Category Archives: Aviation

Speaking with TravelTV Middle East, Vincent Coste Chief Commercial Officer Riyadh Air shared that after decades Riyadh Air is the biggest start up airline in the region and scheduled to launch operations by Q2 2025. Coste stated, “we are planning to operate to over 100 destinations by 2030, it will be the G20 capitals of the world as well as a good balance of destinations from all across the world, from Americas to Middle East to Far East. When it comes to our business model, we don’t want to be a mega connector as we already have the connection from Saudia but just to connect the Kingdom to the rest of the world to the Kingdom. We are the second national carrier for Saudi Arabia, we will have two hubs both Riyadh and Jeddah. We will be working very closely with Saudia.” He reiterated the importance of travel agents for Riyadh Air as well as other channels of connection. On the first day of the Dubai Airshow Riyadh Air unveiled the second of its permanent dual-livery designs. The latest livery continues Riyadh Air’s indigo theme with striking lines inspired by the twisting canopies of traditional Bedouin tents and elegant curves of Arabic calligraphy. The bold new look features a sweeping cockpit window design, with the indigo signature theme contrasted beautifully against a light unique iridescent fuselage that reflects purity and the future-focused vision of Saudi Arabia. With a vision to shape the future of air travel, Riyadh Air unveiled its first livery at the Paris Airshow in June this year having previously received its IATA Airline Designator Code (RX) as well as signing a major deal for 90 GEnx engines …

The ACI World Expert Group on Slots (EGS) convened in Dubai. This gathering of industry leaders was dedicated to exploring a multitude of crucial topics related to slot allocation. Among the top priorities was determining the most effective approach for incorporating the latest additions to the Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines (WASG), ensuring that global aviation operates smoothly and efficiently. The group held discussions on some of the challenges and opportunities related to slot allocation as well as on the most recent version of the Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines. The meeting was characterised by dynamic discussions and engaging exchanges as experts from around the world shared their insights and experiences. ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East delegation, comprising Ilia Lioutov, Senior Expert-Economics & ESG, and Ryusuke Uemura, Special Project Officer, presented key insights into slot allocation practices tailored to the two respective regions. This offered a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by airports in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East within a broader global context. The ACI World Expert Group on Slots in Dubai One resounding theme that resonated throughout the discussions was the critical importance of managing airport capacity to maximise the utilisation of infrastructure at congested airports. With air travel on the rise and airports becoming increasingly congested, finding innovative solutions to optimise airport resources has become more pressing than ever. The meeting venue itself, hosted by Dubai Airports, added an extra layer of significance to the event. Dubai, renowned for its world-class aviation infrastructure and forward-thinking approach, served as a fitting backdrop for this gathering of minds. The city’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the aviation sector set the tone for the discussions, inspiring participants to …

Riyadh Air and Microsoft signed a Memorandum of Understanding to drive innovation and sustainability across Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. As part of the agreement, Riyadh Air has selected Microsoft’s trusted Azure cloud platform as its preferred platform for accelerating digital transformation and will leverage the highly secure, scalable, and reliable platform to improve operational efficiency and customer service. The announcement will see both organizations collaborating to leverage the potential of cutting-edge technologies such as Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, copilot experiences, the Metaverse, and Virtual Reality to enhance Riyadh Air’s offerings, services, and operational models. Adam Boukadida, Chief Finance Officer, Riyadh Air, said: “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Microsoft as we embark on an accelerated digital enablement journey to fuel the growth and innovation within the aviation industry. Leveraging the robust Microsoft Azure platform is just the beginning; we are poised to tap into the vast network of Microsoft partnerships and harness the remarkable AI capabilities offered through Microsoft’s comprehensive suite of services & solutions, empowering Riyadh Air to grow & thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape. By embracing Microsoft’s platform and solution capabilities, we aim to build a unique customer and employee experience and expedite our progress in achieving our sustainability targets.” Riyadh Air and Microsoft will also jointly establish a Centre of Excellence that will provide a structured framework for driving innovation and delivering substantial business benefits for both organizations. The partnership also sees both parties forming a dedicated board that will actively drive efforts in line with the Kingdom’s national sustainability agenda. Turki Badhris, Acting General Manager at Microsoft Arabia, said that the partnership is a perfect demonstration of Riyadh Air’s forward-thinking vision which leverages …

