Qatar Executive has revamped its website www.qatarexec.com.qa where clients can explore the world’s most luxurious private jets via 360 degree interactive panoramic photography, discover flight availability, and access VIP online enquiry and charter management services from any mobile device anywhere in the world. The newly enhanced website reflects Qatar Executive’s boundless commitment to excellence and utilizes the latest online technology to provide clients with fast and convenient access to booking information, including real-time worldwide flight availability of return leg charters. Reflecting the refined and elegant style of Qatar Executive, the new website has been designed to provide an intuitive online experience offering clients a virtual tour on board any one of its exceptional 11 aircraft, including the fastest ultra-long-range business jet in the world, the Gulfstream G650ER, which is one of the most coveted aircraft among the global travelling elite. The Qatar Executive G650ER aircraft can easily fly a group of up to 13 guests non-stop from the Middle East to North America or from destinations in Asia to Africa. It can fly further, faster than any other jet of its kind, and is perfectly suited for those whose travel needs include flights halfway around the globe. The Qatar Executive fleet comprises four Global 5000s, one Global XRS, three Challenger 605s and three brand new Gulfstream G650ERs, each offering the highest levels of personalised service comfort, privacy and convenience, through flexible and individual travel to any place in the world.

Emirates announced it will launch a new daily service from Dubai to Newark Liberty International Airport, via the Greek capital city of Athens, starting March 12, 2017. The new route complements Emirates’ existing four daily flights between Dubai and New York’s JFK airport, by offering global travellers with another convenient access point to the popular New York Metropolitan area. Emirates’ new Dubai-Athens-Newark flight will also provide a year-round non-stop daily service between the United States and Greece – a service that does not exist today and has not existed since 2012. The airline will operate a wide-body Boeing 777-300ER powered by General Electric GE90 engines on the route, offering 8 seats in First, 42 seats in Business and 304 seats in Economy class, as well as 19 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity. Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said: “The Greek Government and Athens International Airport approached Emirates some time ago to consider serving the route between Athens and New York.  After careful review, Emirates concluded that extending one of our Dubai-Athens flights to Newark would be commercially and operationally feasible. We are pleased to be able to help meet a strong consumer need long neglected by other airlines, and we would like to thank the authorities and our partners in both the US and Greece for their support of the new route. The availability of high quality, daily international air services is essential for the development of business and cultural ties. Trade, especially in high-value and time-sensitive products, will be facilitated by the ample cargo capacity on Emirates’ Boeing 777 aircraft. We also expect tourism to receive a major boost from the availability of daily flights year-round.” Elena …

Conakry (Republic of Guinea) will be the 296th destination across 120 countries currently being served by Turkish Airlines. The capital city of Republic of Guinea, Conakry will be joining the network on January 30 and become the 51st destination served in the continent. Roundtrip flights between Istanbul and Conakry will be operated 2 times per week on Mondays, and Thursdays in both directions. Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Conakry starting at $699 (including taxes and fees).  Additionally, for the first 6 months of operation to Conakry, Miles&Smiles members will be able to earn 25% extra status miles. Conakry flight times as scheduled from January 30 — TK 537 on Monday, Thursday at IST              12:30 and CKY by 19:35 with TK 537 on Monday, Thursday at CKY 20:30 and IST 08:40 +1.

The national flag carrier of India, Air India announced the launch of the second Dreamliner from Dubai to Kochi from February 1, 2017. AI 934 will be a daily operation with departure from Dubai at 1330 hours arriving in to Kochi at 1850 hours. The return from Kochi will be AI 933 departing at 0915 hours from Kochi and arrive in Dubai at 1200 hours. The press briefing took place at the Consulate of India presided by Consul General of India H.E. Anurag Bhushan and Melvin D’Silva, Regional Manager Air India Middle East and Africa. The Consul General reiterated that last year the national carrier has seen an increase in capacity and the regional connectivity has improved quite well. H.E. acknowledged the services rendered by Air India especially at the hour of need to evacuate at emergencies or to carry the mortal remains free of cost etc. Melvin D’Silva, Regional Manager Air India Middle East and Africa stated the reason to conduct the press briefing at the Consulate is due to the reason that His Excellency and the consulate has rendered unstinted support. “When one of the aircrafts had to land in Travzone Turkey in the middle of the night, I contacted the Consul General H.E.Anurag Bhushan at 3am and he very quickly provided the necessary arrangements through the Embassy of Turkey. Therefore, we continue to work very closely with the Consul and the team,” stated D’Silva. He further reiterated that Air India is on a very aggressive growth trajectory to become number 3 in the world after US and China with a young strong fleet of 107 aircrafts and their aim is to “fly more and fill more”. Kerala …

