Leonardo’s participation at the air show is centered on the future of flight and advanced electronics. Leonardo is a leader in military pilot training, offering a turnkey training solution including platforms, systems and services that guarantees the highest standards of quality at every stage of training to customers worldwide. In the UAE, Leonardo has provided more than 100 helicopters, advanced naval technologies, secure communications, space technologies and training aircraft

Leonardo, the Italian-headquartered global aerospace and defence company, is presenting its revolutionary AW609 tiltrotor for the first time in the region at the 2021 Dubai Airshow (14-18 November). With a stand (booth 530 – UK Pavilion) and an outdoor static area (Pavilion S19) at the event, Leonardo is ready to welcome visitors to see some of its most advanced technologies, including the only tiltrotor in the market set to receive civil certification. Other high-tech equipment on show will include advanced electronics, helicopters and defence technologies.

“In 2019, the Dubai Airshow was the last major Aerospace and Defence event before the pandemic – says Pasquale Di Bartolomeo, Leonardo Chief Commercial Officer –: and this year’s edition, taking place as we start to emerge from the global emergency caused by Covid-19, is going to be an important showcase for Leonardo. We are sure that the event will be a success even in a time of ongoing caution, just like the

Emirati government’s hugely impressive and safe Expo 2020 Dubai which Leonardo is currently proudly contributing to. Our partners in the UAE and in the whole Middle East continue to be of great importance to Leonardo and we believe that the Dubai Airshow will give us the chance to further strengthen these ties and pursue a range of business opportunities.”

That close relationship between Leonardo and its regional partners is behind the company’s choice to present the AW609 tiltrotor at Dubai Airshow 2021, marking its first appearance at an aerospace and defence exhibition outside Europe and the U.S. The AW609 is an impressive feat of engineering: with its ability to change the position of its two rotors in less than 60 seconds, it can take-off vertically like a helicopter while performing in-flight like an aeroplane. Capable of carrying out a variety of missions, from passenger transport and medical care to civil protection and search and rescue, the AW609 can fly at over 500 km/h. It has a range of almost 1,400 km, which increases to over 2,000 km with auxiliary tanks. The AW609, on display at the Dubai Airshow, was flown to Dubai for the opening ceremony of the innovative helicopter terminal, built by Leonardo in partnership with Falcon Aviation Services at the Expo 2020 Dubai site. Here the company also launched ‘Agusta’, reinvigorating the iconic helicopter brand as the marker for Leonardo’s VIP transportation products and services.

At booth 530 in the UK Pavilion, Leonardo will be presenting its gold-standard aircraft protection technology in the form of BriteCloud and Miysis DIRCM as well as advanced electronics for airborne surveillance, represented by its Osprey AESA radar and SAGE electronic support measures system. BriteCloud is a countermeasure for combat, transport and special mission aircraft that provides latest- generation protection from radar-guided surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles. Fired like a flare, it contains a powerful miniature jammer that seduces incoming missiles towards BriteCloud as it falls away from the aircraft, ensuring that the missile detonates far away from its intended target. Then for protection against InfraRed (IR)-guided threats, Leonardo’s Miysis DIRCM uses a high-powered laser to ‘dazzle’ incoming missiles, forcing them away from their intended target. Leonardo’s decades of experience in laser and precision targeting enables this to happen at lightning-fast speed, allowing Miysis to defend against multiple, simultaneous incoming missiles.

Ensuring that aircraft crews have access to the highest level of situational awareness, the Osprey radar offers multi-domain AESA capabilities, meaning it can support a wide variety of missions and provide maximum field of view on a variety of platforms – be they fixed wing, rotary wing or uncrewed. For customers looking for an electronic intelligence capability, the Leonardo SAGE system delivers a unique level of situational awareness to operators. Notably, the system has been integrated into the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. MQ-9B SeaGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) and is being offered to customers as a fully-integrated capability on-board that system.

