I-ASC Light is a support tool for airlines to improve safety performance by strengthening safety culture. The new module of I-ASC is an automated survey that evaluates nine key safety culture drivers, provides detailed quantitative and qualitative results by function and organisational level, as well as expert analysis to guide improvements.

Safety culture is the key focus of the IATA Safety Leadership Charter, to which Kenya Airways and 150 other airlines have made a formal commitment. A positive safety culture leads to better safety performance by supporting open reporting and learning, facilitating the effective management of safety risks and creating employee engagement based on trust.

“Safety is our priority. It is ingrained in everything we do and is fostered through a culture of continuous improvement. This is where I-ASC Light is such a valuable tool. We were able to pinpoint key areas for improvement in a clear and structured way. During World Safety Day in April, we shared the results of the I-ASC survey across the airline, with each member of the senior management team signing their own safety charters committing to safety initiatives in the IATA Safety Leadership Charter, which we signed in 2024,” said Allan Kilavuka, group managing director and CEO Kenya Airways.

“The accessibility of I-ASC Light helps airline management teams quickly identify where they should focus in fostering a robust safety culture. As the global pioneer in using the new version of I-ASC, Kenya Airways is enabling concrete actions to meet their commitment to the IATA Safety Leadership Charter and to build a stronger safety culture across the airline,” said Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President Africa and Middle East.

Located at the carrier’s Airport Operations Centre, the new smart gates utilise advanced biometric technology, AI-driven verification and real-time data integration to streamline immigration processes. This provides a faster and more efficient immigration experience for its flight operations, supporting the carrier’s commitment to operational efficiency, especially during busy travel periods.

Thani Alzaffin, Group chief executive officer of emaratech, said: “We are proud to partner with flydubai in pioneering a next-generation, paperless immigration experience for their crew members. Through the integration of AI-powered facial recognition technology, our smart gates seamlessly connect with both flydubai’s and immigration’s platforms, enabling real-time validation and a truly frictionless journey.”

“This initiative reflects emaratech’s continued commitment to redefining border control processes—making them smarter, faster, and more secure. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, we are shaping a future where innovation drives convenience and trust at every checkpoint. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with flydubai across future initiatives that further enhance the travel experience for both passengers and crew,” added Alzaffin.

Mohammed Hareb AlMheiri, Chief Procurement & Technology Officer at flydubai, said: “We are pleased to have partnered with emaratech to implement this innovative solution for our pilots and cabin crew. We always look for opportunities to harness the latest technologies that support our growth and operational efficiencies and with the introduction of these biometric smart gates, this marks another step towards fostering a more seamless, punctual and secure operation as we future-proof our systems.”

When there is a match, airlines and suppliers can connect and take their negotiation offline to agree on specific terms including price and payment terms.

Specifically, the SAF Matchmaker addresses three critical issues:

Efficiency: The availability of a central platform will simplify SAF procurement by making it easier and faster for all parties to connect without additional fees. It will therefore facilitate further development of the voluntary market for SAF purchasing.

Connectivity: SAF producers and suppliers can post available or planned SAF volumes while airlines are able to register their interest in purchasing shown or desired SAF volumes. Subsequent trades will take place outside the platform.

Visibility: The platform carries comprehensive information regarding the available SAF, such as volumes, feedstock used, the location and technology of production, the emissions reductions, as well as compliance with the Carbon Offsetting Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) or the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (EU RED).

“To reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, we need an accessible, transparent, liquid, and efficient SAF market. The SAF Matchmaker is another example of the work that IATA is putting in place to create a fully functioning market for SAF. The SAF Matchmaker platform will accelerate the uptake of SAF by reducing the costs and complexity that airlines face when searching for SAF suppliers,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s senior vice president sustainability and chief economist.

By integrating Osprey’s next-generation data-led risk intelligence platform, SalamAir enhances its capabilities to proactively manage global security risks in real time, reinforcing the airline’s focus on security, safety, efficiency, and resilience.

“Osprey is proud to support SalamAir’s forward-looking vision,” said Andrew Nicholson, CEO of Osprey Flight Solutions. “This partnership reflects SalamAir’s recognition that real-time, comprehensive risk intelligence is not only essential for operational security, but also for gaining a competitive edge in today’s dynamic aviation environment. We’re thrilled to provide the tools and insights that enable SalamAir to continue setting new benchmarks in security and innovation.”

The partnership will see SalamAir integrate Osprey’s risk analysis into flight planning, operational decision-making, and overall security management systems, further strengthening the airline’s ability to navigate today’s complex security landscape.

Captain. Salim Al Khatri, director of flight operations at SalamAir, added: “At SalamAir, we are constantly evolving and seeking technologies that keep us ahead of the curve. Partnering with Osprey aligns perfectly with our mission to place technology and safety at the core of our operations. With Osprey, we are not just managing risk, we are mitigating it.”

Integrating MTI’s 3D aviation weather visualisation technology with KeyvanAviation’s certified navigation database offers a powerful, professional-grade solution for flight operators. This combination enables dynamic, weather-aware flight planning by overlaying accurate, real-time and forecast weather data onto precise routes and flight plans in a portable 3D environment. 

