Category Archives: Aviation

Etihad Airways and SAUDIA, announced a new reciprocal loyalty agreement, expanding on the existing codeshare deal between the two airlines. Members of the Etihad Guest and ALFURSAN programmes can now earn and redeem miles on flights across both carriers’ networks. Loyalty programme members from both airlines will also be able to earn Tier Miles and Tier Segments, helping them progress to the next tier level faster. In addition, members will be able to earn miles on Etihad and SAUDIA codeshare flights. Terry Daly, Executive Director Guest Experience, Brand & Marketing, Etihad Airways, said, “As the aviation industry begins to restart and guests return to the skies, this partnership strengthens the airlines’ commitment to growing inbound business and tourism in their respective markets. It complements Etihad’s existing codeshare agreement with SAUDIA and opens more destinations for Etihad Guest members to earn and spend their miles through travel.” Khalid Al-Bassam, Chief Commercial Officer, SAUDIA, commented, “We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with Etihad through this latest agreement, which further builds on our shared history of successful collaboration. By offering our guests more opportunities to earn miles we are bringing greater value, flexibility and convenience to their travel experience, which will help fuel growth in demand and contribute to our goal of enhancing the Kingdom’s aviation and tourism sectors.” The partners are also re-launching their codeshare cooperation beyond each other’s hubs. Under this extensive commercial partnership, which has seen more than 110,000 passenger journeys facilitated over the past two years, SAUDIA has added its ‘SV’ code to 15 destinations on the Etihad network in Saudi Arabia, Asia, the US and Europe. In addition, Etihad has added its ‘EY’ code to SAUDIA destinations …

Air Arabia has announced the resumption of direct flights between Sharjah and Prague, starting September 22, 2021. Customers can now book their direct flights between Sharjah and Prague by visiting Air Arabia’s website, by calling the call centre or through travel agencies. Ensuring the highest standards of safety at every step of the journey by following all health and safety protocols, Air Arabia has also added to the convenience and confidence of passengers by introducing free COVID-19 insurance coverage. The insurance is automatically included as part of the booking and no additional documents are required from passengers.

Air Arabia has announced the introduction of a new service to Sharm El Sheikh with direct flights from Sharjah starting on 29th June, 2021. Customers can now book their direct flights between Sharjah and Sharm El Sheikh by visiting Air Arabia’s website, by calling the call centre or through travel agencies. Ensuring the highest standards of safety at every step of the journey by following all health and safety protocols, Air Arabia has also added to the convenience and confidence of passengers by introducing free COVID-19 insurance coverage. The insurance is automatically included as part of the booking and no additional documents are required from passengers.

Etihad Airways will give away 10,000 prizes this week during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) taking place live in the UAE. The prizes form part of the airline’s commitment to giving away 50,000 prizes throughout the year in celebration of the UAE’s 50th Anniversary. Everyone signed up to the airline’s UAE 50 campaign will automatically be entered into the draw. Registering is simple and can be done at etihad.com/UAE50 or on the Etihad stand at ATM. Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Global Sales & Cargo, Etihad Airways, said, “Etihad is excited to be participating in ATM live this year, which is an important indicator of the UAE’s ability to host events safely. To mark the occasion, and in celebration of the UAE’s golden anniversary, the airline is giving away a phenomenal number of prizes this week and Etihad encourages everyone to take part in Etihad’s UAE50 campaign.” The prizes include free Business class flights, up to 50,000 bonus Etihad Guest Miles per winner, and travel vouchers. The winners will be announced on etihad.com and on the large screens at the Etihad stand at ATM. Winners will be notified by email in the coming weeks. Visitors who play the ‘Guess and Win’ game by Etihad Holidays at ATM will be in to win a one-night stay at a 5-star hotel in Abu Dhabi. Participating hotels include Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort and more. Signing up to Etihad’s UAE50 can be done with just a name and email address and is free to join. Throughout the golden jubilee year, Etihad will launch a number of activities and collaborations, from spotlighting …

