Etihad considering stake in Serbia's JAT Airways

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:39:38 +0200

Etihad Airways has signed a preliminary agreement with the Serbian government over a possible equity investment in the Balkan country’s loss-making JAT Airways, Reuters has reported. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad did not specify the value of the potential deal, nor how much of a stake it could take in JAT, adding that any transaction would be subject to a due diligence process and regulatory approvals. “The two airlines will now intensify discussions about collaborative efforts to further integrate their networks and help JAT Airways achieve efficiency, build revenue and reduce costs,” Etihad chief executive James Hogan told a news conference in Belgrade.

Saudia told to enhance services

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:39:12 +0200

The Saudi cabinet has urged Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) to boost the number of its domestic flights, raise the number of seats to all destinations to meet passenger demand and improve the quality of its services, Arab News has reported. “Saudia should continue its efforts to develop its technical and service capabilities so as to provide distinguished services to win passenger satisfaction,” said the cabinet statement.

Iran plans national fleet expansion

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:38:47 +0200

Iran's National Development Fund has announced the allocation of 5% of its assets to buy new aircraft, Mehr news has reported. A number of aircraft will be added to the national fleet in the current year, while 25 planes with over 30 years of service are to be removed from the fleet, most of which are Boeing 707 and Boeing 727 models, said head of the country's Civil Aviation Organisation, Hamidreza Pahlavani.

Emirates to boost Jeddah, Madinah flights during Rmadan

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:38:10 +0200

Emirates Airline is set to operate almost 60 additional flights to Saudi Arabia to help pilgrims travelling during the holy month of Ramadan, Gulf Today has reported. Additional 42 services are scheduled to operate to Jeddah from July 5 to August 16, with 17 extra flights set to operate to Madinah from July 16 to 31.

Boeing to launch larger Dreamliner

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:45:01 +0200

Boeing is set to launch a larger version of its lightweight 787 Dreamliner this week with up to 100 orders worth just under $30bn, Reuters has reported, citing industry sources. The 323-seat 787-10 is partly designed to serve fast-growing routes within Asia. "We have no comment but we are having discussions with our customers about the potential for the 787-10X," a Boeing spokesman said, referring to the working name given to the project while Boeing targeted potential customers. The 787-10 Dreamliner, a "stretched" version of an existing model, would compete in part with Airbus's next-generation A350, which carried out its maiden flight last Friday.