Category Archives: Aviation

flynas announced the launch of four direct weekly flights between Dammam and Hail, starting January 4, 2024. The launch announcement of the new flights comes days after flynas’ announcement of launching many domestic and international new routes and destinations during the last two weeks. It included the launch of direct flights from Jeddah to Brussels, the capital of Belgium, and the European Union in cooperation with the Air Connectivity Program (ACP), and direct flights to Bahrain from Riyadh and Jeddah, in addition to the launch of flynas operations base at Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, with the launch of six destinations from Madinah, as part of flynas’ strategy for expansion and growth within its plan that it launched under the slogan “We connect the world to the Kingdom.” The operational capacity of flynas has doubled in the current period due to the upscaling of its fleet size by more than 100% in less than two years, as the company signed an agreement with Airbus last June to purchase 30 new A320neo aircraft as part of a purchase order for 120 Airbus aircraft and the approval to increase orders for new aircraft to 250. flynas connects more than 70 domestic and international destinations with more than 1500 weekly flights and has flown more than 60 million passengers since its launch in 2007, aiming to reach 165 domestic and international destinations, in line with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030. Passengers traveling with flynas can book their flights through all flynas booking channels: www.flynas.com, the flynas app, the call centre (920001234), or travel agents.  

The national airline operated more than 15,000 flights, carrying three million passengers, with more than 1.5 million point-to-point passengers to Abu Dhabi in 2023. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi continues to play a key role in supporting innovation, resilience and integration of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors to share the Emirate with the world and enrich lives. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi announced its outstanding operational results for 2023. The joint venture established between ADQ and Wizz Air Holdings PLC, enjoyed a record-breaking year, more than doubling both the number of operated flights and passengers carried, with a completion rate of 99.6%. The airline supports the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism’s target to reach 24 million visitors for 2023, and promote the Emirate as a year-round tourism destination that offers exciting, inspiring and restorative experiences that visitors can discover at their own pace.Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is also supporting the development of the UAE’s tourism sector, in line with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, and further strengthening the position of the UAE as one of the best destinations in the world for tourism. Wizz Air is constantly developing the UAE network and currently flies to a total of 40 destinations in 27 different countries from Abu Dhabi, sharing the love of travel to culturally rich destinations, including vibrant cities and hidden-gem resorts. The airline has proudly introduced a new segment of travel in the UAE in line with the country’s socio-economic vision with recent exciting expansions into Central Asia, North Africa, the Middle East and Europe allowing for convenient, self-connecting travel across the wider Wizz Air network via the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The airline solidified its position as …

Emirates’ Lounge at Dusseldorf Airport has reopened after a seven-week refurbishment. The exclusive 700 square meter lounge area welcomes Emirates’ passengers with completely new, cream-colored leather seats, new furniture and carpets as well as new lighting and kitchen equipment. With the capacity to accommodate 115 guests, Emirates’ Lounge is the single largest airline lounge at Dusseldorf Airport and one of the largest Emirates Lounges in continental Europe. The newly designed facilities in Düsseldorf conclude a comprehensive investment made by the airline in Germany – within the past five months, Emirates’ airport lounges in Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich have also been modernized. “We are constantly looking for ways to further enhance the travel experience for our valued customers both in the air and on ground, Emirates’ exclusive airport lounges are an integral part of our ‘Fly better’ brand promise. The investment in the refurbishment of all lounges demonstrates our commitment to our passengers and to our airport partners in Germany.” says Volker Greiner, Emirates Vice President North & Central Europe. Emirates’ lounge at Düsseldorf Airport opens daily three hours before the departure of flights EK56 and EK58, offering a wide selection of hot and cold dishes that change monthly from the renowned caterer DO & CO, including numerous vegan options, a free bar service and private shower rooms. Access to the lounges is available to all Emirates First Class and Business Class passengers as well as Skywards members with Platinum or Gold status traveling in Economy Class. Access is also available for a fee. The airline’s lounge at Düsseldorf Airport was officially opened in May 2009 as the 20th Emirates Lounge worldwide. Emirates has been flying from Düsseldorf since 2001 and its …

