The missing digilink
Digitalisation of the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry is slowly gaining pace, but the haphazard manner of its advance and the shortage of common standards mean the full benefits may remain elusive.
Features
in Defence / Features Thinking globally but acting locally
Posted 14 April 2021
SAMI CEO, Walid Abukhaled, has major aspirations for both his company and his country, as Alan Warnes found out when the pair discussed strategy and future possibilities.
in Air Transport / Features Diplomatic breakthrough paves way for Etihad-Israeli MRO deal
Posted 12 April 2021
Etihad’s expanding engineering division could notch up a new customer in Israeli carrier El Al?
in Features Combi unlocks Texel's loads of potential...
Posted 9 April 2021
As lead operator of the new Boeing 737-700 FlexCombi freighter conversion, Bahrain-based Texel Air is looking towards more distant horizons, as Alan Dron reports.
in Defence / Features Miracle workers
Posted 6 April 2021
The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) was launched in 2018 to catapult Saudi Arabia’s military aerospace ambitions into 2030. Now, 30 months on, Alan Warnes talks to the organisation’s governor, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Ohali.
in Air Transport / Features Downsizing Etihad changes its fleet path
Posted 31 March 2021
As Etihad Airways announces its restructuring into a ‘mid-size’ airline, Alan Dron asks: What now for the carrier after the formalisation of its new, scaled-down role?
in Features Enter the dragon
Posted 29 March 2021
A Saudi Arabian company has placed an order for more than 100 examples of the world’s first heavy-lift unmanned freighter.
in Defence / Features F-35 deal could trigger arms race
Posted 25 March 2021
The UAE hopes to finalise a deal to acquire 50 Lockheed Martin-made F-35 fighters ahead of the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence this year.
in Business Aviation / Features Right time for RightJet
Posted 24 March 2021
A new aviation company launched into the Middle East’s private jet market on January 1.
in General Aviation / Technology / Features Building an Eco-friendly Environment for MENA’s Mobility Sector
Posted 23 March 2021
As society becomes more conscious of the effects of climate change, cities all over the world are looking at alternative methods to power their urban areas, reports aerospace technology company Bell.
in Air Transport / Features The MAX is back… but not yet in the Middle East
Posted 22 March 2021
Boeing’s troubled 737 MAX is starting to return to service. Alan Dron looks at what this could mean for airlines, passengers and the aircraft’s future?
in Defence / Features Keeping time and operational tempo
Posted 19 February 2021
Raytheon UK Landshield technology 'kicks out the jammers'.
in Training / Features Opening the door to careers in aviation
Posted 3 February 2021
International companies are stepping up their training activities for Gulf nationals seeking employment in the civil aviation industry.
in Maintenance / Features When innovation comes with a price tag
Posted 1 February 2021
Customer benefit underpins the uptake of innovation in MRO, where OEM and regulatory approvals compete with cost as the biggest hurdle to overcome. Chuck Grieve reports.
in Maintenance / Features The heavy toll for MRO
Posted 29 January 2021
The deferral or cancellation of heavy maintenance on the civil aviation fleet could have serious long-term consequences for the MRO workforce. Chuck Grieve investigates.
in Air Transport / Features Summer sun is cold comfort to north African airlines
Posted 26 January 2021
It was hoped that the summer period would give north African airlines the chance to recover from the early blows dealt them by the coronavirus pandemic. However, as Vincent Chappard and Anuradha Deenapanray report, the results were
in Maintenance / Features Etihad engineers fresh opportunities
Posted 22 January 2021
Every problem offers potential opportunities and even the pandemic is no exception, as Alan Dron found out when he spoke to Etihad’s Engineering division.
in Technology / Features Interaction key to post-virus airlines
Posted 20 January 2021
As Middle East airlines start to increase their capacity again following the Covid-19 outbreak, Panasonic Avionics is responding.
in Air Transport / Features Global consistency the key to travel recovery
Posted 18 January 2021
Air Arabia’s dynamic business model has enabled the airline to react quickly to sudden changes in the market due to the coronavirus crisis. Group CEO, Adel Al Ali, told Vincent Chappard that consistent measures must be taken globally to enable
in Features / Events Is this the ‘new norm’ for events?
