Why Etihad turned tail on partnerships
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.
Air Transport
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.
in Air Transport / Features Somon cracks the EU code
Posted 7 December 2018
Somon Air and AtlasGlobal are forging deeper ties in a bid to help the Tajik airline grow sustainably. Martin Rivers reports.
in Air Transport / Airports Five Middle East States to share aviation security info
Posted 7 December 2018
Following their presentation of a working paper entitled 'Sharing of Aviation Security Information Between States' at the Second High-level Conference on Aviation Security (HLCAS/2-WP/2), Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia,
in Air Transport Middle Eastern airlines’ freight volumes expanded 5.0% in October 2018
Posted 6 December 2018
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTKs), rose 3.1% in October 2018, compared to the same
in Air Transport Royal Air Maroc to join oneworld
Posted 6 December 2018
Royal Air Maroc is to join oneworld. Its election as a oneworld member designate was announced as the chief executives of the alliance’s 13 current member airlines gathered in New York for their year-end Governing Board meeting, just weeks before the
in Air Transport / Features Atlas' global map missing a few pages
Posted 29 November 2018
AtlasGlobal is living up to its name by establishing a group of subsidiary airlines spanning the world. But, as Martin Rivers discovers, management already have their hands full dealing with the volatile Turkish market.
in Air Transport Royal Air Maroc orders additional ATR 72-600
Posted 27 November 2018
Royal Air Maroc, is adding an additional ATR 72-600 to its fleet. This will bring its total ATR 72-600 fleet to six aircraft.
in Air Transport Boeing and Turkish Airlines announce order for additional 777 aircraft
Posted 27 November 2018
Boeing and Turkish Airlines have announced an order for three 777 Freighters as the flag carrier of Turkey continues to soar on record financial results and double-digit passenger and cargo growth.
in Air Transport UAE General Civil Aviation Authority sign new air transport agreements
Posted 26 November 2018
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority signed final agreements on air transport services with the Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Vanuatu and the cabinet of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Dubai to boost bilateral
in Air Transport / Features The Phax of life
Posted 23 November 2018
Tunisian businessman and politician Mohamed Frikha tells Martin Rivers why he is bringing Syphax Airlines back from the dead.
in Air Transport / Events Emirates wins ULTRAs' Best Airline in the World
Posted 22 November 2018
Emirates was named ‘Best Airline in the World’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ at the prestigious 2018 ULTRAs.
in Air Transport First Boeing 777X flight test aircraft comes together
Posted 22 November 2018
Boeing has brought together the major fuselage sections to form the first 777X aircraft that will take to the skies in 2019.
in Air Transport Middle East travel slows
Posted 21 November 2018
Research undertaken by ForwardKeys, which analyses over 17 million flight booking transactions a day, reveals anaemic travel growth in the Middle East during the first ten months of the year.
in Air Transport ACJ320neo takes to the skies for the first time
Posted 19 November 2018
The first ACJ320neo successfully completed a two hour and 40 minute first flight from Hamburg on November 16, getting its short test-programme off to a good start.
in Air Transport Gulf Air and Etihad Airways sign MoU
Posted 19 November 2018
Gulf Air and Etihad Airways, are set to explore deeper cooperation following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Bahrain International Airshow last week.
in Air Transport Gulf Air completes sale and leaseback of six Airbus A320neo Aircraft
Posted 15 November 2018
Gulf Air and SMBC Aviation Capital have today announced a six-aircraft agreement for the purchase and leaseback of six Airbus A320neo aircraft. This is SMBC Aviation Capital’s first deal with Gulf Air and follows a
in Air Transport SaudiGulf Airlines to add ten A320neo family aircraft
Posted 15 November 2018
Al-Qahtani Aviation, owner of SaudiGulf Airlines, has signed an agreement to purchase ten A320neo family aircraft. The commitment was announced today at the Bahrain International Airshow.
