Category Archives: Aviation

Emirates will be expanding its schedules across the region with 19 additional flights during the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday period. This year, more than 150,000 customers are expected to fly with the airline during Eid Al Fitr across the region, with additional flights planned from Jeddah, Kuwait, Beirut and Amman. Emirates will add an extra seven flights to Jeddah from 7-13 April. The additional flights will provide Emirates customers with more flexibility to venture out to popular destinations like Dubai, London, the Maldives, or visit family and friends in Colombo and Karachi. In Kuwait, Emirates will be layering on six extra flights between 7-20 April, catering to the significant travel demand during that time to popular leisure gateways like Dubai, Bangkok, Osaka, as well as providing the opportunity for travellers to head home to Chennai, Hyderabad, Sialkot and Peshawar. Emirates’ flight schedule to Bahrain will also expand to 22 weekly flights starting 2 May to meet increased demand for travel to/from the Kingdom. With families coming together to celebrate after the Holy Month, the airline will also be adding four additional flights onto Amman and two additional flights for Beirut scheduled to accommodate for more travellers. Upholding Eid traditions and keeping in with its proud Middle Eastern heritage, the airline will be serving a specially crafted Eid menu for customers for flights departing from Dubai. Favourites like chicken biryani and lamb kibbeh labanieh, machbous and vanilla and rose mousse cake will be served onboard, among other savoury and sweet dishes. A variety of content will be available on ice for those travelling over Eid al Fitr, from up to 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment and more than 2,000 movies from around …

Riyadh Air has taken another significant step on its road to its first flight in 2025 with the first intake of 27 pioneering females who commenced their 30-month diploma course on their path to become certified aircraft engineering technicians. In a groundbreaking move and a first for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, female engineers will study under the supervision and guidance of Aviation Australia and the International Aviation Technical College at Riyadh Airport, this follows an MOU signed between Riyadh Air and the Colleges of Excellence in August 2023 and is the first collaboration of many between the organizations. These budding engineers are all Saudi high-school graduates with impressive GPAs and were chosen from thousands of applicants who wished to be part of the Riyadh Air story as it moves towards future operations. The airline is strongly committed to inclusiveness and in a positive sign of the ongoing role of women in the airline, Riyadh Air has specifically chosen females for its entire first intake of trainee engineers to be placed on the apprenticeship program. Senior leaders from Riyadh Air including Tony Douglas, CEO, H.E. Mark Donovan, Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Engineer Ajman Abdullah, CEO of Colleges of Excellence met with the trainee engineers during a visit to the facility at Riyadh Airport. Female aircraft maintenance engineers and technicians currently account for only 3.0% (*ICAO Statistics) of the worldwide workforce. With a shortfall of qualified maintenance workers expected in the coming years, Riyadh Air is harnessing an expanding talent pool of Saudi females who are keen to enter non-traditional roles in the industry. Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air said, “Riyadh Air is an airline …

Furthering Dubai’s commitment to accessible travel and in time for World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April; Emirates has achieved a Certified Autism Center™ Designation for all of its Dubai Check In facilities – Emirates City Check-in & Travel Store in DIFC, Emirates Cruise Check In – Port Rashid, Emirates Cruise Check In – Dubai Harbour and Emirates City Check-In Ajman, in addition to the Emirates’ dedicated hub in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The certification, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) ensures that all Emirates facilities in Dubai have taken a significant step towards making travel more inclusive and accessible to neurodiverse customers, meeting criteria required for a comfortable and supported travel experience. As part of the designation, Emirates employees at the various facilities underwent specialized training on autism and sensory awareness, to equip them with the understanding and skills to address needs of autistic travellers or those with sensory sensitivities, along with their families. Comprehensive facilities audits were conducted across the locations, measuring all sensory inputs in public areas such as sound levels, lighting, and potential sights and smells to develop sensory guides, empowering travellers to make informed decisions and choose the environment that best suits their needs and preferences. This achievement builds on the recent recognition of Dubai International Airport as the first international airport to earn the designation from IBCCES and aligns with the Department of Economy and Tourism’s (DET) vision of becoming the first Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) in the Middle East. Emirates’ City Check-Ins across Dubai offer a seamless and stress-free pre-airport experience in convenient and easily accessible locations, where Emirates customers can check in for …

