Category Archives: Aviation

Emirates SkyCargo is stepping up its readiness to handle the logistical complexities of distributing a potential COVID-19 vaccine globally by creating the world’s first dedicated airside cargo hub for the vaccine in Dubai. The air cargo carrier is taking a global leadership position by announcing that it will be re-opening its Emirates SkyCentral DWC cargo terminal in Dubai South to serve as a dedicated anchor hub for cold chain storage and distribution of the vaccine. The freight division of Emirates has also set up a dedicated rapid response team to coordinate requests from the various partners involved in the international vaccine distribution ecosystem and to streamline the carrier’s response to vaccine transportation requests. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Chairman and Chief Executive said, “We have the infrastructure and logistics connections, and a geographic location that puts markets representing more than two-thirds of the world’s population within an 8-hour flying radius. Over the years, through our continuous investment in capabilities and processes for the transport of temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals, Emirates SkyCargo has managed to position Dubai amongst major global pharmaceutical customers as the year-round preferred point of transit for their valuable cargo. Setting up a dedicated airside hub for COVID-19 vaccines is a keystone project harnessing our network, reach and competencies to positively impact the lives of people around the world.”

Emirates has launched an integrated biometric path at Dubai International airport (DXB). The contactless airport experience is now open to Emirates passengers travelling from and through Dubai. The integrated biometric path will give passengers a seamless travel journey from specific check-in to boarding gates, improving customer flow through the airport with less document checks and less queuing. Utilising the latest biometric technology – a mix of facial and iris recognition, Emirates passengers can now check in for their flight, complete immigration formalities, enter the Emirates Lounge, and board their flights, simply by strolling through the airport. The various touchpoints in the Biometric path allow for a hygienic contactless travel journey, reducing human interaction and putting emphasis on health and safety. Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer said, “We have always focused on providing a great customer experience at any touchpoint and now it is more vital than before to make use of technology and implement products, and introduce processes that focuses not only on fast tracking customers, but more importantly on health and safety during their travel journey. The state-of-the-art, contactless biometric path is the latest in a series of initiatives we have introduced to make sure that travelling on Emirates is a seamless journey and gives customers added peace of mind.”

Airport Show Hybrid+ to take place from May 24-26, 2021 will introduce a new digital element to the live, face-to-face event, taking place in DWTC, Dubai. Organisers of the world’s largest annual airport exhibition has unveiled plans to keep the aviation community connected under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. In the meantime, Airport Show Digital+ on 7-9 December 2020 will give the global community an opportunity to network, learn and engage through a new digital platform. The new digital arm has been designed to strengthen the Show experience and give a unique opportunity to seamlessly connect audiences across the world like never before. The all-inclusive opportunity will help in engaging with the attendees before, during and after the event. His Excellency Mohammed Ahli, Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and CEO of Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) commented: “The rescheduling and reformatting of Airport Show has been necessary to provide a platform for aviation industry decision-makers and professionals to come together to discuss the most challenging times in aviation history. Dubai is moving fast to pick-up lost grounds as the situation improves and it is important to push forward together globally to share best practices, new technologies and strategies to support rapid recovery.” Daniyal Qureshi, Group Exhibition Director of Reed Exhibitions Middle East, the organisers of Airport Show said: “Incorporating a new digital platform has enhanced the user experience for both events coming up. The Digital Event in December will offer the opportunity for users to visit Digital Stands, schedule online meetings …

Emirates airline is rolling out a redesigned onboard experience from November 1. The celebrated A380 Onboard Lounge and Shower Spa have resumed operations with the introduction of additional health and safety measures. The airline has also enhanced its offering, introducing a nutrient-rich welcome drink for the winter season. The A380 Onboard Lounge, which serves First and Business Class customers, will transform into a take-away bar with limited seating capacity and social distancing protocols in place. The bar continues to serve wines, spirits, soft drinks and pre-packaged lounge bites for customers to take and enjoy in the comfort of their own seats. Customers can also make their orders from their seats if they prefer. The social areas in Business Class on select Boeing 777 aircraft and in First Class also re-opened with pre-packed snacks for customers to grab and go. First Class customers can once again have a shower at 40,000 feet. Luxury spa products will be provided in individual amenity bags to each customer. The sets include pamper essentials from award-winning, organic and sustainable Irish brand VOYA, a disposable bath towel and a menu to choose additional amenities.

Etihad Airways will become the first GCC carrier to operate a commercial passenger flight to and from Israel, to bring Israel’s top travel and tourism leaders to the UAE. The historic flight, flown in partnership with the Maman Group, will depart Tel Aviv on October 19, operated by an Etihad Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for the three-and-a-half-hour journey from Israel to the UAE. The return journey will depart Abu Dhabi on October 21. As a travel trade mission, the flight will bring a group of tourism industry leaders, key corporate decision makers, travel agents, and cargo agents, along with media to experience Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE, at the invitation of Etihad Airways and representatives of Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry. This is the latest development in a growing cooperation between the two nations following the establishment of diplomatic ties, and the signing of the Abraham Accords between the UAE and Israel in Washington D.C. on September 15. It also follows Israeli national airline El Al’s first symbolic commercial flight between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi on 31 August. His Excellency Mohamed Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Chairman, Etihad Aviation Group said, “Today’s flight is a historic opportunity for the development of strong partnerships here in the UAE, and in Israel, and Etihad as the national airline, is delighted to be leading the way. We are just starting to explore the long-term potential of these newly forged relationships, which will be sure to greatly benefit the economies of both nations, particularly in the areas of trade and tourism, and ultimately the people who call this diverse and wonderful region home.” As an important facilitator of trade, the flights between Tel Aviv …

