Category Archives: Aviation

Emirates has officially launched its new daily service to Hangzhou, marking its fifth gateway in the Chinese mainland and the second new destination added in under a month, following Shenzhen. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, commented on the launch: “China has become one of the world’s leading aviation markets, and Emirates is proud to have played a role in its development. Adding two new gateways within just one month is a major milestone that underscores our deepening commitment to the Chinese mainland. This expansion also demonstrates the strong momentum our East and Southeast Asia growth strategy has gained over the past year. With rising demand, we’re optimistic our global network will continue connecting people, businesses, and economies across Asia and beyond. Emirates remains committed to delivering seamless, reliable connectivity between this dynamic region and the world. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, and all our local partners for their invaluable support in enabling the successful start of this route.” Flight EK310 landed at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport on 30 July to a warm welcome from local dignitaries, airport officials, and a ceremonial water cannon salute. Passengers on the inaugural flight from Dubai were treated to commemorative keepsakes including keychains, certificates, and Chinese tea tasting sets to mark the occasion. The inaugural flight carried passengers from across Emirates’ global network, including key markets like the UAE, Nigeria, Italy, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Brazil, as well as a VIP delegation led by Emirates’ senior management, and members of the international media. Operated by an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER, flight EK310 departs Dubai at 0940hrs and arrives in Hangzhou at …

Emirates and IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore joint collaborations on programmes designed to meet the travel needs of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across global markets. The signing ceremony was attended by Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President for Passenger Sales and Country Management; Matthew Jones, VP-USA, Emirates; Ashraf Baytam, Senior Manager Global Business Travel, Emirates; and Ryan Plemmons, Vice President, Global Sales Strategy, IHG Hotels & Resorts. Together, Emirates and IHG will explore ways to reach and engage with SMEs through value-added benefits and exclusive rewards to facilitate business travel. The hotel group will provide enhanced travel incentives and seamless integration with its extensive portfolio of hotels and resorts around the globe. Present at the signing ceremony was Nabil Sultan, Executive Vice President for Passenger Sales and Country Management, who commented: “With the SME segment playing a crucial role in fostering economic growth and creating jobs, Emirates is committed to supporting them with solutions and value-added propositions to meet their travel needs. We are pleased to collaborate with the leading hotel group, IHG Hotels & Resorts, to explore programmes that will be mutually beneficial to our valued customers. Together we aim to extend valuable benefits to our customers in the SME sector, while expanding our customer base in this very important segment.” Mark Sergot, SVP, Global Sales, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Emirates to redefine business travel for Small and Medium Enterprises worldwide. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to delivering exceptional value, seamless experiences, and exclusive rewards tailored to the unique needs of SMEs. By combining IHG’s hospitality expertise with Emirate’s global connectivity, we …

Air Arabia announced the expansion of its flight services to Bangkok, Thailand with the addition of a third daily flight starting from 26 October 2025. The increase to three daily flights between Sharjah International Airport and Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok underscores Air Arabia’s commitment to offering its customers enhanced connectivity, greater convenience and more flexible travel options between the UAE and Thailand. Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said: “We are glad to expand our service to Bangkok, which reaffirms our ongoing commitment to meeting customer demand and strengthening connectivity to key global markets. We remain dedicated to enhancing the travel experience of our customers while also contributing to the growth of trade and tourism ties between the UAE and Thailand”. Enabling passengers to experience convenient and affordable travel opportunities, Air Arabia operates a modern fleet of 83 Airbus A320 and A321 neo-LR aircraft, the most efficient and best-selling single aisle aircraft in the world. The cabin configuration across the fleet provides added comfort with one of the most generous seat-pitch of any economy cabin. In addition to ‘SkyTime’, its complementary in-flight streaming service, and ‘SkyCafe’, its onboard menu. Passengers can also benefit from ‘Air Rewards’, the most generous loyalty program in the region. Customers can now book their direct flights from Sharjah to Bangkok by visiting Air Arabia’s website, calling the call centre, or through travel agencies.

