Al Jaber Aviation has received a United Arab Emirates air operator’s licence and is set to launch operations following delivery of its first aircraft in February.
The VIP charter company, an offshoot of Abu Dhabi-based Al Jaber Group, turned heads at last month’s Middle East Business Aviation show in Dubai, announcing the purchase of a pair of Airbus A319-based ACJs, revealing an earlier order for two A318 Elites and declaring a letter of intent to order two A380s in VIP configuration.
Altogether, the carrier has firm plan to acquire 21 new-build aircraft worth $1.2 billion over five years: 10 Embraer Legacies, five Embraer Lineage 1000s, four A318 Elites and two ACJs. The aircraft will operate from a VIP terminal at Abu Dhabi’s Al Bateen Airport to destinations in Europe, Asia and Russia. Al Jaber also plans to launch a facility in Dubai.
The A318 Elite is the newest Airbus corporate/VIP aircraft. Its affordability is enhanced by a standardised 18-passenger interior supplied by exclusive completions provider Lufthansa Technik.
The DoD has changed its structures and is been increasing efforts to facilitate access to loans by companies interested in working with artificial intelligence, advanced materials and semiconductors, biotechnology and quantum science.
India has approved millions of dollars in new military purchases, most of which will go to public sector companies.
The main obstacles to overcoming risks in the region are a lack of a strong cybersecurity culture and inadequate funds to invest in this domain given a widespread Chinese presence in the region.
MBDA is adapting to supply chain pressures as the Russian invasion of Ukraine leads to increased demand for armaments.
Despite the additional funding promised this week, the UK armed forces still look set to face cutbacks, and maintaining international commitments to AUKUS and GCAP may limit the options for other programmes.
This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, senior naval reporter Harry Lye and military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann chat with Professor John Louth.
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