Category Archives: Aviation

Dubai Airports has introduced a new facility combining Left Luggage and Mishandled Baggage services, to enhance the guest experience at Dubai International’s (DXB) Terminal 2. Now open, the Baggage Service Centre is a one-stop shop for all baggage-related services conveniently located to ensure guests can easily store and reclaim their bags around the clock. The new facility seamlessly and securely connects publicly accessible areas with the secured areas of the terminal, allowing guests to claim their luggage without the need to go through additional screening processes. This improvement enhances safety and reduces waiting times for guests, making the overall airport experience smoother and more efficient. The launch of this service exemplifies the strong collaboration between Dubai Airports and its service partners, including Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, and dnata.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA)  data for June 2024 the total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 9.1% compared to June 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 8.5% year-on-year. The June load factor was 85.0% (+0.5 percentage points (ppt) compared to June 2023). International demand rose 12.3% compared to June 2023. Capacity was up 12.7% year-on-year and the load factor improved to 85.0% (-0.3ppt on June 2023). Domestic demand rose 4.3% compared to June 2023; capacity was up 2.1% year-on-year and the load factor was 85.0% (+1.7ppt compared to June 2023). “Demand grew across all regions as the peak Northern summer travel season began in June. And with overall capacity growth lagging demand we saw a very strong average load factor of 85% achieved in both domestic and international operations. Operating with such high load factors is both good and challenging. It makes it even more important for all the stakeholders to operate with equal levels of efficiency to minimize delays and get travelers to their destinations on schedule,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “As the Olympic Games unfold in Paris there is pride across the aviation industry for its continuing role in supporting the Olympic story by bringing many of the athletes, fans, and officials together. It is a great reminder of how aviation transforms our very big world into a global community. We wish France every success as the host of the games and cheer all the athletes who will demonstrate the best of human endeavor over the next weeks,” said Walsh. Air passenger market in detail – June 2024 June 2024 (% year-on-year) World share1 …

Emirates has announced that it will operate a second daily A380 service between Dubai and Bali, starting 1 September and until 26 October, to meet the surge in travel demand to the island during the upcoming peak season. From 1 September to 26 October 2024, Emirates’ flight EK398/399 between Dubai (DXB) and Bali (DPS) will be upgraded to an Airbus A380, replacing the current Boeing 777 service. The upgraded service will build upon the success of Emirates’ first-ever A380 service to Indonesia, launched on 1 June 2023, while also driving more inbound traffic to Bali during one of the busiest times of the year and seamlessly connecting travelers from Indonesia to Dubai and beyond through Emirates’ extensive global network. Emirates continues to reinforce its long-standing commitment to providing world-class travel experiences and supporting Indonesia’s growing travel and tourism sector. By serving Bali with double A380 flights, the airline will offer more than 2,600 additional weekly seats to and from the island to help accommodate the growing demand during the peak travel season. With this additional service, more passengers to and from Indonesia can enjoy the iconic double-decker’s best-in-class products and services, including its spacious cabins, the exclusive Onboard Lounge, and ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system offering over 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment. Emirates launched a non-stop daily service from Dubai to Bali in 2015, adding to its scheduled flights to Jakarta which began in 1992. Emirates flies to more than 144 destinations across six continents and currently offers double daily flights to Jakarta and Bali. Tickets can be purchased on emirates.com, Emirates Sales Office or contact centre, or via travel agents. For more information on entry requirements for international visitors to …

flyadeal announced that during the first six months of 2024, they posted over 5 million seats marking a 9% increase when compared with the same time last year. In terms of new routes, at present they operate 75 routes, representing 8% rise, with 33 aircraft, an increase of 12% and on-time performance which peaked at 91% and ordering a record 51 narrowbody aircraft. In terms of training, the 50th batch of cabin crew was inducted into flyadeal’s training with graduation of first pilots under flyadeal’s new cadet training programme. Key milestones included a landmark order for 51 Airbus narrowbody aircraft, including 12 further A320neos – the model being the backbone of flyadeal’s current fleet – and first-time customer of 39 bigger A321neos with deliveries scheduled from 2026. In anticipation of continued growth, flyadeal has been busy hiring more flight crew. During the first half of 2024, flyadeal inducted its 50th batch of cabin crew and also launched a cadet programme for aspiring Saudi pilots with the first group having successfully completing their training. flyadeal was also recognised for its pioneering work in the development and adoption of digital technology being named Saudi Arabia’s Ecommerce Innovator of the Year at the Middle East Retail and Ecommerce Summit. Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, said: “flyadeal’s first half performance in 2024 underscores our ongoing commitment to develop as the airline of choice in the Kingdom and beyond with a focus on service excellence and introducing more digitally enabled products to improve the customer experience. Our on-time performance which measures punctuality peaked at 91 per cent, an incredible achievement and among the highest in the industry. “These impressive accomplishments were only possible with the …

