Category Archives: Aviation

As the growth of the airport sector in the Middle East was highly disturbed since the Covid-19 pandemic, plans to expand airports in all related sectors specialize in: air freight, aircraft construction and business aviation.  Business France will bring together a delegation of French companies to join the In-Person experience and benefit from face-to-face networking sessions with airport professionals from the Middle East. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the show will host a French pavilion focused on airport modernization & new construction projects. In line with France’s commitment to take action in favor of a sustainable world and respond to social and climate issues, exhibiting companies will introduce how their solutions, empowered by a strong technological expertise, can reduce the environmental footprints, and how they tackle many current and future challenges. Internationally, these values, are instigated across the French industry thanks to la French Fab, THE label whose mission is to renew the industrial sector and committed to an eco-friendly approach as well as concerned about the common good. In the region, the French airport industry is particularly recognized in the following sectors: –              Ground Support Equipment (GSE) –              Air traffic detection and tracking devices –              Provision of software packages and dedicated IT solutions – technical training services (MRO, ground operations, pilots and cabin crew, etc.) –              Airport access control – identity control, video surveillance, alarm system, image analysis, etc. –              Dismantling and recycling of parts, modules and components Willing to provide a wide range of advantages to middle eastern players, French companies will …

Oman Air announced that it has signed a codeshare agreement with EGYPTAIR, the national carrier of Egypt and one of the leading carriers in the MENA region. The codeshare agreement on flights between Muscat and Cairo was signed as part of both airlines’ commitment to work toward a strong restart for air travel to overcome the effects of the spread of Covid-19 on the aviation sector and to expand their destination offering to customers. The agreement means that guests on both airlines can now benefit from a wider choice of destinations in both countries, and beyond—travellers from Muscat have easy access to EGYPTAIR domestic destinations – Sharm El-Sheikh, Luxor, Aswan, and Hurghada, as well as Casablanca (Morocco) on the airline’s international network; travellers from Cairo have easy access to popular Oman Air domestic destination Salalah as well as international destinations Karachi (Pakistan), Colombo (Sri Lanka), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). Eng. Abdulaziz Al Raisi, Chief Executive Officer Oman Air said that the challenges facing all airlines since the onset of the pandemic have led to new strategic partnerships which ultimately create a stronger network ecosystem with more options for passengers. “EGYPTAIR has a remarkable, long-standing history in the MENA region and enjoys a strong international presence as a Star Alliance member. The codeshare agreement with Oman Air offers guests from Muscat more options for discovering Egypt, whether for business or leisure, and plays a vital role in the travel restart endeavours of both airlines.” On the other hand, Pilot Amr Abu El-Enein, EGYPTAIR HOLDING Chairman & CEO, said that cooperation with partners is essential for sustainability during this critical period, therefore, signing this agreement between two partners with special attributes like …

Emirates has pledged its support to tourism in Indonesia through a Memorandum of Commitment (MoC) outlining joint marketing activities to promote the country. The MoC was signed at Arabian Travel Market 2021, by Orhan Abbas, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations – Far East at Emirates and Nia Niscaya, Deputy Minister for Marketing, the Ministry of Tourism & Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia. Also present at the signing ceremony was K. Candra Negara, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia for Dubai and the Northern Emirates and Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer. With Indonesia being an important part of the Emirates network since 1992, both parties will partner on joint campaigns that will benefit the airline and tourism for the Indonesian destinations and showcase their appeal to visitors and holiday-makers. Based on the long-standing and fruitful relationship that Emirates has shared with Indonesia over the years and the success of its routes to Jakarta and Bali, Emirates hopes to build on achievements so far and support in the recovery phase as restrictions ease in addition to providing valuable contributions to the country’s tourism sector. By forging the new partnership, both parties have committed to strengthening the relationship through collaborations on strategies and marketing initiatives that will showcase what the destinations have to offer and positively impact its tourism industry and economy. The agreement will see marketing activities including support for attendance of tourism trade shows and fairs, trade familiarization trips, product presentations and workshops, advertising campaigns, the provision of logistical support, amongst others, to be undertaken jointly by Emirates and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, as Indonesia is gearing up …

Air Canada announced that it will once again resume its non-stop operations from Dubai to Toronto starting 1st June 2021. There will be three flights weekly connecting the two destinations on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Speaking to TTME, Deepu Cyriac – Country Manager for Dubai, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman stated that they will be operating Dreamliner 787-900 to Canadian cities and US cities. “At present Canada has restrictions, therefore Canadian citizens, PR holders, students and immigrants from Dubai and a small category of visit visa holders will be allowed to enter, also if there are any visit visa holders with an immediate relative who is a citizen or PR holder is also able to visit. There is a mandatory three day hotel stay to be complied where the traveller needs to stay in a government approved hotel for three days and 11 days in home quarantine for everyone entering Canada. Students were the most affected during the pandemic and Canada has taken the initiative to open it to them, hence we expect a huge student movement to Canada.” Sharing about the necessity of PCR test to board the aircraft Cyriac reiterated, “it is mandatory to carry a negative PCR taken 72 hours prior to departure and upon arrival in Toronto there will be another PCR test conducted. Air Canada clean care plus programme where “safety first always” slogan;  customers can travel with piece of mind as it provides ease of cancellations etc, however, customers are advise to have their own insurance policy to arrive in Canada.” Ending the conversation Cyriac appreciated all the efforts taken by the travel trade and thanked all travel industry partners for all the support extended …

