Category Archives: Aviation

American Express announced that Kuwait’s low-cost carrier Jazeera Airways, now accepts American Express card payments. American Express Cardmembers now have greater payment choice and are able to use their American Express Cards with Jazeera, which operates a robust network spanning 66 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Central and South Asia as well as Africa. “We are thrilled to be working with Jazeera Airways, increasing our range of accepted payment methods and adding value to our Cardmembers,” said Rasheed Khuzam, Kuwait Country Manager, American Express Middle East. “As our network of airline partners continues to grow, we are committed to offering our members added convenience and accessibility, as well as the very best of travel options and experiences.” With the addition of Jazeera Airways, American Express Cardmembers will be able to use their American Express Card when booking flights on jazeeraairways.com or via the Jazeera app making it easier than ever to explore the world. Jazeera Airways has seen year-on-year growth, serving 3.58 million passengers in 2022 and is expected to reach 10 million by 2028. The airline’s steady expansion of routes has made it a popular choice for travelers seeking value flights and excellent service. Bharathan Ravindran, Vice President – Commercial, Jazeera Airways said “At Jazeera Airways we strive to offer the best customer experience for all our passengers. This includes a large variety of destinations, comfortable flights and great value add services. The Jazeera website and mobile application, ranked the no. 1 travel app in Kuwait, are the most popular and rewarding channels to book our flights. By accepting American Express payments, we aim to provide customers even greater payment choice.” The partnership will offer American Express Cardmembers …

The new national airline of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Air flew will make its public debut on June 19th at the 54th Paris Air Show as part of Riyadh Air’s first appearance to global audiences. A new chapter in air travel is taking the skies with the world class, digitally native airline “Riyadh Air”. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner painted aircraft with the modern and striking livery was revealed in Riyadh at King Khaled International Airport on June 12th marking a national celebration of the new carrier. The historical moment and ceremony were attended by highnesses, excellencies, and official dignitaries. The new airline will elevate the way the world travels with a new level of guest experience and technology that will pioneer the future of the travel industry. The brand identity of Riyadh Air reflects the modern and forward-thinking theme from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is inspired by the warmth and hospitality of the Kingdom and the vibrant lavender colors that carpet the desert in the spring, the beautiful livery is one of a series which will continue to push boundaries in aviation. It has been designed to incorporate visual references to the Kingdom and the city which include the sweeping curves of Arabic script with the global campaign tagline ‘The Future Takes Flight’. Riyadh Air will build connectivity from the capital city to over 100 destinations around the world due to its convenient location with over 60 per cent of the world’s population within eight hours flying time. The airline aims to be significantly innovative in providing travel services in the sector, while being instrumental in delivering the Kingdom’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the …

Emirates and Kenya Airways (KQ) have announced an interline partnership that will allow customers of both airlines access to new destinations on the two airlines’ networks within a single itinerary. The agreement will provide customers with increased travel options as well as seamless baggage check-in to their final destination. Emirates customers will now be able to fly to 28 destinations on the Kenya Airways network using Nairobi as the gateway to destinations such as Nampula, Bangui, Bujumbara, Kigali, Dzaoudzi, Lubumbashi, Kinshasa, Kilimanjaro, Juba, Zanzibar, among many other regional points across Africa. Additionally, as part of a bilateral interline arrangement, Emirates passengers travelling via Dubai can also book a single ticket itinerary from or to Mombasa, one of the most popular leisure destinations in Kenya. Similarly, Kenya Airways passengers travelling from Nairobi and Mombasa will now be able to access the Emirates’ network and seamlessly connect through Dubai to 23 destinations across West and South Asia, the Far East, the Indian Ocean and Middle East such as Singapore, Tokyo, Bangkok, Ahmedabad, Beirut, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Seoul among others. Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates said, “We are pleased to ink our first partnership with Kenya’s flag carrier. Kenya is a strategic gateway in our Africa network, and this new interline agreement will enhance connectivity for Emirates’ customers and provide them more travel choices across the continent. We look forward to deepening our relationship with Kenya Airways, offering greater network opportunities and improving connections for both of our customers.” Speaking on the agreement Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Kenya Airways said, “This partnership will provide the ideal gateway for our customers as we seek to increase our connectivity between Africa …