in Air Transport Flynas first Saudi carrier to receive the A320neo
Posted 13 November 2018
Flynas has received its first of 80 A320neo Family aircraft.
in Air Transport Middle East carriers see 1.8% rise in demand in September
Posted 7 November 2018
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global passenger traffic results for September showing that demand (measured in revenue passenger kilometers, or RPKs) rose 5.5% compared to the same month in
in Air Transport / Features Geo-commerce, technology and the future of cargo aviation
Posted 1 November 2018
In a thought-provoking personal opinion article, Wolfgang Meier, president, Silkway West Airlines, says the outlook for global cargo aviation demand remains strong. However, there are other factors at play.
in Air Transport Gulf Air and Thai Airways expand codeshare agreement
Posted 1 November 2018
Gulf Air and Thai Airways International (THAI), Thailand’s flag carrier, signed an expansion to the existing codeshare agreement effective from 28th October 2018.
in Air Transport IATA forecast predicts 8.2 billion air travellers in 2037
Posted 25 October 2018
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) revealed that present trends in air transport suggest passenger numbers could double to 8.2 billion in 2037.
in Air Transport / Features Air Algérie starts to punch its weight again
Posted 25 October 2018
Faced with the opening up of air freight to national private operators as part of the government’s new economic orientation, Air Algérie has taken measures to adapt to the new environment. Anuradha Deenapanray and Vincent Chappard report.
in Air Transport / Features Nouvelair pace of change accelerates
Posted 19 October 2018
Nouvelair, a Tunisian private company operating charter and scheduled flights, will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2019. Deputy general manager, Chokri Zarrad, shared his ambition for the company with Vincent Chappard.
in Air Transport Kuwait Airways latest to take A330neo
Posted 15 October 2018
The national carrier of the state of Kuwait, Kuwait Airways, has signed a Purchase Agreement for eight A330-800 aircraft, with Yousef Al-Jassim, Kuwait Airways Chairman and Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer, signing the agreement
in Air Transport / Features Something in the Air at Salam
Posted 15 October 2018
Just a year into its life as one of the Gulf’s newest low-cost carriers, Oman’s SalamAir has plans for major expansions of both its fleet and route network.
in Air Transport / Features Pegasus clears one hurdle at a time
Posted 5 October 2018
Pegasus Airlines is giving wings to Turkey’s economic recovery after a difficult period for the country. Martin Rivers talked to chief executive, Mehmet Nane, about the opportunities ahead and the obstacles in his way.
in Air Transport Oman adopts electronic airway bill (e-AWB) standard
Posted 4 October 2018
In-line with the Government plans to implement international best practices in business, Oman has adopted the International Air Transport Association’s electronic airway bill (e-AWB) standard in replacement of the paper airway
in Air Transport Aviation marks ten years of emissions strategy, reaffirms carbon commitments
Posted 4 October 2018
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) joined air transport businesses and associations to reaffirm its commitment to a sustainable future as the aviation industry marked ten years since
in Air Transport / Business & Finance DAE strengthened by successful revolving loan facility
Posted 4 October 2018
Dubai’s major aircraft lessor DAE has successfully closed its $800 million revolving loan facility, which was launched in May of this year.
in Air Transport Countdown to CORSIA nears key milestone
Posted 3 October 2018
At the Global Sustainable Aviation Summit in Geneva today, airlines and aircraft operators around the world were reminded about upcoming milestones for the ICAO Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
in Air Transport EASA and FAA certify long-range capability for A321neo
Posted 2 October 2018
Readiness to start “Long Range” (LR) operations with launch customers of the most capable and flexible A321neo version to date – the A321LR – has moved a significant step closer with recent joint EASA and FAA approval of the aircraft
in Air Transport Air transport supports 65.5 million jobs and $2.7 trillion in economic activity
Posted 2 October 2018
The global air transport sector supports 65.5 million jobs and $2.7 trillion in global economic activity, according to new research released today by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG).