Sabre Corporation is supporting Emirates airline with industry-leading technology that personalises the travel experience for consumers by enabling them to easily purchase a range of customised fares. Sabre and Emirates have also signed a new long-term global distribution agreement to make the airline’s fares available to travel agents globally who use Sabre. Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, operates more than 3,600 flights per week to over 150 destinations across six continents. Sabre’s technology will enable the airline to effectively market and sell its expansive roster of fares globally through the Sabre Travel Marketplace, reaching more than 425,000 travel agents across the world. Sabre’s technology enables travel agents to meet a growing demand and expectation from consumers for more personalised products and services. Using Sabre’s enhanced solution, travel agents can now provide travellers with Emirates’ range of branded fares, which enable passengers to choose fares based on what is most important to them – such as purchasing a budget fare, earning the most air miles or having the greatest degree of flexibility. “Emirates airline is a brand that invests significantly in differentiating the traveller experience, and personalisation plays a central role in this strategy,” said Dean Bibb, interim senior vice president EMEA at Sabre. “The airline’s new range of branded fares offers passengers more choices and greater control over their travel experience, which often means happier travellers and higher satisfaction. Helping our airline customers put travellers at the heart of their operation is a major focus for Sabre and our investment efforts.” Travel agents using Sabre can now offer clients more informed choices and a higher level of customer service, while also driving upsell opportunities based on enhanced visibility to …

In a move to enhance visa application services to travellers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Russia, VFS Global, in partnership with the Consulate General of the Russian Federation, launched the first Russia Visa Application Centre in the Middle East region, in Dubai. Services at this centre commenced from January 22, 2017. Residents of the UAE can visit the new VFS Global centre to submit their visa applications to Russia in a comfortable and professionally managed environment. The centre is centrally located at WAFI Mall, Level 2, Falcon Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai. VFS Global has partnered with the Government of the Russian Federation since 2009, and serves them in 15 countries from 34 visa application centres globally. Over the last one year alone, the company has rolled out Visa Application Centres in 10 other countries for this client government. In Dubai, VFS Global serves a total of 23 client governments, having been present in the country since 2004. Speaking at the launch, Gocha Buachidze, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Dubai and Northern Emirates, said, “As the number of visa applications to Russia from residents of the UAE continue to grow year-on-year, the Government of the Russian Federation aims to provide quicker and more convenient services to travellers to Russia. We are confident that VFS Global and its professional staff will do everything to expedite and secure swift application procedures and extend world-class services to our visa applicants from Dubai. We look forward to the continual advancement of travel and business to our country and we are confident that this new centre will effectively meet the growing visa demand from applicants.” Added, Mr Vinay Malhotra, COO …

Millennium & Copthorne, Middle East and Africa (MEA) has introduced the M Hotel brand with the opening of two hotels in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, signifying continued strategic expansion for the group across the region and ensuring it is firmly on track to meet its target of 100 hotels by 2020. Launched on January 16, 2017, the 242-room M Hotel Dubai Downtown is based in the city’s main business hub, nearby to key destinations such as Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai International Financial Centre. Guests can expect an all-day dining restaurant, swimming pool and fully equipped fitness centre as well as five flexible conference rooms, three boardrooms and a business centre. The first M Hotel to launch in the region, M Hotel Mekkah opened its doors in December, catering towards both business travellers and pilgrim guests. Situated on Ibrahim Al-Khali Street, near to the Grand Mosque, the hotel offers 785 guest rooms and suites as well as extensive facilities and amenities including two restaurants, a state-of-the-art spa and two ballrooms to have host events. Designed with the savvy and hyper-connected business traveller in mind, the contemporary M Hotel brand offers urban hotels in sought-after destinations, providing business-ready services and spaces alongside leisure facilities to ensure comfort, convenience and a work-life balance. Francois Kassab, Chief Operating Officer, Millennium & Copthorne Middle East and Africa says, “The M Hotel brand is already well-established in Asia and we have been looking for the right opportunity to debut and grow it within the Middle East. Saudi Arabia remains one of our strongest growth markets in the region and we are on track to comfortably meet our target of 20 …

