Goal: increase in quality and improved on-time ratings Multi-hub planning approach to be consistently continued in 2019 Munich: Strengthening commitment to Asia Dubai, UAE, October 16, 2018:  Lufthansa Group continues to consistently optimize the management of its hubs in Munich, Frankfurt, Zürich and Vienna. The main focus is on the flexible multi-hub system: newly integrated processes mean that Lufthansa Group is increasingly able to move fleets and traffic wherever the conditions are best for quality, growth and cost effectiveness.   Specifically, the Lufthansa Executive Board decided to accelerate its growth at the Munich location and develop the Bavarian capital into a hub with a focus on Asia. Lufthansa Group anticipates high single-digit year-over-year growth for the network airlines at this hub for ......read more

TRT World channel is now active on Turkish Airlines, delivering live television programming for passenger consumption.   Dubai, United Arab Emirates; 16th October 2018 -   Turkish Airlines now also extend live TRT World broadcast across its wide-body aircrafts for its passengers to enjoy programming from Turkey’s first English broadcaster.  Commenting on the initiative Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, M. İlker Aycı said; “As the national flagship airline of Turkey, where the East and West meet, we offer Turkish hospitality to our guests on board. Today we are proud to offer TRT World’s objective perspective and alternative approach to news making to 122 countries we fly.” İbrahim Eren, Director General and Chairman of TRT, said; ......read more

The low-cost Indian carrier to offer two new daily services, connecting AUH with Cochin International Airport and Calicut International Airport 16th October 2018, Abu Dhabi, UAE:   Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) today welcomed the IndiGo’s inaugural flight to and from India, commencing daily flights that connect the UAE capital with Cochin International Airport (COK) and Calicut International Airport (CCJ).    Dubai, UAE, October 16, 2018:  IndiGo is amongst the fastest growing low-cost carriers in the world, bringing a simple philosophy of low-cost fares, on-time flights and a courteous, hassle-free travel experience. With its fleet of 189 Airbus A320 and 12 ATR aircraft, the airline offers over 1200 daily flights and connects 48 domestic destinations and 11 international ......read more

All Air India Express flights to arrive and depart from Terminal 1 at AUH The flag carrier airline of India offers 7 daily flights from AUH to six destinations across India Abu Dhabi, UAE, October 16, 2018:   Air India Express flights, wholly subsidiary of Air India, arriving to and from the UAE capital are now arriving and departing from Terminal 1 at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). Originally the airline departed from Terminal 1, and arrived to Terminal 2.    The transition from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 for the arrivals occurred on September 30 and is in line with Abu Dhabi Airports’ commitment to ensuring quality service and a seamless passenger experience.   The Indian subcontinent remains one of the most popular destinations for travellers departing from AUH, ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates; 14th October 2018 -  Turkish Airlines has recently announced the passenger and cargo traffic results for September and left behind a month of high load factor with 83.4% performance. On top of the strong base effect of September 2017, growth in the number of passengers, revenue per kilometer and load factor, is an important indicator of the continued growing interest in Turkey and Turkish Airlines.    According to September 2018 Traffic Results;  The passenger growth trend continued in September, thus total number of passengers carried went up by 1% reaching about 7 million passengers, and Load Factor went up to %83.4.  In September 2018, Total Load Factor improved by 2 points, while international Load Factor increased by 2 points to 83%, domestic Load Factor increased ......read more

UNESCO and National Geographic list Cypriot city among top European destinations in “travel differently, travel deeper” round-up Visitor numbers to Cyprus from the UAE up by 55.5% year-on-year Dubai, UAE, 14 October 2018:   The Cypriot coastal city of Pafos has been selected as one of this season’s must visit destinations by UNESCO and National Geographic. The listing as one of the top World Heritage Sites in Europe, comes off the back of record visitor numbers from the UAE this summer. During August this year, Cyprus welcomed a 55.5 per cent increase in visitors from the UAE, compared to August 2017 with Kuwait and Bahrain also seeing increases of 33.1% and 22.8% respectively. The Gulf arrivals contributed to some 66,532 August visitors from Asia. At just a four-hour-flight from the GCC, Cyprus is ......read more

