Category Archives: Aviation

Etihad Airways and Azul Brazilian Airlines have launched a frequent flyer partnership agreement. The agreement enables members of both Etihad Guest and the Azul Fidelidade programme to earn and redeem their respective loyalty currency on either carrier. Etihad Guest members can redeem their miles on flights, worldwide hotel stays and holidays, or shop from a variety of products from the Etihad Guest Reward Shop. Azul Fidelidade member miles can be spent on hotel stays, car rentals, products and services at Azul Fidelidade Shopping. Mark Potter, Managing Director Etihad Guest, said: “Signing this frequent flyer agreement with Azul Brazilian Airlines is both exciting and significant for Etihad Guest. The partnership opens up Azul’s impressive network for our members to be rewarded for their travel adventures, offering more ways to earn and redeem their miles when exploring destinations across the Americas. We also look forward to welcoming Azul Fidelidade members onboard Etihad Airways, showcasing our signature Emirati hospitality and offering them the ability to earn or redeem their miles when they choose to travel across our rapidly expanding global network, also bringing more people to our home in Abu Dhabi.” The partnership transforms how members explore South America. Etihad Guest members can now use their miles to discover Brazil’s cultural capitals – from the bustling streets of São Paulo to the colonial charm of Salvador and the beaches of Recife. The agreement also unlocks Azul’s routes to popular destinations like Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Curaçao, creating new possibilities for onwards travel throughout the Americas. For Azul Fidelidade members, the partnership opens doors to Etihad’s rapidly expanding network. Members can earn miles exploring Asia’s emerging destinations including Krabi’s pristine beaches, Phnom Penh’s vibrant night …

Emirates marks the arrival of its new-generation A350 aircraft at Bologna’s Guglielmo Marconi Airport. With this milestone, Bologna becomes the first Italian city – and one of the first ten worldwide – to welcome the Emirates A350, marking a new chapter in the direct connection between the capital of Emilia-Romagna and Dubai. Emirates selected Bologna as one of the first airports in the world to welcome the new Airbus A350, recognizing its strategic location – Marconi Airport is in fact a key regional hub that serves a much wider area beyond the city itself, including Modena, Parma, Ferrara, and Rimini – the efficiency of its infrastructure, and the dynamism of its local economy. This choice reaffirms the value of a solid, decade-long partnership, which began in 2015 with the launch of the direct flight to Dubai and has since been strengthened through a series of significant achievements. “We’re pleased to be back here to celebrate an important milestone that confirms the strategic role of this gateway within Emirates’ global network” – said Flavio Ghiringhelli, Country Manager of Emirates in Italy. “Our partnership with Bologna is a story of shared success and steady growth. Just last year, we joined the airport in celebrating the 10-million-passenger milestone, and two years ago we celebrated together the one-millionth Emirates passenger flying through this gateway. Today, we mark a new chapter with the arrival of the A350, a true symbol of innovation and excellence. We firmly believe that this next-generation aircraft will not only enhance the travel experience for our passengers but also act as a catalyst for increased commercial and cultural exchanges, further strengthening the ties between Bologna, Italy, and the rest of the world”. …

Gulf Air announced its expansion in North America with the launch of its direct flights to New York (JFK) from 1st October 2025. This new service establishes a new and additional connection to a key global commercial and cultural hub. Gulf Air will operate three weekly flights to New York (JFK). These flights will be operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Gulf Air will initially operate its flights from the current Terminal One at JFK. The airline intends to transition its operations to JFK’s New Terminal One in June 2026, offering passengers seamless and modern travel experience aligned with Gulf Air’s premium service standards. Gulf Air Group Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Goh stated: “We are excited to announce the launch of our direct flights to New York’s JFK and our return to the North American market. This service aligns with Gulf Air’s strategy of calibrated expansion and serving strategic markets, providing passengers with greater choice and convenience for travel, through Bahrain International Airport, between Bahrain and North America, and beyond, supporting the connectivity strategy of the Kingdom.” Passengers can book their flights to/from New York and stay updated on flight timings by downloading the Gulf Air mobile application, visiting Gulf Air’s website gulfair.com or through travel agents.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has expanded its fleet with the addition of two Airbus A320 aircraft, bringing its total fleet size to 12 aircraft. This expansion is part of the airline’s ongoing growth strategy. The carrier also announced plans to add two more Airbus A320 aircraft before the end of the year. This planned fleet increase will boost total capacity by 40% in 2025, further reinforcing Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’s commitment to the growth of Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector and the emirate’s broader economic development. Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said: “The addition of new aircraft and our strategic fleet expansion reflect our ongoing commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and expanding our network reach. This growth supports the rising demand for air travel to and from Abu Dhabi.” He added: “The planned capacity increase in 2025 will further contribute to the capital’s broader economic and tourism vision while continuing to offer value-driven air travel to our customers.” Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’s recent network expansions include new routes to Yerevan, Almaty, and Sialkot, further broadening its reach. The airline now connects Abu Dhabi with non-stop service to over 30 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, and Eastern Europe, offering seamless travel options for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Since its launch in 2020, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has emerged as a key enabler of air connectivity from the UAE capital, providing its customers with affordable and reliable air travel.

