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Qatar Airways is working to keep you safe in the air and on the ground with rigorous COVID-19 protocols, including UV light cleaning technology, diligent mask usage and increased sanitisation
Middle East Aviation Adapting to a Changing Landscape
The migration to fleets of more fuel-efficient and versatile aircraft is underway with Emirates moving to a simplified fleet of smaller airplanes, Qatar Airways embracing the smallerjet philosophy and Etihad Airways positioning itself as a mid-size carrier
PHOTOGRAPH: @qatarairways / Twitter
by BYRON BOHLMAN
T
he Middle East has always been at the crossroads of global trade. Today’s airline mega-hubs at Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi and even Istanbul are testament to the region’s ability to adapt to changes in the flow of world commerce. Those hubs are uniquely positioned to capture both northsouth and east-west movements of cargo and people, and thrive
on vast non-stop regional and intercontinental flight connections. Yet those very links that are their lifeblood are at risk with the contraction of passenger traffic resulting from the pandemic. Can airlines in the Middle East withstand the downturn and emerge stronger when demand eventually recovers? With a little help from government handouts, it appears they are already adapting to the new landscape. SP’S AIRBUZ • Issue 6 • 2021
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