The smart Phoon
Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft for Kuwait and Qatar will incorporate an advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar that is claimed to be the most advanced in the world. Jon Lake reports.
Features
in Maintenance / Features Speed merchants
Posted 8 April 2020
Few scenarios are more time-sensitive than aircraft on the ground (AOG) situations, and it has given rise to ultra-fast delivery of spares. Chuck Grieve looks at how leading players meet the demand.
in Defence / Features New squadron is Rafale prize for Qatar
Posted 7 April 2020
The Qatar Emiri Air Force has now received three batches of Dassault Rafales, totalling 15 aircraft, and the first squadron is working up at the new Tamim Air Base at Dukhan in western Qatar. Jon Lake reports.
in Training / Features Wings in full swing
Posted 6 April 2020
Saudi Arabia’s first aviation academy – Rabigh Wings – sees a bright future for aviation in the kingdom from both private to professional pilots, and is upgrading its fleet. Dave Calderwood found out more from general manager, Willem Marais.
in Defence / Features Jordan aims to balance books with aircraft sale
Posted 3 April 2020
Jordan is holding something of a super sale of military aircraft that are surplus to its current requirements. David Oliver reports.
in Defence / Features Pillar Hawk
Posted 31 March 2020
Locally-assembled BAE Hawks have become the first new Saudi-built fast jet aircraft to fly in home skies, marking a significant step forward for the kingdom’s aerospace industry. Jon Lake reports.
in Features / Airports Moroccan airports on course to hit new heights
Posted 26 March 2020
As part of its srategy to increase international and regional capacity, The Moroccan Airports Authority (ONDA) has carried out major infrastructure projects, including the extension of Terminal 1 at Casablanca International Airport and
in Defence / Features Saudi refines security after drone attacks
Posted 25 March 2020
Saudi Arabia’s northern oil refinery in Abqaiq and the Khurais oil field were the subject of a dramatic drone attack on September 14. Alan Warnes reports.
in Features Why emergency flights must be allowed to go ahead to help combat the COVID-19 crisis
Posted 24 March 2020
As we face a wall of blanket travel bans, why emergency flights must be allowed to go ahead to help combat the COVID-19 crisis, by By Mark Briffa, CEO of Air Partner plc.
in Air Transport / Features Gulf Air makes the French connection
Posted 23 March 2020
Gulf Air is increasingly looking towards France as it continues a modernisation process. Steve Nichols reports.
in Defence / Features Libya’s deadly game of drones
Posted 19 March 2020
The war in Libya has international backers on opposing sides supporting their own interests. In the first conflict where unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are making up the bulk of the air operations, both sides have successfully attacked opposition aircraft.
in Business Aviation / Features Talent supply chain the key to future sustainability
Posted 16 March 2020
Industry leaders converged on Morocco for the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) conference and show at Marrakech Menara Airport in late September. Vincent Chappard was there.
in Defence / Features Dawn of the Red Sky
Posted 13 March 2020
Major ideology differences with Iran, simmering tension with Turkey in Libya, ongoing war in Yemen, disagreements between Qatar and other GCC members, and the ongoing fight against terrorism, means tension is never far away in the MENA region. Now a new private consortium
in Air Transport / Features MAX impact
Posted 12 March 2020
Low-cost carrier, Flydubai, looks to the future as it operates against the backdrop of the grounding of the Boeing 737MAX. Alan Dron reports.
in Aircraft Interiors / Features Saudi Arabia presses ahead with A2G connectivity
Posted 11 March 2020
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is expected to release more details about its air-to-ground (A2G) in-flight connectivity roll-out before the end of the year, following on from an initial pilot project that was announced in October 2018.
in Maintenance / Features Joramco maintains its drive into Europe
Posted 10 March 2020
Joramco is going places. Its transformation from a regional maintenance, repair and overhaul operation to a global player with world-class standards – a work in progress – shows what’s possible with the right vision, strategy and approach. Chief
in Training / Features Partnership moves PSAA into a different class
Posted 9 March 2020
One of Saudi Arabia’s biggest aviation training establishments has taken a significant step forward in its development by becoming an IATA regional training partner. Alan Dron reports.