Posted 14 January 2021
The Dubai HeliShow is set to go ahead in January in both physical and 3D virtual format.
in Space / Features UAE satellite to study red tide algae in Arabian Gulf
Posted 13 January 2021
Students from the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) have successfully launched their MeznSat satellite, which will be used to collect data on greenhouse gas concentrations and monitor the occurrence of red tide algae in
in Business Aviation / Features Why sustainability is the new name of the game
Posted 11 January 2021
Dave Calderwood takes a look at what will be focusing the attention of the business aviation community in 2021.
in Defence / Features Egypt fighter deal still ruffling American feathers
Posted 8 January 2021
As 2020 was a bumper year for fighter aircraft across the MENA region, Jon Lake looks at this, and various other, defence matters.
in Air Transport / Features Palestinian Airlines in limbo as aircraft put up for sale
Posted 5 January 2021
Palestinian Airlines faces yet another challenge as the occupied territories’ government puts its aircraft up for sale.
in Features / ATM & Regulatory UAE leading the world into the ‘sci-fi zone’
Posted 22 December 2020
The UAE is preparing for the fast-approaching urban air mobility sector with what it believes to be the world’s first set of regulations governing unmanned and autonomous air vehicles.
in Defence / Features Peace hopes growing to end long-running civil war
Posted 18 December 2020
The UN is continuing attempts to broker peace to end Libya’s deadly civil war and a preliminary deal was agreed in early September. But, with so many factions involved, and major countries backing both sides, no-one can predict what will
in General Aviation / Features Saudi start-up goes for the power of 10
Posted 16 December 2020
Saudi start-up The Helicopter Company, which launched in 2018, is expanding its fleet with an order for 10 Airbus H125 light single engine helicopters.
in Air Transport / Features Low blows...
Posted 14 December 2020
Airline passengers in Abu Dhabi stand to benefit as two new low-cost carriers fight it out for their dirhams. But, asks Alan Dron, is there enough business for both companies?
in Features / Airports Sea change for Saudi project
Posted 11 December 2020
Saudi Arabia’s drive to establish itself as a tourist destination is taking another step forward with the construction of The Red Sea Project – with its own international airport.
in Features / ATM & Regulatory Air Traffic Management in the Post-COVID-19 Era
Posted 9 December 2020
Training specialist and senior trainer at Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation, Marzoog Algamdi, sees thinking outside the box as being essential for the ATM world in a post-Covid era.
in Business Aviation / Features Bombardier just the ticket for distancing...
Posted 9 December 2020
Bombardier’s new CEO, Éric Martel, believes that the current coronavirus crisis will have a positive impact on the business jet business. The company has great expectations regarding the Middle East market, especially for the long-range
in Air Transport / Features Etihad's sound investment
Posted 7 December 2020
A research programme has seen Etihad Airways, Boeing, NASA and Safran banding together to reduce noise emissions from future generations of airliners. Alan Dron has been finding out more.
in Space / Features Kuwait should make space capability part of national strategy
Posted 4 December 2020
Kuwait has all the resources needed to build a space agency, but it lacks the political will, said Bassam Alfeeli, the founder and CEO of Orbital Space, a start-up operational since 2018 in Kuwait, in an exclusive interview to
in Training / Features Dynamic way to clear the training backlog
Posted 13 November 2020
One problem facing everyone as coronavirus restrictions are lifted is operational currency for all aircrew – keeping vital skills up-to-date.
in Training / Features On-The-Job learning a big plus for GCAS students
Posted 12 November 2020
Set on the apron of Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi, the Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS) offers a portfolio of more than 300 courses.
in Maintenance / Features MROs: What will be the new normal?
Posted 11 November 2020
A ‘new normal’ for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) is inevitable in the aftermath of Covid-19, but what exactly does that mean?
in Training / Features University challenge to grow the aviation industry
Posted 10 November 2020
The University of South Wales (USW) Dubai offers recognised British bachelor and masters courses in aerospace engineering, and multi-accredited postgraduate courses in aerospace engineering, business and management, and cyber
in Training / Features Spatial uses pandemic to catch up on orders
Posted 5 November 2020
Cabin crew training simulator manufacturer, Spatial, has been busy working through the Covid-19 pandemic with its ‘large’ order backlog.
in Training / Features Crews control for Alpha's cadets...
Posted 4 November 2020
Launched in 2008, Alpha Aviation Group is one of the largest and most-recognised providers of multi-crew pilot licences (MPLs) in the world.
in Training / Features Schools maintain Jordan's three spirit
Posted 3 November 2020
Flight-training is well established in Jordan with three schools for potential aviation professionals – the Royal Jordanian Air Academy (RJAA), Jordan Airline Training & Simulation (JATS), and MidEast Aviation Academy.
in Training / Features Wide-ranging return for L3Harris
Posted 2 November 2020
For a huge company like L3Harris with so many areas of business, picking up when Covid-19 restrictions ease will be complicated.
