Türkiye-based flight simulator manufacturer Havelsan has successfully completed the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for a Boeing 737 MAX full flight simulator (FFS) commissioned by Turkish Airlines. This marks the third simulator of its kind produced by Havelsan for the national carrier, which already operates six EASA Level D-certified devices.

The partnership between Havelsan and Turkish Airlines extends beyond equipment delivery. Since 2023, the two organizations have jointly operated a Boeing-focused flight training centre in Ankara, providing advanced pilot instruction for the airline’s growing fleet.

“This milestone reflects the strength and continuity of our partnership with Turkish Airlines. Delivering our third Boeing 737 MAX full flight simulator demonstrates our shared commitment to building advanced, reliable pilot training infrastructure that supports the airline’s ongoing growth,” said Mehmet Akif Nacar, Ph.D., CEO of Havelsan.

Havelsan has invested heavily in Boeing-specific simulators, particularly for the fuel-efficient 737 MAX platform, responding to airlines’ increasing focus on modernizing fleets.

The latest achievement coincides with the company’s expansion of its production capabilities. In March 2026, Havelsan began construction on a 17,000-square-meter Simulator Production and Integration Facility in Ankara. Expected to open in 2027, the facility will allow production of over 30 simulators annually while simultaneously supporting development of up to 16 devices.

As Turkish Airlines continues to expand its fleet, Havelsan’s contribution underlines the strategic importance of domestic simulator production in supporting Türkiye’s aviation sector.

Source: ZAWYA

Türkiye-based flight simulator manufacturer Havelsan has successfully completed the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for a Boeing 737 MAX full flight simulator (FFS) commissioned by Turkish Airlines. This marks the third simulator of its kind produced by Havelsan for the national carrier, which already operates six EASA Level D-certified devices.

The partnership between Havelsan and Turkish Airlines extends beyond equipment delivery. Since 2023, the two organizations have jointly operated a Boeing-focused flight training centre in Ankara, providing advanced pilot instruction for the airline’s growing fleet.

“This milestone reflects the strength and continuity of our partnership with Turkish Airlines. Delivering our third Boeing 737 MAX full flight simulator demonstrates our shared commitment to building advanced, reliable pilot training infrastructure that supports the airline’s ongoing growth,” said Mehmet Akif Nacar, Ph.D., CEO of Havelsan.

Havelsan has invested heavily in Boeing-specific simulators, particularly for the fuel-efficient 737 MAX platform, responding to airlines’ increasing focus on modernizing fleets.

The latest achievement coincides with the company’s expansion of its production capabilities. In March 2026, Havelsan began construction on a 17,000-square-meter Simulator Production and Integration Facility in Ankara. Expected to open in 2027, the facility will allow production of over 30 simulators annually while simultaneously supporting development of up to 16 devices.

As Turkish Airlines continues to expand its fleet, Havelsan’s contribution underlines the strategic importance of domestic simulator production in supporting Türkiye’s aviation sector.

Source: ZAWYA

SalamAir is preparing to broaden its route network while maintaining competitive fares, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 and the country’s push to attract more inbound tourism, according to Chief Executive Officer Adrian Hamilton-Manns.

The announcement follows the government’s confirmation of the completion of SalamAir’s acquisition, a strategic move designed to strengthen air connectivity and reinforce the sustainability of Oman’s aviation sector.

Hamilton-Manns described the acquisition as a positive milestone that benefits both national carriers, including Oman Air, allowing each airline to focus on its core markets. He emphasized that SalamAir will continue operating as a low-cost carrier, prioritizing efficiency and affordability.

To support tourism objectives under Vision 2040, the airline plans to increase flight frequencies and launch services to new destinations, providing wider connectivity at accessible fares.

Network Expansion and Key Markets

SalamAir operates both point-to-point and connecting flights, serving routes across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Africa is highlighted as a major growth region, with services to Mogadishu, Port Sudan, and Nairobi, alongside plans to extend further along the East African coast, including Mombasa. Resumption of flights to Khartoum is also under consideration.

Regionally, the airline is exploring additional destinations in Saudi Arabia, Central Asia, and the Levant, as well as secondary cities in Türkiye. In Europe, Vienna currently receives three weekly flights, with plans to increase to daily services. Opportunities in Eastern Europe, including Hungary and Poland, are also under review.

As part of its “blue ocean” strategy, SalamAir will launch flights to Medan, Indonesia, in July, entering a new market.

Fleet Growth and Operational Challenges

Currently operating 15 Airbus A320 family aircraft, SalamAir plans to add three more this year, with deliveries in April, May, and September. The airline continues to face challenges common to the industry, including engine maintenance and supply chain delays, with each repair potentially costing up to $8 million. Hamilton-Manns expressed confidence that technical solutions will mitigate these issues by year-end.

Strong Demand and Market Opportunities

The Indian market represents a major growth opportunity, with potential new services to cities like Trivandrum, Kochi, and Bhopal. The CEO noted strong economic and travel demand in India, describing it as largely untapped.

SalamAir reported a 93 percent on-time performance rate in 2025, although seasonal weather in South Asia remains a challenge.

