Category Archives: Aviation

Etihad Airways started flights to three key destinations Osaka, Copenhagen and Dusseldorf. Inaugural services to Dusseldorf, Germany (DUS) began on September 28, followed the next day by Copenhagen, Denmark (CPH) and then Osaka, Japan (KIX) on October 1. Meanwhile the airline unveiled increased frequencies to popular destinations Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KUL) and Colombo, Sri Lanka (CMB). The flights are part of a package of new routes and increased frequencies designed to meet customer demand for more opportunities to visit Abu Dhabi and provide even more connectivity to Etihad’s growing global network. “The new flights are the next important steps as we enhance our network delivering greater connectivity for our guests,and serving their demand for more opportunities to visit Abu Dhabi,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “We are helping accelerate economic growth for the city by providing more travel options and seamless connections, ensuring it’s easier for guests to visit Abu Dhabi either as a destination, or as part of a stopover as they explore our growing global network.” Etihad has already announced the launch of nine new destinations this year, including Malaga, Mykonos, Lisbon, Kolkata, St Petersburg, Dusseldorf, Copenhagen, Osaka, and Boston. In addition, the airline recently announced new routes to the Indian Subcontinent, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram, to be launched in January 2024. To complement these developments, Etihad has made several recent network changes and frequency adds to enhance travel options and connectivity. Highlights include: Improved Departure Times: Enhanced passenger convenience with adjusted departure times for European and Asian destinations. Expanded Frequencies: Increased regularity to Chennai (MAA), Colombo (CMB) Islamabad (ISB), Kochi (COK), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Madrid (MAD), Milan (MXP), Munich (MUC), Rome (FCO), and Phuket …

Airport Show will once again return with its 23rd edition in Dubai from 14th to 16th May 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. More than 200 exhibitors from over 20 countries will participate in this year’s exhibition. It will feature six country pavilions and over 150 buyers from more than 20 countries. The B2B platform will witness 3,500-plus meetings in its popular Business Connect Programme. The four in-event networking and knowledge- sharing platform will be Innovation Trail, Sustainable Apron, Start-up Zone and Youth in Aviation, along with an equal number of co-located events – Global Airport Leaders’ Forum, Women in Aviation Conference, Airport Security Middle East and Air Traffic Control Forum. Over 60 speakers will grace the occasion and speak on diverse aviation topics, including but not limited to Sustainability at Airports, Passenger Experience, Ground Handling, Airport Security and Air Traffic Management.  There will be more than 30 conference sessions. The exhibition will also host four co-located events – Air Traffic Control Forum, Airport Security Middle East, the Global Airport Leaders’ Forum and the Women in Aviation Middle East Chapter Conference. As the leading international suppliers will be displaying their most advanced airport technology, innovations and solutions, the B2B platform will be an ideal platform for the aviation industry stakeholders to get first-hand knowledge about emerging aviation trends, network with global industry leaders and source the latest technologies to meet the passengers’ expectations. Its organizers, RX, the London-based company that hosts over 400 events in 22 countries across 42 industry sectors, say the three-day exclusive business platform will be attended by over 6,000 aviation industry decision-makers and professionals.       His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, …

SAUDIA revealed its new brand identity and livery during a milestone event in Jeddah. This new identity is in line with a wider strategic digital transformation plan aimed at strengthening the airline’s support for the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to bring the world to Saudi Arabia. The rebrand marks the beginning of a new era for Saudia, introducing innovative concepts in terms of customer services with a strong focus on digital aspects and enhancing the guest experience by celebrating Saudi culture. This transformation reinforces Saudia ‘s national identity as it reimagines all products and services to engage all five senses. It was revealed in the presence of Royal Highnesses, Excellencies and leaders from both the public and private sectors, as well as prominent media correspondents and aviation experts. Guests can anticipate an authentic Saudi experience during their journey, showcasing the very best of Saudi Arabia and its rich culture. This includes a distinctive fragrance and sonic identity, locally inspired cuisine, all crafted by skilled Saudi craftsmen. This new identity mirrors Saudi Arabia’s welcoming spirit, leaving guests with a deep sense of the country’s warmth and hospitality, while promoting a deeper appreciation of Saudi culture for both nationals and visitors. The rebrand also encompasses new uniforms for cabin crew and ground staff. The new brand color identity, comprised of green, blue, and sand, represent Saudia’s aim to expand its fleet and destinations, connecting the world to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the Kingdom’s authenticity and deep-rooted values.

