Politics and Aviation in the Gulf Region

June 6, 2025By ePlane AI

Politics and Aviation in the Gulf Region

Recent developments in the Gulf aviation sector underscore the strategic role of aircraft orders as instruments of regional diplomacy and economic planning. The substantial commitments made by Gulf carriers not only demonstrate their ambitions for fleet expansion but also highlight the broader geopolitical and commercial forces shaping the industry.

Strategic Aircraft Orders Amid Manufacturing Challenges

Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways have collectively placed an order for 238 jets from Boeing, a significant move given the ongoing production challenges faced by the manufacturer. Etihad alone accounts for 94 aircraft on order, divided between 53 Boeing jets and 41 from Airbus. While the headline value of these combined orders exceeds $110 billion, consultancy firm Ishka estimates the actual deal value to be closer to $31.5 billion, reflecting negotiated discounts and prevailing market conditions.

This surge in orders builds upon a pre-pandemic foundation where Gulf carriers—including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Flydubai—had already committed to over 500 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus. The latest announcements add nearly half that number, despite persistent manufacturing delays and a global backlog that continues to challenge delivery schedules.

Aviation as a Diplomatic and Economic Tool

Industry experts emphasize that aircraft purchases in the Gulf extend beyond commercial considerations. John Grant, partner at Midas Aviation, describes aviation as “a high-profile statement of cooperation,” illustrating how these transactions serve broader political and economic objectives. In this context, aircraft orders become symbols of regional collaboration and competition, reflecting the intertwined nature of diplomacy and commerce in the Gulf.

Manufacturing Backlogs and Delivery Delays

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports a backlog exceeding 17,000 aircraft orders worldwide, a significant increase from the 10,000 to 11,000 orders recorded before the pandemic. This backlog translates into an average wait time of approximately 14 years for new aircraft. Although 1,692 deliveries are expected in 2025—the highest annual figure since 2018—this number remains 26% below earlier projections.

Delays have notably affected flagship models such as the Boeing 777X. Emirates CEO Tim Clark anticipates the first delivery between late 2026 and early 2027, a postponement from the original 2020 schedule. Meanwhile, Flyadeal CEO Steven Greenway has publicly criticized Airbus for delivery delays, describing them as “inexcusable” and lamenting the lack of transparency that complicates operational planning.

Airbus’s recent delivery performance reflects these challenges. In May 2025, the manufacturer delivered 51 aircraft, marking a 4% decline compared to the previous year. Total deliveries for the first five months of 2025 stand at approximately 243 jets, representing a 5% year-over-year decrease.

Industry Perspectives on Future Outlook

John Grant of Midas Aviation notes that while Gulf airlines may hope to accelerate deliveries, such outcomes depend on cancellations or queue-jumping—scenarios that appear unlikely in the current market environment. Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, underscores the significant backlog and the difficulties manufacturers face in meeting global demand, factors that continue to influence the pace of aviation recovery.

Despite these uncertainties, regional airline leaders remain optimistic. Executives from Emirates, Etihad, and Flydubai acknowledge the challenges in delivery timelines but express confidence in their ability to expand fleets over the coming decade, reinforcing the Gulf’s position as a pivotal hub in international aviation.

The Gulf’s aviation sector remains a critical intersection of geopolitical strategy and economic ambition. Aircraft orders serve not only as commercial transactions but also as potent symbols and tools of regional cooperation and competition, shaping the future trajectory of global air travel.

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Airbus Commercial Aircraft Deliveries Fall Short Again in May

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Delivery Data Indicates Progress for Boeing’s MAX

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Airbus Confirms 12 A350 Orders for IAG in May Despite No New Orders

Airbus Confirms 12 A350 Orders for IAG in May Despite No New Orders Order Activity and Customer Disclosures Airbus reported no new aircraft orders in May, maintaining a steady order book with net orders for 2025 holding at 215 aircraft. The company also confirmed that a previously undisclosed order placed on March 6 for twelve A350 aircraft—comprising six A350-900s and six A350-1000s—belongs to International Airlines Group (IAG), specifically its subsidiaries British Airways and Iberia. This confirmation follows IAG’s public disclosure of the order on May 9, which was announced alongside plans to acquire 34 A330-900s (21 firm orders and 13 options) and 42 Boeing 787-10s (32 firm and 10 options). Notably, the A330-900 order has yet to be reflected in Airbus’s official backlog. On the same day, Airbus recorded an order from another undisclosed customer for 13 A320neo and 17 A321neo aircraft, though the identity of this airline remains confidential. With no cancellations reported in May, Airbus’s gross orders stand at 291 after adjustments that removed one A220-100 and 75 A320neo aircraft from its books. Deliveries and Wizz Air’s First A321XLR In May, Airbus delivered a total of 51 aircraft across a range of models to various customers. These deliveries included one A220-100 to private aviation operator Comlux, four A220-300s, one A319neo, Air China’s first A319neo, 11 A320neos, 28 A321neos, three A330-900s, and three A350-900s. A highlight of the month was the delivery of Wizz Air’s first A321XLR, registered as G-XLRA, to its UK subsidiary. The aircraft arrived at London Luton Airport on May 20 before being transferred to London Gatwick Airport, where it commenced commercial service on a flight to Athens. In the days following, the A321XLR also operated flights between London Gatwick and Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport. Several US carriers, including Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines, also received new Airbus aircraft during May. Despite ongoing trade tensions between the European Union and the United States—rooted in policies from the Trump administration—demand remains resilient. Delta Air Lines notably took delivery of four aircraft, including one A321neo, underscoring continued interest in Airbus products amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Texarkana College and FAA Safety Team Recognize Aviation Excellence at Regional Airport

