A code-share agreement between Ethiopian and Air Namibia covers thrice weekly services to Windhoek and the services of both airlines beyond their respective hubs. Under the agreement, ET will place its code on SW flights from Windhoek to Gaborone, Luanda, Victoria Falls, and Cape Town, while SW will place its code on ET flights between Addis Ababa and Windhoek, Beijing, Lagos, Los Angeles, and São Paulo. Ethiopian Airlines operates the youngest fleet in the continent with an average age of less than five years.  The airline currently serves more than 90 global destinations across five continents with over 240 daily departures. Girma Shiferaw, Acting Vice President, Strategic Planning and Alliances said, “We are glad to partner with Air Namibia. It is my sincere belief that such strategic collaboration among African airlines is one of the necessities to see African aviation thrive and grow faster in line with the economic development of the continent. Now, customers of Air Namibia will enjoy seamless connection on Ethiopian ever expanding global network across five continents with a minimum layover in Addis Ababa; conversely, our passengers will be able to access destinations beyond Windhoek on Air Namibia flights.” Acting Managing Director, Advocate Ellaine Priscilla Samson said, “We are very pleased with the signing of the codeshare agreement with Ethiopia Airlines, an airline which achieved amazing accomplishments in the global arena. This will be an opportunity for the liberalization of intra-Africa air transport in furtherance of the Yamoussoukro Decision as two African carriers. In addition, this will assist Air Namibia to expand its network via the global reach and stature of Ethiopia Airlines. Hence the teaming of our two airlines is the consummate endeavor of our …

The Embassy of South Africa launched a South Africa Visa Application Centre in Dubai. Services at the centre commenced on February 1, 2017, but the centre was officially inaugurated by H.E. MK Lekgoro, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the United Arab Emirates, at a ceremony held on February 28, 2017. The centre is situated at WAFI Mall, Level 2, Falcon Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai. With South Africa being a popular travel destination for business and leisure travellers the world over, the streamlined and professional services offered at new centre aims at providing residents of the UAE elevated levels of customer service when applying for their visas. Well-trained staff with local language capabilities deliver personalised attention to applicants for a smoother and more convenient application experience. Speaking at the inauguration, H.E. MK Lekgoro, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the United Arab Emirates, said, “It is with great pleasure that I formally inaugurate the South African Visa Application Centre in Dubai, which finally formalises our long standing relationship. This will add to the streamlining of much valued services to the public who we are sure will receive the best services in a professional manner.” Vinay Malhotra, COO – Middle East & South Asia, VFS Global, added, “We at VFS Global are committed to providing world-class visa application services on behalf of our esteemed client government, the Government of South Africa, to the residents of the UAE. We are confident that the newly launched centre in Dubai will add to the overall experience of travelling to the vibrant country of South Africa and are privileged to be a part of this new initiative.”

Ethiopian Airlines will host the ICAO Global Aviation Training and TRAINAIR PLUS Symposium with the theme: “Together, Enhancing Training to Build Capacity” at the seat of the African Union, Addis Ababa from April 11-13, 2017. Group CEO Ethiopian Airlines, Tewolde GebreMariam, said: “It is a profound honour for all of us at Ethiopian Airlines to host the ICAO Global Aviation Training and TRAINAIR PLUS Symposium which brings major industry players together, to exchange best practices and experiences in human resources development and aviation training, and more specifically on the TRAINAIR PLUS Program for the advancement of the Global aviation. I believe this symposium will also be an opportunity for us to showcase our hospitality, the state-of-the-art Aviation Training facilities at our Aviation Academy and the key role Ethiopian is playing in the development of the African Aviation industry. “While attending the symposium in this beautiful country, I would like to remind you all that you are coming back home because this is the land where it all began which is the land of Lucy, the 3.2 million-years-old Grandmother of humanity and the most complete skeleton of an early human ancestor ever discovered. Wishing you all a successful deliberation in the symposium, I recommend you to visit Lalibela; the beautiful rock-hewn churches well known throughout the world or Axum; the single granite stone of the Axum Obelisk or others of the mesmerizing tourist sites in the country if you may wish to take a side trip. Whatever your choice, I’m sure you will enjoy the unparalleled hospitality and the friendly people of, Ethiopia.” An estimated 400-500 expected participants will be taking part in the Symposium, including the ICAO council President and …

