FlightGlobal
• David Kaminski-Morrow
Emirates’ net profit for the six months ended September 2026 fell 66% to $889 million amid regional airspace closures and travel disruption linked to the war with Iran. The carrier remained profitable largely because of $1.9 billion in fuel-hedging gains, which offset soaring jet-fuel costs.
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Emirates’ net profit for the six months ended September 2026 fell 66% to $889 million amid regional airspace closures and travel disruption linked to the war with Iran. The carrier remained profitable largely because of $1.9 billion in fuel-hedging gains, which offset soaring jet-fuel costs.
Middle East Airlines has restored service between Beirut and Riyadh after suspending operations for three weeks following Houthi rebel attacks on a Saudi Arabian airport. The restart returns the route to MEA’s network, though the reported suspension underscores how regional security incidents can interrupt airline operations.
Chinese commercial firm Star Vision has signed agreements covering the development, launch and operation of an AI-enabled satellite constellation for Oman. The announcement signals a commercial space partnership between a Chinese provider and an Omani customer, though the agreements’ scope, schedule and constellation size were not specified in the article.
Boeing’s 2026 Commercial Market Outlook projects Middle East passenger traffic will increase 4.3% annually over the next 20 years, despite industry headwinds, and forecasts the region’s commercial fleet will double by 2045. The outlook links that growth to demand supporting trade, tourism and commerce.
The Royal Air Force says its General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Protector RG1 fleet has passed 1,000 flight hours while deployed to the Middle East. The service describes the Reaper successor as a vital intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance asset, marking an early operational milestone for the aircraft.
Qatar Airways is leasing Heathrow airport slots from Oman Air, adding access to capacity at one of Europe’s busiest hubs. The available report does not specify the number of slots, lease duration or the routes Qatar Airways plans to operate using them.
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