in Air Transport Emirates touches down in Edinburgh
Posted 2 October 2018
Emirates celebrated the inaugural flight of its new service between Dubai and Edinburgh yesterday.
in Air Transport Middle Eastern carriers’ see a 2.2% increase in freight volumes in August 2018
Posted 1 October 2018
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTKs), rose 2.3% in August 2018, compared to
in Air Transport One in eight people willing to fly on unmanned aircraft
Posted 1 October 2018
New research from Revolution.Aero, the global meeting place for people who are reshaping, rethinking and revolutionising business and personal aviation, reveals 13% of people would be prepared to fly in an unmanned aircraft.
in Air Transport Qatar Airways grows its A350-1000 fleet
Posted 1 October 2018
Qatar Airways has upsized five A350-900s currently on order, to the bigger A350-1000 version.
in Air Transport Oman Air receives its fourth new Boeing 737 MAX 8
Posted 1 October 2018
Oman Air is set to take delivery of the fourth of 30 Boeing 737 MAX 8s it has on order. By the end of 2018, Oman Air will have taken delivery of five new MAX aircraft and three 787-9s.
in Air Transport Airbus A330-900 receives EASA Type Certification
Posted 27 September 2018
The A330-900 has received its Type Certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
in Air Transport / Features Baby booming…
Posted 24 September 2018
As Saudi low-cost carrier, Flyadeal, approaches its first birthday, it is about to embark on a huge expansion programme, with a major order for new aircraft imminent. Alan Dron reports.
in Air Transport Riyadh is named as the headquarters for the Regional Safety Oversight Organisation for MENA
Posted 18 September 2018
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced the selection of the city of Riyadh as the headquarters for the Regional Safety Oversight Organisation for the Middle East and
in Air Transport / Features Air Arabia builds a growing pyramid from its Egyptian hubs
Posted 13 September 2018
Air Arabia has stepped up its Egyptian operations as Middle East low-cost carriers continue to grow. Alan Dron finds out more from airline CEO, Adel Ali.
in Air Transport / Airports / ATM & Regulatory GACA and UK CAA sign MoU on civil aviation technical cooperation
Posted 7 September 2018
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) and the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on civil aviation technical cooperation.
in Air Transport IATA: Emirates Airline in top five airlines ranked by total scheduled passenger kilometers
Posted 6 September 2018
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced industry performance statistics for 2017.
in Air Transport Five Saudi female pilots take to the skies
Posted 6 September 2018
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has recently issued five licenses for Saudi female pilots, permitting them to work as pilots on Saudi Arabian Airlines aircraft, reports abouther.com.
in Air Transport Emirates announces codeshare partnership with Jetstar Pacific
Posted 5 September 2018
Emirates and Jetstar Pacific have announced a new codeshare agreement.
in Air Transport Etihad Airways launches hand baggage only fare
Posted 3 September 2018
Etihad Airways has launched a new hand baggage only ‘Deal Fare’ across selected destinations, allowing travellers to purchase lower fares in Economy Class if no checked baggage is required.
in Air Transport Middle East carriers see 8% increase in demand for July
Posted 3 September 2018
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced healthy global passenger demand for July with all regions reporting growth.
in Air Transport / Features Oman and SuperOman
Posted 31 August 2018
Oman Air’s new chief executive, Abdulaziz Al Raisi, tells Martin Rivers the Gulf carrier is stepping up its expansion plans, while reducing its reliance on sixth-freedom traffic.
in Air Transport Significant growth in aviation jobs expected
Posted 20 August 2018
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has published the results of a global survey of Human Resources professionals in the aviation industry highlighting key challenges in talent acquisition, training and retention.
in Air Transport Gulf Air welcomes first A320neo
Posted 18 August 2018
Gulf Air today welcomed the airline’s first Airbus A320neo, which landed in Bahrain International Airport at approximately 1600 local time.