Texarkana College and FAA Safety Team Honor Aviation Excellence The Little Rock FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam), in collaboration with Texarkana College’s Aviation Technology program, will host a distinguished ceremony on June 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The event will take place at the Texarkana College Department of Aviation Hangar, located at 60 Globe Avenue, Texarkana, Arkansas. It aims to recognize outstanding contributions to aviation through the presentation of the Wright Brothers Master Pilot and Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Awards. The aviation community and media are invited to attend and celebrate the achievements of these exemplary professionals. Celebrating Distinguished Pilots and Mechanics The ceremony, led by Jamie Black, FAASTeam Program Manager at the Little Rock Flight Standards District Office, will honor several recipients for their exceptional dedication and service. The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award will be presented to Jim Collom, Randy Williams, Tevis Pappas, Gary Walker, and Jerry Browning. This award recognizes pilots who have accumulated 50 or more years of piloting experience or combined expertise in piloting and aircraft operations. Named after Orville and Wilbur Wright, pioneers of controlled, powered flight in 1903, the award pays tribute to their legacy of innovation and the advancement of fixed-wing aircraft controls. The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award will be bestowed upon Jim Collom, Randy Williams, and Perry Hodgson. This accolade honors senior mechanics with 50 or more years of civil and military maintenance experience. Named after Charles Taylor, the Wright brothers’ mechanic who engineered the engine for their first successful aircraft, the award acknowledges a lifetime of excellence in aviation maintenance. Texarkana Regional Airport, renowned as the premier maintenance relief airport in the Ark-La-Tex region, proudly upholds this tradition of mechanical expertise. Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Texarkana Regional Airport will be represented by 34 students from Texarkana College’s newly established Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) program. These students will attend the ceremony to draw inspiration from the award recipients, whose careers exemplify the high standards of skill and dedication that have long defined the local aviation community. Brandon Sanders, Director of Aviation Technology at Texarkana College, emphasized the significance of the event, stating that it offers a unique opportunity for students to connect with the legacy of excellence fostered at the airport. He noted that the ceremony aligns with the college’s mission to provide high-quality education that prepares students for impactful careers in aviation maintenance. Established in 1928, Texarkana Regional Airport has a storied history as a hub for aviation maintenance and repair. Its reputation for producing highly skilled aviation mechanics has attracted numerous maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) companies seeking a qualified workforce. The partnership between Texarkana College and the airport continues to strengthen this legacy, ensuring the region remains a vital center for aviation expertise and innovation.

Riyadh Air Plans to Acquire Airbus A350-1000 as Flagship Aircraft

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VAI Calls for Prompt FAA Review of Low-Altitude Vertical Flight Routes

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Airbus Records No Commercial Aircraft Orders in May 2025

Airbus Records No Commercial Aircraft Orders in May 2025 Airbus has reported an unprecedented absence of commercial aircraft orders for May 2025, according to its latest monthly update. The manufacturer did not secure any new contracts during the month, a development that has drawn attention within the aerospace industry. While the exact reasons for this pause remain unclear, analysts suggest that Airbus may be strategically withholding announcements in anticipation of a significant influx of orders at the forthcoming International Paris Air Show scheduled later this month. Delivery Performance Amid Industry Challenges In addition to the order report, Airbus released its delivery statistics for May 2025, revealing that 51 aircraft were delivered to 32 customers. This figure represents a slight decline compared to May 2024, when 53 aircraft were handed over to 43 customers, and a more pronounced decrease from May 2023, which saw 63 deliveries to 36 customers. The year-on-year reduction from May 2024 to May 2025 amounts to a 4% drop in deliveries. Among the notable deliveries last month were Wizz Air’s first Airbus A321XLR and Kuwait Airways’ inaugural A321neo, marking important milestones for both carriers. Despite these achievements, Airbus’s total deliveries for the year to date stand at 243 aircraft, falling significantly short of its annual target of approximately 820 commercial jets. Both Airbus and its primary competitor, Boeing, continue to grapple with substantial challenges in meeting their delivery goals. Persistent supply chain disruptions, particularly concerning engine availability, remain a critical bottleneck that hampers production schedules. These ongoing difficulties highlight the broader pressures facing the aerospace sector as it strives to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and adjust to shifting market demands.

