Sabre Corporation has announced a partnership with SalamAir, aiming to strengthen SalamAir’s global footprint by leveraging Sabre’s marketplace and worldwide distribution capabilities. Under the new agreement, SalamAir’s full range of flights and services will be accessible to travel agencies across the globe through Sabre’s advanced global distribution system (GDS). The move is expected to significantly enhance the airline’s international visibility, attract new customer segments, and accelerate revenue growth. “Our partnership with Sabre marks a significant milestone in SalamAir’s growth journey,” said Steven Allen, Chief Commercial Officer at SalamAir. “By utilising Sabre’s robust global distribution platform, we aim to achieve greater global visibility, reach new markets, and offer our affordable travel options to a wider audience.” For Sabre, the collaboration highlights its ongoing commitment to supporting airline partners in the Middle East with cutting-edge travel technologies. Recently, SalamAir renewed its long-term agreement with Sabre for the Radixx Reservation System, further reinforcing Sabre’s credibility and reliability as a technology partner.
Read More »Emirates expands East Asia network with new routes to Da Nang and Siem Reap
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has strengthened its presence in East Asia with the launch of two new routes connecting Da Nang, Vietnam, and Siem Reap, Cambodia, via Bangkok. This expansion brings the airline’s East Asian network to 23 destinations, reinforcing its commitment to growing connectivity across the region. The inaugural flight to Da Nang took off on 2 June, followed by the first flight to Siem Reap on 3 June. Operated by the airline’s wide-body Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, the new services provide passengers with Emirates’ signature in-flight experience and seamless connectivity through its global hub in Dubai. Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales and Country Management, said that these new services are a significant milestone in our strategy to support travel and trade in East Asia during a time of rapid regional development. The move underscores Emirates’ ongoing investment in East Asia, reflecting a broader ambition to cater to increasing demand and deepen ties with emerging travel and economic hubs across the region. He added, “Launching two new routes via Bangkok marks a significant milestone in strengthening Emirates’ presence in Southeast Asia and reinforces our long-standing commitment to Thailand as a strategic gateway to the region.”
Read More »Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat Reelected to the IATA Board of Directors
Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Ahmet Bolat, has been reelected to the Board of Directors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for a second term during the IATA’s 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in New Delhi. During his three-year tenure, Prof. Bolat will continue to contribute to the global aviation vision and represent the industry among other leading aviation executives. IATA is one of the most influential international organizations shaping the global air transport sector. It plays a pivotal role in advocating the strategic interests of its member airlines and guiding the industry on key issues such as sustainability, operational efficiency, and digital transformation. Engagements of the IATA Board of Directors is instrumental in driving progress across the global aviation landscape. Commenting on his reelection, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Ahmet Bolat stated “I am honored to be reelected to the IATA Board of Directors. This responsibility is not only a testament to the strength and vision of our airline, but also a significant opportunity to represent Türkiye’s growing influence in the global aviation arena. As Turkish Airlines, we remain committed to actively contributing to IATA’s strategic initiatives and the future of our industry.” Bolat’s reelection reaffirms to Turkish Airlines’ prominent role in global aviation and its unwavering commitment to fostering international collaboration. It also reinforces Türkiye’s influential voice in shaping the future of the industry at the highest levels of global governance.
Read More »Middle East passenger numbers set to reach 530 million by 2043: IATA
Passenger traffic across the Middle East is expected to soar to 530 million by 2043, effectively doubling from current figures, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The 20-year forecast anticipates an average annual growth rate of 3.9% in passenger numbers from 2023 to 2043, slightly surpassing the global average of 3.8%. Also, the region is set to achieve the highest net profit per passenger globally, expected to post a net profit of $6.2 billion, representing an 8.7% profit margin, well above the global average, driven by strong economic performance and demand for both business and leisure travel. As per the IATA Passenger reports, “Middle Eastern airlines saw a 14.2 per cent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 9.9 per cent year-on-year, and the load factor increased by +3.0 percentage points to 79.3 per cent compared to April 2023.” With hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh leading the charge, the focus must now shift to ensuring all parts of the region are equipped to benefit from the coming wave of air traffic and infrastructure development.
