Middle East Aviation Industry Update: Key Developments and Insights

Strategic Insights -

Qatar Airways has taken delivery of its 20th B777-200 Long Range aircraft, bringing its Boeing fleet to 20 aircraft. The airline has ordered two additional long range Boeing aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow recently. Meanwhile, Mena Aerospace Enterprises' avionics and aircraft maintenance division, SA Mena Avionics, has secured a contract to supply and install specialized communication equipment on around 200 aircraft based in the region. Emirates Airline has launched its first scheduled Airbus A380 service to China, while Dubai Airport is considering implementing a Siemens technology that could facilitate air travel procedures at the airport.

Key Takeaways:

  • Qatar Airways now operates a total of 20 Boeing aircraft, including 11 Extended Range (300-ERs), seven Long Range (200-LRs), and two freighter versions.
  • The airline has ordered two additional long range Boeing aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow recently.
  • SA Mena Avionics has signed a contract to supply and install specialized communication equipment on around 200 aircraft based in the region.
  • The contract's scope of work includes modification, certification, and commissioning, and will require almost one year to complete.
  • Emirates Airline launched its first scheduled Airbus A380 service to China, operating double-daily services to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, and daily services to Guangzhou.
  • Dubai Airport is considering implementing a Siemens technology that allows passengers to pass through check-in, customs, immigration, and security screening in one place.
  • Iran Air plans to sell its first shares to the public and buy as many as 100 new aircraft to expand its operations in the face of tighter international sanctions.
  • Royal Jordanian reported a net loss of JD7.2m ($10.2m) in the first half, due to rising operating costs and a 20 percent jump in fuel-related expenses.
  • Kuwait-based Aviation Lease and Finance Co (Alafco) has upgraded its order for 12 Airbus A350-800s placed in 2007 to the higher capacity A350-900 model.

Statistics:

  • Qatar Airways now operates a total of 20 Boeing aircraft.
  • The airline's Boeing fleet includes 11 Extended Range (300-ERs), seven Long Range (200-LRs), and two freighter versions.
  • SA Mena Avionics will supply and install specialized communication equipment on around 200 aircraft.
  • The contract's scope of work will take almost one year to complete.
  • Emirates Airline operates 11 Airbus A380s on services from Dubai to London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Toronto.
  • Royal Jordanian's revenue increased by 13.85 percent to JD313.2m ($441.4m) in the first half.
  • The airline's operating costs increased by 20 percent, including a 13.85 percent rise in fuel-related expenses.

Sources:

  • "Qatar Airways Receives 20th Long Range Boeing Aircraft" by AME Info
  • "Mena Avionics Secures Communication Contract" by AME Info
  • "Emirates Launches A380 China Service" by AME Info
  • "Dubai Airport Considers One-Stop Passenger Check-In" by Bloomberg
  • "Iran Air Plans IPO" by Bloomberg
  • "Royal Jordanian Posts H1 Net Loss" by Reuters
  • "Kuwait Lessors Upgrade A350 Orders" by Arabian Aerospace