Category Archives: Aviation

In order to explore new horizons and reach out to new markets, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has begun its roadshow on September 24 to Far East Asian markets in collaboration with Emirates airline. These events, which will run till September 28, mark the Authority’s entry into the Indonesian, Malaysian and Singaporean markets for the first time. Underscoring its commitment to enhancing the efficiencies in the tourism sector through partnerships and collaborative efforts, the Authority has started holding meetings which will take place during these five days with various public and private entities, officials and agencies aimed at building long-lasting relationships with them. The Authority is keen to win new markets in the Far East region in line with its strategic efforts to attract more visitors by showcasing exceptional tourism offers during the roadshow, including key benefits and a wide array of tourism products in Sharjah. HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, said, “We are working on a clear plan and strategy in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member, Supreme Council and Ruler, Sharjah, to promote the tourism sector and make Sharjah a leading family destination in the world. Considering all the stakeholders in the public and private sectors and following the framework set forth in Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021, the tourism sector in the emirate has been able to hold a distinguished position on the global tourism map and has become a major engine of comprehensive development today, paving the way to new touristic key markets.”

Turkish Airlines hosted the Turkish Airlines Corporate Club Conference on September 17-18 in Istanbul, in partnership with the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). The conference was an annual international event where industry leaders came together and discussed the future of business travel. The event saw 900 participants from 71 countries and the programme featured leading names in the industry, including Mike Walsh as a keynote speaker, CEO, Tomorrow, and best-selling author of the book “Futuretainment”. The theme of the conference was “Building for the Future”, featuring M İlker Aycı, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Turkish Airlines, along with Aaron Heslehurst, Television Presenter, BBC as moderator. Turkey has undergone a huge transition over recent years in developing its economy and infrastructure. To set one example in this regard, the Istanbul New Airport – a state-of-the-art facility, to be opened on October 29, will be the largest airport in the world by 2023. The much-anticipated opening of the new airport will position Istanbul as the ‘Hub of the World’, and will see 200 million passengers per year on final completion. Turkish Airlines’ expansion has increased demand for this world-class facility, which will help the national flag carrier’s goals of 120 million passengers and a fleet of 500 aircraft by 2023. Talking about the event, Aycı said, “Building on the recent economic success of our airline, 2018 is a highly significant year for the future of Turkish Airlines with the opening of Istanbul new airport in October. As the new home of Turkish Airlines, this will allow us for greater capacity and increased network, allowing corporate travellers streamlined and innovative services and state-of-the-art lounge facilities.”

Etihad Airways has unveiled its series of activities to celebrate the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia on the 88th National Day of the Kingdom. To mark the occasion on September 23, the airline’s flagship Year of Zayed-branded A380 will be deployed on EY311 and EY312, between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah. Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Senior Vice President Government & International Affairs said, “In recognition of the special bond between two countries and the increasing importance of the Saudi market to the airline, we are delighted to host this exciting programme. Over the coming months, Etihad will continue to strengthen this relationship and announce new partnerships with key Saudi Arabian organisations that will add greater value to our guests.” Etihad recently announced sponsorship of Riyadh-based Al Nassr FC, and players from the football club have recorded a special video which will be broadcast on the National Day. The airline commissioned Emirati poet, Ahmed Al Zarounei, to write a unique prose to symbolise the friendship and bond between the two countries. The 380-word Arabic poem, inspired by the A380, was transcribed on digital screens at Abu Dhabi International Airport. The gesture was captured on film and will be broadcast across Etihad’s social media channels. Guests travelling between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia will receive themed chocolates and greeting cards on the National Day. All guests visiting Etihad’s lounge in Abu Dhabi will be treated to a selection of Saudi Arabian themed cuisine. The airline is also offering special fares from Saudi Arabia during the National Day celebration period.

Emirates will operate a special one-off A380 service on September 23 to Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), in celebratory participation of the country’s 88th National Day. Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Centre, said, “The UAE enjoys a strong relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through fraternal ties and constructive cooperation, as well as a shared vision for the future. Bringing the Emirates A380 is a fitting way to support the National Day celebrations, and for customers in Riyadh to try the superior A380 product. King Khalid International Airport is also well-equipped to handle the A380 and we are working closely with the civil aviation authorities to ensure the one-off operation is successful.” The Emirates A380 service will touchdown at King Khalid International Airport on September 23 as EK 813 and EK 814, departing from Dubai at 1500hrs and arriving in Riyadh at 1550hrs. The flight will then depart from Riyadh at 1850hrs, arriving in Dubai at 2140hrs.

The UN Migration Agency (IOM) and Turkish Airlines have signed a long-term partnership agreement for the promotion of safe, orderly and regular migration. The deal has been signed between General William Swing, Director IOM and M İlker Aycı, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Turkish Airlines. The cooperation will focus on the organisation’s migration application (MigApp), which leverages the widespread use of telecommunications technology to provide practical information about services available to the migrants globally. “The agreement opens a whole range of possibilities for cooperation both in terms of Turkish Airlines’ commitment to social responsibility and our own commitments to migrants and refugees. It will allow us to do a lot in terms of informing migrants, promoting their rights and training to sensitise airline officials to smuggling and trafficking — one of the heinous crimes of our times.” Swing said. Commenting on the partnership, Aycı said, “As the national flag carrier of Turkey, we are glad to strengthen our collaboration with IOM. Through this agreement, we see a way to promote the idea of living together in peace and travelling freely and legally as envisioned under the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.”

