AVIATION-

Qatar Airways has received its second Boeing 737-8 and is set to receive another seven by the end of July, according to a press release. The new aircraft has undergone post-delivery maintenance and is now being used for pilot training. The airline is looking to use the new aircraft to augment its fleet of narrow-body aircraft and drive growth, particularly in short-haul routes within the GCC, the release added.

Saudi Flynas expands its fleet: Saudi carrier Flynas has received two new Airbus A320neo narrow-body airliners and one wide-body Airbus A330, according to a press release. This is the second batch of 19 aircraft slated for delivery in 2023 as part of a USD 10 bn 120-aircraft order from Airbus. With this latest delivery, the carrier's fleet stands at 48 aircraft, up from the 26 it had at the end of 1Q 2021. The airline plans to add 10 new routes and destinations in Asia and Europe by June, CEO and Managing Director of Flynas Bander Almohanna added.

Etihad Cargo teams up with Descartes, Jettainer to enhance shipment tracking: Etihad Cargo has teamed up with logistics tech platform Descartes and Unit Load Device (ULD) management leader Jettainer to enhance air cargo tracking through the use of internet of things (IoT) technology, according to a company statement. Descartes’ new technology — integrated with Jettainer’s — utilizes Bluetooth tags attached to containers, pallets, and ground service equipment to automate the end-to-end tracking of assets. This system provides real-time location information, shipment-level condition data, and chain of custody details. This should allow Etihad Cargo to enhance ground processes, gain more data-driven insights on air cargo transport and conditions, and minimize the number of lost ULDs, the statement said.

Etihad Cargo has also partnered with Netherlands-based strategy consultancy Rotate to develop a data analysis tool to identify sales initiatives that can help the carrier boost its customer service, according to a separate press release. The tool will launch within six months and will be available for purchase by other cargo carriers.

ALSO WORTH KNOWING-

  • International Freezone Authority (IFZA)Dubai license holders can now open a business account with Mashreq Bank “at a click of a button,” after the two inked an agreement to integrate Mashreq’s API with IFZA’s platform. (Press release)
  • FedEx Expresshas launched a “Picture Proof of Delivery” option for express non-signed deliveries in the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait. (Press release)
  • Dubai based retailer and distributor Chalhoub Grouphas signed a lease agreement to operate a facility atSaudi Arabia’s Special Integrated Logistics Zone, the kingdom’s first special integrated logistics zone, which is set to open in Riyadh by mid-2025. (Press release)
  • Jazeera Airwaysis nowthe first Kuwaiti airline to operate direct flights to Tivat, Montenegro, with two flights per week to Tivat Airport starting 28 May. (Trade Arabia)
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