in Air Transport / Features Qatar's Italian job
Posted 14 August 2018
Qatar Airways’ now-finalised involvement in Meridiana – for many years Italy’s ‘second airline’ – will see the Italian airline adopt a new identity and potentially challenge beleaguered flag-carrier Alitalia. Alan Dron reports.
in Air Transport SITAONAIR weather solution certified to deliver real-time weather information on Inmarsat’s SB-S
Posted 13 August 2018
SITAONAIR’s EFB Weather Awareness Solution (eWAS) is the latest application certified by Inmarsat for use across its next-generation SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S)
in Air Transport / Features Amadeus in tune with AACO
Posted 9 August 2018
Fifteen MENA region airlines have signed a 10-year framework agreement with global merchandising company, Amadeus, for innovative distribution services. Vincent Chappard and Anuradha Deenapanray report.
in Air Transport Oman Air announces new codeshare agreement with Lufthansa
Posted 7 August 2018
Oman Air is continuing its expansion across Europe by extending its codeshare agreement with Lufthansa.
in Air Transport Dubai-bound passengers experience Lufthansa's new In-flight VR prototype
Posted 6 August 2018
Lufthansa passengers flying from Frankfurt to Dubai on flight LH630 were the first to experience the airline’s new prototype “VR Moving Map”, while on board the Airbus A330.
in Air Transport Emirates A380 celebrates 10 years of operations
Posted 1 August 2018
Emirates is celebrating 10 years of A380 operations.
in Air Transport Airlines and Airports have their Eyes Open to Human Trafficking
Posted 30 July 2018
In support of the United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Airports Council International (ACI) World and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) emphasised their joint commitment and work
in Air Transport Air Arabia takes delivery of two new Airbus A320 aircraft
Posted 26 July 2018
Air Arabia received two new Airbus A320 aircraft deliveries earlier this month bringing its total operating fleet to 53 aircraft.
in Air Transport / Features Qatar builds on the blockade
Posted 26 July 2018
When four Arab countries decided to close their airspaces to Qatari aircraft last year, it had a massive effect on Qatar Airways. Tom Pleasant found out more from Guillaume Halleux, the airline’s chief officer cargo.
in Air Transport Royal Jordanian, Emirates and Etihad listed among the top 20 safest airlines in the world
Posted 25 July 2018
Royal Jordanian, Emirates and Etihad Airways have been listed in the top 20 safest airlines in the world, according to the annual list of the world’s safest airlines released by
in Air Transport Saudia releases report highlighting growth in domestic and international markets
Posted 24 July 2018
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) achieved significant growth in terms of the number of guest numbers and flights during the first half of 2018.
in Air Transport Boeing releases 2018 Pilot and Technician Outlook
Posted 24 July 2018
Boeing has released its 2018 Pilot and Technician Outlook, projecting demand for 790,000 pilots over the next 20 years.
in Air Transport FIA:2018 Boeing and Novus announce commitment for up to four 777-300ERs
Posted 19 July 2018
FIA2018: Boeing and Dubai-based aircraft lessor, Novus Aviation Capital, announced its first direct agreement with Boeing for up to four 777-300ERs at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow.
in Air Transport / Features Loads of potential
Posted 18 July 2018
Tom Pleasant finds out why Dennis Lister, Emirates SkyCargo’s VP cargo commercial development, is optimistic about prospects for the future.
in Air Transport FIA2018: Wataniya Airways signs a contract for the E195-E2
Posted 18 July 2018
In a deal that will see the Middle East’s first E2 operator, Embraer announced at the Farnborough Airshow 2018, that it has signed a firm order for 10 E195-E2 aircraft with Kuwaiti airline, Wataniya Airways.
in Air Transport SalamAir to add six new A320neo to its growing fleet
Posted 17 July 2018
Oman’s first budget airline, SalamAir, has signed an agreement to add six new A320neo aircraft to its fleet, of which five are on lease from an undisclosed lessor.