flynas announced launching a new route between Jeddah and Prishtina in Kosovo, further consolidating its position as pioneering air carrier connecting the two countries, in line with flynas growth and expansion plan, launched under the title “We Connect the World to the Kingdom,” in parallel with the objectives of the National Civil Aviation Strategy to enable national air carriers to contribute to connecting KSA with 250 International destinations and to accommodate 330 million passengers and to host 150 million tourists yearly by 2030. Starting 1st October, three weekly flights will be operated between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prishtina International Airport “Adem Jashari” on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. flynas is the first airline listed on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) operates 139 routes to more than 70 domestic and international destinations in 30 countries with more than 2000 weekly flights and has flown more than 80 million passengers since its launch in 2007, with the aim to reach 165 domestic and international destinations within its growth and expansion plan, and in line with the objectives of Vision 2030. Passengers traveling with flynas can book their flights through all flynas booking channels: www.flynas.com, the flynas app, the call centre (920001234), or travel agents

Emirates announced it will deploy its newly refurbished Boeing 777 aircraft to/from Madrid starting from 16 September. Customers can look forward to an enhanced travel experience with upgraded interiors and premium signature travel touches across all cabins. Madrid is Emirates’ first destination in Spain to operate with the airline’s next-generation interiors. Emirates’ four-class Boeing 777 will operate as flight EK143/EK144. Emirates flight EK143 will depart Dubai at 14:30hrs and arrive in Madrid at 20:20hrs local time. The return flight, EK144 will depart Madrid at 22:05hrs and arrive in Dubai at 7:10hrs local time, the following day. The deployment of Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777 to Madrid marks a new era of premium travel to the Spanish city – offering customers the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy service*, newly configured Business Class cabin, and a ‘better’ travel experience to/from the country. Emirates’ newest Boeing 777 cabin interiors will wow customers with its modern design details and signature cabin finishings, including: A refurbished First-Class cabin with upgraded interiors offering unparalleled luxury. New Business Class cabin that provides more privacy and comfort for customers with fully lie-flat seats in an updated 1-2-1 seating configuration. Latest Premium Economy cabin which combines accessible luxury with comfort; offering cream leather seats, increased legroom, adjustable headrests, deeper seat recline and raised cushioned leg rests. Spacious Economy Class seats with new design elements. Emirates continues to invest in elevating the travel experience through its ambitious multibillion-dollar retrofit program — one of the largest in aviation history. With 61 aircraft already refurbished, including 31 A380s and 30 Boeing 777s, the program is set to upgrade over 220 aircraft with Emirates’ latest cabin products. Passengers travelling with Emirates will enjoy the airline’s …

As part of Kuwait Airways’ efforts to enhance the travel experience and provide a variety of services to its valued passengers, the company announced the launch of its Elite Service at Terminal 4 (T4), offering a comprehensive suite of services to its passengers, excluding flights to New York. Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan, stated, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to launch one of its newest services, the Elite Service which includes a range of distinguished services to our valued passengers. The Elite Service begins with completing the passenger’s travel procedures, which include baggage weighing from home and issuing their boarding passes, followed by transportation to the airport and meet-and-assist services at T4 passenger terminal. Al-Fagaan added, “The Elite Service also includes facilitating the completion of passenger’s travel procedures at Terminal 4, access to the Elite Lounge until departure time, and transportation to the aircraft when a passenger bridge is not available. Upon return, passengers are welcomed at Terminal 4, assisted through arrival procedures, and transported home by limousine.” Al-Fagaan continued by saying, “Customers can book and request the Elite Service through the Kuwait Airways app or website between 72 and up to 48 hours prior to departure. Home check-in service will be completed 24 hours prior to the flight, after which the baggage will be delivered to Terminal 4 (T4) before departure.” Al-Fagaan emphasized that Kuwait Airways spares no effort in ensuring the comfort of its valued customers, highlighting the company’s commitment to providing exceptional services and entertainment options that enhance the travel experience. He noted that these efforts are especially timely with the onset of the 2025 summer travel season, aiming to make every journey enjoyable and engaging. Al-Fagaan concluded …

