Category Archives: Aviation

Air Canada announced new destinations and expanded services for travellers across Europe and Asia heading to Canada. Beginning next year, the airline will launch new non-stop routes from Catania in Sicily and Palma de Mallorca to Montréal, a key trans-Atlantic hub for the airline. From Budapest, Air Canada will re-establish direct flights to Toronto, alongside increased capacity to Prague. In addition, Air Canada’s popular Vancouver–Bangkok service will move from seasonal to year-round and direct flights from Shanghai to Toronto will also return, offering greater choice to travellers from Asia. “Air Canada’s continued international expansion reflects our bold ambitions and leverages our network reach and scale to capitalize on global travel demand driven by leisure travel trends, growing demand for services to Asia, and cargo development opportunities. Next summer, we will be launching exciting, new services to Montréal from Sicily and Mallorca, offering European customers direct access to one of Canada’s most dynamic cities and onward connections across North America. Air Canada is the first carrier to provide scheduled service from Sicily and Mallorca to Canada,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President, Cargo at Air Canada. “From Budapest, we are further strengthening our global hub in Toronto with the return of this celebrated international route, while increasing services from Prague. Combined with year- round flights between Vancouver and Bangkok, these strategic additions reinforce Air Canada’s global network as one of the most wide-reaching from North America, connecting our customers in Europe and beyond directly to Canada and onwards to all six inhabited continents.” All flights are available for sale at aircanada.com, through Air Canada Contact Centres and via travel agents.

Between 30 June and 31 August 2025, SalamAir operated 962 flights between Muscat, Sohar, and Salalah, compared to 658 flights in 2024, marking a 46% increase year-on-year. Seat capacity also expanded by37%, rising to192,540 seats in 2025. Almost 70% of passengers were Omani citizens, highlighting the popularity of Salalah as a national destination during Khareef. SalamAir supported this surge by introducing a special 48 OMR round-trip fare exclusively for Omanis, making travel more affordable and accessible for families and individuals eager to experience Dhofar’s unique beauty during the season. SalamAir announced record results during the Khareef 2025 season in Salalah, celebrating a successful summer that reflects the growing strength of domestic tourism, the airline’s expanding role in connectivity, and its contribution to Oman’s wider economic diversification goals. Adrian Hamilton-Manns, Chief Executive Officer of SalamAir, said: “Khareef 2025 has been a remarkable success story for SalamAir and for the Sultanate. These results are proof of the airline’s commitment to connecting Oman affordably, while supporting the growth of Salalah as one of the region’s most celebrated destinations. We are proud to play our part in bringing more people to Dhofar to enjoy its natural wonders, traditions, and hospitality. This season’s achievements reflect not only SalamAir’s growth but also the incredible appeal of Salalah during Khareef.” The achievements of Khareef 2025 also demonstrate the untapped potential of Oman’s domestic travel market. SalamAir continues to strengthen its role as a leading low-cost carrier in the region, bringing visitors to the Sultanate, supporting local tourism, and opening new opportunities for Omanis. Looking ahead, the airline remains committed to further expansion and to the long-term development of Salalah as an operational base, ensuring that Dhofar benefits from year-round …

flydubai announced a new interline agreement with TAROM expanding seamless travel options for passengers between the UAE, Romania, and key European destinations. The partnership will enable flydubai customers to connect via Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) to 15 destinations on TAROM’s network, including Athens, Amsterdam, Brussels, Cluj-Napoca, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Paris. Ramesh Anantharaman, Divisional Senior Vice President of Revenue Management and Business Effectiveness at flydubai, said the collaboration strengthens connectivity across Eastern and Central Europe, supporting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. “This agreement allows customers to enjoy simplified itineraries, single-ticket bookings, and through check-in for baggage to their final destination,” he added. TAROM’s General Manager, Costin Iordache, said the partnership is a natural step in enhancing regional and international connectivity, offering safe and convenient travel choices. flydubai has operated flights to Bucharest since 2012 and currently runs double daily services. The airline will expand further in Romania with new flights to Iași starting 19 September 2025. flydubai’s network spans more than 135 destinations across 57 countries.