Leonardo’s technologies have been contributing to the security and defence of the Emirates for over fifty years and the Company continues to work – via its local branch in Abu Dhabi – with the UAE government, Armed Forces and partners. Leonardo technologies have equipped Emiri Armed Forces as far back as the mid ‘70s, with the supply of SF-260 basic trainers and OTO 76/62 naval guns. Since then, Leonardo has provided integrated naval systems for combat management, defence systems, naval radars, fire control systems, missile electronics and military radios for more than 40 ships in the UAE, including Ghannatha, Baynunah, Falaj 2 and Abu Dhabi-class corvettes. Based on this track record, last February Leonardo announced it submitted an offer to Tawazun proposing itself as partner for the design and development of the UAE national Combat Management System, which will be the pillar of the UAE Navy’s future naval assets and it will ensure the legacy for the progressive upgrade the existing fleet. Leonardo high-tech platforms in the UAE include more than 100 helicopters, secure communications applications, space technologies and training aircraft, including the Aermacchi MB-339 jet trainer, chosen for Emirati national aerobatic team Al Fursan. Leonardo is proud that the Al Fursan pilots have trained in Italy, using the company’s aircraft and teaching systems.

In fact, Leonardo is a world leader in the training sector thanks to its M-345 and M-346 and can cover the entire pilot training syllabus. The new Fighter Attack version of the M-346, already delivered to its first international customer, retains all the characteristics of the advanced trainer version while also being a light fighter aircraft capable of carrying out a wide range of operational missions at far lower costs than other front-line fighters. As advanced pilot training continues to be needed in the region, Leonardo is ready to host students at the International Flight Training School (IFTS), a strategic collaboration between the Italian Air Force and Leonardo. Just a few weeks ago the IFTS announced its third customer and an expanded IFTS campus is under construction at Decimomannu Air Force Base in Sardinia. This will be an advanced flight academy able to host students and technical staff, with facilities including accommodation, recreational areas, a cafeteria and sports facilities. Its infrastructure will underpin the operations of a fleet of 22 M-346 aircraft (designated T-346A by the Italian Air Force). An entire building will be home to the Ground Based Training System (GBTS), with classrooms and a modern training system based on latest- generation simulation equipment.

flydubai, the Dubai-based airline, is participating at the Dubai Airshow for the seventh time, joining the static aircraft display with one of its Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The Airshow, which is held from 14 to 18 November, will give visitors the opportunity to experience the airline’s interior and onboard product. In addition, flydubai has unveiled a new livery design feature in celebration of the UAE’s 50^th anniversary and it will take part in the official formation flight at the Dubai Airshow.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “we are delighted to be back at the Dubai Airshow, especially during this historic year in which we celebrate our nation’s 50^th anniversary. As travel begins to open up and the world begins to connect once again, it gives those of us in the aviation industry an opportunity to be optimistic and what better place to share this sentiment than with key stakeholders at the Dubai Airshow. It is also a great platform to showcase our Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft which offers our passengers an enhanced onboard experience and operational efficiencies.”

The aircraft on display is one of flydubai’s 18 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft that is part of its single fleet-type of 55 Boeing 737 aircraft, which also includes 34 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 and 3 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft. With a flying range of 6,560 km, a LEAP-1B engine from CFM international and enhanced fuel efficiency, the MAX is designed to help improve overall fleet performance and operational flexibility. The size of the aircraft has been refined to allow for improved space in the cabin which features the innovative Boeing sky interior. The flowing lines of the gently-sculpted side walls provide a sense of spaciousness making the cabin welcoming and relaxing and the innovative LED lighting system can be adjusted for any ambience requirements. Since its return to service, the airline’s Boeing 737 MAX aircraft have completed more than 23,000 flight hours.

flydubai’s MAX 8 has a configuration of 166 seats, with 156 in Economy Class and 10 in the Business Class cabin, delivering an enhanced onboard experience for passengers through optimised space. The Business Class seat is designed to provide extra space and privacy with its high curved shell providing comfort and a sense of seclusion. It also features a flatbed, and when fully reclined the seat measures 78 inches, allowing passengers to sleep comfortably. The seat is also fitted with a 15.6-inch 1080p HD built-in touchscreen to enjoy a wide range of entertainment. The RECARO economy seat provides comfort through a generous seat pitch for passengers to sit back, relax and enjoy their flight.

