in Features / ATM & Regulatory 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Posted 7 May 2019
Lebanon is to receive a new $120 million US military aid package, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Posted 17 April 2019
The potential applications in MRO are among the many attractive features of additive manufacturing (AM).
in Defence / Features 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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