Category Archives: Aviation

Red Sea Global (RSG) revealed the first project in its expanded portfolio, with the developer entrusted refurbishment works at Al Wajh Airport (EJH). The development is focused on modernizing the airport to bring it in line with international standards, as well as upgrading the existing terminal and infrastructure, RSG is building a new international terminal, the designs of which will be revealed soon. This will see EJH ready to offer more direct flights leading to greater connectivity and job opportunities for local people. EJH will also be able to better service key developments taking place in the area, including becoming a gateway for the Amaala destination, also developed by RSG. The airport will also become a new base of operations for Fly Red Sea, the Kingdom’s first seaplane company. “Last year, Red Sea Global announced a growing portfolio of projects stretching along the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. Today I can reveal the first of those projects is to refurbish Al Wajh Airport, making it a modern airport for the people of Tabuk. It’s an honor to be the developer of choice for this important work, ensuring Al Wajh is ready and equipped to support the needs of the growing local community,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. The development joins a growing list of aviation projects under the Group. Last month, the developer’s Red Sea International Airport (RSI) welcomed its first domestic flight with a regular schedule now in place. RSG is also developing a second, private airport close to The Red Sea and Amaala destinations. As part of the modernizing work taking place at EJH, four flights operated by SAUDIA will be transferred from …

Etihad Airways welcomed the latest addition to its expanding fleet as a new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner landed at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Friday 13 October. After a thorough check by Etihad’s engineering team, the new arrival will go straight into service and is set to start flying guests from 15 October. “The arrival of our latest 787 Dreamliner underlines our passion to grow this year by enhancing the quality of our customer experience and the reach of our network,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways. “This is all part of our vision 2030 supporting our growth as underlined by the new destinations to Osaka, Copenhagen and Dusseldorf we began operating two weeks ago.” This aircraft, and the three Dreamliner 787-9s following shortly, are up to 25 per cent more fuel efficient than many comparable aircraft of their size. The arrival comes exactly three years to the day since Etihad took delivery of its last Boeing 787-10 on 13 October, 2020.

Saudia celebrated the launch of its direct flights to the Red Sea International Airport (RSI) in partnership with Red Sea Global (RSG). Saudia and RSG organized a series of ceremonies both in Altanfeethi lounge at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh (RUH) and onboard in the presence of a number of high-level officials and executives. Saudia operates two flights a week to and from RSI, one of the future destinations of Saudi Vision 2023. Guests flying on Saudia’s celebratory flight received a commemorative boarding pass, while Saudia Boeing B787 aircraft was designed with Saudia’s new brand identity – representing the beginning of a new era – as well as the Red Sea destination logo. Onboard, guests enjoyed an integrated display of Saudi culture through various services, which included Saudi coffee, fine dates, in-flight music and entertainment programs, and a Saudi-inspired menu. Additionally, the in-flight screens displayed several videos illustrating the objectives of the Red Sea destination and its timeline. Meanwhile, the CEO of Saudia, Captain Ibrahim Koshy, and the CEO of Red Sea Global, John Pagano, spoke about their partnership that brings together both parties where Saudia is the first airline to fly to the new destination, and supports the implementation of the initiatives that contributes in achieving sustainable flying to the Red Sea destination in fulfillment of its quest to be Wings of Vision 2030.

Red Sea Global (RSG) celebrated the take-off of its first seaplane flight operated by its subsidiary company, Fly Red Sea. Created to transport guests across crystal-clear waters to The Red Sea’s island resorts, including St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, A Ritz Carlton Reserve, it is the first seaplane company launched in the Kingdom. “As a pilot myself, I was deeply invested in the efforts to build Fly Red Sea. Our goal was to create a company that would allow us to maintain high standards across every guest touchpoint, that would give us the platform to explore technologies to reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint, and which would prioritize giving skilled, rewarding career opportunities to the Saudi people. Fly Red Sea achieves this on every level,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. Managed by a team of aviation specialists, Fly Red Sea’s initial fleet of four Cessna Caravan 208 seaplanes are each equipped with boutique, luxury interiors. The fleet will expand in line with the destination’s development phases, growing to nine seaplanes by 2028 and is expected to increase to more than 20 by 2030. Each aircraft can accommodate a pilot and up to six guests with luggage for guest transfers to water-based resorts, or up to nine guests for scenic tours across the entire destination. As a subsidiary of RSG, sustainability is at the core of Fly Red Sea’s ambitions. RSG has chosen to fuel its fleet of seaplanes using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from day one. It is also exploring the possibility of fully electric seaplanes, and is continuing to work closely with ZeroAvia to trial retrofitting Cessna Caravan Seaplanes with hydrogen-electric propulsion technology. …

