How UAE defence giant EDGE Group plans to double its exports
The UAE defence conglomerate has put an aggressive strategy in place to increase its share of exports while navigating the growing gap between East and West.
Jazz Air has signed a Letter of Intent with Bombardier Commercial Aircraft subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, to finalise a binding purchase agreement for a firm order of 15 Q400 NextGen aircraft with options for an additional 15 aircraft.
Aircraft deliveries are planned to commence in May 2011. The aircraft, which would be the first 400s in Jazz’s fleet, will be configured with a single-class cabin accommodating 74 passengers.
"The introduction of the Q400 NextGen is a perfect complement to our fleet of Canadian built Bombardier turboprops and regional jets," remarked Joe Randell, president and chief executive officer, Jazz Air. "Jazz's extensive route network spans North America; the Q400 NextGen provides the right economics and seat capacity to efficiently serve our many niche markets that include short to medium length routes. We continuously strive to improve our economics to provide better value to our stakeholders. The operating costs of the Q400 NextGen are among the lowest of any regional aircraft. The agreement reached last year with Air Canada to extend the term of our commercial agreement and their commitment to fleet renewal will strengthen our position in our industry."
The first 15 Q400 NextGen turboprops will replace 15 50-seat regional jets (pictured). The terms and conditions of the proposed purchase transaction are confidential.
The UAE defence conglomerate has put an aggressive strategy in place to increase its share of exports while navigating the growing gap between East and West.
The US Congress has raised concerns about how inflation rates and cuts in main acquisition programmes could affect the US military.
Washington’s ageing inventory and the pace Moscow and Beijing have been modernising their capabilities put in check the US Nuclear deterrence.
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
In 2023, defence spending increased by an unprecedented 11% across European NATO countries and Canada. Since 2014, the group has spent an additional US$600 billion on defence.
The DoD requested nearly US$850 billion to fund operations over the next fiscal year. Despite the amount being 1% higher than the FY2024 budget request, it has not covered the 3% inflation rate, which could impact the DoD’s main programmes in the medium and long term.