Airlines
Yemen’s FlyAden introduces first A320
Yemeni carrier FlyAden has marked the arrival of its first Airbus aircraft, an A320 carrying the airline’s distinctive colour scheme.
CONFLICT
US Air Force E-3G AWACS destroyed on ground during Iranian strike in Saudi Arabia
Iran has targeted multiple US Air Force (USAF) support aircraft on the ramp at Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia, destroying a Boeing E-3G Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) platform.
Airlines
Oman Air merger ‘not implied’ as government acquires SalamAir
Oman’s government has carried out an acquisition of SalamAir, the carrier which emerged as a budget airline for the sultanate about a decade ago.
DEFENCE
BAE Systems lands training and support deal for Turkish Typhoon fleet
The UK will provide a major package of personnel training and in-service support around the Turkish air force’s future introduction of the Eurofighter Typhoon.
ACCIDENT
Qatar Emiri Air Force helicopter crash kills seven personnel
Qatar has not disclosed which aircraft type was involved in a fatal military helicopter accident that killed all seven people on board.
Fixed-Wing
US approves $16.5 billion in Middle East weapons sales
The US government has approved more than $16.5 billion in potential weapons sales to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Jordan, including air-launched munitions and advanced missile-defence systems, as strikes against Iran continue.
Fixed-Wing
A-10 returns to combat hunting Iranian vessels in Strait of Hormuz
The US military has deployed Fairchild Republic A-10 attack jets and Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopters to strike fast-attack watercraft and intercept drones in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, as part of ongoing operations against Iran.
Fixed-Wing
US F-35 makes emergency landing after reportedly taking hostile fire over Iran
A US F-35 stealth fighter has made an emergency landing in the Middle East after reportedly taking enemy fire during a combat mission over Iran, although the exact details have not yet been confirmed.
Airlines
El Al estimates financial impact of flight suspension from Iranian conflict
Israeli flag-carrier El Al estimates that disruption from the Middle East conflict has been directly costing the operator some $4 million daily. El Al suspended regular flights on 28 February in the wake of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Its estimate for the financial impact covers days on which it was unable to conduct any…
Defence
UK to buy additional Thales Martlet missiles as counter-drone weapon demand spikes
With demand for air-launched counter-drone capability having spiked due to the conflict in the Middle East, the UK Ministry of Defence is to place a further order for Thales-produced Marlet Lightweight Multirole Missiles.
Airlines
AAPA calls for government support, collaboration amid ‘additional strain’ of Middle East conflict
The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has called on governments to “consider measures” to support airlines, as the fallout from the war in the Middle East continues to rattle the sector.
Air transport
Dubai airport resumes services after drone incident at fuel facility
Dubai international airport has been resuming operations following a drone incident on 16 March which sparked a fire at a fuel tank.