in Features / Airports Neom rises from the sands to tempt holidaymakers
Posted 6 March 2020
Saudi Arabia’s ‘vision 2030’ plan for the country’s future development is contributing to the growth of new airports, such as Neom Bay. Alan Dron reports.
in General Aviation / Features Check mates
Posted 5 March 2020
The international airports in the Middle East are some of the busiest in the world. They are also equipped with the most sophisticated navigation aids that have to remain operational 24/7 – but they also need to be totally accurate. David Oliver finds out more.
in Business Aviation / Features Dubai's aerospace hub starts to make some noise
Posted 4 March 2020
A change of thinking on the future development of Dubai World Central, the intended world hub for aviation, has stepped up interest in the aviation district – now renamed the Mohammad bin Rashid Aerospace Hub. Dave Calderwood reports.
in Defence / Features Saudi light transport plans still in the dark
Posted 3 March 2020
The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) plans for a new light transport aircraft are still very much up in the air. Jon Lake looks at the issues.
in Air Transport / Features Maroc climbing
Posted 2 March 2020
Abdelhamid Addou, Royal Air Maroc chairman and CEO, wants to accelerate the national airline’s development to turn it into a continental leader. Vincent Chappard reports.
in Training / Features Teching a step forward
Posted 28 February 2020
A fast-growing Saudi aerospace company has teamed up with a German maintenance specialist to create a school for aviation technicians. Alan Dron reports.
in Features / Airports Hamad's smart way to become the airport of the future
Posted 27 February 2020
Doha’s Hamad International Airport is pressing ahead with initiatives to improve its services – including a project that transforms a passenger’s face into their identity card through the facility. Alan Dron reports.
in Business Aviation / Features Airbus targets corporate jets neo boost in the region
Posted 24 February 2020
Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) is looking for an upsurge in sales, especially the Middle East, as its new engine option (neo) aircraft – particularly the ACJ320neo family – start to enter into service. Dave Calderwood reports.
in Defence / Features Hercules still has the power
Posted 13 February 2020 · 1 Comment
Deserts, war and the vastness of many countries in the Middle East and north Africa, ensure there will always be a need for military tactical airlifters. Alan Warnes has been looking round the MENA region.
in Air Transport / Features Pilgrims are not the only way to progress
Posted 12 February 2020
Saudi Arabian carrier, Flynas, plans to tap into the country’s drive to attract more Moslem pilgrims and holidaymakers – as it prepares for a major expansion of its fleet. Alan Dron reports.
in Features Jordan’s first female helicopter pilot trains in USA
Posted 7 November 2019
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s first female rotary-wing aviator, Cadet Aya Basheer Ibrahim Al Sourany, recently underwent UH-60 Black Hawk virtual flight training at the Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG) National Guard Training
in Features / ATM & Regulatory Disparate DANS
Posted 6 November 2019
With the world’s busiest international airport and, potentially, the world’s largest airport on your patch, plus possibly the world’s first autonomous air taxis in a liberal drone-friendly city, the challenges are clear for air navigation. Alan Peaford talks to Ibrahim Ahli,
in Features / Airports Sharjah ramps up emission control
Posted 5 November 2019
Sharjah International Airport (SIA) is taking a lead in the Middle East with steps to control air pollution on the ramp in a pilot study with ‘green’ mobile ground power units (GPUs). Chuck Grieve reports.
in General Aviation / Features A breath of fresh Airbus in the Middle East
Posted 4 November 2019
There's a new mood of confidence at Airbus Helicopters as the rotor market embraces new technologies and new opportunities. Dave Calderwood reports
in Features The battle to beat subconscious bias
Posted 1 November 2019
The sixth Women in Aviation General Assembly, which took place alongside the Airport Show in Dubai in May, was the biggest congress so far, including more than 750 attendees, 26 international speakers, 12 sponsor companies, and eight media partners.
