Etihad plans to operate a reduced network of scheduled passenger services from May 1 to June 30, with the aim of gradually returning to a fuller schedule as and when the global situation improves; subject to UAE government imposed travel restrictions being lifted on passenger travel. Etihad is also continuing to operate a growing schedule of special passenger flights allowing foreign nationals in the UAE the opportunity to travel out of the country, and to carry essential belly-hold cargo such as perishables, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies. To date, the airline has also repatriated almost 600 UAE nationals on return services. Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said, “We remain cautiously optimistic and will push ahead with our plans to resume normal flying, while striving to better serve and support our customers and our employees. While the intention is to assume a ‘business as usual’ approach to the restart of our operations, the aviation landscape has changed, and how it will look month by month is difficult to predict. This has necessitated a fundamental shift in focus for us. However, the cumulative gains achieved by our ongoing transformation, and the unwavering support of our shareholder, has left us in a relatively strong position to withstand any instability. We will pivot on this and act with agility to seize opportunities we may not have previously considered. “We are implementing a series of network-wide route and fleet efficiencies, while conducting an extensive brand study and trialing new service concepts in our guest experience proposition. We are also using this time to drive further internal improvements in the efficient use of automation and technology across all areas of the business, while …

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has released a set of recommendations calling for urgent and strong support to help the global tourism sector not only recover from the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19 but to ‘grow back better’. The recommendations are the first output of the Global Tourism Crisis Committee, established by UNWTO with high-level representatives from across the tourism and from within the wider United Nations system. Recognising that tourism and transport has been among the hardest hit of all sectors, the recommendations are designed to support governments, the private sector and the international community in navigating the unparalleled social and economic emergency that is COVID-19. “These specific recommendations give countries a check-list of possible measures to help our sector sustain the jobs and support the companies at risk at this very moment. Mitigating the impact on employment and liquidity, protecting the most vulnerable and preparing for recovery, must be our key priorities,” said Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UNWTO.

Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s premier leisure and entertainment hub, has launched a new video entitled #InThisTogether.  In anticipation of a more hopeful future, the video encourages travellers, staycationers, day trippers and holidaymakers to stay positive in an uncertain world, highlighting a tomorrow where the world reopens again and Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, can look forward to welcoming its visitors with open arms. 

Hahn Air is regrouping its departments supporting partner airlines, travel agencies and the global distribution systems (GDS) into the new commercial and operation divisions. The new divisions also include communications and marketing as well as IT support. The set-up allows the company to further increase business results for its more than 350 partner airlines and over 100,000 travel agency partners while taking advantage of synergies for internal and external support. Kirsten Rehmann, General Director of Hahn Air, commented on the new set-up, “The restructuring process already started in 2019 and will enable us to maximise results for all customer groups and further increase efficiency and optimise team work internally. This will especially be of advantage after the coronavirus crisis, when our partner airlines and travel agencies will have a strong need to kick-start their business.” The newly formed commercial division will be headed by Alexander Proschka who has been promoted to Executive Vice President Commercial. His division comprises of the following departments: airline business, communications and marketing, sales analytics and travel agency distribution. Proschka has been with Hahn Air since 2008 and was previously in charge of the sister companies Hahn Air Systems and Hahn Air Technologies with their products H1-Air and X1-Air. He holds a diploma in international business and industrial engineering from the University of Applied Sciences in Wiesbaden. Another long-standing Hahn Air executive, Frederick Nowotny, has been promoted to Head of Operation to lead the new operation division. He joined Hahn Air in 2008 and previously headed up the sales engineering department. His division now includes the teams in charge of all airline and product implementation processes, GDS interfaces and inventory displays. In addition, he oversees the …

Air Arabia announces new passenger repatriation flights as well as cargo flights to multiple destinations from Sharjah International Airport. The airline will operate a mix of outbound only passenger flights as well as cargo flights during the month of April to Afghanistan, Iran, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Sudan, Egypt, India and Nepal. Air Arabia is committed to support the requests to operate repatriation and cargo flights and remain working closely with UAE authorities in this regard.

Cozmo Travel started taking bookings from April 14, for the special repatriation flights which have been announced by the UAE government. The following airlines will be starting operations in a fixed schedule: Etihad Airways starts operations from April 14-22 – Seoul, Jakarta, Singapore, Manila, Melbourne, Amsterdam, London Heathrow, Brussels, Zurich, Tokyo, Dublin; Emirates start operations from April 12-20 – London, Frankfurt, Paris, Tunis and Manila; and FlyDubai from April 14 – Azerbaian, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Iraq, Iran, Kyrgyztan, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Ukraine,Uzbekistan. The destinations and the airlines and more information will be available subject to conditions announced by other foreign governments as well.

