Category Archives: Aviation

Royal Jordanian (RJ) announced the launch of its new Voice of the Customer programme, powered by technology from Medallia, the global leader in customer and employee experience, and delivered by Kantar. The new initiative has been designed to further enhance the end-to-end journey of passengers across RJ’s flight network covering 141 destinations. Royal Jordanian’s Vice Chairman and CEO Samer Majali commented: “Improving the customer experience is at the heart of RJ’s mission, as we strive to better our business performance and deliver class-leading quality product at all journey touchpoints. Our new Voice of the Customer programme has been engaging different customer segments, and we have already received 17,000 pieces of valuable feedback, which we will use to drive the RJ brand towards greater customer satisfaction and loyalty.” RJ’s new Voice of the Customer programme will capture feedback from its flyers from the moment of booking right the way through to their final destination, gathering insight at eight key touchpoints across the end-to-end journey. Using the Medallia Experience Cloud and its AI-powered text analytics capability, RJ will be able to easily identify key trends in passenger feedback and use these insights to drive meaningful change to enhance customer journeys for its growing base of flyers. “Gathering feedback and acting on that insight is the cornerstone of every successful CX strategy. Royal Jordanian has recognised the value of a comprehensive CX programme, and we are delighted to be working alongside Kantar to help RJ realise their vision of customer centricity,” said Eduardo Crespo, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the UK, Ireland, and the Middle East at Medallia. “Kantar is very excited to partner with Medallia to deliver a best-in-class NPS …

Abu Dhabi Airports announced that daily non-stop flights operated by Air France-KLM connecting Abu Dhabi and Paris will be resumed starting October 2023. The return of this route will create additional avenues for business, trade and tourism between Abu Dhabi and France. Abu Dhabi International Airport’s expanding network currently encompasses 114 passenger destinations in 61 countries with 23 airlines operating flights. Elena Sorlini, Abu Dhabi Airports’ Acting Chief Executive Officer, commented: “This renewed partnership between Abu Dhabi Airports and Air France contributes to bolstering the existing business relations between Paris and Abu Dhabi, while affirming our commitment to enhancing connectivity from and to the UAE’s capital. The highly anticipated resumption of flights reinforces Abu Dhabi International Airport’s standing as a gateway to the United Arab Emirates and the region. We look forward to catering to the diverse needs of travellers from France and facilitating commerce and cultural exchange between the two countries.” Angus Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer, Air France-KLM, added: “Air France is poised to reinstate daily non-stop service between Abu Dhabi and Paris, further connecting the United Arab Emirates to Europe and beyond. Abu Dhabi has emerged as a major and rapidly growing destination in the Middle East, and we are proud to join hands with such a reputable airport owner and operator to elevate the city’s global presence and attract travelers seeking unique and enriching experiences.”  

Etihad Airways celebrated the return to service of its Airbus A380 on a special inaugural commercial flight from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow. The first of Etihad’s four Airbus A380s returns to the sky on the popular Abu Dhabi-London Heathrow route. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, says: “We’re excited to once again welcome guests onboard Etihad’s A380s and step into a truly remarkable experience. Whether our guests are choosing to fly in Economy, Business, First or our three-room suite in the sky The Residence, this aircraft provides an elevated flying experience which we take extreme pride in. The aircraft adds much needed capacity connecting Abu Dhabi with London Heathrow and allows us to build our network and increase frequencies across the network. With a surge in demand for travel over the summer, the return of our much-loved A380 comes at the perfect time.” Guests flying with in Economy are greeted on board in a dedicated welcome area. The Economy cabin features 68 Economy Space seats offering an additional 4 inches in leg room, and 337 Economy Smart seats that come with Etihad’s signature fixed-wing headrest and large pillows for added comfort. 70 Business Studios® are available on Etihad’s A380 upper deck, granting privacy to customers and creating a serene atmosphere. On the upper deck, guests can enjoy access to The Lobby, a serviced lounge and bar area located between the First and Business cabins. In addition, guests will benefit from Etihad’s unique partnership with Armani/Casa, delivering an elevated Business experience. The dining service features ceramics, glassware, cutlery and serving ware, as well as premium textiles and a memory foam mattress for a completely luxurious inflight experience. Guests can …