Etihad Airways and SAUDIA, announced a new reciprocal loyalty agreement, expanding on the existing codeshare deal between the two airlines. Members of the Etihad Guest and ALFURSAN programmes can now earn and redeem miles on flights across both carriers’ networks. Loyalty programme members from both airlines will also be able to earn Tier Miles and Tier Segments, helping them progress to the next tier level faster. In addition, members will be able to earn miles on Etihad and SAUDIA codeshare flights. Terry Daly, Executive Director Guest Experience, Brand & Marketing, Etihad Airways, said, “As the aviation industry begins to restart and guests return to the skies, this partnership strengthens the airlines’ commitment to growing inbound business and tourism in their respective markets. It complements Etihad’s existing codeshare agreement with SAUDIA and opens more destinations for Etihad Guest members to earn and spend their miles through travel.” Khalid Al-Bassam, Chief Commercial Officer, SAUDIA, commented, “We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with Etihad through this latest agreement, which further builds on our shared history of successful collaboration. By offering our guests more opportunities to earn miles we are bringing greater value, flexibility and convenience to their travel experience, which will help fuel growth in demand and contribute to our goal of enhancing the Kingdom’s aviation and tourism sectors.” The partners are also re-launching their codeshare cooperation beyond each other’s hubs. Under this extensive commercial partnership, which has seen more than 110,000 passenger journeys facilitated over the past two years, SAUDIA has added its ‘SV’ code to 15 destinations on the Etihad network in Saudi Arabia, Asia, the US and Europe. In addition, Etihad has added its ‘EY’ code to SAUDIA destinations …

Air Arabia has announced the resumption of direct flights between Sharjah and Prague, starting September 22, 2021. Customers can now book their direct flights between Sharjah and Prague by visiting Air Arabia’s website, by calling the call centre or through travel agencies. Ensuring the highest standards of safety at every step of the journey by following all health and safety protocols, Air Arabia has also added to the convenience and confidence of passengers by introducing free COVID-19 insurance coverage. The insurance is automatically included as part of the booking and no additional documents are required from passengers.

Air Arabia has announced the introduction of a new service to Sharm El Sheikh with direct flights from Sharjah starting on 29th June, 2021. Customers can now book their direct flights between Sharjah and Sharm El Sheikh by visiting Air Arabia’s website, by calling the call centre or through travel agencies. Ensuring the highest standards of safety at every step of the journey by following all health and safety protocols, Air Arabia has also added to the convenience and confidence of passengers by introducing free COVID-19 insurance coverage. The insurance is automatically included as part of the booking and no additional documents are required from passengers.

Etihad Airways will give away 10,000 prizes this week during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) taking place live in the UAE. The prizes form part of the airline’s commitment to giving away 50,000 prizes throughout the year in celebration of the UAE’s 50th Anniversary. Everyone signed up to the airline’s UAE 50 campaign will automatically be entered into the draw. Registering is simple and can be done at etihad.com/UAE50 or on the Etihad stand at ATM. Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Global Sales & Cargo, Etihad Airways, said, “Etihad is excited to be participating in ATM live this year, which is an important indicator of the UAE’s ability to host events safely. To mark the occasion, and in celebration of the UAE’s golden anniversary, the airline is giving away a phenomenal number of prizes this week and Etihad encourages everyone to take part in Etihad’s UAE50 campaign.” The prizes include free Business class flights, up to 50,000 bonus Etihad Guest Miles per winner, and travel vouchers. The winners will be announced on etihad.com and on the large screens at the Etihad stand at ATM. Winners will be notified by email in the coming weeks. Visitors who play the ‘Guess and Win’ game by Etihad Holidays at ATM will be in to win a one-night stay at a 5-star hotel in Abu Dhabi. Participating hotels include Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort and more. Signing up to Etihad’s UAE50 can be done with just a name and email address and is free to join. Throughout the golden jubilee year, Etihad will launch a number of activities and collaborations, from spotlighting …

Travellers flying from Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways, will be able to validate their Covid-19 travel documents before arriving at the airport. Guests can arrive at the airport with confidence and with peace of mind, knowing they have met all essential requirements before their flight. With the formalities out of the way, verified travellers can enjoy fast track check-in at the airport by going to the dedicated Verified to Fly desk for a quicker and smoother experience. Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Aviation Group said: “As Etihad continuously looks for innovative solutions to simplify the travel experience, Verified to Fly removes any guess work from the equation and makes check-in faster. Guests have total peace of mind knowing that when they arrive at the airport, they have already met all Covid travel requirements”.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi will commence flights to its latest destinations, Kiev, Bari, Salalah and Muscat. The flight to Ukraine’s capital city, Kiev will be operated three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; flights to Bari, Italy will be operated two times per week on Tuesdays and Saturdays; routes to Salalah, Oman will be operated two times per week on Wednesdays and Saturdays; and flights to the capital of Oman, Muscat will be operated three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Kees Van Schaick, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi said: “We’re excited to offer these new routes giving travellers sustainable options to explore new places. Travellers will be dazzled by the beautiful architecture found in every corner of Kiev, a wealth of history and gorgeous beaches in Bari, and the nature and diverse landscape found in Oman. Kiev, Bari, Salalah and Muscat are our next destinations in a series of new route announcements we have made, and will continue to make – we are committed to providing Abu Dhabi residents and tourists with new travel options and destinations at affordable prices.”