Category Archives: Aviation

According to Cirium, flynas achieved the leading position in CO2 efficiency in the Arab world. The leading LCC joined the list of the top 15 performers globally, with its CO2 emissions reaching 61.5 grams per ASK (Available Seat kilometers) on its flights in 2024, representing a 1.6 percent decrease compared to 2023 levels, according to the report. The report indicated that flynas’ total CO2 emissions amounted to 1.5 million tons in 2024, the lowest total among the top 15 companies on the global list. flynas achieved a reduction in emissions despite a 25.2% increase in flights during the year, the second-largest increase in the number of flights among the top 15 performers on the global list, according to the report. flynas ranked first among Arab airlines in reducing carbon dioxide emissions in 2024, according to the annual “Cirium Flight Emissions Review”, the trusted benchmark for flight emissions calculations for the global aviation sector. The report, issued by Cirium, the world’s most trusted source of aviation analytics, ranked flynas 14th on the global list of the top 100 airlines in reducing emissions worldwide, highlighting the effectiveness of flynas’ sustainability policies. The common factors among the efficiency-leading airlines are investing in fleet renewal, maximizing seat density where market allows, and optimizing operations, according to the report. Last month, flynas took delivery of the 5th new A320neo aircraft since the beginning of the year, raising the share of this next-generation model to 58 planes in flynas’ all-Airbus fleet, which currently consists of 64 aircraft. Last July, flynas signed an agreement with Airbus to purchase 160 new aircraft, including 30 A330neo wide-body aircraft and 130 single-aisle aircraft, bringing the volume of its aircraft orders …

Using any kind of power bank is prohibited onboard Emirates’ flights, effective from the 1 October 2025. A power bank is a portable, rechargeable device primarily designed to provide power to other electronic devices such smart phones, tablets, laptops and cameras. Emirates customers are still permitted to carry one power bank onboard with specific conditions listed below, but the power banks may not be used while in the aircraft cabin – neither to charge devices from the power bank, nor to be charged themselves using the aircrafts’ power source. Emirates’ new regulations include: • Emirates customers may carry one power bank that is under 100 Watt Hours. • Power banks may not be used to charge any personal devices onboard. • Charging a power bank using the aircraft’s power supply is not permitted. • All power banks accepted for transport must have capacity rating information available. • Power banks may not be placed in the overhead stowage bin onboard the aircraft and must now be placed in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you. • Power banks are not permitted in checked luggage (existing rule). Why is Emirates making this change? After a comprehensive safety review, Emirates is taking a firm and proactive stance to mitigate risk when it comes to power banks onboard. There has been a significant growth in customers using power banks in recent years, resulting in an increasing number of lithium battery-related incidents onboard flights across the wider aviation industry. Power banks primarily utilize lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, and their function is as a portable battery pack designed to recharge devices on the go. The batteries contain lithium ions …

Riyadh Air has signed a global distribution agreement with Amadeus, a global technology provider for the travel industry. The strategic partnership will enable Riyadh Air access to one of the largest global networks of travel sellers, supporting the airline’s ambitious growth plans and playing a key role in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s broader transformation agenda under Vision 2030. By joining the Amadeus Travel Platform, Riyadh Air will connect to travel agencies and sellers in more than 190 countries, ensuring that its offers are accessible to travelers worldwide. This will be instrumental in attracting inbound tourism, promoting Saudi Arabia as a compelling global destination, and helping position the Kingdom as a leading aviation and tourism hub. Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer at Riyadh Air, commented, “Our mission is to create a truly world-class airline that reflects the ambition of Saudi Arabia. Partnering with Amadeus gives us the global reach, distribution power, and retailing capabilities needed to support our goal of flying to over 100 destinations by 2030. This partnership is not only about enabling seamless travel experiences, but also about contributing to the broader national vision of economic diversification, tourism growth, and enhanced global connectivity”. As part of the agreement, Amadeus will also distribute Riyadh Air’s future NDC (New Distribution Capability) content, allowing the airline to deliver more dynamic, personalized offers to travelers and to take greater control of its indirect sales strategy. These advanced capabilities will further optimize Riyadh Air’s ability to deliver modern, flexible, and customer-centric retailing. Maher Koubaa, Executive Vice President, Travel Unit and Managing Director EMEA, Amadeus, said “The launch of Riyadh Air represents a major milestone for the Kingdom’s aviation industry, and we are proud …

