Category Archives: Aviation

Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan, announced a strategic drive to elevate the national carrier’s customer experience through innovative partnerships. Over the past year, the airline signed a landmark agreement with Saudi Railways Company (SAR), enabling passengers to book Haramain High-Speed Railway tickets directly with the airline. It also launched a diploma program in aviation sciences with the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training to build future talent. Strengthened alliances with Saudia, Amadeus, and FlexFlight further expand travel options, digital solutions, and seamless connectivity for passengers.

SalamAir announced a strategic expansion of its global distribution reach through a new dual partnership with Hahnair. This collaboration will make SalamAir flights even more accessible to travel agents and passengers across 190 markets. Through Hahnair’s interline products, SalamAir’s flights are now available for ticketing under the airline’s own OV code in the Sabre Global Distribution System (GDS), as well as under Hahnair Technologies’ X1 code in major GDSs. This dual access enables travel agents to conveniently book and issue tickets on SalamAir through standard reservation and ticketing procedures in Sabre GDS. “Partnering with Hahnair significantly strengthens our commercial distribution strategy, enabling us to tap into new sales channels and reach travel agents in 190 markets”, said Steven Allen, Chief Commercial Officer of SalamAir. “By expanding our booking and ticketing accessibility, we are creating more opportunities to drive sales, grow our international footprint, and position SalamAir competitively in key markets.” With this partnership, SalamAir continues to advance its mission of making air travel more accessible, affordable, and reliable for passengers worldwide. By combining an expanding network, a modern fuel-efficient fleet, and strong global distribution capabilities, the airline is well-positioned to capture new market opportunities, support Oman’s connectivity, and deliver greater value to its customers and trade partners.

As part of its ongoing efforts to facilitate travel procedures for its valued passengers, Kuwait Airways has announced the launch of a self-service check-in system at Terminal 4 (T4). This service enables passengers to complete self-check-in procedures, including baggage weighing and the issuance of boarding passes. Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan, stated, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to announce the launch of the self-check-in service, which enables passengers to weigh their baggage and issue their boarding passes, without the need for staff assistance, thereby completing the procedures quickly.” Al-Fagaan stated that this initiative is part of Kuwait Airways’ ongoing efforts to facilitate the check-in process for passengers, ensure the smooth completion of travel procedures, and reduce congestion, particularly with the onset of the busy summer travel season. He added that the company will soon release an instructional video to guide passengers on how to complete the procedures easily and conveniently. Al-Fagaan emphasized Kuwait Airways’ commitment to ensuring a seamless travel experience for its valued passengers—beginning from the moment they enter the terminal, through the efficient completion of all travel procedures, and continuing onboard, where they are provided with exceptional service by the cabin crew, in addition to enjoying state-of-the-art entertainment programs, and a comfortable, relaxing flight. He pointed out that Kuwait Airways is committed to providing the most advanced and best services that reflect its dedication to its valued passengers, which has contributed to increased customer satisfaction and an enhanced travel experience. He explained that the company spares no effort in ensuring all means of comfort for its customers. Al-Fagaan concluded his statement by reaffirming Kuwait Airways’ commitment to its strategic goal of delivering the highest standards of service quality, …

Qatar Airways has selected The New Terminal One at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) as its new home in New York. The carrier will move its operations to the state-of-the-art terminal in 2026 and unveil a premium, 15,000-square-foot Qatar Airways lounge – the airline’s first dedicated lounge in both New York City and the United States. The airline’s move to the New Terminal One and the opening of its first dedicated lounge at JFK Airport is in line with Qatar Airways’ commitment to delivering an exceptional travel experience, and reflects the strategic importance of New York City in Qatar Airways’ global network. Offering efficient direct access to the boarding gate from Qatar Airways’ exclusive lounge, the new facility will provide an elevated experience featuring premium food and beverage options and best-in-class amenities including VIP check-in services, relaxation zones, prayer rooms, children’s play areas, premium dining options, and duty-free shopping for Qatar Airways Business Class passengers. In partnership with Qatar Airways, the New Terminal One will deliver an exceptional guest experience from arrival to departure. The terminal’s modern architecture, light-filled spaces and advanced technology will ensure a seamless and relaxing customer journey that complements Qatar Airways’ world-renowned onboard service. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We, at Qatar Airways, look forward to launching our operations at JFK Airport’s New Terminal One and welcoming Qatar Airways Business Class passengers to our first-ever exclusive lounge in the US. Our new state-of-the-art lounge will provide an enhanced experience at each touchpoint and complement our industry-leading Business Class travel experience. From dedicated airport transfers to VIP check-in to the finest of retail and dining options, premium passengers …

