Category Archives: Aviation

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has opened an expanded office in Abu Dhabi featuring a new training center. This demonstrates IATA’s commitment to supporting the Middle East’s growing aviation sector and fostering the next generation of industry professionals. Taking advantage of the UAE’s strategic location and excellent connectivity, IATA’s Abu Dhabi office will provide services to airlines, trainees, strategic partners and governments in the Middle East and beyond. His Excellency (H.E.) Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) General Civil Aviation Authority, officially opened the facility, joined by the first cohort of trainees and IATA representatives. “The expansion of IATA’s presence in the UAE with a new training center reinforces the country’s position as a global aviation hub. Having a key international organization like IATA expand its footprint here also demonstrates the attractiveness of Abu Dhabi and its value proposition as a preferred destination for global organizations,” said H.E. Al Suwaidi. “We are proud to expand our presence in the UAE, with our office in Abu Dhabi. Over the past 18 Months our team in Abu Dhabi has grown by 140%. By expanding our physical presence in this global aviation hub, we will be able to support our airline members, trainees from across the aviation value chain and the industry’s many stakeholders more efficiently. Our aim is to facilitate the further successful growth of the region’s aviation sector, which is a strategic contributor to the region’s social and economic development,” said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice-President for Africa and the Middle East. As the global aviation sector expands, there is a growing need for highly skilled aviation professionals. IATA’s new training center in Abu …

Etihad Airways has welcomed the bilateral codeshare with Air Astana which came into operation from 05 December, 2024. The agreement enhances connectivity for customers of both airlines across a range of destinations and gives Etihad’s customers convenient access to 10 destinations through Air Astana’s gateways in Almaty and in Astana, all of which are new to Etihad’s extended network. Kazakhstan’s largest city, Almaty, is a cultural hub with stunning mountain views, vibrant nightlife, and rich history, while the futuristic capital, Astana, is known for its striking modern architecture and dynamic urban landscape. The codeshare arrangement simplifies the travel experience for guests, allowing them to make a single booking and undergo a seamless check-in process, along with the added convenience of having their baggage effortlessly transferred to their final destination. Air Astana’s network becomes easily accessible to Etihad’s customers, who can connect to it via recently launched nonstop flights to Abu Dhabi by the Kazakhstan carrier. As part of this agreement, Air Astana passengers will have access to Etihad Airways’ flights unlocking new travel experiences to India, Bahrain, and Oman. Air Astana passengers will enjoy seamless connections in Abu Dhabi, utilizing Air Astana’s direct flights from Astana and Almaty. Jurriaan Stelder, VP Alliances and Industry Affairs at Etihad, said: “This partnership expands our codeshare network, offering our guests convenient access to 10 of Air Astana’s leisure and business destinations across Kazakhstan, as well as Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s vibrant capital, and Tashkent, the historic capital of Uzbekistan. Etihad guests can now enjoy the ease of booking connecting flights and checking in once for their entire journey. “We also look forward to warmly welcoming Air Astana’s customers travelling to Abu Dhabi to explore the inviting hospitality and rich culture …

SAUDIA has launched its seasonal flights to Phuket, marking its second destination in the Kingdom of Thailand after the capital, Bangkok. Musaed Almusaed, Assistant Vice President, International Regions at SAUDIA, stated: “SAUDIA has scheduled flights between Jeddah, Riyadh, and Phuket, offering 12 weekly flights in both directions. We are committed to enhancing our competitive position and expanding our reach to new destinations, whether scheduled or seasonal. This aligns with the unprecedented and fundamental development of our services, aimed at enriching the travel experience at all stages and exceeding our guests’ expectations.” SAUDIA operates flights to over 100 destinations across four continents, leveraging its current fleet of 144 diverse Boeing and Airbus aircraft. With plans to add 130 new aircraft, SAUDIA aims to expand seating capacity and increase the frequency of flights to existing destinations while also reaching new international markets, contributing to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by bringing the world to the Kingdom.

