Reaffirming Dubai精东影业 leading position as the international hub for business aviation in the Middle East, business jet movements at the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) at Dubai South increased by 8 percent in 2023 compared to the , marking the highest-ever movements achieved in the emirate. The hub has also seen a strong start to this year, reporting more than 4,600 business aviation movements in Q1 2024. With Dubai named as one of the world精东影业 wealthiest cities, where the number of millionaires has surged by 78% , the influx of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) is also driving the sector growth.

As business aviation continues to play a key role in local, regional and international economies, the 10^th edition will see a significant growth in the number of new exhibitors compared to previous editions. While 80% will return from the previous edition, new exhibitors include Amelia (by Regourd Aviation), a French regional airline; Mukamalah Aviation, a spin-off from Saudi Aramco which provides end to end aviation solutions; SKYNA, a new Riyadh-based private aviation platform; and MySky, an AI-powered Spend Management Platform designed for the private aviation industry, among others.

After a short hiatus, Greenpoint Technologies, the premier Business Jet Completion Center providing custom aircraft interiors for private clients, governments, and heads-of-state, will return to the MEBAA Show for this edition. Commenting on its participation, Bret Neely, VP Sales & Design, Greenpoint Technologies, said: 鈥淕reenpoint is excited to exhibit at MEBAA Show 2024 and showcase our innovative V-VIP interior completions. MEBAA presents an excellent opportunity for exchanging insights, exploring emerging technology, and uncovering trends that will shape the future of aviation. The Greenpoint team is eager to engage with valued clients and industry partners to discuss ongoing projects and foster meaningful relationships that propel business, drive mutual success, and pave the way for future ventures.鈥�

Aircraft OEMs including Boeing, Bombardier, Dassault Aviation, Embraer and others have also confirmed participation amidst thriving demand for business jet deliveries and chartered flights across the Middle East and India markets.

Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Defense, comments: 鈥淏ombardier is proud to highlight its presence in the Middle East, a significant and quickly-growing market, by participating in the MEBAA Show 2024. Bombardier’s industry-leading portfolio of aircraft, with their signature smooth ride, proven reliability and top performance, are ideally suited to meet and exceed the needs of clients in this region, whether for business or defense purposes. We are delighted to showcase Bombardier’s excellence and ingenuity at this pivotal event for our industry.鈥�

Mukamalah, the aviation subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, will also be exhibiting at this year精东影业 show. Feras Alamoudi, Director of Corporate Affairs at Mukamalah, said: 鈥淎s the first aviation company in Saudi Arabia and the second in the Middle East region with over 90 years of experience, Mukamalah is delighted to be sharing its expertise with industry professionals at the upcoming MEBAA Show. With a diverse fleet of over 55 aircrafts that serve a range of purposes, including chartered flights for corporate clients, we will be bringing three aircrafts to the event, ready to highlight how our services work towards a shared focus in driving business success鈥�. 

This is also proving to be a pivotal year for the advanced aerial mobility (AAM) market, with the UAE paving the way for international growth. Last year, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, stated that aerial taxis would take to the skies by 2026. However, more recently Joby Aviation, the US-based company developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for commercial passenger service, said it could be as early as 2025.

Recognising AAM精东影业 revolutionary potential within the industry, the MEBAA Show will feature a brand new AAM pavilion, showcasing the latest eVTOLs entering the market. The emerging sector also presents a huge opportunity for startups in the business aviation industry, and the newly introduced VISTA at the MEBAA Show programme will cater to this. This dedicated platform will welcome global startups to showcase their new technologies and solutions 鈥� from crypto and sustainability to eVTOLS 鈥� where they will have the opportunity to pitch live and network with industry leaders.

The MEBAA Show will take place during 10-12 December 2024 at Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai Airshow Site. For more information, please visit the website

Airbus and flynas confirmed on July 25, 2024, that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed off during for 75 A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330-900s.聽

It is understood that flynas also has options for an additional 55 A320neos and 15 A330s, bringing the pottential acquisition to 160 jets.

The new A330neos will allow flynas to operate services to long-haul destinations while the A320neo continues the airlines commitment to the aircraft type. 

Flynas’ latest and 53^rd Airbus A320neo landed at King Khalid International Airport (RUS) in Riyadh on July 17, 2024.听听

The first of 120 Airbus A320neos was delivered to flynas on November 13, 2018, as part of the Saudia Arabian National Civil Aviation Strategy, to connect the country with 250 international destinations and host 100 million tourists each year by 2030.听听聽

Airbus confirmed that the new A330neos will include a two-class configuration, accommodating up to 400 passengers.   