Riyadh Air has signed a three-year strategic agreement with Accenture to help deliver its technology foundation and capabilities as part of its vision to be the world’s first digitally native airline. The initiative will enable Riyadh Air to operate in a new era of aviation with digital services at its core, using cutting-edge technologies such as cloud data and AI to help deliver a seamless travel experience for its guests and employees. The core enterprise system will enable the company to scale as it aims to offer over 100 destinations by 2030. Accenture will help set up Riyadh Air’s cloud-only infrastructure, cybersecurity capabilities, managed services and operations as the airline gears up for its launch. Adam Boukadida, chief financial officer of Riyadh Air, said, “As a digitally native airline, Riyadh Air will be at the forefront of innovation and technology, allowing us to deliver world-class service to our guests. There is a considerable amount of unseen work taking place behind the scenes enabling both our operations and user experience, with Accenture, as our strategic technology partner, helping us to deliver, secure and operate foundational capabilities.” Emily Weiss, senior managing director at Accenture and head of its Travel practice globally, said, “The launch of Riyadh Air is a landmark moment for the aviation industry as a whole; a brand-new airline that’s designed from the ground up, harnessing the latest technologies to create hyper-connected experiences that meet the demands of today’s, and tomorrow’s travelers. Drawing on our deep industry and digital expertise, we are proud to be collaborating with Riyadh Air to help shape the future of travel.” Boukadida added, “Accenture is pivotal in enabling Riyadh Air’s cloud-first strategy, and our unique …

Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines signalled their intent to strengthen their partnership by signing a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to enhance commercial and operational ties. The accord reflects a commitment to explore a deepened co-operation that will provide travellers with wider choices, higher quality services, and increased value, while contributing to sustainable aviation. Building upon their successful existing partnership, the airlines plan to implement a broad collaboration including an expanded codeshare, reciprocal loyalty programmes, cargo transport, maintenance, repair and overhaul, ground handling, catering, lounge access, staff training, and several sustainability initiatives. This comprehensive approach will improve efficiencies while maintaining world-renowned hospitality. The MoU should facilitate China Eastern’s ambition to begin services to Abu Dhabi through its discussions with Abu Dhabi Airports, the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi, and other key stakeholders in the UAE capital. A combination of Etihad and China Eastern services, which would coincide with the newly opened Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport, will create a robust platform for China-UAE air traffic and establish an ideal launchpad for connections between China, the Middle East, and Africa. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, emphasised the significance of the partnership. He said: “Our two airlines have operated an enduring partnership for over a decade. This MoU is an important milestone and a key to establishing a long-term mutually beneficial cooperation. I am highly encouraged by the momentum of our cooperation, and I look forward to seeing further success. “It also marks a significant development of the direct links between Abu Dhabi and China and underscores the confidence of one of the most influential Chinese carriers in Etihad. The MoU paves …

Etihad Airways and Maldivian announced a strategic bilateral interline partnership, unlocking access to 16 dream holiday destinations in the Maldives beyond the main island of Malé. The agreement between Etihad and Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, means guests can now seamlessly navigate across the Indian Ocean archipelago, enjoying the combined services and networks of both carriers on a single ticket. Etihad’s Chief Revenue Officer, Arik De said: “This interline will elevate the overall customer experience across the entire journey. Guests bound for the Maldives will enjoy the privilege of arriving at their popular holiday destinations with greater ease. Facilitated by smooth connections from Malé, Etihad customers can easily transition to Maldivian’s services, reaching a wide range of domestic destinations to begin their idyllic island retreat.” Maldivian’s General Manager Commercial, Ibrahim Hamdhan Mohamed said: “In an effort to expand Maldivian’s reach globally, this interline partnership with Etihad Airways will open exciting opportunities for our valued customers to connect and travel seamlessly within our strong and growing route network of destinations across the Maldives.” Etihad customers can access destinations on Maldivian’s network, which serves many popular islands, via Velana International Airport, Malé, including: Dharavandhoo Island (DRV), Faresmathoda Airport (FMT), Funadhoo Airport (FND), Fuvahmulak Island Airport (FVM), Gan Island Airport (GAN), Kooddoo Island (GKK), Hanimaadhoo Island Airport (HAQ), Kulhudhuffushi Airport (HDK), Hoarafushi Airport (HRF), Kaadedhdhoo Island Airport (KDM), Kadhdhoo Island (KDO), Madivaru Airport (LMV), Maafaru International Airport (NMF), Maavarulu Airport (RUL), Thimarafushi Airport (TMF), and Ifuru (IFU). Etihad is set to increase the frequency of its flights to Malé to connect with the Maldivian network from 10 to 14 a week starting on 1 January, 2024. The agreement also makes it …

Turkish Airlines has once again added Osaka International Airport to its flight network starting from December 12. This move stands as a testament to the airline’s ongoing commitment to network expansion, ensuring passengers enjoy unparalleled connectivity. Flights to Osaka now operate four days a week—on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—between Istanbul Airport and Osaka International Airport, featuring the Boeing 787-9. Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat stated, “Reinstating our flights to Osaka not only strengthens the presence of Turkish Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region but also demonstrates our dedication to connecting people and cultures around the world. “We continue to offer the highest quality service while enabling our passengers to explore the world with our extensive and far-reaching flight network.” Osaka is the third largest city in Japan after Tokyo and Yokohama, respectively, and one of the most popular tourist destinations of the island country. Considered the capital of Japanese cuisine, Osaka is known as a gourmet city while also serving as a gateway to exploring the Kansai region, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. Tourists wishing to explore the wonders of Japan can now experience the unique blend of historical and modern attractions in Osaka with Turkish Airlines.  

