Category Archives: Aviation

Etihad has released its Sustainability Report 2020-2021, outlining the impact the company has had on the environment, and detailing its Sustainability strategy, represented by the Etihad Greenliner and Sustainable50 programmes. The report demonstrates the potential advancements to be made in sustainable aviation by a wide range of initiatives, coordinated to achieve a 20% reduction in emissions intensity in its passenger fleet by 2025, cut 2019 net emissions by 50% by 2035, and reach net zero emissions by 2050. Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Our sustainability report highlights our insistence on harnessing the opportunities that are available today, and commits to continuing to find solutions for the future. Many partners joined us on this journey over the last two years, and this report demonstrates the potential we have collectively, with an ambition to set the direction for 2022 and beyond. “We need to be bold in facing this issue. We need to be decisive. There is no other way forward. That is why we have been insistent that we continue to focus on the question as a long-term strategic priority for our business, spearheaded by the Etihad Greenliner and Sustainabile50 programmes.” Etihad 2020-2021 sustainability highlights Reduced total carbon emissions by 56% (due in part to reduced scheduled operations from pandemic impact) Launched the world’s most comprehensive industry-wide testing and innovation programme Became the first airline to secure commercial finance based on verified compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations Raised US$1.2 billion in the first sustainability-linked loan (SLL) tied to environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets in global aviation. Partnered with Boeing, Safran and NASA for eight days of specialised testing to enhance …

In response to growing passenger demand for air travel, Emirates will double its flights between Algiers and Dubai from two to four weekly, starting 1 May 2022. The service currently between Algiers and Dubai will no longer be linked with Tunis, offering more flexibility and convenience to travel to Dubai and onwards to Emirates’ extensive network of more than 130 destinations. Emirates is also the only airline serving Algeria with private, enclosed First Class cabins, offering premium customers an enriched experience across every touchpoint of the journey. Emirates will utilise its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft between Algiers and Dubai, and the new flights will operate on Saturdays and Sundays, in addition to the current Tuesday and Thursday services. Flight EK758 departs Algiers at 15:45hrs, arriving in Dubai at 01:05hrs the next day. EK757 departs Dubai at 08:45hrs, arriving in Algiers at 12:55hrs. Omar Alhemeiri – Manager Algeria commented on the boost of services: “We have seen a marked increase in passenger demand to and from Algiers, especially to Dubai and onwards to other destinations that are gradually opening or easing their restrictions across our network.  We hope that by increasing our frequency into Algeria, we are able to support traffic flows in and out of the country as it continues its post-pandemic economic recovery, and it is also a testament to our commitment to Algeria. We have been operating flights for almost 10 years, connecting Algerians to the world and offering a world-class experience onboard, whilst prioritising the health and safety of our customers. We look forward to boosting our services further in the future to provide better travel options for our customers as they take to the skies again.” Since …

SAUDIA Airlines resumes direct flights to Mauritius 3 times a week. With the resumption of flights Saudis are now able to travel again into this magnificent destination, and enjoy what this paradise island has to offer. From the start Saudis visiting Mauritius will instantly feel welcome, they are treated to a warm attitude by locals, the Mauritian hospitality, rooting from an extraordinary mix of cultures, religion and ethnicities. All the communities live in harmony by nurturing their own culture and heritage, and sharing them with visiting guests. Mauritius has plenty to offer to the Saudi travelers be it families, couples, adventure travelers, or Saudis who wish to see this paradise island and all it has to offer. Here are some of the most unforgettable experiences you will have on your stay in Mauritius. The island is surrounded by beautiful white sandy beaches and cliffs that offer, together with the blue lagoon, an extraordinary scene that varies according to the seasons and the time of the day. The coastal landscapes also change according to the region, they are nothing alike. A sight to behold for sure! Mauritius is an island, and water sports is a must. Whatever the age or fitness level, you will surely find an activity that will suit you. Activities such as pedalo, kayak, stand-up paddle, and glass-bottom boat, there are also operators for specific outings such as dolphin viewing or big-game fishing, Submarine ride, the undersea walk, the underwater scooter and the parasailing for those looking for more thrilling activities. Aside from the water activities, Mauritius also has plenty to offer adventurous travelers in both air and land, trekking, quad biking, Safari, horse riding, double zip lines …

