Etihad Crystal Cargo has said it will now operate its A300-600 freighter aircraft between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi twice a week following a new interline deal with Astral Aviation, giving the Abu Dhabi-based carrier access to seven destinations across Africa, including: Entebbe, Zanzibar, Dar Es Salaam,Mwanza, Juba, Kigali and Bujumbura. “This interline agreement is a very important addition to our airline’s cargo division and will help to continue the rapid growth of our … [Read more...] about INDIA & MIDDLE EAST: Etihad Crystal Cargo boosts African coverage

While global carriers scramble to trim and reorganise their networks, Qatar Airways has announced bold expansion plans including new services to Australia and expanded operations in India andEurope. Chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker said: “Qatar Airways’ robust expansion is continuing undeterred by the current economic climate.” “Sydney and Melbourne have been on our radar screen for many years. We can finally look forward to entering the Australian … [Read more...] about INDIA & MIDDLE EAST: Qatar boldly continues global expansion

Qatar and Saudi Arabia have agreed to improve cooperation between the two countries’ aviation markets with a deal recently signed by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) andthe Qatar Authority for Civil Aviation. “By this agreement, we aim to develop rules and regulations and facilitate air transportation procedures between Saudi Arabia and Qatar,” said Ayman Bin Baker Naseef, supervisor of GACA’s central department for … [Read more...] about INDIA & MIDDLE EAST: Qatar, Saudi up aviation cooperation

Indian warehousing and logistics firm Gati has said it has discontinued an agreement with Air India for using five Boeing 737-200 aircraft under an earlierwet lease agreement. Gati, in a statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange, said that “the arrangement under wet lease agreement with Air India for five B737-200 has been discontinued with immediate effect”. Consequently, the freighters leased by Air India have also been withdrawn with immediate effect, it added. However, the … [Read more...] about INDIA & MIDDLE EAST: Gati ends B737 leases with Air India

India’s civil aviation ministry is upset with German carrier Lufthansa for its apparent backing of Jet Airways for inclusion into Star Alliance while state-run Air India (AI) is still waiting in the wings, according to a government official, The Economic Times of India reported. AI has operated codesharing flights with Lufthansa between Germany and India since 2004 and was a key backer for AI joining thealliance. Following instructions from the civil aviation ministry, the Indian … [Read more...] about INDIA & MIDDLE EAST: Support for Jet’s Star entry upsets govt