Airbus touts plane orders, Boeing focused on crash probe at air show
But Boeing chief executive Kelly Ortberg said last week he was cancelling plans to attend the biennial event to spend time on the probe into the 787 Dreamliner crash.
'Our focus is on supporting our customers, rather than announcing orders at this air show,' a Boeing spokeswoman told AFP at the trade fair in Le Bourget.
The London-bound Dreamliner crashed shortly after take off in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad, killing 241 passengers and crew and another 38 people on the ground. One passenger survived.
For its part, Airbus announced that Riyadh Air, an airline founded in 2023, placed a 'firm' order for 25 wide-body, long-range A350-1000 aircraft.
The deal would be worth more than $9 billion under 2018 catalogue prices -- which Airbus has since phased out as final sale prices vary according to contract terms and the version of an aircraft.
The Riyadh Air deal could rise to 50 planes, Airbus said.
Saudi aircraft leasing company AviLease placed a separate order for 30 single-aisle A320neo jets and 10 A350F freighters in a deal worth around $7 billion.
The deal could rise to 22 A350F cargo planes and 55 A320neo aircraft.
Polish airline LOT -- which has traditionally purchased planes from Boeing and Brazilian manufacturer Embraer -- picked Airbus for the first time, ordering 40 A220 planes worth $3.4 billion. Embraer announced that the Portuguese government had ordered a sixth KC-390 Millennium military transport plane after buying five in 2019.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
2 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Suspends Four Umrah Firms, Fines Others Over Pilgrim Housing Violations
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended four Umrah companies and imposed financial penalties on several others after uncovering violations related to inadequate accommodation services for pilgrims. The disciplinary measures follow a series of unannounced field inspections conducted to ensure Umrah service providers are meeting the contractual obligations outlined in their approved programmes. The ministry found that a number of companies had failed to deliver the housing standards promised to pilgrims, in breach of prior agreements. 'These violations contradict the service commitments agreed upon with providers and are not aligned with the standards we expect for pilgrims,' the ministry said in a statement. 'Ensuring the comfort, safety, and dignity of pilgrims remains our top priority.' The penalties vary depending on the severity and recurrence of each violation. In addition to the suspension of four firms, other companies were fined, though the ministry did not disclose the exact amounts. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict compliance across the sector. 'Negligence or failure to meet contractual duties will result in firm legal consequences,' the statement added. The inspections are part of ongoing efforts by Saudi authorities to elevate the overall experience of pilgrims visiting the Two Holy Mosques, particularly in light of the Kingdom's goals to expand and enhance religious tourism under Vision 2030. The ministry urged all licensed companies to adhere to the approved regulations and timelines, stressing the importance of delivering high-quality services throughout every phase of the pilgrim's journey.
Gulf Insider
2 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
UAE Summer Airfares To London, Istanbul, New York Crash - Tickets As Low As Dh1,300
For the first time in years, a last-minute getaway during the busy summer months of July and August is possible even for budget-conscious UAE travellers. For example, connecting Economy airfares from Dubai to London are available for a price as low as Dh1,300 – a sharp drop from the highs of Dh2,500 (one connection) from last year. Fares from Abu Dhabi to global holiday destinations are even more affordable compared to ticket prices for flights departing from Dubai International Airport. For example, tickets from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai are available for Dh708 for travel between July 15 and 31. 'We are seeing a much more manageable increase in airfares this July,' said Rashid Abbas, Managing Director of Arooha Travels. 'In some cases, fares to some CIS and Indian destinations have dropped to lows of Dh610 to Dh800. The prices are certainly more attractive than what travellers have had to contend with in the last couple of years,' he said. Are these airfares the lowest since 2020? 'Yes and no. In some cases, the fares are dramatically low. However, to certain European destinations, travellers still need to shell out Dh2,500 to Dh3,800 for a last-minute ticket. Still, it is far lower than the prices we have been seeing since 2022, where ticket prices rose to exorbitant levels,' said Abbas. 