Emirates Aviation University (EAU) celebrated its 36th graduation ceremony in Dubai, honouring the achievements of 379 graduates in a glittering event that underscored the institution’s enduring role in shaping the aviation and technology workforce.

To date, more than 26,500 students have graduated from EAU, which boasts an impressive 94% employability rate — a testament to its focus on producing career-ready professionals for the global aviation sector.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Chancellor of EAU, presented the graduates with their certificates, commending their dedication and perseverance.

“As our industry embraces a new era defined by digital transformation and innovation, the next generation of aviation talent will play a pivotal role in steering its future,” Sheikh Ahmed said. “EAU graduates reflect this momentum — equipped with the resilience, foresight, and ambition to excel in a complex and evolving global landscape.

Their accomplishments reaffirm our commitment to supporting an industry that continues to drive global progress and connectivity. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to this outstanding class as they embark on their professional journeys.”

The event was attended by senior executives from the Emirates Group, EAU faculty and staff, and the graduates’ families and friends, adding to the celebratory spirit of the occasion.

Professor Ahmad Al Ali, Vice-Chancellor of EAU, highlighted the university’s strong alignment with the aviation and technology sectors. “This year’s class showcases the depth of expertise cultivated at EAU,” he said. “Our academic programmes are designed in close collaboration with industry needs, ensuring our graduates possess both the technical proficiency and the innovative mindset essential for a rapidly transforming sector.

Their success reinforces our mission to nurture professionals who will uphold and advance the standards of global aviation excellence.”

Held on campus, the ceremony reflected EAU’s cultural diversity and multidisciplinary strength. Graduates completed studies across a variety of specialisations, including aviation management, aeronautical and aircraft maintenance engineering, logistics and supply chain management, and aviation safety and security — all critical disciplines driving the aviation ecosystem.

As part of the Emirates Group, EAU benefits from the organisation’s global expertise and infrastructure, enabling the delivery of practical, industry-relevant education. In 2025 alone, 130 EAU students completed internships with the group, contributing to a cumulative total of more than 3,000 participants over the years. These placements offer valuable hands-on exposure through Emirates and dnata, bridging the gap between academia and real-world operations.

This year’s graduating cohort included 296 undergraduate and 83 postgraduate students, among them 28 fully sponsored engineering students from Emirates Engineering and 121 UAE Nationals. EAU also recognised 20 outstanding students for academic excellence across disciplines, underlining its commitment to cultivating future leaders in aviation.

EAU’s distinctive educational model promotes both academic achievement and personal growth. Students benefit from experiential learning through research opportunities, industry-led seminars, and participation in global aviation events.

During the Dubai Airshow 2025, EAU students showcased innovative projects in engineering and artificial intelligence at the NextGen Leaders Programme, gaining first-hand experience at one of the world’s premier aerospace gatherings.

About Emirates Aviation University

Established in 1991 as the academic arm of the Emirates Group, Emirates Aviation University is the regional leader in aviation education. The university offers a wide spectrum of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes in fields such as aeronautical engineering, aviation management, logistics and supply chain, artificial intelligence, data science, and aviation safety and security.

Over the past three decades, EAU has expanded its academic offerings, research capacity, and infrastructure, earning multiple international accreditations — including recognition from the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). The university also provides an internship semester with the Emirates Group for undergraduate students, ensuring a strong bridge between classroom learning and professional experience.

Turkish Airlines has signed a strategic agreement with CFM International to strengthen engine maintenance capabilities and support the expansion of its Boeing 737 MAX fleet.

The long-term services agreement will cover the airline group's entire LEAP-1B engine fleet, including engines already ordered and delivered, spare engines, units installed on leased aircraft and potential future options. The combined total exceeds 600 engines operated by Turkish Airlines and its subsidiary, AJet.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed during a ceremony in Istanbul by Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Murat Şeker; Turkish Technic CEO and Board Member, Mikail Akbulut; and Safran CEO Olivier Andriès. Safran is one of the two parent companies of CFM International.

The agreement also includes a material services arrangement to support the development of an engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Türkiye.

Şeker said the partnership would help Turkish Airlines accommodate fleet and network growth while improving operational efficiency. He added that the expanded services agreement would provide the technical expertise and long-term support required to develop LEAP engine maintenance capabilities.

Akbulut said the agreement would enable Turkish Technic to undertake comprehensive LEAP engine maintenance. He also reaffirmed the company's commitment to investing in engine services alongside its existing aircraft and component maintenance operations.

Andriès described the MoU as another milestone in a relationship with Turkish Airlines that has lasted nearly four decades. He said the agreement reflected both companies' ambitions to support the airline's growth and fleet expansion, while promoting an open MRO ecosystem offering flexible, competitive services to improve operational performance and control costs.

GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp Jr. also welcomed the agreement, highlighting Turkish Airlines' extensive international network and its confidence in CFM engines. He said the partnership would build on the companies' established relationship as the airline expands its Istanbul operations and engine maintenance capabilities.

Turkish Airlines currently operates 96 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft powered by CFM56-7B engines and 79 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft equipped with LEAP-1B engines.

CFM said it had delivered more than 10,000 LEAP engines during the 10 years since the engine entered service, with the fleet accumulating over 100 million flight hours. The manufacturer continues to introduce upgrades, including a high-pressure turbine durability kit designed to extend time on wing and a reverse bleed system (RBS).

The agreement is expected to strengthen Turkish Airlines' long-standing relationship with CFM International and support the integration of newly ordered Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into its expanding fleet. The planned engine MRO facility will also enhance Turkish Technic's ability to provide comprehensive maintenance services.

Source: Turkish Airlines

Oman Air has entered into a codeshare agreement with Finland’s Finnair, expanding travel options for passengers flying between Oman, Europe and Australia.

