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.

 

Dubai Airshow Results -- Even More Aircraft Orders

If you wonder whether a career as an airline pilot would be a secure one, with jobs available, just look at the plans of major airlines for the answer.  The future orders for aircraft are at an all-time high.  This was again apparent at the recent Dubai Airshow.  Airlines would not be buying aircraft in record numbers, if they didn't feel strongly that the commercial aviation industry would be continuing its strong growth for a long time.

Here's what happened at Dubai: Combined, the two major airframe manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, won contracts worth nearly $70 billion USD at that show. Airbus took the lead with 297 orders and commitments, and Boeing won 155 new aircraft orders.  Both companies are on track for record sales in 2007: they should even exceed the combined record of 2,057 orders placed two years ago in 2005.

Who were the big purchasers at Dubai? Airbus and Boeing each won a 100 aircraft order from DAE Capital, which is part of Dubai Aerospace Enterprice (DAE). The company signed purchase letters of intent for 70 Airbus A320s and 30 A350s, plus 70 Boeing 737s, 10 jumbo 777-300s and five 747-8s.

Qatar Airways orders 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 32 777-300ERs, which totalled over $6 billion USD.

Airbus won Emirates' huge order for 81 jets -- 11 A380s plus 70 A350s, in a purchase worth in excess of $34 billion USD.

So what do you think? Do these large, successful airlines are confident there is a growing future in commercial aviation?  If you want to be part of that, check out Phoenix East Aviation at www.pea.com about training to be a commercial airline pilot.