Category Archives: Aviation

Emirates landed in Bali for the first time since the suspension of flights in 2020 due to the pandemic. Emirates flight EK398 landed in Denpasar International Airport (DPS) at 22:20 hrs on 1 May, and was welcomed by a spectacular water cannon salute to inaugurate the airline’s return. The operating cabin crew of the flight and the passengers were welcomed at the airport with the traditional joged bumbung dance performance, which reflected Bali’s unique culture and rich heritage, followed by a cake cutting ceremony in attendance of representatives from DPS Airport. The resumption of Emirates’ services to Bali, comes with the easing of international travel restrictions, and ramping up of global operations. Emirates flight EK398 departs Dubai at 09:10 hrs, landing in Bali at 21:29 hrs. The return flight EK399 departs Bali at 00:05 hrs, arriving Dubai at 05:00 hrs. The airline is currently operating five-weekly services, and will scale up its operations to the island with a daily service starting from 1 July 2022. Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates sales offices, via travel agents as well as online travel agents. Emirates continues to invest in the comfort and safety of its customers both on air and on ground. The airline has implemented a comprehensive set of measures throughout all to provide its passengers with the highest safety standards at every step of the journey. Customers travelling from Dubai can also take advantage of the contactless biometric path at Dubai International for a quicker journey at the airport with minimum to no human interaction.

Turkish Airlines and GOL Linhas Aéreas announced a Codeshare and Frequent Flyer Partnership Agreement. Through the codeshare partnership, passengers will be able to purchase tickets to destinations in Brazil from flights departing from Istanbul and many other airports in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Far East. Linking of two carriers’ frequent flyer programs (FFP), will enable members of the Miles&Smiles and Smiles loyalty schemes to earn and redeem miles when flying on either carrier. Brazil has become one of the most emerging destinations especially for the travelers from the Middle East and this partnership will see more traffic between the destinations. The codeshare agreement provides that Turkish Airlines passengers from Middle East. Africa, Asia and Far East can acquire connections with the entire network operated by GOL in the Brazilian territory and to Asuncion, Santiago, Montevideo, Lima destinations in the region. Currently, Turkish Airlines operates 7 daily flights to GRU Airport, São Paulo’s international airport in Guarulhos (GRU). With the codeshare agreement, passengers of Turkish Airlines will be able to purchase directly through the airline’s sales channels, tickets for flights operated by GOL in Brazil. Besides this codeshare, Turkish Airlines and GOL have reached consensus on launching FFP cooperation as well. TK’s Miles&Smiles and GOL’s SMILES members will gain access to accrual and redemption benefits on both airlines. FFP partnership will initially start with redemption soon, and accrual benefits will be provided afterward. Commenting on the agreement Bilal Ekşi, Turkish Airlines CEO said; “As Turkish Airlines, we are pleased to launch codeshare and FFP cooperation with GOL in Sao Paulo that will allow passengers unique travel alternatives via İstanbul to Brazilian domestic routes. They will enjoy FFP benefits with …

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi launched an exciting new route from Abu Dhabi to Salalah, Oman’s exotic tropical paradise. The new destination, in the southernmost region of Oman, provides affordable, hassle-free travel for tourists and residents in both the UAE and Oman with year-round travel opportunities to the sub-tropical paradise. Tickets are already on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app with fares starting as low as AED 39*. Salalah, most attractive during the wet and green Summer season between June and September, boasts outstanding natural beauty with rich wildlife unique to the region. Sitting on a long sandy beach, Salalah is close to both mountains and the desert, offering adventurous travellers ample opportunities for exploration. With a long history as a centre of frankincense, Salalah is a thriving historical centre with outstanding attractions that will ensure a wonderful travelling experience. Blessed with the famous warm Omani hospitality, Salalah offers unrivalled landscapes unlike elsewhere in the region with the sub-tropical magic of exotic fruit plantations and coconut palms. Michael Berlouis, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said: “Salalah is a unique travel destination with the best summer weather in the region and abundant wildlife. Travellers to Salalah will experience unmissable nature with a plethora of options for exploration along both the coastline and in the mountains. We are delighted at the variety of destinations in our expanding network with incredible historical and cultural experiences awaiting adventurous travellers in Salalah. We look forward to sharing our love of travel and seeing you on board our aircraft for more convenient, affordable travel soon.” Strategically located in the UAE, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi also provides ultra-low fare, hassle-free and efficient travel options …

