Category Archives: Aviation

Passenger traffic across the Middle East is expected to soar to 530 million by 2043, effectively doubling from current figures, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The 20-year forecast anticipates an average annual growth rate of 3.9% in passenger numbers from 2023 to 2043, slightly surpassing the global average of 3.8%.  Also, the region is set to achieve the highest net profit per passenger globally, expected to post a net profit of $6.2 billion, representing an 8.7% profit margin, well above the global average, driven by strong economic performance and demand for both business and leisure travel. As per the IATA Passenger reports, “Middle Eastern airlines saw a 14.2 per cent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 9.9 per cent year-on-year, and the load factor increased by +3.0 percentage points to 79.3 per cent compared to April 2023.” With hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh leading the charge, the focus must now shift to ensuring all parts of the region are equipped to benefit from the coming wave of air traffic and infrastructure development.

Emirates and Air China have announced plans to establish a partnership for expanding their reciprocal interline cooperation. The collaboration will include the development of a framework for cargo operations and reciprocal benefits within their frequent flyer loyalty programmes. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said, “Our partnership with Air China commenced 26 years ago (July 1999) and since 2018, approximately 18,000 Emirates customers have benefited from the expanded connectivity offered through our interline agreement.” The airlines are also exploring the coordination of flight schedules and adjustments to minimum connecting times. Once implemented, this will offer customers streamlined booking processes, single-ticket itineraries, and expanded access to airport lounges, opening up a world of new destinations with greater ease and convenience. He added, “As we continue expanding our investments in the Chinese mainland, we look forward to deepening our partnership with Air China to meet growing travel demand in this strategic market and create new pathways for travel and trade between China and the global community.” The partnership will focus on knowledge exchange in strategic operational areas, such as revenue management, data analytics, digitalisation, brand development, and the advancement of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Amadeus have announced the integration of IATA CO2 Connect’s flight-specific emissions data into the Amadeus Travel Platform, a move that enhances transparency and sustainability in air travel. Through this integration, airlines, travel agents, corporate travel managers, and online travel platforms can now access and display accurate CO2 emissions data at the point of booking. This new functionality allows travellers to make more environmentally informed decisions based on a trusted data source.  Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA, stated, “Our agreement with Amadeus will help fulfil traveller expectations for greater transparency as airlines progress towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050. IATA surveys reveal that close to 90% of passengers expect airlines or travel agents to provide carbon emission data for flights they have booked. Yet, 79% highlight that the carbon calculations provided are not always consistent. Making IATA CO2 Connect data available through the Amadeus platform will help users make more informed travel decisions using accurate emissions data.” IATA CO2 Connect leverages real-world operational data — including aircraft type-specific fuel consumption — directly provided by more than 70 global airlines. The data is calculated using a globally standardised methodology, ensuring reliability and comparability across different carriers and flight routes.

Etihad Airways will enhance its Sydney to Abu Dhabi route with the introduction of the Airbus A350-1000 starting 1 October 2025. Initially operating on select flights alongside the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the A350 will take over all 10 weekly services by 31 January 2026, offering passengers upgraded comfort and premium Business Suites. Meanwhile, Etihad’s Melbourne route will continue daily with the airline’s latest 787-9 aircraft, also featuring the new Business Suites and expanded premium seating. Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said: “We are delighted to bring morepremium travel options to Australia with the arrival of our A350 on this important route. When theschedule is fully deployed early next year, we will have grown overall seat availability by ten per cent,and premium seat count by over 20 per cent.“We have increased our flight frequencies to Sydney this year, offering guests greater flexibility andenhanced connectivity across our expanding global network. This growth provides more seamless traveloptions to key destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and also welcomes more visitors to ourhome in Abu Dhabi, where they can enjoy our exclusive stopover programme, featuring one or two-night complimentary stays at a premium hotel.”

Emirates Skywards has enhanced its partnership with Marriott Bonvoy to offer members the opportunity to convert Miles to Points, and Points to Miles. The strategic partnership will unlock even more rewards for 35 million members worldwide, who can now enjoy seamless conversions. The new benefit further enhances the already strong collaboration between both loyalty programmes, which currently offers Members the chance to earn twice the rewards on both flights and hotel stays. Members can earn Skywards Miles in addition to Marriott Bonvoy points for stays at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, and Marriott Bonvoy points in addition to Skywards Miles when flying with Emirates. Dr. Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Skywards, said: “Marriott Bonvoy offers one of the most fantastic hotel portfolios in the industry, and as one of the most valued and recognised loyalty programmes in the world – we’re thrilled to take our partnership to the next level. Our 35 million members have benefitted from this strategic partnership for more than 10 years – earning twice the rewards on flights and hotel stays. And we’ve now opened a world of new rewards with the option to convert Miles to Points. This means members can redeem Points towards stays at more than 30 hotel brands and over 10,000 destinations across 144 countries and territories. At the same time, Marriott Bonvoy members can still enjoy converting Points to Miles to ‘fly better’ with Emirates to more than 140 destinations across the airline’s extensive network. We’re proud of our long-standing partnership and as two global brand leaders – we look forward to delivering more benefits, value, and the very best travel experiences for our members worldwide.” Philip Andreopoulos, Chief Commercial …

