Category Archives: Aviation

According to IATA’s latest report passenger traffic recovery has been strong for Middle East carriers with 31.4% YoY in the second quarter of 2023. The region’s airlines saw their RPKs reach within 0.9% of their Q2 2019 levels. The Middle East outperformed the global recovery in RPKs, which reached 93.7% (within 6.3%) of pre-covid levels for the quarter. Since most of the passenger traffic for the Middle East is international, total RPKs followed similar growth trends and recovery rates as international RPKs.  Ticket sales for the region have outperformed the global average and continue to trend upward, indicating sustained passenger demand. Local holiday shifts in the region caused some fluctuations but the overall trend remains positive. The Middle East also saw a solid recovery in origin-destination (O-D) passenger traffic in Q2 2023 compared to pre-covid periods. Passenger traffic growth generally varied among the countries in the region, with the strongest performances seen in the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan. The UAE led with an impressive 17.2% growth in O-D passenger traffic, compared to the same period in 2019. Other countries such as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia were within 2% and 5.6% of full recovery. While Iran’s O-D passenger traffic remained 34.4% below pre-covid levels (Chart 86), other countries also exhibited subdued growth in the second quarter compared to the previous period. This was primarily due to the timing of Ramadan in 2023 compared to 2019.

The newly launched national carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Air, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Colleges of Excellence (CoE), a leading entity in providing training services in the Kingdom, established by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporate (TVTC) in Saudi Arabia. The agreement was signed by Riyadh Air CEO, Tony Douglas and the Colleges of Excellence CEO, Engineer Ayman Mustafa Al Abdullah attended by His Excellency the Governor of the TVTC, Dr. Ahmed bin Fahd Al-Fuhaid at its training facility. The agreement aims to solidifying both parties commitment to collaborate and create a transformative vocational program that will shape the future of the aviation industry, which includes the activation of a first of its kind, female training program specialized in the field of engineering and maintenance at the college in Saudi Arabia. The MoU aims to provide innovative and specialized training programs for students in the aviation sector, which will include qualifying the first cohort of Saudi females in the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering program. The students will gain insight from the exchange of experiences and information, hands on training and workshop in order to implement and support their studies, to be provided at the college facilities. Riyadh Air’s CEO Tony Douglas remarked, “We are thrilled to partner with the Colleges of Excellence to support the launch of the specialized aviation programs,” he added “By providing students with hands-on experience and specialized training, we aim to bridge the gap between education and industry requirements. We are particularly excited about the opportunities this program will create for women in technical engineering and maintenance, paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive aviation workforce.” The …

As part of its continuous endeavor to provide the best services to its valued customers and to facilitate communication with them, Kuwait Airways inaugurated its new Sales Office at the Sabah Al Salem area. The office timings for client services are from 9 AM until 4:30 PM, through the week, except for Fridays and Saturdays. Moreover, the working hours will be extended in the coming period, where the office is expected to provide services to more than 100 customers a day. The opening of this office will be followed by opening of the company’s Sales Offices in the Assima Mall and the Al Kout Mall.  The company will also be aiming to open a branch in the Jahra region soon. Along with the inauguration of the new office, Kuwait Airways organized the Customer Day initiative, which includes an initiative devised to closely identify the requirements of its customers, with the participation of the Executive Management and headed by Kuwait Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Maen Razouqi. This initiative, which the company has organized for the first time this year, mainly aims to provide a tangible and unique experience for decision-makers from the Executive Management, to work side by side with the employees of the company’s various departments, and will include receiving customers at the Sabah Al Salem branch, coinciding with the opening the Sales Office. This will provide them with valuable experience to closely identify the needs of the largest customer base in Kuwait, follow up on their requests to evaluate their experience and strive towards reaching the best levels of service in accordance with the highest international standards. Kuwait Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Maen Razouqi stated, “Kuwait Airways …

Emirates will introduce a new complimentary bus service for its Economy Class passengers arriving in Tokyo-Haneda Airport, starting from 1 September. Emirates will be the only air carrier in Japan to offer a complimentary bus service from Haneda Airport to major train stations within Tokyo, guaranteeing seamless and efficient transport solution for the airline’s customers to two prominent drop-off locations – the iconic Tokyo Station (TYQ) at Marunouchi North Entrance and the bustling Shinagawa Station (SGS) at Konan Entrance bus stop no. 7. The new service will be available at Haneda Airport’s Terminal 3 Charter Bus Parking spot which is equipped with a three-letter IATA code, allowing passengers to seamlessly arrange their bookings all the way through their final stations. Bus number EK7034 departs from Haneda International Airport at 00:01hrs and arrive in Tokyo Station (TYQ) at 00:40hrs. Bus number EK7036 will depart from Haneda International Airport at 00:01hrs and arrive in Shinagawa Station (SGS) at 00:30hrs. All times are local. * The complimentary daily service offers convenient and efficient connectivity for Emirates’ passengers, as they make their way to central points within Tokyo in nearly 40 minutes or less. A seamless travel journey is further enhanced by thoughtful amenities including easily accessible onboard restrooms. * In rare cases of delayed flight arrival, the bus will wait until 1:00hrs local time the following day to accommodate the passengers and drop them off at the designated stations.

