The upcoming MRO facility, being built on a 35-acre land parcel at the Bangalore International Airport will become an important hub for Air India group airlines’ aircraft maintenance operations in the region, as the airline modernises its fleet and expands its global operations.

Earlier this year, Air India signed an MoU with the Government of Karnataka to establish MRO facilities in Bengaluru. Air India has also signed an agreement with SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) to be its strategic partner for the development of this MRO facility.

Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director, Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Karnataka, said: “It is heartening to see the quick turnaround that Air India has made in starting work for the MRO. This is not only a milestone for Indian aviation, which is growing at a rapid pace, but also for the state of Karnataka, which is taking a lead in the aviation sector with Bengaluru set to emerge as an important global aviation hub in the coming years.”

The signing ceremony took place and was signed on behalf of EgyptAir Ground Services by Eng. Ibrahim Fouzy, chairman  and managing director, and on behalf of the Turkish company, IAB Agency, represented by Eng. Nevin Alish, vice chairman .

A Jet is a significant player in the Turkish charter airline sector and is closely affiliated with Turkish Airlines, which is one of EgyptAir Ground Services' largest clients. A Jet has already commenced operations at Cairo Airport with five weekly flights and plans to expand its services to all domestic stations soon. The company operates a fleet of over 80 aircraft, including Airbus A320 and A321, as well as Boeing B737-800 and B737 Max .

Vito Gomes, founder and CEO of ASM, said: “The Middle Eastern aviation market is changing incredibly fast; Saudi Arabia is at the heart of this growth. With the country’s doors continuing to open to more operators – particularly in general aviation, it’s becoming increasingly important to have a presence in key markets such as Saudi Arabia. Opening an office here will enable us to respond better to our clients and the growing demand for our services.”

This is including energy-saving projects, environmental coalitions, diverting waste from landfill, and installing large-scale solar energy systems.

These efforts have significantly reduced carbon emissions and energy costs, earning Dubai Airports recognition from the Airport Council International (ACI) Carbon Accreditation Programme.

The operator said: “At the heart of this transformation are three exceptional Emirati women, who are playing crucial roles in supporting Dubai Airports’ sustainability goals forward. Their efforts prove that change doesn't just happen from the top down; it takes passion, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of progress across the entire organisation.”

Sara Al Abdulla, Senior Manager of Commercial Sustainability, is not merely discussing sustainability; she is actively building it, one partnership at a time. Dubai Airports waste management diverts a remarkable 60% of all Dubai International (DXB) waste away from landfill, a testament to the organisation’s commitment to decarbonisation, and Al Abdulla ability to rally the entire airport community around a shared purpose. "Sustainability is not just a goal; it is a journey we embark on together. By building a community that shares knowledge and works collaboratively, we are creating a future that benefits everyone," said Al Abdulla.

Maryam Alawadhi, a passionate Energy and Sustainability Engineer at Dubai Airports, is on a mission to prove that sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand. One of her key projects was a lighting and building retrofit, which managed to offset 47,000 tonnes of carbon - equivalent to planting more than a million trees annually. "Every project I contribute to, no matter how small or big, is a step towards a more sustainable world. The energy savings we achieve are more than just numbers; they represent a tangible difference in our community’s future," said Alawadhi.

As the Director of Category Management, Najla Alghammai has been at the forefront of integrating environmentally sustainable practices into procurement processes at Dubai Airports, proving that it can be a core business strategy. Her leadership in developing the Dubai Airports’ Green Procurement Policy has resulted in a 49% increase in eco-friendly purchases compared to 2022. Additionally, her support for implementing a Dubai Airports paperless policy has drastically reduced printing, from thousands of pages in 2018 to zeroin 2024. "Sustainability in procurement is not just about choosing the right products; it is about setting a precedent for responsible, ethical decision-making that ripples throughout the entire industry," said Alghammai.

The partnership aims to start a new phase to develop King Salman International Airport (KSIA) to become a hub for tourism, travel and transportation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

The award-winning architecture firm (Foster + Partners) will design the airport’s master plan covering a total area of 57 square kilometres, which includes several terminals, six runways, and a multi-asset real estate area. The airport’s design will reflect Saudi culture, providing a unique travel experience for visitors and travellers. While the international engineering firm (Jacobs), will provide specialist consultancy services for the airport’s detailed master plan and the design of the new runways.

In addition, the leading consulting and construction company (Mace) will apply global best practices, innovations and advanced methodologies in all stages of planning and construction, while (Nera), a Saudi company specialising in technical and operational solutions for aviation, will oversee the design of airspace to enhance air traffic efficiency and improve operations using the latest technologies.

