Turkey hot to trot
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.
Features
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).
in Defence / Features Why the Calidus truly is the light fantastic
Posted 15 April 2019
The UAE’s Calidus B-250 is bidding to become the next new generation light attack aircraft of choice. Alan Warnes reports.
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 Defence / General Aviation / Features Turkey’s indigenous TAI T625 takes to the sky
Posted 11 April 2019
The first prototype of the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) T625 multi-role helicopter made its 20-minute maiden flight on September 6 2018, at the company’s facilities in Ankara, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features RBAF trains its attention on pilots
Posted 10 April 2019
RBAF commander, Major General Hamad bin Abdullah al Khalifah, now has to face up to the challenge of ensuring there are enough aircrews trained to fly when the new F-16s and AH-1Zs arrive.
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 Maintenance / Features It's time spare parts played more of a leading role
Posted 5 April 2019
The aircraft parts market is at a crossroads as demand challenges suppliers to come up with solutions that satisfy the requirements of both airworthiness and economics. Chuck Grieve reports.
in Defence / Features Battle-weary Bahrain looks to upgrade forces
Posted 3 April 2019
Royal Bahraini Air Force commander, Major General Hamad bin Abdullah al Khalifah, discusses his country’s major defence and security issues with Alan Warnes.
in Features The suite shop
Posted 1 April 2019
As the region sees its airspace become increasingly dangerous, demand is increasing for integrated aircraft protection systems.
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 Business Aviation / Features Collins plays the name game
Posted 26 March 2019
United Technologies Corp (UTC) completed its acquisition of Rockwell Collins late last year. The two companies combined to form Collins Aerospace. Steve Nichols reports.
in Defence / Features Thoroughly modern military
Posted 25 March 2019
The Middle East continues to be a fruitful market for military helicopter suppliers – whether US, European or Russian – as several nations either modernise or look to expand their rotorcraft fleets.
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 Features Robotics firm targets Middle East
Posted 13 March 2019
Tunisian startup Enova Robotics is the first manufacturer of intelligent robots in Africa and the Maghreb, writes Vincent Chappard.
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 Business Aviation / Features Storm looming over mandatory upgrade
Posted 13 February 2019
A perfect storm of mandatory upgrades and compliance is building on the business jet horizon – and a surprising number of owners and operators remain unaware or unconcerned by its implications.
in Features Lockheed's blockbusters
Posted 12 February 2019
Lockheed Martin has received a $1.12 billion contract from the US Government to produce 16 new advanced F-16 Block 70 fighters for the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF). Jon Lake reports.
in Features AMP fuses the vision of growth and transformation
Posted 11 February 2019
The airport modernisation programme (AMP) currently taking place at Bahrain International Airport (BIA) is of such importance that it’s part of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s vision for the country. Dave Calderwood
in Defence / Features Sikorsky's Seahawks on the crest of a Saudi wave
Posted 8 February 2019
The Sikorsky S-70 is increasingly becoming the backbone of Saudi Arabia’s rotary-wing fleet and, as Jon Lake reports, a number of S-70 and UH-60 variants are now spread across several of the kingdom’s military and parapublic air arms.
in Defence / Features Hawks help fill Qatar’s training gap
Posted 7 February 2019
With a massive air force expansion under way, the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF). will need to significantly boost its training system. As Jon Lake reports, BAE Systems hopes that its Hawk will provide the solution to the emerging requirement.
in Training / Features Avico invests in a Tunisian training academy
Posted 6 February 2019
Avico, one of Europe’s leading charter broker companies, recently took a significant stake in Safe Flight Academy (SFA), Tunisia’s leading training centre for civil aviation and pilots, writes Vincent Chappard.
in Defence / Features Modernised Cobras give RJAF extra bite
Posted 5 February 2019
Jordan is upgrading an initial batch of 12 of its Bell AH-1 Cobras for continued service, extending their useful lives by at least 20 years. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Hezbollah drone operations celebrated in museum
Posted 4 February 2019
The Mleeta Resistance Tourist Landmark, also called the Mleeta Museum for Resistance Tourism, is widely referred to as the ‘Hezbollah Museum’.
in Defence / Features Diamond’s DART-550 aimed at the bullseye
Posted 30 January 2019
Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH has enjoyed great success across the MENA region with its twin-engined DA42 Twin Star. Now, writes Jon Lake, it hopes to repeat this success with its new range of Diamond Aircraft reconnaissance trainer DART)
in Training / Features Seasprite shows off in Eagle Salute
Posted 29 January 2019
One of Egypt’s veteran Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopters made a surprise appearance during Exercise Eagle Salute 18 in August, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features F-5 fleet on red alert for aggressor role
Posted 28 January 2019
Most Middle East countries are beefing up their combat capabilities with new generation fighters as the threat from Russian and Iranian systems is a real concern to them. So, asks Alan Warnes, has the time come for a dedicated aggressor squadron to
in Maintenance / Features Will CFMI deal change MRO landscape?