Oman Air is highlighting its digital-first approach at the flagship technology exhibition. The airline is using the platform to demonstrate its role as a modern, innovative carrier and share insights on the transformative impact of digitalisation in aviation. During the conference, Oman Air’s Commercial and Digital teams discussed the airline’s digital journey, which has enhanced guest experiences, streamlined ancillary services, and enabled smarter retailing. Chief Commercial Officer Mike Rutter emphasised that these initiatives reflect Oman Air’s strategy to make travel simpler, smarter, and more rewarding, while supporting the growth of Oman’s digital ecosystem. Key digital initiatives include the launch of a new online booking platform, Oman Air Holidays, revamped website and mobile app, flexible fare bundles, and the revitalization of the Sindbad loyalty programme. Direct sales have risen to over 70%, reducing reliance on third-party channels. The airline is also using AI to improve customer service and booking processes. COMEX 2025 runs until 11 September at the Oman Conference and Exhibition Centre, where visitors can explore Oman Air’s innovative digital solutions at its dedicated booth.

Emirates will deploy its Airbus A350 to Hangzhou, China on its daily service from 26 October 2025. Coming just three months after its inaugural service, the deployment reinforces Emirates’ steadfast commitment to providing an outstanding experience for travellers to and from its newest destination in Chinese mainland. The Emirates A350 will operate on flight EK310 which departs from Dubai International Airport at 04:15hrs and arrives in Hangzhou at 16:00hrs; the return flight, EK311, departs Hangzhou at 00:10hrs, landing in Dubai at 06:10hrs.* Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said, “Over the last year we have made significant investments in our operations to Chinese mainland, creating meaningful impact through the launch of brand-new destinations and providing an elevated in-flight experience with our latest products. Introducing the A350 to Hangzhou is the natural next step, as we continue to bring the latest and greatest that Emirates has to offer to China’s skies. The A350 is an exciting addition to our fleet mix, adding a new dynamic to our existing operations in China. We look forward to welcoming passengers from Hangzhou on the new Emirates A350 soon.” The A350 is the first new aircraft model to join the Emirates fleet since 2008, complementing the existing line-up of Boeing 777s and A380s, both of which serve Chinese mainland. Kitted out in the airline’s latest signature interiors, the A350 features sleek and spacious cabins, with extra high ceilings and wider aisles in all classes. Designed around customer comfort, the aircraft features seamless technology touchpoints and ground-breaking inflight entertainment to elevate the passenger experience. The deployment of the A350 also introduces Premium Economy to Hangzhou, expanding Emirates premium offering to and from the city. …

As the Official Airline Partner of FIFA and the Authorised Travel Package Provider, the leisure arm of Qatar Airways will offer fans a seamless solution covering flights, accommodation, official match tickets, and transfers. Steven Reynolds, Senior Vice President of Qatar Airways Holidays and Discover Qatar, said the airline is committed to delivering “exceptional packages” that support fans worldwide, ensuring a smooth journey from their homes to the stadium. The FIFA World Cup 26, featuring 48 teams and 16 Host Cities, is expected to be the largest in history. Packages include ticket-inclusive and refundable options under the ‘Follow My Team Series,’ along with Gold and Silver packages for knockout and final rounds. Fans can also benefit from Category 1 match tickets, prime-location hotels, and match-day transfers. With over 170 gateways and global partnerships, Qatar Airways aims to connect football enthusiasts to the world’s biggest sporting event with unmatched convenience.