Dubai Airports has finalised an agreement with Hard Rock International and their regional franchise partners that will see the former launch its first Hard Rock Cafe, opening early November in DXB’s Concourse B. The new location will feature a licensed restaurant, grab and go food, live entertainment, rock memorabilia and a Rock Shop loaded with its world-famous merchandise. Hard Rock Cafe will be located in Terminal 3 B Gates, adding to DXB’s remarkable array of leisure and entertainment offerings, which include over 100 eating options for passengers, catering to all tastes and budgets. Hard Rock International is one of the world’s most globally recognised brands, famous for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, memorable dining experiences and live music performances which will complement Dubai Airports’ musicDXB programme. Eugene Barry, Executive Vice President Commercial, Dubai Airports, said, “We’re thrilled to add Hard Rock Cafe to our DXB playlist. It is the perfect fit at an airport that is already world-renowned for its F&B, retail and music. Hard Rock Cafe sets the standard when it comes to combining great food and music and is a vital component of our strategy to create an airport experience that is second to none.” Anibal Fernandez Lorden, Vice President, Franchise Operations and Development of Hard Rock International, said, “Hard Rock has been looking forward to opening its second location in Dubai after many successful years of operating in this iconic city.”  “We could not have asked for a better location to provide travellers with great memories of one of the world’s top dining and entertainment brands.”

Abu Dhabi Airports, in collaboration with Emirates Red Crescent, has launched its ‘Flight of the Children of Zayed’ initiative, under which it recently organised a trip for 31 orphans to Sir Bani Yas Island. The initiative comes under the framework of Abu Dhabi Airports’ ongoing corporate social responsibility (CSR) and Year of Zayed programme. Abu Dhabi Airports is committed to organising various social initiatives and sponsoring charities in line with its vision of becoming the world’s leading airports group. As a part of the ‘Flight of the Children of Zayed’, Abu Dhabi Airports collaborated with various authorities, including the Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship, Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, Abu Dhabi Department of Culture & Tourism, the Tourism Development & Investment Company that sponsored the recreational activities and accommodation on the island and Abu Dhabi Aviation that provided air transportation. The initiative included a safari on the island and a variety of water sports. The children also planted trees bearing their names and received souvenirs. Abu Dhabi Airports commended the staff across all the organisations involved that contributed, coordinated and implemented the ‘Flight of the Children of Zayed’ initiative.

The Executive Committee of the Arab Air Carriers’ Organization (AACO) held its 82nd meeting in Amman, which was hosted by Royal Jordanian (RJ) Airline. The meeting, held at InterContinental Hotel, was headed by Saleh Bin Nasser Al Jasser, Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines and Chairman of AACO Executive Committee. The attendees included RJ President & CEO Stefan Pichler, AACO’s Secretary General Abdul Wahab Teffaha and the CEOs of eight Arab airlines that are members of the Executive Committee. The participants held discussion on tackling several strategic issues and development of some joint projects among AACO members. Besides, the committee discussed internal issues regarding preparation of AACO’s 51st Annual General Meeting to be held between November 5 and 7, 2018. Pichler said RJ is pleased to host the chief executives of the Arab Carriers, and he underlined the significance of these meetings that gather the Arab airlines under one umbrella to find the best solutions to the problems that the aviation industry faces in the region. Royal Jordanian has been an AACO member since 1965. Teffaha said that one of the tasks of the Executive Committee is to supervise the work of the organisation and discuss the main issues that concern the Arab Carriers in various fields, which include joint projects among members being managed by AACO, aero-political matters in the world and the region and AACO’s priorities in the upcoming days. AACO is made up of 33 Arab airlines that operate over 1,400 aircraft with an average age of 7 years, half the age of other global fleets.

Travelport has announced signing a new multi-year content agreement with Etihad Airways. The deal involves continued use of the company’s leading merchandising tools, Travelport Rich Content and Branding and Travelport Sponsored Flights, as well as its business intelligence solutions for airlines, Travelport Business Intelligence. Further, Etihad has also renewed its contract with Travelport Digital to continue to extend their digital reach and deliver innovative mobile services to its customers. Etihad, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, uses Travelport Rich Content and Branding to provide Travelport’s 68,000 connected agencies with a graphically-rich experience when searching for and booking its branded fares, as well as greater access to its ancillary offers. The Travelport Sponsored Flights digital media offering is then used by the airline to further promote its flight options through highly-targeted advertising solutions. Travelport Business Intelligence is used by Etihad to arm its sales, marketing and network-planning teams with the information required to respond effectively to industry change, minimise operating costs and increase profits.

With Ukraine remaining an important market for flydubai, it has announced moving its existing operations to Boryspil International Airport (KBP) Kiev with effect from October 28, 2018. Besides, from October 02, double daily flights will be available between Kiev and Dubai. flydubai had launched its operations in Ukraine in 2013 and currently offers 17 weekly flights from Kiev and Odessa to Dubai. Ukrainian citizens travelling to Dubai can benefit from a Visa-on-Arrival, which is valid for 30-days and is free of charge. Through flydubai’s partnership with Emirates, Ukrainian passengers are offered unmatched travel options via Dubai’s aviation hub. flydubai flights FZ 728/727 and FZ 730/729 will operate daily between Boryspil International Airport (KBP) and Dubai International, Terminal 2 (DXB), effective from 28 October 2018. Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President, Commercial at flydubai, said, “We welcome the start of our double daily service from Boryspil International Airport, which provides a more convenient travel experience and better connectivity via Dubai’s aviation hub to some of the most popular leisure destinations.” He further added, “Our passengers from Kiev were also one of the first on our network to enjoy our new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with a flat-bed in Business Class and optimized space and comfort in Economy Class.”