Category Archives: Aviation

KlasJet has signed an agreement with Air Cairo to provide chartered flights this summer. The agreement sees KlasJet operate charter flights for Air Cairo taking holidaymakers from Milan (Italy) and Sharjah (UAE) to Cairo (Egypt). The partnership between Air Cairo and KlasJet is helping meet an upsurge in tourism, a sector that is vital to Egypt. In the period from July to September last year, tourism revenue hit $4.8 billion, a significant uplift for Africa’s second-largest economy. “We have been able to get alignment on all operational and crew-related topics thanks to the flexible and proactive approach of our team – who flew out to Cairo to ensure everything progressed smoothly – and the strong commitment on both sides to clear communication and a partnership-based approach,” said Vytautas Mikuckas, Head of Wet Lease Department at KlasJet. “We are delighted to be partnering with KlasJet for these charters, and we know they will offer tourists to Egypt an excellent experience that will add to the overall enjoyment of their stay here.” The contract will run until 31st October. Air Cairo was founded in 2003 and is partly owned by EgyptAir, Egypt’s state-owned national airline. The carrier currently operates more than 30 aircraft, mostly A320s, and its main business focus is charter flights from Europe to Egypt’s most popular holiday destinations. KlasJet became the very first ACMI provider based in an EASA-regulated country working with Air Cairo. Despite the differences in procedures and regulations, KlasJet secured a three-day turnaround from signing the agreement to the ferry flight to Cairo on 30th May.  

Etihad Airways has signed a strategic codeshare agreement with Taipei-based STARLUX Airlines, expanding customer access to Northeast Asia and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a gateway between East and West. The partnership, announced at the International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, enables Etihad customers to connect seamlessly to key Japanese cities including Nagoya, Sapporo, and Fukuoka via Taipei, whilst offering STARLUX passengers direct access to Etihad’s European network through Abu Dhabi. Etihad will launch daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Taipei on 7 September 2025, operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The new route creates the foundation for the codeshare partnership, positioning Taipei as a gateway for Etihad’s expansion into Northeast Asia. Etihad customers booking through etihad.com and the airline’s mobile app will benefit from streamlined travel with single-ticket bookings, coordinated check-in processes, and automatic baggage transfers to final destinations across STARLUX’s Asia-Pacific network. The agreement also opens new pathways for STARLUX passengers to reach European destinations including Prague, Madrid, and Barcelona via Abu Dhabi, positioning the emirate as an attractive transit hub for Asian travellers bound for Europe. Both airlines will launch joint marketing initiatives in Taiwan and establish a reciprocal frequent flyer programme by year-end, allowing Etihad Guest members to earn and redeem miles across both networks. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “This partnership with STARLUX Airlines opens new market opportunities in Northeast Asia, giving our customers access to Japan’s key business and leisure destinations through Taipei. STARLUX Airlines’ reputation for premium service aligns perfectly with our standards, and together we’re offering travellers more choice and convenience when connecting across three continents.” Simon Liu, Chief Strategy Officer of …

Etihad Airways celebrated the launch of flights to two new destinations in Central Europe – Prague and Warsaw. The UAE’s national airline operated its inaugural flight to the enchanting Czech capital Prague, one of 16 new destinations the airline will add this year. Next the airline touched down in Warsaw for the first time, adding the vibrant Polish capital to its expanding European network. “Our new Prague and Warsaw services open doors to countless possibilities,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways. “These new routes create a bridge between two remarkable regions, connecting travellers from the Middle East to the heart of Central Europe, while offering seamless connections via Abu Dhabi to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and Australia.” Often called the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’, Prague captivates visitors with its stunning Gothic architecture, centuries-old squares, and lively cultural scene. The Czech capital’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases architectural treasures spanning eight centuries, while its modern districts pulse with innovative cuisine, art, and design. Beyond the city, the surrounding region offers picturesque landscapes, from historic castles to renowned spa towns. In Poland, the modern city of Warsaw captivates with its distinctive contrasts – elegant architecture and contemporary skylines, traditional markets and inspired dining scenes, historic parks and cutting-edge cultural venues. This diversity is complemented by Poland’s enticing array of experiences, from medieval cities to pristine forests and mountain ranges. Visitors to the UAE from Czechia and Poland, can enjoy Abu Dhabi’s distinctive blend of tradition and modern luxury. The UAE capital offers everything from the serenity of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the artistic masterpieces of the Louvre Abu …

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.”