Category Archives: Aviation

Philippine Airlines announced the top performers of its recently concluded joint travel trade campaign with Emquest Sabre, recognizing Geoffrey Salatan of Geof Travel and Rocell Duenas of Tabeer Tourism for securing the first and second top seller positions, respectively. The campaign ran from 01 September to 15 November 2026, with both agencies standing out for their strong sales performance, market engagement, and consistent support of Philippine Airlines through the Sabre platform. Reflecting on the success of the campaign and the commitment of PAL’s travel partners, Josh Vasquez Regional Head – EMEA for Philippine Airlines, International Passenger Sales shared “Philippine Airlines is pleased to congratulate Geof Travel and Tabeer Tours for emerging as the top-performing agencies in our recently concluded trade campaign in partnership with Emquest Sabre. Their outstanding results reflect the strength of our collaboration and the growing support of our valued travel partners. This successful campaign reinforces our shared commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences and driving continued growth for Philippine Airlines across the EMEA region.” Andrew Dowling, GM EmQuest, commented: “On behalf of EmQuest, I would like to congratulate the winners of our Season 3 promotion. Geof Salatan of Geof Travel accepted the award for the highest volume of Philippine Airlines bookings, and Rocell Duenas of Tabeer Tourism accepted the award for the second-highest bookings. Both travel agency partners benefit from using the Sabre Mosaic Marketplace, the only true multi-source solution featuring the latest AI capabilities that brings together traditional Air, NDC, LCC and lodging content to enable our customers to drive more revenue through cross-selling and upselling”.

flydubai celebrated the launch of its inaugural service to Vilnius, marking the start of direct flights between Dubai and the capital of Lithuania. The new route reinforces flydubai’s growing footprint in Central and Eastern Europe and opens an important new gateway for travel, tourism and trade. With the start of operations to Vilnius, flydubai becomes the first UAE carrier to offer nonstop connectivity between Dubai and Lithuania, giving customers more choice and convenience for business and leisure travel. The route will operate three times per week, providing seamless links to Dubai’s global aviation hub. Her Excellency Noora Juma, the non-resident Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Lithuania, said: “Today, we celebrate a new link between two cities and two countries. flydubai’s decision to connect Vilnius and Dubai is not just about launching a new route; it’s about opening doors to endless possibilities for two nations with much to offer each other.” Juras Taminskas, Minister of Transport and Communications, said: “I am pleased that over the past two years, a fourth new airline is beginning operations in Lithuania. This shows that Vilnius Airport remains a safe, attractive, and reliable partner for international carriers. The arrival of this company marks a new stage in our country’s aviation. A direct connection with one of the most important hubs in the Middle East not only increases Lithuania’s accessibility and expands connecting-flight opportunities, but also opens entirely new travel destinations for all of us, as well as for business and the tourism sector. In the first year of operations alone, around 40,000 passengers are expected to be carried.” Beyond improved connectivity, the Dubai and Vilnius route is expected to support stronger economic cooperation, attract visitors …

Oman Air hosted an official signing ceremony with Fun & Sun to formalise their new strategic partnership aimed at expanding direct access between Moscow and Salalah. The partnership forms part of Oman Air’s broader commitment to enhancing point-to-point connectivity and supporting Oman’s growing tourism sector. Expected to draw thousands of visitors during its inaugural season, the initiative contributes directly to Oman’s national tourism objectives and supports the continued development of Dhofar as a year-round destination. The seasonal charter flights between Moscow and Salalah will operate between 26 December 2025 and 9 May 2026. Meanwhile, the airline, which flew more than 200,000 guests into Salalah during khareef’s peak period alone – a 15% increase over 2024 – continues to work closely with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Dhofar Municipality to promote the destination and support sustainable growth in domestic and inbound tourism. The event brought together senior representatives from both organisations, including Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer at Oman Air, and Yaroslav Stepanyuk, Commercial Director at Fun & Sun. Journalists from the Russian media and members of the local Omani media were also in attendance. Speaking at the ceremony, Mike Rutter, CCO of Oman Air, emphasised the significance of the collaboration, noting that strengthening direct routes from high-potential markets such as Russia aligns with the airline’s long-term commercial strategy and ongoing transformation. Yaroslav Stepanyuk, Commercial Director at Fun & Sun added, “Salalah is rapidly emerging as one of the most desirable winter-sun destinations for Russian travellers. Through this partnership, we are opening the door to a new chapter of growth and strengthening the bridge between our markets.” Oman Air’s ongoing focus on point-to-point growth has resulted in an increase …

