Middle Eastern Growth in Regional Airlines

The Dubai Airshow produced huge orders for widebody commercial aircraft, but it also showed there has been — and will continue to be — significant growth in Middle Eastern regional airlines.  The CEO of Royal Jet said that relaxation of customs restrictions in the Gulf region has helped create a thriving economy, which is reflected in regional flights growing at up to 30% a year.  This growth is being met by low-fare airlines such as Air Arabia, Jazeera Airways, Nile Air, nas air and Al Jaber. It is also being met by executive charter operations such as Royal Jet.

Airbus announced orders for an additional 167 A320-family aircraft from nine different customers: 34 from Air Arabia, 20 from nas air, 70 from DAE Capital, 22 from Saudi Arabian Airlines, eight from airblue, nine from Nile Air and four from private cutomers.

Brazilian manufacturer, Embraer, announced more than $1.1 billion USD orders from nine customers. Saudi Arabia’s nas air placed an order for five Embraer 190s. Virgin Nigeria ordered three Embraer 190s, seven Embraer 170s, plus options and purchase rights for another 14 Embraer 190s.

There are expected to be even more orders for Middle Eastern airlines in early 2008. And guess what? That means there will all need more pilots.  Ready become a pilot? Contact Phoenix East Aviation and learn how you can start your flight training right now.