EGYPTAIR announces order for 10 A350-900s: EGYPTAIR customers will soon be flying to destinations around the globe aboard new Airbus A350-900s, after the airline disclosed an order for 10 aircraft at the Dubai Airshow. Once added to the fleet, the A350-900s will provide EGYPTAIR with 25% less fuel burn and, in turn, reduced emissions, while passengers enjoy the comfort of the Airbus AirSpace cabin, including a feeling of true spaciousness, wide seats, high ceilings and alluring ambient lighting. The signing took place at the 2023 Dubai Airshow, in the presence of EGYPTAIR’s Chairman and CEO, Engineer Yehia Zakaria and Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, Christian Scherer. “EGYPTAIR is a key partner of Airbus in the Middle East and Africa. We take immense pride in this partnership aimed at furthering the aviation industry. Our focus lies in the enhancement of our fleet to embrace some of the most contemporary aircraft available,” says EGYPTAIR Chairman and CEO Yehia Zakaria. The A350 has won over 1,000 orders from leading carriers from around the globe.
Boeing and Zero Petroleum sign SAF deal: Boeing and Zero Petroleum announced a collaboration for testing and analysing the next generation of technologies to accelerate the supply of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). For Boeing, this represents another investment in developing SAF globally to reduce aviation’s lifecycle emissions and support the commercial aviation industry’s goal of net zero by 2050. Zero’s technology produces SAF from air and water. The hydrocarbon fuel obtains carbon from direct air capture and hydrogen from water electrolysis. This Power-to-Liquid process has the potential to significantly reduce emissions across the lifecycle, provided there is an abundance of renewable electricity. Under the agreement, Boeing will jointly establish a testing program for Zero’s SAF at the University of Sheffield’s Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) and its SAF research facility. Boeing is a founding member of the Centre. The Oxfordshire, UK-based energy company will benefit from Boeing’s initiative to help innovative fuel producers test, mature and scale SAF utilizing its collaboration with the EIC and Boeing’s global SAF and aerospace expertise. The agreement follows Boeing’s work to help scale SAF globally through industry partnerships and policy advocacy, investments in product compatibility work and Boeing’s own fuel use.
Eve and NATS announce collaboration: Eve Air Mobility and NATS Services, the commercial arm of the UK’s leading provider of air traffic control services, announced at the Dubai Airshow a collaborative effort supporting the development of future traffic management services for UAM operators around the world. The signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reinforces the partnership between the two companies to make UAM a safe reality and will advance technologies for a faster, more efficient and sustainable urban air transportation system for all. The Eve-led UK Concept of Operations (CONOPS) was developed in partnership with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) and global companies, including NATS as well as six other members, and leveraged data to focus on necessary solutions for near-term UAM concerns for London. The UK CAA published the Phase 1 results of the Future Air Mobility Regulatory Sandbox project in October 2021, highlighting eVTOL strengths and the challenges that will inform future developments in the UAM industry. Eve’s Urban ATM software is an agnostic solution that will enable the integration of all airspace users in the urban environment. This is critical to support the safety, efficiency, and improvement of the entire UAM ecosystem, including fleet and vertiport operators. Eve Air Mobility also announced it would work with Hunch Mobility, a joint venture between Hunch Ventures and Blade Air Mobility, Inc., to bring first electric commuter flights to Bangalore, India. With the announcement, Bangalore becomes the launch city in the region for urban air mobility flights utilizing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The announcement is the first step as both companies will be working with local, state and federal officials, infrastructure, energy and technology providers. The goal is to ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place to introduce eVTOL aircraft flights. Bangalore, located in Karnataka state of India, is one of the most populated cities in the world with an estimated population of more than 13 million people. The emergence of electric aviation with eVTOL vehicles is expected to significantly reduce the carbon footprint, noise and cost of flying, making it more accessible to the masses. Anf finally, Eve and Kookiejar, a Swedish-based vertiport developer, have signed a letter of intent for Eve’s Urban ATM system to support vertiport operations in Dubai. The agreement marks Eve’s first Urban ATM agreement in Dubai and Kookiejar becomes the company’s 10th Urban ATM customer and fifth vertiport customer as the company continues to grow its global customer base. The agreement comes as Kookiejar, along with its local partner Air Chateau, is preparing to showcase Dubai’s first state of the art vertiport hub facility with eight parking pads and a FATO at Al Maktoum Airport, Dubai South. Eve’s Urban ATM (Air Traffic Management) product has been adopted as part of Kookiejar and Air Chateau’s grand vision for Dubai. The vision is a phased implementation program in which networks of vertiports will be connected via Eve’s Urban ATM system to support a safe and scaled Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations that provides a path to commercialization in 2025-2026.
