Category Archives: Aviation

Cathay Pacific announced the launch of direct passenger flights to Riyadh  from 28 October 2024, further enhancing connectivity, trade and cultural exchange between its home hub, Hong Kong, and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. Cathay Pacific marked the announcement with a signing ceremony in Hong Kong, attended and witnessed by Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung, Consul General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Hong Kong SAR, Hamad Aljebreen, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam and Saudi Air Connectivity Program Chief Executive Officer Majid Khan. The agreement was signed by Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau, and Saudi Air Connectivity Program Aviation Development Vice President Rashed Alshammari in the presence of distinguished guests from Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung said: “The signing of the cooperation agreement marks a significant milestone for the already prospering aviation partnership between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia developed for almost two decades. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Cathay Pacific for their unfaltering support to the Government’s policies and for considering Hong Kong’s strategic development needs in their network planning. “The Hong Kong SAR Government is committed to strengthening aviation services on current major routes and routes along the Belt and Road with potential. Following Cathay Pacific’s initiative to commence services to Riyadh, we will be able to expand Hong Kong’s aviation network and enhance air connectivity between us and the Middle East, which further consolidates Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub.” Consul General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Hong Kong SAR Hamad Aljebreen said: “The inauguration of this route is a …

IndiGo enhances connectivity between Mumbai and Kuwait from 29 October 2024 by adding frequencies, focusing on both business and leisure travellers. This new frequencies aim to enhance international connectivity and bolster mobility between the commercial hubs in Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, considering the increased demand for business and leisure travel from the states. The addition of these flights will provide travellers with more options to explore these vibrant tourist and economic hubs in Southeast Asia and Middle East during the upcoming festive season and holiday travel months. With the launch of these new routes and frequencies, IndiGo now provides 908 direct flights a week from Chennai to 48 destinations, 141 weekly flights from Coimbatore to 7 destinations, and 1292 weekly flights from Mumbai to 72 destinations. Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, said, “We are pleased to further enhance our international connectivity with new / direct additional flights to Singapore, Colombo and Kuwait. With introduction of these flights IndiGo now offers increased connectivity to Singapore (72 flights a week) from 9 cities in India, to Colombo (37 flights a week) from 4 cities in India, and to Kuwait (34 flights a week) from 5 cities in India. These new routes and additional frequencies foster stronger economic and cultural ties and unlock new avenues for trade, tourism, and collaboration. As India’s preferred carrier, we are committed to offering on- time, affordable, and hassle-free travel experiences across our extensive network.” Singapore, also referred to as the “Lion City” and the “Garden City,” boasts a unique fusion of culture, continental cuisine, customs, and traditions. The well-known Merlion Park, Gardens by the Bay, Universal Studios, SEA Aquarium, Marina Bay Sands Skypark, Botanical …

Qatar Airways Group has acquired a 25% stake in Southern Africa’s premier independent regional carrier, Airlink. The announcement is a continuation of the airline’s ambition to further develop its operations across the African continent. The investment in Airlink – which flies to more than 45 destinations in 15 African countries – will enhance a code-sharing partnership between the two airlines. The deal will bolster Qatar Airways’ Africa growth strategy and cement its role as a key driver to the continent’s economic success. On the announcement, Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Our investment in Airlink further demonstrates how integral we see Africa being to our business’ future. This partnership not only demonstrates our confidence in Airlink, as a company that is resilient, agile, financially robust and governed on sound principles, but also in Africa as a whole, showing huge potential that I am delighted we are able to help start realising.” Airlink Chief Executive Rodger Foster said: “Having Qatar Airways as an equity partner is a powerful endorsement of Airlink and echoes our faith in the markets we currently serve and plan to add to our network. This transaction will unlock growth by providing efficiencies of scale, increasing our capacity and expanding our marketing reach. By bolstering Airlink and its business, this investment will strengthen all of the existing airline partnerships Airlink has nurtured over the years.” The partnership between Qatar Airways and Airlink seeks to align both carriers’ loyalty programs – Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Airlink Skybucks. Qatar Airways currently flies to 29 destinations in Africa, and there’s been strong growth in the market with new destinations added to the Qatar Airways network …