Etihad Guest has partnered with Trip.com, the leading international online travel service provider, to offer Etihad Guest Members rewarding new travel options. Trip.com has an international presence in more than 200 countries and regions, and this partnership will provide holidaymakers with the opportunity to earn Etihad Guest Miles on accommodation bookings made through the website. Etihad Guest members will now be rewarded with 3 Etihad Guest Miles for every 1 USD spent on accommodation bookings at more than 1.4 million properties available through the portal. Yasser Al Yousuf, Vice President Commercial Partnerships, Etihad Airways, said, “This year, we’re committed to growing our partnership footprint, to bring more choice and greater rewards to our valued Etihad Guest members. This new partnership with Trip.com will increase our presence across the Far East. As global travel restrictions are eased, many of our guests are excited to travel again, and our partnership with Trip.com will further reward them, wherever their travel may take them.” “As travellers around the world look towards their next trips, we are delighted to be partnering with Etihad Guest to maximise benefits for travellers from the Middle East and around the globe,” said Trip.com Group Chief Marketing Officer Bo Sun.

Oman Air is providing its guests with complimentary COVID coverage which will cover expenses incurred by medical treatment or quarantine related to the COVID-19 virus.The coverage, which is effective for travel from 1 October 2020 until 31 March 2021, is provided to all guests who purchase tickets on omanair.com, through the airline’s Call Centre, at Oman Air’s offices or through travel agents after 1st October 2020.Coverage begins on the day Oman Air returns to scheduled service, with flights connecting Muscat with 18 cities in 12 countries. Oman Air will maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey. Masks are required when guests are on board the aircraft and in Oman’s airports. Distancing is maintained while guests board and exit the aircraft, which are carefully cleaned after each flight and at the end of every day. Cabin crew all wear a full set of personal protective equipment, meal service has been modified to further ensure safety and a number of other steps have been taken to e­­nsure that the airline’s guests and crew are safe at all times. Guests who are planning to travel to Muscat should visit the Civil Aviation Authority website, paca.gov.om, to ensure they are prepared to comply with requirements to enter the Sultanate.Guests departing from Oman should also ensure that they are aware of all pre-departure requirements and requirements during their flights, which are provided at omanair.com, along with any requirements at their destinations.

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RAK Airport) has announced that Air Arabia will be resuming a full schedule of passenger flights commencing from October 15, 2020. A major entry and exit point to the UAE and an emerging hub, the airport is slowly returning to its original capacity and resuming operations following a period of restricted services that was necessary to curtail non-essential travel in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak. Sanjay Khanna, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, said: “Thanks to the unwavering support of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, RAK Airport is scaling up its operations to return to its pre-pandemic level of activity. This will enable us to continue serving the community and to support Ras Al Khaimah’s vital tourist, business and logistics sectors, as well as contribute to the UAE’s overall economy and its socioeconomic development.” Khanna added, “The protocol that is being put in place for passengers flying from and into our airport are in alignment with national efforts to mitigate against the spread of the novel coronavirus. We have ensured that all procedures are able to be conducted swiftly, efficiently and transparently and do not represent a significant inconvenience for passengers. With Air Arabia recommencing its commercial schedule at our airport, I want to thank sincerely Air Arabia Team for the tireless efforts to get things up and running again so quickly and efficiently.” Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, commented: “We are glad to see the gradual resumption of operations from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. We thank RAK airport for the work done and …

Oman Air has debuted its new website, which delivers a smooth, simple experience for everyone. The refined user experience makes it effortless to create journeys and learn more about appealing destinations in Oman, special offers and travel-related information.The new site, which features a fresh, contemporary design and user interface, provides simplified access to flight options and payment alternatives, along with state-of-the-art security. Mobile users will enjoy an experience which is fully optimised for Apple and Android devices and provides the same ease of use which is accessible via laptop and desktop computers. Content has been expanded and refined to provide improved information in more than four languages including Arabic and English Arabic, about Oman Air’s activities, news and more. To ensure that guests travel safely and efficiently, omanair.com is regularly updated to provide the latest information about travel requirements related to the coronavirus. The new site, which features a simple, effective user interface and an attractive white, gold and blue style, will also increase brand awareness, sales and guest retention, in addition to attracting new guests.

Emirates airline to resume its flights to Budapest (from October 21), Bologna (November 1), Dusseldorf (November 1), Hamburg (November 1) and Lyon (November 4), expanding its European network to 31 destinations, and offering customers around the world convenient connections via Dubai. The addition of these five destinations takes Emirates’ global network to 99 destinations, as the airline continues to gradually meet travel demand, while always prioritising the health and safety of its customers, crew and communities. Flights to/from Budapest and Lyon will operate twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays while flights to/from Bologna, Dusseldorf and Hamburg will operate twice a week on Fridays and Sundays. All flights to the five cities will be operated by the Boeing 777- 300ER, providing robust cargo capacity on each flight. Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates sales offices, via travel agents as well as online travel agents. Customers can stop over or travel to Dubai as the city has re-opened for international business and leisure visitors.