Category Archives: Aviation

South America’s Latam Airlines announced that it is now available on the APG platform, APG’s NDC portal. This enables full ticketing solutions to thousands of travel agencies in more than 120 countries including the possibility to add ancillary services, such as bags, during the booking process. The network further allows to offer a more personalized and efficient purchasing experience with better fares, improving transparency and expanding service capabilities. Richard Burgess, President of APG Network and Sandrine de Saint Sauveur, President & CEO of APG Inc, along with Mohamed Jassim Al Rais, Prem Sagar, and members of the APG GULF team at their office in Dubai. “We are delighted to start this new collaboration with LATAM. It will offer a lot of new opportunities to our client agents by opening up for them the entire LATAM network. By adding this airline content, we are making available one of the top ranked airlines in the world. 100% of LATAM’s product offering is available through our NDC Platform and more functionalities will be coming soon.” said Richard Burgess President of APG Association. Under this agreement, APG Platform and LATAM Airlines provide a full ticketing solution to thousands of travel agencies in more than 120 countries, including the possibility to add ancillary services, such as bags, during the booking process. “We are excited to announce this agreement that deepens our relationship with APG and marks an important milestone in our distribution strategy. The implementation of NDC by LATAM through the APG network allows us to offer a more personalized and efficient purchasing experience with better fares, improving transparency and expanding our service capabilities. With APG as a partner, we are confident that we will …

Etihad Airways and Batik Air Malaysia have enhanced their cooperation with the launch of a codeshare partnership to boost connectivity for passengers of both airlines. Etihad’s guests can now seamlessly access eight domestic and international locations via Batik’s hub at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), enjoying the combined services and networks of both carriers on a single ticket. Additionally, guests enjoy the convenience of having their luggage smoothly transferred to their final destination. The agreement now allows Etihad guests to conveniently travel to five new domestic codeshare destinations in Malaysia: Johor Bahru, Langkawi, Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Tawau; along with three international points, Da Nang and Hanoi in Vietnam, and Perth in Australia. With the agreement, both inbound and outbound Malaysia passengers will have a wider choice of flights on the combined networks. Batik’s network is now easily accessible to customers, who can connect via its gateway in Kuala Lumpur, served by twice-daily Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad, said: “This collaboration significantly enhances our codeshare network, offering travellers seamless access to five key destinations in Malaysia, including the idyllic island of Langkawi, the culturally and culinary rich city of Penang, and Kota Kinabalu, the gateway to Borneo’s tallest peak Mount Kinabalu. “Equally, we eagerly anticipate extending a warm welcome to customers from Asia visiting our home in Abu Dhabi, experiencing our renowned hospitality, as well as passengers connecting to Etihad’s growing global network in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe via our Abu Dhabi hub.” Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, Chief Executive Officer of Batik Air Malaysia, said: “Through this partnership, we aim to welcome visitors globally to explore Malaysia’s diverse attractions, …

Etihad Guest has extended its partnership with Pointspay in a move that will lead to the first introduction of a groundbreaking new solution to the Middle East region later this year. The new solution introduces the ability for members to earn and redeem Etihad Guest miles via online retailers, providing value and convenience for members. By integrating this new solution, Etihad Guest members will be able to seamlessly incorporate the programme into their daily lives, transforming how they earn and redeem their miles across a variety of retail partners within the Etihad Guest ecosystem. This enables them to save money, expand their options for earning and redeeming miles, and accelerate their path to earning rewards such as upgrades and more. Mark Potter, Managing Director Etihad Guest, said: “We’re constantly evolving our programme to offer our members a more rewarding experience. In the spirit of innovation in line with Etihad’s core values, we’re pleased to be partnering with Pointspay on this new payment solution, giving our members the chance to earn and pay at online retailers seamlessly using their Etihad Guest Miles.” Dominic Hofer, CEO of Pointspay, commented: “We are thrilled to extend our long-term partnership with Etihad Guest and launch our new white label solution. This collaboration represents another significant milestone in Pointspay’s mission to innovate and enhance loyalty programmes globally. Etihad Guest’s dedication to enriching member experiences aligns perfectly with our vision, and we are excited to see the positive impact this will have on both members and retail partners.” For retailers, the new partnership provides a powerful tool to engage with millions of members, supported by extensive omnichannel marketing and advertising opportunities. Ultimately, this leads to increased customer retention …

