New UAE operator, Midex Airlines, to start cargo services to Mumbai, Kochi

MIDEX Airlines, a new United Arab Emirates operator, will take to the skies by the end of this year, it was announced at the Dubai Air Show. According to Dr. Issam Khairallah, president of the new airline, MIDEX will initially start cargo operations to six major destinations, including Orly in France, Mumbai and Kochi in India, Dhaka in Bangladesh, Istanbul in Turkey and Beirut in Lebanon, with more destinations being added later.

Dr Khairallah said the airline received its licence for cargo and passenger operations earlier this year.

''We will operate scheduled flights daily to all six destinations with cargo initially,'' said Dr. Khairallah while pointing out that the new airline has reserved its option to start passenger operations at a later date.

Currently, all the six aircraft in the fleet are owned by MIDEX. According to Jassim Al Bastaki, director general, MIDEX, the cargo carrier will operate on a daily basis from Al Ain airport, which will act as the airline''s hub.

MIDEX Airlines'' operations director, Anthony Graas, explained that each aircraft is capable of carrying up to 45 tonnes of cargo. Graas also pointed out that all aircraft have automated landing systems. The company has also acquired one of the largest spare parts inventories for the A300B4, along with a spare engine, to ensure that aircraft do not have to stay on the ground awaiting spare parts.