Marco Mejia, Acting CEO of King Salman International Airport Development Company, said: “We are committed to delivering an airport which will be seen as the benchmark in the world of aviation. It will provide the national and international connectivity the city of Riyadh needs to meet and drive the business, trade and tourism growth set out in Vision 2030.  These four firms will work alongside the Saudi and international talent we have brought together, they will be an essential addition to our team as we build King Salman International Airport, creating a new passenger experience.”

This is compared to the first six months of 2023, with visitors across the network nearing 14 million.

Zayed International Airport alone facilitated over 13.7 million passengers, a 33.8% increase year-on-year; made possible by a 24.3% rise in flight movements. The newly-renamed airport (previously Abu Dhabi International) “will play a key role in Abu Dhabi’s plans to strengthen its position as a destination of choice for international visitors and as a strategic hub for tourism, trade and connectivity” commented Abu Dhabi Airports; citing advanced features as key to Zayed International’s passenger experience.

Initiatives such as a nine-touch-point facial recognition journey – with Zayed International the first and only airport worldwide to deploy this technology – enable “reduced queueing times and a hassle-free, seamless journey through the airport,” noted Abu Dhabi Airports, which added that the airport is the only one in the region to offer US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance.

The 740,000 square metre airport is capable of handling 79 aircraft and 11,000 passengers per hour. Its baggage handling system can process up to 19,200 bags per hour. Opened in February 2024, the newly constructed Terminal A complex will more than double the capacity of the old terminals by managing up to 45 million passengers annually.

“Abu Dhabi Airports will continue to invest in its facilities and services to enhance the passenger experience and wider value proposition to satisfy existing airline partners and common customers as well as attract new ones,” concluded Elena Sorlini, managing director and CEO at Abu Dhabi Airports. “With these strong results, the airport group is well-positioned for future growth and success in the future.”

Positioned within the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the Silver Lounge spans 810 square meters. It features a variety of amenities tailored to meet the needs of diverse clientele, including dining areas with an array of buffets and services, comfortable seating areas for relaxation, a designated smoking room, a delightful kids’ corner for younger guests, ample storage room, and additional facilities to enhance the passenger experience. The lounge's capacity allows it to accommodate up to 200 guests during peak hours.

“We are pleased to open the doors to this magnificent lounge, which symbolises our continuous efforts to elevate the standards of hospitality in the skies and on the ground,” said Mesfin Tasew, chief executive officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group. “The Silver Lounge is more than just a space; it is an embodiment of our vision to further enhance the travel experience of our guests and solidify Addis Ababa as a leading aviation hub in Africa.”

Key in upgrading the travel experience will be the implementation of SITA’s Flex Hybrid system. This will speed up passenger processing at Baghdad and Basra airports, providing staff quick and secure access to airline systems and applications through cloud infrastructure with high flexibility and scalability to meet fluctuating demand.

Iraqi Airways will also boost its baggage management capabilities with SITA Bag Manager Online, which offers advanced visibility of each bag’s journey. The solution tracks every bag that is loaded onto a plane, a ULD, or a cart, matching each bag with departing passengers, tracking them in real time throughout the airport, and ensuring they are loaded onto the correct plane, offering passengers peace of mind and allowing staff to focus on more complex tasks.

Finally, SITA’s Information Display System will revamp the airline’s flight display systems, with a sleek interface that keeps travellers fully informed with down-to-the-minute automatic updates on changing flight departure or arrival times.

Munaf Abdulmunem Ajel, chief executive officer at Iraqi Airways, said: “Iraqi Airways is committed to implementing advanced solutions that enhance its daily operations by providing more efficient, reliable, and secure services. This commitment guarantees our global leadership in the aviation sector. We also pledge to continue our efforts to develop exceptional services aimed at providing the highest levels of comfort and enhancing passenger experiences across our global network. In addition, we are committed to implementing the latest innovations and systems that contribute to shaping the future of the industry.”

Hani El Asaad, President, Middle East & Africa, SITA, said: "We are delighted to collaborate with Iraqi Airways, an industry leader renowned for its commitment to innovation and excellence.  Data and connectivity remain the backbone of our industry, and ensuring fast, secure, and reliable connections is crucial for optimizing airline operations and improving the passenger experience. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the evolution of air travel technology in the Middle Eastern region, exemplifying our dedication to transforming travel and transport through cutting-edge solutions."