Category Archives: Aviation

PIF announced that it has entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire a 10% stake in FGP TopCo (TopCo), the holding company of Heathrow Airport Holdings Ltd, from Ferrovial S.A. Under the terms of the agreement, PIF will acquire 10% in TopCo, and Ardian through its infrastructure funds will acquire 15% through separate vehicles. The transaction is subject to complying with ROFO (Right of First Offer) and full tag-along rights which may be exercised by the other Topco shareholders pursuant to the Shareholders’ Agreement and the Articles of Association of the company, in addition to satisfaction of applicable regulatory conditions. PIF is pleased to be investing in Heathrow, a world-class airport, which acts as a key gateway to the world. PIF’s investment in Heathrow is in line with its strategy to support the business as a long-term partner. Heathrow is one of the world’s largest air traffic platforms, connecting the UK with global trading partners to help stimulate economic growth.

Vistara announced the addition of Doha (Qatar), its 50th destination, to its growing network. The airline will be operating direct, 4x weekly flights between Mumbai and Doha, starting from 15 December 2023 using its A321neo aircraft. Bookings for the flights are being progressively opened on all channels, including Vistara’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents. Mr. Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara said, “We are thrilled to introduce direct flights between Mumbai and Doha – the capital of Qatar and a burgeoning financial hub in the Middle East. Given the city’s growing economic significance, this move not only further solidifies our presence in the Gulf region but also enhances our network offering from our Mumbai hub. We hope that our customers will appreciate having the option of flying with India’s best airline on this route.” Introductory all-inclusive, round-trip fares Sector Economy Premium Economy Business Mumbai – Doha – Mumbai INR 30,599 INR 39,399 INR 111,049 Doha – Mumbai – Doha QAR 1349 QAR 1849 QAR 4699   Schedule of flights to/from Doha effective 15 December 2023 Sector Flight No. Days of Operation Departure Arrival Mumbai – Doha UK  285 Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays 18:45 hrs 20:30 hrs Doha – Mumbai UK  286 Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays 21:45 hrs 4:05 hrs (+1) * All timings shown are in local time zones, exact timings may differ slightly for respective days of operations ** (+1) indicates next-day arrival *** Subject to regulatory approvals Vistara will accept all eligible customers meeting visa/entry requirements in both countries, as specified by the respective government bodies. Vistara strongly encourages its customers to fully understand these guidelines before making their bookings. Vistara is India’s highest-rated airline on …

Air Arabia announced the launch of a new route to the enchanting island of Phuket, Thailand from Sharjah. The non-stop flights will connect Sharjah International Airport with Phuket International Airport with a frequency of four weekly flights starting from December 15, 2023, providing travelers with even more convenient and affordable options to explore one of the most famous destinations in Southeast Asia.   Schedule from and to Phuket, effective December 15, 2023 (all times local):   Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Frequency G9 687 Sharjah 22:30 Phuket 07:55 Airbus A321 Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Sunday G9 688 Phuket 08:45 Sharjah 12:45 Airbus A321 Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday     Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, stated, “We are glad to introduce Phuket as the latest addition to our growing network which will further expand our footprint in the Thai market. This new route reflects our commitment to provide our customers with diverse travel options, connecting them to marvelous destinations around the world while continuously offering seamless connectivity, convenience, and an unparalleled air travel experience.” Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is a tropical paradise renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant cultural scene. Nestled in the Andaman Sea, Phuket offers a diverse range of experiences, from bustling markets to the tranquility of Kata and Karon beaches. 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 also equipped with ‘SkyTime’, a free in-flight streaming service that allows passengers to stream a wide selection of entertainment …

SalamAir announces that they will operate flights from 17th December from Muscat to Lucknow. The service will operate five times a week, with flights scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday. This route expansion provides excellent connectivity to all GCC destinations, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh, Doha, Dubai, and Fujairah.

Saudia Private signed a strategic partnership agreement with Jetex joining forces to enable Saudia Private to expand its ground handling services at all Saudi Arabian airports including airport security clearance, marshalling, immigration services, fuelling, and catering arrangements as well as private terminals for VIPs. As a Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), Saudia Private provides services ranging from on-the-ground operations, aircraft management and maintenance, and charter flights. It delivers tailored services and products to local partners and international guests to and from any of the Kingdom’s airports and everywhere in the world. The agreement was signed at the Saudia Group Pavilion at the leading global aerospace show, in the presence of Dr. Fahad Aljarboa, CEO of Saudia Private, and Mr. Adel Mardini Founder & CEO of Jetex. Dr. Fahad Aljarboa, CEO of Saudia Private, said: “This partnership marks a new significant milestone for both Saudia Private and Jetex. By combining our extensive expertise in delivering world-class FBO and ground services with Jetex’s extensive array of commercial Ground Services, we’re able to strengthen the Kingdom’s and the region’s position as leaders in the sector.” “The strategic agreement with Saudia Private is instrumental for Jetex to deliver on our ambitious vision by supporting our expansion across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Mr. Adel Mardini, Founder & CEO of Jetex. Providing best-in-class services to its guests and partners is a priority for Saudia Group as it broadens its operations in order to better service international travellers and the aviation industry, while supporting the tourism sector in the Kingdom, in line with its Vision 2030. Saudia Group’s recent rebrand and ambitious digital transformation reinforces its commitment to its goals as the Kingdom’s ‘Wings of 2030’, bringing …