In a significant enhancement to its Irish operations, Emirates is set to operate a third daily service to Dublin this winter starting from 26 October 2025. The world’s largest international airline will offer customers more travel choices to Dubai and beyond, as well as increased cargo capacity to/from Dublin. Emirates flight EK165 will depart Dubai at 02:10hrs and arrive in Dublin at 06:25hrs, local time. The return flight, EK166, will depart Dublin at 08:25hrs and arrive in Dubai at 20:00hrs local time. The additional flight will provide Irish travellers with an early morning departure option, complementing the existing afternoon and evening departures offered by the airline’s double daily service to the country. The third daily flight will operate utilising a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft set in a three-class configuration, offering customers 8 private suites in First Class, 42 lie flat seats in Business Class and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class. The added service will also provide travellers with enhanced connectivity to popular destinations across Emirates’ network including Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. Last month, the airline officially introduced its newly retrofitted Boeing 777 on the Dubai to Dublin route, offering Irish passengers an upgraded experience with its four-class configuration, featuring its award-winning Premium Economy cabin and latest Business Class experience. The airline has also announced it will deploy its second refurbished Boeing 777 to Dublin starting from 16 October. Customers travelling with Emirates can look forward to the warm hospitality of the airline’s multinational crew, regionally inspired meals, and award-winning inflight entertainment system – ice – offering up to 6,500 channels of the best movies, TV shows, podcasts and more. Premium passengers will also experience an essence of Ireland onboard with …

‘Emirates First’ was officially opened at Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB), offering a luxurious and unique airport experience for Emirates’ First Class customers and Skywards Platinum members. The check-in area has been meticulously upgraded with an opulent and refined private seating area, offering an exclusive check in process. As the world’s largest operator of international First Class travel – offering 26,800 seats a week and the largest inventory of international First Class seats in the industry, Emirates continues to invest and uplift its customers’ experience at every touchpoint on the ground and in the air. This is a clear demonstration of Emirates’ commitment to renovating its ground products and providing more comfort to its customers. Adel al Redha, Emirates’ Deputy President & Chief Operating Officer remarked, “We invest heavily in upgrading our ground products, and Emirates First is one of the areas that will offer a unique and private environment to our First Class customers and Skywards Platinum members. We know our customers value privacy and convenience, and this will provide another level of hospitality to the check-in experience, as part of our efforts to continuously uplift the overall travel journey. Now, our customers can enjoy a sleek transfer with our Chauffeur Drive Service, a swift check-in at the exclusive Emirates First, explore a world-class lounge before boarding, and relax into a multi award-winning inflight experience with Emirates.” Emirates First has been reimagined with premium customers in mind, and every detail of the travel journey considered to ensure a ‘Fly Better’ experience. From the moment customers reach the dedicated Emirates Terminal 3 departures area, and just a few steps inside, a grand golden entryway now signifies the entrance the private space, …

flyadeal opened a dedicated sales office in Dubai to support customers and the travel trade in the latest move to increase its presence in the Emirate. With the appointment of Orient Travel as the airline’s new General Sales Agent (GSA) responsible for overseeing flyadeal sales in the UAE, the airline has also recruited Mudassir Dhanse as its dedicated new UAE Country Sales Manager. The flyadeal office opening within the premises of Orient Travel on Sheikh Zayed Road was attended by key travel partners. His Excellency Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan bin Khalid Al Qasmi, accompanied by Orient Travel co-owner Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasmi, presided over the opening that included Orient Travel’s CEO Asim Arshad and visiting senior management from flyadeal headquarters in Jeddah led by CEO Steven Greenway and Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Rogier van Enk. To mark the official opening, flyadeal management also hosted an event in Dubai for the UAE travel trade to provide company updates. flyadeal currently operates up to six daily scheduled flights between Riyadh and Dubai International, a route launched just over two years ago. The airline also has a daily service linking the Saudi capital with Dubai World Central in southern Dubai that began in summer 2024. Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, said: “flyadeal has built up a successful split operation in Dubai to serve travellers in the heart of the city and the southern part to make accessibility easier for all. Of course we are looking to build capacity even further from up to seven daily flights across both Dubai airports as we induct new aircraft into the fleet. It’s just a matter of time before we …