Category Archives: Aviation

Oman Air announced the return of its popular Maldives flight, starting 24 June 2023. With four weekly direct flights to the capital and easy access to the islands, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Starting from just OMR 149 per person, guests can plan a quick weekend getaway or a relaxing summer holiday with a choice of the following times: Flight Number Date Destination Timing From To Departure Arrival WY 381   Saturday, Sunday Muscat Malé 0210 0720 WY 382 Saturday, Sunday Malé Muscat 0920 1220 WY 383 Friday, Saturday Muscat Malé 0840 1350 WY 384 Friday, Saturday Malé Muscat 1505 1805 Oman Air has increased a number of its flights for the peak summer season, including Moscow, Bangkok, Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur, offering guests excellent value, convenient timings, and seamless connectivity. Moreover, guests can have their entire trip taken care of with a range of tailored packages from Oman Air Holidays. Tickets can be purchased through omanair.com, the Oman Air app, the Call Centre, any Oman Air sales office and official travel agents.  

Qatar Airways will be resuming a scheduled non-stop service between Tokyo International Airport  (“Haneda”) and Hamad International Airport, commencing on 1 June 2023. Qatar Airways will operate its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft, equipped with 36 award-winning Qsuite Business Class seats and 247 Economy Class seats. In addition to the existing Narita-Doha service, the resumption of daily flights from Haneda Airport will increase the flight frequency from the greater Tokyo area from seven to 14 flights a week. Travellers from Tokyo will be able to enjoy seamless connections to over 160 destinations using the World Best Airline’s extensive global network, including popular destinations across Africa, Eurpore, the Middle East and more, through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ accolade for the ninth time in a row. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “The resumption of the Tokyo Haneda-Doha service follows our major network expansion announced at ITB Berlin 2023, which will see an extra 655 weekly flights in 2023 compared to 2022. Japan remains a significant market for Qatar Airways and its passengers, and in addition to Haneda, the airline will soon be resuming flighs to Osaka this year.” Qatar Airways Regional Manager for Japan and Korea, Shinji Miyamoto, said, “We are very pleased to announce the resumption of flights to Haneda Airport due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also very pleased that Japanese customers will be able to experience Qatar Airways’ award-winning business class, Qsuite, which is being introduced for the first time ever in Japan. Qatar is scheduled to host various world-class events this year following the successful FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, including the coveted …

Singapore Airlines (SIA) customers and staff will enjoy the most comprehensive free unlimited Wi-Fi access in the airline industry from 1 July 2023, when the service is extended to all travellers in all cabin classes, including Premium Economy Class and Economy Class. This enhanced Wi-Fi offering will be available virtually across the entire aircraft fleet1 and almost the entire global SIA route network. As a result, customers across all cabin classes will be able to stay connected with loved ones, work online, or keep up to date with the latest news or their social media feeds, even from 36,000 feet in the sky. To enjoy this service, customers must enter their KrisFlyer membership details at the point of booking through the Manage Booking online option, or at check-in. Non-KrisFlyer members may also sign up for their free membership online or on board their flight via the SIA digital content portal on their personal mobile devices to enjoy the complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi. Suites, First Class, and Business Class customers, as well as PPS Club members2 will continue to enjoy access to free unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi. Since February 2023, KrisFlyer members travelling in Premium Economy Class and Economy Class have enjoyed complimentary three- and two-hour Wi-Fi surf plans respectively. Mr Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Vice President Customer Experience, Singapore Airlines, said: “In today’s increasingly hyper-connected world, high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity is one of the most important requirements for our customers. Giving them access to free unlimited Wi-Fi is yet another milestone in SIA’s continuous effort to offer an exceptional end-to-end travel experience. With this enhanced offering, our customers will be empowered to stay connected, entertained, and productive, even at 36,000 feet in …