The Arabian Travel Awards concluded its First Edition in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step forward in recognising and honouring top achievers within the Kingdom’s fast-growing travel, tourism, and hospitality sector. The event celebrated trailblazers, innovators, and organisations whose contributions are driving Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a world-class global destination. With the Kingdom’s tourism landscape evolving at record pace under Vision 2030, the inaugural edition aimed to spotlight excellence across airlines, hotels, travel agencies, technology providers, tourism boards, and service partners — shaping the future of travel in the region. The event was supported by TravTalk Middle East as the official media partner, bringing regional coverage and industry visibility to the award winners, participating brands, and the broader travel community. TravTalk Middle East’s partnership reinforces the shared mission of empowering industry talent, encouraging innovation, and amplifying Saudi Arabia’s tourism potential to global audiences. The First Arabian Travel Awards in Saudi Arabia represents the beginning of a new chapter — one that celebrates success stories, elevates standards, and strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a leading tourism hub.

Etihad Airways and Condor announced a strategic partnership alongside the launch of new daily flights connecting Frankfurt and Berlin to Abu Dhabi starting Summer 2026 and an extensive codeshare agreement. From 1 May 2026, Condor will operate daily services between Frankfurt and Abu Dhabi using its Airbus A330 aircraft, followed by the launch of daily Berlin-Abu Dhabi flights from 15 June 2026 operated by Airbus A320 aircraft. The new services will significantly broaden direct access to Abu Dhabi for German travellers, with seamless onward connections to Etihad’s extensive network across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australia. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “We are delighted to announce this strategic partnership with Condor and welcome their new services to Abu Dhabi. Germany is a vital market for Etihad, and adding Berlin alongside new Frankfurt options meets clear passenger demand – including a direct capital-to-capital link that further strengthens UAE-Germany ties. “Above all, this partnership puts the traveller first: Condor guests will discover Abu Dhabi’s award-winning hub and seamless onward journeys across our extensive network, while our customers will benefit from enhanced connectivity to destinations across Germany and beyond.” “This codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways is the great foundation on which we are building our new services to Abu Dhabi to better connect Germany’s capital Berlin and Europe’s financial hub Frankfurt to the GCC and beyond,” said Jens Boyd, Commercial Director and Member of the Executive Committee of Condor. “As we build and expand connectivity within Europe from our home hub in Frankfurt, this first codeshare in Asia is one more step towards Condor becoming a true global player and partnering with the leading airlines across …

Qatar Airways Group  announced the appointment of Hamad Ali Al‑Khater as Group Chief Executive Officer, effective Sunday, 7 December 2025. Al‑Khater succeeds Engr. Badr Mohammed Al‑Meer. Al-Khater joins Qatar Airways Group from Hamad International Airport, where he has served as Chief Operating Officer. In that role, he was responsible for ensuring the safety and reliability of airport operations, while leading its strategic direction, operational excellence, infrastructure expansion, and the continuous enhancement of passenger experience. Prior to his tenure at Hamad International Airport, Al-Khater held senior roles across QatarEnergy, driving business development, deal execution, and leading large-scale strategic and operational initiatives. Qatar Airways Group Board of Directors Chairman, His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, said: “Qatar Airways Group extends its appreciation to Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer for his service. As we welcome Hamad Ali Al-Khater, we look forward to building on the strong foundations and expansive global network of Qatar Airways, anchored by our exceptional team in Qatar and around the world. With this leadership transition, Qatar Airways Group reaffirms its commitment to delivering world-class experiences, reliability, and innovation to travellers around the globe.”

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the United Arab Emirates affirmed the importance of the decision adopted by the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to establish the GCC Civil Aviation Authority and designate the UAE as its headquarters. The authority noted that this step reflects a clear strategic direction to strengthen Gulf integration in the air transport ecosystem and advance it toward greater coordination and harmonisation, creating unprecedented growth opportunities for this vital sector not only across the Gulf but also at the regional and international levels. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, said that the establishment of the GCC Civil Aviation Authority represents a pivotal milestone in the journey of joint Gulf cooperation, reflecting the unified vision of GCC States to build an integrated aviation system supporting trade, tourism, and economic development. He added, “Hosting the headquarters of the GCC Civil Aviation Authority strengthens the UAE’s strategic position and reinforces its leadership in international aviation, while highlighting its pivotal role in developing the sector across the region. This decision also reflects the GCC States’ commitment to enhancing integration in strategic sectors, particularly civil aviation, supporting the region’s position as a global hub for air transport and logistics, and boosting its competitiveness at both regional and international levels.” Meanwhile, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, said that this decision marks a new phase of Gulf coordination, based on aligning visions and enhancing institutional cooperation among civil aviation authorities in the GCC, supporting the sector’s readiness to respond to the rapidly evolving global aviation landscape. He emphasised that the UAE’s selection as the …

