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Airlines

Middle East Aviation Industry Update: Recent Developments and Announcements

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Middle East aviation industry is witnessing a series of significant developments, including plane crashes, terminal openings, airport upgrades, and new service announcements. In Iran, a Boeing 727 passenger plane crashed near the north-western city of Orumiyeh, resulting in over 70 fatalities. Meanwhile, in Jordan, the opening date of the new passenger terminal at Queen Alia International Airport has been delayed to June 2012 due to architectural design issues. The terminal is expected to cater to over 9 million passengers annually.

In Saudi Arabia, work on a major upgrade project at Jeddah's King Abdul Aziz International Airport is set to begin, which will nearly double the airport's annual capacity to 35 million passengers. Oman Air has also announced plans to take delivery of new Airbus and Embraer aircraft, while Flydubai is expanding its network to Bangladesh with the addition of a new service to Dhaka. Gulf Air is launching flights to Milan and Geneva, and Qatar Airways has signed a code-share agreement with Brazil's GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes.

Key Takeaways:

  • IranAir's Boeing 727 passenger plane crash resulted in over 70 fatalities and 35 survivors.
  • The Queen Alia International Airport's new passenger terminal opening date has been delayed to June 2012 due to architectural design issues.
  • Jeddah's King Abdul Aziz International Airport upgrade project will increase capacity to 35 million passengers annually.
  • Oman Air is taking delivery of new Airbus and Embraer aircraft as part of its expansion plans.
  • Flydubai is launching a new service to Dhaka, marking its 32nd destination.
  • Gulf Air is launching flights to Milan and Geneva, with plans to increase frequency in the future.
  • Qatar Airways has signed a code-share agreement with GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes.

Statistics:

  • 106 passengers and crew members were on board the IranAir Boeing 727 when it crashed.
  • 35 survivors were rescued from the crash site.
  • The Queen Alia International Airport terminal will cater to over 9 million passengers annually.
  • Jeddah's King Abdul Aziz International Airport has a current annual capacity of 17.5 million passengers, which will be increased to 35 million after the upgrade.
  • Oman Air is taking delivery of 5 Embraer 175 aircraft, in addition to the A330-200 Airbus aircraft.
  • Flydubai is set to operate 5 flights weekly to Dhaka.
  • Gulf Air will operate 4 flights weekly to Milan and 3 flights weekly to Geneva initially.

Sources:

  • Press TV: IranAir plane crashes in north-western Iran
  • Jordan Times: QAIA terminal opening date delayed
  • Saudi Gazette: Jeddah airport upgrade project to start soon
  • Times of Oman: Oman Air to take delivery of new Airbus and Embraer aircraft
  • AME Info: Flydubai adds Dhaka to its route network
  • Gulf Air: New flights to Milan and Geneva announced
  • Qatar Airways: Code-share agreement with GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes signed

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