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi launched new seasonal flights between Abu Dhabi and Yekaterinburg in Russia. The seasonal flights, which will operate during the winter season, reflect the airline’s commitment to offering convenient and affordable travel options for customers travelling between the two countries during peak travel periods. The non-stop service will commence on 27 October 2025 and continue through 27 March 2026, between Zayed International Airport and Yekaterinburg’s Koltsovo International Airport with a frequency of two flights per week. This route further complements Air Arabia Group’s broader network between the UAE and Russia, with Yekaterinburg accessible through non-stop flights from Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and now Abu Dhabi. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi operates a modern fleet of 12 Airbus A320 aircraft, the most modern and best-selling single aisle aircraft in the world. Offering passengers, a value-added onboard experience, the aircraft is equipped with ‘SkyTime’, its complementary in-flight streaming service, and ‘SkyCafe’, its onboard menu. Passengers can also benefit from ‘Air Rewards’, the most generous loyalty program in the region. Customers can now book their direct flights between the two cities by visiting Air Arabia’s website, by calling the call centre, or through travel agencies.

flydubai has taken delivery of seven new aircraft so far in 2025, with a further five Boeing 737 MAX 8s scheduled to join its fleet before the end of the year. These additions form an integral part of the airline’s strategic growth plans, enabling the continued expansion of its network, enhancing operational efficiency and increasing capacity on existing routes. The seven new aircraft, received between April and August 2025, have seen the flydubai fleet grow to 93 aircraft. Once all 12 aircraft have been delivered this year, flydubai’s fleet will stand at more than 95 aircraft, supporting the carrier’s growing network of more than 135 destinations in 57 countries. This expansion continues to open up underserved markets, creating more travel opportunities and further strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading global aviation hub. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “The arrival of these new aircraft is a testament to our long-term strategic vision and our confidence in the future of air travel. Our fleet investment supports our mission to offer greater choice, enhanced convenience and improved connectivity for our passengers. These deliveries are part of a backlog extensively delayed in recent years, and despite receiving 12 aircraft this year, we remain 20 aircraft behind our original projections.” “The continued interest from our financing partners highlights the strength of our business model and our commitment to contributing to the UAE’s leadership in global aviation. Looking ahead, these aircraft will enable us to unlock new destinations, optimise our operations and play an even greater role in supporting Dubai’s growth as an international aviation hub,” added Al Ghaith. The favourable response to the airline’s financing Request for Proposals (RFPs) and its ability …

In July 2025, Etihad carried 2.0 million passengers, a 19 per cent increase compared to July 2024, when the airline flew 1.7 million guests. The passenger load factor rose to 90 per cent, up from 89 per cent in the same month last year, reflecting strong demand and efficient capacity management. Etihad’s operating fleet now stands at 111 aircraft, supporting a growing network of 81 passenger destinations, up from 76 a year earlier. These figures underscore the airline’s ongoing investment in fleet and route development. Etihad welcomed 12.2 million passengers year-to-date, a 17 per cent increase over the same period in 2024. The average passenger load factor for 2025 so far is 88 per cent, compared to 86 per cent in the previous year. The airline’s rolling 12-month total has reached 20.3 million passengers, further solidifying its position among the region’s fastest-growing carriers. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “We continue to see strong momentum in our performance, with passenger numbers in July growing by 19 per cent year-on-year. “Our rolling 12-month total has surpassed 20 million for the first time in our history reflecting the trust our customers place in our service and the strength of our network. “Our fleet expansion continues with the notable arrival of our first A321LR. July was a record month, with five new aircraft joining Etihad, including two Boeing 787s, an Airbus A350-1000, an A320, alongside the inaugural A321LR. These additions reflect our commitment to growth and boosting capacity across our global network.”