Emirates to build new US$950 million engineering facility: Emirates announced a massive US$950 million investment to build a new ultra-modern engineering facility at Dubai World Central (DWC). Spread over 1 million square metres, the engineering complex will be the largest and most advanced of its kind to be operated by any airline, adding a boost to Dubai’s world-class aviation infrastructure. Purpose-built to support Emirates’ aircraft fleet and operating requirements into the 2040s, the facility will also be a centre of excellence for commercial aviation engineering services in the Middle East, with spare capacity potentially offered to other airline operators. Emirates’ new engineering facility will be equipped to handle the full gamut of specialist aircraft engineering services – from routine aircraft checks to bespoke paint jobs, light to heavy maintenance programmes, engine repair and testing, to full cabin interior fit-outs and aircraft conversions.
Lufthansa Technik to support Saudia’s Airbus fleet: Saudia Technic and Lufthansa Technik signed a 10-year Total Component Support (TCS) contract at the Dubai Airshow, focusing on Saudia’s Airbus fleet. This collaboration builds on Lufthansa Technik’s ongoing provision of components to Saudia’s Boeing fleet since the beginning of this year. In a notable expansion of their partnership, the companies are introducing a joint training program starting in January 2024. This comprehensive initiative underscores the commitment to elevating operational efficiency and excellence in the aviation industry. The now concluded TCS contract encompasses 53 Airbus A320 and 31 A330 aircraft. For all of them, Saudia Technic gains 24/7 access to Lufthansa Technik’s global component pool. The TCS includes an Aircraft on Ground (AOG) support that guarantees shortest possible delivery for time-critical components. The agreement will significantly strengthen Saudia Technic’s technical operations and complement its own resources. Lufthansa Technik already supports 39 Boeing 777 (35 777-300ER and four 777F) as well as 18 Boeing 787 aircraft (13 787-9 and five 787-10).
AutoFlight and Falcon Aviation Services sign collaboration deal: AutoFlight and Falcon Aviation Services have signed a collaboration deal on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in the United Arab Emirates and throughout the region. Mark Robert Henning, Managing Director of AutoFlight Europe said: “Our collaboration with Falcon Aviation Services, a distinguished leader in aviation excellence, is a major milestone in the advancement of Advanced Air Mobility in the UAE and the broader MENA region. Together in this strong partnership, we take pride in being able to showcase the capabilities of our innovative Prosperity passenger eVTOL and cargo CarryAll to the Emirates, spearheading a revolution in regional aerial mobility.” Captain Raman Oberoi, Chief Operating Officer of Falcon Aviation Services said: “We are thrilled about partnering with AutoFlight, as we are an integral part of the UAE government’s AAM strategy. This partnership with AutoFlight today aligns with our dedication to delivering an effective and sustainable new urban transportation mode. With our unparalleled reputation and expertise in helicopter operations and MRO for nearly two decades, Falcon is leading the way to launch this revolutionary concept in the UAE and MENA region.”
Emirates and Condor activate reciprocal interline partnership: Emirates and Condor announced the activation of their reciprocal interline agreement which will boost connectivity for customers to 70 routes operated by both airlines across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia and the Middle East, with a single ticket fare and hassle-free baggage policy. The two carriers also signed a frequent flyer programme agreement enabling Emirates Skywards members to earn and redeem Miles on all Condor-operated flights. The agreements were signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates Chief Commercial Officer and Jens Boyd, Condor Commercial Director at the Dubai Airshow. Starting from today, Emirates’ passengers will enjoy seamless access to new and exciting European and Caribbean destinations operated by Condor including 24 regional points via Frankfurt, 12 regional points via Dusseldorf, 9 regional points via Hamburg and 12 regional points via Munich. Some of the most popular cities available for Emirates’ customers include Malaga, Ibiza, Cancun and Havana, among others, all with a single ticket and convenient baggage check-through to the final destination. The interline agreement will also provide Condor’s customers convenient additional access to Emirates-operated flights between Frankfurt and Dubai, as well as beyond Dubai to 12 points across Asia, Australasia, Africa and the Middle East including Auckland, Bangkok, Male, Muscat and Mauritius, among others.