in Training / Features Captains fantastic
Posted 16 October 2019
With airlines growing around the world, pilots are in demand and the training industry is rapidly expanding to meet expectations. Dave Calderwood reviews the Middle East’s progress, including cockpit-ready first officers.
in Air Transport / Features Routes to beat the wildlife smugglers
Posted 10 October 2019
The illegal trade in wild animals and animal products amounts to around $23 billion a year, much of it operating around the air transport sector. Now, however, the fightback has started, as Anuradha Deenapanray reports.
in Maintenance / Features Qatar engineers lead the way with Rolls-Royce VR tool
Posted 9 October 2019
Qatar Airways engineers are using a ground-breaking virtual reality (VR) tool from Rolls-Royce for refresher training on the Trent XWB engine after the Gulf carrier became the global launch partner for the tool in April.
in Business Aviation / Features Sarah sallies forth
Posted 7 October 2019
Sarah Airways specialises in VIP private transport and medical evacuation – a growing market in Morocco. Founder and CEO, Khalid Serghat, shared his vision for the company with Vincent Chappard.
in Air Transport / Features Fixed Wings
Posted 4 October 2019
After a few turbulent years, Wings of Lebanon is looking for new niches to complement its success in the leisure charter market. Martin Rivers talked to the airline's chief execitive, Naji Majdalani.
in Defence / Features Will Egypt and Algeria's Su-35s anger Trump
Posted 3 October 2019
Algeria and Egypt have ordered the Sukhoi Su-35S multi-role fighter (known to NATO by the reporting name ‘Flanker-E’), risking incurring the wrath of the USA. Jon Lake reports.
in Business Aviation / Features Mardini turns up the gas...
Posted 2 October 2019
Adel Mardini isn’t content with launching a new brand of luxury fixed-base operations. He wants to lose the term FBO, expand into aircraft sales and maintenance, and even new tech, as he explained to Dave Calderwood.
in Air Transport / Features Jasmin on the scent of success with first E170
Posted 1 October 2019
There was much joy and relief on June 20 when the first E170 for Tunisian private airline, Jasmin Airways, landed at Enfidha Airport. CEO, Ali Ben Amara, told Anuradha Deenapanray, that the company’s philosophy is based on excellence in air
in Technology / Features Hello good bio
Posted 27 September 2019
Sustainable alternative jet fuel is no longer an initiative, it’s an essential. More than half the aircraft flying into this year’s European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) display were burning biofuel. Dave Calderwood was on one of them.
in Defence / Features SAAB eyes up UAE delivery within months
Posted 26 September 2019
Saab chief executive, Hakan Buskhe, has announced that the UAE is on track to receive its first GlobalEye swing-role surveillance system (SRSS) aircraft in April 2020, writes Jon Lake.
in Air Transport / Features The future starts here for OAG
Posted 25 September 2019
The Oman Aviation Group wants to make it clear that it is not a flying business. It is an economic catalyst and a major part of the country’s diversification programme. With a rebranding, and the launch of their new logo, the group is defining how the aviation
in Maintenance / Features Virtual answer for MRO training
Posted 24 September 2019
‘Enhanced’ reality has lived up to its advance billing as a disruptive technology to watch in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). One area where it is starting to make an impact is training, as Chuck Grieve discovers.
in Features / Airports A heavy case for tracking
Posted 23 September 2019
Analysis shows that tracking and technology are key to improved baggage delivery figures and greater customer satisfaction. Jill Stockbridge finds out more.
in Defence / Features AESA does it...or does it?
Posted 20 September 2019
Leading Arab air forces have been among the vanguard of air arms that have enthusiastically embraced active electronically scanned array (AESA or E-scan) radar technology for their next generation of fighters. Jon Lake takes a detailed look at the technology.
in Business Aviation / Features UAS boldly going where no one has gone before
Posted 19 September 2019
UAS International Trip Support has been called the ‘emergency service’ for commercial and business aviation operators all over the world. Jay Ammar Husary, executive vice-president and one of the founding family, talks to Dave Calderwood.
in Air Transport / Features The Jaz era...
