Middle East airlines witness 9.6% passenger demand growth in June: IATA

Middle East airlines witness 9.6% passenger demand growth in June: IATA
Strengthening the aviation sector is crucial for Middle Eastern countries. File/AFP
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Updated 01 August 2024
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Middle East airlines witness 9.6% passenger demand growth in June: IATA

Middle East airlines witness 9.6% passenger demand growth in June: IATA
  • Total capacity of Middle Eastern flights also surged by 9.4% year-on-year in June
  • Carriers in the region handled 9.4% of the passengers globally in June

RIYADH: Airlines operating in the Middle East witnessed a 9.6 percent growth in passenger demand in June compared to the same period in 2023, driven by the summer holiday season, according to an industry body. 

The International Air Transport Association revealed that the total capacity of Middle Eastern flights also surged by 9.4 percent year-on-year in June. 

IATA said that the total load factor among carriers in the region stood at 79.7 percent in June, representing a marginal increase of 0.1 percentage point compared to the same month of the previous year. 

The load factor is a metric used in the aviation sector that measures the percentage of available seating capacity that has been filled with passengers. A high load factor signifies that an airline has sold most of its available seats. 

Strengthening the aviation sector is crucial for Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, as nations aim to diversify their economies and lessen their reliance on oil revenues.

The Kingdom’s ambitious national aviation strategy aims to triple the number of passengers by 2030 compared to 2019. It also foresees handling 4.5 million tons of cargo and establishing over 250 direct destinations from airports in Saudi Arabia. 

In May, the Kingdom’s General Authority of Civil Aviation revealed that the aviation sector contributed $21 billion to the country’s gross domestic product in 2023.

According to the report, carriers in the Middle East region handled 9.4 percent of the passengers globally in June, a figure that remained unchanged from May. 

IATA said that total demand growth worldwide increased by 9.1 percent in June compared to the same period in 2023. 

“Demand grew across all regions as the peak northern summer travel season began in June, and with overall capacity growth lagging demand, we saw a very strong average load factor of 85 percent achieved in both domestic and international operations,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general. 

He added: “Operating with such high load factors is both good and challenging. It makes it even more important for all the stakeholders to operate with equal levels of efficiency to minimize delays and get travelers to their destinations on schedule.” 

The analysis further said that demand for international travel rose annually by 12.3 percent, while total capacity edged up by 12.7 percent during the same period. 

IATA said that domestic demand increased by 4.3 percent year-on-year in June. 

Asia Pacific region leading from the front

According to the industry body, flights operating in the Asia Pacific region posted strong growth in June, with passenger demand rising by 22.6 percent year-on-year. 

Capacity among air carriers in the Asia–Pacific region was up 22.9 percent year-on-year in June, making the Africa-Asia route the fastest expanding regional pair, growing at 38.1 percent during the same period. 

Flights operating in the region also handled 31.7 percent of the passengers globally in June, a figure that remained unchanged from last month. 

European air carriers handled 27.1 percent of the overall travelers in June, followed by North America at 24.2 percent. 

“As the Olympic Games unfold in Paris there is pride across the aviation industry for its continuing role in supporting the Olympic story by bringing many of the athletes, fans, and officials together," said Walsh. "It is a great reminder of how aviation transforms our very big world into a global community.”

African air carriers witnessed a 16.9 percent year-on-year passenger demand growth in June, while the capacity edged up by 5.8 percent. 

Airlines from the Latin American region witnessed a traveler requirement growth of 15.3 percent in June compared to the same period the previous year. The total capacity of these flights also rose by 15.6 percent in the same month. 

The load factor among Latin American airlines, however, decreased by 0.2 percentage points to 85.1 percent. 

European carriers saw a 9.1 percent year-on-year increase in demand in June, while their capacity surged by 9.8 percent during the same year. 

North American carriers witnessed a 6.6 percent year-on-year increase in traveler demand in June. The total capacity of these flights edged up by 8.6 percent, while the load factor stood at 88.7 percent, the highest among all regions. 

IATA said that it is optimistic about the increase of future passenger growth globally. 

“Overall, international travel demand is strong and keeps showing promise for the future,” said the industry body. 

Cargo demand surges

On June 30, the organization released another report, saying that global air cargo markets saw a 14.1 percent growth in total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers, compared to the year-ago period. This is the seventh consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth. 

According to the analysis, this surge in the requirement for air cargo was driven by maritime shipping constraints. 