鈥淲e are excited to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with Airbus,” said Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas. “The A320neo Family provides exceptional operational performance and environmental benefits, allowing us to offer unique, low-cost travel experiences. Additionally, the A330neowill enhance our long-haul capabilities with its advanced technology and efficiency while supporting our growth plans and Saudi Arabia精东影业 pilgrim program.” 

According to Airbus, Flynas 鈥渁nticipates significant operational efficiency gains by combining the new widebody aircraft with its existing A320neo fleet鈥�. 

“We are delighted to expand our partnership with flynas through this significant milestone for both A320neo and A330-900 aircraft. The A330neo will allow flynas to further grow into widebody markets by building on the A320, benefiting from Airbus鈥� unique commonality,鈥� Airbus CEO of Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer, said.  

He added: 鈥淏oth aircraft types offer flynas the perfect versatility and economics to expand into new markets while offering their passengers the latest cabin experience and comfort. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with flynas as they embark on this exciting new chapter.”   

According to flynas, it currently flies an all-Airbus fleet of 64 aircraft and operates 1,500 flights a week to more than 70 destinations around the world.听听聽

flynas鈥� newest Airbus A320neo arrives, nears halfway mark of order for 120 jets

• Airlines

byIan Molyneaux

July 17, 2024

The array of advanced digital solutions are designed to 鈥渟treamline operations, reduce maintenance costs, and improve overall flight performance鈥�.  

鈥淏y leveraging Boeing精东影业 suite of digital solutions, we are well-positioned for a successful launch and sustainable growth, as we are currently preparing for flight trials and working towards obtaining AOC certification starting September 2024,鈥� Peter Bellew, Chief Operating Officer of Riyadh Air, said.聽

Key to the agreement is Airplane Health Management which will provide Riyadh Air with real-time maintenance alerts and predictive analytics, helping to minimize aircraft time on ground and avoid flight disruption.聽

The Toolbox Tasks and Toolbox Library will offer comprehensive digital management of aircraft maintenance documentation, enabling efficient troubleshooting and repair processes. 

Electronic Flight Bag will implement Boeing精东影业 FliteDeck Pro with associated add-ons, enhancing pilot operations with real-time navigation and operational data. 

And the Aviator and FliteBrief solutions will streamline flight planning and briefing processes, providing pilots with critical flight information. 

鈥淭hese digital products are designed to integrate seamlessly,鈥� Brad Surak, Vice President of , said. 鈥淎s an innovative new airline, we are committed to empowering Riyadh Air with cutting-edge solutions that enhance operational efficiency and fleet management.鈥澛�

Riyadh Air currently has up to 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners on order and is preparing for its inaugural flight in 2025.聽

Boeing enters agreement with Ryanair to provide digital flight ops solution

• Aviation Technology and Innovation
• Farnborough 2024

byJean Carmela Lim

July 24, 2024

The latest Airbus A320neo landed at King Khalid International Airport (RUS) in Riyadh on July 17, 2024, from Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) after flying in from Tianjin, China.听听

The first of 120 Airbus A320neos was delivered to flynas on November 13, 2018, as part of the Saudia Arabian , to connect the country with 250 international destinations and host 100 million tourists each year by 2030.聽

In a statement on July 17, 2024, flynas said that the new A320neo, registered HZ-NS86, was the sixth to be delivered this year and means that the airline is nearing the halfway point of its initial order.听听聽

鈥淭he 53rd aircraft of the next-generation model touched down at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, reaching a total of 6 aircraft delivered until July 2024, which has contributed to consolidating flynas position as the leading low-cost airline in the Middle East, and one of the top 4 low-cost airlines in the world,鈥� an airline spokesperson said in a statement. 

flynas operates an all-Airbus fleet and has ambitions to eventually increase the new aircraft orders to 250 jets. 

According to the airline, it currently flies a fleet of 64 aircraft and operates 1,500 flights a week to more than 70 destinations around the world.聽

Flydubai searches for pilots, cabin crew and engineers to support airline growth聽

• Airlines

byIan Molyneaux

July 17, 2024

The incident occurred on July 11, 2024 as Flight SV 792 had just arrived from its scheduled flight from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh. 

Reports suggest that the fire broke out in the landing gear wheels of the A330-343 aircraft, registered under HZ-AQ28, upon landing at Peshawar.

The aircraft精东影业 emergency slides were immediately deployed, and all 276 passengers and 21 crew members were swiftly evacuated.

Video footage of the moment that passengers and crew were evacuating was captured and shared on various social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter).

