Middle East & North Africa

Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support (GCS) today announced that it has appointed MNG Jet at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, Turkey, to its worldwide network of limited service centers to support its Hawker 750, 800, 800XP, 850XP and 900XP business jets.

Top level talks are underway in Abu Dhabi this week as Piaggio Aero puts the final details together for the design of the company's first jet.

Comlux announced at EBACE today that it is strengthening its charter offering in the Middle East through an alliance with fellow VIP operator Saudia Private Aviation.

Oman Air Cargo has unveiled its Pan-GCC Custom Bonded Truck services connecting Muscat with Salalah and other GCC countries. Hailed as a milestone for Oman Air, this service will be effective from 1st June 2011.

Bahrain Air Show is to have its own show daily when the second edition kicks off in January next year.

Saudi Arabian company Aviation Link has purchased two Airbus ACJ319 aircraft, which will go to an as-yet undisclosed completion centre later this year.

Executive Aircraft Services (EAS) from Beirut is to expand its charter fleet.

Bahrain-based luxury aviation group Comlux announced at EBACE today, a contract to buy three large Legacy 650 executive jets for the Fly Comlux Division, in Kazakhstan.

Etihad Airways has launched a new service stop for its complimentary luxury coach service, Etihad Express, at the Dubai Marina Mall, extending the airline's reach within its UAE home market and making Dubai more accessible than ever for Etihad's overseas passengers.

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and EADS subsidiary Cassidian have signed an MoU to establish a close collaboration in the unmanned Talarion programme.

Turkey's Türk Hava Kurumu (THK) has signed a deal to buy 10 Model 172 Skyhawk piston aircraft from Cessna

Gulf Air has once again renewed its place on the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Registry until 2013 after successfully completing the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) safety audit requirements.

Bahrain's head of civil aviation is at the European business aviation show, EBACE to send a clear message to the industry – Bahrain is open for business.

Air Arabia has announced the expansion of service to the Turkish city Istanbul, from the carrier's primary hub in Sharjah, UAE.

Air Arabia, announced today the expansion of service to the Turkish city of Istanbul, from the carrier's primary hub in Sharjah from June 10.

Operators of aircraft equipped with Rockwell Collins' Pro Line 21 avionics will soon be able to realize the operational benefits of synthetic vision, the company said today.

The 14th EAAP-Recognised "Human Factors in Flight Safety: SMS, Risk Management and Safety Investigation" course is take place in Dubai next month .

Qatar Airways' corporate jet division Qatar Executive today received its first ultra-long haul Bombardier Global Express XRS to its growing fleet.

Airbus has introduced new branding, colours and names for its corporate jets, reflecting aircraft improvements, the company's culture of innovation and family commonality.

Oman Air has re-commenced its services between Muscat and Zanzibar from 16th May 2011.

Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi has announced a 25% increase in commercial aircraft movements during April 2011 compared with the same month last year.

Dassault Falcon today launched the Falcon 2000S, returning to the Super Midsize category with a large cabin aircraft.

Lufthansa Technik has signed a completion contract for a Boeing 747-8 with an undisclosed customer although it is speculated to be the Kuwaiti Royal flight aircraft.

As part of its international growth strategy Swiss Aviation Consulting (SWIC) has opened a new office in Abu Dhabi.

The Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS), a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), today announced offering of new combined courses on aviation law according to UAE news agency WAM.