Middle East Airlines (MEA), Lebanon’s flag carrier, has entered into discussions with Airbus to acquire approximately one dozen aircraft, according to reports from Bloomberg. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the recovery of air travel demand across the Mediterranean and provide necessary resources for its new low-cost subsidiary.
Negotiation Details and Fleet Composition
The Lebanese airline is currently in a negotiation phase to bolster its operational capacity following years of regional instability. Key points of the potential transaction include:
- Aircraft Models: The order would primarily focus on narrowbody aircraft from the A320 family, complemented by a pair of A330 widebody units.
- Acquisition Sources: In addition to the European manufacturer, the company is maintaining talks with aircraft lessors to secure additional jets.
- Status of Operations: Discussions are in the early stages, and there remains the possibility that a definitive agreement may not be reached.
Currently, the carrier operates an all-Airbus fleet consisting of 22 aircraft, including A320-200, A321neo, and A330-200 models.
Launch of Fly Beirut and Market Recovery
Following a turbulent period due to regional conflict—which necessitated the relocation of part of the fleet outside the country to avoid collateral damage—air traffic to Lebanon is showing signs of improvement.
In this context, the creation of Fly Beirut emerges as a strategic response to offer budget-friendly options on high-demand routes:
- The new subsidiary aims to compete on routes to Dubai and Riyadh, where current capacity is limited and fares are typically high.
- A portion of the new aircraft under negotiation will be specifically allocated to this low-cost unit.
Middle East Aviation Outlook
MEA’s move aligns with projections from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which identifies Middle Eastern airlines as the most profitable globally this year.
Passenger volume in the region is expected to grow at a faster pace than the rest of the world, reaching an estimated 240 million travelers.
Despite recent geopolitical challenges, Middle East Airlines is betting on a structural expansion that allows it to not only renew its current fleet but also dominate the low-cost segment via Fly Beirut in a rapidly expanding regional market.
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