Israir Group signs binding agreement to acquire balance of Cypriot MRO firm
Israir Group has signed a binding agreement to acquire the remainder of Cypriot-based maintenance firm Bird Aviation.
‘The sleeping giant must be awakened’: Saudia eyes return as Middle East major
The Saudi flag carrier is undertaking a modernisation push – from a new corporate identity, to new aircraft and cabin products – as it aims to grow in size after years of laying low.
EHang’s EH216-S makes maiden sortie in Saudi Arabia
EHang’s autonomous electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft completed its first flight in Saudi Arabia, as the Chinese firm looks to grow its presence internationally.
Etihad and China Eastern firm up joint venture
Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines have signed a joint-venture agreement – the first between Middle Eastern and Chinese carriers – which will see both operators coordinate their schedules on parts of their networks.
Israel’s El Al to hold exclusive talks on acquiring around 30 737 Max jets
Israeli flag-carrier El Al is entering exclusive negotiations with Boeing and lessors with a view to acquiring around 30 737 Max jets.
Royal Jordanian still battling tourism hit from Gaza conflict
Royal Jordanian Airlines is continuing to feel the impact of lost tourism resulting from the ongoing Israeli-Gaza conflict which stymied its hopes of returning to the black last year.
IAI’s Heron TP makes splash at ILA ahead of German army operations
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is exhibiting at the ILA Berlin air show as its Heron TP system nears entry into service with the German military.
Flyadeal chief studies long-haul options
While Saudi Arabian budget operator Flyadeal has just announced a step change order by signing for 51 Airbus A321neos, new chief executive Steven Greenway is considering a future move for the carrier into low-cost, long-haul operations.
Israel to add 25 more F-35s under latest $3bn deal
The agreement between Israel and USA will increase the Israeli air force’s fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35s to 75 aircraft, with the new jets forming a third squadron of the fifth-generation stealth fighters.
Emirates prepares to train initial A350 pilots with tailored competency-based scheme
Middle Eastern carrier Emirates is preparing for Airbus A350 operations with an enhanced jointly-developed pilot-training programme which takes advantage of IATA principles and Airbus experience.