As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Oman Air has replaced the plastic used to wrap blankets and mattresses in its premium cabins with an eco-friendlier paper-based alternative. All duvets and mattresses across the airline’s fleet will now be presented to the guests with slim, branded paper bands, resulting in the reduction of up to 21.6 ton of plastic per year. The initiative is the latest step for Oman Air as it continues to work towards phasing out the use of single-use plastics on board. Captain Nasser bin Ahmed Salmi, Acting Chief Executive Officer at Oman Air, said: “In a concerted effort guided by our in-house experts and bolstered by collaborations with partners and vendors, we have successfully achieved another milestone in our sustainability efforts. This pivotal step aligns seamlessly with our corporate strategy to reduce waste and choose more environmentally friendly products, reflecting our commitment to national sustainability goals.” Oman Air has been making steadfast strides in reducing its on-board plastic consumption over the last few years, including removing the plastic sleeves used to load cutlery and reducing plastic water bottles and cuplets by up to 50% on certain routes. This year, it has also replaced 80% of its in-flight service carts with lightweight alternatives, providing a considerable boost to fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, Oman Air’s continual efforts to minimise its environmental impact is demonstrated through a range of initiatives that underscore its dedication to promoting sustainable aviation practices.

As the aerospace and defence industries continue on their pathways to net zero, this year’s Dubai Airshow will be the ultimate platform for players from across these industries to convene, bringing the latest solutions that will help advance these crucial economic sectors towards a sustainable future. The industries have taken bold steps towards decarbonisation, with innovation accelerating at an exponential rate. As Dubai Airshow leads up to the United Nation’s annual global climate change conference, COP28, which is also taking place in Dubai towards the end of the year, industry stakeholders will take the opportunity to showcase their latest solutions towards net zero emissions, discuss collaborations and gain new insights. The aviation industry contributes approximately 2% to 3% of all global CO2 emissions but with a constant increase in passenger demand, this could rise to 25% to 30% by 2050 if no actions are taken, according to a new report by Frost & Sullivan titled ‘Sustainable Technologies in Aviation’, which raises the urgency on manufacturers, airlines and airport operators to undertake sustainability initiatives. Additionally, global production capacity for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) needs to exceed 30 billion litres by 2030 and 450 billion litres by 2050  for airlines to be able to achieve net zero targets. In 2020, SAF production was just 450 million litres, according to IATA, which is less than 0.05% of the global demand of jet fuel. However, several initiatives are already underway in the Middle East region. Recently, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) signed an agreement with Airbus, to support the development and growth of the global SAF market. The agreement will also see the entities collaborate on Green Hydrogen, and Direct Air Capture technologies. …