Emirates joins UAE based research consortium for renewable and advanced aviation fuels. In the UAE Year of Sustainability, and at the 3rd ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) was held in Dubai, eight founding entities announced the launch of the “Air-CRAFT” initiative – a UAE based research consortium focused on developing, producing, and scaling sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technologies. Air-CRAFT, or the UAE Centre for Renewable and Advanced Fuel Technologies for Aviation, is a first-of-its-kind initiative that will bring together entities across the value chain – industrial policy makers, aviation regulators, fuel producers, academia and researchers, aircraft and powerplant manufacturers, and airline operators. While based in the UAE, the consortium will also engage with, and welcome the participation of relevant international entities as it progresses. The new initiative was announced on the sidelines of CAAF/3 today and ahead of COP28. Air-CRAFT is supported by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. “The aviation sector holds great importance as a key contributor to the GDP and as a target sector for our robust decarbonization drive,” said His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. “The UAE has committed to reaching net zero by 2050, and this goal can only be achieved by slashing the emissions across the board. Air-CRAFT will go a long way in supporting the decarbonization of the aviation sector, helping to make it resilient and sustainable well into the future.”   His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy of the UAE and Chairman of the GCAA said: Introducing ‘Air-CRAFT’ at CAAF3 in Dubai emphasizes the UAE’s commitment to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, uniting government, private sector, and academia …

Emirates has become the world’s first airline to operate an A380 demonstration flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Today’s flight, proudly commanded by Captain Khalid Binsultan and Captain Philippe Lombet, took off from Dubai International Airport (DXB) with one of four engines powered on 100% SAF, helping demonstrate its potential as a drop-in replacement that matches jet fuel’s technical and chemical requirements, while being a more sustainable alternative. SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 85%* over the fuel’s life cycle when compared to conventional jet fuel. Demonstration flights like the one conducted today pave the way for future standardisation, qualification and adoption for 100% SAF flying, as governments adopt broader strategies to support the production and scale up of SAF. The A380 demonstration flight underlines the performance and compatibility of SAF, making it a safe and reliable fuel source, and contributes to the growing body of research carried out by the industry to evaluate the beneficial effects of 100% SAF on aircraft performance. SAF is currently capped at a 50% blend limit in engines for commercial flights. The Emirates A380 demonstration flight comes as the aviation industry, international organisations, regulatory bodies and high-level officials driving policy-related decisions converge in Dubai for the Third International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3). Dedicated collaborators from Airbus, Engine Alliance, Pratt & Whitney, Neste, Virent and ENOC have been working on the testing, technical assessments and data analysis for today’s flight. The 100% drop-in SAF used on today’s flight includes renewable aromatics and closely mimics the characteristics of conventional jet fuel. This is the first time that drop-in SAF has been used on an A380 aircraft, …

Air Cairo marks a significant 20th anniversary milestone with the inauguration of its new route connecting Cairo and Sharjah. His Excellency Ali Salim Almidfa, Chairman of Sharjah International Airport Authority, along with department managers and officials from Sharjah Airport, joined Air Cairo in commemorating this achievement. The ceremony acknowledged the collaborative efforts that brought the new route to fruition. Hussein Sherif, Chairman and CEO of Air Cairo, expressed his honor in confirming the initiation of a new developmental phase for the airline. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, accommodate passenger movement, and open new horizons for Air Cairo. Hussein Sherif Chairman and CEO of Air Cairo, “I would like to begin my speech by extending my warmest greetings and welcoming the distinguished guests, His Excellency Ali Salim Almidfa, Chairman of Sharjah International Airport Authority, the department managers and officials of Sharjah Airport, and Air Cairo team, for their outstanding efforts in launching a new route between Cairo and Sharjah as an additional destination to our network, coinciding with the celebration of Air Cairo’s 20th Anniversary. As the Chairman and CEO of Air Cairo, I am honored to confirm that a new phase of the company’s development has begun to enhance an advanced model to increase work efficiency, accommodate passenger movement and open new horizons. Despite the challenges facing the Arab region, we are confident and optimistic that joint efforts and continuous support will lead to achieving our goals, including expanding our network, opening new markets, maintaining customer satisfaction, and increasing tourism traffic to and from the Arab Republic of Egypt. Air Cairo has the youngest fleet in Africa and the Middle East, with an average age of five years …

SalamAir announced that they will commence flights from Muscat to Lucknow from 17th December. The service will operate five times a week, with flights scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday. This route expansion provides excellent connectivity to all GCC destinations, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh, Doha, Dubai, and Fujairah. This strengthens their commitment to their passengers offering them greater flexibility and more travel options.

Emirates announced an order for 15 additional Airbus A350-900s at the Dubai Airshow 2023, worth US$ 6 billion. This takes Emirates’ total A350 order book to a total of 65 units. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group said: “The A350-900s will add to our fleet mix and we are pleased to announce additional orders for this aircraft type. We plan to deploy our A350s to serve a range of new markets including long-haul missions of up to 15 hours flying time from Dubai. We will work closely with Airbus and Rolls-Royce to ensure our aircraft deliver the best possible operating efficiency and flying experience for our customers.” “Emirates’ orders this week are all carefully planned to support our future growth and the Dubai economic vision set out by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Emirates experience is often the first visitor experience of Dubai – and we want it to be the best.” Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International said: “With this agreement we mark another solid step forward in the long standing relationship agreement between Emirates and Airbus. A relationship founded on a pursuit of innovation, efficiency and operational excellence. Just as the A380 established itself at the heart of Emirates operations, we are equally proud of what the A350 will do in the years to come.” The first A350 is scheduled to join Emirates’ fleet in August 2024, and with today’s additional orders, Emirates will receive A350 deliveries until early 2028. Including its order for 95 additional Boeing aircraft on Monday, Emirates will have a total order book of 310 wide-body aircraft. …