Travelport announced that it has become the first GDS to be granted with both ‘Aggregator Level One’ certification and ‘IT Provider Level Two’ status by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as part of its New Distribution Capability (NDC) programme. For airlines, this means that Travelport is able to fully integrate with its NDC application programme interface should the airline choose to use NDC-XML messaging to distribute and deliver their fares and products. For travel agencies and travel management companies, this means that when shopping for and booking flights via Travelport’s Travel Commerce Platform, they will have even more enhanced travel content and greater access to ancillary offers. In particular, Travelport-connected agents will be able to make ancillary sales post the original flight booking, and through their preferred agency workflows, for the first time. Travelport has also achieved the NDC-capable ‘IT Provider’ Level Two status, making it only the second organisation — and first GDS — ever to be designated as NDC certified and NDC Capable.  This further expands its NDC capabilities and means that Travelport also has the option to distribute IATA NDC offers for fares and prices on behalf of the airlines electing to use IATA’s industry standards. Ian Heywood, Travelport’s Global Head of Product and Marketing, Air Commerce, commented: “We know the industry needs to transform the way flights are sold and IATA’s NDC is an important part of this.  It very much complements the pioneering merchandising technology we launched in 2014 with our Rich Content and Branding solution which enables airlines to retail their full range of products, and extensively promote their brand, to the travel trade and corporate bookers.  With this latest industry-first milestone, we …

SalamAir has introduced Dubai as its first international destination. The double daily service will operate from Muscat International Airport (MCT) to Dubai World Central (DWC) before moving to Dubai International Airport (DXB) starting March 26, 2017. SalamAir’s growing destination network was made possible with the arrival of the second A320 to its fleet, named “Fateh Al Khair” and will introduce a third daily flight to Salalah. “It has been an exciting start to the year for SalamAir with the introduction of our two destinations, Salalah and Dubai, which reinforces our commitment to strongly support and further trade and economic opportunities for Oman,” said Khalid Al Yahmadi, Chairman of SalamAir. “For a newly launched airline, our figures are already showing very promising results. The response from our guests has been very positive which demonstrates our capabilities in offering a redefined travel experience that never compromises on quality, safety and security.” With fares from Dubai to Muscat as low as AED 122, guests can now book their flights on the website and can choose between three easy fare options: Light, Friendly & Flexi. Delivering on its promise to offer value for money, SalamAir will provide the option of ‘through flights’ on the 17:35 flight from Salalah to Dubai, meaning that guests can fly to Dubai without having to disembark in Muscat. The service includes a 50-minute stopover. Built on the philosophy of ‘Always Welcome’, SalamAir ensures that Omani hospitality is reflected in all aspects of its services, whether on-ground or in-flight. An affordable menu of additional services is also available to guests, which includes extra luggage allowance, seat selection, and priority check-in.

The Philippines’ largest airline, Cebu Pacific (CEB), flew 19.1 million passengers in 2016, an increase of 4% from the 18.4 million passengers flown in 2015. On average, CEB flights were 86% full during the year. Growth in passenger volume was largely driven by the airline’s low-cost short-haul services, and increased frequencies in key domestic markets. Specifically, the former recorded a 9.3% growth compared to 2015, while the latter reflected a 2.6% increase. “Last December 27, 2016, the Cebu Pacific Air Group carried a total of 64,684 passengers—the highest number of travellers we have ever flown in one day. This surpasses our prior record of 62,947 passengers flown last January 3, 2016, translating to 1,737 additional passengers,” said Atty. JR Mantaring, CEB Vice President for Corporate Affairs.  “This significant increase in number only shows our firm commitment in trafficking trade and tourism in all the destinations we operate in, while at the same time enabling everyJuan to connect with their families and friends all around the world,” added Mantaring. CEB posted notable passenger growth in international destinations such as Beijing Shanghai and Xiamen in China, Taiwan (Taipei) and Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam. In the Philippines, domestic traffic increased in Cauayan, Siargao and Ozamiz. CEB currently offers flights to a total of 37 domestic and 29 international destinations, operating an extensive network across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and USA. Its 58-strong fleet is comprised of four Airbus A319, 36 Airbus A320, seven Airbus A330, eight ATR 72-500, and three ATR 72-600 aircraft. Between 2017 and 2021, CEB expects delivery of one more brand-new Airbus A330, 32 Airbus A321neo, and 13 ATR 72-600 aircraft.

