Category Archives: Aviation

His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, today opened MRO Middle East and Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) 2024. Running until 6th March, the co-located events are welcoming leaders from across the global aviation supply chain at a time where the industry is on a strong upwards trajectory, particularly in the Middle East. According to Airbus’ latest Global Services Forecast, the region’s commercial aircraft services market will more than double in value by 2042, growing from $12 billion to $28 billion and registering a 4.4% average annual growth, surpassing the global average growth of 3.6%. Set to contribute to this growth, the show has seen a 20% increase in footfall, and more than 240 exhibitors and 120 airlines have gathered to explore new avenues of collaboration, commercial opportunities and showcase industry-leading products and services. Key announcements and signings during the first day of MRO Middle East and AIME included Joramco announcing a new maintenance agreement with TUI, and HAECO announcing the induction of Emirates’ first Airbus A380 aircraft at its airframe facility in Xiamen, marking a new base maintenance contract between the two entities. The Go Live! Theater welcomed a host of global experts for sessions on key industry themes. The ‘Capacity Issues on the Horizon?’ panel discussed fleet expansion plans, collaboration and what MROs, OEMs and other suppliers must do to ensure they have enough bandwidth to sustain the new fleet size in the region. During the session, Justin ODonnell, Director Technical Operations at Riyadh Air, said: The transient nature of seasonal passenger traffic influences airlines to behave in ways that create a surge in MROs, especially during the winter period, …

SAUDIA announced its participation in the third edition of the world-renowned technical conference “LEAP”, taking place from March 4th to 7th, 2024, at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center. At this prestigious event, SAUDIA will unveil its latest digital initiatives, marking a new era in service excellence driven by cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and integrated connectivity solutions tailored to enhance the travel experience for all guests. Preparations have been finalized to welcome visitors at SAUDIA stand No. A02, offering an interactive experience where attendees can explore a range of digital projects aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Key highlights include the debut of “Travel Companion”, an AI-powered virtual assistant designed to streamline booking processes, flight planning, and destination exploration, revolutionizing the travel experience. SAUDIA takes pride in being the first airline in the MENA region to pioneer this technology, offering attendees an exclusive opportunity to experience its beta version firsthand. Additionally, SAUDIA will showcase “GovClick”, an e-wallet service facilitating seamless government ticket issuance and after-sales services through a unified digital platform, with plans to expand to benefit corporations and individuals as well. The revamped digital experience of the “AlFursan” loyalty program underscores SAUDIA’s commitment to simplifying procedures, allowing guests to effortlessly manage rewards, track mileage activity, and upgrade membership levels with a single click. Moreover, SAUDIA will present its “Guest Care”, delivering swift and efficient solutions tailored to diverse operational scenarios, ensuring guests are promptly updated on flight details and disruptions. Manal Alshehri, Vice President of Digital Transformation at SAUDIA Group, emphasized the significance of SAUDIA’s participation in this international conference, held in the Kingdom, a hub for leading events across various sectors. She highlighted the pivotal …

Jazeera Airways announced that the airline’s current Chief Executive Officer, Rohit Ramachandran, will be stepping down after over seven successful years with the organization. Barathan Pasupathi (Bara), a former CFO of Jazeera Airways, has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of Jazeera Airways effective 26 March 2024. Bara comes with over 30 years of experience in aviation, oil and gas, and supply chain management. His aviation industry experience spans key finance, management, and operations functions for airlines as well as aircraft procurement and leasing. Speaking about this management change, Marwan Boodai, Jazeera Airways Chairman said, “Rohit has been a strong, visionary and passionate leader, and a true champion of our brand and our people. He has led Jazeera in its enormous chapter of growth and delivered solid and robust results with a deep commitment to operational excellence while building shareholder value, which is deeply respected by industry peers. During his tenure and by forging strong strategic relationships with key stakeholders, supported by the strength of our outstanding Jazeera teams, Jazeera tripled its fleet. Under his leadership, the airline expanded into 65 destinations, hit record passenger volumes, achieved unsurpassed results, and initiated a purpose built, profitable Jazeera Terminal 5. I am particularly grateful for the way Rohit helped navigate Jazeera through the pandemic, ensuring we are set up for future success. The business is now in a strong and resilient position and well placed to navigate the next chapter as we look towards the order book of 26 A320neo and A321neo aircraft. I would like to thank Rohit for his exceptional contribution to Jazeera over many years. Bara, a former Jazeera Airways CFO was instrumental in the setup of Sahaab Aircraft …