The world’s first premium leisure airline Beond will debut its operations in  Riyadh and the first inaugural flight will commence from 9th November 2023. Speaking with TravelTV Middle East, Tero Taskila CEO and Founder Beond reiterated that they selected Riyadh as the first destination mainly due to the fact that the luxury market is underserved, hence they wanted to cater to the luxury travellers who seek special experiences onboard. The Munich inaugural departing will be 15th November and the Zurich inaugural departing 17th November 2023. Between today and the scheduled service launch, early bird customers have chartered the aircraft to experience the Maldives. In addition, the airline announced new routes from Dubai and Milan, beginning in late March 2024. With events in Malé, Maldives attended by dignitaries, investors, supporters and employees, and at a global media event broadcast online and in-person in Dubai, the airline showcased its first aircraft, an Airbus A319 seating 44 passengers in a luxurious all lay-flat configuration. “Welcome to Beond. Our aim is simple: to fly our customers to the most unique and unspoiled destinations where they can release their inner explorer on the most memorable vacation of their lives,” said Tero Taskila, CEO of Beond, and a founder. “Today is but the beginning of our vision for our customers, embodied by this beautiful aircraft — inside and out. We could not be more pleased to showcase it in Maldives, our home,d and Dubai. We wish especially to thank the government of Maldives and our supporters there, the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority, and SIMDI Group — each of whom believed in our vision for a new airline in Maldives. Our team will do its best to …

Jazeera Airways introduced sustainable food service ware on all flights across its network of 64 destinations. By changing from plastic cutlery to 100% biodegradable spoons, forks, knives and napkins, Jazeera reduces 300 kilograms of plastic on its flights each month. The cutlery manufactured by Dubai based Palmade® is made from natural materials including leaves of the date palm trees. All of these materials are certified biodegradable and compostable. Earlier in the year, Jazeera also switched from plastic stirrers to wooden ones as a part of its sustainable practices. The airline is the first low cost carrier in the Middle East to switch from plastic to eco-friendly food service ware in-flight. Rohit Ramachandran, Chief Executive Officer, Jazeera Airways said “As a low cost carrier, we have to be cost conscious in our business, but we are also mindful of our ethical, social and environmental accountability. In the last few years, we have taken small steps towards sustainability and continue to stay focused on reducing or offsetting our carbon emissions. Changing to biodegradable service ware is another small initiative that we are hoping will contribute to a larger impact. Our ultimate goal is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.” In 2021, Jazeera Airways placed an order for 28 new A320neo and A321neo aircraft, an investment in the excess of US$3.4 billion. The A320neo aircraft provide an 18% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions, and cut NOx emissions and noise pollution by 50% each. For customers, Jazeera runs CHOOOSE™, a carbon offset program providing them with the option to reduce their flight’s environmental footprint by choosing to contribute to climate projects. The airline has also invested in 2,000+ units of the new …

Cebu Pacific  hosted a thanksgiving dinner for their travel agency partners and Philippine government officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to celebrate the airline’s 10 years in Dubai. The event, held at Doubletree by Hilton M Square, is a celebration of CEB’s long-standing history of servicing the Dubai-Manila route and its partnership with the travel trade. It is also CEB’s way of expressing gratitude to its travel partners and Philippine government stakeholders for their support in the last 10 years. Philippine Consul General to Dubai Renato Dueñas Jr. graced the event along with representatives from the Al Rais Travel & Shipping Agencies LLC, and CEB’s General Sales Agent in Dubai and Northern Emirates. CEB flew its maiden Dubai-Manila flight on October 7, 2013, making it the airline’s first ever long-haul flight. It was also the first local carrier to land in Dubai in 15 years. “Cebu Pacific remains committed to continuously provide our kababayans in the UAE the easiest and fastest connectivity to the Philippines, and link tourists from all over the world to the best destinations in our country,” said Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer. Arlene Tena, CEB Director for Passenger Sales and Distribution, recalled how the airline’s operation in Dubai has helped thousands of Filipinos to find greater pastures in the UAE and be reunited with their families and loved ones in the Philippines. “Indeed, Dubai holds a special place in our hearts. It is a city that embodies the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of dreams, and Cebu Pacific is proud to be a bridge that connects people to our beautiful homeland,” Tena said. CEB currently flies twice daily between Dubai and …

