Middle East & North Africa

Aviation Partners, Inc. (API) have announced that the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Supplemental Type Certificate approval for its High Mach Blended Winglets on the Falcon 50 series aircraft.

Al Bateen Executive Airport, the dedicated business aviation airport of Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), has released its traffic performance results for the first half of 2012, revealing a strong 30% increase in visiting aircraft movements to the executive airport over the period between January and June 2012 compared with the same period in 2011, registering a total of 1,100 visiting flights during those six months.

In line with its 2020 Vision, Airbus has laid out its plans for a more efficient and agile organisation to be implemented by January 2013.

Private and corporate aviation operators making flights to London and beyond can now receive first class FBO services from Universal Aviation.

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) witnessed the first domestic flight in the UAE as Rotana Jet flight took off from Abu Dhabi International Airport at 10:00 am this morning flying to Fujairah International Airport.

Thales has won a contract with Saudia Airlines to install its TopSeries Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) system on 54 of the carrier's aircraft.

Inmarsat has launched SwiftBroadband Television (SBTV), which can provide airlines with real-time updated on-demand inflight video content for passengers.

Etihad Airways is keen to expand its footprint in South America, said President and Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan, on Friday.

NATS, provider of Air Traffic Management (ATM) solutions, announced the traffic results for the UK's busiest period - during the London 2012 Olympic Games - stressing that London 2012 demonstrated efficient air traffic control as the key solution to airspace congestion faced by many countries, including those in the Gulf.

Bahrain's Gulf Aviation Technology Company (GATCO) has expanded its growing business with the addition of a line maintenance station at Jeddah's King Abdul-Aziz Airport in Saudi Arabia.

Avtech has signed two new agreements in the wake vortex area through its associated company Actec Middle East.

Etihad Airways has expanded its commercial team in Saudi Arabia with the addition of two new sales positions in the Riyadh and Jeddah offices.

BAE Systems and EADS have told the London Stock Exchange that they are in talks over a possible merger that would create the world's largest aerospace and defence company.

MENA Aerospace Enterprises of Bahrain has undertaken a number of key management appointments in order to support the corporate group's sustained growth and regional expansion.

Etihad Cargo has unveiled a new and highly secure valuable goods service called Safeguard.

Qatar Airways today announced a long-term strategic partnership with leading Indian IT Company Wipro, designed to develop new technological solutions to create greater competitive advantage for the award-winning airline.

AMAC Aerospace celebrated the inauguration of its new hangar on Friday, 7 September when it held the official opening during this year's Airex event, held at Istanbul Atatürk Airport.

Emirates Airlines has announced it is launching flights to the US capital Washington DC from today.

The Dubai-based airline Emirates took the opportunity offered by the presentation of an Airbus A380 at the ILA to reiterate its desire to introduce flights to Berlin as soon as possible.

Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan, is today visiting Boeing's Everett production facility, as the UAE flag carrier prepares to take delivery of more 777s and awaits the arrival of the 787 Dreamliner.

Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), James Hogan, today visited Boeing's Everett production facility, as the UAE flag carrier prepares to take delivery of more 777s and awaits the arrival of the 787 Dreamliner.

Moroccan national carrier Royal Air Maroc is believed to have deferred delivery of its Boeing 787s until at least the end of 2014.

Air Arabia has announced that it has welcomed 379,092 passengers in August 2012, an increase of over 22 per cent compared to the corresponding month in 2011.

Saudi Ground Services has hired HSBC Holdings to advise it on a planned initial public offering (IPO) of 30 percent of its shares, banking sources, reports Reuters.

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has signed an air services memorandum of understanding with the Philippines, reports Gulfnews.com.