“Air cargo demand surged in June. Strong growth across all regions and major trade lanes combined for a record-breaking first-half performance in terms of CTKs. Maritime shipping constraints and a booming e-commerce sector are among the strongest growth drivers,” said Walsh. 

He added: “The sector has remained largely impervious to ongoing political and economic challenges and the US customs crackdown on e-commerce deliveries from China. Air cargo looks to be on solid ground to continue its strong performance into the second half of 2024.” 

The report revealed that total air cargo demand growth in the first half of this year increased by 13.4 percent compared to the first six months of 2023.

Capacity, measured in available cargo ton-kilometers, rose 8.8 percent year-on-year in June. 

According to IATA, Middle Eastern carriers saw 13.8 percent year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in June, while the capacity rose by 6.9 percent during the same period. 

Asia-Pacific airlines saw 17 percent demand growth in June, the strongest expansion among all regions. The capacity of air carriers in this region also grew by 10.7 percent during the same period. 

“Latin American carriers saw 13.1 percent year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in June. Capacity increased 15.5 percent year-on-year. Notably, Latin America posted the second-highest increase in international demand growth at 17.2 percent in June,” said IATA. 

North American carriers’ air cargo demand grew 9.5 percent in June, the weakest among all regions. The report revealed that these airlines’ capacity rose by 6 percent year-on-year. 

The industry body highlighted that airlines in the Asia Pacific region handled 33 percent of the total air cargo globally, followed by North America at 26.9 percent and Europe at 21.4 percent. 

Air carriers in the Middle East transported 13.5 percent of the overall cargo, while airlines in Latin America and Africa handled 2.8 percent and 2 percent of the total, respectively. 


Saudi investment ministry inks deal with Sana to boost entrepreneurial ecosystem in Al-Ahsa

Saudi investment ministry inks deal with Sana to boost entrepreneurial ecosystem in Al-Ahsa
Updated 21 sec ago
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Saudi investment ministry inks deal with Sana to boost entrepreneurial ecosystem in Al-Ahsa

Saudi investment ministry inks deal with Sana to boost entrepreneurial ecosystem in Al-Ahsa

RIYADH: A new cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Investment and Prince Ahmed bin Fahd bin Salman Center will see Saudi Arabia enhance its entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Al-Ahsa region.

The deal signed with the center, also known as Sana, focuses on attracting pioneering companies and innovators while fostering a business-friendly environment.

The Kingdom is increasingly being recognized for its growing enteprise-friendly landscape, securing third position in the 2023-2024 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report.

The latest initiative, inked at the Al-Ahsa Forum 2025 in Al-Ahsa, also seeks to foster greater engagement with creative thinkers and business leaders through investment meetings and events, and will support the issuance of entrepreneurial licenses and provide access to essential services.

Moreover, the Sana agreement seeks to explore investment opportunities, encourage strategic partnerships, and promote investment alliances that enhance the competitiveness of the entrepreneurship sector in Saudi Arabia.

The new deal comes against a backdrop of venture capital pouring into the Kingdom, with the country retaining its position as the leading destination for such funds in the MENA region in 2024, raising $750 million, according to a report from regional venture platform MAGNiTT.

This marked the second consecutive year the Kingdom has led regional VC rankings. Saudi Arabia accounted for 40 percent of the total amount deployed in MENA, closing 178 deals, the most of any nation in the region.

Speaking to Arab News at at the LEAP 2025 Tech Conference held in February, Mohammed Al-Zubi —founder of Saudi venture capital firm Nama Ventures — explained that the nation is rapidly becoming a key player in the regional technology ecosystem and is emerging as the “center of gravity” for Middle East startups.

Al-Zubi believes Saudi Arabia’s support for the startup ecosystem is unmatched globally. Having spent time in Silicon Valley, London, and the Middle East, he argued that the Kingdom’s government-led initiatives are unparalleled.

According to the international policy advisory and research organization Startup Genome, Riyadh ranked among the top five startup ecosystems in the Middle East and North Africa in June, in collaboration with the Global Entrepreneurship Network.


King Salman approves Saudi riyal symbol

King Salman approves Saudi riyal symbol
Updated 5 min 44 sec ago
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King Salman approves Saudi riyal symbol

King Salman approves Saudi riyal symbol

RIYADH: King Salman on Thursday approved the official symbol for the Saudi riyal, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the Kingdom’s financial journey, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

Saudi Central Bank Gov. Ayman Al-Sayari expressed his gratitude to the nation’s leadership for launching the symbol, which he believes “reinforces Saudi Arabia’s financial identity both locally and globally.”

