Emirates has reached a new milestone in its cargo operations by becoming the first airline freight carrier to place a converted Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger-to-freighter aircraft into commercial service.

The aircraft, registered as A6-EBK, is scheduled to begin operations with an inaugural cargo flight from Hong Kong to Dubai, transporting more than 100 tonnes of freight.

Designed to enhance cargo efficiency, the converted Boeing 777-300ERSF offers a payload capacity of 100 tonnes and a cargo volume of 811 cubic metres. This represents a 25% increase in cargo volume compared with the factory-built Boeing 777-F freighter. The aircraft also provides 47 pallet positions, adding 10 more pallet positions than the Boeing 777-F, making it particularly well suited for high-volume shipments such as e-commerce goods. Online retail cargo currently accounts for approximately 20% of global air cargo tonnage, with demand expected to continue rising in the coming years.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, said the introduction of the converted aircraft marks another step in the airline's fleet expansion and improves operational flexibility. He noted that converting older Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft enables the carrier to increase cargo capacity while responding to growing global demand for fast and reliable freight transportation.

Abbas added that the airline's expanding fleet of converted freighters, alongside its Boeing 777-F aircraft, has already helped increase its dedicated freighter network from just over 40 destinations in February 2026 to 62 destinations today. He said the expanded network allows Emirates SkyCargo to offer customers greater capacity, flexibility, and improved connectivity through its cargo hub in Dubai.

The converted Boeing 777-300ERSF is the sixth freighter added to the Emirates SkyCargo fleet since March 2026, following the delivery of five Boeing 777-F production freighters.

Under its ongoing fleet expansion programme, Emirates SkyCargo expects to receive five additional Boeing 777-F freighters and one more converted Boeing 777-300ERSF by December 2026. The airline also plans to introduce three additional converted Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft during 2027.

The continued growth of Emirates SkyCargo's fleet and global network reflects the airline's strategy to strengthen its role in international trade by expanding links between production centres, businesses, and key cargo markets across its network spanning six continents.

Source: ZAWYA

Africa’s aviation sector is witnessing a surge in competition as airlines expand fleets, launch new routes and strengthen partnerships to secure a larger share of the continent’s rapidly growing regional travel market.

The push is being driven by the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), increasing economic cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and rising demand for both business and leisure travel. Industry players are leveraging these developments to expand connectivity and position themselves as leading regional carriers.

Airlines are increasingly focusing on intra-African networks as part of broader efforts to improve transportation links, support trade and boost tourism across the continent.

Among the latest developments, Nigeria’s Air Peace is scheduled to launch flights next month from Lagos to Douala, Libreville, Bamako and Conakry, representing one of the airline’s largest regional expansion initiatives in recent years.

Efe Osifo-Whiskey, Air Peace’s Corporate Communications Lead and spokesperson, said the new routes demonstrate the carrier’s commitment to strengthening air links across Africa. He noted that the expansion will provide passengers with more travel options while supporting trade, tourism, investment and regional integration.

Elsewhere, Ethiopian Airlines continues to reinforce its position as Africa’s largest carrier by increasing frequencies across West, Central and Southern Africa. The airline is also evaluating the acquisition of approximately 25 regional aircraft and expanding its multi-hub strategy through investments in partner airlines across the continent.

Kenya Airways is enhancing connectivity through its Nairobi hub by adding more regional services within East and Central Africa while expanding operations to West African destinations as part of ongoing fleet optimisation efforts.

RwandAir is similarly expanding its network, introducing additional routes across West, Central and Southern Africa as it seeks to strengthen Kigali’s role as a regional aviation gateway.

In West Africa, Lomé-based ASKY Airlines continues to target underserved markets. The carrier recently added a Boeing 737 MAX 8 to its fleet, bringing its total fleet size to 16 aircraft and increasing capacity for regional operations.

Nigeria’s United Nigeria Airlines is also preparing for broader regional growth following recent fleet expansion and its membership in the African Airlines Association. Chief Commercial Officer Adedayo Olawuyi said the airline plans to introduce services to Monrovia, Banjul, Dakar, Abidjan and Conakry, with West and Central Africa forming the core of its expansion strategy.

Other Nigerian carriers are also extending their regional reach. Ibom Air recently launched international services on the Uyo–Accra route, while ValueJet has expanded operations with scheduled flights between Lagos and Accra.

Ibom Air Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer George Uriesi described the launch as a significant milestone, highlighting the airline’s ability to offer seamless passenger connections between Abuja and Accra through its Uyo hub.

Industry analysts say the growing number of route launches and fleet additions reflects the increasing influence of SAATM, which is gradually removing market access restrictions and encouraging greater competition among African airlines.

They believe that as carriers continue to invest in new aircraft, expand networks and deepen regional partnerships, passengers will benefit from improved connectivity, easier travel across borders and stronger economic integration throughout Africa.

Source: ZAWYA

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has projected that global air travel will continue its long-term expansion, with annual passenger numbers expected to reach approximately 10 billion by 2045.

In its latest global market outlook released on Wednesday, Airbus forecast average yearly air traffic growth of 3.9% over the next two decades, a trend that would result in passenger volumes doubling compared with current levels. The projection aligns with similar forecasts previously published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

To meet rising demand, Airbus estimates that airlines worldwide will require more than 42,000 new aircraft by 2045. Of these, around 22,240 aircraft will be needed to support market growth, while 19,820 jets will replace aging fleets currently in service.

The aircraft manufacturer also expects wide-body aircraft to account for roughly 19% of future deliveries, reflecting continued demand for long-haul international travel.

Airbus identified urbanization, sustained economic development, and the expansion of middle-class populations as the primary factors driving future growth in air transportation.