Posted 23 January 2019
CFM International has agreed, under pressure from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), to open up the market for third-party parts and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) on its best-selling engines. Chuck Grieve explores the
in Defence / Features Turkish F-35 flies into turbulence
Posted 21 January 2019
Steadily worsening relations between the two countries has seen the US Congress pass legislation temporarily banning deliveries of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II to Turkey. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features First female fighter pilot makes history
Posted 18 January 2019
Pilot Officer Shaikha Aisha bint Rashid Al Khalifa has become the first Bahraini woman to fly a military aircraft in the history of the Royal Bahrain Air Force (RBAF), writes Jon Lake.
in Training / Features The fight is on to train new Middle East pilots
Posted 17 January 2019
David Oliver looks at the various training needs of the Middle East’s next-generation fighter pilots.
in Maintenance / Features Home and away, TS&S builds links to the future
Posted 16 January 2019
Abu Dhabi’s TS&S Aerospace is spreading its wings with fresh maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) contracts beyond its home territory. Acting CEO, Mansoor Janahi, talks to Chuck Grieve about what’s driving this expansion.
in Features / Airports Tunisia evolution in full swing
Posted 15 January 2019
Tenders for a feasibility study into a new international airport for Tunis are expected to be launched soon, writes Vincent Chappard.
in Defence / Features The drone rangers
Posted 14 January 2019
The Middle East conflict zones are being used for testing and evaluating UAV and counter-UAV technologies from more than a dozen countries. David Oliver reports
in Defence / Features Sanctions hold up the plan of ATAK
Posted 10 January 2019
The ink was still drying on Turkey’s deal with Pakistan for 30 T129 tactical reconnaissance and attack helicopters (ATAKs) when it appeared US sanctions could jeopardise the sale. Alan Warnes reports.
in Space / Features UAE set to name its first four astronauts
Posted 8 January 2019
The UAE is gearing up to put the first Emirati astronaut into space. Steve Nichols has been finding out more.
in Business Aviation / Features Electric aircraft: Myth or reality?
Posted 7 January 2019
Jetex is partnering with US start-up, Wright Electric, to revolutionise private jet aviation and support electric aircraft for short-haul flights. Anuradha Deenapanray and Vincent Chappard look at other projects enabling people to envisage flying
in Defence / Features Oman completes Typhoon deliveries
Posted 4 January 2019
The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) has now received the final pair of Eurofighter Typhoons from BAE Systems, completing the delivery of the batch of 12 tranche 3 aircraft that now equip the re-formed No8 Squadron at Adam Air Base.
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 Features / Airports Growth drives high-tech boost
Posted 21 December 2018
A major renewal of the technological infrastructure at Saudi Arabia’s airports is under way. Alan Dron reports.
in Business Aviation / Features Another milestone for Aramco fleet
Posted 19 December 2018
Aramco Overseas Company has selected Leonardo Helicopters and Milestone Aviation Group, a subsidiary of aviation leasing specialist GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), to renew its medium helicopter fleet. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features "Daesh as an organisation, is probably the most despicable group I've seen."
Posted 17 December 2018
Group Captain Chas Dickens, OBE, commander of the UK Royal Air Force’s No903 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW), gives a first-hand account of the UK’s combat air operations over Syria and Iraq to Jon Lake.
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 Features / Airports Will runway closure awake Dubai’s slumbering giant
Posted 12 December 2018
In May 2019, Dubai International Airport is closing one of its two runways for 45 days. Alan Dron wonders if this will encourage airline customers to try out the under-used Dubai World Central?
in Business Aviation / Features Private - at a price
Posted 11 December 2018
Private aircraft ownership comes with its own set of considerations, all focused on maintaining airworthiness through planned and unplanned events. Chuck Grieve spoke to leading Middle East maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operators for their insights.
in Defence / Features Play it, SAMI
Posted 10 December 2018
A huge new player has emerged in the aerospace defence world. Alan Warnes finds out more.
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 Space / Features Moon bases could be on the horizon
Posted 6 December 2018
One of the founding fathers of the satellite industry says we can expect to see a lot more innovation in the space sector, including manned colonies on the moon and space stations that could be used as stepping stones for future Mars missions. Steve Nichols
in Features / Airports INA pushes Istanbul on to world stage
Posted 5 December 2018
The opening of one of the world’s largest airports brings a new competitor for the existing Gulf hubs. Alan Dron reports.
in Business Aviation / Features And for my Nexus trick...
Posted 3 December 2018
If you can’t find a suitable partner to provide ground services for your executive jet offering, why not create your own? Continue by opening training academies, start organising airlines… and then set up one yourself. That, as Alan Dron reports, is the remarkable
in Defence / Features Saudi Arabia wound up by Russia's fantastic toys
Posted 30 November 2018
The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is looking to modernise the operational concepts at its Riyadh-based Air Warfare Centre. Alan Warnes reports.
