Category Archives: Aviation

In a significant enhancement to its Irish operations, Emirates is set to operate a third daily service to Dublin this winter starting from 26 October 2025. The world’s largest international airline will offer customers more travel choices to Dubai and beyond, as well as increased cargo capacity to/from Dublin. Emirates flight EK165 will depart Dubai at 02:10hrs and arrive in Dublin at 06:25hrs, local time. The return flight, EK166, will depart Dublin at 08:25hrs and arrive in Dubai at 20:00hrs local time. The additional flight will provide Irish travellers with an early morning departure option, complementing the existing afternoon and evening departures offered by the airline’s double daily service to the country. The third daily flight will operate utilising a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft set in a three-class configuration, offering customers 8 private suites in First Class, 42 lie flat seats in Business Class and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class. The added service will also provide travellers with enhanced connectivity to popular destinations across Emirates’ network including Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. Last month, the airline officially introduced its newly retrofitted Boeing 777 on the Dubai to Dublin route, offering Irish passengers an upgraded experience with its four-class configuration, featuring its award-winning Premium Economy cabin and latest Business Class experience. The airline has also announced it will deploy its second refurbished Boeing 777 to Dublin starting from 16 October. Customers travelling with Emirates can look forward to the warm hospitality of the airline’s multinational crew, regionally inspired meals, and award-winning inflight entertainment system – ice – offering up to 6,500 channels of the best movies, TV shows, podcasts and more. Premium passengers will also experience an essence of Ireland onboard with …

‘Emirates First’ was officially opened at Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB), offering a luxurious and unique airport experience for Emirates’ First Class customers and Skywards Platinum members. The check-in area has been meticulously upgraded with an opulent and refined private seating area, offering an exclusive check in process. As the world’s largest operator of international First Class travel – offering 26,800 seats a week and the largest inventory of international First Class seats in the industry, Emirates continues to invest and uplift its customers’ experience at every touchpoint on the ground and in the air. This is a clear demonstration of Emirates’ commitment to renovating its ground products and providing more comfort to its customers. Adel al Redha, Emirates’ Deputy President & Chief Operating Officer remarked, “We invest heavily in upgrading our ground products, and Emirates First is one of the areas that will offer a unique and private environment to our First Class customers and Skywards Platinum members. We know our customers value privacy and convenience, and this will provide another level of hospitality to the check-in experience, as part of our efforts to continuously uplift the overall travel journey. Now, our customers can enjoy a sleek transfer with our Chauffeur Drive Service, a swift check-in at the exclusive Emirates First, explore a world-class lounge before boarding, and relax into a multi award-winning inflight experience with Emirates.” Emirates First has been reimagined with premium customers in mind, and every detail of the travel journey considered to ensure a ‘Fly Better’ experience. From the moment customers reach the dedicated Emirates Terminal 3 departures area, and just a few steps inside, a grand golden entryway now signifies the entrance the private space, …

flyadeal opened a dedicated sales office in Dubai to support customers and the travel trade in the latest move to increase its presence in the Emirate. With the appointment of Orient Travel as the airline’s new General Sales Agent (GSA) responsible for overseeing flyadeal sales in the UAE, the airline has also recruited Mudassir Dhanse as its dedicated new UAE Country Sales Manager. The flyadeal office opening within the premises of Orient Travel on Sheikh Zayed Road was attended by key travel partners. His Excellency Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan bin Khalid Al Qasmi, accompanied by Orient Travel co-owner Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasmi, presided over the opening that included Orient Travel’s CEO Asim Arshad and visiting senior management from flyadeal headquarters in Jeddah led by CEO Steven Greenway and Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Rogier van Enk. To mark the official opening, flyadeal management also hosted an event in Dubai for the UAE travel trade to provide company updates. flyadeal currently operates up to six daily scheduled flights between Riyadh and Dubai International, a route launched just over two years ago. The airline also has a daily service linking the Saudi capital with Dubai World Central in southern Dubai that began in summer 2024. Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, said: “flyadeal has built up a successful split operation in Dubai to serve travellers in the heart of the city and the southern part to make accessibility easier for all. Of course we are looking to build capacity even further from up to seven daily flights across both Dubai airports as we induct new aircraft into the fleet. It’s just a matter of time before we …