Powering the Future of Weather-Aware Aviation

The synergy between precise weather forecasting and reliable navigation data supports optimised routing, enhanced fuel efficiency, and improved operational safety. It also enables more effective risk assessment and contingency planning across both manned and unmanned operations, especially in complex or weather-sensitive regions. This integrated solution equips dispatchers, pilots, and UAV operators with the situational awareness needed to manage missions proactively and efficiently.

The collaboration between MTI and Keyvan Aviation marks a significant advancement in integrated flight operations, combining high-precision weather intelligence with certified global aeronautical and navigation data.

As the aviation industry embraces digital transformation and expands into emerging markets such as urban air mobility, advanced air cargo, and autonomous drone operations, this collaboration offers a scalable foundation for innovation. Stakeholders in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and beyond will benefit from enhanced situational awareness, reduced weather-related disruptions, and improved mission planning in complex airspaces. The joint capabilities of MTI and Keyvan Aviation present a forward-looking solution that meets the evolving demands of modern air operations across both traditional and next-generation platforms.

Data is the Foundation of Aviation

Serkan Pusat, aeronautical data production manager of Keyvan Aviation, said: “Reliable and up-to-date aeronautical data is fundamental to the safety, efficiency, and digital transformation of aviation operations. This MoU represents a significant step towards enhancing data-driven aviation capabilities through joint innovation and expertise exchange. We are confident that this collaboration will contribute to the seamless integration of advanced weather analytics into operational flight planning and support more informed, real-time decision-making for aviation stakeholders.”

This agreement sets the course for future inflight entertainment (IFE) innovations to support Qatar Airways’ digital transformation journey, giving the airline access to the most innovative technologies.

In addition, this MoA covers the opportunities for development of a dedicated IFE service and maintenance centre based in Doha, Qatar. The mission of this local Thales facility is to provide rapid access to services such as repair, spare distribution, technical assistance and turnkey maintenance for the full range of Thales IFE products on Qatar’s growing new fleet. The state-of-the-art facility will be designed to ensure the highest standards of operational efficiency.

The purpose of this MoA is to support Qatar Airways’ growth and the expansion of its new fleet. It builds on a strong and long-standing relationship between the two companies. Over the years, Thales has been Qatar Airways’ trusted IFE provider for several aircraft platforms, including their Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, and Airbus A350 and A380 aircraft. This partnership was recently expanded to include Qatar Airways’ new A321 NX fleet, which will be equipped with Thales’ award-winning FlytEDGE cloud-native IFE solution.

In alignment with Qatar Vision 2030, this partnership will help drive industry-leading innovations and contribute to the growth of the local aerospace and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) ecosystem by bringing high-skilled jobs to the country.

Qatar Airways Chief MRO officer, Ali Al Saadi said: “We are pleased to witness the continued advancement of our collaboration with Thales. As we strive to maintain the highest standards in aviation technology and operational excellence, it is imperative that we remain at the forefront of innovation. Our partnership with Thales reinforces this ambition and supports our ongoing commitment to delivering industry-leading solutions.”

Yannick Assouad, executive vice-president, avionics, Thales said “We are pleased to grow our partnership with Qatar Airways. This MOA highlights, once again, our mutual dedication to innovative technologies and the highest standards of operational excellence. It paves the way for a local service hub and growing expertise in Doha, bolstering the airline’s future growth ambitions.”

In addition, iGA Istanbul Airport has maintained its position as Europe’s most connected airport in terms of direct connectivity, holding the same title in both 2024 and 2025.

iGA Istanbul Airport has claimed the top spot in the 2025 Airport Industry Connectivity Report, published by Airports Council International Europe (ACI EUROPE), overtaking long-time leader Frankfurt Airport to become the world’s most connected global hub.

According to the report—developed with SEO Amsterdam Economics—iGA Istanbul Airport has increased its global hub connectivity by 59% compared to 2019. This leap has pushed it ahead of major international hubs, with Dallas Fort Worth and Frankfurt ranking second and third, respectively. Frankfurt, which previously held the top position, has seen a 21% decline in global connectivity over the same period.

ACI EUROPE attributes iGA’s rise to several key factors, including Turkish Airlines’ expansive global network, Istanbul’s geographic advantage as a natural crossroads between continents, the airport’s high operational capacity, and pro-growth aviation policies from the Turkish government.

The report also highlights iGA’s continued dominance in the Direct Connectivity category, where it retains the top spot in Europe for a second consecutive year. Compared to 2019, iGA has increased its number of direct air connections by 13%, having moved from fifth place before the pandemic to become Europe’s most directly connected airport.

Selahattin Bilgen, CEO of iGA Istanbul Airport, commented: “With our growing network, strategic location, and focus on service excellence, Istanbul has cemented its role at the heart of global aviation. This recognition is not only a milestone for our airport, but a point of pride for Türkiye and our region.

“The ACI EUROPE report confirms that iGA is a key global hub—not just regionally, but on the world stage. Our performance in both direct and connecting routes reinforces our position as a critical link in international air travel.

