Category Archives: Aviation

Emirates has started its highly-anticipated services to the Colombian capital of Bogotá, expanding the airline’s South American network to four destinations and reaching 19 points across the Americas. The daily service, via Miami, is operated with a Boeing 777 aircraft, which will offer premium passenger services on its daily services to Bogotá. Emirates also became the first airline to offer First Class services on the popular route between Miami and Bogotá. The launch of services to Emirates’ latest destination was celebrated at gate A14 at El Dorado International Airport upon arrival of EK213 from Miami, which was welcomed by traditional Colombian dancers. A cake-cutting ceremony and symbolic gift exchange commemorated the occasion in the presence of a delegation of VIPs including His Excellency Luis Miguel Merlano Hoyos, Colombian Ambassador to the UAE; His Excellency Mohamed Alshamsi, UAE Ambassador to Colombia: Sergio Paris Mendoza, Director General of Aeronáutica Civil de Colombia; and Natali Leal, OPAIN General Manager. Emirates executives who were onboard the flight and led the ceremony upon arrival included Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President Passenger Sales and Country Management and Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations – Americas. Emirates’ senior executive delegation was also accompanied by international media, who flew from Dubai and Miami, and were joined at the airport event by Scott Lantz, Area Manager Mexico and Colombia as well as Colombian Vice Ministers, Ambassadors, and other distinguished guests. Following the welcome ceremony between the airline and airport officials, Emirates showcased its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a three-class configuration* to dignitaries, government representatives, media, guests and members of the travel trade industry. The aircraft features eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie flat seats in …

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), Emirates, and Airbus have joined forces to deliver a Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) program for the Airbus A350 type rating, as Emirates prepares for the delivery of its fleet of 65 A350s from mid-2024. An initial cohort of 256 pilots will be trained as part of the new course at Emirates’ Training college in Dubai starting from July 2024. The joint work combines the respective expertise of the three organizations. IATA will focus on program design using its published guidance for CBTA. Airbus will contribute knowledge of the aircraft along with its own CBTA experience. Emirates will use its CBTA training and operational experience. This collaboration will create and deliver the first A350 type rating training in full alignment with the latest International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for CBTA training and with the best practices contained in the IATA CBTA Guide for Flight Crew Training. “Combining the expertise of Emirates, Airbus and IATA to design and deliver A350 type rating training is a unique opportunity. Our joint aim is to fully utilize the benefits of CBTA to qualify the pilots on the A350 in the most efficient and effective way possible. And by doing it together all three organizations will also gain valuable experience that can strengthen their other training activities,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s SVP for Operations, Safety and Security. “Emirates uses cutting-edge training programs so our pilots are among the most competent flight crew in the world. The tailored CBTA program for the A350 supports the integration of 65 new A350 aircraft, with 1,000 pilots set to complete the A350 Type Rating course. This commitment enhances passenger safety and comfort, …

Riyadh Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Eastern Airlines at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Dubai. This strategic partnership strengthens the growing economic and cultural ties between China and Saudi Arabia while unlocking new travel options for underserved markets. China Eastern Airlines recently launched direct flights from Shanghai to Riyadh, demonstrating a shared commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering collaboration in areas like trade, tourism, and culture. Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air: “This MoU marks a significant milestone for Riyadh Air as China is a hugely important market for our future network. By closely collaborating with China Eastern Airlines, a leading player in the Chinese market, we can unlock new travel opportunities and drive economic growth across both countries. We are particularly excited to explore synergies in digital innovation, where both airlines share a commitment to the future of travel. “Our collaboration extends beyond conventional connectivity, fostering collaboration on digital transformation, a critical area for Chinese airlines. Recognizing China Eastern’s ongoing digitalization efforts, Riyadh Air sees immense potential for knowledge sharing and technology development. Riyadh Air’s pioneering approach perfectly aligns with China Eastern’s focus on digital transformation, creating a powerful partnership for the future.” Wang Zhiqing, Chairman of China Eastern Airlines: “Benefiting from the forward development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Saudi Arabia, China Eastern Airlines has reached a strategic cooperation with Riyadh Air focused on the future. The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding outlines the broad direction for cooperation between the two companies in areas such as business and promotes exchanges in information technology and digital operations. We are full of anticipation for the outcomes …

