Category Archives: Aviation

Qatar Airways announced the expansion of its operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the resumption of services to Abha, operating two weekly flights to Abha International Airport, effective 2 January 2025. In addition, it will also increase its flights to NEOM from two to four weekly flights during the winter season. This schedule and network enhancement will provide passengers with greater travel choices and seamless access to Qatar Airways’ extensive network of over 170 global destinations through Doha’s Hamad International Airport, recently voted the World’s Best Airport by Skytrax 2024. Abha, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, marks Qatar Airways’ 11th destination in Saudi Arabia. This addition complements the airline’s existing service to cities of AlUla, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina, NEOM, Qassim, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, and Yanbu. With more than 140 weekly flights to the Kingdom, Qatar Airways reaffirms its commitment to enhancing connectivity within the region. Moreover, passengers travelling to NEOM will embark on a unique living experience in the ‘land of dreams’ as they will live and work in harmony with nature. Qatar Airways currently operates two weekly flights, which will be increased to four weekly flights starting this winter. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We are proud to resume flights to Abha and increase frequencies to NEOM, further strengthening our presence in Saudi Arabia. This resumption is a testament to our unwavering commitment to connecting our passengers to the Kingdom’s highly coveted destinations. We look forward to welcoming both business and leisure travellers to experience the unparalleled service and connectivity that Qatar Airways offers through our Doha hub, Hamad International Airport.” Saudi Air Connectivity Program CEO, Mr. …

Yas Island Abu Dhabi launched Yas Island Lounge – a sophisticated space situated at the arrival’s hall of the state-of-the-art Zayed International Airport. This latest addition to Zayed International Airport’s impressive array of facilities further enhances the guest experience providing a seamless transition from arrival to their preferred choice of stay in Abu Dhabi. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by a dedicated Yas Concierge team, ready to assist with all their holiday needs. Officially inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations and Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, the lounge aims to provide travellers with a warm and informative welcome to the world-class attractions and experiences Yas Island offers. The lounge offers a relaxing environment where travellers can unwind after their journey, discover Yas Island’s attractions, book experiences while enjoying complimentary refreshments. Additionally, guests will have access to a selection of retail merchandise and the latest Yas Island Magazine, which features exclusive news, offers and upcoming events, serving as a perfect guide to discovering a world of entertainment options on the 25 sq. km island. Yas Island Airport Lounge will also feature the Yas Explorer Passport, designed to enhance every visitor’s Yas’ experience by encouraging exploration and engagement. Upon picking up their Yas Explorer Passport, visitors can register online via a QR code, allowing them to participate in exciting draws. As they explore various locations on Yas Island, guests collect stamps and earn points, which can later be redeemed for exclusive rewards for adults, kids and even the littlest of adventurers. Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations, said: “We are thrilled to introduce the Yas Island Airport Lounge to …

SAUDIA announced a new partnership with AlUla Club Company, to provide exclusive travel benefits for the company’s employees and affiliates. SAUDIA has been at the forefront of showcasing Al-Ula’s heritage and tourism through several high-profile initiatives, and this partnership builds on a rich history of collaboration between SAUDIA and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). Signed by Wail Basaffar, Assistant Vice President of KSA Sales at SAUDIA, and Waleed Muath, Chief Executive Officer of AlUla Club Company, the agreement will offer special discounts and rates on domestic and international flights with SAUDIA, further enhancing AlUla Club Company employees’ travel experiences. Recently, Alula FM became the first radio station to be featured on SAUDIA’s In-flight entertainment system. The airlines has also played a key role in sponsoring AlUla Skies Festival in 2022 and 2023, which included a diverse range of sky activities such as hot air ballooning and drone displays, attracting a wider audience to the region. Additionally, SAUDIA sponsored the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo tournament in 2022, highlighting Al Ula’s cultural vibrancy. Earlier milestones included the 2021 launch of the “Museum in the Sky,” a first of its kind flight experience that showcased Al-Ula’s archaeological treasures. SAUDIA was also the first airline to introduce seasonal flights to AlUla in 2019, solidifying its highlighting its continued dedication to enhancing the region’s growth. Wail Basaffar said: “This partnership not only reflects SAUDIA’s commitment to expanding our network of collaborations but also builds on our long-standing relationship with RCU. As we continue to grow our fleet and enhance our travel services, we are excited to offer exclusive benefits to AlUla Club Company employees and further strengthen our enduring ties with the region.” Waleed …

