Middle East UCAV capabilities building up
David Oliver takes a look at the Middle East’s combat aerial vehicle capabilities.
Features
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 Features Osprey en route to safer flights
Posted 13 August 2018
A revolutionary, new aviation security risk-management solution was launched in Abu Dhabi late last year. Steve Knight talked to Andrew Nicholson, the man behind the system.
in Defence / Features Turkey plots flightpath for development of TFX fighter
Posted 10 August 2018
Turkey is pushing ahead with its ambitious plans to develop and deploy an indigenous fifth-generation fighter, known as the TF-X or Milli Muharebe Uçağı (national combat aircraft).
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 Defence / Features Saudi Arabia grows its Black Hawk fleet with $194m contract
Posted 27 July 2018
With about 80 aircraft delivered, the Sikorsky S-70 has become the backbone of Saudi Arabia’s rotary-wing fleet.
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 Features Rivals take a giant step for security
Posted 25 July 2018
A major step forward in UAE airline security is in the works following an agreement between the country’s two largest carriers. Alan Dron reports.
in Features / Events Connectivity's live wires
Posted 24 July 2018
This year’s Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) event in Dubai highlighted the importance of in-flight connectivity and entertainment to airlines in the region. Steve Nichols reports.
in Business Aviation / Features G Whizz
Posted 23 July 2018
An extraordinary experience awaits those private jet passengers who are buying or chartering Gulfstream’s latest masterpieces – the G500 and G600. Dave Calderwood reports.
in Defence / Features Kuwait probes Airbus Helicopters deal
Posted 20 July 2018
Kuwait Prime Minister, Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, has ordered an investigation into the €1 billion ($1.19 billion) order signed by the air force for 30 H225M Caracal multirole military utility helicopters, 24 of them for the Kuwaiti
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 Features / Events Stand out seats
Posted 17 July 2018
Seating was one of the key focuses when Aircraft Interiors Middle East took place in Dubai in January.
in Business Aviation / Features Flight Fan-tastic?
Posted 16 July 2018
The XTI Aircraft Company exhibited a one-third scale model of its planned TriFan 600 aircraft at the inaugural Kuwait Aviation Show in January 2018, as part of the company’s ambitious equity-based crowdsourced funding campaign. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Boeing eyes up Middle East for tanker export
Posted 13 July 2018
As the combat aircraft inventories of Middle East nations continue to grow, air forces are increasingly seeking to back up their front-line units with support aircraft such as tankers. As Alan Dron reports, Boeing believes that its new
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 Maintenance / Features Grappling with change
Posted 11 July 2018
The challenges of costs, competition, workforce and technology were among topics tackled by top MRO industry speakers at a conference in Dubai. Chuck Grieve reports.
in Aircraft Interiors / Features CTT's fresh approach to dehydration
Posted 10 July 2018
All aircraft passengers suffer lethargy and dehydration while in flight but now one company has made it a mission to get them to their destinations as refreshed as possible. Marcelle Nethersole reports.
in Business Aviation / Features Reaching out - Alnaqbi reflects on MEBAA mission
Posted 6 July 2018
Tensions in the Middle East and North Africa may be hampering the growth of the business aviation sector but MEBAA is pushing forward, as Asma Abdullah discovers.
in Defence / Features Upgrades will extend life of Omani F-16s
Posted 5 July 2018
Although it is now taking delivery of a squadron’s worth of Eurofighter Typhoon multi-role strike fighters, the Royal Air Force of Oman will continue to rely on its force of 23 F-156 Fighting Falcons for many years.
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 Technology / Features Qatar passengers get a Super WiFi treat
Posted 2 July 2018
Qatar Airways has become the first Middle Eastern carrier to offer Inmarsat’s Ka-band GX Aviation (GX) satellite-based in-flight connectivity service to its passengers. Arabian Aerospace technology editor, Steve Nichols, explains the
in Aircraft Interiors / Features STG lights the way
Posted 29 June 2018
An air tragedy inspired STG Aerospace to develop a key emergency system for aircraft. Today, the company also leads the way in LED cabin lighting. Marcelle Nethersole reports.
in Maintenance / Features Brake's progress...