Read More »Emirates and Air China partner to enhance passenger services
Emirates and Air China have announced plans to establish a partnership for expanding their reciprocal interline cooperation. The collaboration will include the development of a framework for cargo operations and reciprocal benefits within their frequent flyer loyalty programmes. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said, “Our partnership with Air China commenced 26 years ago (July 1999) and since 2018, approximately 18,000 Emirates customers have benefited from the expanded connectivity offered through our interline agreement.” The airlines are also exploring the coordination of flight schedules and adjustments to minimum connecting times. Once implemented, this will offer customers streamlined booking processes, single-ticket itineraries, and expanded access to airport lounges, opening up a world of new destinations with greater ease and convenience. He added, “As we continue expanding our investments in the Chinese mainland, we look forward to deepening our partnership with Air China to meet growing travel demand in this strategic market and create new pathways for travel and trade between China and the global community.” The partnership will focus on knowledge exchange in strategic operational areas, such as revenue management, data analytics, digitalisation, brand development, and the advancement of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Read More »IATA and Amadeus integrate CO2 emissions data into travel platform
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Amadeus have announced the integration of IATA CO2 Connect’s flight-specific emissions data into the Amadeus Travel Platform, a move that enhances transparency and sustainability in air travel. Through this integration, airlines, travel agents, corporate travel managers, and online travel platforms can now access and display accurate CO2 emissions data at the point of booking. This new functionality allows travellers to make more environmentally informed decisions based on a trusted data source. Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA, stated, “Our agreement with Amadeus will help fulfil traveller expectations for greater transparency as airlines progress towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050. IATA surveys reveal that close to 90% of passengers expect airlines or travel agents to provide carbon emission data for flights they have booked. Yet, 79% highlight that the carbon calculations provided are not always consistent. Making IATA CO2 Connect data available through the Amadeus platform will help users make more informed travel decisions using accurate emissions data.” IATA CO2 Connect leverages real-world operational data — including aircraft type-specific fuel consumption — directly provided by more than 70 global airlines. The data is calculated using a globally standardised methodology, ensuring reliability and comparability across different carriers and flight routes.
Read More »Etihad Airways upgrades Sydney-Abu Dhabi route with Airbus A350-1000
Etihad Airways will enhance its Sydney to Abu Dhabi route with the introduction of the Airbus A350-1000 starting 1 October 2025. Initially operating on select flights alongside the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the A350 will take over all 10 weekly services by 31 January 2026, offering passengers upgraded comfort and premium Business Suites. Meanwhile, Etihad’s Melbourne route will continue daily with the airline’s latest 787-9 aircraft, also featuring the new Business Suites and expanded premium seating. Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said: “We are delighted to bring morepremium travel options to Australia with the arrival of our A350 on this important route. When theschedule is fully deployed early next year, we will have grown overall seat availability by ten per cent,and premium seat count by over 20 per cent.“We have increased our flight frequencies to Sydney this year, offering guests greater flexibility andenhanced connectivity across our expanding global network. This growth provides more seamless traveloptions to key destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and also welcomes more visitors to ourhome in Abu Dhabi, where they can enjoy our exclusive stopover programme, featuring one or two-night complimentary stays at a premium hotel.”