Etihad Airways and Azul Brazilian Airlines have launched a frequent flyer partnership agreement. The agreement enables members of both Etihad Guest and the Azul Fidelidade programme to earn and redeem their respective loyalty currency on either carrier. Etihad Guest members can redeem their miles on flights, worldwide hotel stays and holidays, or shop from a variety of products from the Etihad Guest Reward Shop. Azul Fidelidade member miles can be spent on hotel stays, car rentals, products and services at Azul Fidelidade Shopping. Mark Potter, Managing Director Etihad Guest, said: “Signing this frequent flyer agreement with Azul Brazilian Airlines is both exciting and significant for Etihad Guest. The partnership opens up Azul’s impressive network for our members to be rewarded for their travel adventures, offering more ways to earn and redeem their miles when exploring destinations across the Americas. We also look forward to welcoming Azul Fidelidade members onboard Etihad Airways, showcasing our signature Emirati hospitality and offering them the ability to earn or redeem their miles when they choose to travel across our rapidly expanding global network, also bringing more people to our home in Abu Dhabi.” The partnership transforms how members explore South America. Etihad Guest members can now use their miles to discover Brazil’s cultural capitals – from the bustling streets of São Paulo to the colonial charm of Salvador and the beaches of Recife. The agreement also unlocks Azul’s routes to popular destinations like Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Curaçao, creating new possibilities for onwards travel throughout the Americas. For Azul Fidelidade members, the partnership opens doors to Etihad’s rapidly expanding network. Members can earn miles exploring Asia’s emerging destinations including Krabi’s pristine beaches, Phnom Penh’s vibrant night …

Emirates marks the arrival of its new-generation A350 aircraft at Bologna’s Guglielmo Marconi Airport. With this milestone, Bologna becomes the first Italian city – and one of the first ten worldwide – to welcome the Emirates A350, marking a new chapter in the direct connection between the capital of Emilia-Romagna and Dubai. Emirates selected Bologna as one of the first airports in the world to welcome the new Airbus A350, recognizing its strategic location – Marconi Airport is in fact a key regional hub that serves a much wider area beyond the city itself, including Modena, Parma, Ferrara, and Rimini – the efficiency of its infrastructure, and the dynamism of its local economy. This choice reaffirms the value of a solid, decade-long partnership, which began in 2015 with the launch of the direct flight to Dubai and has since been strengthened through a series of significant achievements. “We’re pleased to be back here to celebrate an important milestone that confirms the strategic role of this gateway within Emirates’ global network” – said Flavio Ghiringhelli, Country Manager of Emirates in Italy. “Our partnership with Bologna is a story of shared success and steady growth. Just last year, we joined the airport in celebrating the 10-million-passenger milestone, and two years ago we celebrated together the one-millionth Emirates passenger flying through this gateway. Today, we mark a new chapter with the arrival of the A350, a true symbol of innovation and excellence. We firmly believe that this next-generation aircraft will not only enhance the travel experience for our passengers but also act as a catalyst for increased commercial and cultural exchanges, further strengthening the ties between Bologna, Italy, and the rest of the world”. …

Gulf Air announced its expansion in North America with the launch of its direct flights to New York (JFK) from 1st October 2025. This new service establishes a new and additional connection to a key global commercial and cultural hub. Gulf Air will operate three weekly flights to New York (JFK). These flights will be operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Gulf Air will initially operate its flights from the current Terminal One at JFK. The airline intends to transition its operations to JFK’s New Terminal One in June 2026, offering passengers seamless and modern travel experience aligned with Gulf Air’s premium service standards. Gulf Air Group Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Goh stated: “We are excited to announce the launch of our direct flights to New York’s JFK and our return to the North American market. This service aligns with Gulf Air’s strategy of calibrated expansion and serving strategic markets, providing passengers with greater choice and convenience for travel, through Bahrain International Airport, between Bahrain and North America, and beyond, supporting the connectivity strategy of the Kingdom.” Passengers can book their flights to/from New York and stay updated on flight timings by downloading the Gulf Air mobile application, visiting Gulf Air’s website gulfair.com or through travel agents.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has expanded its fleet with the addition of two Airbus A320 aircraft, bringing its total fleet size to 12 aircraft. This expansion is part of the airline’s ongoing growth strategy. The carrier also announced plans to add two more Airbus A320 aircraft before the end of the year. This planned fleet increase will boost total capacity by 40% in 2025, further reinforcing Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’s commitment to the growth of Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector and the emirate’s broader economic development. Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said: “The addition of new aircraft and our strategic fleet expansion reflect our ongoing commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and expanding our network reach. This growth supports the rising demand for air travel to and from Abu Dhabi.” He added: “The planned capacity increase in 2025 will further contribute to the capital’s broader economic and tourism vision while continuing to offer value-driven air travel to our customers.” Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’s recent network expansions include new routes to Yerevan, Almaty, and Sialkot, further broadening its reach. The airline now connects Abu Dhabi with non-stop service to over 30 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, and Eastern Europe, offering seamless travel options for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Since its launch in 2020, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has emerged as a key enabler of air connectivity from the UAE capital, providing its customers with affordable and reliable air travel.

