Market Intelligence: Middle East

F AIR Welcomes First Qatar Airways MPL Cadets in 2025

Czech Republic & Qatar – F AIR, one of Eastern Europe’s largest flight training groups by fleet size, has commenced training for the first cohort of Qatar Airways cadets under the airline’s new Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) programme. The cadets arrived in the Czech Republic and officially began training on 10 November 2025, marking the operational launch of a long-term strategic partnership between F AIR and Qatar Airways.

  • The MPL programme follows a formal five-year training agreement, signed at the Paris Air Show on 19 June 2025 by Qatar Airways Senior Vice President – Flight Operations, Mr. Khalid Issa Al Hamadi, and F AIR CEO, Mr. Michal Markovič.

  • F AIR is now an official MPL training partner for Qatar Airways, supporting the airline’s pipeline for next-generation flight crew.

Statement

  • “We are delighted to welcome the first Qatar Airways cadets to F AIR. This moment represents the start of a long-term collaboration and a shared vision to develop the next generation of world-class pilots” said Michal Markovič, CEO of F AIR

Source: F AIR
Photo Credit: F AIR

Related Posts

Qatar Airways Group Appoints Mr. Hamad Ali Al-Khater as Group Chief Executive Officer

Qatar – Qatar Airways Group has announced the appointment of Hamad Ali Al-Khater as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 7 December 2025. He succeeds Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, marking a senior leadership transition at one of the world’s largest long-haul airline groups.

  • Mr. Al-Khater previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport (HIA), where he oversaw operational safety, infrastructure development, strategic expansion, and passenger-experience enhancement.

  • His earlier career includes senior leadership roles at QatarEnergy, where he led business development, deal execution, and major strategic initiatives.

Statements

  • His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Chairman of the Qatar Airways Group Board of Directors:
    “Qatar Airways Group extends its appreciation to Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer for his service. As we welcome Mr. Hamad Ali Al-Khater, we look forward to building on the strong foundations and expansive global network of Qatar Airways, anchored by our exceptional team in Qatar and around the world. With this leadership transition, Qatar Airways Group reaffirms its commitment to delivering world-class experiences, reliability, and innovation to travellers around the globe.”

Source: Qatar Airways

Related Posts

Saudia Academy and King Abdulaziz University Partner to Bridge Aviation Training and Engineering

Saudi Arabia – Saudia Academy, the aviation training arm and full flight simulator training center of the Kingdom’s national carrier Saudia, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with King Abdulaziz University’s College of Engineering to deepen collaboration in aerospace engineering, research, and talent development. The partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to localize aviation expertise and build national competencies in high-tech sectors.

  • The MoU aims to strengthen joint scientific and applied research efforts, establish cross-institutional research teams, and promote the exchange of technical studies and services.

  • A key initiative includes a bridging program allowing Saudia Academy graduates with diplomas in aircraft maintenance and engineering to pursue further education in the Aerospace Engineering Department at King Abdulaziz University.

  • The agreement supports joint academic and industry engagement through scientific trips, faculty and student exchanges, and collaborative participation in conferences, workshops, and seminars.

  • Both institutions will cooperate on developing and modernizing curricula relevant to aerospace engineering and aviation maintenance.

  • The MoU also covers the training and development of students and faculty, including opportunities for cooperative training and joint capstone projects aimed at real-world aviation applications.

Source: Saudia Academy
Photo Credit: Saudia Academy

Related Posts

Emirates’ Recruitment Team to Attend Pilot Expo 2026 in Brussels

Belgium — Emirates Airlines has confirmed its participation in Pilot Expo 2026, Europe’s leading pilot career and training exhibition, scheduled to take place on 20–21 February in Brussels. The airline is currently actively recruiting for multiple roles, including Direct Entry Captains, First Officers, Cabin Crew, and Engineers.

Source: Pilot Expo
Photo Credit: Emirates

Related Posts

Gulf States Plan Single Aviation Regulator to Harmonise Airspace and Safety Standards

GCC – The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) has announced plans for the establishment of a unified GCC Civil Aviation Authority, a regional regulatory body that will oversee civil aviation operations across all six member states under a single framework. The announcement was made on 3 December 2025 during the 46th GCC Summit in Bahrain by GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi.

  • The new authority would be headquartered in the United Arab Emirates and would serve as the central regulatory and oversight body for the region’s more than 23 international airports and 17 national airlines.

  • The initiative follows recommendations from the GCC Executive Committee for Civil Aviation, which earlier endorsed the formation of a unified authority, the development of a Unified Upper Airspace, and regional Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiatives.

  • A single aviation regulator is expected to strengthen coordination across GCC airspace, reduce operational delays, and enhance air traffic safety and efficiency.

Source: Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf

Related Posts

Airbus Updates 2025 Aircraft Delivery Forecast to 790

Global – Airbus has revised its 2025 commercial aircraft delivery target due to a recent quality issue from a supplier affecting the fuselage panels of its A320 Family aircraft.

  • The updated 2025 delivery target is approximately 790 commercial aircraft, down from previous target of 820

  • In 2024 Airbus delivered 766 aircraft

  • Despite the delivery adjustment, Airbus reaffirmed its 2025 financial guidance:

    • EBIT Adjusted remains at around Euro 7.0 billion.

    • Free Cash Flow before Customer Financing remains targeted at approximately €4.5 billion.

  • The company plans to publish its November 2025 aircraft orders and deliveries on 5 December 2025.

Source: Airbus

Related Posts