Category Archives: Aviation

SAUDIA signs for 49 new fuel-efficient flights with Boeing

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) and Boeing announced the order of 39 fuel-efficient 787s with options for 10 more airplanes. The national flag carrier will grow its long-haul fleet with the selection of up to 49 787 Dreamliners, utilizing the outstanding efficiency, range and flexibility of the Dreamliner to sustainably grow its global operation. His Excellency Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser said “The expansion in SAUDIA’s fleet supports the continuous growth witnessed by the aviation sector in the Kingdom. The agreement will also contribute to achieving the objectives of the National Transport and Logistic Strategy and the Saudi Aviation Strategy, as well as other national strategies in tourism and Hajj and Umrah. SAUDIA is committed to further strengthening its role by providing high-quality, advanced services in the aviation industry and connecting the world to the Kingdom, in alignment with the Vision 2030. His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, commented, “SAUDIA continues its expansion efforts in all aspects of the airline; whether it’s introducing new destinations or increasing the aircraft fleet. The agreement with Boeing delivers on this commitment and the newly added aircraft will further enable SAUDIA to fulfill its strategic objective of bringing the world to the Kingdom.” “The deal is in addition to the existing order of 38 new aircraft SAUDIA is expected to receive by 2026, which will increase the current fleet of 142”, he added. Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes said, “The addition of 787 Dreamliners will enable SAUDIA to expand its long-haul service with outstanding range, capacity and efficiency. After more than 75 years of partnership, we are honored by SAUDIA’s confidence in Boeing products and will continue to support Saudi Arabia’s goal to expand …

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Emirates ramps up operations across continents

Emirates has boosted operations by 31% (total ASKMs) since the start of its financial year and has further plans to ramp up seat capacity in its latest published northern summer schedule starting 26 March 2023. In the past months, the airline has planned and executed the rapid growth of its network operations – reintroducing services to 5 cities; launching flights to 1 new destination (Tel Aviv), adding 251 weekly flights onto existing routes; and continuing the roll-out of service enhancements in the air and on the ground. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer said: “Emirates continues to expand its global network and deploy its capacity to meet travel demand across the world. Our financial year started relatively quietly as we held back our ramp up until the planned northern runway rehabilitation program at Dubai International airport was completed in June. From July 2022 onwards, it’s been non-stop expansion.” He added: “Customer demand has been very strong, and our forward bookings are also robust. Emirates is working hard on several fronts – to bring back operating capacity as quickly as the ecosystem can manage, while also upgrading our fleet and product to ensure our customers always enjoy the best possible Emirates experience. So far, 4 of our A380 aircraft have been completely refurbished with our new cabin interiors and Premium Economy seats, and more will enter service as our US$2 billion cabin and service enhancement program picks up pace.” In the coming months, established routes to Europe, Australia and Africa will be served with more Emirates flights, while in East Asia, more cities are seeing route restarts. Upcoming A380 deployments in Northern Summer 2023 season: Emirates continues to scale up its …

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Sustainability and net zero pathways top the agenda of discussions at 10th Arab Aviation Summit in Ras Al Khaimah

Insightful discussions and debates on sustainability, the economic outlook, and key trends shaping the future of aviation will be in the spotlight as the milestone 10th edition of the Arab Aviation Summit (AAS) gets underway from March 14-16 at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Organised under the theme ‘Impactful sustainability in modern-day travel and tourism’, the three-day summit hosting a distinguished gathering of thought-leaders, innovators, and industry experts, will explore decarbonising pathways in aviation and discuss the challenges and opportunities in the industry with the continued rise of disruptive technologies. Leading regional and global players in the aviation and travel industry will headline inspiring keynote addresses and participate in interactive panel discussions that offer a deep dive into best practices, sustainable business models, regional trends in aviation and tourism, and more. Prominent speakers at the event include H.H. Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum, first lieutenant pilot of the Dubai Police Airwing; H.E Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA); H.E. Ilin Dimitrov, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Bulgaria, Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia and Abdul Wahab Teffaha, Secretary General, Arab Air Carriers Organisation (AACO). In a discussion with other industry experts, Ted O’Byrne Chief Executive at AviLease, and Mikail Houari, President, Africa and Middle East at Airbus, will explore the fundamentals of airline economics under the pillar of sustainability. Val Miftakhov Founder & CEO at ZeroAvia – a company developing the world’s first practical zero emission aviation powertrain, will discuss pathways to net zero in the aviation, travel and tourism industry while Andreas Slettvoll, CEO CHOOOSE, will be part of a discussion …

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Oman Air helps boost inbound tourism and investment efforts as Oman Golf Trophy comes to a close

