Category Archives: Aviation

Emirates has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Seychelles Tourism Board at Expo 2020. The agreement reaffirms the airline’s commitment to the island-nation and outlines joint initiatives to promote trade and tourism to the country. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ SVP Commercial West Asia & Indian Ocean, and Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary Tourism Department, Tourism Seychelles. The agreement was signed in the presence of H.E. Mr Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister for Foreign Affairs & Tourism and Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer. The ceremony was also attended by Emirates executives: Orhan Abbas, SVP Commercial Operations Far East; Abdulla Al Olama, Regional Manager Commercial Operations Far East, West Asia & Indian Ocean; Oomar Ramtoola, Manager Indian Ocean Islands; Silvy Sebastian, Business Analysis Manager West Asia & Indian Ocean; and executives of Tourism Seychelles: Bernadette Willemin, Director General Destination Marketing Tourism Seychelles; and Noor Al Geziry, Tourism Seychelles Middle East Office. Ahmed Khoory, SVP Commercial West Asia & Indian Ocean at Emirates, said: “Emirates has shared strong ties with Seychelles since 2005 and the island nation remains a very important market for us. The agreement signed today is a strong testament to our commitment and support to the island-nation. We thank our partners for their ongoing support and we look forward to continue growing our successful partnership.” H.E. Mr Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister for Foreign Affairs & Tourism, said: “Emirates airline has been constant and steadfast with their support towards Seychelles and we are indeed grateful for that. Therefore, we would like to express our support for the coming year with the hope that it will be a better year for both Seychelles and the airline.” The …

Etihad Airways has announced the launch of flights to the holy city of Medina from 27 November 2021. Medina will be served three times weekly from Abu Dhabi using a modern two-class Airbus A321. Fatma Al Mehairi, Vice President Sales UAE at Etihad Airways, said: “We look forward to reconnecting Abu Dhabi with Medina, a city of enormous historic and religious significance for Muslims around the world. Our flights will support the growing demand for religious travel and strengthen the existing air links between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, a key travel market for Etihad Airways.” The service has been timed to provide religious, leisure and business travellers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia with convenient flight options as well as connect seamlessly to major cities in the Indian Subcontinent and Asia for those travelling to and from Medina through Abu Dhabi. Located in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, Medina is a three-hour flight from Abu Dhabi. The city is home to Prophet Mohammed’s Mosque and burial site and an important holy place for Muslim pilgrims. The country’s two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina are allowing full-capacity attendance for worshippers who are fully vaccinated following an easing of restrictions earlier in October 2021. Medina will be Etihad’s fourth destination in Saudi Arabia after Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh. The route was established in 2014 but was temporarily suspended in 2020 as a result of travel restrictions following the COVID-19 pandemic. Guests flying to Medina are not required to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated with either two doses of Pfizer, Oxford AstraZeneca or Moderna, or one dose of Johnson & Johnson, or have received two doses of Sinopharm …

With Australia’s borders set to re-open to international travellers from November, Emirates is welcoming the move by enhancing its operations to the country to meet pent up demand for travel into and out of Australia. With vaccination rates in New South Wales having reached their target, and Victoria being not far behind, the two states will allow vaccinated travellers to return to Australia without quarantine. In response to the easing of travel restrictions, from 2 November Emirates is stepping up the frequency on flights EK414/415 between Dubai and Sydney to daily operated by a Boeing 777-300ER. Flights to Melbourne will operate as a four-weekly service as EK408/409, with the potential to increase in line with demand. In another positive sign that the recovery is well underway for Australia, capacity on flights to Sydney and Melbourne will return to 100%, allowing 354 passengers across all cabins to travel on its flights. Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members will be able to enjoy unrestricted travel once again to and from the two points for the first time since the pandemic began, whether travelling abroad to global destinations for leisure or finally travelling home to visit family or friends, as long as they are vaccinated against COVID-19 with a TGA-approved vaccine. From 1 December, Emirates’ flagship A380 aircraft, will also return to the Australian skies once again, serving the Dubai-Sydney route, on a daily basis. The much-loved aircraft will offer 516 seats in a three-class configuration, with 426 seats in Economy Class, in addition to its premium cabins, with 76 and 14 seats in Business Class and First Class, respectively. Commenting on the airline’s ramp up of operations to Australia …