The Capabilities of the Boeing 777

The Capabilities of the Boeing 777 Introduction to the Boeing 777 The Boeing 777, commonly known as the "Triple Seven," stands as Boeing's flagship long-range wide-body aircraft, having assumed this role following the cessation of Boeing 747 production. Initially conceived to fill the gap between the Boeing 767 and the Boeing 747, the 777 was designed primarily to replace older trijet models such as the Douglas DC-10. The aircraft was launched in 1990 after extensive consultations with eight major airlines. Its maiden flight occurred in June 1994, and it entered commercial service the following year with United Airlines. The 777 is distinguished by several advanced features, including the largest engines ever fitted to a commercial airliner, raked wingtips, six-wheel main landing gear, and a circular fuselage. It also incorporates fly-by-wire controls and a composite tail structure, underscoring its technological sophistication. Engine Power and Performance While some of the largest intercontinental aircraft, such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380, are powered by four massive turbofan engines, the Boeing 777 is unique in its use of two exceptionally powerful General Electric GE90 turbofan engines. These engines are the most powerful currently in operation on commercial aircraft, capable of producing over 110,000 pounds of thrust. This remarkable power enables the 777 to operate as the most capable twin-engine jet in the skies today. Early variants of the 777 included the 777-200, the longer-range 777-200ER, and the stretched 777-300, each powered by various engines. Later models, such as the 777-300ER and the ultra-long-range 777-200LR, standardized on the GE90 engines, enhancing their range and payload capabilities. The Future: Boeing 777X Building on the success of earlier models, Boeing is developing the third generation of the 777 family, known as the 777X. This advanced iteration features composite folding wings and is powered by the new GE9X engines, which promise even greater efficiency and thrust. Scheduled to enter service in 2026, the 777X is designed to accommodate between 301 and 368 passengers in a typical three-class configuration and boasts a maximum range of 8,555 nautical miles. By April 2025, Boeing had recorded over 2,300 orders for the 777 family and delivered more than 1,700 aircraft, making it the best-selling wide-body jet in commercial aviation history. The 777’s combination of power, efficiency, and capacity positions it as a cornerstone of modern long-haul air travel and a key player in the future of high-capacity aviation.

TP Aerospace Signs Agreement with Supernova for Wheels and Brakes

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The Most Powerful Commercial Aircraft Engines in Use Today

The Most Powerful Commercial Aircraft Engines in Use Today Aircraft engines are indispensable to flight, providing the necessary thrust to propel planes forward. The commercial aviation industry relies on a range of powerful engines produced by leading manufacturers such as Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, and GE Aerospace. This article examines the seven most powerful commercial aircraft engines currently in operation, highlighting their manufacturers and the aircraft models they power. Engine Alliance GP7000: Seventh Most Powerful The Engine Alliance GP7000, a product of a joint venture between General Electric and Pratt & Whitney, ranks as the seventh most powerful commercial aircraft engine with a maximum thrust of 74,000 pounds. It was developed specifically for the Airbus A380, alongside the Rolls-Royce Trent 900. The GP7000 completed its first test flight on the A380 in August 2006 and entered commercial service a year later with Singapore Airlines on a route from Singapore Changi Airport to Sydney Airport. Today, approximately 60% of the world’s Airbus A380 fleet is equipped with GP7000 engines. Emirates stands out as the largest operator of the A380, maintaining a fleet of 116 aircraft based at Dubai International Airport. The airline’s A380s vary in passenger capacity depending on cabin configuration, accommodating between 468 passengers in a four-class layout and up to 615 in a two-class setup. Rolls-Royce Trent 1000: Sixth Most Powerful Manufactured by Rolls-Royce, the Trent 1000 engine delivers a maximum thrust of 81,000 pounds, making it the sixth most powerful commercial aircraft engine globally. This high-bypass turbofan engine is one of two engine options available for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a modern widebody aircraft that has gained widespread popularity among airlines worldwide. The Trent 1000 entered commercial service in October 2011, powering the first Boeing 787 delivered to Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA). Despite its advanced design and efficiency, the engine has faced technical challenges, notably corrosion-related fatigue cracking in the intermediate-pressure turbine blades, first identified in 2016. ANA remains the largest operator of the Boeing 787, with a fleet of 86 aircraft spanning the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 variants. United Airlines and American Airlines follow closely behind, with 77 and 61 Dreamliners respectively, underscoring the engine’s significant presence in global commercial aviation.

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