Al-Sayari further noted that this initiative underscores the growing international influence of the Saudi riyal, while also fostering a sense of national pride and cultural unity. He added that the newly designed symbol represents the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage.

The symbol, which blends Arabic calligraphy with the name of the national currency, “riyal,” will be utilized in financial and commercial transactions both within the Kingdom and internationally.

The central bank governor also commended the collaborative efforts of all parties involved in the project, including the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Information, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization.


Saudi Wafi Energy Pakistan reports $11.8 million profit for 2024

Saudi Wafi Energy Pakistan reports $11.8 million profit for 2024
Updated 21 min 19 sec ago
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Saudi Wafi Energy Pakistan reports $11.8 million profit for 2024

Saudi Wafi Energy Pakistan reports $11.8 million profit for 2024
  • The company became the majority shareholder of Shell Pakistan Limited in November 2024
  • It has formed a partnership in Thar Coal Project following a win in Saindak mining project

ISLAMABAD: Saudi company Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited has announced its financial results for 2024, reporting a profit of Rs3.3 billion ($11.8 million), according to a statement from the group on Thursday.
Wafi Energy, an affiliate of the Asyad Group, became the majority shareholder of Shell Pakistan Limited (SPL) in November last year and now holds approximately 87.78% of the total issued share capital of SPL. However, the Shell brand will remain in Pakistan through retail and brand licensing agreements, with SPL as the exclusive brand licensee.
The financials of the company for the year ending December 2024 were announced by its board of directors.
“The company reported a profit after tax of Rs3.3 billion for 2024 compared to a profit of Rs5.8 billion [$20.7 million] in 2023,” the company said. “It is important to note that the 2023 results included a one-time income of PKR10.7 billion [$38.3 million] related to the waiver of Shell Group liabilities.”
The company highlighted that it increased its market share with Helix and Advance Lubricants and formed a partnership in the Thar Coal Project following a win in the Saindak Gold and Copper mining project.
“The mobility business also made significant strides, expanding its network by introducing 16 new sites and rebuilding nine existing ones,” the statement added. “The convenience retail business demonstrated strong growth, with a 28% year-on-year increase.”
SPL is one of the oldest multinationals in Pakistan, with a network of over 600 sites, countrywide storage facilities and a broad portfolio of global lubricant brands.
Shell has supported Pakistan’s development by providing energy for major projects like Mangla Dam and Kotri Barrage, powering Pakistan International Airlines’ first flights, expanding road infrastructure and fostering innovation among local entrepreneurs.


Oman, Saudi Arabia ink 3 agreements to strengthen trade ties 

Oman, Saudi Arabia ink 3 agreements to strengthen trade ties 
Updated 31 min 16 sec ago
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Oman, Saudi Arabia ink 3 agreements to strengthen trade ties 

Oman, Saudi Arabia ink 3 agreements to strengthen trade ties 

RIYADH: Oman and Saudi Arabia signed three agreements on trade, legal services, and manufacturing to strengthen economic cooperation and private sector collaboration. 

The deals, announced at the Omani-Saudi Business Forum in Muscat, include plans for a cloud-based warehouse and inventory management system, specialized legal consultations for the Omani market, and a gold and jewelry manufacturing facility in the country. 

This comes as economic ties between the two nations continue to grow, with bilateral trade reaching 2.18 billion Omani rials ($5.65 billion) by December and 1,496 Saudi-partnered companies operating in Oman. 

Omani Minister of Industry and Investment Promotion Qais bin Mohammed Al-Yousef highlighted this growth during the forum, emphasizing its role in enhancing bilateral cooperation. 

The event featured working papers from both sides, with Oman showcasing strategic projects and investment opportunities, while Saudi Arabia outlined its investment framework and industries that are driving economic diversification. 

Key sectors highlighted during the forum included real estate development, mining, and industry. Oil and gas, logistics, and health were also major focus areas. Additionally, information technology, finance, insurance, retail, and food security were emphasized. 

Faisal Abdullah Al-Rowas, chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, underscored the forum’s role in unlocking new trade and investment opportunities. He noted that the Rub Al-Khali border checkpoint has significantly facilitated cross-border trade and investment flows. 

Discussions also focused on expanding export and import operations through the Rub Al-Khali port, as well as enhancing trade exchange and private sector cooperation, particularly in existing projects. 