Oman Air applauded the efforts of Oman Golf Association, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and the Ministry of Commence, Industry and Investment Promotion for a first-of-its-kind golf diplomacy initiative between Oman and Italy, which concluded this week. As the event’s official airline sponsor, the national carrier brought in the qualifying players, who included some of Italy’s most prominent investors, into Oman for the final, held at Al Mouj Golf, Muscat. The event raised awareness about Oman’s tourism and investment potential in Italy and other key European target markets. Eng. Abdulaziz Al Raisi, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said, “In line with our commitment to Oman’s 2040 Vision, Oman Air is a strong supporter of sports tourism, which is a key vehicle for promoting the country’s natural beauty and rich culture to visitors from all over the world. The Oman Golf Trophy was a huge success, leveraging golf as an ambassador to highlight Oman’s rich investment potential and strengthen diplomatic ties between Oman and Italy. We look forward to seeing more events like it in the future that showcase Oman to the world and provide opportunities for economic growth and job creation.” Oman Air’s efforts to promote investment and sports tourism in Oman are in line with the country’s vision to diversify its economy and create new opportunities for growth. The airline has been a major sponsor of numerous sporting events in Oman and internationally, including most recently the 44Cup, Oman Desert Marathon and Ironman 70.3.

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Air Arabia Abu Dhabi marks its first flight to Amman

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi marked the inauguration of its first flight to Queen Alia International Airport. Before departure, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held at Abu Dhabi International Airport in the presence of senior representatives from Air Arabia Group and Abu Dhabi Airports. Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said: “We are excited to launch Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’s first flight to Amman and we thank our partners who contributed to the success of this launch. Offering valuable products to passengers and contributing to their travelling experiences across our network lays at the forefront of our strategy. We are committed to serving both leisure and business customers and to enhancing the travel and tourism sector of both countries.” Commenting on the announcement, Maureen Bannerman, Chief Commercial Officer, Abu Dhabi Airports said, “We are proud to see the growth of travel routes and airline options, this time between Abu Dhabi and Amman with Air Arabia. We continue to expand our offering, providing more choice to guests travelling from our airports, positioning Abu Dhabi International Airport as the airport of choice”. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi continues to enhance global connectivity to and from the capital of the UAE, serving a total of 34 destinations directly from Abu Dhabi International Airport across the sub-continent, GCC, Russia, Africa, and Europe. The new direct flights will connect Abu Dhabi International Airport to Queen Alia International Airport with a frequency of three flights weekly. Air Arabia operates a fleet of 68 Airbus A320 and A321 neo-LR aircraft, the most modern and best-selling single aisle aircraft in the world. The aircrafts are also equipped with ‘SkyTime’, a free in-flight streaming service and an …

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HRH Crown Prince Announces “Riyadh Air” New National Carrier to Further Expand Saudi Aviation Ecosystem Locally and Globally

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (“PIF”), announced  the establishment of “Riyadh Air,” a PIF wholly owned company. The new national carrier will leverage Saudi Arabia’s strategic geographic location between the three continents of Asia, Africa and Europe, enabling Riyadh to become a gateway to the world and a global destination for transportation, trade, and tourism. Riyadh Air will be chaired by His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of PIF, while Tony Douglas, who brings more than 40 years of experience in the aviation, transportation and logistics industries, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. The airline’s senior management will include Saudi and international expertise. Operating from Riyadh as its hub, the airline will usher in a new era for the travel and aviation industry globally. Riyadh Air will be a world-class airline, adopting the global best sustainability and safety standards across its advanced fleet of aircraft equipped with the latest cutting-edge technology. The airline is expected to add USD20 billion to non-oil GDP growth, and create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. As a wholly owned PIF subsidiary, the new national airline is set to benefit from PIF’s investment expertise and financial capabilities while expanding on the company’s operations to become a leading national carrier. The new national airline represents PIF’s latest investment in the sector, along with the recently announced King Salman International Airport masterplan. Riyadh Air aims to enhance customers’ journey while connecting them to over 100 destinations around the world by 2030; through offering an exceptional experience with an authentic, warm Saudi hospitality at its heart. The airline will provide tourists from around the …

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The Emirates Group and Dubai Future Foundation to launch centre of excellence for aviation robotics

The Emirates Group and Dubai Future Foundation have today signed a significant partnership to launch the Emirates Centre of Excellence for Aviation Robotics (ECEAR). The agreement was signed at ForsaTEK, the Group’s innovation forum. Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer said: “This is a key milestone in the Emirates Group’s innovation journey and a remarkable step for the aviation industry. Our partnership with Dubai Future Foundation helps realise our own vision for aviation and supports Dubai’s vision to be one of the world’s leading futuristic cities. This will give us a true opportunity to take advantage of evolving technology, allowing us to continually expand the use of robotics and technological applications in our customer journey and improve operational efficiency. Investing in focused R&D will allow us to transform our business in the digital era, make more use of AI, give tangible benefits to our customers and stakeholders, and will keep us ahead.” His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, said the launch of the Emirates Centre of Excellence for Aviation Robotics embodies the importance of incubating top national and international talents in Dubai to develop robotic solutions that support the growth of the aviation sector. Belhoul said the agreement will provide fresh and diverse economic opportunities centred on developing technologies of futures. He added: “The outputs of this initiative will contribute to advancing “Dubai Robotics and Automation Program”, launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Future Foundation’s Board of Trustees, which aims to make Dubai one of the leading cities in the world within this field, …