flydubai announced that it will resume operations to Ha’il and Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, which will bring the number of destinations served by the carrier in the Kingdom to ten. Flights to Ha’il and Tabuk will commence on 09 May with five weekly flights.  flydubai has built a network of more than 95 unique destinations in 50 countries served by a young fleet of 63 Boeing 737 aircraft. With the resumption of flights to Hail and Tabuk, flydubai’s network in Saudi Arabia has now grown to ten destinations including AlUla, Dammam, Gassim, Jeddah, Madinah, Riyadh, Taif and Yanbu. Flights to Ha’il Airport (HAS) and Tabuk Airport (TUU) will operate five times a week from Dubai World Central (DWC). Following the completion of the northern runway refurbishment project which is scheduled to take place in Dubai International (DXB) from 09 May to 22 June 2022, flights to Ha’il and Tabuk will resume from Terminal 2 from 23 June. Return Business Class fares from DXB to HAS start from AED 4,500 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 1,375. Return Business Class fares from HAS to DXB start from SAR 4,500 and Economy Class Lite fares start from SAR 1,425. Return Business Class fares from DXB to TUU start from AED 4,500 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 1,500. Return Business Class fares from TUU to DXB start from SAR 4,500 and Economy Class Lite fares start from SAR 1,330.

Air Arabia announced the resumption of its direct flights between Sharjah and four cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Taif, Al Jouf, Gassim, and Hail, starting April 28, 2022. Passengers will enjoy flying directly from Sharjah International Airport to these cities, where frequencies will increase during summer. Schedule to Taif, effective April 28, 2022 (all times local): Schedule to Taif, effective April 28, 2022 (all times local):   Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Frequency  G9 1187 Sharjah 12:30 Taif 14:10 Airbus A320 Mon/Thu G9 1188 Taif 15:10 Sharjah 18:50 Airbus A320 Mon/Thu   Schedule to Al Jouf, effective April 28, 2022 (all times local):   Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Frequency  G9 1221 Sharjah 14:25 Al Jouf 16:00 Airbus A320 Mon/Thu G9 1222 Al Jouf 17:00 Sharjah 20:30 Airbus A320 Mon/Thu   Schedule to Gassim, effective April 28, 2022 (all times local):   Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Frequency  G9 1181 Sharjah 15:30 Gassim 16:30 Airbus A320 Mon/Tue/Thu /Fri/Sun G9 1182 Gassim 17:30 Sharjah 20:20 Airbus A320 Mon/Tue/Thu /Fri/Sun   Schedule to Hail, effective April 28, 2022 (all times local):   Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Frequency  G9 1197 Sharjah 11:15 Hail 12:30 Airbus A320 Thursday G9 1198 Hail 13:30 Sharjah 16:40 Airbus A320 Thursday   Customers can now book their direct flights from Sharjah to the four cities in Saudi Arabia by visiting Air Arabia’s website, by calling the call centre or through travel agencies.

flydubai announced that flights to Gassim in Saudi Arabia will commence on 01 May with a daily service. This brings the number of destinations served by the carrier in the Kingdom to eight. flydubai has built a network of more than 95 destination in 50 countries served by a young fleet of 63 Boeing 737 aircraft. With the resumption of daily flights to Gassim, flydubai’s network in Saudi Arabia has now grown to eight destinations including AlUla, Dammam, Jeddah, Madinah, Riyadh, Taif and Yanbu. Flights to Gassim International Airport (ELQ) will operate daily from Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB) between 01 May and 09 May. These flights will temporarily operate from Dubai World Central (DWC) during the northern runway refurbishment project announced by Dubai Airports which is scheduled to take place from 09 May to 22 June 2022.  Flights to Gassim will resume from Dubai International (DXB) from 23 June. Return Business Class fares from DXB to ELQ start from AED 4,500 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 1,450. Return Business Class fares from ELQ to DXB start from SAR 4,500 and Economy Class Lite fares start from SAR 1,390.  

Air Arabia Egypt, has announced the introduction of a new service to Dammam in Saudi Arabia with direct flights from Cairo International Airport to King Fahd International Airport, commencing on April 26, 2022. Schedule to Dammam, effective April 26, 2022 (all times local):   Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Frequency E5 1315 Cairo 22:30 Dammam 02:10+1 Airbus A320 Tuesday, Friday E5 1316 Dammam 03:10 Cairo 05:15 Airbus A320 Wednesday, Saturday   Dammam, the capital of the breathtaking Eastern Province, has several landmarks and a wonderful tourist infrastructure with an abundance of activities as well as cultural sites to visit. This beautiful coastal city is the home to a huge sea and known for its wonderful beaches with exceptional fishing spots and it is considered the eighth route that Air Arabia Egypt flies to after Riyadh, Jeddah, Tabuk, Taif, Al Jouf, Hail and Gassim in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Customers can now book their direct flights between Cairo and Dammam by visiting Air Arabia’s website, calling the call centre or through travel agencies.    