To mark the 50^th anniversary of the UAE, flydubai has unveiled a newly designed decal on its aircraft. The new design feature is inspired by the flydubai logo, while the circle breaks into colourful triangles which symbolise the celebration of this important milestone. flydubai’s two primary colours are incorporated in the design; whereby the orange symbolises the sun and sand in the desert and the blue stands for the sky and sea reflecting Dubai’s landscape and coastline.

With travel restrictions gradually easing and more countries opening up for international travel, flydubai has grown its network to more than 95 destinations in 50 countries across Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and South-East Europe, the GCC and the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. The carrier has recently resumed flights to Naples, Prague and Zagreb and has launched operations to Ankara, Budapest, Ljubljana, Salzburg, Sohar and Warsaw.

Passengers who book a flydubai flight to Dubai will enjoy a complimentary 1-day ticket to visit Expo 2020 Dubai, which will take place from 01 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. The initiative is valid for all bookings that were made from 01 January 2020 for travel during the event dates.

Aerobility, the UK’s leading disabled flying charity, is delighted to receive a prestigious Laureate Award, in the business aviation category, from Aviation Week Network.  The award is for Project Able, a collaboration with Germany’s Grob Aircraft SE and the UK’s Southern Sailplanes, backed by the UK Government, which centres on a full refurbishment, new engine, propeller and avionics enhancement of former RAF Air Cadet Vigilant Grob G109 motorgliders.  A number will fly with Aerobility, adapted for disabled flyers and the remaining aircraft will be sold by the charity to support the project and also enable more disabled people to fly.

The Aviation Week Laureates celebrate the people, programmes and technologies that are changing the face of aviation. Sarah Montague, Aerobility volunteer, accepted the award from Bill Carey, Senior Editor Business Aviation, Aviation Week Network during a special ceremony and gala dinner at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, in McLean, VA, Washington DC on Monday evening.

Mike Miller Smith, CEO Aerobility said: “I am delighted that Project Able has been honoured in this esteemed category.   We support anyone with any disability, literally giving them wings. We do this because it challenges our flyers to ask themselves, if I can fly an aeroplane, what else can I do? The effects of learning to fly are felt far beyond the airfield, with greater self-confidence and an enhanced awareness of personal ability.”

That a small charity from the UK, should share a stage with such impressive winners is humbling and perhaps reflective of one of our core beliefs that experiencing the magic and wonder of flight, makes anything possible.

We would like to thank Molly McMillin, Managing Editor Business Aviation and the judging panel at Aviation Week Network for this award and for shining the light on our charity and disabled flying in particular. I would also like to thank our superb team at Aerobility including all our volunteers, whose continued support and dedication have made this possible.”

Aerobility’s Project Able, highlighted in Aviation Week’s June 2^nd issue, Aerobility Launches Grob Program To Increase Disabled Flying | Aviation Week Network, is returning 60  Grob G109 motor gliders to service, each featuring new Garmin avionics, MT Propeller and Rotax Engines. 

Profits from the sale of surplus aircraft will support disabled flying at Aerobility, which takes to the skies with up to 1,000 individuals a year. This includes people with disabilities and serious illnesses, as well as wounded, injured and sick members of the UK’s Armed Forces community. The remaining aircraft will join Aerobility’s fleet, lifting capacity from 1,000 to 2,600 individuals a year.

“With availability for sale globally, our ambition is to inspire a new generation of Grob pilots and encourage pilot training schools, gliding clubs, aviation enthusiasts and others to seriously consider purchasing a Grob G109 ‘Able’ aircraft,” said Mike Miller Smith.  “This recognition is a massive boost to our endeavours.”

Project Able has been gaining momentum in recent weeks. The first completed aircraft made its first public appearance in the UK in August and is scheduled for delivery to its customer in two weeks’ time.  A second will follow shortly.

With a complete airframe overhaul, state-of-the-art Garmin avionics, new Rotax engine and MT Propeller, Grob G109 Able’s performance and handling is hugely enhanced, whilst the fuel consumption is significantly reduced. The updated and re-certified variant of the Grob G109B makes for an exciting and environmentally friendly way to take to the skies. The aircraft is certified to run on the latest biofuels.