Read More »Emirates Skywards enhances partnership with Marriott Bonvoy to offer members more rewards
Emirates Skywards has enhanced its partnership with Marriott Bonvoy to offer members the opportunity to convert Miles to Points, and Points to Miles. The strategic partnership will unlock even more rewards for 35 million members worldwide, who can now enjoy seamless conversions. The new benefit further enhances the already strong collaboration between both loyalty programmes, which currently offers Members the chance to earn twice the rewards on both flights and hotel stays. Members can earn Skywards Miles in addition to Marriott Bonvoy points for stays at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, and Marriott Bonvoy points in addition to Skywards Miles when flying with Emirates. Dr. Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Skywards, said: “Marriott Bonvoy offers one of the most fantastic hotel portfolios in the industry, and as one of the most valued and recognised loyalty programmes in the world – we’re thrilled to take our partnership to the next level. Our 35 million members have benefitted from this strategic partnership for more than 10 years – earning twice the rewards on flights and hotel stays. And we’ve now opened a world of new rewards with the option to convert Miles to Points. This means members can redeem Points towards stays at more than 30 hotel brands and over 10,000 destinations across 144 countries and territories. At the same time, Marriott Bonvoy members can still enjoy converting Points to Miles to ‘fly better’ with Emirates to more than 140 destinations across the airline’s extensive network. We’re proud of our long-standing partnership and as two global brand leaders – we look forward to delivering more benefits, value, and the very best travel experiences for our members worldwide.” Philip Andreopoulos, Chief Commercial …
Read More »flyadeal and Cebu Pacific announce strategic partnership
flyadeal and Cebu Pacific signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore joint strategic commercial initiatives. The historic agreement covers a wide range of opportunities in commercial cooperation and support in aircraft maintenance and engineering. The first phase of the MoU will see flyadeal take delivery of two Cebu Pacific Airbus A320 aircraft on a wet-lease arrangement for the upcoming summer peak flying season in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Reciprocally, Cebu Pacific is examining wet- leasing flyadeal A320s during the busy winter period in southeast Asia at the end of the year. The agreement was signed at a joint Press Conference held in Manila today at which flyadeal Chief Executive Officer Steven Greenway and Cebu Pacific CEO Mike Szucs outlined plans for a phased cooperation beginning with the wet-lease arrangement. Talks between the two airlines began earlier this year following a visit by Greenway and a flyadeal delegation to Manila to learn more about Cebu Pacific’s A330-900neo operations. flyadeal, the Middle East’s fastest growing airline, recently announced plans to venture into the long-haul market with an order for 10 A330 widebodies to be deployed between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, and across southeast Asia from 2027. Greenway said: “Today’s agreement is momentous as it marks flyadeal’s first ever strategic airline partnership. It was clear and obvious that flyadeal could learn a lot from Cebu Pacific’s experience of low-cost long-haul operations given we will be inducting the same A330-900neos into our fleet in just two years’ time. There are great benefits in sharing technical knowledge, training and best practice in preparation for our A330 induction and, of course, we are both A320 operators. “This was the starting point for wide-ranging commercial …
Read More »Air Seychelles launches new flight route to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Airports has officially announced the launch of a new passenger flight service by Air Seychelles, connecting Zayed International Airport (AUH) with Seychelles International Airport (SEZ). Operating six times a week, the newly introduced route is set to strengthen travel ties between the UAE’s capital and the idyllic island nation of Seychelles. The initiative not only enhances tourism and business links but also offers UAE-based travellers and international visitors increased access to the pristine beaches and vibrant culture of the Seychelles. In a significant move to elevate passenger experience, the route is part of a codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways. This partnership enables Air Seychelles passengers to connect seamlessly to Etihad’s extensive global network, providing convenient travel options to Europe, Asia, and other key destinations. Travellers will also benefit from expanded regional connectivity, including flights to Mauritius three times a week and domestic services within Seychelles to Praslin, the archipelago’s second-largest island. These additions further position Seychelles as a vital tourism and travel hub in the Indian Ocean. Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “This new flight service not only bolsters Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub, but also strengthens the ties between the UAE and Seychelles. The launch offers increased accessibility for both UAE residents and international visitors, opening the door for them to experience the unparalleled beauty, culture, and hospitality of the Seychelles.”
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