Emirates has officially activated an interline partnership with Bahamasair to provide connectivity to customers travelling to The Bahamas. The unilateral partnership between both carriers enables Emirates to expand its reach in the Caribbean, allowing its customers to connect on The Bahamas’ national flag carrier from two gateways in Florida to two destinations within The Bahamas – Nassau/Paradise Island and Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. The interline partnership came into effect following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both airlines in June. Emirates’ customers can book an entire journey from across its network to Orlando or Miami and connect to Nassau or Freeport – all with the simplicity of a single ticket and with additional benefits including a single baggage policy for both airlines. Florida gateways, Miami and Orlando, are amongst the 12 U.S. destinations that the world’s largest international airline currently flies to. Emirates serves Miami with daily flights utilising its retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft featuring four cabin classes, along with five-weekly services to Orlando aboard its Boeing 777 aircraft in a three-class configuration. From the two Florida gateways, customers can connect to the services of Bahamasair, operated by a Boeing 737 aircraft, to two major points in the country. Earlier this year, Emirates also signed an MoU with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas to jointly promote tourism to the Caribbean nation.

Etihad Airways launched its inaugural flight to Kazan, establishing a direct link between one of Russia’s fastest-growing cities and Abu Dhabi, the gateway to exceptional travel experiences across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. The new route, operating three times weekly, brings these two dynamic destinations within easy reach, with a flight time of just over five hours. For travellers from Kazan and across Russia, Abu Dhabi offers year-round sunshine, world-class attractions, and seamless connections to Etihad’s extensive global network. Flight EY839 touched down at Kazan International Airport this afternoon, greeted with a ceremonial welcome, marking the start of a new travel corridor for business and leisure travellers. Operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, the service is perfectly timed for weekend escapes or extended holidays. “We’re delighted to welcome guests from Kazan to discover Abu Dhabi, a city that beautifully blends Emirati heritage with contemporary innovation,” said Natalia Goryunova, Country Manager Russia at Etihad Airways. “Through our Abu Dhabi hub, passengers can enjoy seamless connections to Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, the GCC region, and Australia, opening up exceptional travel opportunities across Etihad’s global network. Whether exploring Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks, pristine beaches, and thriving dining scene, or connecting onwards to destinations throughout our network, this flight opens up a world of possibilities for travellers in both directions.” Abu Dhabi welcomes visitors with its stunning cultural attractions including the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi, alongside world-class entertainment at Yas Island’s theme parks and the year-round sunshine that makes the UAE capital an ideal winter escape. The city’s blend of traditional Emirati hospitality and modern luxury creates an unforgettable experience for international guests. For Abu Dhabi residents …

Emirates has unveiled an exciting new way for travellers to explore Southeast Asia with the launch of the Emirates Asia Pass. Designed for travellers seeking cultural discovery and flexible itineraries, the pass simplifies multi-city travel across the region, offering convenience, value, and flexibility on one single booking. With the Emirates Asia Pass, customers can book and customise itineraries across Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore and Laos, all under one ticket. Whether travellers are looking to experience tranquil island retreats, rich cultural landmarks or vibrant cities, the Emirates Asia Pass allows them to seamlessly connect between destinations and explore the region their way. The Emirates Asia Pass offers travellers the freedom to create bespoke journeys, combining their desired destinations, and even revisiting the same city more than once. Travellers can select from one to ten flights within Southeast Asia, making it easy to tailor itineraries to match their travel style and schedule. For the complete list of destinations included in the pass, please visit emirates.com. The pass is available to travellers booking an international Emirates flight arriving in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam or Laos, either directly through Emirates or via their preferred travel agent. The new travel solution eliminates the need for multiple tickets on different airlines and allows customers to manage all flights conveniently on a single platform. From the tranquil beaches of Koh Samui to the vibrant streets of Bangkok, the Emirates Asia Pass invites travellers to plan and extend their trip easily. Popular gateways such as Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur serve as ideal starting points for exploration, with seamless onward connections operated in partnership with Bangkok Airways and Batik Air Malaysia. In addition, Emirates-operated …