For more information, please contact: enquiries@g109able.org or visit www.g109able.org

This November, Dubai Airshow takes thought-leadership to new heights as it introduces 9 tracks packed with sessions covering the full spectrum of aviation, technology, and space. The conferences will cover an array of themes, including the role of new technologies in revolutionising air travel, major changes happening in the cargo sector, global advancements in sustainability and autonomous transportation, in addition to new space services, satellite connectivity and much more.

Global industry leaders will take part in Dubai Airshow’s conferences, including H.E Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government; Javed Malik, Group Chief Operations Officer at AirAsia; Stacy Malphur, Vice President of Environmental Sustainability and Supply Chain at Southwest Airlines; Brian Cobb, Chief Innovation Officer at CVG Airport; Ashish Vikram, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at SpiceJet, and Brian Yutko, Chief Engineer of Sustainability and Future Mobility at Boeing.

The conferences will be split into different stages: The Hub Stage, Aerospace 2050 Forum, and Tech Xplore. The Hub stage will host Global Air Traffic Management and Cargo Connect, exploring how these critical services supported the industry during the pandemic. The Aerospace 2050 Forum will feature a series of tracks dedicated to key growth areas in aerospace including advanced aerial mobility, sustainability and space. In addition, Tech Xplore, the brand new stage, will explore cyber security strategies alongside emerging technologies helping reboot the aviation industry including AI, 5G and automation. Major entities in the fields of technology, aviation, and cargo, will participate in the conferences, including Boeing, Accenture, G42, Air BP, Intelsat, FedEx, Kuehne + Nagel, SmartKargo, NAVPASS and Lilium.

One of the key sessions in Tech Xplore, “Touchless Travel: Leveraging mobile technology to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic”, will show how leading airlines are using advanced mobile technology to make travel safe. Furthermore, as part of the Aerospace 2050 Forum, “Investing in the future of sustainable autonomous flight” panel will shed light on Dubai’s mission to ensure that a quarter of all journeys in the emirate are taken on autonomous transport by 2030, as part of its plan to achieve sustainable aviation.

Chris Raymond, Chief Sustainability Officer at Boeing, said: “It’s apparent that the UAE is committed to creating a more sustainable future and we have collaborated with them on multiple initiatives such as founding the Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC) to develop sustainable aviation fuels. We are also grateful for our partnership with Etihad Airways on the Greenliner programme and the ecoDemonstrator 2020 program, ultimately collaborating to accelerate innovative technologies that further enhance the safety and sustainability of flying for current and future generations.”

Talal Al Kaissi, Vice President of Special Projects and Space Program at Group42, said: “At Group42, we believe that artificial intelligence is the next super utility with a huge potential for positive progress across various industries, globally. Aviation and aerospace is certainly no exception. We look forward to participating at this year’s Tech Xplore to discuss ways in which AI can be leveraged in the sector to increase speed, efficiency, safety and drive the post-pandemic recovery.” 

Dubai Airshow 2021 will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence – from 14-18 November 2021.

For more information about the conferences at Dubai Airshow 2021, please visit https://www.dubaiairshow.aero/conference

The Dubai Airshow 2021, set to take place from 14-18 November 2021, serves as a key indicator of Dubai’s success in overcoming the challenges that the pandemic has posed, and moving in the right direction towards achieving a full recovery of the aviation industry.

Commenting on the progress that Dubai’s aviation sector has made following the pandemic, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group said: “We have crossed many significant milestones this year despite the difficult period. Dubai has been a symbol of resilience and agility in responding to the challenges that the pandemic brought, and we are confident that the collaborative work done by the sector’s key players to restore consumer confidence and boost travel operations will pave the way for a thriving aviation industry. Dubai Airshow 2021 will serve as the ultimate testament to the industry’s steady recovery and growth and firmly establish Dubai as the leading global aerospace hub.”

Major Gen. Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Baloushi, Military Advisor to State Minister of Defence and Executive Director for Military Committee for Dubai Airshow: “For many years we have been collaborating and working closely with different defence delegations from across the world for the Dubai Airshow. This engagement has continued virtually throughout the pandemic, and we are now planning on having in-person meetings and sessions at the Airshow itself. With the positive sentiment within the industry and the appetite for business continuity, we believe the Airshow will provide the ideal event for strategic development and the creation of new partnerships.