Saudia has confirmed the incident through a statement, saying that the aircraft 鈥渆xperienced smoke emanating鈥� from one of its tires during landing in Peshawar, but that all passengers and crew had been evacuated safely.聽 The airline went on to say that the seven year-old Airbus A330-300 is currently undergoing comprehensive inspections and subsequent tests to ensure its safety.

Delta A321neo catches fire at Seattle-Tacoma Airport, prompting full evacuation

• Airport
• Aviation Safety

byJean Carmela Lim

May 15, 2024

Quoting unnamed sources close to the company, Reuters explained that the announcement will be made on July 18, 2024, during a press conference that will take place at Lilium精东影业 facilities near Munich. 

If confirmed, this order strongly suggests a firming of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) , which contemplated a 100 aircraft order like the one now being talked about.聽

On a number of occasions Saudi Arabia has signaled its interest in being one of the springboards of advanced air mobility (AAM), not just in the Middle East region, but across the globe.  

Advanced air mobility developers had a dedicated pavilion at the latest Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, in May 2024, and companies such as Volocopter and EHang have performed real flight demonstrations in Saudi Arabia over the last few months.聽

The Saudia order will also likely bolster Lilium精东影业 market credentials right after the company closed a new US$114 million funding round that will give the company additional financial room for maneuver while it undergoes its certification process. 

Behind the scenes at Lilium, the eVTOL firm aiming to change regional air travel聽

• Aviation Technology and Innovation

byMiquel Ros

May 7, 2024

6 minute read

The agreement, signed on July 9, 2024, at a ceremony at Delta精东影业 Word Headquarters in Atlanta, will see Delta become Riyadh Air精东影业 partner in North America, offering customers access to hundreds of destinations in the United States.  

The partnership will open new destinations for Delta in Saudi Arabia. This will include a new route to King Khalid International Airport (KKIA).  

“This partnership with Riyadh Air will further Delta’s mission of connecting the world and open an array of new choices, benefits and destinations for our customers traveling to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Ed Bastian, Delta CEO, commented in a press release. “Most importantly, Riyadh Air shares Delta’s commitment to providing an elevated customer experience.鈥� 

According to Delta’s official statement, the new deal includes interline and codeshare connectivity, which will allow them to sell seats on each other’s flights, enhanced loyalty programs, and broader aviation services such as maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO) services, ground handling, and training. 

Riyadh Air is a new airline based in Saudi Arabia, and it is expected to commence commercial operations in 2025.

On the latest occasion, it was the uniforms for Riyadh Air精东影业 cabin crew and other customer-facing staff, which are the work of Saudi designer Mohammed Ashi and his Paris-based fashion studio Ashi Studio. 

Out of dozens of different designs created by Ashi Studio specifically for Riyadh Air, 15 were showcased at a special event on June 27, 2024, during the Paris Haute Couture Week. 

The collection, which is inspired by the so-called 鈥楪olden Age鈥� of air travel in the 1950s, includes a broad variety of items made using high-quality materials such as cashmere, fine wools and leather. Ashi has also paid close attention to complementary items, which include amethyst earrings and a modern take on the pillbox-style hats so distinctive of mid-20^th Century cabin crew fashion. 

As for the colors, several shades of amethyst have been selected, in line with Riyadh Air精东影业 colorful corporate image and livery, which hints towards Saudi Arabia精东影业 lavender fields. 

Riyadh Air COO details key aspects of new Saudi carrier精东影业 rollout: video聽

• Airlines

byMiquel Ros

2 minute read

Commenting on the occasion, Tony Douglas, Riyadh Air精东影业 CEO, said: 鈥淲e have no doubt that the fashion line will soon be recognizable to people all over the world, and that the designs will leave a lasting impression on our guests by the proud team members that wear them.鈥� 聽

Cathay Pacific carried a total of 1,678,532 passengers in May 2024, an increase of 18.4% compared with May 2023. The month精东影业 revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) increased 20.8% year on year.听听

Although the passenger load factor decreased by 4.8 percentage points to 80.3% (indicative of the airline精东影业 fleet expansion), available seat kilometers (ASKs), a measure of total capacity flown, increased by 28% year on year. In the first five months of 2024, the number of passengers carried increased by 40.7% to a total of 8,821,895, against a 45.7% increase in ASKs and a 37.5% increase in RPKs, as compared with the same period for 2023.聽

鈥淢ay was, as expected, a slightly quieter period for our travel business compared with previous months as demand slowed down, particularly on our regional routes,鈥� said Cathay Pacific精东影业 Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau. 鈥淲ithout any long weekend holidays in Hong Kong, we experienced a 4% decrease in passenger numbers compared with April, when multiple holidays drove strong leisure demand. However, compared with the same month last year, passenger numbers were 18% higher.鈥� 

鈥淎lthough leisure traffic from Hong Kong declined, we saw increased demand from various countries in Southeast Asia due to the school holidays there. Additionally, our long-haul services were boosted by the return of student traffic to Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland from North America, resulting in 90% load factors on our United States and Canada routes. Business travel demand continued to be solid, with strong sales in Hong Kong supporting traffic on a number of our Chinese Mainland, North American, and United Kingdom routes,鈥� Lau added. 