Riyadh Air and Artefact signed a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionising the aviation industry through AI applications. Utilising cutting edge cloud and AI technologies, the partnership will focus on building Riyadh Air’s data analytics platform and developing AI solutions across its main business and corporate functions. Through these AI solutions, Riyadh Air will be able to hyper-personalise its guest experience and elevate its guest service through intelligent channels, optimise its flight and ground operations through real-time data insights and predictions, and launch fit-for-purpose offerings of Air and non-Air products through highly efficient and targeted sales channels. Abe Dev, Vice President Digital & Innovation at Riyadh Air, added, “Our partnership with Artefact signifies Riyadh Air’s dedication to leveraging cutting edge technologies to enhance guest experiences at every stage and every moment of their journey. This partnership with Artefact builds upon our recent collaborations with leaders in the aviation industry. Through AI integration, we aim to redefine travel standards, offering personalised, seamless digital-first experience to our guests ahead of our maiden flight in 2025.” Commenting on the partnership, Rahul Arya, CEO and Managing Partner of Artefact MENA, said: “Our partnership with Riyadh Air marks a significant milestone in our commitment to pioneering AI solutions tailored to the unique needs of the aviation industry. By combining Riyadh Air’s forward-thinking approach with Artefact’s expertise in data and AI solutions, we’re poised to set new standards for innovation in the airline sector.” Riyadh Air, set to make its maiden flight in 2025, is poised to revolutionise the future of air travel and exceed guests’ expectations of their travel experience. With an unwavering dedication to cutting-edge thinking and innovation, Riyadh Air aims to set new standards …

Hamad International Airport (DOH) announced the commencement of daily operations by Japan Airlines, linking Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) in Japan with Hamad International Airport in Qatar. The inaugural flight, operated with a capacity of 203 seats, marks the first-ever flight to the Middle East by a Japanese airline – signifying a historic moment in the aviation industry. Commenting on this historic partnership, Sujata Suri, Senior Vice President of Finance and Procurement at Hamad International Airport, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Japan Airlines to the Middle East through its renowned hub in Doha. The launch of Japan Airlines’ daily flights from Tokyo Haneda to Hamad International Airport is a landmark achievement and a testament to the flourishing partnership between both Qatar and Japan. Combining Japan Airlines’ latest launch with Qatar Airways’ recent resumption to Osaka, is projected to result in a 50% increase in weekly flight frequency between Qatar and Japan, which underscores Hamad International Airport’s commitment to advancing global travel and enhancing passenger experiences”. “Our new Doha service is the first direct flight to the Middle East operated by a Japanese airline. It perfectly complements JAL’s global network and enables customers to seamlessly connect to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America through our partnership with Qatar Airways, a member of the same oneworld alliance as JAL,” said Ross Leggett, Japan Airlines Managing Executive Officer, Route Marketing Senior Vice President. “The demand for business and leisure travel from Doha to Asia continues to grow, and we are excited to offer JAL’s renowned five-star service and unique approach to hospitality to even more travellers,” Leggett added. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori said: “We are very pleased to …

Etihad Airways touched down for the first time in Boston marking the launch of regular services between Abu Dhabi and the US city, strengthening ties and enriching travel options for passengers. The inaugural flight, EY147, was celebrated at Abu Dhabi Airport before take-off, and on arrival in Massachusetts, Etihad’s captains waved UAE and US flags from the cockpit to celebrate the start of the carrier’s fourth non-stop service to America. The new service operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays using a state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring the airline’s acclaimed Business Studios and Economy Smart seats. With 28 seats in Business and 262 seats in Economy boasting entertainment systems, in-seat power, and in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity, passengers can expect a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience, complemented by world-class service and hospitality. “We are thrilled to inaugurate flights to Boston, further extending our reach across the United States and enhancing connectivity for travellers,” said Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves. “This new route not only brings the allure of Abu Dhabi and Dubai to the American Northeast but also signifies our commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences and fostering global connections. “The new route is timed to offer convenient links to our growing network for corporate business travellers and leisure guests connecting to destinations across the Middle East and our 11 routes across India.” “Massport is pleased to welcome Etihad Airways to Boston Logan International Airport with their new flight to Abu Dhabi,” said Massport Interim CEO and Aviation Director Ed Freni. “This route provides a key connection between Boston and the UAE, and New Englanders now have even more options when planning a trip to the Middle East and beyond.” As …

