Lebanon's national carrier, Middle East Airlines, has taken delivery of its first A330-200 aircraft directly purchased from Airbus. The aircraft is part of an order for four Airbus A330-200s placed in 2006 to replace an existing fleet of three leased A330s. "This is the first A330-200 being delivered to MEA with a new livery reflecting the Lebanese flag. With its efficient fuel economy and passenger comfort, the A330-200 will enable MEA to meet and respond to the rising demand for passenger … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: First new A330-200 for Middle East Airlines
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MIDDLE EAST: New Israeli cargo facility draws three carries
Three major airlines had already announced their full commitment to the new cargo terminal. The Cargo Terminal opened its gates on Sunday. Swissport's new Ben Gurion cargo facility has recently opened with three major carriers committing to use the new terminal. CAL Cargo Air Lines, Israel-'s second largest air carrier, had announced that from 16 June 2008 the Swissport Israel Terminal will be added to its supplier's register. Swiss Cargo followed and announced that its first cargo would be … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: New Israeli cargo facility draws three carries
MIDDLE EAST: Oman Air starts Bangalore service
Oman Air has launched its five times weekly service from Muscat to Bangalore on 15 June with a Boeing B737-800 aircraft, bringing the total number of destinations for Oman Air in India to 10. Oman Air currently operates to 26 destinations from its Muscat hub, including 12 destinations in the Indian subcontinent; New Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, Trivandrum, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Kozhikode and now Bangalore, along with Karachi in Pakistan, and Chittagong in Bangladesh. The carrier also … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Oman Air starts Bangalore service
MIDDLE EAST: Etihad to codeshare with Jet Airways
Etihad Airways continues to extend its global network following the signing of a new codeshare agreement with Indian carrier, Jet Airways. Under the codeshare agreement, which comes into effect on 1 July, Etihad Airways will place its two-letter 'EY' code on all of Jet Airways' daily services between the Indian carrier's two hub airports, Delhi and Mumbai, and Etihad's own home base. In turn, Jet Airways will place its '9W' code on the daily services operated by Etihad on the same routes. … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Etihad to codeshare with Jet Airways
MIDDLE EAST: Etihad to launch new Minsk service
Etihad Airways will become the first airline from the Gulf region to fly to Belarus when the Abu Dhabi-based carrier launches its twice weekly flights to the country's capital, Minsk, on 5 August. The new air link is anticipated to significantly boost the trade links and investment ties between the UAE and Belarus with the volume of trade between the two countries standing at more than US$30-40 million per year. "To make history as the first airline from the Gulf region to fly to Belarus … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Etihad to launch new Minsk service
MIDDLE EAST: Gulf Air starts new Shanghai service
Gulf Air has opened a new route to China with a four times weekly flight between Bahrain and Shanghai. The service is initially four times a week, but will become a daily operation with the implementation of the airline's winter schedule later this year and will be operated by an Airbus A340-300, offering first, business and economy class service. The airline is hoping to fly to more destinations in China in the near future as part of its expansion plans. … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Gulf Air starts new Shanghai service