SAUDIA shares that there was a noteworthy 52% increase in the number of international guests transported during the first half of 2023, with a total of 7.4 million guests. Additionally, the airline operated 37,600 flights, marking a significant 30% growth. SAUDIA extended its reach to four continents, accumulating an impressive 180,700 flight hours, a remarkable 40% increase compared to previous periods. The report also underscores the successful transport of 6.3 million guests on domestic routes, achieved through the operation of 47,700 flights, accumulating 80,800 flight hours. SAUDIA (Saudi Arabian Airlines) continues to contribute to the development of tourism, business, Hajj and Umrah sectors with their remarkable operational performance, as evident by the performance report for the first half of 2023. The report highlights the transportation of over 13.7 million guests on both domestic and international routes, representing a substantial 24% increase compared to the same period last year. This impressive feat was accomplished through the operation of 85,400 flights, reflecting a growth rate of 6%. Furthermore, flight hours surged by an impressive 22%, reaching a total of 261,600 hours. Notably, the overall flight punctuality rate reached an impressive 86,3%. Capt. Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of SAUDIA, highlighted the outstanding flight operations, punctuality rates, and guest transportation achieved during this period. These accomplishments align with the airline’s commitment to efficiency and operational safety, which are of paramount importance. Capt. Koshy also emphasized the crucial role played by the national flag carrier in supporting the growth of the tourism, business, Hajj and Umrah sectors through strategic partnerships. Moreover, SAUDIA has increased its seat capacity and flight frequency to cater to the growing demand for travel, firmly establishing itself as a key player in …

Emirates has taken its first steps in an innovative initiative of meal preordering, whereby customers will be able to preselect their hot main meal between 14 days and 24 hours in advance of their flight, ensuring they get their preferred meal choice every time, as well as helping to reduce food wastage. The initiative will be rolled out from 25 July onwards in Business Class, on all flights between Dubai and London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and London Stansted, adding even more benefits to the Emirates customer experience, improving time management and adding another layer of insight into meal consumption onboard. Meal preordering will be added to the existing suite of AI-enabled customer preference tracking data and cabin crew reports, which facilitate menu planning and optimal food loading to deliver the premium ‘restaurant in the sky’ inflight dining experience. Up to 14 days before a flight, passengers will be able to browse the onboard menu on Emirates.com or on the Emirates app and choose from a selection of regionally inspired dishes with locally sourced ingredients. Passengers can also pre-order special meals if required. On the aircraft, cabin crew will use a custom-built application on a device to view the meal selection and serve the passenger their choice of hot dish. Emirates plans to expand the meal preorder initiative to more routes and classes in the near future and is closely monitoring customer feedback from the initial roll out phase. The preordering meal service innovation is another addition to the convenience of digitally enabled journeys that Emirates passengers enjoy. As well as website check-in and app check-in, the option of digital boarding passes and itinerary management, passengers can also access digital menus …

Qatar Airways has begun its new direct service from Doha, Qatar to Toulouse, France, this July, marking Qatar Airways’ latest efforts to expand its network in France. The highly anticipated inaugural flight becomes the fourth destination in France after the airline’s recent additions of Nice and Lyon. Passengers were greeted with French delicacies and music at the departure gate of Hamad International Airport (DOH). Onboard the inaugural flight, QR047 carried esteemed passengers including Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, as well as the Ambassador of France to the State of Qatar, His Excellency Mr. Jean-Baptiste Faivre. The flight was received by the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to France, His Excellency Sheikh Ali bin Jassem Al Thani, and the Chairman of the Board of Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, Mr. Philippe Crébassa. The new direct service to Toulouse is operated by an Airbus A330-200, with 24 Business Class seats and 236 Economy Class seats. Synonymous with excellence, the inaugural flight included a French curated dining menu to all its passengers, as well as a box of the luxurious Pierre Hermé macarons and various other giveaways at both the departure and arrival gates to celebrate the new route. A press conference was held by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker, and by the Chairman of the Board of Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, Mr. Philippe Crébassa to announce the national carrier of the State of Qatar’s expansion in the French market, as well as future collaborative opportunities between both exciting cities. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways’ expanded footprint into France will serve to strengthen the trade, tourism and …

Celebrating the history of civil aviation in Oman and its own unique journey, Oman Air has opened a first-of-its-kind exhibition at Stal Gallery in Muscat. ‘Oman Air: A Legacy in the Skies’ combines state-of-the-art multimedia, immersive displays, and an array of compelling artifacts that bring to life Oman’s illustrious aviation past and celebrate the key milestones that have shaped Oman Air into the globally recognised and esteemed brand it is today. Amouage, the Oman-based international fragrance house, is also present at the exhibition, unveiling the signature scent for Oman Air’s new on-board amenity kits. This captivating journey through time, spanning from the reign of Sultan Taimur bin Faisal to the present day, promises a truly immersive and enlightening experience for visitors of all ages. Having celebrated its 30th anniversary earlier this year, Oman Air continues to invest in its award-winning products, while redefining the art of hospitality in the skies. Most recently the airline earned the award for Best Airline Staff in the Middle East at the Skytrax 2023 World Airline Awards. Oman Air has also been announced as global airline partner for English football club, Chelsea FC, further cementing it as a leading international carrier with worldwide appeal. Entry to ‘Oman Air: A Legacy in the Skies’ at Stal Gallery (located in Madinat Qaboos) is free and visitors are welcome to explore the exhibition from Sunday to Saturday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.  