flyadeal and Cebu Pacific signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore joint strategic commercial initiatives. The historic agreement covers a wide range of opportunities in commercial cooperation and support in aircraft maintenance and engineering. The first phase of the MoU will see flyadeal take delivery of two Cebu Pacific Airbus A320 aircraft on a wet-lease arrangement for the upcoming summer peak flying season in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Reciprocally, Cebu Pacific is examining wet- leasing flyadeal A320s during the busy winter period in southeast Asia at the end of the year. The agreement was signed at a joint Press Conference held in Manila today at which flyadeal Chief Executive Officer Steven Greenway and Cebu Pacific CEO Mike Szucs outlined plans for a phased cooperation beginning with the wet-lease arrangement. Talks between the two airlines began earlier this year following a visit by Greenway and a flyadeal delegation to Manila to learn more about Cebu Pacific’s A330-900neo operations. flyadeal, the Middle East’s fastest growing airline, recently announced plans to venture into the long-haul market with an order for 10 A330 widebodies to be deployed between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, and across southeast Asia from 2027. Greenway said: “Today’s agreement is momentous as it marks flyadeal’s first ever strategic airline partnership. It was clear and obvious that flyadeal could learn a lot from Cebu Pacific’s experience of low-cost long-haul operations given we will be inducting the same A330-900neos into our fleet in just two years’ time. There are great benefits in sharing technical knowledge, training and best practice in preparation for our A330 induction and, of course, we are both A320 operators. “This was the starting point for wide-ranging commercial …

Continuing to redefine in-flight dining, Oman Air has partnered with long-term collaborator Amouage to introduce an exclusive sweet creation for Business Class guests. In a shared celebration of artistry and tradition, the national airline and iconic fragrance house have unveiled a bespoke dessert featuring the treasured Omani Rock Rose, grown on the slopes of Al Jabal Al Akhdar (the ‘Green Mountain’). Available for a limited time only, this exquisite floral dish, created by Michelin-starred Chef Peter Gast and inspired by Amouage’s Guidance Eau de Parfum, brings a new dimension of storytelling and sensory delight to the airline’s award-winning Business Class menu, offering guests a refined taste of Oman at 30,000 feet. The carefully crafted, seven-petal creation is a refined balance of delicate textures and layered depth, revealing unexpected contrasts with every bite. Beneath its soft pink exterior and crisp chocolate shell, its petals part to unveil a velvety cream and a delicate crunch that lingers on the palate. Flavour is never static and evolves with its surroundings. During flight, where perception shifts, this delicacy is designed to hold its integrity, allowing each nuance to unfold effortlessly, just as intended. Guests will receive one composition intertwining raspberry, pear, and saffron on inbound flights. From May 2025, the signature rose-inspired dessert can be experienced on all Oman Air Business Class long and medium-haul inbound routes.

Abu Dhabi Airports has officially announced the launch of a new passenger flight service by Air Seychelles, connecting Zayed International Airport (AUH) with Seychelles International Airport (SEZ). Operating six times a week, the newly introduced route is set to strengthen travel ties between the UAE’s capital and the idyllic island nation of Seychelles. The initiative not only enhances tourism and business links but also offers UAE-based travellers and international visitors increased access to the pristine beaches and vibrant culture of the Seychelles. In a significant move to elevate passenger experience, the route is part of a codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways. This partnership enables Air Seychelles passengers to connect seamlessly to Etihad’s extensive global network, providing convenient travel options to Europe, Asia, and other key destinations. Travellers will also benefit from expanded regional connectivity, including flights to Mauritius three times a week and domestic services within Seychelles to Praslin, the archipelago’s second-largest island. These additions further position Seychelles as a vital tourism and travel hub in the Indian Ocean. Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “This new flight service not only bolsters Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub, but also strengthens the ties between the UAE and Seychelles. The launch offers increased accessibility for both UAE residents and international visitors, opening the door for them to experience the unparalleled beauty, culture, and hospitality of the Seychelles.”

SalamAir announced its partnership with Booking.com. This collaboration aims to offer SalamAir passengers an enhanced travel experience by providing seamless access to a variety of accommodation and car rental options through SalamAir`s website. With the wide variety of hotels, resorts, car rental services, and more offered by Booking.com, SalamAir now offers a trustworthy one-stop channel to book an entire holiday experience, all in one place. Passengers can seamlessly plan their trip, from flights to accommodation and transportation, via the “Book a Hotel and Rent a Car” widgets on the SalamAir website. This initiative reinforces SalamAir’s commitment to providing greater convenience, flexibility, and value while delivering a fully integrated travel experience tailored to the diverse needs of its passengers. Steve Allen, Chief Commercial Officer at SalamAir, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: “At SalamAir, we continuously seek innovative ways to improve the travel experience for our passengers. Our partnership with Booking.com marks an additional step in providing a seamless and more enjoyable journey by offering a wide range of accommodation and transportation solutions alongside our various travel options. We believe this collaboration will add substantial value to our passengers and further enhance our commitment to affordability and convenience.” Mark van der Linden, VP Partnerships, at Booking.com said of the collaboration: “We are delighted to partner with SalamAir in bringing more travel solutions to its passengers. Our mission at Booking.com is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, and by working with SalamAir, we can ensure that more passengers will have access to diverse accommodation and car rental options that suit their travel needs.” Through this partnership, SalamAir passengers can conveniently book hotels and car rentals alongside their …

Available on both iOS and Android wearable devices, the flynas smartwatch app provides guests with all their travel details in one place on a comprehensive details screen, where users can quickly navigate to any booking to check details or prepare for future journeys. The app also provides alerts and keeps travelers informed of trip updates. flynas operates 139 routes to more than 70 domestic and international destinations in 30 countries with more than 1500 weekly flights and has flown more than 80 million passengers since its launch in 2007, with the aim to reach 165 domestic and international destinations within its growth and expansion plan, and in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.flynas launched its smartwatch app further consolidating its leadership in providing innovative digital solutions to its guests, ensuring a seamless travel experience across its 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.