SAUDIA has topped the list of global airlines for on-time performance, according to a report by the independent aviation tracking site Cirium for June 2024. The report indicates that Saudia achieved an on-time arrival rate of 88.22% and an on-time departure rate of 88.73%, operating 16,133 flights across its network of over 100 destinations on four continents. This achievement is particularly notable given that June is a peak travel month due to the Hajj and summer travel seasons. His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, highlighted, “This accomplishment is a realization of our strategic goals to enhance operational efficiency and quality through continuous improvements in flight scheduling and the implementation of the best digital solutions and systems for operations management. Maintaining a high level of on-time performance requires significant effort, as it involves overcoming numerous operational challenges in the aviation industry, such as weather conditions, high temperatures, technical issues, and other airport-related factors. I express my gratitude to all Saudia employees for their diligent work in maintaining the national flag carrier’s operational excellence.” Saudia has consistently been among the top ten global airlines for on-time performance since last year, demonstrating its commitment to providing the highest standards of quality and air safety. Its operations are managed through the largest Integrated Operation Control Center (IOCC) of its kind in the Middle East, which operates within a comprehensive system involving all sectors and group companies. Additionally, the center utilizes the latest technologies for aircraft communications, ensuring smooth operations by monitoring all procedures related to aircraft takeoff and landing in real time at all domestic and international stations.

Etihad Airways unveils its first ever branded aircraft with Warner Bros. World Yas Island. It is a groundbreaking extension to its partnership with Etihad Airways, marking a monumental milestone in the theme park’s history. This exciting collaboration will bring the excitement of Warner Bros. World to the skies with the launch of the world’s first Warner Bros. World branded aircraft, taking guests’ pre-theme park experience to new heights. The first-ever Warner Bros. World branded aircraft was unveiled to the public on July 25 at a spectacular launch event held at Warner Bros. World. This exclusive reveal event was a grand celebration of creativity, fun and innovation, showcasing the unique partnership and setting the stage for an extraordinary journey. The partnership between Warner Bros. World and Etihad Airways represents the largest collaboration for the theme park to date. As part of this captivating initiative, an Etihad Airways aircraft – Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner – has been creatively decorated with iconic Warner Bros. characters. On one side, guests will be greeted by the mischievous antics of iconic Classic Animation characters like the Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, while the other side showcases the heroic feats of beloved DC Super Heroes. What’s more, all young guests aged up to 10 years old, flying on Etihad Airways longer flights will receive brand new Warner Bros. World Kids Packs that are being rolled out across the network this summer. Bursting with creativity, these packs are designed to entertain young travelers with activities that inspire them to draw their favorite superheroes and engage in a variety of fun tasks throughout the flight, ensuring every moment is packed with adventure. Infants will receive a DC Super Hero …

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, unveiled the new, ultra-modern ‘Qsuite Next Gen’. This latest iteration of the award-winning Qatar Airways Qsuite brings the World’s Best Business Class in commercial aviation to new heights. The reveal was held in the presence of His Excellency Jassim bin Saif bin Ahmed Al Sulaiti, the Qatari Minister of Transport; and Mr. Mohamed Faleh Alhajri, Acting President of Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. In the Qatar Airways Discover Lounge at the Farnborough International Airshow, Engr. Al-Meer introduced the Qsuite Next Gen with Sama – the World’s First AI Digital Human cabin crew. Sama built up the audience’s excitement through an interactive conversation on how the World’s Best Airline has once again redefined luxury and innovation, elevating the industry’s benchmark in business class experiences. During the reveal, Engr. Al-Meer highlighted the Qsuite Next Gen’s new and enhanced features, including fully customisable Quad Suites; Companion Suites in window aisles; 4K OLED manoeuvrable in-flight entertainment (IFE) screens; along with increased space and privacy in each suite. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We are excited to have finally revealed the long-awaited Qsuite Next Gen at the Farnborough International Airshow. Qatar Airways has once again raised the bar for its award-winning product, the Qsuite. We look forward to welcoming media and partners to our stand throughout the week to experience the future of business class travel with the World’s Best Business Class onboard the World’s Best Airline.” Qsuite Next Gen The game-changing Qsuite Next Gen aims to facilitate a mindful work-life balance with its revolutionary attributes for all professionals, friends, and families. The redesigned Quad Suite is now equipped with movable 4K …