Qatar Airways officially touched down at Tashkent International Airport (TAS)  celebrating its inaugural flight of its new non-stop service to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The new route marks a significant milestone in Qatar Airways’ ambitious network expansion programme, which will see the airline operate four weekly flights to Tashkent onboard its state-of-the-art fleet, providing passengers seamless connectivity via Hamad International Airport (DOH), recently voted ‘World’s Best Airport’ by Skytrax. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We are excited to introduce Tashkent as our latest destination, offering travellers convenient access to the cultural and economic heart of Uzbekistan. “This new route underscores our commitment to expanding our global network through Central Asia and providing our passengers with more travel options. We look forward to strengthening the ties between Qatar and Uzbekistan through enhanced connectivity and cultural exchange.” Mr. Mohamed Faleh Al Hajri, Acting President of the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA), added: “We congratulate Qatar Airways on this new achievement and commend its efforts to enhance passenger connectivity and provide top-tier services to over 170 destinations worldwide. Tashkent, with its rich natural and historical landmarks. “This new route will strengthen bilateral relations between Qatar and Uzbekistan, boosting economic, cultural, and tourism cooperation and highlighting the aviation sector’s role in economic development.” As a historic gateway to world-renowned Silk Road and a destination known for its breath-taking nature and one-of-a kind architecture, the inclusion of Tashkent to Qatar Airways’ extensive network of more than 170 destinations will pave the way for millions of passengers to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Uzbekistan. Flight schedule to Tashkent: Departing Doha every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (all local time) – Doha …

Speaking on the sidelines of the IATA AGM in Dubai, Ahmet Bolat – Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee Turkish Airlines shared that they received 83 million passengers in 2023 and they expect to welcome 90 million passengers by the end of this year with the momentum at present. There was an increase in passenger numbers from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia last year and they expect the rest of the year to be the same. Bolat also mentioned that there had been an increase of business class passengers over the last year as well in comparison to before and this trend seems to be continuing over the year. In terms of new routes, he reiterated that they added the sixth continent of Australia in 2023, with 3 flights per week and by end of this year they will increase to more cities in Australia. They increased operations in the US as well by adding their 13th destination – Detroit and they will start to Denver by next week. He further shared that within the next ten years they will double their fleet from 450 currently to 800 plus.

Riyadh Air and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a new partnership between the two airlines. Under the MoU, the carriers will explore opportunities for interline connectivity on each other’s services, subject to regulatory approval. They will also work on other potential areas of commercial cooperation, including codeshare arrangements, reciprocal benefits for their frequent flyer programme members, cargo services, customer experience, and digital innovation as a precursor to a deeper, long-term, strategic partnership. The agreement was inked by Riyadh Air Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Tony Douglas and Singapore Airlines CEO Mr Goh Choon Phong on the sidelines of the 80th International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, on 2 June 2024. These will potentially offer Riyadh Air’s guests access to SIA’s network in South East Asia and the South West Pacific region, and SIA’s customers greater access to the Middle East region through Riyadh Air’s network. Riyadh Air is a new airline based in Saudi Arabia, and it is expected to commence commercial operations in 2025, offering customers travel options to and from the Middle East. Mr Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer, Riyadh Air, said: “Our strategic partnership with Singapore Airlines unlocks significant benefits for our future guests as it grows our network in partnership with the World’s Best Airline. We see huge potential for strong connectivity in South East Asia and both Australia and New Zealand through the award-winning hub at Singapore Changi Airport, while also providing opportunities for westbound passengers to connect across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region on Riyadh Air. This relationship is …

According to IATA’s outlook report, the Middle East benefits from the strength of both the region’s economies and its global hubs. The United Arab Emirates continues to benefit from its attractiveness to both leisure and business travellers.  Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s massive investments in infrastructure and tourism are delivering robust growth in passenger and cargo volumes. Although airlines continue to add capacity, yields remain healthy and the demand for travel remains buoyant and looks set to continue apace. Geopolitical risks are the main threat, especially to the Levant carriers. The Gulf carriers are relatively less impacted unless tensions between Iran and Israel escalate.   2023 Net Profit (e) (margin) (per passenger) 2024 Net Profit (f) (margin) (per passenger) 2024 Demand (RPK) 2024 Capacity (ASK) $3.1 billion (4.9%) ($12.70) $3.8 billion (5.3%) ($15.20) +9.3% +10.8%

