GCC Aviation

How deep is the impact of COVID-19 on the GCC aviation industry?

Tourism has been one of the focus areas of GCC countries’ diversification agenda and aviation sector in the region has been an attendant beneficiary. Closure of borders and travel restrictions were one of the first measures taken by countries around the world to curtail the spread of COVID-19. These measures had brought the aviation industry to standstill. According to IATA, revenue of airlines in GCC region is expected to decline by 56% in 2020 and while the passenger numbers are...

GCC Aviation in turbulence – Quo Vadis?

Table: YoY revenue and net income change for major GCC airlines (2015 vs 2016) YoY change (2015 vs 2016) Revenue Net Income Emirates 0% -82% Etihad -22% NM Qatar Airways 4% 30% Oman Air 1% NM Jazeera -10% -35% Air Arabia -1% -4% Source: Annual reports NM indicates losses during the period considered Full Service carriers facing more trouble compared to low cost carriers Emirates, the largest airliner in GCC faced pressure from increasing competition and poor travel demand in...