Posted 18 September 2019
Jazeera Airways’ re-equipment programme is allowing the airline to extend its reach beyond its traditional area of operations. Alan Dron reports.
in Maintenance / Features Hub that can give MRO data extra bite
Posted 17 September 2019
Control of the ‘big data’ generated by modern airliners is increasingly a sensitive issue in the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry. Is how the data is used ultimately more important that who owns it? Chuck Grieve investigates.
in Defence / Features Turkey hot to trot
Posted 16 September 2019
Turkey came out fighting at this year’s biennial International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF), held in Istanbul from April 30 to May 3. Alan Warnes was there.
in Business Aviation / Features MAEAM makes a B-line for regional electric market
Posted 12 September 2019
French start-up, Multi Access Electric Air Mobility (MAEAM), launched a new “disruptive” aircraft programme at EBACE.
in Air Transport / Features Ups and downs on the pyramid of growth
Posted 11 September 2019
EgyptAir is betting on a renewed period of growth and prosperity after a challenging few years. Martin Rivers and Alan Peaford talked to Ahmed Adel, the flag-carrier’s new chairman and chief executive.
in Training / Features Morocco presses the accelerator
Posted 8 July 2019
Morocco’s industrial acceleration plan (PAI) has been supporting the development of training in the kingdom’s aeronautics industry for some years and this initiative appears now to be bearing fruit as the sector recorded 20% organic growth in 2017.
in Space / Features Emirates gifts satellite to strengthen Arab expertise
Posted 2 July 2019
The Global Space Congress, the largest gathering of space industry leaders hosted by the Middle East and North Africa region, was held at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi from March 18-21. Steve Nichols reports.
in Defence / Features Skydiving Otters find a home in Qatar
Posted 1 July 2019
Qatar has taken delivery of a pair of Viking Air DHC-6 Series 400 (DHC-6-400) Twin Otter aircraft, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features An Eagle eye on the QEAF’s fighter revolution
Posted 28 June 2019
A new version of Boeing’s F-15 Advanced Eagle – the F-15QA – lies at the heart of Qatar’s ongoing recapitalisation of its fighter force. Jon Lake reports.
in Features / ATM & Regulatory Iraqi aviation rising from the rubble
Posted 27 June 2019
After the defeat of Islamic State (IS), Iraq is once again looking to its aviation potential. Tom Westcott reports from Baghdad.
in Defence / Features Tunisia completes Black Hawk purchase
Posted 26 June 2019
The US Army’s Security Assistance Command (USASAC) has completed the delivery of a $338 million foreign military sales (FMS) package of eight Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and associated training and support to Tunisia, writes Jon Lake.
in Training / Features Towering problem cut down to size
Posted 25 June 2019
A new training course in Kuwait aims to help provide local air traffic controllers with the skills to take up positions in the nation’s control towers. Alan Dron reports.
in Defence / Features Apachework...
Posted 21 June 2019
The US State Department has approved the sale of 10 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters to Egypt. Meanwhile, Qatar’s first aircraft of the type were delivered on March 21. Jon Lake reports.
in Training / Features Spatial delivery
Posted 20 June 2019
As airlines continue to receive deliveries of next-generation aircraft, Spatial is delivering training devices to match. Marcelle Nethersole reports.
in Features / Airports Finding the key to unlock airport potential
Posted 19 June 2019
For the first time in its 61-year history, Airports Council International (ACI) Africa themed an event around non-aeronautical revenues. It was during its regional conference & exhibition held from March 4-10 in Egypt. Anuradha Deenapanray
in Defence / Features T-50 Golden Eagles find new roost
Posted 18 June 2019
The third batch of six Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) T-50IQ lead-in fighter trainers have been delivered to Iraq, writes Jon Lake.