Wizz Air announced the launch of a new direct route between London Gatwick and Jeddah, starting on 31 March 2025. This new route underscores Wizz Air’s dedication to expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia, offering travellers more options and affordable fares. Tickets are now available on wizzair.com and the Wizz Air app, with prices starting from just USD 116.99. Wizz Air’s new London Gatwick to Jeddah route will operate daily all year round, connecting two vibrant cities. This strategic addition to Wizz Air’s network highlights the airline’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible travel options while strengthening ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia. Over the past three years, Wizz Air has significantly increased its capacity in Saudi Arabia, introducing numerous new routes and enhancing travel options, while contributing to the country’s connectivity in line with Vision 2030 and following a partnership agreement with Saudi Tourism Authority to increase connectivity to Europe and boost inbound visitors. This route is one of many offerings that will leverage the Airbus A321XLR’s extended range and efficiency, revolutionizing intercontinental travel and making it more accessible than ever before. With fares starting from only USD 116.99, Wizz Air continues to deliver on its promise of making air travel affordable for all. “The Airbus A321XLR is the most cost-efficient aircraft of its class and, given the enhanced range capability, it enables Wizz Air to connect the furthest destinations in its network and further expand it, connecting cultures and continents. We’re excited to unlock unbeatable fares for our customers on the newly announced route to London, while offering the most sustainable option for flying.”- commented Andras Rado Head of Communications and Government affairs during a press conference …

KlasJet will increase its capacity in the Middle East with the placement of an additional Boeing 737 in Saudi Arabia. The aircraft offers luxury and extravagant accommodations and will join another 737 that KlasJet moved to Dubai last year, continuing the company’s expansion in the region which is fastest-growing business aviation market in the world. “We are increasing the options to cater to customers in the Middle East market because there is a growing need to transport larger groups and delegations,” Lukas Petrauskas, Chief Commercial Officer at KlasJet, said. “We are confident that our luxury Boeing 737 will be an ideal choice for extended families, members of royal families, sports teams, business travelers, and political delegations who have yet to be served by aircraft currently in the regional charter fleet.” The Boeing 737 features 56 spacious and comfortable business-class seats, with a cabin experience curated and tailored by KlasJet to ensure a luxurious and high-quality flight for all passengers onboard. The aircraft is meticulously crafted with attention to detail, offering subtle and distinguished taste throughout the cabin to enhance the travel experience. “While our service has earned a reputation for quality across the world, the additional aircraft and crew will build upon the experience we have earned operating in Dubai,” Petrauskas said. “Our relationships with our clientele in the region have given an enhanced understanding of the taste and nuances of customers, so the experience and potential of every flight is maximized.” KlasJet currently operates six 737s for VIP charter services as well as seven 737 next-generation aircraft for ACMI. The ACMI fleet aircraft bolster the capability to cater to larger groups, while the 737 provides a luxurious option for smaller …

flydubai and SriLankan Airlines have announced an interline agreement commencing September 2024, introducing more travel opportunities between the UAE, Sri Lanka and beyond on select routes on the carriers’ networks. This interline agreement will offer flydubai passengers access to 16 destinations on SriLankan’s robust network spanning Southern and East Asia, the Middle East and Australia – including Melbourne, Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo. In addition, the interline will enable passengers travelling with SriLankan Airlines to seamlessly connect via Dubai’s aviation hub to more than 30 destinations that flydubai operates to in Africa, Central Asia, Central and Southeast Europe as well as the Middle East. This includes unique holiday destinations such as Bucharest, Krakow, Mombasa, Naples, Tashkent and Zanzibar. Commenting on the interline agreement, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “we’re excited about our new interline agreement with SriLankan Airlines that will further strengthen trade and tourism relations between the UAE and Sri Lanka. Since the start of operations to Sri Lanka in 2010, we have seen consistent demand for travel between our two countries over the years. Dubai remains an important thriving aviation hub and through these interline agreements, this will open up new horizons for our passengers, giving them more options to explore the world with ease.” SriLankan Airlines and flydubai are committed to delivering convenient and reliable travel options for their valued customers. Passengers can expect the signature hospitality and onboard services that both airlines are renowned for when travelling with SriLankan and flydubai. “We are excited to partner with flydubai to provide our passengers seamless connections and greater convenience. This partnership reinforces our strategy to broaden our network and global reach, presenting customers with more …

flynas launched its first direct flight between Jeddah and Berlin aligning with flynas growth and expansion plan under the slogan “We connect the world to the Kingdom”, in partnership with Air Connectivity Program (ACP), with support of Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). The new Berlin-Jeddah route, launched in partnership with the Air Connectivity Program (ACP), will offer three weekly flights from King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah to Berlin International Airport (BER). An inaugural ceremony was held at King Abdulaziz International Airport in the presence of representatives from flynas, Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO), the ACP, and Consulate General of Germany in Jeddah. On the other side, the maiden flight was welcomed Berlin Brandenburg Airport with a reception ceremony in the presence of representatives from ACP, Berlin airport. On the next day, September 5, flynas organized a ceremony on this occasion in Berlin that was attended by and stakeholders of flynas in Germany. This Expansion in the European market is in line with flynas growth and expansion plan, launched under the slogan “We connect the world to the Kingdom”, and in parallel with the National Civil Aviation Strategy to enable national air carriers to contribute to connecting KSA with 250 International destinations and to accommodate 330 million passengers and to host 100 million tourists yearly by 2030 and the objectives of the Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP) to facilitate access to the Two Holy Mosques. The CEO of Jeddah Airports, Engineer Mazen Johar, said “the launch of the first flynas flights between the German Capital “Berlin” and King Abdulaziz international airport in Jeddah supports Jeddah Airports Company’s strategy of increasing the number of destinations connected to King Abdulaziz International Airport . This …

