Latest news with #AirTransport
CNA
18 hours ago
- Business
- CNA
IndiGo on a mission to become a global airline: CEO Pieter Elbers
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers shares his vision to make India's fastest-growing carrier a global airline by 2030 in a conversation with CNA's Yasmin Jonkers. IndiGo was the host of the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in India's capital New Delhi.
Travel Daily News
3 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
$1.3 billion in airline funds blocked by governments, IATA reports
IATA reports $1.3 billion in blocked airline funds globally, urging governments to remove barriers hindering timely revenue repatriation. NEW DELHI – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that $1.3 billion in airline funds are blocked from repatriation by governments as of end April 2025. This is a significant amount, although it is an improvement of 25% compared with the $1.7 billion reported for October 2024. IATA urged governments to remove all barriers preventing airlines from the timely repatriation of their revenues from ticket sales and other activities in accordance with international agreements and treaty obligations. 'Ensuring the timely repatriation of revenues is vital for airlines to cover dollar-denominated expenses and maintain their operations. Delays and denials violate bilateral agreements and increase exchange rate risks. Reliable access to revenues is critical for any business – particularly airlines which operate on very thin margins. Economies and jobs rely on international connectivity. Governments must realize that it is a challenge for airlines to maintain connectivity when revenue repatriation is denied or delayed,' said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General. 10 Countries are Responsible for 80% of Blocked Funds 10 countries account for 80% of the total blocked funds, amounting to $1.03 billion. Country Amount USD Million Mozambique 205 XAF Zone* 191 Algeria 178 Lebanon 142 Bangladesh 92 Angola 84 Pakistan 83 Eritrea 76 Zimbabwe 68 Ethiopia 44 *XAF Zone (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon) Country Highlights Pakistan and Bangladesh, previously in the top five blocked funds countries, have made notable progress in clearing their backlog to $83 million and $92 million, respectively (from $311 million and $196 million in October 2024, respectively). Mozambique has climbed up to the top of blocked funds countries, withholding $205 million from airlines, compared with $127 million in October 2024. The Africa and Middle East (AME) region accounts for 85% of total blocked funds, at $1.1 billion as of end April 2025. The most significant improvement was noted in Bolivia, fully clearing its backlog that stood at $42 million at end October 2024.
Mid East Info
4 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Middle East Market Performance – Year to Date - Middle East Business News and Information
Year to Date demand for Middle East, which compares January to April 2025 with January to April 2024, was up 6% in line with global average. The YTD cargo performance for Middle East reflects some challenges – down 5.3% Middle East passenger numbers will double, reaching 530 million in 2043 Middle East passenger numbers will double, reaching 530 million in 2043 Traffic will grow at an average annual rate of 3.9% over the 2023 – 2043 period MEAN Safety: Global Overview: The global accident rate in 2024 was 1.13 per million sectors, up from 1.09 in 2023. That means just over one accident for every million flights. While still below the 5-year average of 1.25, the slight uptick is a reminder that safety progress is not guaranteed—and must be actively defended. MENA saw a positive trend: the all-accident rate dropped from 1.12 in 2023 to 1.08 in 2024. This improvement, although modest, reflects efforts to strengthen oversight, standardize procedures, and invest in safety culture. Continued collaboration between regulators, airlines, and ground operations teams is essential to sustain this momentum Middle East Priorities Two priorities for the Middle East: No country left behind Regulatory harmonization. Aviation in Middle East is not developing evenly Overall, the Middle East is doing well in aviation. But the reality is that the region is not developing evenly. Geopolitical Instability: Ongoing conflicts in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Israel and Lebanon have resulted in prolonged airspace closures and significant disruption to flight operations. These conditions have weakened aviation infrastructure, eroded investor confidence, and limited access to critical markets. Overflight restrictions, particularly around Iranian and Syrian airspace, have forced airlines to reroute—raising fuel consumption, increasing emissions, and extending flight times. Conflict zones also hinder intra-regional connectivity, slowing economic integration and impeding the mobility of people and goods—especially in countries that would benefit most from enhanced air access. Sanctions limit access to aircraft, parts, and finance—isolating some carriers from the global aviation system and hindering safety and growth. GNSS While aviation has shown remarkable resilience amid political uncertainty, its full potential is unlocked in environments that are stable, peaceful, and open to international engagement. Economic Disparity The region contains some of the world's richest and poorest countries, with stark gaps in aviation capacity and investment. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states (e.g. UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia) have built world-class hubs and fleets with strong government backing. In contrast, lower-income countries like Yemen, Lebanon, and Syria face declining infrastructure, underfunded civil aviation authorities, and outdated fleets. A coordinated regional approach is essential to narrow the gap. Regulatory Harmonization is a Priority for the Region: No Unified Air Transport Market in the Middle East: There is currently no overarching framework allowing airlines to operate seamlessly across the Middle East. A more coordinated approach could enhance connectivity, efficiency, and economic integration. Fair and Proportionate Consumer Protection Regulations: Smart regulation that follows global best practices and industry standards is essential for aviation to thrive. Ineffective consumer legislation from Europe and the United States should not be imported. Consumer protection regulations must be fair and proportionate. Enhancing Maintenance and Safety Oversight: Differences in national regulations for MRO operations mean that certifications obtained in one country may not be recognized in another. This lack of mutual recognition creates barriers for MRO providers seeking to operate across multiple Middle Eastern countries, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs. Cost-Effective And Timely Investment In Infrastructure Through Smart Regulations: Airport and infrastructure development is guided by diverse economic regulation models. A regionally informed approach could help ensure infrastructure is cost-effective, scalable, and airline-friendly. A regulatory framework that balances ambition with economic sustainability is key. An example is Saudi Arabia's aviation transformation strategy which is driven by growth without overburdening operators. Government Support Essential to Unlock Aviation's Full Potential in Middle East There are varying degrees of prioritization of aviation in the Middle East. A unified and collaborative approach will support in bridging the gap between countries and strengthen the region's role in aviation. Five priority areas to address are: Evolve Towards a More Integrated Air Transport Market: Foster greater regional collaboration on air service agreements to improve connectivity, reduce fragmentation, and enable more flexible route development. Fair and Proportionate Consumer Protection Regulations: Work towards a consistent baseline that follows ICAO principles, global industry best practices and standards of passenger rights across the region—ensuring travelers experience fair, transparent treatment no matter where they fly. Advancing Cost-Effective And Timely Investment In Infrastructure Through Smart Regulations: Promote infrastructure development that is cost-effective, scalable, and aligned with long-term traffic growth—ensuring airports and air navigation services remain accessible and affordable. Enhance Maintenance and Safety Oversight: Encourage mutual recognition of maintenance standards, training, and certifications to ensure consistent safety and support airline efficiency across borders. Support the Reintegration of States Emerging from Sanctions: Create pathways for the safe and structured return of states into the regional aviation system—facilitating access to aircraft, financing, and international standards while prioritizing safety and alignment.