Taking centre stage will be the different technologies that enhance safety and accelerate efficiency. They will play a key role in the aviation, aerospace and defence industries getting back to business following the pandemic. A great experience awaits the industry as they once again gear up to network, discuss the future of the industry and do business at the Dubai Airshow. There will be a high number of attendees from the defence industry at the Airshow and we are very much looking forward to meeting them during the event.”

The UAE recently started opening quarantine-free travel corridors with multiple countries across the world, which counts as a major step for bringing a higher influx of travellers and tourists. In addition, Dubai Airports recently re-opened Dubai International’s (DXB)Terminal 1, following a 15-month closure, as part of its plan to ensure the airport’s full operational readiness. DXB is targeting 28 million passengers in 2021.

To be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence, Dubai Airshow 2021 will take place at Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai Airshow Site from the 14-18 November 2021. 

Dubai Airshow 2021 will be held with the support of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports, the UAE Ministry of Defence and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, and organised by Tarsus Middle East. The highly anticipated event will provide a platform where international aerospace and defence entities can gather and convene to drive the recovery of the global aviation and aerospace industry. 

For more information, please visit the website https://www.dubaiairshow.aero/

The General Civil Aviation Authority in the United Arab Emirates signed a bilateral Air Services Agreement, on August 17, 2021 at the GCAA Headquarters in Dubai, with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

The Agreement was signed by His Excellency, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority and His. Excellency Lody Embrechts, Ambassador of The Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Arab Emirates.

His Excellency Saif Mohamed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, who signed the Final Signature of the Air Services Agreement confirmed that the General Civil Aviation Authority aims to conclude open skies agreements to expand commercial and tourism links and support the national carriers of the UAE along with strengthening the economic partnership, commercial companies and tourists through enhancing air transport connectivity and encouraging fair competition.

First enhanced Grob G109B ‘Able’ on show

Aerobility, the UK’s leading aviation charity offering disabled people, without exception, the opportunity to fly, is celebrating the arrival of its new aircraft type, the Grob G109B Able. Its first public appearance, at the Private Flyer GA show, this Friday 6^th August at Leeds East Airport provides a relevant showcase for prospective buyers to view this newly available aircraft type. Aerobility will be both operating the aircraft within its fleet, as well as marketing and selling this enhanced model commercially, in collaboration Grob Aircraft SE and Southern Sailplanes in the UK.

With a complete airframe overhaul, state-of-the-art Garmin avionics, new Rotax engine and MT Propeller, the ‘Able’s’ performance and handling is hugely enhanced, whilst the fuel consumption is significantly reduced. “This updated and re-certified variant of the tried, tested and much loved Grob G109B and its military derivative The Vigilant makes for an exciting and environmentally friendly way to take to the skies,” says Aerobility CEO, Mike Miller-Smith.

Guy Westgate, veteran motor-glider pilot, who gave his time to fly the ‘Able’ from Germany to Leeds describes it as “A fantastic upgrade to a popular, soundly built aircraft.”

Supporting the aircraft’s debut at the show, Mike adds: “Aerobility exists to change lives through the magic of flight. We are very proud to present this new aircraft type which will deliver magic to its owners whilst the proceeds will support disabled aviation. We only have a fixed amount of these aircraft to sell and we hope interest will be high.”

The aircraft flew from Aerobility’s HQ in Blackbushe, Surrey on 4^th August before positioning on the static display, following its arrival from Grob Aircraft SE in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany on 3^rd August.

Boeing [NYSE: BA] today released its first Sustainability Report. In the report, the company shares its vision for the future of sustainable aerospace, establishes broad sustainability goals and highlights environment, social and governance (ESG) progress in alignment with global sustainability standards.

“In September 2020, amidst a global pandemic, Boeing formed a Sustainability organization dedicated to advancing our ESG efforts across the enterprise. As we continue on this journey, we are pleased to publish our first comprehensive report, focused on stakeholder responsiveness and data transparency,” said Boeing Chief Sustainability Officer Chris Raymond. “We know there’s still work to do and are committed to communicating our progress and holding ourselves accountable to ensure the aerospace industry is safe and sustainable for generations to come.”