flynas announced launching three weekly direct flights between Prince Muhammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah and Sphinx Airport in Cairo, increasing frequency of its flights to the Egyptian capital, in line with flynas growth and expansion plan and parallel with the national goals in the aviation sector. As of 11 December, three weekly flights, On Sunday, Wednesday and Friday will be operated on the new route, further expanding flynas flight network served from its newest operations base at Madinah Airport, in line with flynas expansion strategy, 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, and the objective of the Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP) to facilitate access to the Two Holy Mosques. flynas connects the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with more than 120 weekly direct flights from 5 Saudi cities, namely Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Madinah, and Al-Ula, to Cairo, Sohag, Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada and El Alamein. The Egyptian capital of Cairo is connected to the Kingdom with flynas direct flights to Cairo International Airport and Sphinx International Airport, which is now served with direct flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, and soon from Madinah. flynas connects more than 70 domestic and international destinations with more than 1500 weekly flights and has flown more than 80 million passengers since its launch in 2007, aiming to reach 165 domestic and international destinations, which is in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Sabre Corporation announced that it has started distributing New Distribution Capability (NDC) offers from Emirates. This collaboration marks an expansion of Sabre’s footprint globally and offers travel agencies enhanced access to real-time, personalized content based on offers and orders. By seamlessly integrating and normalizing NDC offers, Sabre empowers travel agencies and corporate buyers with a streamlined platform for comparing, booking, and managing Emirates’ NDC offers alongside traditional options. Leveraging advanced application programming interfaces (APIs), Sabre’s flagship booking application for travel agencies, Sabre Red 360, and its online booking tool, GetThere, enable agency and corporate customers to shop, book and service Emirates’ NDC offers. This content comprises personalized travel choices, enriched with dynamic pricing, ancillaries, and tailored solutions that adapt to the evolving preferences of travelers. “We are excited to introduce Emirates’ NDC content within our travel marketplace, affirming our dedication to meeting our customers’ ever-changing demands with scalable, inventive solutions,” said Kathy Morgan, Vice President, Product Management – Distribution Experience, Sabre Travel Solutions at Sabre. “This initiative underscores our dedication to driving innovation and operating a dynamic travel marketplace that offers efficient access to multi-source content, including NDC. The availability of Emirates’ NDC content will significantly enhance travel options for agencies and corporate buyers, providing personalized offers and streamlined booking experiences.” Sabre has been at the forefront of adopting and implementing NDC standards, consistently pushing the boundaries of travel technology. Recently, Sabre announced the distribution of NDC content for numerous airlines, including Air Canada, Etihad Airways, and Hawaiian Airlines. By developing a robust NDC infrastructure, Sabre has empowered airlines to deliver richer, more personalized travel experiences through third-party travel sellers. “By partnering with Sabre to distribute our NDC content, we …

Hamad International Airport (DOH) welcomes Tajikistan carrier Somon Air, as it begins operations between Dushanbe and Doha. This inaugural charter service reflects the growing demand for tourism and business travel from Central Asia, including Tajikistan, to Qatar. The inaugural flight from Dushanbe to Doha took place recently, marking a significant milestone for both Hamad International Airport and Somon Air. The first touchdown was commemorated in the presence of executive members of Hamad International Airport, representatives from Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, Somon Air and officials from the Embassy of Tajikistan in Qatar, with a cake-cutting and welcome celebrations. The route is being served by a Boeing 737-800, configured with 189 seats, ensuring comfortable travel for passengers. Dushanbe is an exciting addition to Hamad International Airport’s expanding network, marking the airport’s eighth Central Asian destination, both scheduled and chartered. With a flight duration of approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes from Dushanbe to Doha, this new connection underscores the importance of enhanced bilateral relations between Qatar and Tajikistan. The route is expected to strengthen cooperation in cultural, humanitarian, economic, trade, and tourism sectors, further solidifying the ties between the two nations. Hamad International Airport remains dedicated to expanding its global reach, offering travellers new opportunities to experience the best of Qatar and beyond.

SAUDIA Group has signed a partnership agreement with Saudi Projects in a strategic initiative to enhance local media content and to enrich its in-flight entertainment experience. This collaboration brings episodes of the acclaimed media programs of Saudi Projects to SAUDIA’s BEYOND entertainment system, significantly enhancing the guests’ travel experience. The agreement was signed by Khaled Tash, Group Chief Marketing Officer at SAUDIA, and Eng. Mishal Al-Qassim, Founder and CEO of Saudi Projects. Saudi Projects’ media programs will be highlighted in the “Discover Saudi” library of SAUDIA’s BEYOND entertainment system, providing guests with unique insights into the Kingdom’s ambitious development projects. This is aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, focusing on tourism, economic growth, and enhancing the “Quality of Life” Program. Khaled Tash, Group Chief Marketing Officer of SAUDIA, said: “This partnership brings numerous advantages, particularly in strengthening local content, which is a central focus of SAUDIA’s new strategic direction. Our BEYOND entertainment system now offers 243 hours of diverse local content, available in both visual and audio formats. This initiative not only broadens the entertainment choices for our guests but also enhances a key aspect of their travel experience.” BEYOND, SAUDIA’s innovative in-flight entertainment system, offers an immersive and interactive experience, featuring over 5,000 hours of HD content tailored to a wide range of guest preferences and age groups, available in 16 languages. Eng. Mishal Al-Qassim highlighted that this agreement will support Saudi Projects platform in expanding its publishing channels and reaching various audience segments, aiming to achieve the highest levels of engagement with all its programs and media products. These efforts focus on showcasing the Kingdom’s projects, future, and diverse economic opportunities, while also aiming to enhance …