in Training / Features GAA’s decade of success… with much more to come
Posted 30 October 2020
Originally part of Gulf Air, when Gulf Aviation Academy (GAA) launched as an independent aviation training facility in 2010, it became the first European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved training organisation (ATO) outside
in Training / Features Pioneer keeps ESAT and AFA on the cutting edge
Posted 27 October 2020
Tunisia’s high-level training institutes are constantly updating their programmes to adjust to the growing need of the aeronautics sector.
in Training / Features Extra simulator set to ease pressure on PSAA
Posted 26 October 2020
The Prince Sultan Aviation Academy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, evolved from the Saudia Pilot Training Institute, which opened in 1959.
in Air Transport / Features / Airports / People How outsourcing can help save the air transport sector
Posted 25 October 2020
Peter Mohring, Managing Director of Transport, Serco Middle East, explores why it has never been timelier for the air transport sector to embrace outsourcing to help with post pandemic recovery.
in Training / Features Big ambitions for Saudi’s Tayaran
Posted 23 October 2020
It’s a little over a year since the National Aviation Academy of Saudi Arabia, also known as Tayaran, had its inauguration at its King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) HQ.
in Training / Features Good pilot prospects on the Horizon
Posted 22 October 2020
Part of the Edge group, Horizon is the region’s largest independent helicopter flight-training academy.
in Technology / Features Industry sees the light on protection
Posted 21 October 2020
Technology has a key part to play in the airline industry’s fight to win passengers back in a post Covid-19 environment.
in Training / Features Rabigh Wings to reopen with improvements to virtual capabilities
Posted 20 October 2020
Saudi Arabia's Rabigh Wings expecting to reopen and be fully operational.
in Training / Features OxfordSaudia links up with US university
Posted 15 October 2020
OxfordSaudia Flight Academy has launched an initiative for its pilot graduates to go on to a degree course with the renowned Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the US.
in Training / Features EgyptAir ready to restart with new simulators
Posted 12 October 2020
EgyptAir Training Academy is poised to restart training and has been busy with brand new full-flight simulators.
in Features / Airports Big changes on the way in the post-Covid world
Posted 9 October 2020
As the airline industry begins to emerge from its Covid-19 hibernation, airports are going to be very different places for the foreseeable future.
in Training / Features EAT so hungry for success
Posted 6 October 2020
In 2014, Etihad Airways purchased the fixed-wing section of Horizon Flight Academy and, after re-launching and rebranding, Etihad Aviation Training (EAT) became the first European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved training organisation (ATO) in the UAE.
in Training / Features MROs focus on the engineers of tomorrow
Posted 1 October 2020
The worldwide shortage of aircraft engineers and technicians is still apparent, despite the reduction of flight hours during the pandemic.
in Training / Features Opening the door to the future
Posted 29 September 2020
Two years after it first opened, Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) at Dubai South is looking forward to reopening when given the go-ahead.
in Business Aviation / Features A healthy outlook
Posted 28 September 2020
Business aviation is beginning to recover from the carnage caused by Covid-19.
in Defence / Features Defence battles on
Posted 25 September 2020
Military aviation in the MENA area has not been entirely unaffected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
in Defence / Features Phantom wing finally re-equipped with F-16s
Posted 23 July 2020
Egyptian and US military officers gathered at the formal re-opening of the fighter brigade at Cairo West Airport, which now operates the Block 52 F-16C/D.
in Features Propelling aircraft into the green age
Posted 20 July 2020
Rolls-Royce is developing amazing new engine technology to help make aviation greener and more efficient for the future. Steve Nichols has been finding out more.
in Defence / Features Egyptian fighters demonstrate buddy refuelling capabilities
Posted 16 July 2020
Egyptian Air Force Dassault Rafale and MIG-29M/M2 fighter aircraft conducted buddy-buddy aerial refuelling during the recent Qader-2020 military exercise.
in Business Aviation / Features Medevac ‘first’ for HondaJet
Posted 13 July 2020
What are the important considerations for an aircraft configured for medevac or air ambulance operations? Speed, certainly, but also a quiet cabin to reduce fatigue for both patient and medical staff – and that’s a key advantage of the innovative HondaJet’s
in Air Transport / Features Why a holiday company took a trip into the unknown
Posted 9 July 2020
Jordan has always been a tough location in which to operate. One young airline fighting to make its mark in the local market is Fly Jordan Airlines.
in Maintenance / Features MRO faces up to the ‘perfect storm’
Posted 3 July 2020
The MRO industry is braced for major fall-out from the global pandemic crisis. Will independents be able to weather this perfect storm? Chuck Grieve searches for answers.