'If you are seeking a direct flight from Dubai to London, Stockholm, Lisbon or Barcelona, fares are still in the Dh2,500 to Dh3,000 levels. However, some European destinations, especially flights operated by budget carriers (Eurowings, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi), are selling tickets from Dubai to Paris for Dh2,815, for example. Flights to Berlin are available for Dh1,860,' said Afi Ahmed, Chairman, Smart Travels. Here are some great last-minute deals for under Dh2,000 for travel from July 15 until 31 From Dubai Dubai to Tbilisi on flydubai Dh1,300 Dubai to Istanbul on AJet Dh653 Dubai to Chisinau, Moldova on Wizz Air Abu Dhabi Dh538 Dubai to Cairo on Air Arabia Express Dh1,430 Dubai to New York on United Airlines Dh2,945 Dubai to Bangkok on Emirates Dh3,763 (direct) From Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi to Yerevan on Etihad Dh618 Abu Dhabi to Manama on Etihad Dh415 Abu Dhabi to Muscat on Etihad Dh485 Abu Dhabi to Istanbul on Etihad Dh1,006 Abu Dhabi to Athens on Etihad Dh1,635 From Sharjah Sharjah to Istanbul on AJet Dh706 Sharjah to Doha on Qatar Airways Dh755 Sharjah to Tbilisi on Air Arabia for Dh1,432 From Ras Al Khaimah RAK to Mumbai on IndiGo Dh742 RAK to Istanbul on AJet Dh653 According to travel agents, one of the main reasons for the drop in fares is the changing behaviour of UAE residents when it comes to travel. 'For example, couples and bachelors usually plan their trips home during off-peak months to take advantage of cheaper airfares,' said Sapna Aidasani, Head of Marketing at Pluto Travels. 'People are no longer travelling for one to two months at a stretch, but rather for shorter durations of two to ten days. Travellers are now returning sooner.' She said the trend has changed towards shorter trips, typically a week, ten days, or fifteen days. 'On return, they break their holiday again and are opting for destinations closer to the UAE, such as Azerbaijan or Schengen nations (if visa allows). Africa is also gaining popularity. Many residents have adjusted their travel plans and are now considering destinations beyond India,' Sapna added. Moreover, corporate leaves rarely exceed twenty days, and employees prefer to break up their travel into two to three trips a year. She said Dubai residents generally prefer not to stay away from home for extended periods, usually returning by the first week of August. 'They then plan their subsequent trips during the winter or Diwali, often breaking their summer travel into two shorter holidays,' she said.
Daily Tribune
6 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Gulf Anchor
TDT | Manama Bahrain Engages Saudi, US Ambassadors His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Deputy King, met with the ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and the United States yesterday at Riffa Palace, reinforcing Bahrain's position as a trusted partner in both regional and global diplomacy. The separate meetings with His Excellency Naif bin Bandar Al-Sudairi, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, and His Excellency Steven C. Bondy, Ambassador of the United States, underscored Bahrain's close ties with both nations and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and development. Bilateral strength In his meeting with the Saudi envoy, His Royal Highness reaffirmed the enduring strength of Bahrain–Saudi relations, rooted in historical ties and sustained by growing cooperation across multiple sectors. HRH credited the guidance of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for driving this partnership forward, and highlighted the support of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. His Royal Highness noted that joint initiatives and multisectoral cooperation between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia continue to expand, reflecting the two kingdoms' alignment on regional priorities. Strategic alliance Later that day, HRH the Deputy King met with the US Ambassador, HE Steven C. Bondy. During the meeting, His Royal Highness praised the historical partnership between Bahrain and the United States, reinforced by agreements such as the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA). HRH described C-SIPA as a key framework in advancing cooperation across multiple domains. His Royal Highness also stressed the critical role of the United States, together with its partners, in supporting regional security and sustainable development efforts. Discussions included regional and global issues of common interest. Shared priorities In both meetings, His Royal Highness highlighted Bahrain's commitment to deepening ties with its strategic allies and supporting stability and progress in the region. The presence of HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, at both engagements further reinforced the significance of the diplomatic consultations. These twin meetings on the same day reflect Bahrain's active diplomatic engagement and its growing role as a convening space for strengthening international cooperation.