Diriyah Company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Helicopter Company (THC), the Kingdom’s premier commercial helicopter operator, to explore potential opportunities and the integration of advanced air mobility solutions for the Diriyah project. This strategic collaboration supports Diriyah’s vision to become the world’s premier cultural and tourism destination, targeting 50 million annual visitors by 2030. The MoU was signed by  Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, and Capt. Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC. The MoU aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, supporting national efforts to diversify the economy and enhance key sectors including tourism, mobility and infrastructure through the adoption of advanced technologies and sustainable development practices. The MoU covers a wide scope of collaboration, including strategic planning and integration, to explore the potential of incorporating Urban Air Mobility (UAM) services within Diriyah’s urban framework. It also emphasizes regulatory alignment and leveraging THC’s expertise in guiding Diriyah Company as its partner in the establishment of operational, technical, and infrastructural foundations to ensure efficient and compliant implementation of air mobility solutions within the birthplace of the Kingdom. The MoU highlights the importance of engagement with the air mobility ecosystem, including air transport operators, technology providers, and infrastructure developers, with an emphasis on environmental and social sustainability. To initiate this collaboration, Diriyah Company and THC will form a joint working group to assess opportunities and evaluate the potential impact of introducing innovative urban air transport services within the Diriyah project. If implemented, these services are expected to play a transformative role in the Kingdom’s urban air mobility and tourism sectors, further elevating Diriyah’s position as a premier global destination in support of Saudi Vision 2030. Commenting on …

Oman Air has launched its new digital platform, Oman Air Holidays, in collaboration with TUI. Oman Air Holidays enables guests from Oman to explore over 20 countries while also allowing international travellers to experience Oman as a distinctive and accessible destination. The announcement was made during a press conference in Muscat, marking a significant step in the airline’s initiative to improve the travel experience and boost inbound tourism to Oman, reported Times of Oman. The platform aligns with the airline’s broader strategy to enhance inbound tourism, which includes a stopover program with Visit Oman, efforts to increase direct traffic, and an expanding network, with Amsterdam and Rome being the latest additions. Additionally, in June, Oman Air joined the oneworld Alliance, providing access to a vast global network covering over 170 countries and territories through partner airlines. Michael Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer at Oman Air, said, “This platform is a natural extension of the work we’ve been doing to drive tourism into Oman, bringing together the elements we’ve been building: greater accessibility, stronger partnerships, and more compelling reasons to visit. It also marks an important step in our digital journey, as we continue to invest in more connected, guest-centric experiences. With TUI’s global reach and Oman Air’s renowned hospitality and service, we’re setting a new standard for holiday planning—whether in Oman or beyond.” David Schelp, CEO of TUI Markets + Airline, added, “Partnering with Oman Air allows us to bring our holiday expertise to a new market with huge potential. Oman is a remarkable destination, and this platform makes it more accessible to international travellers. We’re proud to support Oman Air in expanding their offerings while delivering the high-quality experiences TUI …

Starting 7th August, flights to Tbilisi International Airport will also increase to eight weekly flights, with double daily service on Thursdays, further enhancing seamless connectivity between Abu Dhabi and the Georgian capital. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has increased the number of flights to Baku in Azerbaijan and Tbilisi in Georgia, offering more travel options for customers and supporting the growing demand for affordable and direct travel between the UAE’s capital and these popular leisure destinations. The airline now operates non-stop flights between Zayed International Airport and Baku’s Heydar Aliyev International Airport with a frequency of six weekly flights. The new schedule now includes flights every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, providing more flexibility for travelers exploring the vibrant city. “The increased frequencies to both Baku and Tbilisi reflect our ongoing commitment to strengthening our regional network while delivering greater convenience, flexibility, and value to our customers,” said Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer. “These two vibrant cities remain popular among UAE residents and visitors alike. The enhanced schedules will not only reinforce travel and tourism ties but also offer a more seamless and accessible travel experience”. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi continues to expand its growing route network from the UAE capital. The airline recently launched new routes to Almaty in Kazakhstan and Yerevan in Armenia, further reinforcing its presence in high-demand leisure and cultural destinations across the region. The carrier currently operates a modern fleet of 12 Airbus A320 aircraft and plans to add two more aircraft before the end of the year to support its ambitious growth strategy and meet increasing passenger demand. Customers can now book their flights by visiting Air Arabia’s website, calling the contact center, …

Emirates is set to introduce a fourth daily flight between Dubai and London Gatwick from 8 February 2026. Flight EK069/070 will be operated by the airline’s newest aircraft, the Airbus A350, offering customers the opportunity to experience its latest generation interiors, including Business Class and Premium Economy. The fourth flight to London Gatwick brings the airline’s total London services to 12 flights across three airports, offering customers more departure time choices and greater flexibility. Emirates flight EK069 will depart Dubai at 17:05hrs, arriving in London Gatwick at 20:50hrs. The return flight, EK070, departs London Gatwick at 23:55hrs and lands in Dubai at 11:00hrs. * The new service’s unique timing as the last flight of the day between Dubai and London in both directions caters to customers traveling directly between the two cities. For those traveling to Dubai, the service provides the ideal arrival time for customers to check-in to their hotels and get a head start on their Dubai activities. Customers departing Dubai on the flight can make the most of their time in the city—finishing business meetings, enjoying extended shopping, or completing last-minute activities—before taking the evening flight to London. Operated by an A350-900 aircraft in a three-class configuration, Emirates’ new service EK069/070 will offer customers 32 lie-flat Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 layout, 28 Premium Economy seats, and 238 Economy Class seats. In addition to Emirates’ signature next-generation products and award-winning service, customers can look forward to cutting-edge tech touches like wireless charging in Business Class, electric window blinds with the Emirates Ghaf tree motif when closed in premium classes, digital inflight menus on ice screens, and more. Gatwick is set to become the second UK destination …