Oman Air has announced the expansion of its flight services to Bahrain and Doha, offering passengers increased convenience and flexibility. As of this month, the airline is operating 11 flights per week between Muscat and Bahrain, while flights between Muscat and Doha will increase from 21 to 35 a week on 24 June. Part of its summer schedule, the airline is offering a range of convenient timings, from early in the morning to late at night, enabling guests to seamlessly plan business trips, weekend getaways and even daytrips. Connecting Muscat to major cities across the GCC, Oman Air also offers 35 flights a week to Dubai, 21 flights a week to Riyadh and Jeddah, and 14 flights a week to Kuwait. Meanwhile, it continues to cater to the increasing number of Muscat-based travellers who are choosing to holiday in the region. Wherever the destination, the enhanced flight schedule allows travelers to optimise their plans and enjoy a smooth and seamless travel experience.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Emirates will host the 80th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 2-4 June 2024. “We look forward to gathering the aviation industry in Dubai for the 80th IATA AGM in 2024. Dubai is a dynamic city and a major aviation hub connecting the world. The UAE’s positive approach to aviation has built a strong airline with a strong hub airport. Together, these make an enormously powerful and positive contribution to the society and economy of the UAE. Holding the AGM in Dubai will be a showcase of what can be achieved by aviation with supportive government policies and decisions,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “Emirates is delighted to host the 80th IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit. We look forward to welcoming all our aviation industry colleagues to Dubai in 2024,” said Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline. The decision to host the 80th IATA AGM was made by the 79th AGM in Istanbul.  This will be the first time the UAE and Dubai will host the global gathering of aviation’s top leaders.

​As part of Kuwait Airways’ continuous efforts to expand its network of destinations and develop its services to the highest levels of quality, the company announced the launch of its first scheduled commercial flights to the city of Antalya in the Republic of Turkey, with two flights a week on Mondays and Thursdays, commencing from 1 June 2023, and as part of its summer schedule for this year.  The Director of Network Planning at Kuwait Airways, Mrs. Shorouk Al-Awadhi stated, “We are pleased to announce the launch of our first scheduled flights to the city of Antalya in Turkey. Selecting Antalya as a destination complements the plans set by the company to expand its network of routes around the world, and to new destinations that will meet the requirements and preferences of its valued customers. The choice of Antalya as a destination comes after comprehensive research, taking into consideration the travel requirements of our customers. Kuwait Airways also focuses on launching other new destinations to Turkey due to the increasing demand from our valued customers, especially in the summer, the feasibility of these destinations and its benefits for the company. The Blue Bird will fly to five destinations in the Turkish Republic namely, Sabiha, Istanbul, Trabzon, Bodrum and Izmir.” Al-Awadhi added that Kuwait Airways is relentlessly striving to provide its passengers with diverse options for meeting their travel requirements with better services with the inclusion of new destinations, as well as offering them every means of comfort during their travel on board, starting from providing reservations for customers through all available channels and providing them appropriate services, from the check-in at Terminal 4, completing their travel procedures with ease and …

​Within the framework of Kuwait Airways’ relentless endeavours to provide the best services to its valued customers, and with the advent of the summer travel season of 2023, along with the growth of passenger traffic, KAC announced the signing of an agreement with the Turkish healthcare group, Acibadem Hospitals, to provide discounts on medical services and to examine emergency cases for its Premium Class customers of Royal, First, and Business classes in the city of Istanbul from 1st July 2023. In this regard, the Head of the Medical Center at Kuwait Airways, Dr Mohammad Al-Qenai stated, “Kuwait Airways continues its unremitting efforts to provide various diverse services to its valued customers, as the company signed an agreement with Acibadem Hospitals, one of the largest providers of health care services and treatment regionally. This service will be provided to Kuwait Airways’ customers from the start of the summer travel season of 2023, witnessing the growth of travel and passenger traffic. This is a continuation of many services provided by Kuwait Airways to its valued customers, from the start of the current year and with a chain of hospitals with which agreements will be signed shortly and in addition to such services in Bangkok, Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah.” Al-Qenai explained, “Kuwait Airways is currently studying the expansion of similar agreements with health care providers in numerous cities around the world, especially in Europe such as London, Manchester, Paris, Geneva and other important cities in Europe.” Al-Qenai pointed out that this step comes within the company’s objective to meet the requirements of Kuwait Airways’ passengers of the Premium classes and to provide them with various solutions and services. Moreover, this is in line …