Qatar Airways welcomed Iberia’s first non-stop flight to Doha, Qatar from Madrid, Spain. Iberia’s new daily service complements Qatar Airways’ two daily flights between the capital cities of Spain and Qatar and three daily flights between Barcelona and Doha. These services expand on our commitment to the Spanish market and support our joint ambition to expand the world’s largest airline joint business between Qatar Airways, British Airways and Iberia. This addition, further cements the Skytrax “Best Airport in the Middle East”, Hamad International Airport (DOH), as a gateway to the world. Through Madrid, London and Doha, the three strategic partners offer unparalleled connectivity to more than 200 destinations in Asia, Australasia, the Middle-East and Africa, with the most efficient transfers through their five-star hubs. Whether travelling from Madrid to Bali, Sydney to Ibiza, Lisbon to Maputo, or Doha to Malaga, the combined networks will provide fast and reliable itineraries to all passengers. “As part of the unique partnership between Qatar Airways, British Airways and Iberia, passengers can enjoy the best service on the ground and in the air, while seamlessly connecting to their favourite destinations. The unique partnership between Qatar Airways, British Airways and Iberia offers more customers even greater flexibility, choice and value, and today’s inaugural flight reinforces Qatar as a destination of choice in the region, and Hamad International Airport as a global gateway.” Passengers transferring through Hamad International Airport are treated to a vast array of offerings that transform the transit experience into a seamless journey. Serving as a diverse lifestyle destination, the airport caters to all passenger profiles, ensuring a personalised and enjoyable visit. Offering a plethora of dining and shopping options to numerous spaces for …

Swiss-AS officially announced the signing of a strategic agreement with the emerging Saudi Arabian airline Riyadh Air, for the implementation of our Aviation Maintenance and Engineering software solution AMOS. As a national carrier, Riyadh Air will play a significant role in promoting Saudi Arabia’s economic and cultural interests globally, aiding in the development of Riyadh as a major destination in the Middle East. The signing ceremony took place in Dubai, with representatives from both Riyadh Air and Swiss-AS present to celebrate the occasion after their extraordinary debut at Dubai Airshow 2023 and the unveiling of several commercial agreements with leading companies such as IBM, Lucid Motors, Lufthansa Systems, and Saudia. The newly signed partnership will involve aligning AMOS’s capabilities with Riyadh Air’s strategic goals, such as enhancing customer satisfaction, improving operational reliability, and driving innovation in maintenance operations. AMOS as a best-in-class solution The selection of AMOS follows a rigorous and meticulous evaluation, which positioned AMOS as the comprehensive software solution that will seamlessly integrate with Riyadh Air’s evolving ecosystem IT systems landscape. The airline is currently in the process of selecting and defining the solutions essentials for its commercial operations planned for 2025. A critical aspect of this partnership relies on AMOS’s ability to integrate Riyadh Air’s evolving fleet, accommodate new aircraft types and drive the carrier’s sustainability mission for engineering. AMOS is planned to closely integrate with the carriers’ digital initiatives to reach its sustainability goals. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Riyadh Air’s commitment to optimise its maintenance operations from the very start, with the goal of achieving the highest overall efficiency through AMOS. AMOS will be covering all aspects of the maintenance, engineering, and logistics …

Qatar Airways launched a new flight service to NEOM Bay Airport marking a new chapter in Qatar-Saudi relations. Qatar Airways flight 1205 will depart from NEOM Bay to Doha on Saturdays at 14:00 and Thursdays at 13:40, while the return flight, Qatar Airways flight 1204, will leave Hamad International Airport at 06:55 on Saturdays and 06:35 on Thursdays. The inaugural flight from Doha’s Hamad International Airport touched down at NEOM Bay on December 9. The airline has chosen an Airbus A320-214 for the 1,650-mile journeys, scheduling two flights per week.  NEOM is a visionary project in the northwest corner of Saudi Arabia, and it represents a future-focused city embodying innovation and progress. This new service from Qatar Airways is a key step in enhancing regional airline connectivity, an initiative aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.