Boom Supersonic and Dassault Systèmes partner for ‘history’s fastest commercial airliner’
Posted 15 May 2019
Dassault Systèmes has announced that Boom Supersonic is deploying the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to accelerate the design and development of Overture, its Mach-2.2 commercial airliner, with
in Air Transport Climate action in aviation an inspiring challenge
Posted 14 May 2019
The aviation industry should be inspired by its role in the fight against climate change, according to one of its sustainability leaders according to Michael Gill, the executive director of the cross-industry Air Transport Action Group
in Air Transport Gulf Air offers free extra baggage allowance for university students
Posted 13 May 2019
Gulf Air has enhanced the baggage allowance for all college and university students with an additional free of charge 23-kilogram bag.
in Air Transport / Airports Kuwait Airport tragedy with death of ground crew
Posted 8 May 2019
A ground staff member at Kuwait International Airport was killed while performing a routine tractor tow of a Kuwait Airways 777 on Monday.
in Air Transport Middle East carriers’ passenger demand fell 3.0% in March
Posted 8 May 2019
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global passenger traffic results for March 2019 showing that demand (measured in revenue passenger kilometers, or RPKs) rose 3.1%, compared to the same month a
in Air Transport Etihad Airways reduces carbon footprint
Posted 8 May 2019
Etihad Airways is implementing fuel saving initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
in Air Transport Boeing issue new statement on AOA disagree alert
Posted 7 May 2019
Boeing has released a new statement on the AOA disagree alert.
in Air Transport SriLankan Airlines eyes Middle East market
Posted 7 May 2019
SriLankan Airlines, is hoping to recover from the recent setbacks and has set out a turnaround plan, which includes expanding in the Middle East.
in Air Transport Boeing releases statement on 737 MAX disagree alert
Posted 30 April 2019
Boeing has released a statement regarding various news stories circulating on the disagree alert on the 737 MAX.
in Air Transport FSF urges World regulators to recommit to collaborative approach in certification decisions
Posted 30 April 2019
After the tragic Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines accidents and the fragmented approach in grounding the Boeing 737 MAX, regulators from around the world are gathering for a special
in Air Transport Gulf Air and Oman Air strengthen and expand codeshare agreement
Posted 30 April 2019
Gulf Air and Oman Air have expanded their existing codeshare agreement allowing passengers to benefit from the outstanding products and services offered by the two airlines. This will extend travel opportunities to fly
in Air Transport Rwanda and Qatar develop closer aviation ties with bilateral agreement
Posted 29 April 2019
Qatar and Rwanda have signed four bilateral agreements with aviation at the heart of the discussions
in Air Transport Etihad Airways launches new fully-customisable economy experience
Posted 28 April 2019
Etihad Airways has unveiled a major Economy transformation programme starting with the cabin upgrade and refurbishment of 23 narrow-body Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.
in Air Transport / Business & Finance Royal Jordanian sees 2018 improvements across the board
Posted 28 April 2019
There were smiles at the Royal Jordanian annual meeting today as the national carrier announced a marked improvement in its performance figures to shareholders.
in Air Transport / Features Pichler flies the flag against the high threat of low-cost
Posted 24 April 2019
Royal Jordanian Airlines boss, Stefan Pichler, has prepared well for an influx of low-cost competition, as Martin Rivers reports
in Air Transport IATA and ACAO sign MoU to advance aviation in MENA
Posted 24 April 2019
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and The Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) have signed an MoU to deepen their cooperation to advance the safe, efficient and sustainable development of air transport in the
in Air Transport Etihad Airways flight lands in Brisbane without any single-use plastics on board
Posted 23 April 2019
Etihad Airways is the first airline in the region to operate a flight without any single-use plastics on board, in a bid to raise awareness of the effects of plastic pollution. Flight EY484 landed in
in Air Transport Emirates to expand reach in India with SpiceJet codeshare partnership
Posted 23 April 2019
Emirates and SpiceJet have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enter into a reciprocal codeshare agreement, which is set to open new routes and destinations for passengers travelling between India and
in Air Transport EgyptAir takes delivery of second B787-9 Dreamliner
Posted 18 April 2019
EgyptAir’s second B787-9 Dreamliner has arrived today at Cairo International Airport. The aircraft is slated to operate flights from Cairo to Frankfurt by April 22nd.
in Air Transport Etihad Airways top operate single-use plastic free flight on Earth Day
Posted 17 April 2019
Etihad Airways will be the first airline in the region to operate a flight without any single-use plastics on board, in a bid to raise awareness of the effects of plastic pollution.