Sheikh Ali bin Hamad Al-Kalbani, head of the Omani side of the business council, stressed that the body aims to strengthen communication between the private sector and government agencies in both countries. He highlighted its efforts to support mutual investments, address challenges faced by investors, and explore new opportunities. 

On the Saudi side, Nasser bin Saeed Al-Hajjri emphasized that cooperation between the two nations supports sustainable development and enhances investment opportunities across various sectors in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and Oman Vision 2040. 

During the forum, Oman presented several working papers and presentations on key goods, partnerships, and strategic projects between the two countries. Saudi Arabia, in turn, outlined its investment system and the vital sectors driving economic diversification.

On the sidelines of the event, business-to-business meetings were held to explore opportunities for joint investments and trade partnerships, as well as ways to enhance bilateral trade exchange. 


Moody’s affirms Egypt’s Caa1 rating with positive outlook

Moody’s affirms Egypt’s Caa1 rating with positive outlook
Updated 20 February 2025
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Moody’s affirms Egypt’s Caa1 rating with positive outlook

Moody’s affirms Egypt’s Caa1 rating with positive outlook

RIYADH: Global credit rating agency Moody’s has affirmed Egypt’s Caa1 long-term foreign and local currency rating with a positive outlook, citing improved debt service prospects.

A report from the organization said the move was driven by the country’s stronger foreign exchange reserves and lower borrowing costs following the currency’s devaluation and flotation.

Moody’s awards a Caa1 rating to countries with poor quality and very high credit risks, but the positive outlook reflects the measures taken by the government to control inflation and interest rates.

According to the agency, some factors negatively affecting the credit profile include Egypt’s high, albeit declining debt ratio, very weak debt affordability compared to peers, and persistently large domestic and external financing needs. 

Egypt’s credit rating is much lower than that of its Middle East and North African neighbors, such as Saudi Arabia, which was ranked Aa3 with a stable outlook in November, and the UAE, which was rated Aa2 in the same month. 

Explaining its decision regarding Egypt, the Moody's report said: “Monetary policy credibility and effectiveness is increasing as the central bank maintains a policy stance consistent with inflation targeting and a floating exchange rate regime. This should allow policy rates to decline, bringing further relief on the cost of debt, while maintaining an environment favorable to steady foreign-currency inflows.” 

It added: “However, credit vulnerabilities reflected in the Caa1 ratings continue to pose risk to Egypt achieving durable improvements in fiscal and external positions.” 

According to Moody’s, some of the additional factors that played a crucial role in maintaining the positive outlook include the implementation of measures by the central bank to tighten the money supply as outlined in the International Monetary Fund program parameters. 

Some of those measures include suppression and repayment of direct central bank loans to public entities and a tightening in reserve money growth. 

The positive outlook also reflects prospects of an improvement in foreign direct investments in the country. 

“Significant foreign direct investment inflows and future project development commitments, together with the shift to a market-based exchange rate regime, have boosted capital inflows and replenished Egypt’s liquid foreign exchange reserve buffers to $36 billion in January 2025,” said Moody’s. 

In December, the IMF announced that it reached an agreement with Egyptian authorities, allowing the North African nation to access about $1.2 billion to strengthen its troubled finances. 

The IMF added that the funding access is subject to executive board approval. 

The high inflation rate and low revenue from the Suez Canal have drastically affected Egypt’s economy over the last few months. 

Speaking at the Rome MED — Mediterranean Dialogues conference in November, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty said that the country had incurred losses amounting to $8 billion due to a significant drop in the Suez Canal revenues. 

The US-based agency added that the constraints faced by Egypt’s economy could raise its susceptibility to capital outflows in times of external shocks. 

“This vulnerability is further compounded by ongoing risks to fiscal consolidation and sustained improvements in debt and debt affordability, taking into account large contingent liabilities in the public sector and very limited fiscal room to meet social spending needs while maintaining primary surpluses,” the report added. 

Moody’s also highlighted some possible scenarios that could lead to an upgrade of the country’s ratings, including the prospect of a significant and durable improvement in debt affordability through a sustained increase in revenue. 

The analysis added that sustained foreign direct investment inflows in the country could also boost confidence in Egypt’s growth prospects and macroeconomic rebalancing potential, supporting a higher rating.

Regarding the factors that could lead to a downgrade, Moody’s said: “A rising likelihood of renewed capital outflows or diminished inflows which reduce the prospect of a durable improvement in Egypt’s macroeconomic and external position would be credit negative.”