■ LIBYA: Plans to switch ops from Tripoli International to Mitiga prove unfeasible; TIP to remain open.

Libyan Ministry of Transport plans to close Tripoli International Airport for a three-month long period from October to December in order to effect a much-needed runway upgrade project, have been put on hold after Tripoli Mitiga Airport's handling capacity was found to be inadequate.

► LIBYA: Air Libya, Chapman Freeborn sign deal for placement, operation of an An-26F in Libya.

Chapman Freeborn Airchartering has announced the formation of an exclusive partnership with Air Libya (7Q) to place and operationally manage an Antonov An-26 transport in Libya. The freighter will be based out of Tripoli’s Mitiga International Airport (MJI) on a long-term lease agreement with immediate effect.

■ LIBYA: LYCAA selects Comsoft for aeronautical infrastructure & communications upgrade.

The Libyan Civil Aviation Authority (مصلحة الطيران المدني‎ - LYCAA) has awarded a contract to upgrade all of Libya's existing Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN) and Automatic Identification System (AIS) infrastructure to Germany's Comsoft. The initiative is being undertaken as part of the Libyan government's ongoing infrastructural refurbishment plan and will ultimately result in safer skies over the country.

■ LIBYA: Tripoli International Airport to close for 3 months from October over runway repairs?

Libya's Ministry of Transport has reportedly announced the temporary closure of Tripoli International Airport with effect from October until December owing to critical runway repair and upgrade work. This has yet to be confirmed by either the Libyan Airports Authority or any Libyan carriers.

► TURKEY: Turkish Cargo outlines its planned Africa Summer 2013 network.

According to the airline’s latest schedule listing, Turkish Airlines Cargo’s Summer 2013 planned operation as follow. The airline did not specify operational aircraft in its schedule listing. 

► LIBYA: Air Libya gets two B737-400s; an ARJ-100 set to arrive shortly.

Air Libya (7Q), the private Libyan carrier formerly known as Tibesti Air Libya, has announced the lease of 2 Boeing B737-400 for use on its daily Benghazi - Alexandria, Egypt flights.