Qatar Airways has launched additional flights to the key global destinations of London, UK; Male, the Maldives; Miami, USA; and Tokyo, Japan for the 2024-2025 season. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, said: “As the World’s Best Airline, Qatar Airways is the best travel companion for international holiday-makers. Our increased flights during the winter holiday season comes as a response to the needs of our passengers who wish to create unforgettable travel experiences. Mr. Antinori continued: “Qatar Airways’ is also strengthening its commitment to the UK. Growing to 56 flights a week – the most of any Gulf carrier – further reinforces our long-standing relationship with London Heathrow Airport, as well as our unique strategic alliance with British Airways, which also operates two flights a day to Doha.” Qatar Airways flight to London (LHR) tarting 27 October 2024, Qatar Airways flights to London (LHR) will increase from 49 to 56 weekly flights. Following strong demand from customers, the airline will be offering more than 42,000 seats per week each way. Along with the two daily flights operated by its joint business partner, British Airways, there will be 10 daily flights between London Heathrow and Doha. New flights for this popular route are open for travellers, including travellers from Australia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UK. The flights will depart daily as follows: • Doha (DOH) to London (LHR) – Flight QR109: Departure 09:30; Arrival 14:05 • London (LHR) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR110: Departure 15:30; Arrival 01:10 Qatar Airways flight to Male (MLE) Starting 13 December 2024, Qatar Airways flights to Male (MLE) will increase from 21 to 28 weekly flights. Bookings are now open for travellers …

SAUDIA continues to top the global list for on-time performance (OTP), achieving this milestone for the second time consecutively, according to a report by the independent aviation tracking site, Cirium, for July2024. The report indicates that Saudia has achieved an on-time arrival rate of 88.12% and an on-time departure rate of 88.15%, operating 16,503 flights across its network of over 100 destinations in four continents. His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “At Saudia Group, achieving a high OTP has been a shared objective, as it directly impacts guest satisfaction. We’ve successfully maintained it during this year’s peak seasons, a testament to the collaborative efforts of the entire Saudia Group and relevant stakeholders in the aviation industry. Sustaining our leadership in this area requires continuous dedication and resilience in overcoming the numerous challenges within the aviation sector globally.” In the coming years, Saudia will take delivery of 103 new aircraft, aligning with the airline’s strategy to double seating capacity, expand to new global destinations, as well as its commitment to bring the world to the Kingdom in line with Vision 2030.

Gulf Air’s Chief Operations Officer, Captain Qasim Ismaeel, met with Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture in Malaysia. During the meeting, the two sides discussed aviation and tourism cooperation, strengthened the ties between Malaysia and Gulf Air, and explored new avenues for collaboration in these sectors. They also identified strategies to boost passenger traffic between the two countries. The Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture of Malaysia, along with his accompanying delegation, then took a tour at Gulf Aviation Academy, the training arm of Gulf Air. During the tour, the visiting delegation was briefed on the latest flight simulators housed at the academy.

flynas signed an agreement with Hayyak to provide flynas passengers with Prime membership of Nasmiles, the loyalty program of flynas, complimentary access to Hayyak airport lounges, while other flynas guests will be able to access the lounges with competitive prices. Stefan Magiera, flynas Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Through this agreement, we are pleased to expand privileges to our Nasmiles Prime status members and flynas passengers by allowing them to enjoy the high-end services and high-quality products Hayyak offers in airport lounges around the Kingdom.” “The agreement shows our solid commitment to enhancing customer experience and increasing and diversifying our rewards to Nasmiles members and flynas guests,” he added. Monther Al Humaynee, CEO of Alkhalejiah Catering, the owner and operator of the Hayyak brand, said: “The partnership between flynas and Hayyak Lounge signifies a momentous achievement in our mutual endeavor to enhance the travel experience for passengers. Leveraging our collective knowledge and assets, I am optimistic about our ability to establish a premium customer lounge that redefines standards in comfort, luxury, and tailored service for all flynas nasmiles members and travelers. Our dedication remains unwavering in collaborating closely with flynas team to guarantee that every aspect, spanning from design to service execution, mirrors the exceptional quality synonymous with both our esteemed brands.” In addition to three flynas lounges available free of charge to flynas passengers with Nasmiles Prime membership status at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and King Fahad International Airport in Dammam, Nasmiles Prime members will now be able to avail complimentary access to 18 Hayyak lounges in different airports around the Kingdom. Meanwhile, flynas passengers with no Nasmilse membership will be able to access …

The Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) at Dubai South continues to achieve outstanding private jet movements, with 8,472 movements in the first six months of 2024, a growth of 7% over the same period in 2023. This achievement reflects the growing maturity of the business aviation ecosystem and reinforces Al Maktoum International Airport’s status as the leading airport for international business aviation movements in the Middle East. The growth in private jet movements this year follows a record of 16,657 movements in 2023, with a forecast for these movements to reach 18,000 by the end of 2024. In his comments, HE Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, said: “We are pleased to see continuous growth of business aviation movements year after year, and we anticipate these figures to further grow as a result of the new developments of aircraft hangars and maintenance facilities in Dubai South and the hosting of MEBAA Show, the region’s leading business aviation event, in December 2024. At MBRAH, we will continue with our mandate to position Dubai as the aviation capital of the world, in alignment with the government’s vision.” MBRAH offers global aerospace players high-level connectivity and is a free-zone destination for the world’s leading airlines, private jet companies, and associated industries. Located in and developed by Dubai South, MBRAH is also home to maintenance centers and training and education campuses.

Sri Lankan Airlines announced operations to Gan International Airport in Southern Maldives, a secluded getaway with luxurious resorts via Sri Lanka especially suited for high-end travellers from the Middle East. This route will have an opportunity for Middle East travellers to explore two destinations at their convenience.  Speaking with TravTalk MiddleEast Jayantha Abeysinghe – Regional Manager Middle East shared, “we wanted to introduce a new experience to our discerning clientele from the Middle East to discover serene, secluded and tranquil areas which appeal to their requirements to enjoy a private luxurious getaway. Adding Gan to our Middle East operations will further enhance connectivity between key destinations in the region and capitalise the growing demand for travel between the Middle East and the Maldives. Our product offering is well suited for our customers from the Middle East such as United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman and over the years they have made Maldives their much loved destination, hence we wanted to bring in what we do best, ensuring that our customers have new and personalised luxury experiences.” Speaking on the campaign just launched Abeysinghe further reiterated, “If customers fly to Gan with Sri Lankan, their stay is complimentary for three nights. Middle East travellers can book through their travel agents in order to reap more benefits of this exclusive offer tailor made for the region. We know that our Middle East travellers constantly seek exclusive and less crowded holiday destinations, hence this will be a good fit for the entire family.” The introduction of this new direct service from key Middle Eastern cities to Gan will boost tourism between Sri Lanka, Middle East and Maldives. For Maldives this would …

Etihad Airways is hailing its long-standing connection with India by deploying its iconic Airbus A380 to Mumbai for a special four-month period, marking 20 years since its inaugural flight to the city. Starting from 1 September until 31 December 2024, the double-decker aircraft will operate three weekly flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Mumbai (BOM), enhancing the travel experience on this popular route. Since its first flight to Mumbai on 26 September 2004, Etihad’s relationship with India has deepened. The airline currently offers nonstop services between Abu Dhabi and 11 Indian cities, with plans for further expansion. This supports its mission to seamlessly connect Indian guests to Abu Dhabi and its global network, enabling them to visit friends and family, pursue education, and engage in business worldwide. In a move to create a more inclusive and accessible experience for its Indian customers, Etihad recently became the first international airline operating in India to launch a Hindi website, allowing customers to access information in their preferred language. Etihad’s commitment to the Indian market is evident through its embrace of India’s love for cricket, as demonstrated by its sponsorship of the Chennai Super Kings. Additionally, its brand ambassador partnership with Bollywood superstar Katrina Kaif has further solidified its presence in the region, with a captivating series of videos shared across Etihad and Katrina’s social media channels. Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said: “To kick off our celebrations for 20 years of service to Mumbai and India, we are thrilled to introduce our A380 on the Mumbai route. While this iconic aircraft is typically reserved for long-haul journeys, for our 20 years of celebrations of flying to India, we will …