in Air Transport Oman Air announces Ramadan promotions
Posted 16 April 2019
Oman Air is offering special Ramadan promotions.
in Air Transport Emirates announces an interline agreement with Africa World Airlines
Posted 16 April 2019
Emirates and Africa World Airlines (AWA), the Ghanaian airline headquartered in Accra, have announced a one-way interline agreement whereby Emirates customers can connect onto selected routes of Africa World
in Air Transport Oman Air selects AVS GSA in Malaysia
Posted 16 April 2019
AVS GSA has become Oman Air’s exclusive GSSA (General Sales and Services Agent) in Malaysia.
in Air Transport Emirates marks fleet renewal milestones
Posted 15 April 2019
Emirates is marking its ‘significant’ fleet renewal with the complete reconfiguration of all 10 Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, and the last two Boeing 777-300 Classic aircraft retiring from fleet.
in Air Transport Dubai Air Navigation Services’ team receives three ISO certifications
Posted 15 April 2019
Dubai Air Navigation Services’ team has received three ISO certifications in quality management systems, quality management for training and Information security.
in Air Transport Emirates to deploy its latest Boeing 777-300ER to Riyadh and Kuwait
Posted 15 April 2019
Emirates will be operating its latest Boeing 777-300ER aircraft fitted with the ‘Game Changer' First Class suites from Dubai to Riyadh starting from 16 April 2019 and Kuwait starting from 1 June 2019.
in Air Transport / Features JATE battles to stay on target
Posted 12 April 2019
As a country, Jordan has never had it easy. Sandwiched between larger or more powerful nations in a highly unstable region, with few natural resources, it has had to rely on the ingenuity and skills of its people to survive. Alan Dron highlights one excellent
in Air Transport Qatar Airways’ investment in Air Italy is fully compliant with U.S.-Qatar open skies
Posted 11 April 2019
Qatar Airways’ has released a statement regarding recent ‘false’ reports of it shareholding in Air Italy.
in Air Transport Boeing announces new supply chain agreements
Posted 11 April 2019
Boeing is expanding its total lifecycle support offerings by managing the entire end-to-end process of its Used Serviceable Material (USM) business.
in Air Transport Oman Air introduces more payment options
Posted 11 April 2019
Oman Air passengers based out of India can now purchase their flights with payment options that includes net banking from all major Indian banks, PayTM, Wallets, as well as EMI (Equal Monthly Instalments).
in Air Transport Emirates completes installation of Expo 2020 Dubai livery on 40 aircraft
Posted 10 April 2019
Emirates has completed the installation of bespoke Expo 2020 Dubai liveries on 40 aircraft, with its final A380 aircraft emblazoned in the distinctive orange ‘opportunity’ decal rolling out of the Emirates
in Air Transport Flynas receives IATA’s Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate
Posted 10 April 2019
Flynas has recently accomplished the IOSA Program registration, which is an internationally accepted evaluation process of an airline’s operational management and control systems.
in Air Transport Middle East carriers recorded a 0.8% traffic decline in February
Posted 9 April 2019
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global passenger traffic results for February 2019 showing total revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) rose 5.3%, compared to February 2018.
in Air Transport / Features Iraqi Airways forced to play a waiting game
Posted 8 April 2019
Iraqi Airways is expanding its fleet and aims to grow its route network, but is awaiting indications from the country’s newly installed government as to its future direction. Alan Dron reports.
in Air Transport Gulf Air Celebrates the one year anniversary of its new brand
Posted 8 April 2019
Gulf Air is celebrating one year since launching its new brand at the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2018.
in Air Transport Boeing statement on the 737Max situation
Posted 6 April 2019
Boeing has issued a statement regarding the future of the 737Max programme following the preliminary report following last month's crash of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302.
in Air Transport Emirates Group Security receives appreciation from UK authorities
Posted 1 April 2019
Emirates Group Security, part of the Emirates Group, has been commended by the UK National Crime Agency for its support in fighting organised crime.
in Air Transport Emirates celebrates the spirit of Africa with latest brand campaign
Posted 29 March 2019
Emirates has launched a pan-African brand advertising campaign that celebrates the talent and achievements of young Africans, taking the message of ‘New Africa’ to the world.
in Air Transport Gulf Air achieves best seat load factor in five years
Posted 28 March 2019
Gulf Air has achieved its best February results in five years with the highest seat load factor for February since 2014.
in Air Transport EgyptAir takes delivery of its first 787-9 Dreamliner
Posted 28 March 2019
EgyptAir’s B787-9 Dreamliner arrived today at Cairo International Airport.
in Air Transport / Features Why Mauritania wants to strike a Paris match
Posted 28 March 2019
Mauritania Airlines is rapidly expanding its route network, but one of the major prizes still remains tantalisingly out of reach. Alan Dron reports.
in Air Transport / Features We must not loose our free spirit...