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Qatar Airways reveals seven new destinations, 11 resumptions and 35 frequency increases at ITB Berlin 2023

‎Qatar Airways drew major attention at ITB Berlin 2023, Airline’s Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, unveiled new destinations, and announced flight resumptions and frequency increases during a press conference held on the first day of the exhibition. Highlighting the success of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Qatar Airways revealed its new sports sponsorship portfolio as well as a multitude of other projects and partnerships lined up for the year 2023, continuing on the path of bringing people together all while boosting the tourism industry in the State of Qatar. The press conference was also attended by His Excellency, Sheikh Abdulla Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al-Thani, Ambassador for the State of Qatar to Germany. At the press conference, H.E. Mr. Al Baker announced over seven new destinations planned for launch in 2023, including Chittagong, Juba, Kinshasa, Lyon, Medan, Toulouse, and Trabzon. Qatar Airways is also resuming flights to 11 destinations: Beijing, Birmingham, Buenos Aires, Casablanca, Davao, Marrakesh, Nice, Osaka, Phnom Penh, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Tokyo Haneda. Multiple destinations also saw frequency increases scheduled for the year 2023.* Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways is dedicated to enrich the global community which it serves. As the World’s Best Airline, we are excited to offer more ways of bringing the world together, increasing connectivity and bridging gaps within the travel industry. As we expand our fleet, network, partnerships and international presence we look forward to working together to deliver sustainable growth and a compelling future for the industry. “We continue to look forward to our bright future here in Qatar, with multiple projects lined up for 2023 and beyond, such …

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Qatar Airways to unveil exciting network expansion announcements with new destinations on the opening day of ITB Berlin 2023

‎Qatar Airways, will once again participate at ITB Berlin, from 7-9 March 2023, and is planning to make a significant network announcement. These plans will be revealed during Qatar Airways press conference for global media on the first day of the exhibition. The conference will highlight the spectacular success of the World’s Best Airline’s achievements during the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, as well as expectations for the year ahead in the presence of the world’s most notable gathering of travel and tourism professionals. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We look forward to reuniting with the leaders of the global travel industry, especially our travel trade partners, to celebrate our achievements and to introduce our latest products and services to the industry dating back to before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our track record speaks for itself and over the years my country has strived towards being a beacon of positivity in the world of aviation and beyond, most notably as the host country of the greatest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.  I look forward to this year’s edition of ITB Berlin 2023 to share our plans for the year ahead and to continue to make Qatar a more connected place through HIA, The World’s Best Airport.” In light of Qatar Airways latest expansion announcement of its sports partnership portfolio as  the Official Airline and Global Partner of Formula 1, the world’s most prestigious motor racing competition, Trade show exhibitors are welcome to visit the stand and experience the F1 Car Racing Simulator setting a new standard of excitement for international travel and tourism guests. The world-leading travel …

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Emirates to operate two A380s to Bahrain for Formula 1 races

Emirates will upgrade two of its services to Bahrain on 6 March to the A380 to serve high demand from those visiting and attending the Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix 2023. Flights EK 835/836 and EK 837/838, all previously operated by the Boeing 777-300ER, have been upgraded to the flagship and customer favourite, the Emirates A380, and underscore the airline’s commitment to make connections for travellers to and through Dubai even easier. EK 835 departs Dubai at 0150hrs, arriving in Bahrain at 0205hrs, while EK 836 departs Bahrain at 0350hrs, arriving back in Dubai at 0605hrs. The other conveniently timed morning EK 837 flight departs Dubai at 0820hrs and will arrive in Bahrain at 0840hrs. EK 838 then leaves Bahrain at 1025hrs arriving in Dubai at 1240hrs. Both Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft serving the Dubai-Bahrain route on 6 March will offer a total of 517 seats in a three-class configuration, with 427 spacious seats in Economy Class, 76 fully flat-bed seats in Business Class and 14 First Class Private Suites. The two A380s join Emirates’ other daily flight to and from Bahrain, operated with the Boeing 777-300ER. Passengers in all classes can enjoy Emirates’ multi award-winning ‘ice’ Digital Widescreen entertainment system, offering over 5,000 channels of on-demand entertainment including sports on Live TV, and a robust selection of Arabic programming. Emirates has been serving the Kingdom of Bahrain for over two decades delivering the best in terms of network, convenient schedules and onboard products and services to travellers. The airline has in the past deployed numerous one-off and scheduled A380 missions to Bahrain in celebration of the Kingdom’s National Days, to serve high summer demand and has also displayed its …

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