Etihad Airways launched the Etihad for Business corporate portal, bringing the airline’s comprehensive business travel programme fully online. Companies can now access their complete corporate travel management suite through a single digital platform. The portal enables businesses to manage their travel programmes with enhanced tools, track performance data in real-time, and handle benefit redemptions with self-service capabilities. Corporate customers can now access contract details, monitor travel spend, and redeem Etihad for Business credits for a comprehensive suite of travel benefits. “We’ve created a platform that puts control directly in our corporate partners’ hands,” said Javier Alija, Vice President Global Sales & Distribution at Etihad Airways. “Companies can now manage everything from performance tracking to benefit redemptions through one simple interface.” The Etihad for Business programme rewards corporate customers for their business travel, allowing them to enhance their employees’ travel experience through a flexible credit system. Companies can use earned credits to purchase from a suite of benefits including seat upgrades, priority services, lounge access, and ground transportation. Key portal features include automated performance reports, transparent tiering requirements, and streamlined contract management. The platform eliminates administrative burdens while providing companies with clear visibility into their travel programme value. “Business travel management should be straightforward, not complicated,” Javier Alija added. “Our portal delivers exactly that: a user-friendly experience that makes it easy for companies to maximise the value of their travel programmes.” The platform offers different levels of support based on company needs. Enhanced analytics capabilities will follow shortly after launch, with additional features planned to expand the portal’s functionality over time. Corporate customers can also access dedicated support through the platform, from online assistance to account management services, ensuring comprehensive support throughout …

In its commitment to supporting inbound tourism to the island nation of Mauritius, Emirates has announced it will introduce a third daily flight, starting on 1 December. The additional service, to be operated by a Boeing 777 aircraft as EK709/710, will complement existing schedules and support the travel plans of Emirates customers planning trips to the popular destination from across its network of more than 140 points. Emirates currently serves Mauritius with two daily services aboard its flagship A380 aircraft, operating as EK701/702 and EK703/704.The addition of the third daily service, under a codeshare arrangement with Air Mauritius, will provide convenient flight timings to support travel itineraries and enable seamless connectivity for customers from the Middle East, Europe and the Americas travelling to the Indian Ocean holiday spot. The additional daily service will also provide seamless connections from and to Far East markets, where Emirates will actively promote the destination to audiences in Japan, China, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. Passengers can now book seats to the exotic island destination in First Class, Business Class and Economy Class on flight EK709, to operate daily and departing Dubai at 06:55 hrs and arriving in Mauritius at 13:40 hrs. Flights from Mauritius, operating as EK710, will depart Mauritius at 18:30 hrs and arrive in Dubai at 01:10 hrs the next day. All times are local. Tickets on the third daily service can be booked immediately by visiting emirates.com, for travel starting from 1 December. Tickets can also be booked on Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said: “We would like to thank the Mauritian authorities for making an …

A consortium comprising Air Arabia, Nesma Group, and KUN Holding announces that it has won the General Authority of Civil Aviation’s (GACA) competition to establish and operate a new national low-cost airline, which will be based at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The airline aims to enhance domestic and international air connectivity for the Eastern Province. This win marks the culmination of a shared vision and strategic partnership among the three parties, focused on delivering an efficient operating model that supports the objectives of the Aviation program goals, improves service quality for travelers, and contributes to driving national economic growth. Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, stated: “We are proud to have been selected by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to launch a new national low-cost airline headquartered in Dammam. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Authority for its trust in us. As a leading low-cost airline operator in the region, this achievement represents a key milestone that reaffirms our commitment to supporting the growth and development of the Kingdom’s aviation sector. Through our proven economic model and regional expertise, this new partnership will deliver a reliable and value-driven travel experience for passengers and will contribute to economic growth and job creation in the Eastern Province and beyond.” Mr. Faisal Bin Saleh Al-Turki, President of Nesma Group, and Mr. Mohamed Bin Nabil Hefni, CEO of KUN Holding, added: “At Nesma and KUN, we are proud to be part of this ambitious national initiative, which is the result of a strategic partnership with Air Arabia Group. This initiative aligns with the impressive developments in the Kingdom’s tourism and aviation sectors. Launching a new low-cost …

Emirates is set to operate a third daily service to Dublin this winter starting from 26 October 2025. The world’s largest international airline will offer customers more travel choices to Dubai and beyond, as well as increased cargo capacity to/from Dublin. Emirates flight EK165 will depart Dubai at 02:10hrs and arrive in Dublin at 06:25hrs, local time. The return flight, EK166, will depart Dublin at 08:25hrs and arrive in Dubai at 20:00hrs local time. The additional flight will provide Irish travellers with an early morning departure option, complementing the existing afternoon and evening departures offered by the airline’s double daily service to the country. The third daily flight will operate utilising a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft set in a three-class configuration, offering customers 8 private suites in First Class, 42 lie flat seats in Business Class and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class. The added service will also provide travellers with enhanced connectivity to popular destinations across Emirates’ network including Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. Last month, the airline officially introduced its newly retrofitted Boeing 777 on the Dubai to Dublin route, offering Irish passengers an upgraded experience with its four-class configuration, featuring its award-winning Premium Economy cabin and latest Business Class experience. The airline has also announced it will deploy its second refurbished Boeing 777 to Dublin starting from 16 October. Customers travelling with Emirates can look forward to the warm hospitality of the airline’s multinational crew, regionally inspired meals, and award-winning inflight entertainment system – ice – offering up to 6,500 channels of the best movies, TV shows, podcasts and more. Premium passengers will also experience an essence of Ireland onboard with VOYA bathroom amenities, Keogh’s Crisps and Killowen yogurt. …

