Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) has acquired Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) as part of the largest military industries deal ever concluded in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The purchase is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2021 following regulatory approvals. As a result, AEC will become a 100% Saudi-owned Company. The acquisition was announced during a ceremony organized by SAMI in the presence of the members of SAMI’s and AEC’s Board of Directors, and senior officials from the Ministry of Defense, General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), PIF, Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA), BAE Systems Saudi Arabia, and other stakeholders. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Chairman of SAMI, said, “This deal strengthens SAMI’s presence in the strategically important defense industries market and supports its plans to transfer and localize the military industries. The acquisition will also enhance AEC’s opportunities to expand and compete in its field.” Al-Khateeb affirmed the support of H.R.H.....
The South Korean Army is set to deploy European amphibious bridging vehicles under licensed production to boost its operational capability across water obstacles. The M3 Amphibious Rig, developed by General Dynamics European Land Systems, is to be locally produced by prime contractor Hanwha Defense, according to sources at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration. The contract is worth about $460 million and will see the production of about 100 M3 vehicles for deployment starting in 2023. Hyundai Rotem lost the bid with its offer of the OTTER Armored Amphibious Assault Bridge to be developed by Turkey’s FNSS. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration is scheduled to officially announce the contract award to Hanwha Defense in the coming weeks, the sources told Defense News in December. “The M3 is the world’s best amphibious rig that has combat proven records in terms of mobility, loading capacity, maneuverability and others,” an industry source with knowledge....
Emirates is taking its signature A380 experience to the next level with the unveil of a brand new Premium Economy cabin product, together with enhancements and a refreshed look across all cabins onboard its newest A380 aircraft. Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said, “The Emirates A380 is already one of the most sought-after travel experiences in the skies, and now we’ve made it even better. While others cut back, Emirates is working hard to restore the products and services that we’ve had to suspend or adjust due to pandemic precautions, and introduce new offerings and enhancements. True to our fly better promise, Emirates continues to invest to offer our customers the best possible experience.” The airline received its newest A380 aircraft from Airbus’ Hamburg facility last week, and its remaining order of 5 A380s will also be delivered with premium economy cabins over 2021 and 2022. Emirates’ premium economy....
The expanded code-share agreement is the first step in further strengthening strategic cooperation between the two airlines that first began in 2000. Sales of the additional destinations will commence in 2021 Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are pleased to further expand our code-share cooperation with Oman Air, one of the leading airlines in the Gulf region. Now more than ever, it is important to strengthen strategic partnerships across the industry to optimize our operations and provide seamless connectivity to hundreds of destinations across the globe for our passengers. Since 2000, both airlines have seen the benefits that commercial cooperation has brought, providing our passengers with unrivalled service and more flexibility to travel when they want. I look forward to further strengthening our commercial cooperation with Oman Air to provide even more benefits to our customers.” Oman Air chief executive officer Abdulaziz Al Raisi, said, “We....
A global group of leading business aviation organizations – including the Middle East association MEBAA, have announced a coordinated effort to combat illegal on-demand charter flights in the sector. The group, called the Air Charter Safety Alliance, will raise awareness among potential customers, charter brokers, ministries of transport, and national aviation authorities regarding the use of unauthorized aircraft operators for on-demand flights. While the overwhelming majority of on-demand charter flights comply with national and international safety standards, there have been instances of unauthorized aircraft operators actively avoiding aviation authority oversight, placing at risk the safety of unwitting passengers and hurting the economic health of approved charter operators. In the past, several associations worked actively on reducing illegal activity by setting up dedicated websites to educate and engage aircraft owners and national authorities on proper compliance with charter regulations. Over the next three months, the coalition hopes to collect best practices....
Jet Aviation has signed a Fixed Base Operation (FBO) service agreement with FLYINGGROUP, a major aircraft management and charter company based in Belgium, Luxembourg and Malta. FLYINGGROUP operates a fleet of some 40 diverse aircraft based in Europe. Jet Aviation will support the operator’s fleet with handling services through its network of FBOs in EMEA and Asia. Under the service agreement, Jet Aviation will provide dedicated handling services to aircraft operated by FLYINGGROUP through its network of FBOs in EMEA and Asia. FLYINGGROUP is headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium from where it manages a fleet of over 40 aircraft. Jet Aviation's fixed base operations provide customers with executive VIP terminals, conference rooms, business services, passenger and crew lounges, snooze rooms, crew showers and weather and flight planning services. The company offers private aircraft handling and full FBO services, including domestic and international flight handling, fueling, aircraft cleaning, de-icing, immigration and customs....
