Category Archives: Aviation

flydubai is marking the start of an up to four-times weekly service. Since the airline announced the new route, it has seen growing demand for flights to the Maldives and as a result it will operate daily flights, during the peak seasonal holiday period, from December 17 2020 until January 18, 2021. In addition, the four-hour flight from Dubai arrives in Male’ at a convenient time to provide improved connectivity for onward travel by seaplane. The Maldives is a popular destination which offers breath-taking beaches for those looking for a quiet secluded break and beautiful turquoise waters for those looking to be more active. In line with the comprehensive COVID-19 safe tourism guidelines and hygiene certification programme issued by the Maldivian Ministry of Tourism, all 156 resorts situated in the island nation are following the protective measures, ensuring the safety of tourists and staff. Commenting on flydubai’s growing network, Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said, “we initially saw our passengers travelling to see their family and friends. As more countries have opened up for tourism we are now seeing more passengers travel for leisure to enjoy their first holiday of the year. Whilst the pandemic has changed the way we travel we can be reassured that the safety measures taken at the airport, on board our flights and at the destination provide a safe environment to travel again with peace of mind.” flydubai has recently introduced a new COVID-19 cover to encourage more people to travel with ease of mind knowing that they will be looked after at every step of their journey. Passengers booking with flydubai for travel until 30 November 2020 will automatically receive free global …

Etihad Airways has launched the world’s first Transition Sukuk and the first Sustainability-Linked financing in global aviation, under a Transition Finance Framework. This follows the first aviation financing linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals raised in December 2019, further confirming Etihad’s role as an industry leader in sustainable finance. The US$ 600 million transaction will support Etihad’s drive for sustainable aviation by linking the sukuk terms to Etihad’s carbon reduction targets: a commitment to Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050; a 50% reduction in net emissions by 2035; and a 20% reduction in emissions intensity in the airline’s passenger fleet by 2025. Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Sustainability and responsible climate action are the most significant challenges facing the aviation industry. As the UAE’s flag carrier, Etihad is committed to sustainable development in aviation in line with Abu Dhabi’s vision. “By issuing a Sustainability-Linked Sukuk, Etihad is voluntarily adding to its existing commitments under CORSIA, and also committing to reduce carbon emissions intensity by over 20% from the 2017 baseline,” added Boukadida.

Kuwait Airways has received its first two A330neos. These aircraft are the first of eight A330neos ordered by the airline. The carrier currently operates a fleet of 15 Airbus aircraft comprising seven A320ceos, three A320neos and five A330ceos. This event also marks Airbus’ first A330-800 delivery. The new generation widebody aircraft is the latest addition to Airbus’ product line, highlighting the company’s strategy to keep offering its airline customers unbeatable economics, increased operational efficiency and superior passenger comfort with proven latest technology platforms. Thanks to its tailored mid-sized capacity and its excellent range versatility, the A330neo is considered the ideal aircraft to operate as part of the post-COVID-19 recovery.Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Ali Mohammad Al-Dukhan stated, “Kuwait Airways takes pride in its continued relationship and cooperation with Airbus for the past four decades. The delivery of the first two A330neos is yet another significant milestone for Kuwait Airways as we progress towards our goals and implementation of our fleet development strategy,” said Al-Dukhan. “The introduction of the A330neos to our expanding fleet strengthens Kuwait Airways’ position as a prominent airline in both the regional and global aviation sector. As we are continuously reviewing our passenger requirements to provide excellent services, combined with comfort and safety during each flight, the arrival of the A330neos commences a new phase in the services we provide to our passengers on board, in addition to efficient and comfortable air transport services with Kuwait Airways”, added Al-Dukhan. Kuwait Airways’ A330neo will comfortably accommodate 235 passengers, featuring 32 fully-flat beds in Business Class and 203 spacious seats in Economy Class while offering a large cargo hold capable of accommodating generous passenger baggage allowances. “The A330neo is the …