Emirates announced that its highly sought-after Premium Economy offering will be introduced to two more points in its network, São Paolo from 19 November and Tokyo Narita from 20 December. São Paolo will become the airline’s fifth point in its North and South American network where flights will operate with the new cabin class, while Tokyo Narita will become the second gateway in Emirates’ Far East network which offers its latest cabin product, featuring extra legroom, premium features and amenities.  As the airline’s retrofit programme picks up pace and the product extends to more routes on its network, São Paolo will become the 13th city where Emirates will operate its newly retrofitted flagship A380 aircraft, while the number of points offering Premium Economy will grow to 14 with the addition of Tokyo Narita. Besides featuring the new Premium Economy seats, the enhanced aircraft that will operate on the routes also boast refreshed interiors that provide an elevated experience throughout the other cabins, with a new look and feel. Seats can be booked immediately via emirates.com, Emirates sales offices and travel agencies. From 19 November, travellers flying between Dubai and São Paolo can book Emirates’ Premium Economy seats on EK261/262, which will initially be available three times weekly, scaling up to daily flights in December. Premium Economy on flights EK318/319, to and from Tokyo Narita, will launch as a daily offering from 20 December.

Red Sea Global (RSG) celebrated the first flight to its Red Sea International Airport (RSI), which touched down on the new runway. Departing from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh each Thursday and Saturday, The SAUDIA flight, which takes under two hours, marks the start of a new twice-weekly service. The flights return to Riyadh later the same day. “We promised to make The Red Sea a place where people from all around the world would come to experience the best of Saudi culture, hospitality, and nature. Now, with the first flight touching down at Red Sea International Airport, and our first resorts receiving bookings, Saudi Arabia’s position on the global tourism map is all but secured,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. The flights depart RUH each Thursday at 10.50am, before departing again to the Kingdom’s capital from RSI at 13:35pm. A second service departs RUH every Saturday at 12.50pm, with the return flight for RUH departing at 15:35pm. Positioned within an eight-hour flight from 85 percent of the world’s population, RSI will grow to welcome international flights from next year as additional phase one resorts open their doors. Red Sea International Airport is operated by daa International, which has supported Red Sea Global with design validation and commissioning of RSI since 2020. With the arrival of RSI’s first commercial flight, daa International’s operational responsibility commences.

flynas announced launching direct flights to the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa from Riyadh and Jeddah as of October 9, in line with flynas plans to further expanding its network in the African market, and within the the growth and expansion plan launched by flynas early last year under the slogan “We Connect the World to the Kingdom,” and in parrel with the National Civil Aviation Strategy to reach 330 million passengers and 100 million tourists, and to increase the number of international destinations connected to the Kingdom to more than 250 destinations by 2030, and to achieve the objectives of the Pilgrims Experience Program to provide an easier access to the Holy Mosques. The leading LCC will operate the new route from Riyadh as of October 9 with three weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, And Fridays. And from Jeddah starting from October 10 with three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, connecting Saudi and Ethiopia with six direct weekly flights. This will reinforce the travel destinations to Africa offered by flynas to the pilgrims and visitors between the two countries. The leading LCC connects more than 70 domestic and international destinations, with more than 1,500 weekly flights. Passengers traveling with flynas can book their flights through all flynas booking channels: www.flynas.com, the flynas app, the call centre (920001234), or travel agents.  