October 13, 2018:   A Saudi delegation from the customs of King Abdul Azziz International Airport in Jeddah highly applauded the high advanced level Dubai Customs has reached. During their visit to the Passenger Operations Department in Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3, the Saudi visitors expressed admiration and willingness to benefit from the knowledge and experience Dubai Customs has in this field.  Customs Director General at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Bandar Al-Rahili, said they are visiting Dubai International Airport to learn about the best practices applied by Dubai Customs to serve passengers and facilitate their arrivals and departures. The visitors toured the sections of the Passenger Operations Department and viewed the latest technologies and devices used in thwarting smuggling ......read more

Eyes on the skies at the Majlis for Future Generations as budding astronauts meet with NASA, The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, and Yahsat Dubai, UAE, October 10, 2018:  The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has been fuelling the UAE’s journey to the stars since its inception, and has recently made significant strides in achieving the country’s goal of becoming a leading spacefaring nation. This year, two Emiratis were chosen to be the first in space, with the aim of flying to the International Space Station in April 2019. The UAE has committed to further develop their locally-grown capacities as well, with the Hope probe set to arrive on Mars in 2021 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the UAE. At the Mohammed Bin Zayed Majlis for Future Generations, MBRSC along with a host of space ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates; 6 October 2018:  Turkish Airlines, a global leader in civil aviation, brought its ever-growing Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup to Kemer Golf & Country Club in Istanbul between the 28th-30th September.  The airline, being the first in terms of country and international destinations that reached worldwide, prides itself on its award-winning Business Class service and its many other innovative and distinguished services that performed for offering its passengers an unparalleled flight experience, together with its commitment to the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup, which has more than 8,000 invited guests competing in more than 100 destinations around the world within this year. Turkish Airlines is firmly committed to the aspirational vision of sporting competition and trusts in its ......read more

Chinese cargo airline Uni-top Airlines set to start operations between Kunming and Dubai  Dubai, UAE, October 6, 2018:  Chinese carrier Uni-top Airlines is planning to operate B747 freighter flight between Kunming in China and Dubai, according to Mr Yang Fan, Vice President of Uni-top Airlines. Addressing an air transport cooperation promotion conference held by Chinese Yunnan provincial delegation in Kempinski Hotel Mall of Emirates in Dubai, Mr Yang Fan said: “In order to support the development of civil aviation and trade between China and the UAE, Uni-top airlines is planning to operate B747 freighter flight with 3 flights per week between Kunming and Dubai.”  The Chinese carrier currently operates B747F and A300F. Mr Joe Beydoun, Head of Cargo Business Relationships Commercial & ......read more

Dubai, UAE, October 04, 2018:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for European transport leaders to eliminate the barriers which limit the contribution of the aviation industry to Europe’s competitiveness.    “Two centuries ago, the Congress of Vienna agreed the borders of a new Europe. Today I call on Europe’s leaders, meeting in Vienna, to knock down barriers that limit the economic and social benefits that Europe’s aviation sector can generate,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO, in an address to the European Aviation Summit in Vienna.   In 2036, 1.5 billion travelers will need to travel to/from/within Europe, creating jobs and driving a modern globally-connected economy. But Europe’s preparation to accommodate this ......read more

Airline also scoops up ‘Deal of the Year for Innovation’ award Dubai, UAE - 4 October 2018:   Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has won the Aviation 100 ‘Middle East & Africa Airline of the Year’, awarded by Airline Economics magazine. The Aviation 100 awards recognise aviation’s most outstanding performers, as well as the most innovative and successful finance and leasing deals closed in the last 12 months. The awards were held during the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Dubai 2018 conference gala dinner. Emirates and its financing partners also won ‘Deal of the Year for Innovation’, which resulted from a leasing transaction of five Airbus A380s. Nirmal Govindadas, Senior Vice President Corporate Treasury received both awards on behalf of Emirates ......read more