Posted 28 June 2018
Wheel and brake MRO specialists offer not just skills and expertise but a variety of business models to meet the needs of operators. Chuck Grieve looks at some of the options.
in Features / Airports Egis builds on decades of Middle East trust
Posted 27 June 2018
Egis is supporting Saudia and Flyadeal airlines during the transfer of their operations to the new terminal at Jeddah Airport. Vincent Chappard reviews the group’s main projects in the region with Middle East aviation director Jacques
in Business Aviation / Features Power brokers
Posted 26 June 2018
Dave Calderwood catches up with Jetcraft president, Chad Anderson, to ask him to spill the beans on the broker’s remarkable success
in Defence / Features Russia to base in Syria – permanently
Posted 25 June 2018
With its aerial intervention having played a major role in pushing back Daesh terrorists in Syria, Russia is now seeking to maintain a presence in the country with permanent bases.
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 Technology / Features The sound of silence on the flight deck
Posted 21 June 2018
Airline pilots can at last benefit from a technology that has changed the world for passengers and general aviation pilots around the world. Alan Peaford travelled to Boston, USA, to visit the Bose Corporation and hear about the company’s latest
in Space / Features KhalifaSat flown to Korea with Emirates SkyCargo
Posted 19 June 2018
KhalifaSat, the first fully UAE-built Earth observation satellite, has been flown to South Korea prior to its launch in Japan later this year. Steve Nichols reports.
in Training / Features Sohar ...so good
Posted 18 June 2018
The Oman Aviation Academy is expected to start operations soon as it gears up to produce future generations of pilots for the Gulf region. Alan Dron reports.
in Aircraft Interiors / Features The hot spot
Posted 14 June 2018
In-flight connectivity has the potential to unlock a $5.2 billion market within the Middle East region by 2035, according to a new report from the London School of Economics. Steve Nichols reports.
in Maintenance / Features Spare a thought for the smaller airlines
Posted 13 June 2018
How can smaller airlines economically cover their spare parts needs? As Chuck Grieve discovers, a UK component supplier thinks he has the answer.
in Features / Airports Riddle of Britain's ban on Sharm El-Sheikh
Posted 12 June 2018
European tourists have returned to Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh, bringing much-needed revenue to the city’s population. Yet UK airlines are still barred from flying there. Alan Dron tries to find out why
in Business Aviation / Features Six appeal
Posted 11 June 2018
Dassault Aviation unveiled the Falcon 6X at Paris-Le Bourget in February. The first flight is due in early 2021 and deliveries will start in 2022. The group shows much optimism, especially in the business aviation sector. Anuradha Deenapanray reports.
in Defence / Features The rescuers…
Posted 7 June 2018
The Abu-Dhabi-based National Search and Rescue Centre (NSRC) is the first of its kind in the UAE. Alan Warnes looks at how it came into being and what success it has had.
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 Space / Features Lost in space
Posted 5 June 2018
The Yahsat Al Yah 3 satellite is on target to reach its final orbital slot by June, despite the Ariane 5 rocket used to loft it into space experiencing a launch anomaly. Steve Nichols reports.
in Features Gifas launches the Abu Dhabi French connection
Posted 4 June 2018
The French aerospace association, Gifas, has launched a Middle East branch (MEFAN), which is now entering its operational phase. Vincent Chappard reports.
in Training / Features EAA aims to be top of the class in the region
Posted 31 May 2018
Egyptian Aviation Academy is looking to target African and Middle Eastern student pilots and engineers, according to its chairman and CEO, Captain Elias Sadek. Marcelle Nethersole reports.
in Flight Services & Support / Features Mohamed's taste for expansion
Posted 30 May 2018
EgyptAir In-Flight Services chairman and CEO, Hesham Abdel Hafeiz Mohamed, is hoping for expansion in the Middle East and Africa.
in Aircraft Interiors / Features Starling puts a fresh spin on seating
Posted 29 May 2018
Starling Aerospace exhibited at two major industry shows this year to highlight its VIP track and swivel seat as well as to announce its new aqua transfer printing investment.
in Maintenance / Features Safran breakthrough channels communication to a new level
Posted 25 May 2018
Communications technology provides answers for improving the safety, efficiency and cost of line and base maintenance operations. Chuck Grieve has been finding out more.
in Features / Airports The delayed Muscat International Airport has now arrived
Posted 23 May 2018
Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) successfully opened the new passenger terminal building at New Muscat International Airport last month, as it overcame a plethora of delays over the last two years.
in Business Aviation / Features The Rotary Club
Posted 21 May 2018
Dave Calderwood spotlights the work of the Middle East’s largest helicopter operator.
in Defence / Features UAE in the swing with GlobalEye
Posted 18 May 2018
Saab unveiled its new GlobalEye swing role surveillance system (SRSS) aircraft during two days of ceremonies at Linköping, Sweden. The first day was closed, but was attended by a UAE delegation. Jon Lake reports.
