Category Archives: Aviation

Singapore Airlines (SIA) customers and staff will enjoy the most comprehensive free unlimited Wi-Fi access in the airline industry from 1 July 2023, when the service is extended to all travellers in all cabin classes, including Premium Economy Class and Economy Class. This enhanced Wi-Fi offering will be available virtually across the entire aircraft fleet1 and almost the entire global SIA route network. As a result, customers across all cabin classes will be able to stay connected with loved ones, work online, or keep up to date with the latest news or their social media feeds, even from 36,000 feet in the sky. To enjoy this service, customers must enter their KrisFlyer membership details at the point of booking through the Manage Booking online option, or at check-in. Non-KrisFlyer members may also sign up for their free membership online or on board their flight via the SIA digital content portal on their personal mobile devices to enjoy the complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi. Suites, First Class, and Business Class customers, as well as PPS Club members2 will continue to enjoy access to free unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi. Since February 2023, KrisFlyer members travelling in Premium Economy Class and Economy Class have enjoyed complimentary three- and two-hour Wi-Fi surf plans respectively. Mr Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Vice President Customer Experience, Singapore Airlines, said: “In today’s increasingly hyper-connected world, high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity is one of the most important requirements for our customers. Giving them access to free unlimited Wi-Fi is yet another milestone in SIA’s continuous effort to offer an exceptional end-to-end travel experience. With this enhanced offering, our customers will be empowered to stay connected, entertained, and productive, even at 36,000 feet in …

Qatar Airways has signed a deal with Shell to source 3,000 metric tonnes of neat Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at Amsterdam Schiphol airport. It encompasses the existing jet fuel contract with Shell at Amsterdam which will now see Qatar Airways using at least a 5 per cent SAF blend over the contract period for the fiscal year 2023-2024. The Qatar Airways bilateral agreement with Shell is part of a wider effort initiated by the oneworld alliance, which has a set target of using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for 10% of combined fuel volumes by 2030. Qatar Airways is the first carrier in the Middle East and Africa to procure a large SAF amount in Europe beyond government SAF mandates. SAF offers significant potential for decarbonisation as neat SAF can reduce full lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.[1] This means that Qatar Airways will be reducing its emissions on flights from Amsterdam by approximately 7,500 tonnes of CO2 for the fiscal year. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “At Qatar Airways, we are strongly committed to supporting the industry’s effort to ramp-up the use of sustainable aviation fuel, as one of the key pillars to decarbonise the aviation industry. Last year, we signed our first offtake agreement in the US, and now we are placing a multi-million US dollar SAF deal in Amsterdam to illustrate our SAF commitment and reiterate our calls for a more robust SAF supply chain across our global network”. “We remain steadfast in our ambitious target of 10 per cent SAF use by 2030 and this  announcement, establishes another landmark for Qatar Airways that underlines the positive …

The Hajj Committee at Dubai Airports convened recently to discuss comprehensive preparations to facilitate the smooth and seamless travel of Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year. The committee, which comprises key service partners including Dubai Police, the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai Customs, Dubai Health Authority, flydubai, Emirates, Saudi Airlines, and flynas, among others, aims to deliver an exceptional airport experience for the pilgrims across all terminals at DXB. Mohammad Al Marzouqi, Head of the Hajj Committee, emphasised on the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders and service partners as the key to maintaining service quality especially during annual peak travel seasons. Dubai Airports is committed to providing world-class passenger facilities and services, to ensure the comfort, convenience, and safety of all guests arriving at and departing from DXB.

Kuwait Airways announced the inauguration of its Elite Lounge at the Terminal 4, designated for Royal and First Class passengers, in addition to Platinum Card holders of the Oasis Club. The Elite Lounge was inaugurated by Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Ali M. Al-Dukhan, KAC’s Board Members, and the Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Airways, Eng. Maen Razouqi, in the presence of the Acting Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Mr. Saleh Al-Fadaghi, the Director General of the General Department of Airport Security at the Ministry of Interior, Brigadier General Essa Al-Failakawi, the CEO of Incheon Korea Airports Management Company, Mr. Jung June Ahn and various officials representing Kuwait Airways, Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Interior.  As part of the inauguration, a tour of the lounge was conducted for the officials, highlighting the various services available to the customers. On the side lines of the inauguration, Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Ali Al-Dukhan felicitated the attendees on the opening of the Elite Lounge at Terminal 4, revealing the new image of the Blue Bird, which was announced in the beginning of this year. At the same time, Al-Dukhan also commended the efforts extended by Kuwait Airways’ employees in implementing and completing the preparations of the lounge with a high level of efficiency and in a short time, to provide distinguished services to the passengers of Royal and First Class. Moreover, Al-Dukhan expressed his happiness at the opening of the Elite Lounge, held in the presence of officials from Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Interior and extended appreciations to them for their continuous support and cooperation. He indicated that the opening of the Elite Lounge comes within the …