Emirates officially unveiled the very first Airbus A350-900 to join its fleet at an exclusive event showcase in Dubai. The event, led by Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline in the presence of His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy,  was attended by VIP guests, aerospace partners, government officials and dignitaries, members of the media, as well as aviation enthusiasts. Guests were able to experience the aircraft’s interiors, equipped with its next generation products and latest technologies.  The Emirates A350 features three spacious cabin classes, accommodating 312 passengers in 32 next-generation Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats and 259 generously pitched Economy Class seats. The latest onboard products reflect the airline’s commitment to delivering a premium passenger experience while optimising operational efficiency. The Emirates A350 is the first new aircraft type to join Emirates’ fleet since 2008. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group said: “Today is an exciting milestone for Emirates as we showcase our first A350 and usher in a new era for our fleet and network growth. This aircraft sets the stage for Emirates to spread its wings farther by offering added range, efficiency and flexibility to our network, enabling us to meet customer demand in new markets and unlock new opportunities in the cities that we serve. Onboard, our updated interiors and seating configurations will help us deliver a more elevated and comfortable experience to travellers across every cabin class. The 65 Emirates A350s joining our fleet in the coming years fit into the airline’s broader plans to support our visionary leadership’s Dubai’s D33 Strategy, which will transform the city into a pivotal …

Kuwait Airways signed an agreement with the Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) that enables the national carrier of the State of Kuwait to sell tickets for the Haramain High Speed Railway trips to its valued customers. The service will be activated in the coming period, commencing with Hajj and Umrah campaigns and later for individuals. The agreement also aims to enhance joint cooperation between the two sides and to improve passenger services to facilitate their trips between the cities of Mecca and Medina. The agreement was signed on behalf of Kuwait Airways, by the Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan, and Saudi Railways by the CEO, Dr. Bashar bin Khalid Al-Malik. The signing ceremony was attended by several officials representing both companies. Speaking during the signing ceremony, Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan said, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to sign an agreement with one of the most prominent companies in the region, the Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR). This joint cooperation will enhance the services provided by Kuwait Airways to its valued customers. This cooperation will also support the national carrier’s objectives to provide increased options to customers to facilitate their travel, offering them new additions in services, especially for visitors to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.” Al-Fagaan added, “This agreement will contribute to commercial marketing and promotion of Kuwait Airways services, as well as providing locations for Kuwait Airways to offer its services at the Haramain High Speed Train stations, thus enabling the sale of tickets for Haramain High Speed Train trips through Kuwait Airways. This is in addition to integrating booking platforms between the Haramain High Speed Train and Kuwait Airways reservation systems, which will facilitate the completion of …

Air Astana signed a codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways, effective from 26 November 2024, marking an important step in strengthening the strategic partnership and expanding travel opportunities for passengers of both airlines. As part of this agreement, Air Astana passengers will have access to Etihad Airways’ flights to Mumbai, Riyadh, Dammam, Bahrain, Cairo, Doha, Kuwait City, and Muscat, unlocking new travel experiences to India, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman. Etihad’s global network will be accessible to Air Astana passengers via seamless connections in Abu Dhabi, utilizing Air Astana’s direct flights from Astana, which were launched in late October, and from Almaty starting from 5th December 2024. “We are excited to partner with Etihad Airways, offering our passengers enhanced travel options and convenient access to a broader network. This collaboration reflects our commitment to providing passengers with an exceptional and comfortable travel options, whilst maintaining the highest standards of service and safety. We look forward to welcoming passengers on board following this partnership,” said Zhanna Shayakhmetova, Vice President of Marketing & Sales at Air Astana. Codeshare agreements allow for single bookings, simplified check-in processes, and seamless baggage transfer between airlines. To date, Air Astana has signed codeshare agreements with eight airlines worldwide.