Middle East & North Africa

The MRO Middle East and Aircraft Interiors Middle East shows opened today with record numbers. See the special video programme on the right

The State of Qatar is ready to welcome a new chapter in the country's remarkable aviation industry with preparations well underway for the (1 April) first phase opening of the new Hamad International Airport to be operated by national carrier Qatar Airways.

An Emirates A380 has become the world's largest flying billboard as the Dubai airline backs the emirate's bid to host the 2020 World Expo.

Aviation solutions provider Ramco systems has announced it has signed a master supply agreement with Emirates to develop and implement reliability information management system for Emirates engineering department.

UbiFrance, the French agency for international business development, in partnership with the French Chamber of Commerce of Paris, is presenting 19 companies on the French Pavilion at the Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) and MRO Middle East trade shows, currently being held in Dubai.

flydubai has inaugurated services to its latest destination – Malé, the capital of the Maldives.

The row between Qatar's luxury flight services company Rizon Jetand the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority over the rights to operate freely have escalated. Details of the dispute between Rizon Jet and the Qatari state organisation were first unveiled by Arabian Aerospace during the MEBA show in Dubai in December.

Bahrain Airport had its busiest day since the Grand Prix last year when thousands of UAE nationals flew the short hop across the Gulf to watch the national football side win the Gulf Cup against Iraq in a tight game that went to extra time.

Gulf Air has been awarded ISO certification for its information security management system.

UAE-based flight support and handling specialist, Jetex Flight Support, is to open a new flight planning lounge at London Oxford Airport, next month.

Egyptian carrier AlMasria Universal Airlines has called on the services of AFI KLM E&M to deal with an AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situation concerning CFM56-5B engines fitted to one of its aircraft.

The first Irish Aerospace Pavilion in Middle East will be hosted at the co-located two-day Aircraft Interiors & MRO Middle East Exhibitions which open in Dubai tomorrow (Tuesday)

Arabsat has finalised the mission definition for the BADR-7 satellite and confirmed the in-orbit delivery contract.

A new company is planning to launch human and robotic helium balloon missions to the very edge of space from within the UAE.

Flydubai began a service to Malé, the capital of Maldives today but at a press conference ahead of the inaugural flight it was the home town's performance that was catching the attention.

Northrop Grumman and Abu Dhabi's Higher College of Technology have launched the 2013 Innovation Challenge unmanned aircraft competition.

Former Hawker Beechcraft senior executive for the Middle East, Africa and Europe, Sean McGeough, has been appointed president of Nextant Aerospace the , maker of the Nextant 400XT, the world's only remanufactured business jet.

Aviation security was a major focus of this years Intersec – the interational security show which was held in Dubai this week

The Philippines carrier, Cebu Pacific has announced it will operate direct daily flights between Manila and Dubai from October 7, 2013, the first long

Retail glamour and innovation have touched down at Dubai International; Maritime Mercantile International (MMI) and Emirates Leisure Retail (ELR), Dubai-based subsidiaries of the Emirates Group, have launched all six of their new travel retail innovations developed specifically for Dubai International's Concourse A.

Qatar Executive's has launched its corporate website in Arabic and Russian languages.

Airbus is offering airlines new options for configuring the floor space offered by the A321neo.

BBA Aviation Flight Support has announced the promotion of Maria Sastre to president and chief operating officer for Signature Flight Support Corporation.