Emirates SkyCargo is stepping up its readiness to handle the logistical complexities of distributing a potential COVID-19 vaccine globally by creating the world’s first dedicated airside cargo hub for the vaccine in Dubai. The air cargo carrier is taking a global leadership position by announcing that it will be re-opening its Emirates SkyCentral DWC cargo terminal in Dubai South to serve as a dedicated anchor hub for cold chain storage and distribution of the vaccine. The freight division of Emirates has also set up a dedicated rapid response team to coordinate requests from the various partners involved in the international vaccine distribution ecosystem and to streamline the carrier’s response to vaccine transportation requests. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Chairman and Chief Executive said, “We have the infrastructure and logistics connections, and a geographic location that puts markets representing more than two-thirds of the world’s population within an 8-hour flying radius. Over the years, through our continuous investment in capabilities and processes for the transport of temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals, Emirates SkyCargo has managed to position Dubai amongst major global pharmaceutical customers as the year-round preferred point of transit for their valuable cargo. Setting up a dedicated airside hub for COVID-19 vaccines is a keystone project harnessing our network, reach and competencies to positively impact the lives of people around the world.”

Emirates has launched an integrated biometric path at Dubai International airport (DXB). The contactless airport experience is now open to Emirates passengers travelling from and through Dubai. The integrated biometric path will give passengers a seamless travel journey from specific check-in to boarding gates, improving customer flow through the airport with less document checks and less queuing. Utilising the latest biometric technology – a mix of facial and iris recognition, Emirates passengers can now check in for their flight, complete immigration formalities, enter the Emirates Lounge, and board their flights, simply by strolling through the airport. The various touchpoints in the Biometric path allow for a hygienic contactless travel journey, reducing human interaction and putting emphasis on health and safety. Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer said, “We have always focused on providing a great customer experience at any touchpoint and now it is more vital than before to make use of technology and implement products, and introduce processes that focuses not only on fast tracking customers, but more importantly on health and safety during their travel journey. The state-of-the-art, contactless biometric path is the latest in a series of initiatives we have introduced to make sure that travelling on Emirates is a seamless journey and gives customers added peace of mind.”

Airport Show Hybrid+ to take place from May 24-26, 2021 will introduce a new digital element to the live, face-to-face event, taking place in DWTC, Dubai. Organisers of the world’s largest annual airport exhibition has unveiled plans to keep the aviation community connected under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. In the meantime, Airport Show Digital+ on 7-9 December 2020 will give the global community an opportunity to network, learn and engage through a new digital platform. The new digital arm has been designed to strengthen the Show experience and give a unique opportunity to seamlessly connect audiences across the world like never before. The all-inclusive opportunity will help in engaging with the attendees before, during and after the event. His Excellency Mohammed Ahli, Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and CEO of Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) commented: “The rescheduling and reformatting of Airport Show has been necessary to provide a platform for aviation industry decision-makers and professionals to come together to discuss the most challenging times in aviation history. Dubai is moving fast to pick-up lost grounds as the situation improves and it is important to push forward together globally to share best practices, new technologies and strategies to support rapid recovery.” Daniyal Qureshi, Group Exhibition Director of Reed Exhibitions Middle East, the organisers of Airport Show said: “Incorporating a new digital platform has enhanced the user experience for both events coming up. The Digital Event in December will offer the opportunity for users to visit Digital Stands, schedule online meetings …

Emirates airline is rolling out a redesigned onboard experience from November 1. The celebrated A380 Onboard Lounge and Shower Spa have resumed operations with the introduction of additional health and safety measures. The airline has also enhanced its offering, introducing a nutrient-rich welcome drink for the winter season. The A380 Onboard Lounge, which serves First and Business Class customers, will transform into a take-away bar with limited seating capacity and social distancing protocols in place. The bar continues to serve wines, spirits, soft drinks and pre-packaged lounge bites for customers to take and enjoy in the comfort of their own seats. Customers can also make their orders from their seats if they prefer. The social areas in Business Class on select Boeing 777 aircraft and in First Class also re-opened with pre-packed snacks for customers to grab and go. First Class customers can once again have a shower at 40,000 feet. Luxury spa products will be provided in individual amenity bags to each customer. The sets include pamper essentials from award-winning, organic and sustainable Irish brand VOYA, a disposable bath towel and a menu to choose additional amenities.

