Middle East & North Africa

Alan Peaford looks at the prospects for air transport in the country as it goes through its post-war transition.

As the Americans withdraw from Iraq, Rob Coppinger looks at the legacy left behind and considers how the country's defence forces will develop.

EADS announced today that Airbus chief Tom Enders to take over the role of CEO of the group when Louis Gallois steps down at the end of his five-year mandate.

Emirates Airline has been voted 2012 Airline of the Year in an industry poll of airlines, financial institutions, lessors and investors. The airline beat off competition from leading carriers including Singapore Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Lufthansa in the Aviation 100 poll, receiving 15% of the 11,000 votes cast.

Saudi Aviation Flight Academy (SAFA) has invited the International Association of Flight Training Professionals (IAFTP) to conduct the first operational test of its electronicCV (eCV) at SAFA's new pilot training academy near Riyadh.

Abu Dhabi-based Yahsat is preparing to launch its second satellite into orbit within the next two months.

Tunisia's department of civil aviation (DGAC) has certified the Safe Flight Academy (SFA)'s Ascent flight trainer.

Etihad has signed a firm order for two additional A330-200F freighter aircraft to meet its growth plans in the cargo market.

Support for service and parts supply will be a key topic of discussion at the MRO Middle East event. Bombardier has made no secret of the fact it wants to return to the top spot in customer satisfaction when it comes to support and Phil Nasskau finds out it is working on enhancing its support services in the region.

AgustaWestland has built a strong presence in the Middle East helicopter market in recent years driven by the success of the AW139 medium twin. Now the company is targeting the region as a key growth opportunity as it prepares to launch a number of new products. Paul Derby reports.

Etihad Airways has continued on its investment trail with a cash injection into Air Seychelles and taking 40% of the capital.

Snecma Morocco Engine Services (SMES) has been certified by the European and American aviation authorities, EASA and FAA, respectively, to carry out MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) services on the CFM56-5B engine.

B/E Aerospace is to unveil its new Essence galley equipment collection at the Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) show in Dubai next week, the organisers said today.

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has published the 2011 Performance report for Abu Dhabi International Airport, which reflects a significant growth of 13.9% in passenger traffic compared with 2010.

Bahrain's government is to step in to help Gulf Air plan for its future, the chairman of the country's parliament has said.

Etihad Airways' flight from Seattle to Abu Dhabi – the delivery flight of the airline's newest Boeing 777-300ER that arrived on January 24 – was the first in the Gulf to be operated using sustainable biofuel.

Etihad Airways' flight from Seattle to Abu Dhabi – the delivery flight of the airline's newest Boeing 777-300ER that arrived on 24 January – was the first in the Gulf to be operated using sustainable biofuel.

MRO businesses add finance and completions to regional offering.

The Bell-Boeing team took the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor to the Dubai airshow for the first time, giving aerospace industry visitors an opportunity to see the revolutionary aircraft that is expected to be playing a role in the region. Alan Dron reports.

The Gulf is to be home for a new helicopter type following investment by the UAE's Al Ansari family. Jon Lake looks at the prospects for the future.

Kelly Green examines the reasons why uniforms are starting to reflect the talents of top designers to recapture the golden age of flying.

Dr. Andreas Jahnke has been apppinted managing director of Lufthansa Consulting. He succeeds Werner Schuessler who retired at the end of 2011.

German and Austrian regulatory authorities have given their approval to the deal announced last month in which Etihad Airways increased its shareholding in airberlin to 29.21 per cent.

RAK Airways has marked the expansion of its route network to 11 destinations, with the introduction of flights to Kathmandu, Nepal. Effective February 15th, 2012 RAK Airways will offer three flights a week to Kathmandu.

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has launched a UAE Gallery at Abu Dhabi International Airport, delivering towards the Abu Dhabi government's initiative to promote local art and culture. The new gallery will introduce UAE culture and heritage to all passengers using the airport for arrival, departure or transit through displays by various local cultural and art institutions.