NAS wins Baghdad Airport deal
The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) has entrusted National Aviation Services (NAS), a leading aviation services provider across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, to upgrade and operate passenger-handling services and processes at the Baghdad International Airport. NAS will extend its expertise and resources at the Babylon and Samara passenger terminals as well as the international transit halls. NAS will also be responsible for the refurbishment and upgrade of infrastructure and facilities, installation of new equipment, and implementation of all required technology solutions at the two terminals, said a statement. The two terminals serve all major airlines flying in and out of the country, making NAS the exclusive passenger handling services provider for all international flights. Baghdad International Airport re-opened in July 2020, following a four-month suspension of flights due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. The upgraded infrastructure, facilities and technology will contribute heavily to these airline operations including automated passenger departure systems, enhanced safety and security, productivity and on time performance (OTP). Airbus delivers A320 Family MSN10,000 to MEA Middle East Airlines (MEA) has taken delivery of Airbus’ A320 Family aircraft with manufacturer serial number 10,000. MSN10,000 is the third A321neo to join the all-Airbus MEA fleet, taking the fleet size to 18 aircraft. MEA received its first A321neo aircraft earlier in 2020 and will be taking another six A321neos over the coming months. The handover of the aircraft took place in Toulouse in the presence of Mohamad El-Hout, Chairman and Director General of MEA. MEA took on MSN5,000 in 2012, after 23 years of Airbus A320 Family production. The next 5,000 took just another eight years to mark this significant MSN10,000 milestone - again with MEA. This achievement is a testimony of the industrial advancement and capabilities by Airbus and the popularity of the latest, even more efficient NEO version of the aircraft. The airline’s A321neo is equipped with the latest generation in-flight entertainment system and high-speed connectivity. Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances, and cabin innovations, the A321neo offers a reduction in fuel consumption of 20 per cent as well as a 50 per cent noise reduction. Oman Air debuts new website Oman Air, the national carrier of Oman, has debuted its new website, which delivers a smooth, simple experience for everyone, says the airline. The refined user experience makes it effortless to create journeys and learn more about appealing destinations in Oman, special offers and travel-related information, it says. The new site, which features a fresh, contemporary design and user interface, provides simplified access to flight options and payment alternatives, along with state-of-the-art security. Mobile users will enjoy an experience which is fully optimised for Apple and Android devices and provides the same ease of use which is accessible via laptop and desktop computers. Content has been expanded and refined to provide improved information in more than four languages including Arabic and English. To ensure that guests travel safely and efficiently, omanair.com is regularly updated to provide the latest information about travel requirements related to the coronavirus, it says. RAK airport resumes operations with Air Arabia Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RAK Airport) announced that Air Arabia has resumed a full schedule of passenger flights from Thursday, October 15, 2020. A major entry and exit point to the UAE and an emerging hub, the airport is slowly returning to its original capacity and resuming operations following a period of restricted services that was necessary to curtail non-essential travel in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak. With commercial activities at RAK Airport reverting to pre-pandemic levels, passengers flying in and out of the facility will be required to follow protocol that it is in alignment with national efforts to control Covid-19 and prevent the spread of the virus. The airport is continuing to apply extensive measures to protect the community in accordance with various authorities’ directives as the country enters the ‘new normal’ phase.