SAUDIA, has achieved positive growth in its operational performance for the first half of 2024, based on the latest performance report. The airline carried 16.3 million guests on both domestic and international routes, marking a 19% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This growth was supported by the operation of over 94,300 flights, including scheduled and additional services, representing an 11% increase. Additionally, Saudia recorded 287,200 flight hours, with an 11% rise compared to last year, while maintaining an exceptional on-time performance rate of 89.3%. In international operations, Saudia transported over 9.1 million guests, reflecting a 24% increase from the previous year, and conducted 42,000 flights, marking a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The airline’s international fleet logged 199,000 flight hours, marking a 12% growth. Domestically, Saudia served more than 7.2 million guests, a 14% increase, with over 52,300 flights operated, recording a 10% rise. Domestic flight hours also grew by 9%, reaching 88,000 hours. H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, stated: “In the first half of 2024, we successfully executed both our Summer and Hajj season plans. I extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all Saudia employees for their unwavering dedication, operational excellence, and exemplary on-time performance, which have greatly contributed to increased guest satisfaction.” Saudia’s high-quality operational performance is bolstered by its current fleet of 144 aircraft, which facilitates connections between the Kingdom and over 100 destinations across four continents. This extensive network supports various sectors, including tourism, business, sports, entertainment, Hajj, and Umrah. Looking ahead, Saudia is poised for unprecedented growth with two major agreements with Boeing and Airbus for the acquisition of 103 new aircraft over …

SAUDIA announced the appointment of two members of its senior leadership team to the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s influential advisory councils. Mr. Faisal Sabbagh, Executive Vice President of Finance and Services at Saudia Group, has been appointed to the Industry Financial Advisory Council, while Mr. Abdulgader Attiah, Chief Data and Technology Officer at Saudia Group, has been appointed to join the Digital Transformation Advisory Council. The advisory councils focus on identifying innovative solutions to advance the aviation sector and provide recommendations for qualitative initiatives in key areas including digital transformation, security, aviation safety, and sustainability. Notably, H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, serves as an elected member of IATA’s Board of Governors, the highest legislative body within the organization. In addition, he holds positions in both the Chair Committee and the Nominating Committee, playing a crucial role in overseeing and guiding IATA’s strategic direction. With these new appointments, Saudia’s representation in IATA’s advisory councils has now reached six members across six of the association’s nine councils. Previously, Captain Mohammed Dahduli, Vice President of Safety, Aviation Security and Quality at Saudia, was appointed to the Security Advisory Council; Mr. Marwan Niazi, Vice President Commercial Saudia Air Cargo Company, joined the Cargo Advisory Council; Mr. Mohammed Alsaied, General Manager of Strategies and Legal Compliance, became a member of the Legal Advisory Council; and Dr. Saleh Bukhari, General Manager of Sales and Distribution Strategies, was appointed to the Distribution Advisory Council. These appointments further affirm Saudia’s esteemed position and the trust it has within the global aviation industry. They also reflect the airline’s commitment to leading the industry forward through strategic expertise.

Air Arabia announced the launch of its newest route connecting Sharjah and Vienna, the capital of Austria. Commencing operations on December 20th, 2024, the new service will operate with a frequency of 4 non-stop weekly flights, providing travelers with a direct and efficient connection between the two vibrant cities.     Schedule from and to Vienna, effective December 20, 2024 (all times local): Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Frequency G9 970 Sharjah 08:00 Vienna 11:25 Airbus A320 Monday/Friday G9 971 Vienna 12:15 Sharjah 20:50 Airbus A320 Monday/Friday G9 970 Sharjah 18:00 Vienna 21:25 Airbus A320 Wednesday/Saturday G9 971 Vienna 22:25 Sharjah 07:00 Airbus A320 Wednesday/Saturday Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said: ” The addition of Vienna to Air Arabia’s expanding European network, not only strengthens the airline’s commitment to providing affordable travel globally but also opens exciting opportunities for both leisure and business travellers. This newly introduced route reflects our ongoing commitment to offering travellers with diverse and compelling destinations and we look forward to welcoming our passengers onboard to explore the historic and dynamic city of Vienna.” Air Arabia operates a fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 neo-LR 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 equipped with ‘SkyTime’, a free in-flight streaming service that allows passengers to access a wide selection of entertainment directly to their devices. Customers can also enjoy a variety of delicacies between snacks, meals, and sandwiches from the on-board ‘SkyCafe’ menu at affordable prices. Customers can now book their direct flights …

Saudia Group, through Saudia and flyadeal, announced the addition of 8 new daily flights from Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam to Abha. This strategic move underscores the Group’s dedication to bolstering domestic tourism and aligning with the Saudi Tourism Authority’s efforts to promote Abha as a premier destination during “Aseer Season” and “Saudi Summer” campaigns. Saudia has increased its daily flights to Abha from 14 to 19, marking a notable 35.71% growth. Additionally, flyadeal has expanded its daily operations from 14 to 17 flights, reflecting a 21.42% increase. These enhancements are made possible through a modern and efficient fleet of 176 aircraft. This expansion is a key part of Saudia Group’s commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s tourism offerings and attracting global visitors. By increasing flight frequencies and seat capacity, Saudia Group seeks to meet the rising demand for travel, further enriching the domestic tourism experience. Saudia Group remains dedicated to strengthening its role in national tourism programs and fostering partnerships that bring the world closer to the Kingdom.