Etihad Airways will become the first GCC carrier to operate a commercial passenger flight to and from Israel, to bring Israel’s top travel and tourism leaders to the UAE. The historic flight, flown in partnership with the Maman Group, will depart Tel Aviv on October 19, operated by an Etihad Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for the three-and-a-half-hour journey from Israel to the UAE. The return journey will depart Abu Dhabi on October 21. As a travel trade mission, the flight will bring a group of tourism industry leaders, key corporate decision makers, travel agents, and cargo agents, along with media to experience Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE, at the invitation of Etihad Airways and representatives of Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry. This is the latest development in a growing cooperation between the two nations following the establishment of diplomatic ties, and the signing of the Abraham Accords between the UAE and Israel in Washington D.C. on September 15. It also follows Israeli national airline El Al’s first symbolic commercial flight between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi on 31 August. His Excellency Mohamed Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Chairman, Etihad Aviation Group said, “Today’s flight is a historic opportunity for the development of strong partnerships here in the UAE, and in Israel, and Etihad as the national airline, is delighted to be leading the way. We are just starting to explore the long-term potential of these newly forged relationships, which will be sure to greatly benefit the economies of both nations, particularly in the areas of trade and tourism, and ultimately the people who call this diverse and wonderful region home.” As an important facilitator of trade, the flights between Tel Aviv …

Etihad Guest has partnered with Trip.com, the leading international online travel service provider, to offer Etihad Guest Members rewarding new travel options. Trip.com has an international presence in more than 200 countries and regions, and this partnership will provide holidaymakers with the opportunity to earn Etihad Guest Miles on accommodation bookings made through the website. Etihad Guest members will now be rewarded with 3 Etihad Guest Miles for every 1 USD spent on accommodation bookings at more than 1.4 million properties available through the portal. Yasser Al Yousuf, Vice President Commercial Partnerships, Etihad Airways, said, “This year, we’re committed to growing our partnership footprint, to bring more choice and greater rewards to our valued Etihad Guest members. This new partnership with Trip.com will increase our presence across the Far East. As global travel restrictions are eased, many of our guests are excited to travel again, and our partnership with Trip.com will further reward them, wherever their travel may take them.” “As travellers around the world look towards their next trips, we are delighted to be partnering with Etihad Guest to maximise benefits for travellers from the Middle East and around the globe,” said Trip.com Group Chief Marketing Officer Bo Sun.

Oman Air is providing its guests with complimentary COVID coverage which will cover expenses incurred by medical treatment or quarantine related to the COVID-19 virus.The coverage, which is effective for travel from 1 October 2020 until 31 March 2021, is provided to all guests who purchase tickets on omanair.com, through the airline’s Call Centre, at Oman Air’s offices or through travel agents after 1st October 2020.Coverage begins on the day Oman Air returns to scheduled service, with flights connecting Muscat with 18 cities in 12 countries. Oman Air will maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey. Masks are required when guests are on board the aircraft and in Oman’s airports. Distancing is maintained while guests board and exit the aircraft, which are carefully cleaned after each flight and at the end of every day. Cabin crew all wear a full set of personal protective equipment, meal service has been modified to further ensure safety and a number of other steps have been taken to e­­nsure that the airline’s guests and crew are safe at all times. Guests who are planning to travel to Muscat should visit the Civil Aviation Authority website, paca.gov.om, to ensure they are prepared to comply with requirements to enter the Sultanate.Guests departing from Oman should also ensure that they are aware of all pre-departure requirements and requirements during their flights, which are provided at omanair.com, along with any requirements at their destinations.