Posted 22 March 2019
Fuel prices, the need for infrastructure to keep pace with airline growth, and the dangers of protectionism, were among the topics at the annual meeting of the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO) in Cairo. Alan Dron reports.
in Air Transport Turkish Airlines becomes first airline to use new insurance-backed aircraft financing product
Posted 21 March 2019
Turkish Airlines has become the first airline to use the brand new insurance-backed aircraft financing product “Balthazar” combined with French lease, with the financing of its A321
in Air Transport Oman Air ranks first in Heathrow Airport’s ‘Fly Quiet and Green’ Q4 2018 league table
Posted 21 March 2019
Oman Air has been recognised as the cleanest and quietest carrier in contributing to the reduction of the noise footprint at UK’s Heathrow Airport, as per the Fly Quiet and Green chart published by
in Air Transport Qatar Airways reaches significant milestone with delivery of 250th aircraft
Posted 20 March 2019
Qatar Airways is celebrating the arrival of its 250th aircraft, an Airbus A350-900 from Toulouse, France, the latest addition to the group’s growing fleet of passenger, Cargo and executive aircraft.
in Air Transport Boeing CEO releases a statement on ‘safety’
Posted 19 March 2019
Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg has released a message to airlines, passengers and the aviation community following the recent losses of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Lion Air Flight 610.
in Air Transport Boeing 737 MAX 8 grounding could impact on international e-commerce and parcels
Posted 18 March 2019
The grounding of the world’s entire Boeing 737 Max 8 fleet could mean delays to overseas freight, warns the international delivery expert ParcelHero.
in Air Transport / Business & Finance Etihad sees improvement in losses but still more than a billion down
Posted 15 March 2019
While Etihad announced some positive indicators in its latest annual results, they came against a backdrop of underlying negatives – principally a loss of $1.28 billion for the year. This was nonetheless a
in Air Transport Boeing releases statement on 737 MAX operations
Posted 13 March 2019
Boeing has issued a statement on the operations of its 737 MAX aircraft.
in Air Transport Flydubai grounds its fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 737 MAX 9
Posted 12 March 2019
Following the directive issued by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Flydubai’s fleet of 11 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and two Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft have been grounded.
in Air Transport Saudia and Etihad see positive results from collaboration
Posted 12 March 2019
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) and the UAE’s Etihad may be seen as fierce rivals, but speaking at the Saudi Airshow today the heads of both airlines said there were clear benefits from working together.
in Air Transport / Features Syrian soldiering on
Posted 12 March 2019
Syrian Arab Airlines chief executive, Talal Abdulkarim, talks to Martin Rivers about the flag-carrier’s intolerable challenges, and how Russia could help reverse its fortunes.
in Air Transport / Technology Air Arabia extends relationship with Honeywell in APU deal
Posted 12 March 2019
Honeywell announced an agreement with Air Arabia at the Saudi Airshow today, to extend maintenance services and supply auxiliary power units (APUs) for the airline’s fleet of Airbus A320ceo aircraft.
in Air Transport Middle East carriers see weak growth in January for passenger demand from previous year
Posted 7 March 2019
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global passenger traffic results for January 2019 showing traffic (revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 6.5% compared
in Air Transport Gulf Air welcomes second Airbus A320neo to its fleet
Posted 6 March 2019
Gulf Air has welcomed the airline’s second Airbus A320neo to join the fleet, which landed in Bahrain International Airport today.
in Air Transport Qatar and the European Union initial first Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement
Posted 5 March 2019
The State of Qatar and the European Union initialled a Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement (CATA) in Brussels on Monday 4 March 2019, and signed a Memorandum of Consultations (MoC), which is set to
in Air Transport Qatar Airways partners with IATA to launch diversity and inclusion awards
Posted 28 February 2019
Qatar Airways is to partner with The International Air Transport Association (IATA) for the launch of the ‘IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards’, which promote greater gender diversification in the aviation
in Air Transport IATA: Cooperation key to keeping aviation secure
Posted 28 February 2019
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on industry and governments to work together more closely to keep aviation secure in the face of evolving security threats and the forecast doubling of passenger demand to reach
in Air Transport Boeing-Embraer partnership receives shareholder approval
Posted 26 February 2019
The proposed strategic partnership between Boeing and Embraer was approved today by Embraer's shareholders during an Extraordinary General Shareholders' Meeting held at the company's headquarters in Brazil.