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 Business Aviation / Features Brexit the big talking point for EBACE
Posted 16 May 2018
Dave Calderwood looks forward to this year’s European Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (EBACE), at Geneva Palexpo from 29-31 May and predicts that Brexit will be on everyone’s mind this year.
in Air Transport / Features Political instability a threat to Gulf airline industry – IATA boss
Posted 9 May 2018
The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) top official believes that political instability in the Middle East is posing a threat to the region’s airline industry growth. Kaleyesus Bekele reports.
in Maintenance / Features Engineers in the ascendant
Posted 8 May 2018
There’s never been any doubt about the important role that engineers play in aerospace at all levels, outside and inside the airframe.
in Maintenance / Features New business models put aircraft maintenance centre stage
Posted 4 May 2018
New industry standards, shorter asset lifespans and a new generation of technologically advanced aircraft have constantly kept operators and maintenance providers on their toes. James Elliott explains how airlines and MROs
in Maintenance / Features Stats the way to do it: Harness the data deluge
Posted 3 May 2018
The burgeoning amount of operational data pumped out by the global commercial fleet looks set to become a windfall for MRO providers. However, as Chuck Grieve explains, first, operators have to learn to interpret the data.
in Maintenance / Features HEICO plays its part in cost cuts
Posted 30 April 2018
Maturity is a word being heard currently in reference to Middle East aviation, in particular the maturity of airlines and fleets. As Chuck Grieve reports, it signals a shift in emphasis for some carriers from all-out growth to sustainability and the
in Defence / Features Boeing's $240 million Saudi AWACS contract
Posted 27 April 2018
The US Department of Defense has announced the award of a $240 million contract for Boeing to modernise Saudi Arabia’s fleet of five E-3A Sentry airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft.
in Maintenance / Features Expansion on the horizon for Janahi and TS&S
Posted 26 April 2018
Abu Dhabi’s Turbine Services & Solutions (TS&S) is counting on market demand to guide its development, and advanced technology to make it a success. Chuck Grieve reports.
in Defence / Features F-16Vs to the rescue of Bahrain's age concern
Posted 25 April 2018
Bahrain is to recapitalise its ageing fighter force with the purchase of 19 new-build Block 70 F-16Vs and via the upgrade of its 20 surviving Block 40 F-16C/Ds to the same standard.
in Air Transport / Features All-change on the Turkish aero-design front
Posted 23 April 2018
Turkey says it plans to design and build a brand-new passenger aircraft midway through the coming decade. But, asks Alan Dron, what does this mean for its previously announced intentions to revive a 1980s design?
in Maintenance / Features Amman service centre boost for military
Posted 20 April 2018
One of the military helicopter sector’s most commonly employed engines is to receive additional support with the opening of a new service centre in Jordan.
in Maintenance / Features Feedback's crucial role in designing better aircraft
Posted 19 April 2018
How much do engineers in the field and in MRO shops contribute to shaping current and future programmes? Plenty, say those who know. Chuck Grieve reports.
in Defence / Features Marks out of ten for Scorpion prototype
Posted 18 April 2018
Royal Saudi Air Force pilots flew a series of 10 evaluation flights in Textron AirLand’s production-representative third prototype while the aircraft was en route to participate in the Dubai Air Show. It is believed the UAE Air Force and Air Defence
in Business Aviation / Features Smart move for VIP operator
Posted 17 April 2018
With more than 30 years’ aviation experience, Captain Mohamed Roshdy Zakaria knows the airline business from top to bottom.
in Defence / Features Jordan grabs Grobs to revitalise training fleet
Posted 16 April 2018
The Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) has completely revamped its pilot training system. Jon Lake reports.
in Air Transport / Features Step by step to recovery
Posted 12 April 2018
The last couple of years could have not have been a more difficult time to run an airline in Egypt and even now, it’s a tough job, says the managing director of Nesma Airlines, Ashraf Lamloum.
in Training / Features Inzpiring Jordan
Posted 11 April 2018
It isn’t the most obvious connection in the world. However, the relationship between Lincoln-based Inzpire and the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) appears to be going from strength-to-strength, as Alan Warnes recently discovered.