SAUDIA proudly launched its inaugural flight from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to Gatwick International Airport in London. Gatwick Airport holds the second position among the United Kingdom’s airports. This launch is part of the implementation stages of the airline’s new strategy, aimed at expanding its reach to new international destinations, and connecting the world to the Kingdom, based on marketing and operational studies. It aligns with the vision of SAUDIA Group to operate flights to 25 destinations across 3 continents. The inaugural flight of SAUDIA, SV119, departed from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to the city of London. The event was attended by Mrs. Cecille El Beleidi, the British Consul General in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Mr. Mohammed Baakdhah, Vice President of Ground Operations at SAUDIA. The inauguration ceremony was held at the AlFursan Lounge, signaling the departure of the first flight at the airport. Mohammad Baakdhah highlighted the importance of strengthening relations between the two countries through the launch of new destinations by SAUDIA to Gatwick Airport, and soon to Birmingham. These additions will join the existing flights to London Heathrow Airport and Manchester International Airport. He further explained that the increase in destinations is accompanied by an unprecedented development of the SAUDIA fleet, ensuring the achievement of operational targets, in addition to continuous improvement in the digital service system.

Oman Air announced the return of its popular Maldives flight, starting 24 June 2023. With four weekly direct flights to the capital and easy access to the islands, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Starting from just OMR 149 per person, guests can plan a quick weekend getaway or a relaxing summer holiday with a choice of the following times: Flight Number Date Destination Timing From To Departure Arrival WY 381   Saturday, Sunday Muscat Malé 0210 0720 WY 382 Saturday, Sunday Malé Muscat 0920 1220 WY 383 Friday, Saturday Muscat Malé 0840 1350 WY 384 Friday, Saturday Malé Muscat 1505 1805 Oman Air has increased a number of its flights for the peak summer season, including Moscow, Bangkok, Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur, offering guests excellent value, convenient timings, and seamless connectivity. Moreover, guests can have their entire trip taken care of with a range of tailored packages from Oman Air Holidays. Tickets can be purchased through omanair.com, the Oman Air app, the Call Centre, any Oman Air sales office and official travel agents.  

Qatar Airways will be resuming a scheduled non-stop service between Tokyo International Airport  (“Haneda”) and Hamad International Airport, commencing on 1 June 2023. Qatar Airways will operate its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft, equipped with 36 award-winning Qsuite Business Class seats and 247 Economy Class seats. In addition to the existing Narita-Doha service, the resumption of daily flights from Haneda Airport will increase the flight frequency from the greater Tokyo area from seven to 14 flights a week. Travellers from Tokyo will be able to enjoy seamless connections to over 160 destinations using the World Best Airline’s extensive global network, including popular destinations across Africa, Eurpore, the Middle East and more, through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ accolade for the ninth time in a row. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “The resumption of the Tokyo Haneda-Doha service follows our major network expansion announced at ITB Berlin 2023, which will see an extra 655 weekly flights in 2023 compared to 2022. Japan remains a significant market for Qatar Airways and its passengers, and in addition to Haneda, the airline will soon be resuming flighs to Osaka this year.” Qatar Airways Regional Manager for Japan and Korea, Shinji Miyamoto, said, “We are very pleased to announce the resumption of flights to Haneda Airport due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also very pleased that Japanese customers will be able to experience Qatar Airways’ award-winning business class, Qsuite, which is being introduced for the first time ever in Japan. Qatar is scheduled to host various world-class events this year following the successful FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, including the coveted …