Qatar Airways has signed a deal with Shell to source 3,000 metric tonnes of neat Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at Amsterdam Schiphol airport. It encompasses the existing jet fuel contract with Shell at Amsterdam which will now see Qatar Airways using at least a 5 per cent SAF blend over the contract period for the fiscal year 2023-2024. The Qatar Airways bilateral agreement with Shell is part of a wider effort initiated by the oneworld alliance, which has a set target of using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for 10% of combined fuel volumes by 2030. Qatar Airways is the first carrier in the Middle East and Africa to procure a large SAF amount in Europe beyond government SAF mandates. SAF offers significant potential for decarbonisation as neat SAF can reduce full lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.[1] This means that Qatar Airways will be reducing its emissions on flights from Amsterdam by approximately 7,500 tonnes of CO2 for the fiscal year. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “At Qatar Airways, we are strongly committed to supporting the industry’s effort to ramp-up the use of sustainable aviation fuel, as one of the key pillars to decarbonise the aviation industry. Last year, we signed our first offtake agreement in the US, and now we are placing a multi-million US dollar SAF deal in Amsterdam to illustrate our SAF commitment and reiterate our calls for a more robust SAF supply chain across our global network”. “We remain steadfast in our ambitious target of 10 per cent SAF use by 2030 and this  announcement, establishes another landmark for Qatar Airways that underlines the positive …

The Hajj Committee at Dubai Airports convened recently to discuss comprehensive preparations to facilitate the smooth and seamless travel of Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year. The committee, which comprises key service partners including Dubai Police, the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai Customs, Dubai Health Authority, flydubai, Emirates, Saudi Airlines, and flynas, among others, aims to deliver an exceptional airport experience for the pilgrims across all terminals at DXB. Mohammad Al Marzouqi, Head of the Hajj Committee, emphasised on the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders and service partners as the key to maintaining service quality especially during annual peak travel seasons. Dubai Airports is committed to providing world-class passenger facilities and services, to ensure the comfort, convenience, and safety of all guests arriving at and departing from DXB.

Kuwait Airways announced the inauguration of its Elite Lounge at the Terminal 4, designated for Royal and First Class passengers, in addition to Platinum Card holders of the Oasis Club. The Elite Lounge was inaugurated by Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Ali M. Al-Dukhan, KAC’s Board Members, and the Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Airways, Eng. Maen Razouqi, in the presence of the Acting Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Mr. Saleh Al-Fadaghi, the Director General of the General Department of Airport Security at the Ministry of Interior, Brigadier General Essa Al-Failakawi, the CEO of Incheon Korea Airports Management Company, Mr. Jung June Ahn and various officials representing Kuwait Airways, Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Interior.  As part of the inauguration, a tour of the lounge was conducted for the officials, highlighting the various services available to the customers. On the side lines of the inauguration, Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Ali Al-Dukhan felicitated the attendees on the opening of the Elite Lounge at Terminal 4, revealing the new image of the Blue Bird, which was announced in the beginning of this year. At the same time, Al-Dukhan also commended the efforts extended by Kuwait Airways’ employees in implementing and completing the preparations of the lounge with a high level of efficiency and in a short time, to provide distinguished services to the passengers of Royal and First Class. Moreover, Al-Dukhan expressed his happiness at the opening of the Elite Lounge, held in the presence of officials from Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Interior and extended appreciations to them for their continuous support and cooperation. He indicated that the opening of the Elite Lounge comes within the …

Google Cloud and Qatar Airways have agreed to collaborate to set out the airline’s intention to explore leveraging Google Cloud’s data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to create superior customer experiences for its passengers. In 2022, Qatar Airways carried 18.5 million passengers across 150 destinations worldwide. This large volume of passengers drives an abundance of structured and unstructured data to the airline’s digital transformation unit. The proposed collaboration with Google Cloud is intended to help bring deeper meaning to Qatar Airways’ customer data through the power of Google’s data analytics, AI and machine learning (ML) solutions, including BigQuery and Vertex AI. This, in turn, will enable the airline to enhance the travel experience for passengers, providing them with offerings personalized to their individual needs, travel trends, and past travel history. Qatar Airways Chief Information Officer, Mr. A.T. Srinivasan, said, “Qatar Airways is a highly respected aviation leader which has always set benchmarks with its globally recognised and award-winning customer service. Google Cloud brings us the opportunity to build elasticity and scalability on demand, as we increasingly look to leverage both structured and unstructured data to personalise customer and employee experience. We will also leverage Google’s highly secure and diverse set of Cloud service offerings for optimising our airline and airport operations particularly in the areas of aircraft inventory, flight operations both on ground and in the air, as well as airport operations. We also look forward to collaborating with Google Cloud to try out some of their cutting-edge technology through this long-term partnership. The presence of a Cloud in Qatar gives us the assurance that our data stays in-country and we can focus on data and AI/ML led innovation …