in Defence / Features Turkey’s Defence Budget – the fallout from high inflation and a weak lira
Posted 11 April 2018
Fenella McGerty, principal analyst, defence budgets, Jane’s by IHS Markit gives her assessment of the current Turkish defence concerns
in Defence / Features The power of two
Posted 10 April 2018
Following its participation in Exercise Blue Shield in Sudan and Exercise Red Flag in the USA, the Royal Saudi Air Force undertook a further major training exercise, Faisal-11, in Egypt. Jon Lake reports.
in Air Transport / Features Omani cargo plans start with a village
Posted 9 April 2018
Oman has given the go-ahead to an air cargo facility at Muscat International Airport. Projected to start operations in June 2019, the centre is estimated to bring in $78 million revenue by 2020.
in Business Aviation / Features Why ZAS is bullish about the future
Posted 6 April 2018
Omar Zarkani, managing director, of ZAS Aviation Services (ZAS), is looking forward to seeing more business growth in Egypt after “some years of problems” in the country.
in Air Transport / Features Fathi keeps faith with his vision...
Posted 5 April 2018
As EgyptAir made major equipment announcements at the Dubai Air Show, Egypt’s aviation minister, Sherif Fathi, talked to Alan Dron about prospects for the national carrier and the development of the country’s aviation industry.
in Air Transport / Features Ezzat and the generation gain
Posted 4 April 2018
EgyptAir has received its ninth and final Boeing 737-800NG on a lease deal from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE). Alan Peaford talked to airline chairman, Captain Sherif Ezzat Badrous, about the deal and a new approach for the Egyptian carrier.
in Defence / Features UAE banks on Trump to turn F-35 ban upside-down
Posted 3 April 2018
UAE wants to acquire F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, probably as part of a mixed fleet
in Air Transport / Features Tunisair struggles to squeeze through the Open door
Posted 28 March 2018
Open skies with the European Union could help the Tunisian Government turn the corner on a difficult few years. But for Ilyes Mnakbi, the new chief executive of flag-carrier Tunisair, the hard times are just beginning. Martin Rivers
in Training / Features Academy that's in A Class of its own
Posted 27 March 2018
Emirates officially opened its brand new flight-training academy at Dubai South during the Dubai Air Show. Dave Calderwood was there.
in Air Transport / Features Moneir's back in business, bearing fruit for Air Leisure
Posted 26 March 2018
Mohamed Moneir had been retired for five years and was growing citrus fruit on his farm when he was given the chance to cultivate something rather different than oranges and mandarins… an airline.
in Features / Route Planning & Tourism A man with a tourism plan
Posted 23 March 2018
EgyptAir Holding Company’s tourist arm – Karnak – is working hard to put the country firmly back on the visitor map. Gamal ElGazzar, VP tourism, explains the steps it needs to take.
in Business Aviation / Features Tiger wants the Russians to roar
Posted 22 March 2018
Tiger Aviation Services (TAS) started its ground-handling services with just four staff in a small office at Cairo International Airport nearly three decades ago
in Air Transport / Features Reaching nilestones
Posted 21 March 2018
Nile Air, Egypt’s largest privately owned airline, is exploring several avenues to ensure its continued growth in the challenging economic climate. Alan Dron reports.
in Features / ATM & Regulatory Cooperation the key to a safer future for all
Posted 20 March 2018
Airspace, safety and security are key issues for the Middle East and North Africa. The United Nations body for civil aviation, ICAO, has its regional headquarters in Cairo, where Alan Peaford met regional vice president, Mohamed Rahma.
in Air Transport / Features It's getting better all the time...
Posted 19 March 2018
EgyptAir has just announced a major re-equipment programme to help meet its objectives. EgyptAir Holding Company chairman and CEO, Safwat Musallam, talks to Alan Dron about fleets, routes and future prospects.
in Space / Features Living in the city...on Mars
Posted 16 March 2018
The United Arab Emirates has aspirations that are literally out of this world when it comes to its space industry. In fact, as Steve Nichols reports, it has its eyes firmly fixed on Earth’s nearest neighbour – Mars.
in Business Aviation / Features Pilot schemes to do away with the pilot…
Posted 15 March 2018
‘Autonomous’ is one of the buzzwords around the industry, as scientific and technical advances come together to convert the science fiction staple of unmanned, passenger-carrying aircraft into science fact. Alan Dron has been looking into the
in Defence / Features Orders accelerate the Qatar fighter evolution
Posted 13 March 2018
Jon Lake reports on an unparalleled expansion for the Qatar Emiri Air Force
in Air Transport / Features Sudan's glimmer of hope
Posted 12 March 2018
For a decade, Sudan Airways has struggled to maintain services in the face of US sanctions against the African nation. Those sanctions have now been eased, but the airline still faces problems, as deputy general manager, Yasir Timo, explained to Alan Dron.