Turkish Airlines  announced a significant expansion in its flight frequencies to Italy, offering enhanced connectivity and convenience for travellers. This strategic decision reflects Turkish Airlines’ commitment to meeting growing demand and expanding travel destinations for its passengers. By flying 129 countries, the flag carrier offers 42,600 connection options to its passengers within its operational performance. Turkish Airlines currently operates direct flights from Istanbul to eight cities in Italy, including Milano, Rome, Venice, Bologna, Naples, Bari, Catania, and Palermo. As of March 31, 2024, Turkish Airlines will increase the number of round-trip flights from Istanbul to Bologna from 18 to 21 flights per week. Additionally, flights from Palermo will be raised from four to six flights per week, and Bari flights will be increased from five to seven flights per week. Furthermore, flights to Naples will also see an increase from 12 to 18 flights per week. This expansion marks the introduction of a total of 13 new flights, symbolizing Turkish Airlines’ commitment to strengthening air connectivity between Istanbul and significant Italian cities. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee at Turkish Airlines, commented: “We are so glad to increase flight frequency to Italy. This increase will offer more option to our passengers to discover the major cities of Italy. By adding new destination to our network and constantly renewing our services Turkish Airlines keeps to unite people, cultures, continents, countries and cities while providing unparalleled travel experiences. We look forward to welcoming more travelers on board from Italy with our new flight destinations.” Turkish Airlines keeps carrying its unique service and unparalleled hospitality to every corner of the globe.

At a special interview with TTME, Josh Vasquez – Regional Head – EMEA Region Philippine Airlines disclosed that 2023 had posted  53.8million dollar revenue in terms of passenger sales in the UAE and 70% of which came from the travel agents their most important channel. Vasquez reiterated, “we are celebrating Philippine Airlines UAE Mabuhay Night, this is the second installment of this event, we will be recognizing our top travel agents who have contributed to Philippine Airlines UAE passenger sales for 2023, we have also invited our Filipino community partners and our media friends who have been instrumental in the Philippine Airlines success in the UAE for 2023. In 2023 Philippine Airlines UAE passenger sales posted a revenue of 53.8 billion dollars and  70% of that came from the most important channel which is the travel agents and this event is to recognize them for their major contribution to that bottom line. ”    

Riyadh Air and Adobe announced a strategic technology partnership. Riyadh Air will integrate with a broad range of travel partners, both in the Kingdom and globally, allowing guests to manage their entire travel experience through its digital properties. As the lead systems integrator, IBM Consulting will employ Adobe’s Experience Cloud technologies to create a cohesive and tailored travel journey for Riyadh Air guests. With plans to carry its first passengers in 2025, Riyadh Air aims to connect the Kingdom to more than 100 destinations around the world, supporting both the National Aviation Strategy’s and National Tourism Strategy ambitions to bring 330 million annual visitors to the Kingdom by 2030. “We’re on a mission to shape the future of travel and meet guest’s expectations of their travel experience,” said Adam Boukadida, chief financial officer at Riyadh Air. “Through our strategic partnership with Adobe, we will be able to create incredible, personalized experiences for our guests at every stage and every moment of their journey, from planning their trips towards booking and boarding their flight and towards the arrival destination across the world.” “As a new digitally native airline, Riyadh Air has an opportunity to push the boundaries of what’s possible when it comes to delivering personalized, real-time digital experiences for air travelers,” said Anil Chakravarthy, president, Digital Experience Business at Adobe. “The airline’s vision, combined with the power of Experience Cloud and generative AI, holds the promise of setting entirely new standards for digital experiences in the travel industry and beyond.” Adobe technology will be used by Riyadh Air to offer a seamless, end-to-end travel experience to the guests traveling globally to and from Saudi Arabia, as well as those traveling …

