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Aviation powers 8.5% of Saudi GDP (SR340 million)

The aviation sector contributed $90.6 billion (SR340 million) or 8.5% to Saudi Arabia’s GDP in 2023, according to a new IATA study released during Aviation Day MENA. The report highlights that aviation and aviation-related tourism now support 1.4 million jobs in the Kingdom, including 141,100 direct aviation jobs and 1.1 million tied to tourism. Of those directly employed, 62,000 work for airlines and 79,100 in other aviation services. 

IATA cited major investments in infrastructure, skills training, and global connectivity as drivers for growth with new agreements to train 1,000 aviation professionals recently announced.

Morocco unveils $1.6bn plan to triple Casablanca airport capacity as Royal Air Maroc eyes airbus order

After welcoming 17.4 million tourists in 2024, Morocco has launched a $1.6 billion expansion of Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, aiming to triple annual capacity to 20 million passengers by 2029. The new H-shaped terminal aims to transform the country into a regional aviation hub ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host.

The project includes direct integration with the high-speed rail network, enabling seamless travel between Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, and beyond. Simultaneously national carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is reportedly finalising a deal with Airbus to acquire a mix of narrow- and wide-body aircraft, including the A220 and A320neo families. 

Emirates’ refined First Class experience, records busiest year in baggage handling

Emirates has announced new enhancements to its First Class experience, including luxurious lounge-inspired check-in areas, keepsake menus, gloved service, and unlimited caviar served in elegant bowls. The airline’s private suites offer ample space, innovative technologies, and personalised amenities like mattresses, pillows, and skincare products. First Class customers can enjoy 50kg luggage allowance, complimentary access to luxury lounges, fine dining on demand, a world-class drinks selection, and elevated entertainment with a 32-inch FULL HD LCD screen and premium headphones. On the A380, passengers can look forward to the Onboard Lounge or Shower Spa.

The airline has also confirmed its busiest-ever year for baggage handling, processing over 2.8 million bags per month between April 2024 and March 2025 at an average of 100,000 bags per day to and from 140 global destinations. This represents a 3.7% YoY increase. Emirates achieved a 99.9% baggage handling success rate at its Dubai hub with its mishandling rate at just 1.4 per 1,000 bags, nearly 30 times lower than some other global carriers. Even in cases of delay, 91% of bags are returned to owners within 72 hours, while 94% of lost valuable items in Dubai are recovered and returned within 60 minutes.

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ICYMI

• Beginning 17 September, Turkish Airlines will operate direct daily flights between Istanbul Airport and Seville Airport.
• Air Arabia reported a net profit of $96.6 million (AED 355 million) in Q1 2025, marking a 34% year-on-year increase driven by strong passenger demand and network expansion.
• From 12 May, 2025, Emirates has restricted first-class award bookings to its elite Skywards members (Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers), limiting access for non-elite passengers. 
• EgyptAir continues its fleet modernisation efforts by increasing its partnership with the world’s largest aircraft leasing company AerCap, and signing partnership with Visa.
• Ras Al Khaimah International Airport became the first in the Middle East to implement a thermodynamic energy system, aiming to improve sustainability and energy efficiency.
• Inter Medya’s Turkish TV series will now be featured in Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment catalogue.
• Qatar Airways received two new Boeing 787-9 aircraft in May 2025, enhancing its long-haul fleet capabilities.
• Qatar Cargo partnered with Virgin Australia to expand its cargo network and improve logistics services between the Middle East and Australia.
• RAM launched RHO Airlines, offering what is claimed to be the world’s shortest flight, as part of a marketing activation.

• Dubai Airports engaged employees with interactive workshops themed around ‘Connecting to Our Future’ during the Learning At Work Week 2025.
• Flynas’ $1.1 billion IPO in Saudi Arabia sold out within minutes, marking the first airline IPO in the Gulf region in nearly two decades.
• RX announced the launch of Inter Aviation Arabia, a new aviation event set to take place in Riyadh in February 2026.
• Tunisair experienced a 6% increase in passenger numbers between October 2024 and March 2025, indicating a rebound in travel demand.
• 1,622 Nigerian pilgrims departed for Madinah as part of the 2025 Hajj, with Owerri Airport recording its first international flight through this operation.