Cardiff Aviation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Air Djibouti to create and implement a national carrier for the East African nation of Djibouti.

Air Djibouti appointed Cardiff Aviation following a study which identified key markets for the national carrier based on the needs of landlocked neighbouring countries, governmental aid programmes around Africa, the support of military installations currently based in Djibouti, and the need to deliver passengers to major international business hubs such as London and Dubai.

Under the terms of the MoU, Cardiff Aviation will implement and manage a European-level AOC for Air Djibouti, source aircraft, and provide world-class operational management for the new African national carrier.

The company will also provide MRO support from its Twin Peaks facilities at St Athan - Cardiff Airport Aerospace Enterprise Zone.

Cardiff Aviation and Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson said: “Djibouti is uniquely placed to provide a hub for investment from Europe, the Middle East and Asia into Africa. By providing full airline support and project implementation to Air Djibouti, Cardiff Aviation will bring a wealth of industry expertise and capability to one of the most exciting aviation markets in the world to spearhead growth in a region with tremendous potential.”

Read more at WalesOnline.co.uk.

Iron Maiden recently announced that following his recent MRI Scan, Bruce Dickinson was today officially given the all-clear by his specialists. Just before Christmas,  Dickinson visited his doctor for a routine check-up. This led to tests and biopsies which revealed a small cancerous tumour at the back of his tongue.

Dickinson says: “I would like to thank the fantastic medical team who have been treating me for the last few months, resulting in this amazing outcome. It’s been tough on my family and in many ways it was harder for them than me. I’d also like to send a heartfelt thanks to all our fans for their kind words and thoughts. I’m a firm believer in trying to maintain a positive attitude, and the encouragement from the global Maiden family meant a great deal to me. Right now, I’m feeling extremely motivated and can’t wait to get back to business as usual, as soon as I can!”

Iron Maiden Manager Rod Smallwood adds: “We are of course all absolutely delighted that Bruce’s doctors have pronounced him free of cancer. Although Bruce is naturally eager to resume Maiden activities, it will take a while before he is completely back to full strength, as we explained previously. Because of this, the band will not be touring or playing any shows until next year. We know our fans will understand the situation and, like us, would prefer to wait until Bruce is back to his usual indefatigable levels of fitness before going out on the road. For now, the focus will be on putting the finishing touches to the new Iron Maiden studio album and that is what we will be concentrating on over the coming weeks. The release however will definitely be this year. Meanwhile, I’d like to echo Bruce’s words and thank all Maiden fans. You have been incredibly patient, putting Bruce’s health and well-being first during this difficult time and the band and I appreciate all your positive support.”