November 17, 2009

MBDA bets on local tie-up with BMT

By Thierry Dubois

MBDA’s joint venture with Abu Dhabi-based Baynuna Aviation Technology, dubbed Baynuna MBDA Missile Technologies (BMT), has just been incorporated. It was announced in February as a 49-51 effort between the European missile manufacturer and the local company. The idea is to show the United Arab Emirates there is a full commitment to work with them and transfer some technologies, hopefully helping more

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Flydubai inks financing & deal for carbon brakes

By Geregory Polek

Local low-fare airline Flydubai yesterday inked a pair of aircraft financing deals worth $160 million. Also here at the Dubai Airshow, it signed a contract with Goodrich to supply wheels and carbon brakes for its first 54 Boeing 737s.

The financing covers the first two aircraft Flydubai received this past May and ensures that all six aircraft the budget carrier plans to fly by the end more

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LHT, Oman Air form mx venture

By Thierry Dubois

Lufthansa Technik (LHT) yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with Oman Air to create the maintenance specialist’s first joint venture in the Middle East, with plans for building a hangar at Muscat airport. Operations are expected to start in 2012, when the hangar will be able to accommodate two widebody and two narrowbody aircraft. Some 300 technicians are to work there.

Th more

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Royal Jet remains on flight plan for growth

By R. Randall Padfield

Abu Dhabi-based Royal Jet’s diversification and five-year plan have helped maintain its growth during the last year, according to Shane O’Hare, president and CEO. “This has been a good year for Royal Jet. Our business has grown in a declining market, which has increased our market share in the region,” he said at a press conference here yesterday. “Our strategy of diversification, which more

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Bombardier Adding Regional Aircraft to Depot

Bombardier Aerospace announced yesterday that it will offer its commercial aircraft customers in the Middle East ready access to parts through its existing parts depot at Dubai International Airport.

In the coming months Bombardier plans to equip the 2,800-sq-ft facility, which now serves Learjet, Challenger and Global business jet customers, to meet parts requirements for CRJ, Q Series more

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Aircell Names ExecuJet Local Dealer

Airborne communication specialist Aircell has appointed ExecuJet Aviation as its first authorized dealer in the Middle East. ExecuJet operates a business aircraft service facility here at Dubai International Airport and it will be marketing Aircell’s SwiftBroadband solutions for in-flight Internet connections and mobile phones.
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ABJ is a right royal success

By Ian Sheppard

The BAE Systems Avro Business Jet (ABJ), which is based on the venerable BAe146/Avro RJ four-engine regional jet, is making its Dubai Airshow debut this week as BAE’s Asset Management arm vies to build on recent successes.

The company now has three aircraft with the Bahrain Defence Force, two with the Dubai Air Wing and one with the Abu Dhabi Presidential Flight–with a second aircr more

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Boeing and Mubadala lay big plans

By Gregory Polek

Boeing and Mubadala Development Co. yesterday signed a so-called strategic framework agreement covering “key” areas of collaboration, including such “mutual beneficial areas” as composite manufacturing, engineering, research and development, commercial maintenance, repair and overhaul, military maintenance and sustainment, pilot training and people development.

Mubadala, a busin more

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ACJ MAKES a Perfect 10 for Comlux

Aircraft management and charter firm Comlux yesterday placed an order for its tenth Airbus executive jet, making it the largest single operator of the aircraft manufacturer’s bizliners. The $75 million deal signed here at the Dubai show brings Comlux’s total order for ACJs to three, in addition to previous orders for four A318 Elites, two A320 Prestiges and one A330-200 Prestige–a cumulative more

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