“We’ve responded proactively to the evolving demands of the post-pandemic landscape, investing in infrastructure, digital innovation, and passenger experience. Looking ahead, we remain committed to growing sustainably, driving connectivity, and delivering a world-class journey for all our passengers.”

The partnership will introduce advanced technologies including Agnet Turnaround by Airbus, a smart platform that enables real time coordination of airport operations. This will empower Cluster 2 to streamline workflows, enhance on-time performance and elevate the passenger experience across its network of 22 international and domestic airports.

Through this MoU, Airbus and Cluster 2 aim to raise operational standards, improve situational awareness and drive seamless collaboration between ground staff, security teams and control rooms.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to driving digital innovation in aviation. With Agnet Turnaround, we are enabling smarter, safer and more connected airports that align with the Kingdom’s vision for the future of transportation.”, said Antoun Farra, Managing Director of Airbus Defence and Space in Saudi Arabia.

“Airports are vital gateways to the Kingdom, and digital transformation is at the heart of our strategy. Partnering with Airbus allows us to enhance safety, reduce response times and create a unified operations ecosystem across our airports,” commented Eng. Badr Al-Dalami, chief executive officer of Cluster 2.

For the first time, Qatar Airways’ passengers will be able to watch high-definition coverage of the world’s major sports events on IMG’s live inflight sports channels, Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra, via a dedicated web player on their personal electronic devices.

The launch marks the first-time passengers on any airline have been able to enjoy Sport 24 beyond the inflight entertainment system, enabled by Starlink’s ultra-fast, low-latency internet. Qatar Airways is the largest global airline to introduce Space X’s Starlink technology on board.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive officer, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Our partnership with IMG marks another leap forward in redefining the inflight experience. As the first global airline to introduce Starlink’s high-speed connectivity combined with live sports streaming, we are proud to bring passengers closer to the sporting moments that matter most - wherever they are in the world. From football fans to tennis enthusiasts, this new offering ensures our guests never miss a second of the action at 35,000 feet.”

Adam Kelly, President, IMG said: “Live sport is one of the last remaining appointment-to-view events that people prefer to watch in real time. As consumer viewing habits continue to evolve, passengers want more ways to enjoy live sport onboard so they never have to miss a moment of the action. Qatar Airways is now making that a reality for fans traveling anywhere in the world with Sport 24. We’re continuing to drive product developments to make Sport 24 available on any international aircraft with connectivity.”

The Sport 24 web player is available for passengers to access onboard Qatar Airways’ Starlink connected aircraft via mobile, tablet and laptop devices by scanning a QR code.

The launch coincides with a packed schedule of live sport on Sport 24’s channels this Summer, including the FIFA Club World Cup 2025TM, UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, Wimbledon Championships, The Open, cricket, Formula 1, and more. Its inflight portfolio includes the world’s biggest sport leagues and competitions, including the FIFA World Cup 26™, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, NFL, NBA, grand slam tennis, golf majors, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Nations League, and the AFC Asian Cup.

Owned, operated and licensed by IMG, Sport 24 is the first and only live sports channel available on airlines and cruise ships around the world. Last year, the channels were viewed by more than 10 million passengers inflight.

Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra are produced from IMG’s production headquarters at Stockley Park, near London’s Heathrow Airport.

The contract, concluded during the Paris Airshow, will equip EgyptAir's upcoming fleet of 18 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This landmark deal significantly expands Acron Aviation’s growing presence and commitment to the aviation sector in the Middle East and Africa.

The TCAS 3000SPTM has increased computing power capable of supporting ADS-B In applications such as Surface-Alerting (SURF-A), CDTI-Assisted Visual Separation (CAVS), Interval Management (IM) and In-Trail Procedure (ITP) for enhanced traffic situational awareness in the cockpit.

The SRVIVR25TM line of Cockpit Voice and Data Recorders meet the latest standards and mandates with a minimum of 25 hours of voice recording over four audio channels, as well as a minimum of 140 hours of flight data recording. The new state-of-the-art design reduces operating costs with its lower weight, is more environmentally friendly and is a direct replacement solution for Acron Aviation FA2100, as well as other ARINC 747 and 757 recorders, offering airlines flexibility for both new and existing aircraft. 

Alan Crawford, chief executive officer, Acron Aviation, said: "We’re honoured to have been selected to equip EgyptAir’s new 737 MAX fleet. This contract, with one of the leading airlines in Africa and the Middle East, marks a new chapter in our vision to become the top-tier partner of choice for customers, building long-lasting, collaborative relationships."

Captain Ahmed Adel, chairman & CEO of EgyptAir, added: "Acron Aviation has proven itself a reliable partner for our A320 fleet, and their expertise and high-performance solutions made them the ideal choice for our new 737 MAX aircraft. This strategic acquisition aligns perfectly with EgyptAir's commitment to equipping our modern fleet with the most advanced and reliable technology, ensuring enhanced safety and operational excellence for our passengers and crew. We’re looking forward to strengthening our partnership as we strategically advance our operations."