The company anticipates that aviation networks will become increasingly decentralized, with growth concentrated not only in major metropolitan centers but also in smaller and medium-sized cities. According to Airbus, this trend is expected to create more direct connections between regional destinations, reducing reliance on traditional hub airports.

As a result, fuel-efficient narrow-body aircraft designed for short- and medium-haul routes are expected to remain the backbone of airline fleet expansion. Airbus noted that market demand is reflected in its current order backlog, which exceeds 9,000 aircraft.

Source: QCAA

Digital Dubai and the Emirates Group have entered into a new collaboration agreement designed to advance Dubai’s digital transformation agenda by broadening the airline group's access to Digital Dubai’s ecosystem of digital services and technology platforms.

The partnership is focused on enhancing employee experiences, increasing operational efficiency, strengthening digital preparedness, and encouraging the exchange of expertise and best practices between the two organizations.

Under the agreement, the Emirates Group will gain access to a range of digital services, enablement platforms, and data and statistics resources. The initiative will also support greater systems integration, improved data sharing, and wider utilization of common digital platforms.

The framework established through the collaboration incorporates high service standards, advanced technical support, and strong information security measures. Officials said the initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader objective of creating a connected, agile, and sustainable digital ecosystem.

Matar Al Hemeiri, Chief Executive of Digital Dubai Government Establishment, said the agreement reflects Dubai’s commitment to building an integrated digital environment through close cooperation between the public and private sectors. He noted that accelerating digital transformation and delivering long-term value depends on combining expertise, capabilities, and digital assets through effective partnerships.

According to Al Hemeiri, the collaboration will expand the use of Digital Dubai’s advanced platforms, products, and capabilities, helping the Emirates Group improve services, boost operational performance, and accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.

He added that the partnership serves as an example of effective integration that benefits both parties while encouraging wider adoption of shared digital platforms. Such efforts, he said, strengthen Dubai’s digital economy and support an innovation-driven environment that reinforces the emirate’s position as a global leader in digital transformation.

Oliver Grohmann, Executive Vice President of Human Resources at the Emirates Group, said the partnership will help streamline processes, enable real-time data capabilities, and remove operational barriers for employees, allowing them to focus on higher-value activities.

Grohmann said the initiative goes beyond improving convenience and efficiency, highlighting Dubai’s ongoing efforts to establish integrated digital foundations that enhance quality of life and support business growth. He added that the Emirates Group is pleased to contribute to a more connected future for its workforce and the wider community.

Source: ZAWYA

Apollo Global Management has made a £5.7 billion ($7.65 billion) approach to acquire British budget airline easyJet, offering shareholders approximately £7.15 per share and eclipsing a competing proposal from investment firm Castlelake.

The higher bid prompted easyJet’s board on Friday to withdraw its support for Castlelake’s earlier £6.90-per-share proposal, which had only recently received preliminary backing from the airline.

Investor reaction was swift, with easyJet shares climbing as much as 15% in early trading to £6.75, their highest level since February 2022. Despite the surge, the stock remained below Apollo’s proposed offer price. Market observers noted that concerns over regulatory approvals had continued to weigh on the share price even after Castlelake’s bid emerged earlier this week.

In a joint statement, Apollo and easyJet said the proposed all-cash transaction would provide shareholders with greater value than Castlelake’s latest offer. Apollo also pledged to pursue all necessary merger-control and European Union subsidy clearances required to complete the acquisition.

Under UK takeover rules, Apollo has until August 7 to submit a formal offer or withdraw its interest. Castlelake faces a separate deadline of August 3.

Apollo indicated that it supports easyJet’s current strategy and intends to continue developing the airline’s low-cost business model. The private equity group also said it plans to retain the easyJet brand by maintaining the existing licensing arrangement with easyGroup, the company founded by airline creator Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou.

The branding commitment could be significant for Haji-Ioannou, easyJet’s founder and largest shareholder. He and his family control around 15% of the airline and receive royalties equal to 0.25% of easyJet’s revenue through the licensing of the “easy” brand.

Castlelake publicly disclosed its interest in acquiring easyJet in May but initially faced four rejections from the airline’s board. However, in late June, easyJet granted the firm access to its financial records in an effort to encourage an improved offer, signalling a willingness to consider a sale at an attractive valuation.

The competing proposals have now positioned easyJet at the centre of a potential takeover battle, with both bidders racing to secure shareholder support ahead of their respective deadlines.

At current exchange rates, $1 equals approximately £0.7447.

Source: Reuters News

flydubai has announced the launch of a daily non-stop service between Dubai and Aleppo, further strengthening its operations in Syria and expanding connectivity between the two countries.

The new route to Aleppo International Airport (ALP) is scheduled to begin on 20 July 2026. With the addition of Aleppo, flydubai will serve two destinations in Syria, alongside the capital, Damascus, reflecting the carrier’s continued focus on improving access to markets with limited direct air links.

Commenting on the development, flydubai Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith said the return to Aleppo represents a significant step in the airline’s growth plans. He noted that operations to the city had been suspended for nearly 14 years and said the new daily service aligns with flydubai’s objective of enhancing Dubai’s role as a global aviation hub through direct connections to underserved destinations.

Al Ghaith added that the route is expected to meet strong demand for direct travel while helping strengthen economic, cultural and family connections between the United Arab Emirates and Syria.

flydubai Chief Commercial Officer Hamad Obaidalla said demand on the airline’s Damascus route has remained strong since flights resumed last summer. He stated that the addition of Aleppo will provide travellers with more options and greater convenience when travelling between Dubai and Syria.

According to Obaidalla, the launch also comes ahead of the peak summer travel season, positioning the airline to accommodate increased passenger demand while further expanding its regional network.

Source: ZAWYA