Customer Service and Digital Transformation

Hamilton-Manns acknowledged ongoing issues with refunds and service delays, emphasizing efforts to automate and streamline processes. The airline is expanding digital customer service solutions, including chatbots and WhatsApp support, to complement traditional call centres.

“Customer care is a critical priority for us. We are investing in improving systems and enhancing passenger experience both digitally and at airports,” he said.

SalamAir transported roughly four million passengers in 2025, with only a small fraction requesting refunds, reflecting the scale of operational demand.

The airline reaffirmed its focus on growth, efficiency, and affordability, positioning itself as a key contributor to Oman’s tourism sector and broader economic diversification goals.

Source: ZAWYA

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has reached a key milestone in its long-haul fleet renewal program with the assembly of its first Airbus A350-900 (MSN 809) at Airbus’ Toulouse facility in France. The aircraft, adorned with KLM’s signature livery, is scheduled for delivery before the end of summer 2026.

The A350-900 represents a major step toward a cleaner and more efficient fleet. Compared with older models, it consumes 25% less fuel and produces 40% less noise, aligning with KLM’s broader €7 billion investment in modernizing its aircraft over the coming years.

MSN 809, equipped with two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines, has reached station 40B on the Final Assembly Line, where wings and landing gear are attached to the carbon-fiber fuselage. The tail, bearing KLM’s iconic logo, is already installed, with winglets and engines to be fitted in a subsequent assembly stage.

A select group of Dutch media visited the Toulouse facility to observe the aircraft’s assembly. Following completion of the exterior paint and testing, MSN 809 will undergo customer acceptance flights before entering commercial service. KLM has also been training pilots in collaboration with Air France and Finnair, and introduced the Netherlands’ first A350-900 flight simulator in October 2025 to ensure crews are prepared.

The aircraft will feature 331 seats across four cabins: 34 Business Class, 26 Premium Comfort, 33 Economy Comfort, and 238 Economy. All seats include USB-C charging, Panasonic Astrova in-flight entertainment, and Viasat connectivity. Electronically dimmable windows, a lower cabin altitude, and advanced aerodynamics are designed to enhance passenger comfort. The cockpit is fully digital, offering pilots new operational tools.

The A350-900 will replace KLM’s aging Airbus A330-200, A330-300, and Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on intercontinental routes. The first plane is expected to serve Toronto and Dar es Salaam, with additional deliveries scheduled through 2027. Its extended range and operational flexibility allow it to cover both the A330 and 777 networks while avoiding Russian airspace.

KLM’s €7 billion fleet renewal also includes the introduction of Boeing 787-10s, Airbus A321neos, and Embraer E195-E2 regional jets. With the A350, next-generation aircraft are projected to account for around 70% of the fleet by the end of the decade. On the cargo side, the Airbus A350F freighter will join Air France-KLM operations in 2027, replacing Boeing 747-400Fs. The modern design reduces fuel consumption per seat and noise output, supporting Amsterdam Schiphol Airport’s environmental standards.

Source: AVIATION A2Z

Qatar Airways has cautioned passengers that refund processing times may be extended due to ongoing operational pressures, while emphasizing that teams are actively working to handle requests as efficiently as possible.

The airline confirmed that travelers holding confirmed bookings with departure dates between February 28 and April 30, 2026, can opt either to request a full refund or modify their travel dates without penalty.

According to the carrier, refunds returned to the original method of payment could take as long as 28 working days to complete. Passengers are advised to monitor their email for updates after submitting a request, as this will provide the latest status of their application.

Qatar Airways noted that reimbursement amounts will reflect the unused portion of the ticket. Any additional services purchased, such as seat selection, will be processed and refunded separately.

Customers looking for further information or support with their bookings are encouraged to consult the airline’s official travel updates portal for the most recent guidance.

Source: Zawya

India is set to abolish temporary limits on domestic airfares from Monday, according to a government directive reviewed by Reuters, as the aviation sector shows signs of recovery and carriers face mounting cost pressures.

The fare restrictions were introduced in December after widespread flight cancellations by leading airline IndiGo led to a spike in ticket prices across the market. The government intervened to stabilise fares during a period of reduced capacity.

In its latest order, the civil aviation ministry said operating conditions have improved, pointing to restored flight capacity and a return to more stable operations. The directive, dated Friday and examined by Reuters on Saturday, has not been officially released. Officials from the ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Airlines had called for the removal of the caps, saying the controls were contributing to substantial revenue losses while operating expenses continued to rise. Higher jet fuel prices, partly driven by the conflict involving Iran, have added to the financial strain.

Although airlines have not disclosed specific loss figures, analysts at HSBC estimate that a $1 per barrel increase in fuel prices could raise IndiGo’s annual fuel costs by roughly 3 billion rupees.

Under the temporary rules, fares for flights up to 500 kilometres were capped at 7,500 rupees ($80.07), while routes between 1,000 and 1,500 kilometres—including New Delhi to Mumbai—had a maximum fare of 15,000 rupees.

Despite lifting the caps, the government has directed airlines to keep ticket prices fair and transparent, ensuring they reflect market conditions without harming passenger interests.

Source: Khaleej Times