in Air Transport IATA releases 2018 airline safety performance results
Posted 21 February 2019
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for the 2018 safety performance of the commercial airline industry showing continuing safety improvements over the long term, but an increase in accidents
in Air Transport Qatar Airways GCEO welcomes the Doha Declaration
Posted 14 February 2019
Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker has welcomed the publication of the “Doha Declaration”, a manifesto that calls for a radical review of the existing aviation regulatory framework.
in Air Transport Airbus pulls the plug on A380 as Emirates cancels order
Posted 14 February 2019
Airbus confirmed today that production of the A380 will end in 2021 following the decision by Dubai-based airline Emirates to cancel outstanding orders for the Superjumbo.
in Air Transport Etihad Airways and Royal Jordanian announce new codeshare partnership
Posted 11 February 2019
Etihad Airways and Royal Jordanian have announced a new codeshare partnership which will provide their customers with greater access to key leisure and business destinations in North Africa, Europe, Canada,
in Air Transport Attempted hijack on Sudan Airways flight to Cairo
Posted 7 February 2019
Sudan Airways flight 103 was en route from Cairo, Egypt to Khartoum, Sudan, on February 4, when a passenger attempted to enter the flight deck with the aim of hijacking the flight.
in Air Transport Middle East carriers’ traffic increased 4.2% last year
Posted 7 February 2019
Transport Association (IATA) announced global passenger traffic results for 2018 showing that demand (revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose by a healthy 6.5% compared to full-year 2017.
in Air Transport Bombardier Commercial Aircraft officially launches the new CRJ550 aircraft,
Posted 6 February 2019
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft has officially launched the new CRJ550 aircraft, the first triple-class 50-seat aircraft in the world.
in Air Transport Qatar and the European Union conclude negotiations on Air Transport Agreement
Posted 6 February 2019
The European Commissioner for Mobility and Transport, Violeta Bulc, announced that the European Union and the State of Qatar have concluded negotiations for a landmark Comprehensive Air Transport
in Air Transport Boeing partners with Aerion to accelerate supersonic travel
Posted 5 February 2019
Boeing has announced a partnership with Aerion, a Reno, Nevada-based company pioneering next-generation supersonic aircraft. As part of the agreement, Boeing made a significant investment in Aerion to accelerate
in Air Transport Emirates forges codeshare partnership with China Southern Airlines
Posted 4 February 2019
Emirates and China Southern Airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to progress a comprehensive reciprocal codeshare agreement, which is set to open up new destinations for passengers travelling
in Air Transport / Route Planning & Tourism Qatar Airways converts 10 of its 50 A321neo to A321LR
Posted 31 January 2019
Qatar Airways has announced that it will convert 10 of its 50 Airbus A321neo on order to the Airbus A321LR (long range) variant of the A320 family.
in Air Transport EASA certifies A330neo for “beyond 180 minutes” ETOPS
Posted 28 January 2019
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved the A330-900 for ETOPS (Extended-range Twin engine aircraft Operations) ‘beyond 180 minutes’ diversion time.
in Air Transport Strata delivers inaugural shipset for World's First Super Versatile Jet
Posted 28 January 2019
Strata Manufacturing, a composite aero structures manufacturing company, wholly-owned by Mubadala Investment Company PJSC, has delivered its first shipset of belly fairings for the PC-24, a twin-engine
in Air Transport Etihad Airways records successful year for on-time performance
Posted 24 January 2019
Etihad Airways has posted its best December operational on-time performance (OTP) results since 2010, concluding a successful year for its flight operations.
in Air Transport Gulf Air and Royal Air Maroc sign SPA agreement
Posted 22 January 2019
Gulf Air and Royal Air Maroc recently signed a Special Prorate Agreement (SPA) effective from 22 January 2019.
in Air Transport Etihad Airways flies the first flight using fuel made in the UAE from plants grown in saltwater
Posted 16 January 2019
The Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC), a non-profit entity established by Masdar Institute that is part of Khalifa University of Science and Technology, has
in Air Transport Emirates and Flydubai continue to expand partnership
Posted 16 January 2019
The strategic partnership between Dubai’s two airlines, Emirates and Flydubai, continues to grow since its launch 14 months ago as it adds new codeshare destinations in 2019.
