Airline News - Africa / Middle East.

For more airline news, data and analysis, please go to: http://www.airguideonline.com/order_formsubs.htm Aug 21, 2006

El Al

El Al Posts Q2 Loss On High Fuel Costs. El Al Israel Airlines posted a second-quarter net loss of USD$15.1 million on Thursday, compared with a year-earlier net profit of USD$29.9 million, as high fuel costs weighed on its bottom line. Aug 17, 2006

Emirates v Emirates is set to increase services to the Asia/Pacific region from Sept. 1. Perth flights will rise from 10-times-weekly to twice-daily, Hong Kong to 17-times-weekly from twice-daily and Kuala Lumpur to nine-times-weekly from eight. The carrier said it intends to raise capacity to Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta and Manila by year end. Aug 18, 2006

Middle East Airlines

Middle East Airlines operated an Amman-Beirut A321-200 flight carrying 149 passengers yesterday, the first commercial flight to arrive at Rafik Hariri International Airport in 36 days and signaling at least a partial lifting of Israel's air blockade of Lebanon. Royal Jordanian also operated an Amman-Beirut flight yesterday. MEA Chairman Mohammed Hout and Lebanon Transportation Minister Mohammed Safadi said Israel has agreed to allow limited flights from Jordan, according to press reports from Beirut. The Lebanese flag carrier relocated its six A321-200s and three A330-200s to Damascus during the Israel-Hezbollah war. Aug 18, 2006

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines is likely to be the next major carrier to join Star Alliance. The airline has told the local press that there are ongoing talks with Star and that full membership is expected by 2008. No formal announcement has been made. Swiss and South African Airlines were the latest airlines to join Star whilst China's Shanghai Airlines has signaled its intentions to become a member shortly. Currently Star Alliance comprises 18 airline members. http://www.turkishairlines.com http://www.staralliance.com Aug 19, 2006