in Features / ATM & Regulatory ATC revolution boosts traffic flow in Middle East
Posted 9 March 2018
A new air traffic control system to speed traffic flow through the Arabian Gulf’s increasingly congested airspace has been introduced by the UAE’s aviation regulator. Alan Dron reports.
in Features / Airports EAS does it by keeping its feet on the ground
Posted 8 March 2018
For more than a quarter-of-a-century Egyptian Aviation Services (EAS) has been playing a vital ground-handling role at Egypt’s major airports.
in Business Aviation / Features Vista's view: We are your flexible friend
Posted 7 March 2018
Middle East customers are shifting away from fractional and full aircraft ownership towards charter, according to leading business aviation company VistaJet. Dave Calderwood reports.
in Defence / Features Force ready to strike against terror threat
Posted 5 March 2018
Jihadi militias sweeping across Iraq during 2014 and 15 saw many Middle Eastern government leaders breaking out into a sweat. As a direct result, several countries are now equipping their militaries to take on such armed groups, while at the same
in Air Transport / Features Bridging the Gulf
Posted 2 March 2018
Facing stronger than expected competition in its home market, SaudiGulf Airlines is turning its gaze abroad while re-evaluating a stalled order for the Bombardier CSeries. Martin Rivers talked to president Samer Majali.
in Training / Features CAE to open unisex pilot training centre in Saudi
Posted 28 February 2018
A new dawn for aviation in Saudi Arabia – and a further indication that greater liberalisation in the kingdom is gaining pace – came when CAE and the Saudi National Company of Aviation (SNCA) announced they are to open a new CAE authorised
in Features / Airports Iraq: A land of opportunity as it rebuilds after war
Posted 27 February 2018
As Iraq emerges from the shadow of Daesh, it is pouring considerable effort into restoring and improving its civil airports with help from international organisations. Alan Dron reports.
in Air Transport / Features Meeting the freight of expectation
Posted 26 February 2018
Egyptian exports rely heavily on the freight system. Alan Peaford met with Captain Bassim Gohar to explore how the EgyptAir cargo division is meeting expectations.
in Business Aviation / Features Southern comfort
Posted 23 February 2018
Jetex Flight Support’s latest building at Dubai South won the FBO of the year title at last October’s Aviation Business Awards. Dave Calderwood went along to find out why and also discovered other excellent facilities along the way.
in Defence / Features Light fantastic
Posted 21 February 2018
Calidus, an Emirati industrial machinery and equipment company located in Abu Dhabi, unveiled its new B-250 light attack aircraft on the first day of the Dubai Air Show, after a campaign of teasing advertisements. Jon Lake reports.
in Air Transport / Features Pichler's right Royal shake-up
Posted 20 February 2018
Royal Jordanian Airlines is breaking from the past with a radical low-cost makeover led by new chief executive Stefan Pichler. He talked to Martin Rivers about the flag-carrier’s new direction.
in Technology / Features Crowd-sourced data helping to keep aircraft flying
Posted 19 February 2018
Aircraft manufacturers and suppliers are starting to use crowd-sourced data to detect wear, schedule preventative maintenance and avoid costly failures. Steve Nichols reports.
in Defence / Features Middle East addicted to Game of Drones
Posted 9 February 2018
The Middle East is a keen acquirer of sophisticated military technology, so it is no wonder the region has taken an interest in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) procurement. Beth Stevenson reports.
in Features / Airports Growing with the flow
Posted 7 February 2018
Software solutions for airport planning and operations are becoming more effective. Keith Mwanalushi looks at how they can be used to improve passenger flow, particularly at busy Middle East hubs.
in Defence / Features New Hornets carry a huge sting
Posted 6 February 2018
The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft ordered by Kuwait last November will be delivered to the latest Block III standards, which transform the already impressive Super Hornet into a fully networked fighter, fit for service into the 2040s. Jon Lake
in Air Transport / Features Riahi focuses fleet on express delivery
Posted 5 February 2018
Tunisia’s new all-cargo airline, Air Cargo Express, is now operating a second freighter and plans to have another three by the end of 2017. Tom Pleasant reports.