in Air Transport Qatar Airways official airline partner for the Qatar-India Year of Culture 2019
Posted 14 January 2019
Qatar Airways is the Official Airline Partner for the Qatar-India Year of Culture 2019, marking the beginning of a year-long collaboration
in Air Transport Emirates announces network updates for 2019
Posted 14 January 2019
Emirates has announced adjustments to its operational schedules in 2019 to minimise the impact of the closure of Dubai International Airport’s Southern Runway in April and May 2019, and to respond to global travel demand trends. The airline
in Air Transport Middle East carriers saw a 2.8% demand increase in November
Posted 10 January 2019
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced healthy but moderating global passenger traffic results for November 2018.
in Air Transport Syphax Airlines secures new AOC
Posted 9 January 2019
Tunisia’s Syphax Airlines has secured a new Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) from the Tunisian civil aviation authority, reports ch-aviation.
in Air Transport Rolls-Royce to build all-electric aircraft
Posted 8 January 2019
Rolls-Royce has taken on the challenge to build the world’s fastest all-electric aircraft.
in Air Transport Gulf Air launches boutique business model concept
Posted 7 January 2019
Gulf Air has revealed its business plans for 2019 to internal and external stakeholders during its commercial conference held in Manama, Bahrain, as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthen its position as a national asset to the
in Air Transport ATR and Avation confirm order for eight ATR 72-600s
Posted 3 January 2019
Avation PLC, a commercial passenger aircraft leasing company, and ATR have confirmed Avation has entered into an options exercise to acquire a further eight new ATR 72-600 aircraft for scheduled deliveries between 2020 and 2022.
in Air Transport Aviation Safety Network reports increase in fatal air accidents
Posted 2 January 2019
The Aviation Safety Network (ASN), the Dutch-based exclusive service of the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) has released its 2018 airliner accident statistics showing a total of 15 fatal airliner accidents, resulting
in Air Transport / Business & Finance Qatar grows its stake in China Southern Airlines
Posted 2 January 2019
Qatar Airways has upped its stake in China Southern Airlines to 5%, the Diha based group said this morning. It completed the on-market purchase of the shares on December 28.
in Air Transport / Features A race against Trump...
Posted 2 January 2019
A last-gasp ferry flight before the United States re-imposed economic sanctions increased Iran Air’s fleet of modern regional aircraft by five machines. But, asks Alan Dron, how are they faring in service?
in Air Transport GCAA signs protocol to amend agreement of offences and acts committed on board aircraft
Posted 1 January 2019
Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE’s Ambassador to Canada has signed the protocol for Amending the Agreement Concerning Offences and Acts Committed on Board Aircraft approved in Montreal, Canada.
in Air Transport Four people killed in helicopter crash in the UAE
Posted 31 December 2018
The National Search and Rescue Center in Ras Al Khaimah announced over the weekend that four people were killed in the helicopter crash, which took place during a search and rescue operation near Jebel Jais in the UAE.
in Air Transport A319neo with CFM LEAP-1A engines wins type Certification from FAA and EASA
Posted 27 December 2018
The A319neo powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines has achieved joint Type Certification from both the US FAA and European EASA airworthiness authorities. This means that now all three aircraft
in Air Transport Flyadeal sign commitment for up to 50 737 MAX Jets
Posted 21 December 2018
Boeing and Flyadeal have announced the Middle East carrier is growing its fleet with the 737 MAX to take advantage of the airplane's fuel efficiency, range and passenger comforts. The airline committed to ordering 30 airplanes with
in Air Transport Emirates and South African Airways expand commercial relationship
Posted 19 December 2018
Emirates and South African Airways (SAA)are expanding their commercial relationship with enhancements to a codeshare agreement, opening up new destinations for both SAA and Emirates customers.
in Air Transport New 787-9 joins Oman Air fleet
Posted 18 December 2018
Oman Air has taken delivery of its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner that it has on order for 2018. This comes at a time when the airline is continuing its trajectory of rapid growth and expansion.
in Air Transport Qatar Airways GCEO hosts roundtable with global media to discuss airline’s expansion plans
Posted 18 December 2018
Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, hosted a media roundtable with global media to discuss the airline’s rapid expansion plans during Qatar’s annual Doha Forum
in Air Transport / Features Why Etihad turned tail on partnerships
Posted 14 December 2018
Etihad Airways is looking closer to home for growth as it plots a new course following major problems at some of its equity partner airlines. Alan Dron reports.
in Air Transport Emirates takes delivery of its last Boeing 777-300ER aircraft
Posted 14 December 2018
Emirates has received the final Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on its order books.
in Air Transport / Maintenance Rolls-Royce signs TotalCare contract for MEA aircraft
Posted 12 December 2018
As part of its widebody fleet renewal, the Lebanese carrier Middle East Airlines – Air Liban (MEA) has decided to purchase four new and two option Airbus A330-900neo powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines due to deliver in 2021.