Emirates has reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with the Maldives by extending a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Tourism. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group met His Excellency Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of the Republic of the Maldives, at the Emirates Pavilion in Expo 2020. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Ahmed Khoory, SVP Commercial West Asia & Indian Ocean at Emirates and Dr Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism Maldives, and Mr Thoyyib Mohamed, CEO and Managing Director, Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation. The ceremony was also attended by: Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates; Abdulla Al Olama, Regional Manager Commercial Operations Far East, West Asia & Indian Ocean at Emirates; Chandana De Silva, Manager Sri Lanka and Maldives at Emirates; Hamad Ustadi, Business Analysis Manager at Emirates; Fathimath Nilfa, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tourism Maldives; Mohamed Khussan, Senior Policy Director Ministry of Tourism Maldives; and Fazeela Ali, Executive Director Ministry of Tourism Maldives. Ahmed Khoory, SVP Commercial West Asia & Indian Ocean at Emirates said: “Maldives is a very integral market in Emirates’ network and we are very pleased to be renewing our commitment to the island-nation today. Emirates has proudly served the country for more than 34 years and we look forward to continue strengthening our long-standing partnership, and to boosting the country’s trade and tourism industry.” Dr Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism Maldives, said: “With over 1,000 flights and visits from 170,000 passenger arrivals to the Maldives this year, Emirates Airline continues to be a very important partner in Maldives Tourism success story. Ministry of Tourism is confident that this tri-party MOU between …

Oman Air will resume flights between Muscat and Paris from 31st October 2021. The flights will operate three times weekly on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, departing Muscat at 14:45 local time and arriving in Paris at 19:25 local time. Flights from Paris will depart at 21:10 local time and arrive in Muscat at 07:10 local time on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. All flights are scheduled to operate with Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Oman Air will maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey to ensure that guests fly confidently. Masks are required when guests are on board the aircraft and in Oman’s airports. Distancing is maintained while guests board and exit the aircraft, which are carefully cleaned after each flight and at the end of every day. Cabin crew all wear a full set of personal protective equipment, meal service has been modified to further ensure safety, and a number of other measures have been implemented to ensure that the airline’s guests and crew are safe at all times. Guests who are planning to travel to Muscat should visit the Civil Aviation Authority website, caa.gov.om, to ensure they are prepared to comply with requirements to enter the Sultanate. Guests travelling to Paris should ensure they are aware of official requirements to enter or transit through the country. Guests departing from Oman should also ensure that they are aware of all pre-departure requirements and requirements during their flights, which are provided at omanair.com      

Qatar Airways has announced it will operate flights three times a week to Odesa, Ukraine from 9 December 2021, becoming the second destination to be served in Ukraine by the national carrier of the State of Qatar. The service will be operated by the airline’s state-of-the-art Airbus A320 featuring 12 seats in Business Class and 120 seats in Economy Class. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We have been operating to the Ukraine since August 2017 and our launch to Odesa marks a milestone in our history with the country. Odesa is rightly known as the pearl of the Black Sea and we look forward to bringing visitors from around the world to explore its rich cultural history as well as further afield along the coast and inland in the south west of Ukraine. “Equally we are excited to offer leisure travellers from Ukraine access to our expanding network such as our Indian Ocean winter sun destinations including the Maldives, the Seychelles and Zanzibar. The route will also connect Ukrainians with friends and family across the globe from Sydney, Dubai and Bangkok.” With flights to more than 85 destinations in Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East passengers wanting to travel to or from Odesa can now enjoy seamless connectivity via the ‘Best Airport in the World’, Hamad International Airport. Equally, passengers can look forward to great hospitality onboard delivered by our much admired cabin crew serving award-winning cuisine, and entertained with a huge variety of movies, TV shows and music on Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system. Environmental concerns are of huge importance to Ukrainian customers, and Qatar Airways’ strategic investment in a …

Qatar Airways Holidays has launched extensive travel packages for the inaugural FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021™ welcoming global football fans to enjoy the finest Qatari hospitality and follow their favourite team in person. The region’s showpiece tournament will take place from 30 November to 18 December, 2021. As Privilege Club is the Official Frequent Flyer Programme of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021™, members can earn double Qmiles when they purchase a travel package, including a hotel stay of three nights or more by 31 October 2021. New members who join Privilege Club can also enjoy a sign-up bonus of 1,500 Qmiles when using the enrolment code JOINMEPC21. Fans will be offered the flexibility to build their own package for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021™ which includes flights with Qatar Airways, the Official Airline Partner of FIFA. The ‘Build Your Own’ feature will give them the functionality to choose their preferred travel dates, hotel accommodation and match tickets. Customers can secure access to bookings by visiting https://www.qatarairwaysholidays.com/qa-en/fifa-arab-cup-2021/overview. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “Not only will this tournament showcase the country’s readiness for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, but it will help us unite football fans from the Middle East and North Africa. With over 140 destinations to choose from, our network will provide them seamless connectivity across the globe. It is time for us to kick off with these unique travel packages and give people a memorable taste of Qatari hospitality, and reignite the region’s collective passion for football.” The tournament will take place exactly a year before the much-awaited FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ inaugurates and will serve as an opportunity to …