Travellers flying from Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways, will be able to validate their Covid-19 travel documents before arriving at the airport. Guests can arrive at the airport with confidence and with peace of mind, knowing they have met all essential requirements before their flight. With the formalities out of the way, verified travellers can enjoy fast track check-in at the airport by going to the dedicated Verified to Fly desk for a quicker and smoother experience. Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Aviation Group said: “As Etihad continuously looks for innovative solutions to simplify the travel experience, Verified to Fly removes any guess work from the equation and makes check-in faster. Guests have total peace of mind knowing that when they arrive at the airport, they have already met all Covid travel requirements”.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi will commence flights to its latest destinations, Kiev, Bari, Salalah and Muscat. The flight to Ukraine’s capital city, Kiev will be operated three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; flights to Bari, Italy will be operated two times per week on Tuesdays and Saturdays; routes to Salalah, Oman will be operated two times per week on Wednesdays and Saturdays; and flights to the capital of Oman, Muscat will be operated three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Kees Van Schaick, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi said: “We’re excited to offer these new routes giving travellers sustainable options to explore new places. Travellers will be dazzled by the beautiful architecture found in every corner of Kiev, a wealth of history and gorgeous beaches in Bari, and the nature and diverse landscape found in Oman. Kiev, Bari, Salalah and Muscat are our next destinations in a series of new route announcements we have made, and will continue to make – we are committed to providing Abu Dhabi residents and tourists with new travel options and destinations at affordable prices.”

Air Arabia Egypt, has announced the introduction of a new service to the capital of Bahrain, Manama with direct flights from Cairo commencing on May 6, 2021. Customers can now book their direct flights between Cairo and Manama by visiting Air Arabia’s website, by calling the call centre or through travel agencies. Since COVID-19 outbreak, Air Arabia’s customer journey has been upgraded to include all safety measures that are in line with the highest international measures. Air Arabia’s entire fleet is fitted with HEPA cabin air filters, which help to provide a safer and healthier environment for passengers. Customers are always requested to comply with the conditions and requirements of the countries of departure and destination.

Air Arabia has announced the resumption of direct flights between Sharjah and Almaty starting May 21, 2021. Customers can now book their direct flights between Sharjah and Almaty by visiting Air Arabia’s website, by calling the call centre, or through travel agencies. Ensuring the highest standards of safety at every step of the journey by following all health and safety protocols, Air Arabia has also added to the convenience and confidence of passengers by introducing free COVID-19 insurance coverage. The insurance is automatically included as part of the booking and no additional documents are required from passengers.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has announced the introduction of a new service to Tashkent, capital city of Uzbekistan with direct flights from Abu Dhabi starting on June 24th, 2021. The new service represents the tenth route for Air Arabia Abu Dhabi since the launch of the carrier’s service from Abu Dhabi International Airport on July 14, 2020. Customers can now book their direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Tashkent by visiting Air Arabia’s website, by calling the call centre or through travel agencies.

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RAK Airport) has commenced commercial passenger operations with ‘flyEgypt’, the North African low-cost carrier. The new schedule, which enhances Ras Al Khaimah’s connections with MENA’s most populous country, marks an acceleration in the airport’s current expansion strategy that is seeing it as the fastest-growing aviation hub in the UAE.  Commencing May 6th with the touch-down of ‘flyEgypt’s’ flight FEG501 from Cairo International Airport to RAK Airport, the thrice-weekly service offers passengers a new value fare schedule for a direct connection to the Egyptian capital. With ‘flyEgypt’ also starting twice-weekly direct flights from Suhag in Egypt to Ras Al Khaimah, the partnership further opens up the emirate to Egypt’s 100 million people. “Egypt is a strong brotherly nation for the UAE, and this is reflected in the growing, economic and cultural ties between us. Increasing connectivity between Ras Al Khaimah and Egypt at this critical time will facilitate these and other mutual activities. From a localised viewpoint, this service will support Ras Al Khaimah’s diversification strategy and further enhance RAK Airport’s strategic position as a logistics and transport hub for the region,” said H.E Eng. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, and Board member of General Civil Aviation Authority and Ras Al Khaimah Executive Council. “The tourism sectors in both countries will benefit significantly from the new “flyEgypt” service. It provides a direct connection for Ras Al Khaimah residents to take in the wonders of the pyramids and ancient Egypt, while travellers coming the other way can experience the many delights of Ras Al Khaimah and its unique outdoor environment that is establishing …