Middle Eastern carriers saw a 5.8% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 5.5% year-on-year and the load factor was 84.1% (+0.3ppt compared to July 2023). according to the latest data shared by IATA. Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 8.0% compared to July 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 7.4% year-on-year. The July load factor was 86.0% (+0.5ppt compared to July 2023). There was no significant negative demand impact from the CrowdStrike IT outage on 19 July. International demand rose 10.1% compared to July 2023. Capacity was up 10.5% year-on-year and the load factor fell to 85.9% (-0.3ppt compared to July 2023). Domestic demand rose 4.8% compared to July 2023. Capacity was up 2.8% year-on-year and the load factor was 86.1% (+1.7ppt compared to July 2023). “July was another positive month. In fact, passenger demand hit an all-time high for the industry and in all regions except Africa, despite significant disruption caused by the CrowdStrike IT outage,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “The winding down of the peak northern summer season is a reminder of how much people depend on flying. As the mix of travelers shift from leisure to business, aviation’s many roles are evident—reuniting families, enabling exploration, and powering commerce. People need and want to fly. And they are doing that in great numbers. Load factors are at the practicable maximum. But persistent supply chain bottlenecks have made deploying the capacity to meet the need to travel more challenging. As much of the world returns from vacation, there is an urgent call for manufacturers and suppliers to resolve their supply chain issues so that air travel remains accessible and …

Air Astana will launch direct scheduled flights from Shymkent to Jeddah, with a twice weekly service operating between 1st and 28th October 2024. After those dates, one of the services will be switched to a once weekly service between Shymkent and Medina. A new twice weekly service from Almaty to Medina will also be launched on 29th October 2024, which is in addition to the existing Almaty to Jeddah service. All flights to Saudi Arabia will be operated by Airbus A321LR aircraft configured with 16 business class seats and 150 economy class seats. The flight time from Shymkent to Jeddah and Shymkent to Medina will be 5hours 35mins, whilst flight time from Almaty to Medina will be 6hours 10mins. The minimum cost for round-trip Economy class tickets including all fees starts from US$ 656 for Shymkent to Jeddah, US$ 646 for Shymkent to Medina and US$ 705 for Almaty to Medina. Kazakhstan citizens are required to obtain an e-visa before traveling to Saudi Arabia. Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s second largest city and economic capital, with a wealth of attractions including King Fahd’s Fountain, the ancient city of Al-Balad and Red Sea beaches. Jeddah is only one hour’s high-speed train ride from Mecca. Medina is the second most important holy city for Muslims after Mecca. The Prophet’s Mosque in Medina is considered to be the second holiest site of Islam after the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.

Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) launched its newest venture, Corp Yanbu Hotel with its modern suites, diverse F&B outlets, inviting pool, well-equipped gym, comprehensive business center, and elegant banquet facilities, the hotel offers an unmatched experience for both business and leisure travelers. Strategically located on the Yanbu SeaFront in the prestigious Royal Commission locality, Corp Yanbu Hotel boasts breathtaking sea views and provides guests with easy access to local attractions. This prime location has quickly made the hotel a highly sought-after destination for both locals and tourists. The stunning vistas of the Red Sea, combined with the convenience of nearby cultural and recreational spots, enhance the appeal of Corp Yanbu Hotel, establishing it as a prime choice for discerning travelers. The introduction of Corp Yanbu Hotel has redefined hospitality standards in Yanbu. The hotel’s exceptional amenities and service have set a new benchmark in the region, attracting a steady stream of guests and contributing significantly to local tourism and the economy. Yanbu, historically known for its industrial and maritime heritage, is evolving into a premier destination on the Red Sea. Corp Yanbu Hotel stands at the forefront of this transformation, becoming the new hot spot and elevating the city’s status as a vibrant and attractive locale. Mr. Haytham Abdelaziz, Director of Operations at HMH, expressed his delight at the hotel’s successful debut. “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response from both locals and tourists in Yanbu. Corp Yanbu Hotel’s prime location and exceptional service have set a new benchmark for hospitality in the region. We look forward to continuing to provide unparalleled experiences to our guests,” said Mr. Abdelaziz. His statement reflects the commitment of HMH to delivering world-class hospitality and …