Qatar Airways announces a codeshare agreement with Air Seychelles allowing passengers on both networks seamless travel to one of the world’s most exotic and unique destinations. Qatar Airways serves over 160 destinations worldwide and connects travellers from Africa, America, Asia  and Europe easily to and from Seychelles through its hub in Doha, Hamad International Airport (HIA). Moreover, Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can also earn and spend Avios at almost 200 outlets at Qatar Duty Free (QDF). Currently, Qatar Airways operates a daily flight between HIA and Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), located on the Island of Mahé, near the capital city of Victoria, with a morning arrival and evening departure from Mahé Island. Because of this new codeshare agreement, Qatar Airways will place its code on Air Seychelles’ operated flights between Mahé and Praslin and enable passengers to continue their journey conveniently using a single booking. Praslin is home to the pristine Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site along with palm-fringed beaches, like Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio, both bordered by large granite boulders. Passengers can book their travel with both airlines, through online travel agencies, as well as with local travel agents. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Our strategy of facilitating connectivity to African markets through partnerships is in line with this enhanced cooperation with Air Seychelles. Our two airlines are pleased to work together to benefit passengers with more travel choices and to support the tourism industry in Seychelles.” Air Seychelles maintains its domestic network with a fleet of five Twin Otter TurboProps operating between Mahé and Praslin as well as charter flights. The airline celebrated 45 …

Emirates has announced an exciting new offer for travellers planning to visit Dubai this summer. Starting from 22 May to 11 June 2023, people who purchase an Emirates return ticket in First Class or Business Class to or stopping over in Dubai, will be able to enjoy a complimentary two night stay at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central. While those travelling in Premium Economy Class or Economy Class can enjoy a complimentary one night stay at Novotel World Trade Centre, Dubai.* This special offer is valid for all return tickets to or stopping over in Dubai for more than 24 hours, for travel dates between 26 May 2023 and 31 August 2023. The offer is available on bookings made on emirates.com, Emirates call centre or ticket offices, and via participating travel agents, made at least 96 hours in advance of passengers’ arrival. Based right next to Dubai’s iconic Museum of the Future, the 5* 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central draws inspiration from traditional Bedouin culture and design, but with a modernised twist. Lose yourself in a culinary experience from North Indian Cuisines to Bavarian beer across the five amazing in-house restaurant and bars all over the hotel. If you’re looking to relax, travellers can unwind in the Extra Hour Spa, a unique, rooftop sauna that overlooks the stunning city of Dubai. Located within the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DWTC), Novotel World Trade Centre, Dubai, gives off a luxurious yet homely vibe right in the heart of the city. Relax by the pool and enjoy signature cocktails and light meals from Chills Pool Bar, and cap your adventure off with listening to a live music performance at the soul …

Launching mid-summer 2023, Emirates can reveal that its latest ad campaign and brand collaboration will feature Penelope Cruz. The Academy Award winning actor and philanthropist is already a fan of the Emirates brand and a frequent flyer who has visited Dubai multiple times. In exclusive behind-the-scenes footage shot onboard a signature Emirates A380 aircraft, Cruz revealed her passion for Emirates and the positive association she has with the brand stating that she was thrilled to partner with Emirates after years of traveling with the airline, on some of the most special trips of her life. The new TV spots will start to air globally from June 2023, in both English and Penelope’s native tongue of Spanish. With a thought provoking theme of ‘travel is not just about the end destination; ​it’s also about how you get there’, the short ads show Cruz sampling all the exclusive luxuries that Emirates First and Business Class customers experience as they Fly Better, from a crafted beverage in the A380 Onboard Lounge, to an indulgent shower above the clouds, cheering for a football game shown on live TV, to relishing generous helpings of luxury caviar. In other spots, she enjoys the spacious seats in Emirates’ new Premium Economy Class. She interacts with Emirates Cabin Crew in multiple languages and enjoys the wide variety of movies and content on Emirates’ award-winning ice inflight entertainment system, viewed on a huge 32-inch full HD LCD screen – the largest in the aviation industry. Cruz is also filmed using the personal temperature controls in her private First Class Suite, using bespoke binoculars to enjoy the sky-high views, and wearing the Emirates hydra-active moisturising pyjamas to settle in for …