Airbus and MTU Aero Engines have announced plans to establish a joint venture aimed at accelerating the development and commercialisation of fully electric hydrogen fuel cell propulsion technology for the aviation industry.

The proposed venture builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two companies during the Paris Air Show in June 2025. Once established, the new company will focus on advancing the design, engineering, testing and certification of hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems intended for future commercial aircraft.

Both manufacturers will contribute engineering expertise, technological capabilities and manufacturing resources to support the venture. The dedicated organisation is intended to streamline development efforts and speed the transition of hydrogen propulsion technologies from research to commercial application.

The agreement remains non-binding and is subject to regulatory approvals as well as the completion of required social consultation processes across Europe and at national levels. The companies expect the joint venture to begin operations in 2027.

Bruno Fichefeux, Head of Future Programmes at Airbus, said the planned company represents the next phase of the partners' shared commitment to hydrogen-powered aviation. He noted that combining the expertise of both organisations would help transform advanced research into certifiable electric propulsion systems while supporting Europe's leadership in next-generation aviation technologies and advancing Airbus' long-term ZEROe programme.

Dr. Stefan Weber, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Technology at MTU Aero Engines, said the collaboration is intended to deliver a safe, reliable and commercially viable propulsion system capable of supporting climate-neutral aviation. He added that the new company would oversee the complete lifecycle of hydrogen fuel cell powertrains, from development and testing to certification and commercial deployment.

Hydrogen is widely regarded as one of the most promising technologies for reducing aviation's long-term carbon footprint, with the potential to reshape air transport in a similar way that electric vehicles have transformed the automotive industry.

The joint venture aims to position Airbus and MTU as leaders in hydrogen fuel cell propulsion by combining Airbus' expertise in commercial aircraft, liquid hydrogen systems and fuel cell technologies with MTU's experience in fuel cell development, engine design, system integration, validation, certification and maintenance.

In addition to propulsion development, both companies said they will continue working to support the growth of a broader hydrogen aviation ecosystem, including the regulatory frameworks and infrastructure needed to enable large-scale adoption of hydrogen-powered flight.

Source: QCAA

Al Alamein International Airport has recorded strong growth in passenger activity this year, with traveller numbers rising by 57% compared with the same period in 2025, as Egypt advances preparations for the second edition of the Egypt International Air Show (EIAS 2026) scheduled for September.

According to Egypt’s Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC), the increase highlights the country's ongoing efforts to strengthen its civil aviation sector through infrastructure upgrades and expanded airport capacity aimed at meeting growing tourism, business and investment demand.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is continuing development projects at Al Alamein International Airport as part of a broader strategy to establish New Alamein City as a major hub for tourism, commerce and international events. The airport is being enhanced to manage higher passenger volumes and support the successful hosting of the upcoming aviation and aerospace exhibition.

EIAS 2026 is being organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, the Egyptian Air Force and the Egyptian Space Agency.

The IDSC said the event is expected to further elevate Egypt’s profile within the global aviation and aerospace sectors while encouraging investment, fostering strategic partnerships and facilitating the exchange of advanced technologies.

Official data showed that passenger traffic at Al Alamein International Airport reached 266,600 travellers in 2026, compared with 169,500 during the corresponding period of 2025. Aircraft movements also increased significantly, rising by approximately 26% to 3,190 flights from 2,540 flights a year earlier.

The airport currently hosts operations from 15 airlines, including Etihad Airways, flydubai, flynas, Air Cairo and Saudia. Its international network has expanded further during the 2026 summer season with the arrival of new carriers such as Romania’s TAROM, Poland’s Enter Air, Bulgaria’s BH Air and Gulf Air.

Authorities expect the number of airlines serving the airport to grow to 26 by the end of the summer season, reflecting rising international interest in Egypt’s North Coast and the growing importance of New Alamein as a destination for tourism, investment and major global events.

Source: Daily News Egypt

Abha International Airport has reached a new operational benchmark after processing more than 130 flights in a single day, setting a record for the highest daily traffic volume in the airport’s history.

The milestone was achieved on July 5, when the airport, managed by Cluster2 Airports, handled a total of 132 flights. The day's operations included 117 domestic services and 15 international flights.

According to Cluster2 Airports, the increase reflects strong travel demand during the summer season, supported by efficient airport operations and a rise in visitor arrivals. The operator noted that the Asir region’s seasonal events, scenic landscapes and cultural attractions have contributed significantly to growing passenger numbers.

The airport operator said the achievement aligns with the goals of the Aviation Programme under Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy. The initiative is focused on increasing airport capacity, improving passenger experience and raising operational efficiency across the Kingdom’s aviation network.

The latest record highlights the continued growth of air travel in southern Saudi Arabia as authorities work to strengthen the country's aviation infrastructure and tourism sector.

Source: TradeArabia

Hamad International Airport (HIA) and Qatar Airways have launched the Fast Pass biometric service, introducing facial recognition technology to streamline the passenger departure experience and reduce reliance on physical travel documents.

Developed in partnership with technology provider SITA, the system enables travellers to pass through key airport checkpoints using facial recognition instead of repeatedly presenting boarding passes or identification documents.

The rollout is among the largest biometric passenger initiatives in the Middle East and one of the most extensive globally, integrating more than 700 biometric touchpoints into a unified travel journey while incorporating security and data protection measures throughout the process.

Passengers can enrol in the Fast Pass programme through self-service check-in kiosks at Hamad International Airport or via the Qatar Airways mobile app. Once registered, they can access dedicated biometric lanes at check-in, baggage drop, security screening and boarding gates, using their face as their boarding credential.

The facial recognition process takes only a few seconds, helping to reduce waiting times and minimise document checks, particularly during peak travel periods. The service is voluntary, with conventional processing remaining available and airport staff on hand to assist passengers.

The introduction of Fast Pass comes as demand for biometric travel solutions continues to grow. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a majority of travellers now favour biometric identification over traditional paper documents.

As part of Hamad International Airport's wider Innovation Roadmap, the new system supports the airport's transition towards more efficient and digital passenger processing. Airport officials said the Fast Pass platform will be expanded to additional touchpoints over time, with plans to make the technology available to other airlines operating from HIA in the future.

Source: ZAWYA

Egypt is expected to reveal the first results of its airport public offering programme before the end of the year, according to a report by the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), citing the regional director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.

The IFC, which is serving as the Egyptian government's strategic adviser on the initiative, said progress has been made in restructuring the programme aimed at increasing private-sector involvement in the management and operation of the country's airports.

The initiative covers 11 airports, with Hurghada Airport among the first facilities planned for offering to private operators.

As part of its advisory mandate, the IFC is carrying out technical and financial evaluations, designing public-private partnership (PPP) frameworks, and promoting investment opportunities to domestic and international investors. The programme aligns with Egypt's broader economic reform strategy and the government's State Ownership Policy Document.

The airport offering initiative is intended to improve operational performance, enhance passenger services and attract fresh investment into Egypt's aviation sector by expanding the role of private operators.

According to NBK, successful implementation of the programme is expected to boost infrastructure investment, strengthen the efficiency and competitiveness of Egypt's air transport industry, and reinforce investor confidence in the country's ongoing economic reform agenda.

Source: ZAWYA