Cargo 

On the freight side, the airline carried 121,088 tons of cargo in May 2024, an increase of 10.2% compared with May 2023. The month精东影业 cargo revenue ton kilometers (RFTKs) increased 3.8% year on year. The cargo load factor decreased by 2.1 percentage points to 59.4%, while available cargo ton kilometers (AFTKs) increased by 7.5% year on year.  

In the first five months of 2024, the tonnage increased by 10.2% to a total of 594,896 tons, against an 11.8% increase in AFTKs and a 4.4% increase in RFTKs, as compared with the same period for 2023.聽

鈥淐argo demand from Hong Kong and the rest of the Greater Bay Area remained solid throughout May,鈥� said Lau. 鈥淎cross our network, tonnage grew 3% against last month, and 10% compared with May 2023, underpinned by a capacity growth of 7.5%. We observed particularly strong growth from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, the Taiwan region, and Southeast Asia.鈥澛犅�

鈥淚n terms of commodity mix, there was also an increase in tonnage of general cargo as well as special cargo, with significant movements of high-end electronics, seafood, and consumer products. E-commerce continued to perform well,鈥� Lau added. 

The outlook ahead 

Speaking about the carrier精东影业 revived fortunes following the end of the COVID-19 travel restrictions in the Far East, and Hong Kong in particular, Lau said the airline remains positive about its immediate future and its expansion plans for the rest of 2024. 

鈥淥n the travel side, we achieved another milestone in our rebuilding journey as we reached 80% of our pre-pandemic passenger flights as a Group in the second quarter as planned. We remain on track to reach 100% within the first quarter of 2025 as we continue to add more flights and destinations for our customers,鈥� Lau added.  

鈥淪o far in 2024, Cathay Pacific has already added Chennai, Colombo, and Barcelona to our global network, while HK Express has added Beijing (Daxing), Bangkok (Don Mueang), Sanya, and Clark. Our passenger airlines now fly to more than 80 destinations around the world. This number will rise to 90 by next year as we continue to welcome even more destinations to our network, including Riyadh on October 28, 2024,鈥� Lau continued.  

鈥淔or cargo, we expect demand to remain strong as it has been throughout the first five months of 2024. Market sentiment, particularly out of Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, remains positive and we will continue to adjust our freighter capacity to suit the needs of our customers,鈥� Lau concluded.聽

The last of 70 Cathay Pacific aircraft stored in Australia returns to Hong Kong聽聽

• Aircraft
• Airlines
• Aviation

byLuke Peters

June 12, 2024

The flight, which took place on June 12, 2024, flew in a low-risk, pre-designated section of airspace, providing an opportunity to evaluate this eVTOL aircraft’s capabilities in a real setting.  

Saudi Arabia aims to become one of the first countries in the world to introduce commercial eVTOL service within the framework of its Vision 2030 economic transformation strategy. 

The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Roadmap presented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia in early 2024 contemplates the introduction of the first eVTOL services in several locations throughout the Kingdom as early as 2026.  

It is within this context, that Saudi authorities are looking at the possibility of using eVTOLs as a way to facilitate mobility and avoid traffic congestion during the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. 

Several Saudi government bodies, including the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, the Ministry of Hajj and the Ministry of Interior, collaborated with Front End, which is the partner of EHang in Saudi Arabia, in preparation of the trial flight. 

Archer’s CCO, Nikhil Goel, shares Saudi, UAE eVTOL rollout plans: video聽

• Aviation Technology and Innovation
• Future Aviation Forum

byMiquel Ros

1 minute read

EHang was one of the exhibitors showcasing its technology at the Advanced Air Mobility Pavilion of the Future Aviation Forum, which took place in Riyadh on May 20-22, 2024, alongside other eVTOL developers such as Joby Aviation and Archer from the United States, and Germany精东影业 Volocopter. 聽

Joby Aviation inks Saudi partnership, showcases its eVTOL aircraft in Riyadh: video聽

• Aviation Technology and Innovation

byMiquel Ros

1 minute read