Etihad Airways to add a 4th daily Abu Dhabi to London service during winter peak   Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), October 04, 2018:   Effective 15 December 2018 - 13 January 2019, Etihad Airways will increase its flights from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow, from three to four daily services, to meet peak demand this festive season.    The flights will be operated by a two-class Boeing 787-9, featuring 28 Business Studios and 271 Economy Smart Seats.   James Harrison, General Manager for Etihad Airways in the United Kingdom and Ireland, said: “We are thrilled to announce more flights to London over the festive period. This is a busy time for local guests travelling between both capitals and the extra service will allow more choice and flexibility in their ......read more

Dubai, UAE, October 04, 2018:   The International Air Transport Association (IATA) joined air transport businesses and associations to reaffirm its commitment to a sustainable future as the aviation industry marked ten years since agreeing an ambitious joint strategy for reducing carbon emissions.   “Ten years ago, the entire aviation sector committed to a joint strategy for carbon-neutral growth and to work towards a carbon-free future. That was a daring goal. But with hard work and solid commitment of industry and government, carbon-neutral growth from 2020 will be a reality. And we are already looking beyond. By 2050 we will cut our net emissions to half 2005 levels,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO, speaking at the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) Global ......read more

Innovative partnership sees the creation of stylish new lounge brand Exclusive and improved ground experience for the airline’s eligible guests at key locations outside Abu Dhabi, starting with London Heathrow Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 3 October 2018:   Etihad Airways has launched a contemporary airport lounge brand in partnership with No1 Lounges. To be known as 'The House', the project is the result of a unique collaboration between the airline and the award-winning lounge provider, which will operate the new brand.   The project begins at London Heathrow, where Etihad Airways' lounge will be rebranded 'The House, home of Etihad Airways and other leading airlines'. The scope of the new lounge brand may be expanded to include other lounges.   No1 ......read more

Airline supports Kotoka International Airport’s new Terminal Dubai – 2 October, 2018:   The Emirates A380 aircraft made a historic touch down at the Kotoka International Airport’s Terminal 3, as a one-off service to the new terminal. The airline’s flagship double-decker has become the first-ever scheduled A380 service to Ghana, demonstrating the airport’s readiness to accommodate the A380, the world’s largest commercial passenger jet. The special Emirates A380 flight was operated by Accra-born Ghanaian, Capt Solomon Quainoo and UAE national, First Officer Faisal Alhammadi. The A380 flight, operating as EK 787, was joined by a top-level delegation led by Orhan Abbas, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations - Africa, H.E. Ahmed Ramadan – Ambassador of Ghana ......read more

SITA CEO says collaboration is key to deliver secure and easy travel Dubai, UAE, September 30, 2018:  Airlines and airports are investing to deliver secure and easy travel for passengers, with biometric technology a key priority. This is according to research released today by global IT provider SITA. The SITA 2018 Air Transport IT Insights show how biometrics are being incorporated into the evolution of self-service at the world’s airports. Over the next three years, 77% of airports and 71% airlines are planning major programs or R&D in biometric ID management. Barbara Dalibard, CEO, SITA, said: “Secure and seamless travel is a must for the air transport industry. It is encouraging to see that both airlines and airports are investing in biometric technology to deliver a secure, paperless way to identify ......read more

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, September 29, 2018:   Etihad Airways has launched a new hand baggage only ‘Deal Fare’ across selected destinations, allowing travellers to purchase lower fares in Economy Class if no checked baggage is required.  The ‘Deal Fare’ includes a complimentary carry-on baggage allowance of 7kg and is available on flights between Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and Azerbaijan.    Robin Kamark, Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer, said: “After a successful trial of the ‘Deal Fare’ late last year, purchasing behaviour demonstrated guests appreciate having more choice and like to be able to select the travel option that best meets their needs.    “We are enhancing our product offering ......read more

Experts gather today at the annual event to discuss  the latest developments in the industry Dubai, 26 September 2018: The second edition of Travel Tech ME Congress launches today in Dubai, the leading event is organized by Verve Management UAE, and will be held over two days with participation of local and regional travel & tourism experts from the travel industry, with key speakers from the leading travel & tourism operators, top solution providers, and academics to exchange ideas, to discuss the recent challenges and strategy to promote to this sector.  "From CRM to bitcoin, from meta to click and mortar, there are so many things happening at the same time, that the opportunities Travel Tech congress offers networking and direct access to the latest trends is very important, special focus for ......read more