Flydubai signs services deal for CFM LEAP-1B engines: Flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, and CFM International announced a multi-year services agreement to cover 222 LEAP-1B engines for the airline’s fleet of Boeing 737-8/-9 (in service and on order). The agreement also covers spare engines. Flydubai currently operates an efficient fleet-type of 80 Boeing 737 aircraft and includes: 30 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800, 47 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 03 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft. “Our LEAP-powered aircraft have provided our airline with reliability and durability that contributes to the success and efficiency of fleet management and our operations,” said Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai. “Our new service agreement with CFM and the existing close relationship we have with the engine supplier, will support our growth plans as we take delivery of more aircraft over the next few years.” The LEAP engine family has the fastest accumulations of flight hours in commercial aviation history, amassing more than 40 million engine flight hours and 18 million flight cycles. Since entering service, the LEAP-1B engine has accumulated more than 14 million flight hours and 5.6 million cycles. CFM also announced that Air Cairo, an Egyptair subsidiary, and CFM International, signed a multi-year non-exclusive services agreement to cover the shop visits of 28 LEAP engines powering the 14 Airbus A320neo aircraft currently operated by the airline. Air Cairo became a CFM customer in 2005 when it first ordered CFM56-5B engines to power six A320ceo family aircraft. The airline currently operates 8 aircraft of this model.
SCAT Airlines announces order for 7 Boeing 737 MAX jets: Boeing and SCAT Airlines announced an order for seven 737-8 airplanes to expand its 737 MAX fleet. The latest order will nearly double SCAT’s 737 fleet as the airline looks to open new routes to European destinations. “Today, SCAT Airlines is the most dynamically developing airline in Kazakhstan, and it has the largest aircraft fleet in the country,” said Vladimir Denissov, president of JSC SCAT Airlines. “Replenishing the fleet with seven more Boeing 737-8 will increase the airline’s carrying capacity. It will also positively affect the timely execution of flight schedules. The company will get an opportunity to expand its route network and offer passengers even more travel destinations.” Based in Şhymkent, Kazakhstan, SCAT serves an extensive network of domestic and international destinations in the Commonwealth of Independent States and Central Asia. SCAT was the first airline in Central Asia to fly the 737 MAX and currently operates three 737-8 and five 737-9 airplanes. This order was previously unidentified on the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website.
Oman Air takes delivery of first 737-800 Boeing converted freighter: Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Oman Air announced an order and delivery of the operator’s first 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF). The order is the first dedicated cargo aircraft for the Muscat-based carrier. Oman Air Cargo saw its cargo volume increase 42 percent during the first half of 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, driven primarily by capacity expansion across its passenger airplane fleet. With the ability to carry up to 23.9 tonnes of freight at a range of 3,750 km, the 737-800BCF will contribute to continued capacity growth. “The freighter will contribute to the growth of the air cargo logistics sector in Oman and beyond, will be based at our strategically located Muscat hub and will enhance our ability to connect East and West,” said Oman Air.
Airbus and Mubadala sign deal for aerospace engineers: Airbus and Mubadala Investment Company have signed an agreement to provide internship opportunities for Emirati senior university students in engineering. Fatima Al Marzooqi, Director of Portfolio Emiratisation from Mubadala and Mikail Houari, President, Airbus, Africa and Middle East, signed theagreement at Dubai Airshow 2023. Over the next three years, 12 Emirati engineering students will be hosted at the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France, where they will perform their internship under the supervision of Airbus experts and specialists. Fatima Al Marzooqi, Director of Portfolio Emiratisation at Mubadala said: “Mubadala is delighted to support thisimportant initiative which will not only bolster our future-focused knowledge-based economy in the UAE but provide an exceptional opportunity for Emirati students. We know that our most valuable asset is people and through this innovative partnership with Airbus we can help grow world-class talent. This leading internship is a significant milestone in our Emiratisation programme as we continue to support the UAE’s continued acceleration and transformation by fostering talent that can thrive in sectors vital for Abu Dhabi’s future growth and success.”
Emirates signs agreements with Safran worth US$1.2 billion: Emirates announced a series of contracts awarded to Safran, worth over US$1.2 billion combined. This includes a US $1 billion deal* for the latest generation Safran Seats for Emirates’ new fleet of Airbus A350, Boeing 777X-9 and existing Boeing 777-300 aircraft. The agreement includes Business, Premium Economy and Economy class seats for the Emirates Airbus A350, and Business, Premium Economy and Economy Class seats for the Boeing 777X-9. The new seats will offer a host of enhancements that set a new standard for comfort, privacy and convenience, including generous space and a bolder roster of luxurious features, stylish interior finishes and next level-technology in every cabin class. The deal also represents a significant export order for a French company, and is part of Emirates’ ongoing investment into France and Europe.
OEMServices strengthens presence in the Middle East: OEMServices has signed an agreement with Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) in Dubai South to establish its new regional support centre, which will be completed by Q3 2024. In response to growing market demand, OEMServices will support MBRAH’s regional customers, offering them a full portfolio of key services, from supply chain, logistics, and account management to 24/7 technical support. Strategically located between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and within direct proximity of Al Maktoum International airport, OEMServices’ facility at MBRAH will store A320, A350 and A380 components. The new 3,000-square-metre platform will also enable OEMServices to accompany customer growth as well as new partnerships in the region. Pierre Seon, General Manager of OEMServices in the Middle East, said: “The Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub provides OEMServices with an ideal solution for supporting our existing customers while opening new doors to value-added services. We strongly believe in MBRAH’s global significance as a premier aerospace hub. We are thrilled to participate in this project and eagerly anticipate contributing to its success in the years ahead.”