A recent report from the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), stated that over 50% of private jet flights are for groups. Private Jet Charter Service Market Research indicates the demand for group private jet charters increased by 27% from 2019 to 2021. According to industry statistics, the demand for larger private jets, capable of accommodating 10 or more passengers, has surged by nearly 30% over the last five years. This trend highlights the changing preferences of travellers who are increasingly seeking the camaraderie and exclusivity of group travel without the hassles of commercial flights. This tracks with data from Klasjet which reported an increase in group size for charter bookings in 2023, compared to the previous year. ‘We are certainly seeing not only a rise in group bookings but an increase in the size of these groups. “Traditionally the reserve of sports teams and entertainment stars. Private  charter is becoming a luxury that discerning group travellers see value in, particularly in light of airline disruption in recent years,” says Justinas Bulka CEO of Klasjet

Wizz Air announced an exciting promotion with 20 percent off selected flights to and from Saudi Arabia. The promotion applies for bookings made from 18 September 00:01 to 19 September 23:59 GST and for travel dates until on or before 14 December 2023*, providing customers affordable, hassle-free travel opportunities. The promotion has been launched as part of Wizz Air’s celebrations for Saudi National Day as well as marking one year of operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The reduced fares are on sale on wizzair.com and the WIZZ mobile app, available in the Arabic language. Robert Carey, President of Wizz Air, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the Saudi National Day and one year of operations in the Kingdom by launching a special promotion for 80,000 tickets at 20% off.

Emirates and SriLankan Airlines signed a reciprocal interline agreement to boost connectivity for passengers of both airlines. The partnership will enable access to new points on each other’s networks via Colombo and Dubai, utilising a single ticket and enjoying the convenience of baggage transfers. Tickets are now on sale for travel effective immediately as the interline partnership unlocks 15 regional destinations operated by SriLankan Airlines via Colombo, for Emirates’ passengers to choose from. The interline network includes two new Indian destinations, Madurai and Tiruchirapally, in addition to Gan Island in the Maldives, for customers to travel seamlessly on a single ticket while enjoying the convenience of a generous baggage policy and hassle-free baggage check-through to the final destination. Far East and South Asian destinations also include Cochin, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Malé, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Guangzhou, Seoul and Tokyo. SriLankan Airlines’ passengers are also set to benefit from access to Emirates’ global network and connect to 15 cities operated by Emirates beyond Dubai. The interline network includes points across the Middle East, Africa, Russia and the US. SriLankan’s customers will enjoy a premium travel experience and partnership benefits while flying on Emirates to Bahrain, Amman, Dammam, Medina, Cairo, Muscat, Nairobi, Moscow, Tel Aviv, and a host of US cities including New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Franciso, Chicago, Boston and Houston.* Travel itineraries can be booked immediately on emirates.com, srilankan.com and preferred online and offline travel agencies. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer said: “We are pleased to activate an interline partnership with SriLankan and provide our customers with more choice and access to additional destinations to suit their travel plans. This partnership enables customers to seamlessly fly to …

In honour of Saudi National Day, IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a partnership with ALFURSAN to launch a limited time offer allowing IHG One Rewards and ALFURSAN members to earn triple ALFURSAN Reward Miles when booking a stay at any IHG Hotels & Resorts property worldwide.* The exclusive offer enables guests to earn three times the number of base miles that they would normally receive on a room night rate and eligible charges at InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Regent® Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo®, HUALUXE® Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn®, Holiday Inn Express®, Holiday Inn Club Vacations®, Holiday Inn Resort®, EVEN® Hotels, voco® Hotels, Vignette™ Collection, Atwell Suites™, avid® Hotels, Staybridge Suites®, Candlewood Suites®, The Venetian® Resort Las Vegas, and The Venetian® Macao. Some Six Senses® Hotels, Resorts & Spas and Iberostar Beachfront Resorts properties are also included in the promotion. The ‘3X Miles’ offer is valid for registrations and hotel bookings made from 14 September to 14 October 2023 at any of the listed IHG Hotels & Resorts destinations worldwide. IHG One Rewards – the global loyalty program from IHG Hotels & Resorts – is designed to give members more value, enhanced benefits, and the flexibility to choose to be rewarded in their own way. Loyalty members can access IHG’s world of 18 brands and more than 6,000 hotels all in the palm of their hands through its all-new mobile app. ALFURSAN has over 7.5 million members worldwide. Through its frequent flyer programme, travellers can access an extensive range of benefits, including flight redemptions, flight upgrades, partner offers, no expiration on miles, and more. Register and book a stay …