in Air Transport / Features Russian evolution for Alexcina launch
Posted 17 June 2019
A new airline aims to make its appearance in the Levant this year, with an aircraft not previously operated in the region. Alan Dron reports.
in Features / Airports How technology is making aviation safer
Posted 14 June 2019
Kevin Riordan, head of airports & checkpoint solutions at Smiths Detection, talks about the various technologies that will dominate airport security over the next decade and the impact they are likely to have on the overall customer experience.
in Defence / Features Egypt snaps up the ‘Nile Crocodile’
Posted 13 June 2019
Egypt has announced that the Kamov Ka-52 ‘Nile Crocodile’ helicopter has officially entered service with the Egyptian Air Force. Jon Lake reports.
in Business Aviation / Features Region is set to pep up the jet set
Posted 12 June 2019
The Middle East is set to play a major part in aircraft buying worldwide over the next decade, according to a new market forecast.
in Air Transport / Features Flex appeal
Posted 11 June 2019
Increasing costs and complexity mean that it’s increasingly rare for new aircraft models to appear. It’s even rarer when the driving force behind a new model is a small Gulf carrier with just two aircraft in its fleet, as Alan Dron reports.
in Maintenance / Features Growing together...
Posted 10 June 2019
The MRO industry in the Middle East faces challenges if it is to keep pace with the burgeoning growth in the region’s aviation sector. The MRO Middle East summit and exhibition presented delegates with a range of solutions, as Chuck Grieve reports.
in Defence / Features Extra sensor perception
Posted 7 June 2019
The Middle East is a key export region for British-Italian company Leonardo and, as Beth Stevenson reports, the company is targeting the market with ongoing developments in its airborne sensor division.
in Business Aviation / Features Iridium makes the final $3 billion connection
Posted 5 June 2019
A near decade-long campaign to completely upgrade Iridium’s low-Earth orbiting satellite constellation has finally been completed. Steve Nichols highlights the changes it will bring.
in Air Transport / Features New doors open as the Jeddah door closes
Posted 4 June 2019
Nesma Airlines boss Ashraf Lamloum tells Martin Rivers the company is adapting and finding new opportunities in its home markets of Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
in Features / Airports I can see clearly now...
Posted 3 June 2019
Taxiing aircraft and ground vehicles can now be tracked in poor visibility at several Saudi Arabian airports following installation of a new system. Alan Dron reports.
in Maintenance / Features Market offered a new lease of life
Posted 31 May 2019
The leasing market offers MRO providers new opportunities as well as challenges: whether they benefit will depend on a company’s flexibility, expertise and customer service. Sami Ben-Kraiem of MTU Maintenance explains all to Chuck Grieve.
in Technology / Features Full stream ahead
Posted 30 May 2019
The two-day Connected Aircraft event, at the MOC Conference Centre in Munich, Germany was held recently as part of the aerospace technology week. Steve Nichols was there.
in Defence / Features What's that buzz?
Posted 29 May 2019
As Kuwait gets ready to welcome new fighters to its fleet, Alan Warnes looks at the country’s modernisation programme.
in Business Aviation / Features Why Dubai FBO expansion is so vital
Posted 28 May 2019
ExecuJet Middle East vice president, Mike Berry, analyses the charter market and looks forward to the next big development in Dubai.
in Air Transport / Features Home-grown growth
Posted 24 May 2019
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.
in Defence / Features Adcom adds to Algerian force
Posted 23 May 2019
Footage shown on Algerian national TV and posted by the Algerian Ministry of Defence on its official Facebook page has revealed that two Emirati-developed unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) are now in service with the Algerian Air Force. Jon Lake reports.
in Business Aviation / Features The Royal Family
Posted 22 May 2019
A Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) is parked discreetly at a quiet airport in Saudi Arabia. Its tail features a small UAE flag but, as Royal Jet CEO, Rob DiCastri, explains to Alan Peaford, that is a deliberate part of the company’s strategy.
