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The Gulf's embryonic low-cost airline sector received an injection from Dubai this year with the launch of the emirate's state-owned operation FlyDubai. And its arrival might just push major airlines from other parts of the region into a response.

Conceived to operate from the all-new airport at Jebel Ali, which had been due to open this year, the airline launched operations on 1 June from Terminal 2 at Dubai's existing international airport, just over 12 months after being established with a start-up capital of 250 million dirhams ($68 million). Read more...

For Flightglobal's latest news from the Dubai air show, go here.

(Photo: FlyDubai)

Earlier this week Continental Airlines joined Star Alliance, becoming the group's 25th airline. Continental had an 18 month transition from its previous alliance with SkyTeam.

The impetus for Continental's move was the merger between Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines that was unveiled in April 2008. Delta and Continental have considerable overlap in the New York market and geographically close hubs in Atlanta and Houston.

Recently Continental president Jeff Smisek told ATI sister publication Airline Business that the carrier fills a very valuable spot for Star. Prior to Continental joining the alliance Star had virtually no presence in the key New York market. Read more of our interview here...

At an event celebrating Continental's ascension to Star Alliance, the carrier unveiled a Star Alliance themed livery on a 757.


In other Star Alliance news, Continental and Asiana recently signed a codeshare agreement. Continental also signed such an agreement with ANA, and the entire group expects to launch a transatlantic JV in early 2010.

Here's a photo from AirSpace user lindner-photography.com of the new Air France A380, which we are showing on the same day Air France auctions seats on its first A380 flights, from Paris to New York and back.

This image was taken by AirSpace user Goose. Emirates A380 A6-EDE lifts off from runway 15 at Birmigham International 9 September. For more images by Goose, check out the gallery... 

The Airbus A380 passed a key milestone at Singapore Airlines with the delivery of its tenth aircraft earlier this month. The size its super-jumbo fleet now surpasses that of its Boeing 747-400 passenger aircraft. Continue reading...

An Emirati woman has become Etihad Airways100th cadet pilot. Shareefa Al Bloushi, from Abu Dhabi, is a member of Etihad's tenth group of cadets which recently started the 18 month training programme at the Horizon Flight Academy in Al Ain.

She is also the sixth female Emirati cadet pilot, and eighth female overall to join the programme. 

The Abu Dhabi airline's cadet pilot programme was launched in June 2007 with the first group of cadet pilots, who graduated from the course in February 2009, now training and flying aboard the airline's Airbus A320 fleet.

Captain Richard Hill, Etihad Airways' chief operations officer, said: "The recruitment, training and development of cadet pilots is of the utmost importance to Etihad Airways and an integral part of maintaining our position as a leading global airline.

Etihad's expanding female pilot community which currently includes 15 female first officers and cadet pilots within its ranks. The airline expects this figure to double over the coming year. 

Shereefa Al Bloushi said: "I am extremely proud to be a part of the Etihad Airways female pilot community and to be learning alongside other women pilots from across the world. "Whilst the programme is rigorous and demanding it will ensure that I have the best training and development for when I graduate and become a fully-qualified Etihad pilot."

The cadets must complete 750 hours of classroom tuition and 205 hours flight training in single and multi-engine aircraft to gain the frozen Airline Transport Pilots Licence (ATPL).

During this time they also have to pass the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority's theoretical knowledge and flying exams. Etihad Airways' fleet will expand to 52 narrow and widebody aircraft by the end of 2009 and this will grow to 65 by the end of 2012. 

Etihad's growing female pilot community (Left to right) Rebecca Hillyard; Shereen Al Mazroui; Shareefa Al Bloushi; Rose Omari; Salma Al Baloushi; Hamda Al Qubaisi.

Middle Eastern carrier Oman Air has taken delivery of the first of seven ordered Airbus A330s as the airline looks to expand its international network.

Acquired through a lease agreement with Dublin-based AWAS, the A330-200 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines and is configured with 20 business-class and 196 economy-class seats. Continue reading....

German flag-carrier Lufthansa's first Airbus A380 is nearing completion at Toulouse, ahead of delivery planned for early next year. Continue reading...

See more images of the A380 in a gallery on AirSpace

Colombia's Aires is seeking to lease four Bombardier Dash 8 Q400s from 2010 as part of the next phase of its rapid expansion.

Continue reading...

Gulf Air is seeking takers for its Airbus A340s as its newly appointed chief executive begins a "comprehensive review" of the loss-making Bahraini flag carrier.

Continue reading...