Kuwait Airways announced the launch of its summer schedule for the 2024 season. They will launch numerous destinations during the summer, namely Antalya with two flights per week, Bodrum with three flights per week, Trabzon with three flights per week, Sharm El-Sheikh, with two flights per week, Malaga with three flights per week, and Nice with two flights per week, thus expanding its operations to 54 destinations during the summer season, in addition to its scheduled flights to permanent destinations. As part of its 2024 summer schedule, Kuwait Airways will focus on destinations that are witnessing a huge demand from customers travelling from within the State of Kuwait and will experience an extensive demand to travel, especially during the summer season, from June to September 2024. They had launched numerous diverse destinations and operated to new markets last year, to meet the requirements and preferences of its valued customers and to provide them with different options, in accordance with its efforts to expand its network of routes around the world. Moreover, the company has, in cooperation with the relevant authorities, and in close coordination with the operational departments are finalizing preparations for the summer operations, for providing its services and assisting the Blue Bird guests at Terminal 4 with distinguished, and exceptional facilities. This is in addition to the Kuwait Airways fleet being fully prepared to carry the esteemed passengers of the national carrier to various destinations around the world. Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Al-Fagaan stated, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to announce the new 2024 summer destinations to its valued customers, in view of the growth of passenger traffic during the summer period. Kuwait Airways has perceived the necessity to …

Red Sea Global (RSG) announced it is preparing to welcome its first international flight to Red Sea International Airport (RSI). Operated by flydubai, the flight will arrive from Dubai International (DXB) on Thursday, 18 April, marking the start of a new twice-weekly route to The Red Sea destination. A regular schedule of domestic flights operated by Saudia have been servicing RSI since September 2023. With the launch of flydubai, there will now be eight flights per week to RSI. “Situated within three hours flying time of 250 million people, RSI will serve one million guests a year at full capacity. Our inaugural flight just six months ago was the start of our journey towards reaching that goal, and this first international flight is a further step in making Saudi Arabia one of the top tourism destinations globally. We are looking forward to truly opening up to the world and welcoming visitors from the UAE, wider Middle East region and beyond,” said John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global. “RSI is also essential for providing connectivity for our employees, partners, and the wider local community,” added Pagano. RSI was built to provide an easy route for guests travelling to The Red Sea. Today, two luxury resorts are open at the destination: Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, and St. Regis Red Sea Resort, which recently welcomed legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and his family. Three more resorts are on track to open this year, including Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – one of only seven worldwide – in the coming weeks. This will be followed by Shebara, featuring a remarkable array of overwater, stainless steel villas, and Desert Rock, a spectacular resort …

Manchester City and global partner Etihad Airways are flying towards a better future for young people in India, with the announcement of a brand-new community football initiative in cities across the country. The joint initiative will see Manchester City work in collaboration with Etihad Airways, Club charity City in the Community and non-governmental partner organisation (NGO) Magic Bus India Foundation, to deliver health and life skills training for local young people through football. The project will launch this April in three cities from the airline’s network: New Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore, with more locations to follow. This marks the latest in a series of impactful community collaborations between Manchester City and Etihad since the launch of the Official Partnership between the two organisations in 2009, including global and regional summits in Manchester and Abu Dhabi, which upskill young leaders in community football coaching and leadership. The initiative will be delivered by local NGO Magic Bus India Foundation who have partnered with the club on various initiatives since 2016, including an Etihad supported programme in Kolkata, engaging 2,000 young people with health and hygiene education through football. To kick-start the impact, Etihad will fly coaches from City in the Community, the Club’s official charity, to India to deliver world-class football and leadership training to Young Leaders championing the projects. The trainees will then put their skills into practice, as part of their commitment to using football to uplift the health of young people in their cities. Tom Pitchon, Director of City Football Group’s global foundation, said: “We are proud to work with Etihad Airways to uplift the health and life skills of young people across India through the power of football. …

Emirates has commenced the activation of its fuel agreement with Neste this month at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Over 2 million gallons of blended SAF will be supplied into the fuelling system at Schiphol Airport over the course of 2024. The airline will track the delivery of SAF into the fuelling systems and environmental benefits using standard industry accounting methodologies. Emirates’ partnership with Neste, announced late last year, represents one of the largest volumes of SAF that the airline has purchased to date. Once fully supplied into Amsterdam Schiphol’s fuelling system, the blended SAF will have been comprised of over 700,000 gallons of neat SAF. The airline is also working with Neste to supply SAF into the fuelling systems at Singapore Changi Airport in the next few months. Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer, Emirates said: “Collaborating with committed partners like Neste is one of the practical steps we are taking to reduce our emissions, and it’s an all-important milestone in our own sustainability journey as an airline. Strong partnerships like this, especially at major air transport hubs such as Amsterdam, lay the foundation for how we can work with partners and airports to increase access to and availability of SAF across our network.” Alexander Kueper, Vice President Renewable Aviation, Neste said: “We are proud to support Emirates in their sustainability journey. SAF is an available solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from air travel and it is exciting that Emirates have started using our Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. It is also a great example of how we are working together with partners to accelerate SAF usage and are looking forward to the next …