Riyadh Air and IBM announced the signing of a strategic agreement in which IBM Consulting will be the lead systems integrator to support creating, building and orchestrating the technology foundation that can help the digitally native airline to offer exceptional and seamless travel experiences. Together, Riyadh Air and IBM Consulting have already created the airline’s digital and technology strategy. Now, Riyadh Air has selected IBM Consulting to support building the key business and technology capabilities that underpin the strategy. That includes implementing and integrating more than 50 airline industry solutions and core technology capabilities, including security, infrastructure, integration and data platforms, using a hybrid cloud approach. IBM will also orchestrate the work of over 40 partners by providing program and technical governance, project management, quality assurance, change and communications management and training. The collaboration is expected to help position Riyadh Air strategically within the broader ecosystem to offer digital innovations and exceptional experiences for travelers and guests. Riyadh Air aims to create a world class airline with personalized and seamless guest experience powered by AI and state of the art digital technology, taking obsessive care for details that create memorable micro-moments across the traveler journey. It also includes empowering employees with data-driven insights and new ways of working to help Riyadh Air better serve their guests. “Our ambition is to launch our first flight in 2025 and put Riyadh Air at the cutting edge of digital technology and innovation within the aviation industry, adopting the best international sustainability and safety practices to deliver an exceptional travel experience, for our guests locally and internationally,” said Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer, Riyadh Air. “IBM Consulting will be our principal partner driving us …

This year’s Dubai Airshow is set to be the biggest on record, with 1,400+ exhibitors from 95 countries and visitor numbers expected to grow from last time’s edition. The 18th edition of the Airshow presents an opportunity to welcome many new and returning industry stakeholders to the Emirate, and reflect on the recovery and growth of the aviation and wider aerospace sectors in recent years, particularly in the Middle East where passenger numbers continue to rise. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Middle Eastern airlines posted a 27.3 per cent increase in August traffic compared to the previous year, meanwhile globally, traffic now stands at almost 96 per cent of pre-COVID levels . Dubai Airports also announced that it served 41.6 million guests in the first half of 2023, a 49 per cent increase against the same period in 2022, fuelled by a 43 per cent surge in second-quarter passenger traffic. As the aerospace, space and defence industries continue to play a critical role for local, regional and international economies, more than 1,400 exhibitors – including 400 first-time exhibitors and 80+ startups across sectors including commercial aviation, advanced aerial mobility, space, defence and military, business aviation, air traffic management, emerging technology and more will unveil innovations and trailblazing solutions at the industry mega event. An expanded space pavilion, in partnership with the UAE Space Agency, will also be a key feature at this year’s edition. It will see first-time and prominent players including the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) and several others demonstrate how the collaboration of the space and aviation industries are shaping the future …

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operated its first flight from the new Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal A. The airline is one of the first international carriers to fully move operations to the new world class facility. The new terminal will support the national carrier’s growth plans in ramping up operations and offering a seamless journey to meet its ambitious growth plans and high demand. Terminal A will offer a seamless passenger journey, fostering connectivity and facilitating business, trade and tourism. This will be a major step-forward in enhancing the local aviation ecosystem and will enable it to grow its regional and global visitors to explore the incredible art, culture, tradition and hospitality across the emirate. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi celebrated the move to the new terminal with the inauguration of its first flight from Abu Dhabi to Sphinx International Airport in Cairo. The new route provides affordable, hassle-free, point-to-point travel for tourists and residents in the UAE, Egypt and across the region. The flights from Cairo and Abu Dhabi will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Tickets already on sale at wizzair.com and the WIZZ mobile app with fares starting from 199 AED.* Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted to be one of the first airlines to commence operations from the new-state-of-the-art Terminal A. The move to the new terminal and launching our new route to Sphinx, Cairo is a milestone moment in our phenomenal recent growth as it strengthens our position in playing a key role in the growth of the aviation sector in Abu Dhabi and  accelerating the emirate’s position as a global gateway and aviation hub. We will continue …