flydubai announced that it is expecting a record number of passengers to travel during the Eid al-Fitr break. The carrier has seen an increase in demand for flights to its popular destinations which includes Baku, Colombo, Istanbul and Maldives as well as some of its more recently launched destinations such as Ljubljana, Salzburg and Tirana. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “We are pleased to continue our growth in 2022 capitalising on the tremendous results we reported last year after a very challenging two years. We are well placed to accommodate the surge in demand as more people get ready to travel again over the busy Eid break and the summer months.” The carrier has increased capacity on some of its popular routes for the upcoming break like Baku, Tbilisi, Maldives and Sarajevo to accommodate the increase in demand over the busy Eid travel period. More than 2,200 flights are scheduled to operate between 30 April and 08 May, a significant increase from the carrier’s regular scheduled operations. The anticipated seat factor on flights to routes such as Almaty, Budapest, Colombo, Kathmandu, Naples and Yerevan is between 80+% and full capacity over the next two weekends. The carrier has seen an increase in bookings for special Holidays by flydubai packages over the period, with passengers choosing bundled hotel stays and excursions to suit their preferences whether travelling in Business or Economy. Passengers travelling during this time are advised to check in online, arrive at the airport three hours before the departure time of their flight and have all the relevant documents for travel. Passengers are required to make sure that they are up to date with the …

flydubai announced the launch of flights to Izmir in Turkey starting from 26 June with a three-times weekly service. Flights to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) will operate from Terminal 2 at Dubai International (DXB) on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. With the start of flights to Izmir, flydubai’s network in Turkey will grow to four points including Ankara (ESB), Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) and Istanbul Airport (IST). flydubai will also operate summer seasonal routes to Bodrum (BJV) and Trabzon (TZX) frpm 23 June to offer passengers more options to travel this summer. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “we are pleased to see our network in Turkey further grow with the start of flights to Izmir. During the busy summer period, we will operate 24 flights a week to Turkey, providing passengers with more opportunities to experience different cities in the country whether they are travelling for a city break or beach holiday. The new direct flights will help stimulate trade links between Dubai and one of the busiest cities in Turkey.” Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey located on the Aegean coast. It is known for its archaeological sites, rich heritage and its pleasant coastal climate. Its central location provides access to the most mesmerising coastal villages and beautiful beaches, ideal for a day trip to unwind and get away from the city’s urban atmosphere. ​ Commenting on the launch of flights, Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, said: “we are committed to making travel more accessible and providing more choice for our passengers. We are confident that Izmir will be a popular choice for passengers from the …

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi launched an exciting new route from Abu Dhabi to Aqaba, the southernmost city in Jordan. The exciting new destination, sitting on the northeast tip of the Red Sea, provides hassle-free travel for tourists and residents in both the UAE and Jordan with the surrounding mountains and deserts providing an ideal combination of city-life, beaches and history. Tickets are already on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app with fares starting as low as AED 69 *. Aqaba, sat amongst mountains, desert and sea, boasts a seaside charm with pristine beaches and a hospitable climate. The picturesque town provides adventurous travellers many opportunities for exploration including museums, mosques and ruins with a millennia of history. Diving in the Red Sea is the star attraction with beautiful marine life and abundant coral reefs ready to explore. The lost city of Petra, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World , is easily accessible on a day trip with the capital of the Nabataean empire between 400 B.C. and A.D. 106 steeped in history. Michael Berlouis, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said: “Aqaba is a stunning seaside town with a rich history, breath-taking beaches, and world-class diving destination. We are delighted to expand our network in Jordan and allow adventurous travellers more opportunities to experience the very best destinations in the region with a plethora of must-see options to explore. We look forward to welcoming you on board our aircraft soon with unmissable natural beauty and incredible historical sites awaiting travellers of all ages.” Ramzi Arafat, CEO of Aqaba Airport Company, the operator of King Hussein International airport of Aqaba said: this new route will …