in Air Transport Turkish Airlines has selected Rockwell Collins to provide its EP-8100
Posted 16 July 2018
Turkish Airlines has selected Rockwell Collins to provide its EP-8100 image generators with JVC laser illuminated projectors for pilot training for the airline’s new and existing fleet of Boeing 737 MAX, 777-300
in Air Transport / Events FIA2018: Wataniya Airways to add 25 A320neo
Posted 16 July 2018
At the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) today, Rakan Al-Tuwaijri, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Falcon Aviation - the exclusive aircraft provider of Wataniya Airways - and Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer, signed a
in Air Transport / Aircraft Interiors Airbus delivers first A321neo in Cabin Flex configuration to Turkish Airlines
Posted 13 July 2018
Turkish Airlines has taken delivery of the first A321neo in Cabin Flex configuration.
in Air Transport Turkish Aerospace has a new logo
Posted 13 July 2018
Turkish Aerospace, which maintains position as a leader in the Aerospace industry of Turkey, is getting a fresh look with the new logo and identity.
in Air Transport / Features End of the line for Etihad’s A330 freighters
Posted 12 July 2018
While Etihad Airways itself has been struggling of late, with losses from fuel hedging and disappointing results from investments in other airlines, its cargo division has been holding the line. Tom Pleasant spoke to Justin Carr, vice
in Air Transport Middle East carriers' May demand growth slows to a year ago
Posted 9 July 2018
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global passenger traffic results for May showing that demand (measured in revenue passenger kilometers, or RPKs) rose 6.1% compared to the same month in 2017,
in Air Transport Nearly 37,400 new aircraft required over 20 years
Posted 6 July 2018
The world’s passenger fleet will more than double to 48,000 aircraft in 20 years with traffic growing at a resilient 4.4% per year, driving a need for 37,390 new passenger and freighter aircraft according to Airbus’ new Global Market
in Air Transport Boeing and Embraer form strategic partnership to accelerate aerospace growth
Posted 5 July 2018
Boeing has signed an MOU for an 80-20 commercial aviation JV with Embraer worth $4.75 billion, to be headed by Brazil-based management and accretive to Boeing earnings per share from 2020.
in Air Transport / Features Raising the flag
Posted 4 July 2018
Air Algérie’s new boss, Bakhouche Alleche, tells Martin Rivers he is determined to set the troubled flag-carrier on a better path.
in Air Transport Jazeera Airways still IATA member
Posted 4 July 2018
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) can confirm that rumours claiming that Jazeera Airways is no longer an IATA member airline and IOSA registered carrier are incorrect.
in Air Transport ATR sees demand for 3,000 new turboprops over the next 20 years
Posted 2 July 2018
ATR has today published its new Market Forecast (2018-2037), where it estimates a market for 3,020 turboprop aircraft in the next 20 years.
in Air Transport / Business Aviation / Features / Airports / People India Civil Aviation Guide reaches out to Middle East market
Posted 22 June 2018
A new reference book covering civil aviation from the Indian perspective and analysing the industry in surrounding regions has just been published and could have interest for those looking at business in the new southern
in Air Transport / Features Jazeera's DIY terminal
Posted 22 June 2018
Fed up with your home base’s terminal being overcrowded? Build your own. Alan Dron finds out that Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways has done precisely that.
in Air Transport Gulf Air’s double daily Bahrain–London 787-9 Dreamliner service takes off
Posted 21 June 2018
Gulf Air has launched its double daily Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner service connecting Bahrain International Airport and London, Heathrow.
in Air Transport Etihad Airways passes the biennial IATA Operational Safety Audit
Posted 20 June 2018
Etihad Airways has successfully passed the biennial IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA).