in Defence / Features First Saudi F-15SR conversion flies
Posted 30 June 2020
Alsalam Aerospace Industries (AAI) has completed the first in-country conversion of an F-15S (Saudi) aircraft to F-15SA (Saudi advanced) standard, writes Jon Lake.
in Business Aviation / Features Saudi investment company making the sparks fly
Posted 26 June 2020
A Saudi investment company is backing one of the new crop of electric aircraft designs aimed at bringing pollution-free flight to the public.
in Air Transport / Features Weighed down under the weight of restructuring
Posted 24 June 2020
Three years after taking on the top job at Tunisair, Ilyes Mnakbi tells Martin Rivers the flag-carrier is still struggling to turn the corner.
in Features / Airports A new lounge… but no time to relax for Premium Plaza boss
Posted 19 June 2020
The latest Premium Plaza Lounge opened in Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 in January. The 1,260sqm facility is the third in the UAE, joining two at Abu Dhabi International.
in Defence / Features Leading Edge
Posted 17 June 2020
Since its launch in November last year, advanced defence technology group, Edge, has maintained a high profile. A major sponsor at the Dubai Airshow, the group has taken part in a number of defence, aviation and recruitment events in the region. Jill Stockbridge spoke to CEO and
in Business Aviation / Features Going to ground in Turkey
Posted 15 June 2020
Universal Aviation, the ground support division of Universal Weather and Aviation, has expanded its network in Turkey. Dave Calderwood reports.
in Air Transport / Training / Features / People BLOG: Flying without wings
Posted 15 June 2020
Dubai-based A320 pilot Tom Peaford looks at the changing world for airline pilots and manages expectations.
in Air Transport / Features Silver lining shines through the fog of war
Posted 12 June 2020
Like all Libyan carriers, Afriqiyah Airways is in a seemingly endless fight for survival. But chairman, Mustafa Maatug, tells Martin Rivers he’s full of hope for the future.
in Defence / Features Massive boost for Moroccan armed forces
Posted 11 June 2020
Morocco’s 2020 finance bill will increase in the kingdom’s national defense budget by 29% in 2020, allocating 45.438 billion Moroccan Dirham (MAD) (US $4.728 billion).
in Features / People Mind the gap… stark warning as next-gen talent goes missing
Posted 9 June 2020
Noureddine Mouaddib, founder and president of Rabat International University, made an appeal to tackle challenges regarding human resource development in aviation at a conference in Marrakesh, Morocco. Vincent Chappard
in Air Transport / Features A brand new way forward for FlyEgypt
Posted 8 June 2020
New domestic services, new branding and – hopefully – new aircraft will make this a significant year for FlyEgypt, its CEO tells Alan Dron.
in Maintenance / Features Access points...
Posted 5 June 2020
Engineering access equipment is the basic, yet essential, ingredient of any MRO operation. Though much of it is low tech, these pieces of equipment are anything but out of date in their conception and specification. Chuck Grieve reports.
in Features / Airports Why bigger may not be better
Posted 4 June 2020
The future for air transport? Perhaps a very different format from today’s that will require joined-up thinking from politicians, airports and airlines, suggests Dubai Airports’ CEO, Paul Griffiths. Alan Dron reports.
in Business Aviation / Features Muhiddin's taste for the big AMAC
Posted 3 June 2020
Swiss-based AMAC Aerospace is bolstering its presence in the MENA region. Vincent Chappard talked to group executive chairman and CEO, Kadri Muhiddin, to find out more.
in Air Transport / Features How Yemenia flies in the face of war
Posted 2 June 2020
For four years, Yemen Airways has attempted to keep services running during the country’s civil war. The company’s chairman, Ahmed Masood Alwani, explains how.
in Features Heroes of zero cook up a recipe to reduce waste
Posted 1 June 2020
Zero waste is a philosophy that’s encouraging people to recycle and re-use. Airlines in the Middle East have taken initiatives to slash waste and the use of plastic on board aircraft. Anuradha Deenapanray and Vincent Chappard report.
in Defence / Features $9.9 million pod spares for Saudi Arabia
Posted 29 May 2020
The US Defense Department has announced the award of a $9.9 million foreign military sales (FMS) contract to Collins Aerospace – a subsidiary of the United Technologies Corporation – for the “purchase of a necessary additional quantity” of parts
in Technology / Features Awakening the digital sleepers
Posted 27 May 2020
Product lifecycle management (PLM) is more important now than ever as complexity in products and processes skyrockets and digitalisation becomes the norm. Chuck Grieve looks at some approaches to this challenge.
in Business Aviation / Features Longitude in a world of its own
Posted 26 May 2020
Textron Aviation has started deliveries of its long-awaited Cessna Longitude business jet, writes Dave Calderwood.