Etihad Airways has launched the first commercial flight of its all-new A321LR, defining luxury travel on a narrowbody aircraft. The inaugural flight introduces guests to Etihad’s latest cabin innovation, designed to deliver the same elevated service and attention to detail that defines its award-winning widebody experience, now available on a next-generation single-aisle aircraft. Last week Etihad took delivery of the first of 30 A321LR aircraft scheduled to join its fleet, each configured to provide elevated comfort, refined design and high-speed connectivity across all cabins. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “The A321LR symbolises our ambition to deliver extraordinary experiences on every route we serve. It allows us to bring the sophistication of our widebody cabins, including our renowned First experience, to more destinations, and to more travellers, than ever before.” Flight EY414 departed Zayed International Airport for Phuket, marking the introduction of an aircraft designed to deliver Etihad’s premium cabin standards on short and medium-haul sectors. Etihad’s A321LR introduces a new benchmark for narrowbody travel, with a premium cabin layout that transforms expectations across all classes: First Suites – Two fully enclosed private suites with sliding doors, flat beds, and unique styling Elegant design with space for a guest to dine or relax, either in the privacy of their suite alone, or with companion Features include a 20-inch 4K screen, wireless charging and Bluetooth pairing Full Etihad First service onboard and on the ground Business – Fourteen seats in a 1-1 herringbone configuration, each with direct aisle access and window views Enhanced with 17.3-inch 4K displays, wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity Generous personal space and intuitive storage Economy – 144 ergonomically designed seats offering generous legroom Equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreens, USB …

Air Arabia announced the launch of two new direct routes connecting Ras Al Khaimah to Yekaterinburg and Kazan in Russia. The new flights will commence this October, further expanding the airline’s growing network from its Ras Al Khaimah hub. Starting 27 October 2025, Air Arabia will operate weekly flights to Yekaterinburg’s Koltsovo International Airport every Monday, meanwhile, the non-stop service to Kazan International Airport will begin on 31 October 2025, with weekly flights every Friday. “We are glad to introduce our new non-stop services from Ras Al Khaimah to Yekaterinburg and Kazan, further expanding our growing network from the emirate”, said Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia. “Russia remains a key market for us, and these additions reflect our commitment to offering more travel options while supporting the continued growth of tourism and trade between the UAE and Russia”. The launch of the new routes to Yekaterinburg and Kazan mark Air Arabia’s continued expansion from its Ras Al Khaimah hub, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to offer affordable and convenient connectivity to Russia. With existing direct flights to Moscow, the addition of these two cities further strengthens Air Arabia’s footprint in the Russian market and enhances travel options for both leisure and business travellers. In addition to the new routes, Yekaterinburg is also served with non-stop flights from Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, while Kazan is accessible from Sharjah, offering passengers across the UAE multiple gateways to Russia through Air Arabia’s network. Directly from Ras Al Khaimah, Air Arabia serves a growing network of 10 international destinations including Cairo, Jeddah, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Calicut, Moscow, Tashkent as well as the newly added Yekaterinburg and Kazan. Air Arabia operates the most modern …

Qatar Airways has introduced increased flights to over 15 global destinations for this year’s winter season. The airline is facilitating demand for its services for travellers from all around the globe and continues to offer greater choice and connectivity through its Doha hub. Qatar Airways marks up to 10 daily flights to London as its highest-ever frequency, which is complemented by British Airways’ double daily flights. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “Qatar Airways is consistently witnessing a steady rise in demand for our 5-star services to some of the most prominent destinations in the world, most notably for London, Dublin, Cape Town, and São Paulo. This winter, in partnership with Qatar Airways, Virgin Australia will launch flights from Melbourne to Doha, increasing capacity to three daily flights between the two cities. Qatar Airways will also restart services to Canberra, reinforcing its commitment to enhance connectivity between Australia and the world. The latest increase in flight frequency is testament to our continual and unmatched enhancements of experiences for our passengers travelling through the Best Airport in the Middle East – our hub, Hamad International Airport.” The airline’s global connectivity is supported by its diverse fleet of young aircraft that includes 54 Boeing 777s equipped with ultra-high-speed Starlink on-board Wi-Fi that is free for all passengers. Qatar Airways is first airline in the world to fully equip and operate over 50 widebody aircraft with Starlink, and the only carrier in the MENA region offering the service. Passengers in both Premium and Economy cabins enjoy free, gate-to-gate Wi-Fi speeds of up to 500 Mbps per aircraft. The airline is now equipping its Airbus A350 fleet, aiming to complete Starlink installation …