SAUDIA, signed a contract with Collins Aerospace, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to elevate guest experience and advance operational capabilities. This collaboration signifies a significant upgrade to Saudia’s fleet interiors and paves the way for further synergies for Saudia Group’s subsidiary, Saudia Technic. Under this agreement, Collins Aerospace, a globally recognized leader in aviation solutions, will install newly designed seats in Saudia’s upcoming Boeing 787 fleet, scheduled for delivery from early 2026 onwards. Additionally, a comprehensive seat retrofit program with an aim to enhance both functionality and aesthetics, is planned for Saudia’s current Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 fleet, starting in late 2025 and concluding by late 2027. It’s worth mentioning that the Business Class cabin across Saudia’s wide-body fleet will all consist of private suites, ensuring an elevated and comfortable travel experience for Saudia guests. A key feature of the plan involves the establishment of localized repair capabilities as well as select spares manufacturing capabilities with Saudia Technic, reinforcing Group’s commitment to the localization of content in the region. This will improve Saudia’s in-house repair capability, streamline spares support, deploy localized product support, and implement comprehensive solutions to optimize fleet performance and operational efficiency. “We are thrilled to join forces with Collins Aerospace to introduce state-of-the-art Business and Economy Class seats into our new fleet, as well as retrofit our existing fleet’s interiors,” commented Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Saudia. “This partnership represents a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering exceptional comfort and convenience to our guests. Additionally, the establishment of additional capabilities in Jeddah underscore our dedication to fostering local expertise and driving economic growth.” He added, “This synergy reflects the Group’s …

Emirates will return to ITB Berlin from 5 until 7 March in a major way, showcasing its latest signature products and reaffirming the airline’s longstanding commitment to Europe’s leading travel and trade show. Emirates is gearing up for three action-packed days at ITB Berlin with plans to launch new partnerships and expand existing collaborations with local and regional travel partners – including air carriers to enhance connectivity for travellers headed to/from major European travel hubs; and strategic partnerships with travel and tourism entities to promote travel to and from Europe via joint marketing and other trade initiatives. Visitors to the Emirates stand will have the opportunity to experience Emirates’ latest roster of innovative products and fan-favourites including the highly popular Emirates Premium Economy seat which will be showcased in Germany for the first time. Unveiled at the 2022 Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Emirates’ Premium Economy product has so far won multiple awards and is available on 27 A380 aircraft flying to 15 destinations including New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, London Heathrow, Sydney, Auckland, Christchurch, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo, Mumbai, Bangalore, Sao Paulo and Dubai. Also debuting for the first time at ITB Berlin is Emirates’ iconic Boeing 777-300ER game-changer First Class fully enclosed private suite. With the full range of onboard products on display, visitors can experience Emirates’ Boeing 777 Business Class seat, the newest generation of the A380 Onboard Lounge and First Class Shower Spa, as well as its generously pitched Economy Class seats. Emirates will also dedicate an area to showcase its latest sustainability initiatives, including onboard items that incorporate responsibly-sourced materials, and items from ‘Air-crafted by Emirates’ – a unique collection of luggage, bags and …

Qatar Airways Group in partnership with Our Habitas has officially launched a luxury resort nestled on the West Coast of Qatar next to the Al Reem UNESCO-Designated Biosphere Reserve. Located about one hour’s drive from Hamad International Airport in Doha, the resort features unspoiled views of the Arabian Gulf, spectacular golden sunsets along with an exciting blend of art, culture, music, wellness, and adventure programmes. Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani along with VIP guests, media, designers and artists were present at an opening ceremony to showcase the distinctive hospitality venture that promises a unique experience. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Our Habitas Ras Abrouq is a breathtakingly beautiful Qatari desert destination and now travellers across the Qatar Airways global network can experience this landscape in a unique way when they fly to Doha. We are working with Our Habitas to unlock the future of travel by curating one-of-a kind, innovative, travel experiences.” Our Habitas co-founder and chief executive, Oliver Ripley said: “We believe that people are changing the way in which they choose to travel, seeking meaningful connection with places, culture, nature and each other, this resort welcomes global traveler’s to discover Qatar, its culture, and immerse themselves where the desert meets the sea inside a UNESCO biosphere.” The area stands out due to its unusual landscape of white cliffs and beautiful geological forms yielding a captivating view of the Qatari desert. The resort’s one-to-four-bedroom villas, each with private pools and large outdoor decks, overlook the Arabian Gulf. Internationally acclaimed artist Richard Serra’s public art installation, the East-West/West-East sculpture commissioned by Qatar Museums Authority, is 1.6km from the resort. Qatar …

Ricky Pacquing – Country Manager Philippine Airlines at a special interview with TTME shared that 80 per cent of their sales come from the travel agents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “we owe a lot to the travel trade so we incentivise them as much as we can providing them back end and front end support.” Participating at the first ever B2B exhibition Saudi Travel Mart in Riyadh Saudi Arabia, Philippine Airlines showcased their many connectivity options to attract the Saudi market which consist both locals and expats. Pacquing reiterated that they will be celebrating their 83rd anniversary this year and they will be hosting the top performing agents across the globe to a special award ceremony in Manila next month to recognise their efforts and commitment to bring in the numbers.