Etihad Airways operated the first commercial flight from Abu Dhabi International’s highly-anticipated new Terminal A. Etihad flight EY224, from Abu Dhabi to New Delhi, departed Terminal A  on Airbus A350-1000, with 359 guests onboard. Etihad and Abu Dhabi International Airport welcomed the guests who made history as they enjoyed the seamless experience of checking in at Terminal A for the first time. To commemorate the occasion, all passengers, including those in both Economy and Business classes, had the unique opportunity to be the inaugural guests at the new flagship Etihad Lounges which span three floors at Terminal A. After sampling a special menu of celebratory cuisine at the Etihad Lounge, guests made their way to Gate C27, where themed decorations and a photo booth awaited to capture this historic moment. The ceremonial flight was officially inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by a distinguished array of guests, including Etihad and Abu Dhabi Airport Board members and aviation leaders. Among those present were Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, as well as Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim CEO and Frank McCrorie, Chief Operations Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports. Antonoaldo and Frank both gave speeches to officially welcome the airport’s first guests. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad, said: “This is a pivotal and exciting moment in Etihad’s history. As we begin to celebrate our 20th anniversary in November, we are ready for the next growth chapter in our new home. “Our congratulations go to the Abu Dhabi leadership for their vision in creating what is one of the world’s most spectacular airports. The terminal is a stunning piece of architecture that echoes the local landscape and warmly welcomes our guests and elevates …

Flights to Dubai from Almaty will increase from seven to twelve per week, and from Astana from six to ten per week. There will also be charter flights from both Almaty and Astana to Doha in Qatar once a week. Air Astana switched to a Winter Schedule on 29th October 2023, with the resumption of services from Almaty and Astana on seasonal routes and increases in frequencies to popular destinations in the Gulf and Asia. During the Winter Schedule , Air Astana will operate five flights per week on the Almaty-Maldives route, as well as four charter flights per week on the Almaty-Sri Lanka route. Flights from Almaty to Bangkok will increase from three to seven per week, whilst flights from Almaty to Phuket will increase from four to eleven per week. Kazakhstan citizens can travel to Thailand visa free until the end of February 2024. On the Almaty-Delhi route, the number of flights will increase to eleven per week and on the Almaty-Jeddah route, three per week.

Air Canada has inaugurated its new four-times weekly non-stop service between Dubai International (DXB) and its hub at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), marking the airline’s first-ever non-stop flight between the two iconic, global destinations and the only non-stop service connecting the Middle East and Western Canada. The new route complements Air Canada’s daily year-round service between Dubai and Toronto. The new service between Dubai and Vancouver will be operated with state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 aircraft, accommodating 298 passengers, with a choice of three classes of service: Economy, Premium Economy, and Air Canada Signature Class, which offers customers superior comfort and convenience in an exclusive cabin, with spacious lie-flat seating, personalized service, fine cuisine, extra baggage allowance and access to priority airport services. All flights are timed to optimize connections with Air Canada’s extensive North American network and the vast network of Emirates beyond Dubai. Seats are available for booking at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada App, Air Canada’s Contact Centres and travel agencies. “We are excited to now offer not one, but two routes from the most populous city in the UAE to our Canadian hubs in Vancouver and Toronto,” said Mary-Jane Lorette, Air Canada’s Vice President of International Affairs, Network and Partnerships. “Our new Dubai-Vancouver flights will complement Air Canada’s daily service between Toronto and Dubai, broadening our presence in fast-growing international markets in the Indian subcontinent and Middle East regions. Air Canada’s recent move to Dubai International Terminal 3 underscores the significance of our strategic partnership with Emirates and the importance of our flights between the UAE and Canada, providing connections to over 200 destinations across the Air Canada and Emirates networks, with the added benefit of travelling on …

Having served over 150 million passengers and operating flights to a vast network of more than 190 routes from seven strategic hubs, Air Arabia Group, the Middle East & North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier operator, enters its milestone 20th year of operations as it continues to solidify its position as a pioneer and market leader in the aviation industry. Marking this special milestone, Air Arabia has introduced a new addition to its distinctive livery, a unique 20th-anniversary emblem, that celebrates the airline’s two decades of excellence and serves as a testament to the remarkable journey that Air Arabia has undertaken, fueled by the dedication and hard work of its staff members. Commenting on the low-cost carrier’s momentous journey since 2003, Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said: “For two decades now, Air Arabia has demonstrated its leadership position by transforming the way air travel is perceived in the MENA region. Air Arabia’s successful trajectory as a driving force behind connecting people, cultures, and economies, has since brought change to the industry, and has grown the market for affordable air travel”. Since introducing low-cost air travel to the MENA region 20 years ago, Air Arabia has strengthened its market position by offering greater travel options for customers and providing high quality services at affordable fares. Commencing operations on October 28, 2003, with just two aircraft servicing five routes, the airline has grown into a multi-billion-dollar group offering travel and tourism services across the globe. Today, the Air Arabia Group has a multi-brand portfolio spanning across aviation, hospitality, tourism, information technology, flight operations, ground handling, catering and MRO. Air Arabia now operates from multiple hubs spread …