Etihad Airways marked the launch of its inaugural flight to Al Alamein (DBB), adding the Egyptian coastal city to its list of seasonal summer destinations. This new direct service brings travellers closer to one of the Mediterranean’s most alluring seaside destinations, with twice-weekly flights from Abu Dhabi to Al Alamein. The conveniently timed flights operate on Thursdays and Sundays enabling a quick weekend getaway or longer break away. Nestled along the Mediterranean and within reach of Alexandria, Al Alamein is a hidden gem, poised to become a major leisure destination for travellers from the UAE, the wider Gulf region, and beyond. Its unique blend of seaside luxury, scenic shoreline, and upscale retreats make it an ideal location for leisure travellers seeking relaxing beach holidays and rejuvenating getaways. “The launch of Al Alamein reflects our strategic focus on expanding Etihad’s network to serve high-demand seasonal routes,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways. “As leisure travel continues to grow, destinations like Al Alamein offer tremendous appeal for our guests seeking premium summer experiences. This new connection supports our broader commitment to offering more choice and flexibility across our rapidly growing network.” The new service will be operated by Etihad’s Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring eight Business seats and 150 Economy seats, combining comfort, convenience, and the airline’s renowned hospitality.

Boeing and Gulf Air have announced an agreement for the purchase of 12 787 Dreamliner jets with options for six more as the Bahrain-based airline looks to further develop its international network. Once finalized, this order will bring the carrier’s firm order book to 14 of the versatile widebody jets and will support 30,000 jobs across the U.S. Bahrain Minister of Finance and National Economy Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick joined Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope and Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Taqi to witness the signing. “This agreement marks a transformative step in Gulf Air’s strategic growth journey as we expand our global footprint and modernize our fleet with one of the industry’s most advanced and efficient aircraft,” said Khalid Taqi, chairman of Gulf Air Group. “The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has proven to be an exceptional aircraft for our long-haul operations, and this new order reflects our confidence in its performance, passenger appeal and contribution to our sustainability goals. We are proud to deepen our partnership with Boeing and reaffirm our commitment to positioning Bahrain as a key global aviation hub.” The 787 Dreamliner, recognized for its fuel efficiency, range and passenger experience, already serves as the backbone of Gulf Air’s long-haul operations connecting over 50 destinations. With 10 787 airplanes in service, the airline is well-positioned to grow its network, serving new and existing markets across Asia, Europe and the U.S. “We are excited to build on our more than 60-year partnership with Gulf Air as we deliver the market-leading 787 Dreamliner to help the airline serve more passengers and connect more destinations,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO …

Ethiopian Airlines launched its new daily passenger service connecting Addis Ababa with Abu Dhabi. The inaugural flight marks a significant milestone in Ethiopian Airlines’ efforts to strengthen its presence in the Middle East and Gulf region. Speaking at the ceremony, Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, stated, “The launch of our new service to Abu Dhabi reflects Ethiopian Airlines’ strategic commitment to connecting Africa with the world. Through our collaboration with Etihad Airways, we are creating more opportunities for trade, investment, and tourism between our nations while offering our passengers expanded choice and convenience. This partnership is a powerful example of what can be achieved when two national carriers come together to unlock mutual growth.” This new daily service to Abu Dhabi expands Ethiopian Airlines’ already extensive operations in the Gulf region. The airline currently operates over 100 weekly passenger flights to 13 destinations across the Middle East and Gulf. In June 2025, Ethiopian also launched a new four-times-weekly passenger service to Sharjah. With the Addition of Abu Dhabi, Ethiopian now operates flight to/from four airports in three cities in the UAE: Dubai, Dubai International Airport DXB & Al Maktoum International Airport DWC (cargo), Sharjah, now Abu Dhabi, the futuristic Zayed International Airport. This new route is part of a landmark joint venture agreement between Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways, designed to foster closer cooperation between the two carriers. The agreement supports joint development and expansion of routes between Ethiopia and the UAE and strengthens connectivity across their respective global networks. Ethiopian Airlines continues to fulfill its mission to bring Africa closer to the world through superior connectivity, service excellence, and strategic partnerships.