Middle East & North Africa

The UAE joint aviation command (JAC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to order three of the controversial AW609 tiltrotor aircraft from AgustaWestland, plus options on three more.
Air Transport

Embraer is now assembling the first of its next-generation E2 regional jets and the programme is on track, the company's boss said at the Dubai Airshow yesterday.
Aerospace

Abu Dhabi-based satellite operator Yahsat is to trial in-flight connectivity aboard an Etihad A320 aircraft via its Ka-band satellites.
Emerging Technologies

Airbus announced at the Dubai Airshow yesterday that Vietnamese carrier Vietjet has placed a firm order to purchase 30 more A321s (nine A321neo and 21 A321neo).
Air Transport

By Richard Maslen
Emirates said it was attracted to the split operation in Istanbul and the added investment required by the carrier as it offers customers “a fresher travel experience, with shorter processing times”, but also “easier access” to the city’s new financial centre as well as to popular outlet malls and thermal spas in the vicinity.
Airports & Networks

TAV Construction receives award for world's best airport project for the Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Airport Project.
Air Transport

Global, integrated infrastructure services company AECOM has secured a contract to design a new airport in Istanbul that will be the world's largest new airport in terms of annual passenger capacity.
Airports & Networks

Passengers on Air Arabia and those passing through Sharjah International Airport are getting additional protection against disease.
Airports & Networks

Yahsat, the UAE-based satellite operator, a wholly owned company of the Mubadala Development Company, announced today the successful completion of the Critical Design Review (CDR) of its latest satellite Al Yah 3.
Space

Embraer's new super light jet – the Legacy 450 - has been certificated by the Brazilian authorities.
Business Aviation

UAE-based satellite operator Yahsat, has announced a major milestone in the construction of its third satellite; Al Yah 3, due to be delivered by the end of 2016.
Space

Emirates has reported its busiest July on record in the UK, with 208,000 passengers departing from its six UK gateways: Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow.
Airports & Networks

As part of its on-going commitment to minimise the environmental impact of its operations, Etihad Airways recently launched an Abu Dhabi Perfect Flight Program by conducting a fuel-optimised 'Perfect Flight' between Abu Dhabi and Washington, DC.
Air Transport

Emirates today announced its plans to launch services to Multan, Pakistan, beginning 1st August, 2015.
Airports & Networks

Qatar Airways, as the global launch customer for the A350 XWB, became the first airline to operate the world's newest aircraft to Singapore and the Asia Pacific region today, with the inaugural A350 XWB service arriving in Singapore Changi Airport.
Airports & Networks

Georges Hannouche, CEO of Bayanat Airports and Engineering Supplies (BAES) and the Arab world's leading aviation veteran, has called for the establishment of an Arabian Gulf body on the line of EUROCONTROL for air traffic management keeping in view the ceaseless expansion of airlines fleet and airports.
Air Transport

Emirates will gradually increase its services to Beirut with a third daily flight, fully effective on 1 October.
Airports & Networks

By Steve Nichols
The final panel session at the Aviation Africa event looked at the shortage of human capital in the region and the need to train young people to make sure the industry thrives.
Maintenance & Training

By Steve Nichols
Despite the positives for business aviation across Africa, there are still a number of challenges. Ian Sheppard, editor, African Aerospace, moderated a panel session looking at the industry.
Business Aviation

By Steve Nichols
The launch three years ago of the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) moved business aviation in the region into the spotlight. Operators, financiers, lessors, owners, FBO and flight service providers now have a voice.
Business Aviation

Low cost carrier Air Arabia has reported a 13% increase in net profit for the first quarter of 2015.The Sharjah airline which operates from Morocco and Egypt announced its financial results this morning as the airline's route and hub expansion strategy continued to deliver strong financials and healthy passenger number growth.
Aerospace

The blueprints and science goals for the first Arab mission to Mars have been revealed, for an unmanned UAE probe - named 'Hope' - to create mankind's first integrated model of the Red Planet's atmosphere.
Space

By Steve Nichols
Poor Search and Rescue (SAR) coordination has been highlighted by a succession of international air tragedies. In a case study, Brian Day, ICAO HQ technical officer, SAR (retired) and now a civil aviation SAR consultant, said SAR's purpose is clear and unambiguous – it saves lives.
Safety, Ops & Regulation

By Steve Nichols
No Open Sky agreements have been signed between African countries, but several have been signed between African countries and other regions. The consequence has been a limitation on the growth of Africa's airlines, efficiency reductions and higher costs, leading to a negative impact on economic development.
Safety, Ops & Regulation

By Steve Nichols
Former director of CAA in Lebanon (twice), Dr Hamdi Chaouk, now managing partner, Aviation Minds, opened the second day of the first Aviation Africa conference and exhibition in Dubai by explaining how African nations need to take a close look at themselves before they can put together an aviation strategy that has any chance of success.
Safety, Ops & Regulation