With three decades of service, more than 2,600 examples built and at least two dozen military customers, Sikorsky's S-70 Black Hawk is a rugged, dependable support helicopter, right-sized for today's tactical requirements and versatile enough to encompass a variety of roles.
As the UAE stands on the brink of ordering new Rafale strike fighters to equip its rapidly modernising air force, it has been reported that one of the nation's requirements is that Dassault should buy back, or find a buyer for, its fleet of multi-role Mirage 2000-9 fighters.
Even the Middle East's top travelers had to tighten their belts slightly in this recession. But, writes BRENDAN GALLAGHER, the signs are that the region leading the VIP transport sector out of the doldrums.
Despite the ongoing acquisition of new F-16s to strengthen its fighter force, Morocco is pressing on with ambitious upgrades to its legacy types, which will remain in service for many years, augmenting the new aircraft.
The Middle East aviation market is booming so exhibiting at Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) is vital. This year saw many textile companies – from seat cover manufacturers to carpet manufacturers – displaying their wares. Marcelle Nethersole reports.
As a hub of growing international status, the Middle East is expected to play a big part in the battle to reduce the impact of aviation on the environment. BRENDAN GALLAGHER reports on how the region is rising to the challenge.
There is a huge prize in economic and environmental terms to be gained from making more efficient use of airspace across the Middle East, although the complex geopolitical nature of the region makes the goal a challenging one.
Boasting Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines, tourist's hot-spot Morocco is a stunning gateway to Africa, Europe and the Middle East and its bohemian city of Marrakech is fast becoming a business hub. Marcelle Nethersole reports.
As IATA director general Giovanni Bisciani warns that Europe's proposed Emissions Trading Scheme in illegal and airlines begin a legal challenge, IAN SHEPPARD looks at the situation facing operators both large and small.
Passengers have voted three Middle East carriers into the global Top Ten and Emirates has doubled the frequency with which it offers the world's most luxurious airline product to London-bound passengers. Little wonder that the cabin vendors beat a path to this year's Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) show in Dubai, writes BRENDAN GALLAGHER.
Abu Dhabi's daily newspaper, The National, is reporting that the consortium of French aerospace companies hoping to sell as many as 60 Rafale fighter jets to the UAE is closer to a deal following an offer to set up facilities to make the aircraft in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi's aerospace outreach was strengthened today following an agreement between two of the leading organisations to work together and market from a shared base at London's Stansted Airport.
The recent Iraqi elections were hailed as one of the best indications yet that the country was returning to a calmer existence. But, writes Brendan Gallagher, the green shoots of normality made their first appearance at Baghdad Airport several months earlier.
Bombardier expects the CSeries to be the ideal regional jet for the Middle East when it is introduced into service in 2013 – but predicts many will be purchased by third parties and leased to airlines around the world, taking regional aviation further towards the model seen for Airbus and Boeing narrow bodies.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that March 2010 international scheduled air traffic showed continued strengthening of demand, with the Middle East again leading the way as its carriers post the strongest traffic growth at 25.9%.
Turkey's leading low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines is launching new direct flights from Manchester and London Gatwick to the Turkish holiday destinations of Antalya and Dalaman on May 2nd 2010.
As the Middle East and Europe become more closely connected, the value of EBACE as the best venue to link them becomes more apparent. Liz Moscrop reports.