Akasa Air commenced operations to Jeddah, connecting it with Mumbai and Ahmedabad with direct flights. The inaugural flight on 15th July 2024 departed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 1935hrs IST and is scheduled to arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 2225AST. Akasa Air now operates daily direct flights connecting Jeddah with Mumbai and will further enhance this connectivity to operate 12 direct flights a week effective 21st July 2024. The launch of operations from Mumbai will be followed by the commencement of two weekly direct flights connecting Jeddah with Ahmedabad effective 20th July 2024.  Akasa Air commenced operations in Riyadh in June 2024, and the launch of services to Jeddah further solidifies the airline’s presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, offering enhanced options for air travel between the two countries at affordable fares.    Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer further shared, “We are delighted to expand our international network with the launch of operations to Jeddah. The response to our Mumbai-Riyadh route has been encouraging and reflects the need for enhanced connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia. Direct flights connecting Jeddah with Mumbai and Ahmedabad will foster trade and provide further options to pilgrims from India to Jeddah and drive inbound tourism to the country. Akasa Air has emerged as India’s most dependable airline in a short time. As we rapidly grow our global presence, we remain committed to taking the dependable and affordable Akasa experience to the world.”  Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, Akasa Air added, “The launch of operations to Jeddah is yet another stepping-stone in our journey of taking the warm and efficient Akasa experience to the …

Delta and Riyadh Air sign strategic agreement to expand connectivity and premium travel options across North America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond. New partnership will include a range of benefits for consumers traveling between North America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond. Delta, Riyadh Air to strengthen connectivity and harness future growth opportunities for both carriers. Agreement will enhance competition with an array of new travel choices for consumers, including future Delta service between the U.S. and Riyadh. Delta will serve as Riyadh Air’s exclusive partner in North America, while Riyadh Air will be Delta’s exclusive partner in Riyadh and beyond. Delta Air Lines, the world’s leading premium airline, and Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s innovative new full-service global carrier, have signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding with the goal of introducing a broad range of benefits for customers traveling between North America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and destinations beyond. The agreement, signed today at a ceremony at Delta’s World Headquarters in Atlanta, serves as the foundation for a strategic partnership that will enable both airlines to strengthen connectivity, expand their networks and drive future growth. This partnership with Riyadh Air will further Delta’s mission of connecting the world and open an array of new choices, benefits and destinations for our customers traveling to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. Most importantly, Riyadh Air shares Delta’s commitment to providing an elevated customer experience, which is why we’re looking forward to building and expanding this partnership in the months and years ahead. We appreciate the opportunity to work with the Riyadh Air team and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia as …

Emirates officially opened the doors to its first ever lounge in the region at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The airline’s newest dedicated lounge will accommodate customers flying on its triple daily A380 services. The AED 20 million (USD$5.4 million) investment, 900-square-metre lounge located in the airport’s newest Terminal 1 will cater to the airline’s First and Business class passengers, as well as Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members, with the capacity to accommodate over 190 guests at any one time, in a variety of seating options. The investment reflects the airline’s commitment to progressively growing its presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, supporting aviation goals of Saudi Vision 2030, and its ongoing dedication to ensuring a thoughtful and welcoming Emirates experience on the ground for customers flying from one of Emirates’ most important markets globally. This year, Emirates is also celebrating a milestone in its operations to Saudi Arabia, marking 35 years of service to Jeddah. The official opening of the lounge was attended by His Excellency Nasser Huwaiden Al Ketbi, Consul General of UAE in Jeddah, His Excellency Engr. Raed bin Ibrahim Al-Mudaiheem, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO), Mohammed Mattar, Divisional Senior Vice President Airport Services at Emirates, Eng. Mazen Johar, CEO of JEDCO, Sami Aqil Abdulla, Senior Vice President Airport Services for Outstations and Business Support, Jabr Al-Azeeby, Vice President Commercial Operations for Emirates in Saudi Arabia, and Amer Al Arai, Airport Services Manager for Emirates at King Abdulaziz International Airport. Mohammed Mattar commented, “Jeddah was our first gateway into the Kingdom 35 years ago, so it’s fitting that the King Abdulaziz International Airport, a world-class facility …