Etihad Airways has announced a series of special passenger flights from Abu Dhabi to Brussels, Dublin, London Heathrow, Tokyo Narita and Zurich, in addition to those previously published. The airline has been operating special flights which have allowed passengers stranded in the UAE due to COVID-19 restrictions, the opportunity to return home. The flights also support the ‘UAE Food Security Program’ by utilising belly-hold capacity of passenger aircraft for cargo. The airline continues to repatriate UAE citizens on return sectors, wherever possible, and carry fresh produce as belly-hold cargo back to Abu Dhabi. In addition to these newly announced destinations, Etihad continues to operate special passenger flights from Abu Dhabi to several destinations including Amsterdam, Jakarta, Manila, Melbourne, Seoul Incheon, and Singapore.

Emirates is planning to operate passenger services to Jakarta, Manila, Taipei, Chicago, Tunis, Algiers and Kabul in addition to the already commenced operation to London and Frankfurt. These services will facilitate residents and visitors wishing to return home. Passengers will be able to book directly on emirates.com or via their travel agent. Only citizens of the destination country and those who meet the entry requirements will be allowed to board. Passengers will be required to comply with each country’s requirement. With the increase of services and flights out of Dubai, Emirates have recommenced its operation at Dubai International airport Terminal 3. Customers will be required to follow all health and safety measures required by the UAE authorities and the country of destination. During this time, there will be no online check in and seat selection available and services such as chauffeur drive and lounge will not be available in any of the destinations. Emirates will also offer amended services on these flights. Magazines and other print reading material will not be available, and while food and beverages will continue to be offered on board, packaging and presentation will be modified to reduce contact during meal service and the risk of infection. Cabin baggage will not be accepted on these flights. Carry-on items allowed in the cabin will be limited to laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby items. All other items have to be checked in, and Emirates will add the cabin baggage allowance to customers’ check-in baggage allowance. Passengers are required to apply social distancing guidelines during their journey and wear their own masks when at the airport and on board the aircraft.  Travellers should arrive at Dubai International airport Terminal …

The CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) Amr AlMadani joined fellow hospitality leaders this week to discuss the future of the industry in the Hospitality Tomorrow virtual forum, hosted by Bench Global Events and watched by a global audience of thousands. The talk was co-hosted by Anita Mendiratta, Special Advisor to the Secretary General at the United Nations World Trade Organisation and member of RCU’s Advisory Board, under the title ‘Legacy, Sustaining Growth through Adversity’. Amr AlMadani, CEO, RCU began by highlighting resilience and innovation as key to the industry’s growth, emphasising that travel in the future will be driven by a desire for deeper, transformative experiences founded in a strong sense of community. As an example, AlMadani noted that AlUla had 250,000 years of history, amid an authentic Arabian landscape, with its own community creatively engaged in its tourism industry. Expanding on the theme of growth, AlMadani emphasised that AlUla remained open to investment, and argued that the future growth of the wider industry is dependent on lowering barriers to investment to fuel innovation. In this regard, he noted that RCU was taking an open-minded approach to current challenges but also that RCU was still signing contracts and remained committed to its partners. Amr AlMadani said, “In RCU, we are banking on a strong recovery for the industry, but one that will newly focus on offering people deeper, more experiential and transformative tourism options – rather than simply a photograph. In AlUla, we have 250,000 years of history for visitors to experience a true, unique locality of Arabian and world heritage, supported by creativity and innovation in our community, projects, and our partners.” Anita Mendiratta said, “Legacy  …

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched an inspiring video series for travellers to experience elements of Amazing Thailand at home, as part of its campaign to ‘Bring Thailand to the World… Virtually’. Available throughout April, the virtual content will feature the best of Thai culture and heritage through entertaining tutorials, with the aim of extending a message of camaraderie and positivity. The series will include Thai cooking classes, Muay Thai lessons, fruit and vegetable carving, Thai-inspired spa treatments and traditional Thai dance suitable for all ages to participate and enjoy. Pichaya Saisaengchan, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand for Dubai and the Middle East, said, “This message extends to those who have visited Thailand and to all those we have yet to welcome to our shores. We want to share the vibrant energy of the people of Amazing Thailand with the world as we remain resilient and see this through side-by-side.” Chef Nine from Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok and chef Sonia from 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai will each present cooking masterclasses to teach viewers how to prepare popular and flavourful Thai dishes including Thai Pineapple fried rice and Pad Thai to enjoy at home. Viewers can discover the ancient art of Muay Thai through a digital training camp conducted by world-class Muay Thai practitioner and owner of Krudam Gym in Bangkok, Dam Srichan. Muay Thai is known as the “art of eight limbs” and has a history that can be traced to the 18th century. It is also an excellent Thai sport to keep fit through its strengthening techniques. Wellness experts, Gift and Jib from Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok combine nutrient-packed ingredients – such as …