The seventh Sharjah Light Festival will begin from February 2-11, 2017, covering over 23 locations across the Emirate. His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa stated that this year there will be some new additions and the theme will focus on the future of innovation and technology hence the partners to support this event are from the sectors of technology. Last year, over 600,000 visitors enjoyed this magnificent festival which provides a good platform for those passionate about art and culture. Some of the locations include – Al Qasba; Al Taqwa Mosque, Al Noor Mosque; Al Maghfira Mosque; University City Hall; Sharjah Center for Astronomy & Space Sciences; Al Qasimi Mosque; The new Jubail Fish and Vegetable Market; The Family Supreme council of affairs; Al Majaz Amphitheatre; Cultural Square; Cultural Palace; Khalid Lagoon Corniche; Al Majaz Waterfront; Flag Island; the bridges; A few mini locations across the city, This year the opening will be at Al Qasimia University. Outside the city there will be events at Khorfakkan University; Dibba; Kalba and Al Dhaid. So you should have plenty of opportunity to get involved. With some interactive locations around the corniche we are all excited to take part. As Sharjah promotes itself as the Arab capital of culture more families are drawn to the Light Festival as each member has something that could be enjoyed which will make them more culturally responsible humans. Each location will be unique to attract visitors and this year there will be a special competition for the artists as well. More information will be provided in due course.

Emirates, the largest international airline in the world, has announced that it will introduce a third daily flight between Dubai and Kenya’s capital Nairobi from June 1, 2017. The additional flight will increase the number of scheduled Emirates flights between the two cities to 21 a week and give customers greater flexibility and choice when planning their travel. It also underscores Emirates’ commitment to Kenya and confidence in the route, which has grown to become one of the airline’s busiest routes in Africa since it first launched services to the country in October 1995.As with its other two daily flights between Dubai and Nairobi, Emirates will also operate its popular Boeing 777-300ER in a three class configuration. The aircraft will have eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class. Flight EK717 will become the first of the three daily departures from Dubai and leave at 0140hrs and arrive in Nairobi at 0540hrs, enabling customers arriving on Emirates’ flights from India, the UK and many European countries such as France, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Netherlands and Italy to connect to the Nairobi flight within three hours. The return flight EK718 is also conveniently timed and will depart Nairobi at 0710hrs and land in Dubai at 1315hrs, ahead of Emirates’ afternoon European flights and its fourth daily flight to New York, a popular destination for Kenyan travellers.

Africa’s largest airline group Ethiopian Airlines will begin the first five months of the new year with a rapid network expansion plan to launch seven new destinations from February to June 2017. They envisage to reach 120 international destinations worldwide by 2025. The new destinations from February to June, will launch new service to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Antananarivo (Madagascar), Conakry (Guinea), Oslo (Norway), Chengdu (China), Jakarta (Indonesia) and Singapore (Singapore). With the addition of these stations, Ethiopian will have service from Addis Ababa to 98 different international cities located across the world and just 22 to reach their goal of 120. Group CEO Ethiopian Airlines, Tewolde GebreMariam, said: “Africa’s share of the Global Aviation is the smallest which is only around 3%. As the largest airline group in the continent, we are highly concerned on the low base of air connectivity in the continent and we are setting record expansion to enable Africans enjoy safe, reliable and economical air connectivity both within the continent and between the continent and the rest of the world. Looking beyond the current economic slowdown especially in the oil export dependent economies of Africa, we firmly believe that the continent will become the magnet for foreign direct investment, trade and tourism, which are the engines of air travel growth and in turn efficient air connectivity also drives socio economic development and we are happy to contribute our share in the 21st Century African Transformation. In the just ended calendar year alone, new flights to Moroni (Comoros), WindHoek (Namibia) and Newark (United States) were launched, as well as three cities in Ethiopia: Hawassa, Kebridahar and Dembidolo. Ethiopian is one of the fastest growing airlines in the …