Aviation Growth in the Middle East

We're seeing different strategies by different airlines in various parts of the world. Some airlines are reducing flights, other airlines are expanding. In the Arab countries, most airlines are expanding their capacity. The Centre for Asia Pacific expects a positive future for Middle Eastern airlines: "The region will be growing while others are stagnating."

Passenger travel in Arab countries shows a growth of 10.3% in January 2009 compared to January 2008. Regional growth grow nearly 6% January 2009 vs. January 2008 and international airline operations grew nearly 12%. 

The result of this is airlines are buying more aircraft -- good news for commercial pilots. Middle East Airlines (MEA) of Lebanon received a new Airbus A330 in February. Qatar Airways received two Boeing B777-200LRs. Oman Air leased two A300-200s from Jet Airways. Syrian Arab Airlines leased an Airbus A320 from Jordan Aviation. Afriqiyah Airways is set to receive four aircraft -- two A330s and two A319s. This month, Gulf Air will have three new B777 aircraft with a fourth B777 planned for May delivery. Saudi Arabian Airlines has contracted for the purchase of 22 aircraft plus is leasing another 28 A320s. 

Phoenix East Aviation has been training pilot candidates for airlines worldwide since 1972, including many Middle Eastern airlines. For more information on how you can become an airline pilot, go to www.pea.com.