Air Seychelles will operate a special return flight from Dubai to the Seychelles during the upcoming public holiday marking Commemoration and National Day in the UAE. Following the success of the seasonal flight routes launched earlier this year, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles has introduced a seven day return trip for UAE residents. The flight will depart Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 on Friday, 27 November 2021 at 8am whilst the returning flight will depart Seychelles on 3 December 2021 at 12.45pm. The convenient timings provide visitors with seven days and six nights in the Seychelles at an affordable rate. Economy Class travelers can take advantage of the attractive fares starting from USD340 (AED 1,250), whilst Business Class travelers can book their seats at the starting fares of USD1,020 (AED 3,743).  All fares are inclusive of taxes and flights are now on sale at www.airseychelles.com and through travel agents. All travelers to the Indian Ocean archipelago must hold a negative COVID 19 PCR certificate taken no more than 72 hours before departure regardless of vaccination status. Visitors must also complete the mandatory Health Travel Authorization at seychelles.govtas.com before arriving to the airport and observe existing health regulations including wearing face masks and social distancing during their visit. The flight schedule between Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 and the Seychelles are as follows: #Flight Origin    Destination         Departs                Arrives  Dates HM1015               Dubai    Seychelles           0800hrs 1230hrs Saturday, 27 November, 2021 HM1016               Seychelles           Dubai    1245hrs 1715hrs Friday, 3 December, 2021   The schedule shared is in the local time at each destination. Flights are subjected to government and regulatory approval including that of the health authorities at each destination. …

flydubai announced the start of flights to Sohar in Oman becoming the first airline to operate this route from Dubai. This is the carrier’s third destination in the Sultanate, alongside Muscat and Salalah. Flights to Sohar International Airport (OHS) will start on 04 November and will operate twice a week from Terminal 2 at Dubai International (DXB). Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “with demand for travel returning and as more countries continue to lift restrictions on international travel, we are pleased to announce the start of flights to Sohar in Oman. We are excited to further grow our network and give passengers more options to travel in the region, while welcoming passengers from Oman, especially those looking to visit Expo 2020 in Dubai.” Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Subcontinent and Africa) at flydubai, added: “we are pleased to expand our network in Oman by adding a third point to our network alongside our popular destinations Muscat and Salalah. This new direct route will enable free flows of trade and tourism and strengthen direct airlinks between Oman and the UAE.” Located on the Sultanate’s northern coast, Sohar is a port city known for its cultural heritage and trading. Visitors can explore the city’s tradition in Sohar’s century-old Fort and museum or stroll along the corniche along the waterfront and relax in one of the many restaurants. Sohar’s proximity to some of Oman’s most popular ravines, including Wadi Al Jizi and Wadi Salahi, attracts adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts from the region and beyond. flydubai’s passenger experience has been redesigned to enable travel in a safe environment that minimises crew and passenger contact and …

In a move aimed at projecting Jordan to the world as an attractive tourist destination, Royal Jordanian, the Kingdom’s national carrier, has placed Petra-inspired livery on one of its wide-bodied 787 aircraft, an event that brought together HRH Dana Firas the President of Petra National Trust and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Heritage, RJ Chairman of the Board Said Darwazeh, RJ Vice Chairman/CEO Samer Majali, Jordan Tourism Board members, all concerned authorities operating at QAIA, a number of social media influencers and RJ officials. Majali said: “Since its establishment, 58 years ago, RJ has assumed the responsibility of promoting Jordan’s tourism at home and abroad. RJ feels it is its duty, as a national carrier, to act as a bridge that connects Jordan to the world, and thus it has become the roving ambassador of Jordan.” The project was implemented in cooperation with Jordan Tourism Board to promote the red-rose city of Petra, which is a unique landmark in Jordan and became an attractive destination for tourists of different nationalities and cultures. Majali also urged the public and private sectors to exert more effort to help this fundamental sector thrive, mitigate the losses it sustained as a result of the COVID pandemic and help it recover. On the occasion, Royal Jordanian also presented to the invitees the improvements on meals added to its economy class menu. These include international, Oriental, Mexican and Italian food presented to economy class passengers. The meals change every two weeks and according to the destination. Majali said that the improved menu came in response to passengers’ demands and recommendations sent to Royal Jordanian through different channels. The airline, in cooperation with Dnata catering services, was …