Middle East & North Africa

Emirates has announced that it will be restarting services Saudi Arabia from 11 September and St Petersburg from 8 October 2021.

Emirates has launched the first airline virtual reality app in Oculus store which allows people to experience Emirates' fully-enclosed Gamechanger First Class Suites, explore the airline's signature A380 Onboard Lounge, or check out the cabin around your own seat from the comfort of your home.

Inspection is a key part of the MRO community’s contribution to aviation safety. Chuck Grieve reviews developments in inspection tools and methods where communication is king.

GECAS has delivered the first of two A321NX aircraft to SalamAir with the arrival of one, MSN 10483, into Muscat, Oman from Hamburg. As announced in late 2019, GECAS is providing the two aircraft from its own skyline.

Saudia will return to Manchester Airport in December for the first time in 21 months as it relaunches its direct service to Jeddah.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s inaugural flight to Manama, Bahrain commenced today departing from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and arriving in Bahrain International Airport (BAH). The new route will strengthen connectivity within the GCC by providing an alternative and ultra-low fare travel option for passengers between the two Gulf countries.

Turkish Aerospace (TUSAS) has been awarded two contracts by Spirit AeroSystems. Turkish Aerospace will manufacture and supply Section 48 – Tail Feather for Boeing 737 MAX-8 and over 400 parts and sub-assemblies for various Boeing platforms.

SITA has achieved CarbonNeutral company certification. This milestone resulted from decisive actions to significantly reduce emissions associated with its business operations in 2020.

International firms have booked more than half of space at the inaugural World Defense Show (WDS), to be held in Riyadh from 6-9 March 2022.

Falko Regional Aircraft has leased of five new ATR72-600 aircraft to IndiGo via its Irish leasing platform. The aircraft will all be delivered before the end of 2021.

Inmarsat has launched its advanced new Velaris connectivity solution, which is uniquely positioned to serve as a catalyst for the safe and rapid growth of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) industry.

Emirates will be expanding its operations in and out of South Africa, boosting its schedule to 28 weekly flights by October.

Air France-KLM has appointed Sylvain Mathias as the new regional commercial director Middle East, based at the company’s regional headquarters in Dubai Airport Free Zone.

The Kuwait National Guard (KNG) has received the first of six French-made Airbus H225M Caracal helicopters, which have entered service forming the core of the guard’s air fleet.

Emirates has announced the reopening of its lounge at London Heathrow Airport as it ramps up operations in the UK.

Etihad Airways has carried the UAE’s Paralympic champions from Japan following their success at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The UAE Team brought home gold and bronze medals for competing in the Athletics, Powerlifting, Cycling and Shooting.

Over the summer travel months of July and August, Emirates handled nearly 1.2 million customers at its hub, compared to 402,000 customers during the same period in 2020.

Panasonic Avionics has launched a series of Connectivity Bundles designed to help airlines maximise their investment in in-flight connectivity.

This November, the Dubai Airshow will introduce nine tracks with sessions covering the full spectrum of aviation, technology, and space.

Lakson Group, one of Pakistan's leading business conglomerates and Air Arabia Group, are to form of a joint venture to launch ‘Fly Jinnah’, Pakistan’s new airline.

Saudi Aramco’s senior vice president of Technical Services, Ahmad Al-Sa’adi, recently inaugurated the first fiberglass rebar facility in Saudi Arabia, IKK Mateenbar.

As the number of private jet movements in Dubai continues to climb, a new company has launched, offering flexibly fractional ownership in the region.

The latest generation FlytX avionics suite made its first test flight on board a Cabri helicopter this summer. The test campaign will continue until 2022 to test and optimise the suite's functionality.

Etihad Airways said it is preparing for a boost in travel to and from Abu Dhabi following the government’s announcement to remove the quarantine requirement for all vaccinated travellers arriving from abroad.

Dnata has become the first global air and travel services provider to sign up to the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) 25by2025 initiative that aims to advance gender diversity in the aviation industry.