AirAsia X (AAX) announced a long-awaited route to Istanbul, Türkiye, a city where East meets West. Travellers from Singapore can now access the heart of Türkiye with smooth connectivity via Kuala Lumpur. The new service between Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul will commence on 14 November 2025 with four weekly flights, strengthening AAX’s global footprint and offering more affordable travel options to one of the world’s most iconic destinations. This strategic launch marks AAX’s long-anticipated entry into Europe, opening a vital gateway linking Southeast Asia to Europe via one of the world’s most historically rich and geographically unique destinations. Straddling two continents across the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul offers travellers the rare opportunity to experience the best of both worlds. The airline will operate from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), a major hub with connections to over 117 international and 40 domestic destinations. This provides guests from Southeast Asia even greater onward travel options, while giving travellers from Istanbul and beyond seamless access to AirAsia’s network of 130 destinations at unbeatable value. Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X said: “Istanbul has always been a dream destination for many of our guests, and its launch marks another proud moment in our journey to rebuild stronger than ever. Hot on the heels of our recent expansion into Central Asia, this long-awaited route takes us one step closer to delivering longer connectivity across continents. As the only city in the world built on two continents, Istanbul perfectly captures our vision to bridge Asia and beyond through affordable, medium-haul travel. This is a strategic decision that strengthens our network, creates more pathways for business collaboration, and enhances access to new experiences for travellers around the world. With …

Oman Air and Turkish Airlines announced a strategic Frequent Flyer Programme (FFP) Partnership to enhance the travel experience for their loyalty members from across the globe. With this partnership, members of each programme will access expanded mileage accrual opportunities across a broader global network. As of 1 August 2025, Turkish Airlines connects members of Miles&Smiles, its 21+ Million member-strong loyalty programme, to Muscat, Salalah and Khasab in Oman, and across the Oman Air network. In addition, members of Oman Air’s loyalty programme, Sindbad, will gain access to Turkish Airlines’ vast global network, with new earning opportunities across Türkiye, Europe, Middle East, Southeast Asia and, the Americas. “This latest loyalty agreement, part of our ongoing partnership, is a meaningful step in expanding the value of our Sindbad programme and strengthening Oman Air’s international reach,” adds Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer at Oman Air. “We look forward to offering our guests even more rewarding travel experiences around the world.” “Miles&Smiles becomes even more accessible with this agreement,” says Ahmet Olmuştur, Chief Commercial Officer at Turkish Airlines. “This partnership opens doors for our leisure and business travelers, simplifying their global journeys and making each trip a remarkable story.” This latest partnership demonstrates the airlines’ shared commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences for their respective guests. In addition to enhancing its loyalty offerings, Oman Air continues to grow its global footprint, with new destinations like Rome and Amsterdam and increased frequencies on key routes like London and Moscow, while continuing to strengthen codeshare partnerships with leading international carriers.

Qatar Airways and Accenture are joining forces to revolutionise the aviation industry through artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This strategic partnership aims to elevate customer experience, optimise operational efficiency and enhance overall airline group performance. As part of this partnership, Qatar Airways and Accenture has established ‘AI Skyways’ to further position the multi award-winning airline as a leader in aviation AI and advance technology in the region and beyond. AI Skyways will lay the foundation to deliver value-led AI initiatives across the Qatar Airways Group through its responsible AI practices, data and platform offerings, and value realisation office that will quantify and maximise the value of AI initiatives. These will accelerate the implementation of AI solutions across a variety of aviation use cases including optimising flight schedules, enhancing predictive maintenance, and personalising customer interactions, allowing Qatar Airways to focus on delivering exceptional travel experiences. In addition, this will allow Qatar Airways to explore future trends and applications of AI in the aviation industry, to ensure sustained growth and adaptation, thereby strengthening its resilience to changing market demands. Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “This partnership with Accenture to establish AI Skyways represents a significant milestone in our journey to become leaders in AI-driven aviation. AI Skyways will leverage AI to reimagine a spectrum of operations across Qatar Airways Group – from customer service to operations, to ensure that passengers enjoy a seamless and enriching travel experience. Furthermore, the partnership will focus on using AI for real-time data analysis to improve decision-making capabilities and operational responses.” This initiative plays a pivotal role in enabling Qatar Airways’ continuous journey to become a Digital-First organisation, leveraging AI and other …