Etihad Airways continues its global expansion with the launch of two new routes — Warsaw in Poland and Prague in Czechia, marking the first time the airline has flown directly to these countries. Starting from 2 June 2025, Etihad will launch four weekly flights to both Warsaw and Prague, providing business and leisure travellers with convenient access to these vibrant European capitals. This milestone expansion is part of Etihad’s ongoing efforts to diversify its European network. These routes will be operated by Etihad’s modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner, ensuring the highest level of comfort with 28 Business Class and 262 Economy Class seats available on every flight. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “We are proud to introduce Warsaw and Prague as our newest destinations, reflecting our commitment to expanding into new and exciting markets. These routes not only enrich our network but also offer a great opportunity to strengthen ties with these countries and attract more visitors to Abu Dhabi. We see this as a key part of our growth strategy, helping to drive tourism and support the UAE’s vision for the future.” Both Poland and Czechia have been growing sources of visitors to the UAE. The introduction of direct flights from Warsaw and Prague is set to enhance travel options, offering travellers from these regions a new and convenient way to experience Abu Dhabi’s stunning attractions, from its beautiful beaches to its rich cultural heritage and world-class entertainment. As a key global hub, Abu Dhabi provides seamless connectivity to Etihad’s extensive network, with these new flights scheduled to connect seamlessly to key destinations across the Middle East, Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, and Australia. Whether travelling for …

Starting 2 June 2025, Wizz Air will commence daily direct flights between Milan and Abu Dhabi, This route is the first of many offerings that will leverage the Airbus A321XLR’s extended range and efficiency, revolutionising intercontinental travel and making it more accessible than ever before. With fares starting from only AED 429, Wizz Air continues to deliver on its promise of making air travel affordable for all. Wizz Air announced the first route for its brand new Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft, unlocking a new era of ultra-low-fare travel on long haul routes. This new aircraft, enables Wizz Air to offer unbeatable fares, extending its affordability to intercontinental travel while connecting more people, cultures, and economies. Tickets are already on sale on wizzair.com and Wizz Air’s official app, both accessible in Arabic, from as low as AED429. “We’re excited to build up on the momentum from launching our new routes from Abu Dhabi to Chisinau and Cluj and announce the first destination for the Airbus A321XLR, the most cost-efficient aircraft of its class. The enhanced range capability will connect Abu Dhabi to new and exciting destinations across our ever-expanding network. This announcement to operate the Airbus A321XLR to Zayed International Airport, reaffirms our commitment to connecting cultures and continents. We’re delighted to unlock unbeatable fares for our customers on the newly announced route to Milan, while offering the most sustainable option for flying. We look forward to welcoming you on the A321 XLR for a well-deserved vacation soon.”- commented Tamara Vallois, Head of Commercial at Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. Nathalie Jongma, Vice President of Aviation Development at Abu Dhabi Airports said: “We welcome Wizz Air’s announcement and the expansion of …

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the theme for the 2024 World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC) is “Embracing Innovation and Technology for Safe and Efficient Operations.” WSOC will take place from 1-3 October 2024 in Marrakech, Morocco, hosted by Royal Air Maroc. This year’s event takes place against a backdrop of growing operational challenges, regional conflicts, cyber security threats, and extreme weather events, among others. “Airlines face common challenges with an operating environment that is growing more complex. At the same time, technological advances, including AI, are offering ever greater potential in support of safe and efficient operations. WSOC 2024 is the forum for industry leaders and experts to share knowledge and experience to make the industry even more resilient and robust in the face of emerging challenges,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “Safety is aviation’s highest priority and the cornerstone of every airline’s operation. For Royal Air Maroc, hosting WSOC is an opportunity to contribute to strengthening the industry’s performance while redoubling our own efforts. This is in particularly sharp focus at Royal Air Maroc as we embark on a major expansion to become a 200-aircraft airline by 2037. This growth will bring economic and social benefits across Morocco and Africa and contribute to the region’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA Football World Cup,” said Abdelhamid ADDOU, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Royal Air Maroc, who will give a keynote speech at the event and participate in the opening plenary panel. Speakers & Sessions Willie Walsh, and Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Operations, Safety and Security will be speaking at the event along with: • Mesfin Tasew Bekele, CEO, Ethiopian Airlines • …