Air Arabia places order for Leap 1-1A engines: Air Arabia, the Middle East, and North Africa first and largest low-cost carrier operator, announced today a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to enhancing its fleet and operations. Following a signing ceremony attended by senior executives from CFM and Air Arabia during Dubai Airshow 2023, the airline has announced the order for 240 CFM LEAP-1A engines to power its existing order of 120 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, including brand new A321XLR. The agreement includes a multi-year services agreement and spare engines. The deal will support Air Arabia’s fleet growth and future expansion. The state-of-the-art LEAP-1A engines are set to propel Air Arabia’s existing order of 120 Airbus A32-neo family aircraft, which is comprised of 73 A320neo, 27 A321neo and 20 A321XLR airplanes which are scheduled for delivery in 2025. Air Arabia became a CFM customer in 2003 as the airline kicked off operations with a CFM56-5B-powered Airbus A320. The company currently operates a total fleet of 71 Airbus A320ceo and A321 neo-LR aircraft.
Etihad outlines growth plans: Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, has outlined its future growth plans at the Dubai Airshow. In a keynote interview, Etihad’s CEO Antonoaldo Neves took to the airshow’s main stage to discuss the airline’s ambitious growth plan for the next seven years, Journey 2030. This strategy, supported by the airline’s shareholder, ADQ, signifies a pivotal turning point in Etihad’s journey, setting the stage for a future marked by sustainable growth and enhanced customer experiences, with a significant economic contribution to Abu Dhabi. Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways CEO, said: “As we mark Etihad’s 20th anniversary, we are excited about what’s next. Journey 2030 is the guiding plan that propels Etihad into the future. “Etihad has solidified its global presence and successfully navigated challenges. Now, with strong shareholder support and a strategic plan in place, the airline is poised for sustainable, profitable growth.” Under Journey 2030, Etihad’s network will extend to over 125 destinations, leveraging its strategic geographical advantage connecting Asia and Europe. Simultaneously, the fleet will double to over 160 aircraft, focusing on connecting short and medium-haul destinations in the GCC, India, and Asia with long-haul destinations in Europe and North America. Core tenets of its network strategy include introducing new destinations, providing more options, and increasing frequencies to key international markets.
iCoupon secures Emirates partnership: ICoupon, the digital vouchering platform, has partnered with Emirates. The partnership will see iCoupon implement its automated vouchering system into Emirates’ operations, providing a seamless solution for passengers whose flights have been delayed. This new deal will allow iCoupon to reach new heights with new features and functionality, and the addition of many new capabilities to support multiple meal deals across multiple and specific retailers. This will allow even more support for local contractual sensitivities with retailers around the world. Alongside Emirates, Emirate Leisure Retail (ELR) and Emirates Fast Food will both join the iCoupon network. This will enable iCoupon to expand its presence with its rollout across Emirates destinations, which will additionally provide substantially greater coverage for its existing airlines which also fly to these destinations. ICoupon’s platform uses contact-free technology to directly transfer the value of vouchers given due to flight disruption directly to the passenger’s boarding pass. iCoupon’s fully digital service eliminates any need for the physical distribution of paper and does not require the passenger to partake in any complex downloading procedures. By implementing iCoupon’s platform, Emirates will be able to provide the most efficient, stress-free service to their passengers in the unfortunate event of delays.
Abelo signs deal for up to 20 ATR 72-600s: Abelo, a leading turboprop lessor, and number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR, have signed a Heads of Agreement for a firm order of 10 ATR 72-600, along with options for an additional 10. This deal underscores Abelo’s continued commitment to embracing the latest in cutting-edge turboprop technology. Notably, in July 2022, Abelo had placed an order for 10 ATR 72-600s and confirmed a deal for 10 ATR 42-600S – Short Take-Off and Landing version aircraft. These additional aircraft will empower the lessor to meet the growing demand for efficient, cost-effective and dependable regional air travel connections worldwide, all while promoting the transition towards responsible aviation. Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, added: “With a total of 30 ATRs ordered, Abelo’s continued commitment to ATR is a testament to the strong market demand for fuel-efficient and cost-effective turboprops. Through their versatility, low operating costs and reduced CO2 emissions, they serve as the backbone of numerous regional airlines worldwide. Our strong relationship with Abelo relies on common purposes and visions, as well as on our joint recognition of turboprops’ great value proposition today and tomorrow. We will remain committed to providing Abelo with the most innovative solutions long into the future.”
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