Boeing’s sustainability efforts are organized around four key pillars: people, products and services, operations and communities. In 2020, highlights across these four pillars included:

• Establishing six broad new sustainability goals in alignment with our key sustainability priorities and stakeholder interests.
• Defining the company’s vision for the future of sustainable aerospace through fleet renewal, network operational efficiency, renewable energy and advanced technology.
• Committing to deliver commercial airplanes capable of flying on 100% sustainable fuels by 2030.
• Partnering with Etihad Airways on the 2020 ecoDemonstrator program, which tested sustainable technologies on one of the airline’s new 787-10 Dreamliners.
• Implementing digital engineering tools on the T-7A Red Hawk program, achieving a 75% increase in first-time engineering quality and an 80% reduction in assembly hours.
• Advancing flight tests for Cora, an all-electric, self-flying air taxi developed by Boeing and Kitty Hawk joint venture Wisk.
• Responding to COVID-19 by executing airlift missions to transport supplies, providing community vaccination sites and minimizing air travel health risks through the Confident Travel Initiative.
• Establishing a 20-member Racial Equity Task Force to represent diverse viewpoints and amplify all voices at Boeing.
• Setting 2030 environmental performance goals to reduce emissions, waste, water use and energy consumption.
• Achieving net-zero carbon emissions at work sites, while reducing energy consumption by 12%, water use by 23%, solid waste by 44% and hazardous waste by 34%.
• Attaining the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award for Sustained Excellence every year since 2010.
• Contributing $234 million in community giving, working with 13,400 community partners and volunteering 250,000 hours.

More information on these and other sustainability accomplishments can be found in the full report.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com. 

Aafaq Islamic Finance, the leading institution in the financial sector that provides financial products and services compliant with Islamic Sharia law, has signed a cooperation agreement with Al Jazira Aviation Club in of Ras Al Khaimah to provide the best unparalleled financing solutions for club members wishing to purchase light aircraft of various types.

The cooperation agreement was signed by Captain Adel Yousef Al Zaabi, responsible manager of Al Jazira Aviation Club and Mr. Rashid Mahboob Al Qubaisi, CEO of Aafaq Islamic Finance, who praised this step that encourages hundreds of young people, citizens and residents to practice the hobby of flying light aircraft over UAE landscapes.

The agreement effectively builds and strengthens relations between the two parties and provides club members activities that promote sports in the country and provide social and development services to the public who deal with the club while Aafaq provides financing programs and facilities to club members wishing to finance the purchase of their own light aircraft.

Rashid Mahboob Al Qubaisi, CEO of Aafaq Islamic Finance said: “We are honored to be in Ras Al Khaimah to extend our appreciation and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the Union, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, for all the generous care that he entrusts and Crown Prince, Sheikh Muhammad bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, for looking after the welfare of all.

He added, “After signing a memorandum of understanding recently with the “Saud Bin Saqr Foundation for Youth Enterprise Development”, we at Aafaq Islamic Finance are pleased to announce our cooperation with the Al-Jazira Aviation Club, to support the youth and their ambition to purchase a light aircraft at competitive financing rates. Following the approach of our wise leadership, we encourage our young people to engage in hobbies.”

Captain Adel Youssef Al Zaabi said: “We extend our sincere thanks to His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, for his continuous interest in everything that enhances the emirate’s position as a vibrant tourist destination and we also thank the Club’s President, Sheikh Omar bin Saqr Al Qasimi for achievements under his guidance. We look forward to offering Aafaq Islamic Finance financing services to club members that include banking and related services and conclude this cooperation agreement with ‘Islamic Horizons’.

Al Jazira Aviation Club, located in Ras Al Khaimah is accredited by the General Civil Aviation Authority in the UAE and currently has 470 members. It plays a key role in promoting and encouraging young people to join the field of light aviation, and provides everyone with the opportunity to witness the stunning landscapes in the emirate, distributed among beautiful high mountain ranges, beaches, creeks, desert sandy hills and natural life.