Mirai shared that selling extras is a strategic way to enhance guest satisfaction and significantly boost hotel revenue. For instance, extras like show tickets or spa access, per room for something like late check-out, or per booking for parking or car rentals etc. The quantity could be per night for extras like an additional bed, or a one-time charge for things like a parking fee. By starting small, focusing on high-margin items, and ensuring proper integration and management, hotels can effectively implement and benefit from an extras strategy. With thoughtful execution, selling extras can transform hotel’s summer revenue potential.  Hotels have a prime opportunity to boost their revenue by offering add-ons to their guests. Enhancing the guest experience with thoughtfully curated extras not only increases satisfaction but can also significantly impact the hotel’s bottom line. Hotels face several challenges when selling extras through their direct booking channels, but overcoming these can greatly enhance both revenue and guest satisfaction. Strategically, hotels must balance the desire to boost income with the complexities that come with managing additional services. Starting small and scaling gradually helps avoid overwhelming staff and guests. On the marketing front, it’s crucial to effectively promote these add-ons using enticing visuals, clear descriptions, and pricing that resonates with the hotel’s brand and customer expectations, ensuring the options enhance the guest experience without causing decision fatigue. Operationally, the focus should be on streamlining processes to ensure that offering extras doesn’t become a logistical burden. This involves integrating these offerings into existing systems, coordinating with suppliers, and aligning extras with the hotel’s policies and procedures. By addressing these challenges, hotels can create a more appealing and profitable direct booking. Pablo Delgado, CEO …

This year’s Jeddah Season drew in over 1.7 million visitors from within and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over 52 days. It featured a wide array of entertainment activities, solidifying Jeddah’s status as a top tourist destination, offering a plethora of interactive experiences and action-packed games. The Warner Bros. Discovery: Celebrate Every Story area was especially popular among families. The season featured diverse, unique attractions, with the City Walk area standing out as a top highlight.  It offered an immersive experience that brought beloved stories and iconic characters to life. Furthermore, the interactive Imagine Monet exhibition allowed visitors to explore 200 of the most renowned paintings by the French artist Claude Monet. Prince Majid Park added a new dimension to the season by offering various events, live shows, shopping experiences and workshops, enriching the visitors’ overall experience. In a unique historical and cultural experience, the season offered visitors the chance to delve into the Jeddah Historic District, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has preserved elements of ancient social life spanning over 400 years, enriching their understanding of the city’s rich heritage. The season’s events extended beyond cultural and entertainment offerings, incorporating thrilling sports tournaments like the Motosurf International Cup and the Summer Speed Festival at the Jeddah Corniche. Attendees were treated to thrilling sports encounters and spectacular shows, creating unforgettable moments for all. The season’s success reflects a forward-looking vision to elevate Jeddah’s status as a global cultural and tourism destination. It also aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, which aim to cultivate a sustainable entertainment sector that enhances the quality of life for citizens and residents and serves as an economic driver for economic diversification and …

SAUDIA announced the addition of Phuket to its seasonal destinations, making it the second city in Thailand to join its network, following the capital, Bangkok. This expansion aligns with SAUDIA’s strategic objective to broaden its international flight network and bring the world to Saudi Arabia, leveraging its young fleet and enhancing its global competitive advantage. SAUDIA will commence flights to Phuket on 2 December 2024, offering 12 weekly round trips from Riyadh and Jeddah combined. Bookings will be available through SAUDIA’s website and mobile app. Operational preparations are currently underway at Phuket International Airport to ensure an exceptional service and seamless experience for all guests. The airline will deploy its state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on the routes between the Kingdom and Phuket. These Dreamliners are equipped with spacious seating, advanced inflight entertainment systems catering to diverse guest preferences, and other premium onboard services designed to enhance the travel experience.