Visa and Etihad Guest have renewed their exclusive cobrand deal in the UAE for another 7 years. This partnership enables Etihad Guest to further grow its’ cobrand card portfolio with key financial partners in the UAE and drive innovation in the country’s payment ecosystem. Visa’s global platform, digital first approach, and unmatched card benefits will further augment the growth of the Etihad Guest programme. As global and UAE travel trends continue to be on the rise, this partnership will further provide Etihad Guest customers with market leading customer value propositions including a secure payment product with benefits of earning miles and enjoying rewards such as global lounge access. At the same time, cardholders benefit from convenient services like concierge and insurance. Etihad boasts six banking partnerships in the UAE which are enabled through its cobrand partnership with Visa. As a result, Etihad Guest cobrand cardholders can earn rewards through everyday spending on their credit cards, making travel even more attractive. The partnership complements Etihad’s current growth journey as the airline continues to expand its network, offering Etihad Guest members an even greater choice of destinations when spending their rewards. Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer, Etihad, said: “With more than 9 million members globally, the Etihad Guest programme offers our members and guests a richly rewarding travel and lifestyle experience. As two leading and trusted global brands, we’re proud to renew our exclusive partnership with Visa, giving us further ability to enhance and evolve the Etihad Guest programme for our members in the UAE both locally and as they travel the world with Etihad. These are part of the exciting array of offerings we are adding as we further cement Etihad …

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi inaugurated its first flight from Abu Dhabi to Erbil. The new route provides affordable, hassle-free, point-to-point travel for tourists and residents in the UAE, Iraq and across the region. Tickets are on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app with fares starting as low as AED 269 *. The flights from Abu Dhabi to Erbil operate on a convenient schedule, flying on Monday and Friday, with the national airline flying to more than 40 destinations from Abu Dhabi. Erbil is a modern metropolis with a rich history, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes. With a vibrant culture and incredible historical sites, including the ancient Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, travellers of all ages can immerse themselves in multiple historical civilizations. Some of the must-see historical and natural attractions include the Sami Abdul Rahman Park, Jalil Khayat Mosque and Kurdish textile museum with memorable and enriching travel experiences awaiting. Basking in glorious year round sunshine, Abu Dhabi is a world-renowned family friendly destination with incredible art, culture, tradition and hospitality offerings. The UAE capital, blessed with stunning beach resorts, excellent cultural offerings and exciting attractions offers visitors a warm welcome and breath taking natural and built beauty. The city offers an enriching historical experience and a bustling culture to explore with a plethora of both relaxation and adventure options to suit all ages. Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted to inaugurate our first flight to Erbil, a city of spectacular historical beauty, as we reaffirm our commitment to growing our ever-expanding network throughout the region. With the recent arrival of the 11th aircraft to our fleet, we are further …

Qatar Airways announces its expansion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the launch of services of two new gateways: Al Ula, Tabuk and the reopening of Yanbu. Effective 29 October 2023, Qatar Airways will commence operations to AlUla, followed by Yanbu on 06 December 2023, and Tabuk on 14 December 2023. These new routes will offer passengers even more options to explore the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of Saudi Arabia. These additions to the airline’s rapidly growing network mark a significant milestone in Qatar Airways’ commitment to connecting travellers across the globe. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are thrilled to introduce AlUla, Yanbu, and Tabuk as our newest destinations in Saudi Arabia. These cities offer a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural experiences, and we are proud to connect travellers from around the world to these remarkable places.” Al Ula, known for its breath-taking landscapes and historical treasures, will be serviced with two weekly flights. Travelers can look forward to experiencing this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s wonders, including the ancient rock formations and archaeological marvels. Yanbu, a vibrant port city, will be connected with three weekly flights. With its beautiful beaches and diverse marine life, Yanbu is the perfect destination for those seeking sun, sea and adventure. Tabuk, nestled amidst stunning mountains and valleys, will see Qatar Airways operate three weekly flights. Travelers to Tabuk will have the opportunity to explore its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Qatar Airways now operates to nine cities in Saudi Arabia, operating more than 125 flights weekly. These cities include AlUla, Dammam, Gassim, Jeddah, Medina, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, and Yanbu, providing travellers …