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi announced the launch of its new route from Abu Dhabi to Lar city in Iran. The new direct flights will connect Abu Dhabi International Airport to Larestan International Airport with a frequency of three flights weekly, starting from September 14, 2023. Schedule to Lar, effective September 14, 2023 (all times local): Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Frequency 3L 536 Abu Dhabi 10:10 Lar 10:45 Airbus 320 Tuesday/Thursday/Friday 3L 537 Lar 11:25 Abu Dhabi 13:10 Airbus 320 Tuesday/Thursday/Friday By launching the new route to Lar, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi now extends its wings to 33 destinations including Tashkent, Alexandria, Sohag, Cairo, Dhaka, Khartoum, Chattogram, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Muscat, Salalah, Trabzon, Tbilisi, Faisalabad, Multan, Kochi, Calicut, Trivandrum, Istanbul Sabiha, Chennai, Mumbai, Lar, Ahmedabad, Bahrain, Beirut, Amman, Baghdad, Baku, Kuwait, Tehran, Yekaterinburg, Thiruvananthapuram, Moscow, and Kazan. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi operates a fleet of 10 Airbus A320 aircraft, the most modern and best-selling single-aisle aircraft in the world. The cabin configuration across Air Arabia’s fleet provides added comfort with one of the most generous seat-pitch of any economy cabin. The aircraft is also equipped with ‘SkyTime’, a free in-flight streaming service that will allow passengers to stream a wide selection of entertainment directly to their devices in addition to Air Arabia’s ‘SkyCafe’ which provides passengers with a variety of snacks and meals at affordable prices. Customers can now book their direct flights between the two cities by visiting Air Arabia’s website, or by calling the call centre or through travel agencies.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation KSA announced the adoption of a new regulation to protect the rights of travelers, to replace the executive regulation to protect the rights of customers, and the new regulation will be effective from November 20, 2023 with some compensation amounts to 150% and 200% of the ticket value.. The regulation guarantees passengers, upon loss of baggage, a financial compensation equivalent to approximately 6568 Saudi riyals, and in the event of damage, defect or delay, a financial compensation not exceeding approximately 6568 Saudi riyals. The new regulation aims to contribute to upgrading air transport services, enhancing its efficiency, and improving the traveler’s experience to, from and within the Kingdom, by providing the necessary care and support tools. The regulations included (30) articles that guarantee the traveler access to care, support and compensation in the event of advance, delay or cancellation of flights, as well as in the event of refusal to board due to overbooking or downgrade. The regulation also guaranteed compensation to travelers in the event of adding a stopping point that was not announced when creating the reservation. The regulation also clarified the obligations of both the passenger and the air carrier. The regulation dealt with the rights of travelers with disabilities and special requirements, and the regulation also guaranteed the rights of travelers in cases of accidental transportation, including, for example, the seasonal Umrah and Hajj trips. The Vice President of the General Authority for Civil Aviation for Quality and Traveler Experience, Eng. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Dahmash, confirmed that the new regulation reflects the authority’s interest in the satisfaction of travelers, and its keenness to improve the travel experience in the Kingdom’s …

As the global anticipation for Expo 2023 Doha rises, Qatar Airways announce its role as the official strategic partner for the landmark event. Set to be the first A1 International Horticultural Exhibition in Qatar, the Middle East, and North Africa, the prestigious partnership underscores Qatar Airways’ commitment to bringing global attention to Expo 2023 Doha and promoting Qatar as a premier travel destination.  Expo 2023 Doha, which is expected to attract an estimated 3 million visitors from around the globe, will take place in the picturesque Al Bidda Park, overlooking the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. The six-month event will run from October 2023 to March 2024 and will offer visitors rich experiences, from beautiful gardens and thought-provoking talks, to arts and cuisine, as well as a focus on innovative solutions to mitigate desertification. To celebrate the partnership, adorned with the Expo 2023 Doha emblem, an exclusive aircraft livery is set to be unveiled by Qatar Airways in the coming month. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “The upcoming months promise an array of cultural, environmental, and innovative experiences in Qatar for visitors from around the globe. As the Official Strategic Partner for Expo 2023 Doha, we look forward to welcoming international guests to Qatar, offering them our signature hospitality and connecting them to this monumental event.” Travellers onboard Qatar Airways will also be treated to an unforgettable experience that starts with a horticultural welcome video and continues throughout their inflight journey, providing them with celebratory artwork and exclusive healthy dining options, which will be rolled-out across both Premium and Economy Cabins on select routes. Discover Qatar, the Destination Management Company of Qatar …

Sabre Corporation announced a new distribution agreement with Nile Air under this multi-year distribution agreement, Nile Air will be promoting its content to hundreds of thousands of travel agents on Sabre’s marketplace starting this month. “We’re excited to reintroduce Nile Air to Sabre’s system, providing technological solutions that enhance their operations and passenger experience,” said Alessandro Ciancimino, Vice President Airline Distribution for Sabre in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. “This collaboration reflects Sabre’s commitment to supporting airlines in innovative ways to achieve their retailing goals. We strive for a sustainable distribution model benefiting all stakeholders in the travel chain, offering extensive content and seamless integration.” Sabre’s technology will help enable Nile Air to optimize its distribution strategy, offering passengers more choice and convenience when booking flights. This agreement will further streamline Nile Air’s operations, helping to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow. “Partnering with Sabre aligns perfectly with our retailing vision, enabling customers to access our content from anywhere and offering Sabre’s global agencies continued access to Nile Air content,” stated Mohamed El Sherif, Chief Commercial Officer of Nile Air. “Through this collaboration, we aim to provide our passengers with a seamless and personalized journey, from booking to post-travel feedback, enhancing passenger satisfaction and elevating our operational efficiency.” As part of the agreement, Nile Air will utilize Sabre’s expertise to help ensure that their passengers receive the highest standard of service and experience. This collaboration marks an important step for both Sabre and Nile Air in enhancing the travel industry’s overall quality and efficiency.