in Defence / Features A game of high spy - with Project Dolphin
Posted 22 May 2020
The UAE has been quietly overhauling and improving its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for some years. Jon Lake looks at the latest situation.
in Business & Finance / Features A huge new lease of life for DAE
Posted 21 May 2020
Dubai-based lessor, DAE, has almost doubled the value of its portfolio of managed aircraft, following a deal with a major financial institution. Alan Dron reports.
in Business Aviation / Features Swiss roll out PC12 revamp
Posted 20 May 2020
Swiss manufacturer, Pilatus Aircraft, has revealed a thoroughly updated version of its long-running single-engine turboprop with the third-generation PC-12 NGX recently announced. Dave Calderwood reports.
in Defence / Features Aussies pitch in to fight the terror threat
Posted 19 May 2020
Australia has been heavily involved in combatting the recent terrorist threats in the Middle East. Dave Oliver has been finding out more.
in Air Transport / Features Kuwait at the crossroads
Posted 18 May 2020
Kuwait Airways is undergoing a second major wave of aircraft replacements and looking at ways to handle its increasing passenger numbers. Alan Dron reports.
in Features Reducing risk brings its rewards for Bakr
Posted 15 May 2020
International SOS company, MedAire, which specialises in medical and travel security services to aviation and maritime clients, recently appointed Hany Bakr to the newly created role of security director for Europe, Middle East & Africa
in Features / Airports When your face is your passport to faster travel
Posted 13 May 2020
Passports and other documentation are set to become things of the past for Emirates Airline passengers travelling between Dubai and the US, with the arrival of biometric boarding systems. Alan Dron reports.
in Business Aviation / Features The SKY’s the limit for Carthage's planned FBO
Posted 12 May 2020
Montasser Channoufi, founder and CEO of Carthage SKY Services, plans to launch a fixed-base operation in Tunisia this year. He told Vincent Chappard that the high-standard services provided will serve the country’s growing business
in Defence / Features Tactical Texans fit Tunisia to a T
Posted 11 May 2020
The US State Department has approved a possible $234 million foreign military sale (FMS) of 12 Textron Aviation Beechcraft T-6C Texan II trainers to Tunisia. Jon Lake reports.
in Technology / Features Thales unveils “game-changing” flight management system
Posted 7 May 2020
Thales has unveiled its new PureFlyt flight management system (FMS), which will be available from 2024 and promises enhanced safety and efficiency in the cockpit. Steve Nichols reports.
in Maintenance / Features ‘Perfect storm’ clouds the engine aftermarket
Posted 6 May 2020
The engine aftermarket is proving to be a moveable feast as numerous factors – some predictable, others not – converge. Chuck Grieve reports.
in Defence / Features World-class start-up gives UAE nationals the Edge...
Posted 5 May 2020
Edge, a new UAE-based defence and technology company, launched in Abu Dhabi on November 5 with a suitably explosive, high-tech and high-profile reveal. Jill Stockbridge reports.
in Air Transport / Features Progressive Jaz...
Posted 4 May 2020
Kuwaiti hybrid carrier, Jazeera Airways, foresees a list of potential new long-haul destinations in the coming years as it takes delivery of Airbus A320neos. Alan Dron found out more from CEO, Rohit Ramachandran.
in Features / Airports Expansion programme takes Qatar to a HIA level
Posted 1 May 2020
Qatar’s Hamad International Airport has unveiled plans for its Phase II expansion programme, designed to boost the airport’s capacity to more than 50 million passengers annually. Alan Dron reports.
in General Aviation / Features Game-changing 525 rising above the early tragedy
Posted 30 April 2020
Seven years after Bell Helicopter announced it was developing a brand new, clean-sheet design ‘super medium’ twin-engine helicopter, complete with a sophisticated fly-by-wire system, the company is now sparing no effort to get the 525
in Business Aviation / Features Eclectic G700 heads for Qatar
Posted 29 April 2020
Qatar Executive was named launch customer as Gulfstream Aerospace unveiled its new flagship private jet, the G700, calling it “the most spacious, best-performing aircraft in the business-jet industry”. Dave Calderwood reports.
in Defence / Features New aircraft… now the race is on to train enough people
Posted 28 April 2020
Alan Warnes looks at air forces throughout the Middle East and explains why personnel training has now become an urgent priority for many of them.
in Air Transport / Features Jonaid's private thoughts
Posted 27 April 2020
SaudiGulf Airlines chief executive, Abdulmohsen Jonaid, tells Martin Rivers that the boutique carrier is laying the foundations for a bigger, brighter future.