The deal represents the airline’s first partnership of this nature since it officially joined the Oneworld global airline alliance in June 2025.

Under the agreement, passengers will be able to reach Helsinki via London Heathrow Airport, where Oman Air operates 11 weekly flights from its main hub in Muscat.

The partnership will also cover Finnair-operated services connecting Helsinki with Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Milan and Rome, providing passengers with additional options for travelling between major European cities and the Finnish capital.

The agreement extends beyond Europe to Australia, with connections to Melbourne available via Bangkok. Oman Air operates two daily flights to the Thai capital, creating further opportunities for passengers travelling between the Middle East and Australia.

Rohan Patel, Head of Partnerships and Alliances at Oman Air, described the agreement as a significant strategic move towards maximising the benefits of the airline’s Oneworld membership.

He said the partnership had helped Oman Air broaden its customers’ travel options, making it easier for them to reach Helsinki and connect with destinations across Finnair’s wider network.

Source: Oman News Agency

Jazeera Airways has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320neo in Kuwait, marking the start of a major fleet expansion programme as the airline celebrates 21 years of operations.

The aircraft is the first delivery under the carrier’s order for 26 Airbus aircraft. Chief Executive Officer Barathan Pasupathi accompanied the jet on its inaugural flight, J921, from Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France, to Kuwait.

A welcoming ceremony in Kuwait was attended by Jazeera Airways Vice Chairman Mohammad Almousa, representatives of the Kuwait Civil Aviation Authority and Ministry of Interior, as well as the airline’s management and employees.

Almousa said the decision to accept the aircraft on schedule was deliberate, despite Kuwait’s airport having been closed for two months during the year. He noted that the aircraft is owned by Jazeera Airways, financed by Kuwaiti banks and expected to consume around 20% less fuel per seat than the previous generation.

He credited the airline’s employees with maintaining operations through what he described as its most difficult year since its first flight in 2005, adding that the delivery reflected confidence in Kuwait and the airline’s workforce.

Pasupathi described the arrival as a significant milestone, highlighting the company’s commitment to long-term growth, operational resilience and the development of Kuwait’s aviation market.

He said the aircraft acquisition represented more than an addition to the fleet, reflecting the airline’s ambition to strengthen its competitive position through modern aircraft, an improved passenger experience and an expanding route network.

New Aircraft Targets Efficiency and Passenger Comfort

The A320neo incorporates Airbus technology designed to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and lower noise levels compared with previous-generation aircraft.

Passenger features include lightweight, ergonomically designed RECARO seats and larger overhead baggage compartments, providing additional cabin storage and making boarding more convenient.

Jazeera Airways expects the aircraft to support operational efficiency while improving the onboard experience for passengers.

Fleet and Network Expansion Plans

The airline aims to increase its fleet to 50 aircraft by 2030 and expand its network to 100 destinations. Its plans include strengthening existing routes, adding capacity and developing further connections across its markets.

The latest delivery follows a period of significant regional aviation disruption earlier in the year, during which the airline worked to maintain and restore operations.

Jazeera Airways said its broader development strategy focuses on fleet growth, network expansion, digital innovation and continued investment in its workforce and infrastructure.

Pasupathi said each new aircraft would create additional opportunities to connect people, communities and markets. He added that further deliveries would support product improvements and a wider network.

The airline currently operates across more than 50 destinations in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa. It said the new aircraft reinforces its focus on a modern and efficient fleet, accessible air travel and sustainable growth, while contributing to the development of Kuwait’s aviation sector.

Source: TradeArabia

Qatar Airways has reduced its daily flight frequency to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as disruptions continue to affect its services to the Kingdom.

The airline said flights to and from Jeddah International Airport (JED) have been cut from seven daily services to four.

Meanwhile, flights connecting Doha with Riyadh (RUH) and Dammam (DMM) remain suspended through October 24, 2026, inclusive.

Qatar Airways has advised passengers to contact the airline within 48 hours of their scheduled departure to confirm the latest flight arrangements, warning that schedules remain subject to change.

Travellers can also visit the airline’s official website or use its mobile app to manage bookings and access updated flight information.

Source: The Peninsula

Air India has launched a company-wide cost-cutting initiative as financial losses, airspace restrictions and high jet fuel prices add pressure to its turnaround efforts, according to an internal memo from CEO Tewolde Gebremariam to employees.

The airline has established a dedicated cross-functional team to identify savings across its operations and introduced stricter controls on spending approvals. The initiative also includes an employee programme designed to reward ideas that reduce costs or generate additional revenue.

The measures come as Air India seeks to return to profitability and rebuild confidence in its safety standards. The carrier reported a loss of more than $2 billion in the fiscal year ended March and has faced regulatory scrutiny following a fatal crash in June 2025 that killed 260 people.

In August, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters that the airline was seeking approximately $1.5 billion in fresh equity funding from its owners, Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.

Operational Challenges Add to Financial Pressure

Air India has faced a series of operational difficulties, including safety and compliance shortcomings. These have included operating aircraft without valid certifications, while Pakistan's airspace ban and conflict-related disruptions in the Middle East have forced longer flight routes, cancellations and reductions in international services.

The airline's fleet modernisation programme has also encountered obstacles. Shortages of seats and other components have delayed cabin upgrades, while Air India is seeking to defer deliveries of hundreds of aircraft on order to manage expenditure.

These challenges confront Gebremariam as he attempts to overhaul the carrier, which has not reported a profit since returning to private ownership in 2022.

In his memo, the CEO called on employees to make cost-conscious decisions and strengthen accountability throughout the organisation. The new initiative is intended to encourage staff at all levels to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and increase revenue.

The cost-control measures form part of Air India's broader effort to manage financial pressures while addressing operational challenges and advancing its long-term turnaround plans.

Source: Reuters