Etihad Airways and Royal Air Maroc are set to work more closely together for the benefit of their customers after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost commercial and operational ties. The agreement reflects a dedication to exploring enhanced cooperation, aiming to offer travellers expanded choices, superior services, and added value, all while fostering sustainable aviation. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “This agreement covers a broad range of activities from exploring the expansion of existing codeshare arrangements to cover more domestic routes in Morocco and Africa, to looking at developing existing frequent flyer programme co-operation, and exploring collaborations on ground handling, maintenance and engineering.” Abdelhamid Addou, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Air Maroc: “We are very proud to establish this important partnership with Etihad Airways, which aligns with our ambition to further enhance our connectivity and continue offering our passengers a more optimised and seamless travel experience through our respective hubs.” The existing codeshare agreement gives customers of both airlines enhanced connectivity to destinations across each other’s networks, between Morocco and the UAE as well, beyond Casablanca into Africa and beyond Abu Dhabi. The agreement enables guests to book their entire journey on a single ticket and have their baggage checked through seamlessly to their end destination.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced an agreement with Hilton to further enhance the emirate’s destination offering.  The agreement, which was signed at Arabian Travel Market 2024, will enable guests staying at Hilton hotels in Abu Dhabi this summer to enjoy special benefits and discounts at various iconic landmarks throughout the emirate. This initiative aims to enrich the stay experience for guests while showcasing the diverse cultural and leisure offerings Abu Dhabi has to offer. Additionally, Abu Dhabi’s vibrant events will be integrated into Hilton’s regional promotional activities, amplifying the visibility of the emirate’s cultural and tourism initiatives across a wider international audience base and giving Hilton guests insight into the Emirate’s exciting calendar of events. Abdullah Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Through our collaboration with Hilton, we are bridging the gap between visitors and their next wonderful experience in the Emirate, introducing them to enriching sights, landmarks, and events, and encouraging them to discover more about Abu Dhabi at their own pace. This partnership aligns with the objectives of our Tourism Strategy 2030, contributing to our goal of making Abu Dhabi a leading global destination and achieving sustainable tourism growth.” Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East and Africa, Hilton, said, “We have a longstanding relationship with DCT Abu Dhabi and are delighted to sign this latest agreement, which will see us partner to amplify Abu Dhabi’s tourism initiatives and support Hilton’s properties in the emirate. Our four hotels in Abu Dhabi are the ideal base for visitors to enjoy all that the emirate has to offer including theme parks, world-class dining and pristine beaches. We look forward to building …

Etihad Airways and Beijing Daxing International Airport of Capital Airport Holding Company, signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aiming to strengthen the strategic cooperation between the two parties. According to the MoU, the parties will work together to enhance existing frequencies between the United Arab Emirates and Beijing and collaborate on joint marketing and sales activities to promote travel between the two countries. They will also jointly improve passenger services, and enhance baggage handling and lounge services. The milestone marks a further deepening of the partnership between Etihad Airways and Beijing Daxing International Airport in the aviation sector, opening a new chapter in aviation cooperation. Additionally, they will implement cargo development plans to boost cargo transportation efficiency and share information and collaborate on technology initiatives to improve operational efficiency. This cooperation will further strengthen Etihad Airways’ global influence, expand its route network, and enhance service levels, while providing new momentum in international aviation cooperation for Beijing Daxing International Airport, consolidating its position as a major aviation hub. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “This MoU signifies more than just a cooperation between airline and airport; it marks a closer connection between the UAE and China. We look forward to promoting cultural exchanges and driving economic growth through this cooperation.” Mr. Kong Yue, Vice President, Beijing Daxing International Airport of Capital Airports Holdings, stated: “This cooperation will open a new chapter in the aviation sector between the Middle East and China. It is a model for promoting China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and also contributing to achieving Abu Dhabi’s 2030 Vision, further strengthening economic, trade, and cultural ties between the two countries.” Etihad was a member of …