in Air Transport Oman Air receives its third new Boeing 737 Max 8
Posted 19 June 2018
The 737 MAX family has been designed to offer customers exceptional performance, flexibility and efficiency, with lower per-seat costs and an extended range that will open up new destinations in the single-aisle market. Oman Air expects
in Air Transport / Defence / People Air Force chief takes over as Civil Aviation Minister in Egypt
Posted 18 June 2018
Following a restructuring of the Egyptian government’s cabinet, Air Marshal Younes Al Masry has been appointed as the country’s Civil Aviation Minister.
in Air Transport Airbus A330neo en route to function and reliability tests
Posted 18 June 2018
The A330neo, Airbus’ newest widebody aircraft, has embarked on a worldwide tour to demonstrate its readiness for airline operations.
in Air Transport Vallair leases three Airbus A321s to Onur Air in Turkey
Posted 13 June 2018
Vallair, the aircraft trading, leasing and specialist MRO organisation has completed lease transactions for three Airbus A321 aircraft with Onur Air in Turkey.
in Air Transport / Business & Finance Bombardier C Series deal with Airbus cleared for July 1
Posted 8 June 2018
Having received all required regulatory approvals, Airbus, Bombardier and Investissement Québec (IQ) have agreed to close the C Series transaction to become effective on July 1, 2018.
in Air Transport / Features Bilal takes Bul by the horns
Posted 6 June 2018
Moving to the Istanbul New Airport will help Turkish Airlines forget its recent troubles and once again focus on profitable growth, chief executive Bilal Ekşi tells Martin Rivers.
in Air Transport Airlines urge caution on airport privatisation
Posted 6 June 2018
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) 74th Annual General Meeting (AGM) urged governments to take a cautious approach when considering airport privatisation.
in Air Transport / Events / People New IATA Board Chairman assumes his duties
Posted 5 June 2018
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced today that Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, has assumed his duties as Chairman of the IATA Board of Governors (BoG) for a one-year term effective
in Air Transport IATA: Securing aviation’s future - smarter regulation, global standards, infrastructure
Posted 4 June 2018
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for governments to facilitate the growth of global connectivity by avoiding creeping re-regulation, maintaining the integrity
in Air Transport Middle East carriers saw demand rise 4.1% in April
Posted 1 June 2018
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global passenger traffic data for April 2018 showing that demand (revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose by 6.2% compared to April 2017, which was down from a 12-month
in Air Transport Royal Jordanian wet leases three aircraft to handle summer season
Posted 29 May 2018
Royal Jordanian leased three aircraft for a limited period in response of the remarkable growth in demand on bookings during this peak season, which usually sees huge traffic to/from Jordan and growth in transit
in Air Transport / Business Aviation Sinai warnings extended due to flight safety concerns
Posted 28 May 2018
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) extended a security warning for the Egypt Sinai Peninsula to 25 November 2018 due to continuing concern for flight safety.
in Air Transport Etihad turns to Boeing to enhance crew satisfaction and improve efficiency
Posted 23 May 2018
Etihad Airways has contracted Boeing Global Services to provide multiple crew management solutions to support the planning and operation of the airline's 7,500 crewmembers.
in Air Transport ICAO examines Europe, Middle East and Africa civil aviation cybersecurity concerns
Posted 17 May 2018
ICAO Secretary General Dr Fang Liu addressed government and industry safety experts in Bucharest last week when she helped to launch the UN aviation agency’s Europe, Middle East and Africa
in Air Transport / Features Gulf Air's brand master
Posted 17 May 2018
New branding, a new fleet, the world’s best business-class seat and an expanded long-haul route network. Gulf Air’s new CEO explains to Alan Dron why he is aiming high with his plans for the future.
in Air Transport British Ambassador to Bahrain Visits Gulf Air Headquarters
Posted 16 May 2018
In advance of Gulf Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner serving the airline’s Bahrain - London, Heathrow route next month, H.E. Simon Martin CMG The British Ambassador to Bahrain was recently welcomed to Bahrain’s national