A new platform has been launched and designed specifically to support corporate flight attendants in their role and wellbeing. The Crew Collective is a global lifestyle platform and network aimed at improving personal wellbeing among corporate flight attendants while supporting individuals professionally. “The role of a corporate flight attendant is wonderfully unique but the lifestyle can be stressful, lonely and isolating at times,” said co-founder Emily Webb. “What the industry lacks is a network which encompasses not only career support but self-care guidance too, until now.” As well as providing a community for a disconnected industry of professionals, The Crew Collective pushes self-care and plans to equip its members with the tools to provide the best service on-board while taking the best possible care of themselves both at home and on duty. Webb, who is a working corporate flight attendant, said: “We recognize the benefits of a sense of belonging....
In a historic first, the Navy has recommended a female officer to command an aircraft carrier. Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt is one of six officers recommended to command a nuclear-powered carrier in fiscal 2022. Also selected for the job were Capts. Colin Day, David Duff, Brent Gaut, David-Tavis Pollard and Craig Sicola. Bauernschmidt has already broken barriers in her Navy career since leaving the Naval Academy in 1994. She became the first woman to serve as executive officer on a nuclear warship, the carrier Abraham Lincoln, in 2016. A career aviator who has served with several helicopter squadrons, Bauernschmidt recently commanded the amphibious transport dock San Diego, according to her Navy bio. She has for years had her sights set on commanding a carrier. Showing a strong performance while commanding an amphibious ship was just one of the steps needed to meet that goal, she told Milwaukee's NBC15 in 2018. "It's....
SpaceX has been awarded a $150.4 million contract to launch as many as 28 satellites for the Pentagon’s space agency, the Defense Department announced in December. The contract is to launch a mix of small and medium spacecraft of different sizes that the Space Development Agency is acquiring from multiple vendors. That includes 20 data-relay satellites known as the Transport Layer and the other eight are missile-warning satellites known as the Tracking Layer. SpaceX will launch these satellites from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The agency estimates the satellites will be ready to launch in late 2022. The manifest will be divided into two planes of 14 spacecraft each in two circular near-polar orbits at an altitude of 950 kilometers, according to the request for proposals. The agency said it would select a provider that offered the “best value” based on several criteria such as price, schedule and past performance.....
MAC Aero Interiors, subsidiary of a global provider of Total Technical Care for aircraft operators and lessors, Magnetic MRO, has recently successfully completed a full VIP aircraft interior refurbishment project for a private charter flights management company. Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft have been delivered to Magnetic MRO hangars in Tallinn, Estonia, in September. The Project scope followed „from concept to completion“ path and included the refurbishment of the seats, divan covers and cushions, including armrests, shroud and fairing covers in a design tailored specifically for the Customer. In addition, it included lavatory refurbishments and carpet changes in the aircraft. New specially made perforated leather and fabric materials have been introduced and certified for this program to create a top-notch interior. Prior to the interior refurbishment, the painting design concept was prepared and the aircraft has been fully repainted in VIP finish at the company’s painting hangar. “Working on private jets....
SAMI acquires Advanced Electronics Company
South Korean Army to boost its operational capability across water with M3 vehicles
Emirates unveils Premium Economy cabin onboard its A380 aircraft
Qatar Airways, Oman Air signs codeshare partnership
Leading business aviation organizations coordinate to combat illegal on demand flights in the sector
Jet Aviation signs FBO service agreement with FLYINGGROUP
New platform to support corporate flight attendants in their role and wellbeing
Navy recommends female commanding officer for aircraft carrier for the first time
SpaceX to launch 28 satellites for Pentagon’s space agency
Magnetic MRO completes full VIP aircraft interior refurbishment for Embraer Legacy 600
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