flynas announced launching a new route between Jeddah and Prishtina in Kosovo, further consolidating its position as pioneering air carrier connecting the two countries, in line with flynas growth and expansion plan, launched under the title “We Connect the World to the Kingdom,” in parallel with the objectives of the National Civil Aviation Strategy to enable national air carriers to contribute to connecting KSA with 250 International destinations and to accommodate 330 million passengers and to host 150 million tourists yearly by 2030. Starting 1st October, three weekly flights will be operated between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prishtina International Airport “Adem Jashari” on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. flynas is the first airline listed on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) operates 139 routes to more than 70 domestic and international destinations in 30 countries with more than 2000 weekly flights and has flown more than 80 million passengers since its launch in 2007, with the aim to reach 165 domestic and international destinations within its growth and expansion plan, and in line with the objectives of 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

Emirates announced it will deploy its newly refurbished Boeing 777 aircraft to/from Madrid starting from 16 September. Customers can look forward to an enhanced travel experience with upgraded interiors and premium signature travel touches across all cabins. Madrid is Emirates’ first destination in Spain to operate with the airline’s next-generation interiors. Emirates’ four-class Boeing 777 will operate as flight EK143/EK144. Emirates flight EK143 will depart Dubai at 14:30hrs and arrive in Madrid at 20:20hrs local time. The return flight, EK144 will depart Madrid at 22:05hrs and arrive in Dubai at 7:10hrs local time, the following day. The deployment of Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777 to Madrid marks a new era of premium travel to the Spanish city – offering customers the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy service*, newly configured Business Class cabin, and a ‘better’ travel experience to/from the country. Emirates’ newest Boeing 777 cabin interiors will wow customers with its modern design details and signature cabin finishings, including: A refurbished First-Class cabin with upgraded interiors offering unparalleled luxury. New Business Class cabin that provides more privacy and comfort for customers with fully lie-flat seats in an updated 1-2-1 seating configuration. Latest Premium Economy cabin which combines accessible luxury with comfort; offering cream leather seats, increased legroom, adjustable headrests, deeper seat recline and raised cushioned leg rests. Spacious Economy Class seats with new design elements. Emirates continues to invest in elevating the travel experience through its ambitious multibillion-dollar retrofit program — one of the largest in aviation history. With 61 aircraft already refurbished, including 31 A380s and 30 Boeing 777s, the program is set to upgrade over 220 aircraft with Emirates’ latest cabin products. Passengers travelling with Emirates will enjoy the airline’s …

As part of Kuwait Airways’ efforts to enhance the travel experience and provide a variety of services to its valued passengers, the company announced the launch of its Elite Service at Terminal 4 (T4), offering a comprehensive suite of services to its passengers, excluding flights to New York. Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan, stated, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to launch one of its newest services, the Elite Service which includes a range of distinguished services to our valued passengers. The Elite Service begins with completing the passenger’s travel procedures, which include baggage weighing from home and issuing their boarding passes, followed by transportation to the airport and meet-and-assist services at T4 passenger terminal. Al-Fagaan added, “The Elite Service also includes facilitating the completion of passenger’s travel procedures at Terminal 4, access to the Elite Lounge until departure time, and transportation to the aircraft when a passenger bridge is not available. Upon return, passengers are welcomed at Terminal 4, assisted through arrival procedures, and transported home by limousine.” Al-Fagaan continued by saying, “Customers can book and request the Elite Service through the Kuwait Airways app or website between 72 and up to 48 hours prior to departure. Home check-in service will be completed 24 hours prior to the flight, after which the baggage will be delivered to Terminal 4 (T4) before departure.” Al-Fagaan emphasized that Kuwait Airways spares no effort in ensuring the comfort of its valued customers, highlighting the company’s commitment to providing exceptional services and entertainment options that enhance the travel experience. He noted that these efforts are especially timely with the onset of the 2025 summer travel season, aiming to make every journey enjoyable and engaging. Al-Fagaan concluded …