2017 marks 40 years since Cathay Pacific began operating its first Dubai route from its hub in Hong Kong in 1977, marking its 20th destination and further bridging connectivity between the Middle East and South East Asia. The twice-weekly service marked the leading Asian airline’s second destination in the region. The first flight, serviced by a Boeing 707, launched within a year of Cathay Pacific adding its first Middle East route to Bahrain. Leaving Hong Kong on Wednesdays and Sundays, CX741 and CX740, initially flew via Bangkok and Bahrain. A direct Hong Kong-Dubai service was introduced just 24 years late in 1993, complimenting Cathay Pacific’s existing service to the United Arab Emirates via Bangkok and Mumbai. During the last 40 years, the route has seen a number of enhancements, including the introduction of the Super Tristar L1011 – Cathay Pacific’s first wide-body jet – on the Dubai route in 1982. The new aircraft supported the launch of a twice weekly Hong Kong to Mumbai service that operated via Bangkok and on to Dubai (CX751/750). By the end of 1989, the Hong Kong-Bangkok-Mumbai-Dubai service increased to four times a week. Throughout the last four decades, the route has been serviced by the airline’s Boeing 747-300, Boeing 777, and Airbus A330-300. By 2008, Dubai had expanded to 18 flights a week, 14 being direct operating twice a day, and one operating via Mumbai. The remainder were routed through Bangkok and on to Bahrain. Cathay Pacific Country Manager UAE & Oman, Ashish Kapur, said: “Since launching the Dubai route four decades ago, we have played an important part in bringing visitors from different parts of the world to this fast growing country. We, …

Miral has confirmed that Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, an indoor theme park spanning 1.65 million square feet and home to 29 immersive rides, entertaining shows and interactive attractions, will open in 2018. The fully-immersive world-class park will also include retail outlets featuring a wide collection of merchandise inspired by Warner Bros. franchises as well as a full range of dining options from full-service sit down to grab and go. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will bring together Super Heroes and Super-Villains from the DC Universe, including Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, as well as Warner Bros.’ iconic animated properties such as Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo and Tom and Jerry, creating a family-friendly destination for fans of all ages. “We are very excited to be announcing the number of rides, shows and attractions for Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi,” said Mohamed Abdullah Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral. “We’re very delighted to see the park coming together and on track for the 2018 launch. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi marks an important step in the development of Yas Island as a complete leisure and entertainment destination, and we can’t wait to share it with the world,” he added. Theming is currently underway throughout the park and will immerse guests of all ages into the world of Warner Bros.’ best-in-class brands. Factory acceptance testing for all rides is nearly done, and delivery and installation of rides has already started. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi comes as part of Yas Island’s commitment to attracting 48 million annual visits by 2022. The ambitious vision is aimed at transforming the island into a world-class leisure and entertainment destination that caters to everyone around the world.

Emirates will launch a series of new cabin products and enhancements in 2017 for both its A380 and Boeing 777 fleet. The multi-million dollar cabin interiors upgrade programme includes an enhanced Onboard Lounge for its flagship Airbus A380 aircraft. Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline, said, “The A380 Onboard Lounge is hugely popular with our customers, and has become an iconic feature of Emirates’ A380 offering. Particularly on long-haul flights, our customers tell us they appreciate the opportunity to stretch their legs and mingle in the relaxed, yet classy lounge area. “Since we first launched the product in 2008, our A380 Onboard Lounge has gone through small but successive enhancements in line with customer feedback to increase the amount of space for our customers to interact in the lounge. In our latest revamp, we have taken inspiration from private yacht cabins, and amongst other thoughtful touches, we have increased the seating space, and also made it more intimate and conducive for our passengers to socialise or enjoy our lounge service.” The new Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge will make its first public appearance at the Emirates Infinite Possibilities stand during ITB Berlin, one of the world’s largest tourism trade fairs. It is currently being installed onto one of Emirates’ brand new A380 aircraft at Airbus’ facilities, and will make its operational debut in July 2017.

Al Ansari Exchange, the UAE-based foreign exchange and worldwide money transfer company, has recently signed an agreement with SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka. According to the terms of the agreement, SriLankan Airlines customers will now be able to make payments through more than 170 UAE-wide Al Ansari Exchange branches. The service will be available during the second quarter of this year onwards. Rashed Ali Al Ansari, General Manager, Al Ansari Exchange, said, “In line with our efforts to enter into corporate partnerships that add value to our clients, we have recently collaborated with the SriLankan Airlines, the national airlines of Sri Lanka. The deal will enable all customers of the airline to process their payments for tickets booked over the phone or via the airline’s website from any of the Al Ansari Exchange branches across the UAE. The extended convenience will also save time and effort for SriLankan passengers.” The signing follows the continuous growth enjoyed by SriLankan Airlines, which is attributed to its equally vibrant tourism industry—ably positioning Sri Lanka as a key tourist destination. Aside from the Sri Lankan travelers, recent figures show that the national carrier has serviced more than 45,000 Indian passengers per year, followed by 36,000 Bangladeshis and around 15,000 British, European and Americans. SriLankan Airlines also ferry around 10,000 UAE nationals and 8,000 Indonesian and Filipino passengers per annum. “SriLankan Airlines is pleased to seal a partnership deal with a reputed foreign exchange service provider such as Al Ansari Exchange, allowing us to serve our customers in the UAE with enhanced convenience. We always strive to ensure a seamless and hassle-free travel experience for our passengers and we will continue to …