Dubai Aviation City Corporation through its affiliated corporation Dubai South, the largest single-urban master development focusing on aviation, logistics and real estate, announced the signing of an agreement with Dubai Insurance Co. PSC (DIN) to initiate a comprehensive Employee Protection Insurance programme for the employees of all Dubai South licensees registered under the Dubai Aviation City Corporation. This will come into effect starting August 2023. The agreement, which took place at Dubai South HQ, was signed by HE Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, and Abdellatif Abuqurah, CEO of Dubai Insurance, in the presence of senior executives from both entities. Dubai Aviation City Corporation as the licensing and the regulatory body of Dubai South Free Zone aims to create a protected environment for employees working within Dubai South. As such, this programme is designed to provide a safety net for employees in instances where Dubai South licensees may not meet their obligations, covering aspects such as unpaid salaries and end-of-service gratuities, repatriation costs of return for its employees or their mortal remains, and unreimbursed expenses. The programme will also be mandatory on all new employment visas and work permits, whereby employers must adopt this scheme to protect their employees. In contrast, for existing visas, this scheme will be mandatory during the renewal of residence visas. HE Khalifa Al Zaffin said: “This partnership aligns with the UAE’s strategic vision for employee rights and corporate governance. The implementation of the Employee Protection Insurance programme will significantly boost the confidence of our licensees, showcasing our unwavering dedication to fostering an exceptional working environment and reaffirming our commitment to upholding Dubai’s competitive position on the global stage.” …

Emirates is celebrating 30 years of operations to Muscat, Oman. Since the inaugural flight in 1993, Emirates has carried 4.8 million passengers to and from the Sultanate on more than 37,200 flights, connecting travelers to and from 140 global destinations. Emirates first began operations to Oman with a Boeing 777-200 aircraft with a four weekly services.  In 2019, Emirates launched the world’s shortest scheduled A380 flight, flying a distance of 340 kilometers each way from Dubai to Muscat, offering travelers the chance to experience Emirates’ iconic products and services, defined by comfort, luxury and flexibility. Over the years, Emirates SkyCargo has served as a facilitator for global trade, transporting over 155,000 tonnes of cargo to international markets. Emirates SkyCargo is supporting Omani businesses by exporting key local goods such as threads for garments to Amman, Nairobi and Pakistan as well as fresh produce such as fish, beans and vegetables to various destinations across Europe and US, in addition to the seasonal fresh beans to Japan. Creating further career opportunities within Oman, the Emirates Group employs over 40 Omanis, in multiple roles including cabin crew, pilots and other parts of the business such as Emirates Engineering, Emirates Airport Services and Airport Operations. Half of these employees have been with the Emirates Group for over 10 years, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing a wide range of development prospects enabling employees to gain world-class expertise. Fahad Al Hassawi, Country Manager Oman at Emirates said: “Oman has been an important market for Emirates since the beginning of operations, providing flexible connections through Dubai to the wider world, for both passengers and air freight. Over the last three decades, we are …

Emirates announced that it has officially signed on as the Main Sponsor and Official Airline of the King Salman Club Cup 2023. The new sponsorship is in line with the airline’s efforts to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions to become a global centre for professional sport. The deal also underscores the airline’s ongoing commitment to connect with the fanbase of the 16 top-tier regional clubs from across the Arab World competing in the high-profile tournament. The announcement was revealed today at a press conference in Jeddah. Jabr Al-Azeeby, Vice President Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Emirates Airline remarked on the new partnership: “Emirates is one of the biggest names in sports and is heavily involved in the sport of football, helping fans get closer to the action, and engaging in ways that go far beyond logo recognition. We’re committed to engaging with fans across new football frontiers by supporting the King Salman Cup 2023. We’re also incredibly proud to play a role in supporting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision to become a global powerhouse for professional sports. It’s already a driving force on the global stage across a gamut of sports, and the tournament is part of wider efforts to expand sports further in Saudi. Over the next few weeks of the tournament, we hope to build unique opportunities and experiences with a rich mix of top-tier clubs across the Arab World.” His Excellency Abdullah bin Saeed Aldalac, Vice President of the Saudi Sports Ministry said:  “The Vice President of the Arab Federation welcomes the partnership and confirms that it will be a successful addition to the championship.” The sponsorship deal gives Emirates extensive in-stadium brand visibility …