Transport

World's longest bridge to link Qatar and Bahrain

French construction company, Vinci, has been chosen to build what will be the world's longest bridge, a span of 40 kilometres that will link Bahrain and Qatar.

The contract, which is worth US$3 billion, was signed at the royal palace of Bahrain in the presence of Vinci's head Yves-Thibault de Silguy. The Qatar-Bahrain Causeway, as it has been named, will reduce the time of travel between the two states from the present five hours, via Saudi Arabia, to about 30 minutes.

NoozzVIEW; Iraqi Airways revived

Founded at the end of World II with a fleet of Dragon Rapide and Vickers Viscount aircraft, Iraqi Airways is the oldest state-owned airline in the Middle East. But the recent succession of wars, no-fly zones and sanctions have taken a heavy toll and the once familiar green-and-white livery is rarely to be seen these days.

But thanks to a US$5 billion deal just signed with Boeing and Canadian plane maker, Bombardier for 50 new aircraft, it is hoped that there are once again blue skies ahead for what was once one of the proudest airlines in the oil-rich region.

Dubai seeks regional pact on airspace

Dubai said it supports a region-wide accord on making more airspace available for the Middle East's booming civil aviation sector. Most countries have large no-fly zones for security reasons and some of these can be opened up for civilian aircraft through official agreements, a top Dubai aviation official said.

Dubai Airports, the company in charge of Dubai International Airport and the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport, has hired British air traffic control services firm NATS to study air space capacity in the emirate.

Virgin Galactic seeks to expand in Mideast

Space tourism pioneer Virgin Galactic is planning to expand its presence in the Middle East, a statement said. The world has seen fewer than 500 astronauts, but with the launch of Virgin Galactic spaceflights that will soon change. Virgin Galactic has already sold more than 200 tickets globally which equates to more than US$30 million in deposits, representing more than $45 million in future income.

NoozzVIEW; Silver lining for Silverjet

The surge in the price of jet fuel, which is 80 percent higher now than this time last year, has proved a blessing in disguise for Luton-based business class only airline Silverjet. The airline was recently saved from possibly going under by a US$100 million (£53.83 million) investment from Viceroy Holdings, a fund based in the UAE.

Etihad signs lease deal for A320-200 aircraft

Etihad Airways has signed a contract with New York-based CIT Aerospace for the lease of two new Airbus A320-200 aircraft. The two A320-200s are scheduled for delivery to the Abu Dhabi-based airline by the end of 2008. The aircraft will be powered by IAE V2527-A5 engines.