Former Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi toured the Dubai airshow yesterday, and hinted at major purchases in the future to rebuild his nation’s aviation base. “Iraq’s air force and national airline will require a multibillion-dollar investment for a long-term restructuring program, and we will use this show to further what is needed in Iraq,” said Allawi.
Dubai Air Show
December 7, 2006 - 9:32am
Thales has developed a new product called “interactive embedded simulation” that could very well become a new industry benchmark in training and simulation rather than a passing catchphrase. The concept is the brainchild of the company’s director for business development-Asia, Gen. (ret.) Gerard Le Bretton.
December 7, 2006 - 9:31am
International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) has become the first named major lessor to order the Boeing 787 under an agreement covering twenty 787-8 and -9 aircraft (and options on a further four) valued at $2.7 billion at list prices. Deliveries are set to start in January 2010 and continue through the following year.
December 7, 2006 - 9:29am
German marketing specialist Inviseo has launched a new plan to raise cash for airlines. The idea involves using the bottom of the backrest tables in commercial airplanes for advertising. When in the upright position, the seatback displays guarantee intensive exposure to consumers throughout a flight. The firm has developed a table that can display printed media and meets all safety standards.
December 7, 2006 - 9:27am
Flight planning and VIP air charter service provider Jetex Flight Support is applying for an air operator’s certificate (AOC) from Dubai’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The local company so far operates six aircraft, all based in Bucharest, Romania. Jetex started operations in April this year.
December 7, 2006 - 9:26am
Dubai-based Eastern Skyjets has received a United Arab Emirates air operator’s certificate, enabling it to develop its charter business with a locally registered aircraft. For the past 18 months it has been flying a South African-registered Cessna Citation Eagle jet under a special exemption.
December 7, 2006 - 9:24am
On its stand (E504a) Jordan Aerospace Industries (JAI) is displaying its Sama CH2000 light observation aircraft, which is now in use with the Iraqi Air Force at Basra.
December 7, 2006 - 9:13am
A booming regional economy, shifting travel patterns and aggressive sales representation have combined to propel remarkable growth in the fleet of Cessna Citation business jets in the region. By the beginning of 2006, Cessna will have 30 Citations based in the Middle East, with additional aircraft on order, according to Roger Whyte, senior vice president sales and marketing.
December 7, 2006 - 9:12am
Saab’s stealthy unmanned FILUR demonstrator has now flown, revealed deputy CEO Ingmar Anderssen yesterday at the Dubai show. The event is a major milestone for Sweden’s UAV research program, which will be used in the design of future air vehicles and feed data into the major Neuron program.
December 7, 2006 - 9:09am
In a surprise move, Saudi Arabia’s National Air Services (NAS), well known for its executive and VIP operations, yesterday unveiled plans for establishing a low-cost carrier. The airline should commence flights by next summer, Mohammed Al Zeer, president and CEO of NAS, announced during a press conference here at the Dubai airshow. The new domestic service is still to be named.