Air Arabia announced the launch of its non-stop flights between Sharjah and the Maldives. The new flights between Sharjah International Airport and Velana International Airport in Male will operate daily, starting 27 October 2024, providing travelers with even more convenient and affordable options to explore one of the most famous destinations in South Asia, the Maldives. Schedule from and to the Maldives, effective 27 October 2024 (all times local): Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Frequency G9 091 Sharjah 08:00 Maldives 13:20 Airbus A320 Daily G9 092 Maldives 14:20 Sharjah 17:55 Airbus A320 Daily   Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, stated, “We are delighted to add this enchanting holiday destination to our expanding network. The launch of our non-stop flights to the Maldives highlights our commitment to offering our customers more travel options and connecting them to some of the world’s most breathtaking locations.” He added, “This addition to our route network from Sharjah reaffirms our commitment to providing seamless connectivity and value driven air travel to our passengers.” The Maldives, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. Whether exploring vibrant coral reefs or relaxing on sun-drenched beaches, the Maldives provides an unparalleled escape in one of the world’s most breathtaking settings. Air Arabia operates a fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, the most modern and best-selling single aisle aircraft in the world. The cabin configuration across the fleet provides added comfort with one of the most generous seat-pitch compared to any economy cabin. The aircraft is also equipped with ‘SkyTime’, a free in-flight streaming service that allows passengers to stream a …

Turkish Airlines is working to provide all passengers with free, unlimited, uninterrupted and fast connectivity service within two years, starting from the end of 2025. They are committed to enhancing its in-flight experience through the integration of latest developments and innovative technologies. As part of this initiative, Turkish Airlines plans to retrofit its existing fleet with the latest in-flight connectivity (IFC) technologies and equip the new aircraft with the most efficient IFC technologies available. This will enable the carrier to extend the IFC service currently offered in the majority of its fleet to the entire Turkish Airlines’ fleet, providing all passengers with unlimited, uninterrupted, and faster IFC service free of charge. With the integration of the new IFC technologies, Turkish Airlines aims to meet the expectations of its passengers regarding their digital consumption habits during travel. Therefore, Turkish Airlines is open to collaboration with all suppliers, and the carrier is actively negotiating with local and international suppliers that can offer the best IFC service solutions for its entire fleet. In addition, Turkish Airlines provides support to Turkish companies in the development of solutions for this connectivity service. In this regard, Turkish Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TCI Aircraft Interiors, a certified aviation products provider, and Turksat, a regional leader in satellite technologies. The signing of the MoU highlights Turkish Airlines’ is considering leveraging national capacity and the carrier helps support Turkish companies in establishing a presence in the IFC sector. Following the necessary feasibility studies, all stakeholders will work to develop an understanding and endeavor to transform the MoU into a definitive agreement. Turkish Airlines remains committed to ensuring the highest level of passenger experience and advancing …

As part of its tireless efforts to implement its social responsibility programs, Kuwait Airways in cooperation with the National Bank of Kuwait hosted an educational tour and field visit for NBK Aspire program students as part of their summer internship at the company’s various facilities. This included a visit to the aircraft hangar facilities at the Engineering department to understand about the mechanisms and procedures of the department’s work related to aircraft maintenance. This was in addition to providing the trainees with detailed explanations about the nature of work related to maintenance procedures, thereby enriching the knowledge of the participants about the world of aviation. The Acting Director of Corporate Communication and Public Relations department at Kuwait Airways, Mr. Hamad Bader Al-Ozainah stated, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to host the students participating in the National Bank of Kuwait’s summer internship program. The visit is a unique opportunity for our future generations to understand about their national carrier, Kuwait Airways, and its modern fleet with its present development, in terms of the aircraft technical and technological maintenance procedures. This is in addition to learning about the history of the company, established in 1954 with its legacy, successive eras and achievements which was depicted at the company’s permanent exhibition gallery at the headquarters.” Al-Ozainah added by saying, “In an effort to implement its social responsibility programs, Kuwait Airways is keen to organize such educational trips at the various facilities of the company, to instil determination as well as historical and cognitive information in young people, thus becoming an added value for our country, Kuwait, and contributing greatly to knowing their talents and preferences from a young age, through cooperation with the banking …