Kuwait Airways announces the launch of its scheduled flights to Nice in the French Republic, commencing from 15th June, with two flights per week, on Sundays and Wednesdays. Kuwait Airways Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Maen Razouqi stated that Nice is one of the new destinations that Kuwait Airways is including to its network of routes around the world, pointing out this particular destination is among the important and preferred destinations for the passengers of the Blue Bird, due to its attractive touristic locations, especially as it is located on the Mediterranean coast and is considered as a major tourist center, which is famous for its beautiful and picturesque beaches. Razouqi mentioned that Kuwait Airways’ selection of Nice as a destination came after comprehensive research of the feasibility of this destination with its multiple advantages for tourism, especially during the extended summer season. He noted that Nice is an excellent addition to the National Carrier’s schedule of operations and its upcoming plans to diversify its destinations, as well as venture into new markets with positive economic feasibility. In addition, Chief Executive Officer, Maen Razouqi, received the Ambassador of the Republic of France to the State of Kuwait, HE Claire Le Flecher, where the two parties discussed methods to enhance joint cooperation in areas related to the commercial aviation sector and means to develop them for the benefit of both sides, in addition to achieving the desired objectives and aspirations. Razouqi added, “We are honored and delighted by the visit of the Ambassador Claire Le Flecher to the Kuwait Airways’ headquarters, where the Ambassador was briefed on the history of the Blue Bird with its achievements and accomplishments, spanning over 68 years …

Emirates will soon launch NFTs and exciting experiences in the metaverse for its customers and employees.  The airline, which has earned a reputation for its innovative products and customer-centric services, today unveiled its plans to build signature brand experiences in the metaverse, alongside both collectible and utility-based NFTs. The first projects are already underway, with launch anticipated in the coming months. Emirates also announced that its Emirates Pavilion at the Expo 2020 site will be repurposed into a centre for innovation, bringing talent from all over the globe to bring to life the airline’s future-focused projects including those relating to the metaverse, NFTs and Web3. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group said: “Dubai and the UAE are blazing the way in the digital economy, having a clear vision supported by practical policies and regulatory frameworks in areas such as virtual assets, artificial intelligence, and data protection. “Emirates has always embraced advanced technologies to improve our business processes, enhance our customer offering, and enrich our employees’ skills and experiences. We are excited about the opportunities in the digital space of the future and are committing a significant investment in financial and resourcing terms, to develop products and services using advanced technologies that will deliver on revenue, brand experience, and business efficiencies. “It is fitting that our future-themed Emirates Pavilion at Expo is being repurposed as a hub to develop cutting-edge future experiences aligned with the UAE’s vision for the digital economy.” Emirates continues to engage with industry partners on its Web3 strategy, and recruit talent for its pipeline projects. No stranger to delivering experiences and engaging with customers in the digital world, …

Emirates has launched Dubai Experience, its powerful and intuitive platform for customers to easily browse, create and book their own customised itineraries including flights, hotel stay, visits to key attractions, and other dining and leisure experiences in Dubai and the UAE. Customers can choose from pre-curated itineraries if they are first-time visitors, or if they have specific interests in sports, culture, adventure, or entertainment and the arts. They can also have fun creating their own unique itineraries from scratch, pulling from an extensive list of recommended activities and dining options, or mix and match, using pre-curated itineraries as a starting point. Whether it is one of the many popular free attractions across the UAE, or one that requires pre-booking and payment, the easy-to-use itinerary planner provides details such as estimated duration, location map and cost, allowing customers to confidently plan and maximise their Dubai and UAE visit. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer said: “We are proud to promote the very best that Dubai and the UAE have to offer on Dubai Experience, which is fully integrated with emirates.com. This powerful platform offers our customers the ability to plan their Dubai journeys and stopovers, and benefit from exclusive rates and expertly curated recommendations. “Through the Dubai Experience platform, Emirates aims to add value to our customers and enrich their journeys, and ultimately drive more people to visit our beautiful home and hub in the UAE. We will continue to add more exciting content on Dubai Experience, and look at opportunities to launch it to customers in more markets.” Today, Emirates’ customers in 19 countries* can build rich and customised itineraries from a selection of over 100 hotels and 200 activities …