Pioneers of progress

At the centre of this aviation evolution is the United Arab Emirates, home to some of the world’s most prestigious airlines and airports. Leading the charge is Emirates Airline, a $29 billion enterprise with a fleet of over 250 aircraft connecting more than 140 destinations worldwide. Emirates has set the standard for passenger experience through cutting-edge technology, from in-flight entertainment to biometric security systems.

But Emirates is not alone. Saudia and Oman Air have also made remarkable strides in operational performance and service excellence. Saudia secured second place in Cirium’s Global Airline On-Time Performance (OTP) ranking for 2024, while Oman Air ranked second in the Middle East and Africa’s top 10 airlines.

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) also emerged as a leader, winning both the Global and Large Airport categories with an impressive on-time departure rate of 86.65% across nearly 241,000 flights in 2024 and 115 routes.

These airlines and airports have recognized the importance of adapting to changing customer needs and embracing sustainable practices to ensure long-term success. To that end, minimizing cancelled flights and delays is something everyone can agree is a positive step – in what has been a challenging year for aviation overall.

Cirium’s Middle East and Africa OTP regional update

In 2024, the top 10 on-time Middle East and Africa airlines operated 20% more flights compared to the top performers of 2023—a collective total of nearly 984,500 flights in 2024.

This surge in flights evidences the significant growth in the Middle East, alongside the passenger volumes in Saudia Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

In addition to the growth in flights, the Middle East and Africa airlines operated more efficiently, with the top performers achieving a collective on-time arrival of 83.08% in 2024 compared to 82.44% in 2023. The regions 2024 on-time arrival surpassed the on-time arrivals of the European, North American, Latin American and Asia-Pacific airlines.

These developments underscore the Middle East’s significant role in the global aviation industry, driven by strategic investments, economic diversification efforts and a robust recovery in travel demand.

The Middle East and Africa region saw some shifts in rankings and performance of the individual airlines in 2024, with notable improvements from airlines like Saudia and Kuwait Airways, while others like Etihad Airways and Emirates experienced slight declines. Saudia climbed from sixth place in 2023 to fourth place this year, with an OTP of 86.35%. With a remarkable 11-point increase over last year’s performance, Kuwait Airways moved from ninth place to fifth, with an OTP of 84.63%. Royal Jordanian remained in third place with a consistent on-time arrival of 87.05% in 2024. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways experienced a slight decline in OTP, dropping to eight place, with an OTP of 82.90% in 2023 to 76.91% this year. and Emirates experienced a decrease from 78.48% to 74.42%, moving to ninth place.

International airports in the Middle East showed huge improvement in their performance this year, Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RJH) secured the top spot in the Global and Large airports categories, entering the top 20 ranking in 2024. Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) improved its ranking in 2024 with an on-time departure rate of 80.32%, up from 81.03% in 2023, also entering the top 20 Global airports.

Innovation hubs enable collaboration

One of the most exciting developments in the region’s aviation industry is the emergence of innovation hubs like Emirate’s Ebdaa in Dubai. Ebdaa serves as a catalyst for creativity, collaboration, and sustainable energy. This state-of-the-art facility brings together the brightest minds from universities, technology suppliers, and startups to drive the development of cutting-edge solutions. From hydrogen-powered aircraft prototypes to advanced air traffic management systems, the groundbreaking projects emerging from Ebdaa are testament to the region’s commitment to shaping the future of aviation.

But innovation is not limited to the development of new technologies. The Middle East’s aviation industry is also pioneering new approaches to training and passenger experience.

Emirates, for example, has also embraced extended reality and immersive experiences to enhance the onboarding and training of its aircrew and employees. By providing realistic simulations of the working environment, these technologies are reducing training times and ensuring a smoother transition for new hires.

Similarly, Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest, is leading the charge with its plans for a fully touchless, walk-through experience. Passengers will enjoy seamless check-in, security clearance, and boarding processes, thanks to advanced biometric technology. This initiative not only reduces wait times and enhances safety but also provides a more hygienic and convenient travel experience in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar advancements are being implemented across the region, revolutionizing the way passengers navigate airports and interact with airline staff.

However, the rapid growth and innovation in the Middle East’s aviation industry are not without challenges. The region faces a shortage of skilled labour, with estimates suggesting that the UAE alone will require around 22,000 pilots and crew members by 2033. To address this issue, countries in the region are investing in training and development programs, partnering with educational institutions to nurture the next generation of aviation professionals.

Another challenge is the need for sustainable practices in the face of climate change. While the Middle East’s airlines and airports have made significant strides in reducing their carbon footprint, there is still much work to be done. The adoption of sustainable aviation fuels, the development of more fuel-efficient aircraft, and the implementation of eco-friendly ground operations are all critical steps in ensuring the industry’s long-term sustainability. To this end airlines and airports across the region are investing heavily in eco-friendly initiatives, such as the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels, the development of fuel-efficient aircraft, and the implementation of green ground operations.

Etihad Airways, for example, has pledged to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2035 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

These efforts are not limited to operational benefit but are also vital for securing the financial backing for the industry with many deals coming with “green strings attached”. Cirium has also invested heavily in this area and recently secured accreditation for EmeraldSky from the Rocky Mountain Institute for the first climate-aligned finance framework tailored for the aviation industry.

Despite these challenges, the mood in the Middle East’s aviation industry is one of optimism and determination.

The region’s leaders recognize the immense potential of the sector and are committed to investing in its future. From the ambitious plans of Saudi Arabia to the strategic partnerships being forged across the region, there is a sense of unity and purpose in driving the industry forward.

In the coming years, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking advancements emerging from the region. From the development of hydrogen-powered aircraft to the implementation of seamless, touchless travel experiences, the Middle East’s aviation industry is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. As these innovations take flight, they will not only transform the way we travel but also inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. The Middle East’s aviation success story is a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and innovation. As the region continues to invest in its people, its infrastructure, and its technologies, it is laying the foundation for a brighter, more sustainable future. With its eyes fixed firmly on the horizon, the Middle East is ready to take the global aviation industry to new heights, one innovation at a time.

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