DubaiDestinations 2024 summer campaign wrapped up with 20 million video views across social media platforms and drew impressive engagement among both local and global audiences. This year saw many new visitors from Eastern European destinations visit Dubai over the summer. Launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, the year-round campaign highlights the exceptional activities and experiences that make Dubai a one-of-a-kind destination across all seasons. The vibrant finale of the collaborative campaign, implemented by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), utilised the power of storytelling to enhance the city’s profile as a top global summer destination. Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, said: “The summer phase of the 2024 #DubaiDestinations campaign brilliantly captured the essence of Dubai’s diverse and exciting experiences, further cementing its status as a leading global destination. This year’s campaign achieved impressive engagement from both local and global audiences, with captivating content shared across various platforms that inspired millions to discover Dubai’s diverse summer destination offerings. The overwhelming response, with tremendous public engagement and more than 20 million video views across social media platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and X, underscores the campaign’s success in showcasing Dubai’s multifaceted appeal. More than 3,000 pieces of content were also shared across digital channels, reflecting the campaign’s widespread impact.” Featuring interactive storytelling and visually engaging content, this phase of the campaign highlighted beach destinations, waterparks, indoor activities, and hotel pools, showcasing the city’s wide array of attractions that appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds. Some of the emirate’s most …

Oman Air received delivery of its latest Boeing B787-9 aircraft, the first of three scheduled for this year. Part of an existing order, which includes eight more aircraft by 2027, the newest marks the tenth Dreamliner in the airline’s fleet. As one of the world’s most modern and advanced passenger aircraft, the B787-9 is known for its innovative design and exceptional fuel efficiency, while its wide cabins and large windows offer unparalleled on-board comfort for guests. The aircraft touched down in Muscat on Friday afternoon, arriving from the Boeing facility in Seattle. “We’re excited to welcome our new Boeing B787-9 to our aircraft line-up, which aligns with our strategy to fly a modern and common Oman Air fleet. It allows us to maintain efficiency in operations, optimise maintenance costs and ensure a seamless and consistent experience for our guests,” said Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer. “Our latest addition to the fleet is also consistent with our focus on transforming our airline towards financial sustainability, while upholding our reputation as a world-class carrier and supporting Oman’s ambitions to increase tourism and connectivity in the years to come.” The newest aircraft features a two-class configuration with 30 Business Class seats and 258 Economy Class seats and will serve across the airline’s network of destinations. Oman Air’s spacious, elegant cabin design, and exceptional service and hospitality, has garnered it a string of international awards, including most recently Best Seat Comfort in the Middle East at the APEX 2024 Awards and Best Airline Staff Middle East at the Skytrax 2024 Awards.

The European Commission outlined guidelines for cabin luggage, effective 1 September 2024, allowance of one cabin bag and one personal item will be allowed. Cabin bag dimensions (including handles and wheels) must not exceed 55 x 40 x 20cm, while personal items should be no larger than 40 x 30 x 15cm. The personal item, such as a handbag, backpack, or laptop bag, must fit under the seat in front of the passenger. Effective from 1 September 2024, the maximum allowed size for individual liquid containers will revert to the standard 100 ml for airports. Airports that already limit liquids to 100 ml or that have not deployed EDSCB equipment will not be affected by this change. This precautionary measure is not in response to any new threat but addresses a temporary technical issue, undertaken in alignment with the EU’s international partners. The Commission is collaborating closely with Member States and the European Civil Aviation Conference to develop swift technical solutions, ensuring the highest standards of safety and security in air travel.  

In keeping with its target to attract more visitors from the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, Sri Lanka announced the launch of its newest carrier Air Ceilao. The airline is currently working with Sri Lanka’s civil aviation authority to secure the necessary regulatory approvals. They plan to operate a mixed fleet of narrow and wide-bodied aircraft to serve the initial routes and wish to expand to long haul routes across Europe and Australia. This will be the second privately owned international airline in Sri Lanka. They stated that their aim is to revolutionize air travel by blending full-service luxury with low-cost affordability. The carrier aims to target both discerning and budget-conscious travelers. Subsequently offering them a unique experience that combines luxury and value.