Google Cloud and Qatar Airways have agreed to collaborate to set out the airline’s intention to explore leveraging Google Cloud’s data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to create superior customer experiences for its passengers. In 2022, Qatar Airways carried 18.5 million passengers across 150 destinations worldwide. This large volume of passengers drives an abundance of structured and unstructured data to the airline’s digital transformation unit. The proposed collaboration with Google Cloud is intended to help bring deeper meaning to Qatar Airways’ customer data through the power of Google’s data analytics, AI and machine learning (ML) solutions, including BigQuery and Vertex AI. This, in turn, will enable the airline to enhance the travel experience for passengers, providing them with offerings personalized to their individual needs, travel trends, and past travel history. Qatar Airways Chief Information Officer, Mr. A.T. Srinivasan, said, “Qatar Airways is a highly respected aviation leader which has always set benchmarks with its globally recognised and award-winning customer service. Google Cloud brings us the opportunity to build elasticity and scalability on demand, as we increasingly look to leverage both structured and unstructured data to personalise customer and employee experience. We will also leverage Google’s highly secure and diverse set of Cloud service offerings for optimising our airline and airport operations particularly in the areas of aircraft inventory, flight operations both on ground and in the air, as well as airport operations. We also look forward to collaborating with Google Cloud to try out some of their cutting-edge technology through this long-term partnership. The presence of a Cloud in Qatar gives us the assurance that our data stays in-country and we can focus on data and AI/ML led innovation …

Qatar Airways announces a codeshare agreement with Air Seychelles allowing passengers on both networks seamless travel to one of the world’s most exotic and unique destinations. Qatar Airways serves over 160 destinations worldwide and connects travellers from Africa, America, Asia  and Europe easily to and from Seychelles through its hub in Doha, Hamad International Airport (HIA). Moreover, Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can also earn and spend Avios at almost 200 outlets at Qatar Duty Free (QDF). Currently, Qatar Airways operates a daily flight between HIA and Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), located on the Island of Mahé, near the capital city of Victoria, with a morning arrival and evening departure from Mahé Island. Because of this new codeshare agreement, Qatar Airways will place its code on Air Seychelles’ operated flights between Mahé and Praslin and enable passengers to continue their journey conveniently using a single booking. Praslin is home to the pristine Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site along with palm-fringed beaches, like Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio, both bordered by large granite boulders. Passengers can book their travel with both airlines, through online travel agencies, as well as with local travel agents. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Our strategy of facilitating connectivity to African markets through partnerships is in line with this enhanced cooperation with Air Seychelles. Our two airlines are pleased to work together to benefit passengers with more travel choices and to support the tourism industry in Seychelles.” Air Seychelles maintains its domestic network with a fleet of five Twin Otter TurboProps operating between Mahé and Praslin as well as charter flights. The airline celebrated 45 …

Emirates has announced an exciting new offer for travellers planning to visit Dubai this summer. Starting from 22 May to 11 June 2023, people who purchase an Emirates return ticket in First Class or Business Class to or stopping over in Dubai, will be able to enjoy a complimentary two night stay at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central. While those travelling in Premium Economy Class or Economy Class can enjoy a complimentary one night stay at Novotel World Trade Centre, Dubai.* This special offer is valid for all return tickets to or stopping over in Dubai for more than 24 hours, for travel dates between 26 May 2023 and 31 August 2023. The offer is available on bookings made on emirates.com, Emirates call centre or ticket offices, and via participating travel agents, made at least 96 hours in advance of passengers’ arrival. Based right next to Dubai’s iconic Museum of the Future, the 5* 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central draws inspiration from traditional Bedouin culture and design, but with a modernised twist. Lose yourself in a culinary experience from North Indian Cuisines to Bavarian beer across the five amazing in-house restaurant and bars all over the hotel. If you’re looking to relax, travellers can unwind in the Extra Hour Spa, a unique, rooftop sauna that overlooks the stunning city of Dubai. Located within the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DWTC), Novotel World Trade Centre, Dubai, gives off a luxurious yet homely vibe right in the heart of the city. Relax by the pool and enjoy signature cocktails and light meals from Chills Pool Bar, and cap your adventure off with listening to a live music performance at the soul …