Saudia announced a strategic partnership with Trip.Biz, the all-in-one digital platform for corporate travel management. The collaboration aims to redefine business travel by combining Saudia’s extensive airline network with Trip.Biz’s smart digital tools, making corporate journeys seamless and efficient. The announcement was made during Transform, Trip.Biz’s flagship conference in Singapore, which showcased the latest innovations and solutions in business travel management to industry leaders and corporate clients. Under the partnership, Saudia will provide Trip.Biz access to corporate fares and promotional offers, while supporting joint marketing initiatives. Trip.Biz will promote the airline across relevant customer accounts and provide visibility into key opportunities, helping drive stronger corporate sales performance. Ian Blackie, General Manager of Global Corporate Accounts at Saudia, said the collaboration aligns with the airline’s strategy to enhance guest experience using advanced technologies across trip planning, booking management, and after-sales services. The partnership also reinforces Saudia’s ongoing digital transformation, including AI-powered solutions to streamline operations, boost competitiveness, and deliver innovative products that meet the highest global standards.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Sabre’s EmQuest have officially launched Season 3 of their Exclusive Promotion to reward outstanding travel agents across the UAE. Running from 01–30 September 2025, this exciting campaign offers travel professionals the chance to win a trip for two to either the Philippines or Bali, Indonesia, complete with tickets and accommodation. The promotion is designed to recognize the hard work of travel agents and encourage them to showcase PAL’s world-class service and connectivity to their customers. “Travel agents are an integral part of our success story in the Middle East and across the EMEA region,” said Josh Vasquez, Regional Head–EMEA, Philippine Airlines. “Through this partnership with EmQuest, we are not only rewarding excellence but also inspiring agents to continue promoting the beauty of the Philippines and beyond. This campaign reflects PAL’s commitment to building stronger relationships with our valued trade partners.” Andrew Dowling, General Manager of Sabre’s EmQuest, added: “EmQuest and our good partners at Philippine Airlines are pleased to launch the 3rd Season of our popular promotion to give our valued travel agency customers the opportunity to experience the excellent in-flight service onboard PAL to a destination in the Philippines and Bali by simply booking and issuing PAL tickets through Sabre.” Campaign Highlights: • Sales Period: 01–30 September 2025 • Travel Period: No restrictions apply • Prizes: • Top seller to the Philippines: Trip for two with tickets and accommodation in Manila • Top seller to beyond Philippines: Trip for two with tickets and accommodation in Bali • Eligibility: Applicable for all new tickets issued via Sabre under UAE PCC during the sales period, including deal fares. Winners will be announced by 10 November 2025, with prizes …

Gulf Air flights to El Alamein will operate seasonally, starting from 2026, on the Airbus 320 aircraft, which features a modern and comfortable cabin to provide a pleasant travel experience. This is in line with the airline’s vision of enhancing its passengers’ travel experiences and meeting their diverse travel needs. The launch of El Alamein as a Gulf Air seasonal destination closely follows the official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to the Arab Republic of Egypt. This initiative underscores the continued commitment to deepening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Arab Republic of Egypt across multiple sectors. This offers travellers the opportunity to explore this beach destination with its distinctive history, scenery, and exciting activities. Gulf Air has been operating flights to and from Egypt since 1974. Historically, the airline operated flights to both Sharm El Sheikh and Alexandria as seasonal destinations and is currently operating a double daily service to Cairo.

EGYPTAIR and Huawei announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing corporate travel and accelerating Egypt’s digital transformation. The collaboration includes a Business Travel Agreement, establishing EGYPTAIR as the official airline partner for Huawei employees, and a Memorandum of Understanding to integrate Huawei’s advanced ICT and AI solutions into EGYPTAIR’s operations. Captain Ahmed Adel, Chairman and CEO of EGYPTAIR Holding Company, described the partnership as a strategic leap that will modernize the airline’s technical infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and elevate the passenger experience. By combining EGYPTAIR’s aviation expertise with Huawei’s digital innovations, the airline aims to expand globally and attract diverse customer segments. Captain Mohamed Elian, CEO of EGYPTAIR Airlines, emphasized the global scope of the agreement, highlighting exclusive services for Huawei travelers across EGYPTAIR’s network of over 80 destinations. The partnership aligns with the airline’s fleet modernization and network expansion plans. Huawei representatives, including Lang Cao and Dou Yong, expressed their commitment to supporting Egypt’s digital economy. Through Huawei’s Smartcom platform and long-standing presence in Egypt’s ICT sector, the company aims to strengthen cross-continental business ties and contribute to the modernization of Egypt’s aviation industry.