“Meal Selection Before Flight” Dubai, United Arab Emirates; 26 September 2018 -   Awarded many times for its in-flight catering services, Turkish Airlines has carried its service a step further and implemented a new project enabling Business class passengers to choose their meals before the flight. With this service, which is applicable to the below-mentioned intercontinental destinations departing from Istanbul, Business class passengers can view the meal details and visuals of the main dishes and make their choices on the webpage and/or mobile application.  Passengers can make their choices within the period starting from 1 week before their flight date until the last 48 hours. Turkish Airlines passengers who fly from Istanbul to Atlanta, Bangkok, Beijing, Bogotá, Boston, Cape Town, Chicago, ......read more

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, September 26, 2018:  Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme for Etihad Airways, has announced a new partnership with Air Europa, enhancing the benefits for its members by allowing them to earn and spend Etihad Guest Miles when flying with the Spanish carrier.   The partnership allows members to also accumulate miles on codeshare flights operated and marketed by Etihad Airways in partnership with Air Europa. In addition, Etihad Guest members can redeem miles for tickets across the Air Europa network.  Yasser Al Yousuf, Etihad Guest Managing Director, said: “We pride ourselves on providing our members with some of the most wide-ranging travel benefit offers available within the industry. It is very exciting to see yet another valued partner like Air ......read more

Two new ice TV channels will be dedicated to promoting things to do in Dubai and the UAE    Dubai, UAE, 24 September 2018:   Emirates continues to push boundaries with their award-winning ice entertainment system, with the launch of two new ice TV channels dedicated to promoting the wide range of activities in Dubai and the UAE. The channels will be on ice in December. The innovative solution will help Dubai and UAE businesses promote themselves to the over 5 million customers who fly on Emirates each month.   Dubai and the UAE are home to a growing list of top restaurants, world-class facilities and events, constantly giving visitors and residents something new explore. The new channels on ice give these businesses a new platform to promote themselves to Emirates customers heading to ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates; 23 September 2018:  Turkish Airlines, the airline flying to more countries than any other airline, hosted the Turkish Airlines Corporate Club Conference on 17-18 September in Istanbul, in partnership with the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).   The conference is an annual international event where industry leaders come together and discuss the future of business travel. This year’s event saw 900 participants attend from 71 countries across the widest international flight network that Turkish Airlines operates. The program features leading names in the industry including Mike Walsh as a keynote speaker, the CEO of Tomorrow, and best-selling author of the book “Futuretainment”.  The theme of 2018’s conference is "Building for the Future", ......read more

The Cathay Pacific Group’s newest destination in Japan underlines a year of exceptional growth for Hong Kong’s home airline   Dubai, UAE, September 23, 2018:  The Cathay Pacific Group will introduce a scheduled seasonal service from Hong Kong to Tokushima in Japan, as its record-breaking year of network  expansion continues.    The new two-times-weekly service to Tokushima, gateway to the island destination of Shikoku, is the 10th route that the Group will have launched in 2018. The route will be operated by Cathay Dragon and launches from Dubai, via Hong Kong, on 18 December 2018 until 29 March 2019 using Airbus A320 aircraft.   Cathay Dragon has operated charter flights to Tokushima at peak holiday periods in the past and the introduction of a scheduled service underlines ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates; 20 September 2018:  Turkish Airlines, who has recently announced the results of passenger and cargo traffic in August, achieved the highest monthly load factor (LF) in its history with 85.6%. On top of the strong base effect of August 2017, growth in the number of passengers, revenue per kilometer and load factor, is an important indicator of the continued growing interest in Turkey and Turkish Airlines.  According to August 2018 Traffic Results;      The passenger growth trend continued in August, thus total number of passengers carried went up by 2.4% reaching 7.6 million passengers, and Load Factor went up to %86.      In August 2018, Total Load Factor improved by 1.3 points, with a minimal increase of 0.5% in capacity (Available Seat Kilometer), while ......read more