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi announced the introduction of a new service to Manama, the capital of Bahrain, starting from 15 May 2022. Abu Dhabi travelers will now be able to fly direct to Bahrain International Airport with competitive prices and a frequency of three weekly flights. Schedule to Manama, effective 15th May 2022 (all times local): Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Frequency 3L 010 Abu Dhabi 09:35 Bahrain 09:45 Airbus A320 Wed/Sat/Sun 3L 011 Bahrain 10:25 Abu Dhabi 12:40 Airbus A320 Wed/Sat/Sun   Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said: “Offering our customers affordable and value driven air travel from Abu Dhabi remains our main priority. The new service to Manama, Bahrain is a testament to Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’s commitment to its customers and the industry.” Bahrain’s strategic position has made it one of the region’s most significant commercial hubs. The Kingdom of Bahrain also features multiple tourist attractions, where Manama, the capital city, comes at the top of the list for its wonderful charm, colorful markets, culture, and history. The new service represents the 22nd route for Air Arabia Abu Dhabi since the launch of the carrier’s service from Abu Dhabi International Airport in July 2020. Customers can now book their direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Manama by visiting Air Arabia’s website, by calling the call centre or through travel agencies.

flydubai is to  launch flights to Izmir in Turkey starting from 26 June with a three-times weekly service. Flights to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) will operate from Terminal 2 at Dubai International (DXB) on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. With the start of flights to Izmir, flydubai’s network in Turkey will grow to four points including Ankara (ESB), Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) and Istanbul Airport (IST). flydubai will also operate summer seasonal routes to Bodrum (BJV) and Trabzon (TZX) frpm 23 June to offer passengers more options to travel this summer. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “we are pleased to see our network in Turkey further grow with the start of flights to Izmir. During the busy summer period, we will operate 24 flights a week to Turkey, providing passengers with more opportunities to experience different cities in the country whether they are travelling for a city break or beach holiday. The new direct flights will help stimulate trade links between Dubai and one of the busiest cities in Turkey.” Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey located on the Aegean coast. It is known for its archaeological sites, rich heritage and its pleasant coastal climate. Its central location provides access to the most mesmerising coastal villages and beautiful beaches, ideal for a day trip to unwind and get away from the city’s urban atmosphere. ​ Commenting on the launch of flights, Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, said: “we are committed to making travel more accessible and providing more choice for our passengers. We are confident that Izmir will be a popular choice for passengers from the UAE …

With Eid Al Fitr approaching and more travellers planning to take to the skies, Emirates is responding by offering more flights across seven cities in the GCC and Middle East. The airline is stepping up its schedule by adding 23 flights and layering on additional seats with the deployment of both A380s and Boeing 777s between 28 April and 8 May to the four cities it serves in KSA, as well as to Kuwait, Beirut, and Amman. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Emirates will be layering on two additional flights on 2nd and 8th  May to serve demand in and out of Riyadh. In Jeddah, the airline will add five flights served by its Boeing 777, and will be upgrading one of its existing flights to an A380, to become an all A380 operation. Medina will also be served with four additional flights during this time, and travelers from Dammam will also have the option of one extra flight on 28 April as they start their holidays. This year, Emirates customers in KSA will be venturing to Dubai for their Eid Al Fitr celebrations, in addition to the Maldives, Paris, Bangkok, Mauritius, Manila and Los Angeles in the US. Popular destinations for Kuwaiti travelers this year include Dubai, the Maldives, Manila, Bangkok, London, Mauritius and Paris and Emirates will be operating eight additional flights served by its Boeing 777 during Eid. Emirates will be layering on three flights served by its Boeing 777s to the airline’s existing Beirut schedule to accommodate for more travelers as they head home to visit friends and relatives. Amman flights served by the Boeing 777 will also be upgraded with higher seat capacities. Travellers …

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 …