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 Maintenance / Features Predicting a transformed future
Posted 20 May 2019
Maintenance planning software and other applications of the new technology are changing the face of MRO as big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics make an impact. Chuck Grieve reports.
in Features Going fishing... for a jet fuel breakthrough
Posted 17 May 2019
Plans to produce sustainable bio-fuel in Abu Dhabi for airliners are nearing the next stage in the road towards full-scale production.
in Features Etihad's deck is full of aces
Posted 16 May 2019
With a global pilot shortage looming, Etihad is seizing the opportunity to help train the next generation of flightdeck crew.
in Training / Features Why pilot retraining must be streamlined
Posted 15 May 2019
Times have changed from 40 years ago, when a pilot at a European flag-carrier had a ‘job for life’, the only question being exactly when, between the ages of 55 and 65, to retire.
in Defence / Features Full stop or full steam ahead?
Posted 14 May 2019
Wildly contradictory reports surround the status of Algeria’s ambitious plans to build large numbers of AgustaWestland AW109s, AW139s and AW101s in a new factory at Ain Arnat in Setif province, currently home to the 9 Regiment d’Hélicopteres d’Entrainment.
in Aircraft Interiors / Features The back-seat driver
Posted 10 May 2019
Inmarsat’s latest study shows that in-flight Wi-Fi remains a key driver in forming customer loyalty and satisfaction among airline passengers across the United Arab Emirates. Steve Nichols reports.
in Defence / Features Iraq takes more armed Bell 407GT helicopters
Posted 9 May 2019
Iraq is to buy five armed Bell 407GT helicopters to offset the combat losses of seven of its armed Bell IA-407s in recent years, writes Jon Lake.
in Features / Airports Algiers ambition opens a new gateway to Europe
Posted 8 May 2019
The Algerian airport services and infrastructure management company (SGIA) is finalising the new terminal project at Houari Boumediene International Airport in Algiers. Vincent Chappard and Anuradha Deenapanray report.
in Defence / Features US ‘Little Birds’ flying to Lebanon
Posted 7 May 2019
Lebanon is to receive a new $120 million US military aid package, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Guardian move for Emirati Apache force
Posted 3 May 2019
The UAE is to procure nine new-build Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardians, and will upgrade eight of its existing AH-64D aircraft to the same standard, together with related equipment, training, and support, writes Jon Lake.
in Training / Features Navigating pilots to higher education
Posted 1 May 2019
The dedication and commitment in time and money required to qualify as a pilot or air traffic controller often militates against obtaining a rounded education. Now someone is trying to do something about it.
in Maintenance / Features Independents day?
Posted 30 April 2019
Despite original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) angling for a larger share of the aftermarket, independent MROs are confident they have a bright future, as Chuck Grieve reports.
in Defence / Features Egypt inducts armed Chinese drones
Posted 29 April 2019
The Egyptian Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it has taken the Chinese-built Chengdu Wing Loong unmanned air vehicle (UAV) into air force service, writes Jon Lake.
in Maintenance / Features Connected world keeps repair times in check
Posted 26 April 2019
Airbus has a vested interest in helping MROs and airlines manage their aircraft. Guillaume Mille explained the European airframer’s approach and goals to Chuck Grieve.
in Defence / Features Anka-S hits the target
Posted 25 April 2019
Turkey’s Anka-S unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is now operational with the Turkish Air Force in a revised form, according to a Twitter announcement by Ismail Demir, director of the Turkish Defence Industries Directorate (SSB).
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 Technology / Features Muscat busy securing its future
Posted 23 April 2019
Muscat’s revitalised airport is coping with the pressures of steadily mounting passenger numbers with a new-generation security system. Alan Dron reports.
in Features / Airports Could Al Ain be the UAE’s sleeping superstar?
Posted 18 April 2019
Al Ain International Airport is poised for growth – cargo is already expanding and the search is on for more passenger traffic, as Alan Dron discovered.
in Maintenance / Features Why additive manufacturing could be addictive for MROs
Posted 17 April 2019
The potential applications in MRO are among the many attractive features of additive manufacturing (AM).