Launching mid-summer 2023, Emirates can reveal that its latest ad campaign and brand collaboration will feature Penelope Cruz. The Academy Award winning actor and philanthropist is already a fan of the Emirates brand and a frequent flyer who has visited Dubai multiple times. In exclusive behind-the-scenes footage shot onboard a signature Emirates A380 aircraft, Cruz revealed her passion for Emirates and the positive association she has with the brand stating that she was thrilled to partner with Emirates after years of traveling with the airline, on some of the most special trips of her life. The new TV spots will start to air globally from June 2023, in both English and Penelope’s native tongue of Spanish. With a thought provoking theme of ‘travel is not just about the end destination; ​it’s also about how you get there’, the short ads show Cruz sampling all the exclusive luxuries that Emirates First and Business Class customers experience as they Fly Better, from a crafted beverage in the A380 Onboard Lounge, to an indulgent shower above the clouds, cheering for a football game shown on live TV, to relishing generous helpings of luxury caviar. In other spots, she enjoys the spacious seats in Emirates’ new Premium Economy Class. She interacts with Emirates Cabin Crew in multiple languages and enjoys the wide variety of movies and content on Emirates’ award-winning ice inflight entertainment system, viewed on a huge 32-inch full HD LCD screen – the largest in the aviation industry. Cruz is also filmed using the personal temperature controls in her private First Class Suite, using bespoke binoculars to enjoy the sky-high views, and wearing the Emirates hydra-active moisturising pyjamas to settle in for …

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) and Saudi insurance company, Al-Rajhi Takaful have signed an agreement ensuring that guests traveling from the Kingdom have access to a comprehensive travel insurance policy which they can secure online. This partnership highlights SAUDIA’s commitment to expanding its after-sales services while enhancing passengers travel experience. The signing took place at SAUDIA’s Headquarters, in the presence of Captain Ibrahim Al-Koshy, CEO of SAUDIA, and Mr. Saud Ghonem Bin Ghonem, CEO of Takaful Al-Rajhi Insurance Company. Under this agreement, SAUDIA guests traveling from the Kingdom to various parts of the world will be equipped with a comprehensive travel insurance. SAUDIA guests will receive special prices on the travel insurance. The service can be used digitally during the completion of travel procedures through SAUDIA’s website (www.saudia.com) and smart phone application, the link will then direct users to the Al-Rajhi Takaful system to complete the process and benefit from a range of services, including cases of emergencies and claims. Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of SAUDIA said: “At SAUDIA enhancing guest experience and providing them with the best services is one of our main priorities. This includes our partnership with introducing Al Rajhi Takaful as we are witnessing increasing demand, indicating that what distinguishes this service is the ease of transition between SAUDIA and Al Rajhi Takaful systems. This agreement ensures the facilitation of the travel insurance purchasing process, while providing direct support to our guests to ensure their comfort and guarantee a travel experience worth repeating. These services, among others, are constantly reviewed and evaluated, while utilizing guests’ feedback to undertake developments that meet their expectations”. Saud Ghonem Bin Ghonem, CEO of Takaful Al-Rajhi said: “This agreement aligns with the …

SAUDIA has signed an agreement with global professional services firm Accenture paving the way for a digital transformation program that will make the airline’s guest experience seamless and highly personalized while improving operational efficiency. His Excellency the Director General of SAUDIA Group, Eng. Ibrahim bin Abdul Rahman Al-Omar and the Chief Executive Officer of Accenture, Julie Sweet, during a meeting to announce the new collaboration. Through this agreement, SAUDIA will use artificial intelligence technologies to significantly enhance its digital infrastructure and build more than 260 new digital and electronic services in two years. SAUDIA’s guests will be able to enjoy more personalized services and a smooth travel experience possible across the entire travel cycle, from ticket search and booking to check-in, and from in-flight services to post-sale support. All the digital systems developed by Accenture will be designed specifically for SAUDIA, increasing operational efficiency and reducing operational costs, thanks to a new enterprise-wide cloud-based data foundation. This agreement will include several tracks to enhance SAUDIA’s guest value and help deliver the company’s strategic objectives. Specific initiatives will include a digital experience studio, digital infrastructure decoupling that accelerates and de-risks digital transformation processes, modernization of technical systems, creation of a cloud data lake, and development of a smart guest care center. “SAUDIA is looking to reimagine how our guests can choose, buy and enjoy leisure, business, and religious experiences,” said Dr. Khaled Alhazmi, Chief Information Officer, SAUDIA. “With Accenture’s support, we will create seamless and curated journeys with hyper-relevant experiences across digital and human-driven interactions. Guests will be able to modify flights, purchase transit eVisas, and enjoy new self-service features across all digital channels.” “Through this strategic collaboration, our primary aim …