New 24/7 sleeping service to offer flexible hourly bookings 20th June, 2018, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:   Abu Dhabi Airports today announced the opening of Aerotel’s new airport transit sleeping facility at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. The latest addition marks the airport’s second facility that is operated by Aerotel of Plaza Premium Group. Open 24 hours a day, the hotel offers flexible hourly booking slots which gives easy access for transit passengers seeking a quick power rest. Its offers include a 2-hour day package between 09:00 to 20:00 and a 4-hour night package available from 20:00 to 9:00.  Saoud Al Shamsi, Acting Chief Commercial Officer (ACCO) of Abu Dhabi Airports said: “Abu Dhabi Airports’ utmost priority is to ensure a convenient, seamless journey for passengers ......read more

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, June 20, 2018:   Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has once again successfully passed the biennial IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). The Abu Dhabi-based airline met all required standards – with the highest possible result of zero findings and zero observations – after the IOSA team examined more than 800 of the airline’s safety procedures and processes in detail. IOSA seeks to ensure that airlines are compliant with safety requirements and recommended practices determined by IATA and is the most important examination of Etihad’s operations. Richard Hill, Etihad Airways’ Chief Operations Officer, said: “Safety is Etihad’s number one priority and the IOSA results are testament to our all-encompassing safety ......read more

The airline celebrates its 25th year of service to Oman Dubai, UAE - 20 June 2018:  Emirates will be operating a one-off A380 service to Muscat International Airport on 1 July 2018. This special flight of the world’s largest commercial passenger aircraft is part of the airline’s celebration of its 25th year of service to Oman this year, and also re-affirms the newly opened airport infrastructure to handle A380 operations. The new passenger terminal at Oman International Airport recently opened its doors in March 2018. The Emirates A380 service will operate as EK 862 and EK 863, departing Dubai at 0825hrs and arriving in Muscat at 0935hrs. The flight will depart Muscat at 1205hrs arriving in Dubai at 1310hrs on the same day. Khalid Bel Jaflah, Divisional Vice President Commercial Operations UAE and Oman, ......read more

London School of Economics predicts move towards connected aircraft will transform aviation airline operations and safety into a strategic asset  Connected aircraft could lead to 2.5% reduction in fuel burn per flight, equating to 21.3 million tonnes of CO2 annually Connectivity has the power to save airlines $11 billion each year by reducing the impact and likelihood of delays, cancellations and diversions Dubai, UAE, June 19, 2018:  The connected aircraft, enabled by satellite communications, has the potential to save airlines $15 billion annually in operational efficiencies and 21.3 million tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2035, according to first-of-its-kind research from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in association with Inmarsat (LSE: ISAT.L), the world’s leading provider of global, ......read more

 AUH earns accreditation level of ‘reduction’ for the first time from ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation 18th June, 2018, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:   Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) has earned an accreditation level of ‘reduction’ from the Airports Council International’s (ACI’s) Airport Carbon Accreditation program. The program provides a unique common framework and tools for active carbon management at airports, covering operational activities that contribute most to carbon emissions.  In 2011, AUH was the first airport in the Middle East and North Africa region to be ACI Airport Carbon Accredited in the “mapping” level, and the achievement of an accreditation level of ‘reduction’ recognizes Abu Dhabi Airports’ continued commitment to ......read more

Adds Dassault 7X aircraft which is also available to charter for regional clients Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 18, 2018:   Stuttgart headquartered DC Aviation Group (DCA), the German joint venture partner of DC Aviation Al-Futtaim (DCAF), continues to grow its aircraft management fleet with the addition of a Dassault Falcon 7X.  The new aircraft is also available for charter flights for DC Aviation Al-Futtaim clients in the region through DCA’s subsidiary – DC Aviation Malta.  With its three high-performance engines and cutting-edge aviation technology, the Falcon 7X provides extraordinary range and efficiency. Its uniquely quiet cabin with a standing height of 1.88 m, offers unmatched comfort for up to 12 passengers. Its range of over 11,000 km makes it a popular aircraft to charter. In ......read more

dans introduces 90 new procedures to enhance Dubai airspace capacity Privatisation offers scope for Air Navigation Service Providers Dubai, UAE, June 13, 2018:  Air Traffic Control is the cornerstone of the aviation sector and Dubai has implemented the most advanced procedure, keeping the safety of passengers and their timely travel as their ultimate priority and goal. This was stated by Abdulla Al Hashmi, Executive Vice President for Operations at Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) in his keynote address at the ATC Forum, running along the Airport Show. dans has significantly transformed and developed its operations to cater to the ever-growing expansion in the aviation sector. "Operating closely with larger-than-life corporations such as Dubai Airports and Emirates airline and that has enabled us to become ......read more

Dubai, UAE, June 13, 2018:  Emirates will be boosting its flights to Jeddah during the busy Umrah season. The airline will operate 24 extra flights, adding more than 10,000 additional seats between Dubai and Jeddah from 12 June to 24 June. The additional flights will be serviced by the Boeing 777-300ER. Emirates’ additional flights will help accommodate more convenient travel through Dubai during the Umrah season, which starts in Ramadan and concludes in July. These services will run in parallel with Emirates’ regularly scheduled services to Jeddah, which includes three daily flights. The additional services can be accessed by travellers holding a valid Umrah visa. Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations for Gulf, Middle East and Iran said: “Performing Umrah during the month of Ramadan ......read more

Home check-in service in Dubai launched with UAE carrier flydubai and KSA carriers Saudia and flynas Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 11,2018:  Passengers flying out from Dubai can now enjoy the convenience of checking in their baggage and getting their boarding passes from their home or hotel.   dnata is launching these new services through baggage technology and logistics company -  DUBZ, in which it recently acquired a majority stake. DUBZ was started in 2016 by three entrepreneurs who saw the opportunity to provide a practical and technology-enabled service to travellers in Dubai – the collection of baggage from their homes or hotels before a flight, and delivery of bags to the home or hotel on arrival in Dubai. Available 24 hours a day, the service can be booked online at www.dubz.com. DUBZ is a ......read more

Travellers now have a choice of 10 Emirates flights a day to 3 airports in London Dubai, UAE, June 9, 2018:  Emirates celebrated the inaugural flight of its new daily service from Dubai (DXB) to London Stansted (STN). The Emirates Boeing 777-300ER touched down just before 1400hrs local UK time yesterday, and marked London Stansted as the 7th airport in the UK from which Emirates operates. This brings to 10 the number of daily flights between Dubai and three different London airports, with Stansted joining Gatwick and Heathrow. The aircraft deployed on the route is Emirates’ new three-class Boeing 777-300ER, featuring its state-of-the-art, fully-enclosed private suites in First Class, and refreshed Business and Economy Class cabins. With floor to ceiling sliding doors and sleek design features, the new First-Class suites ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 7th June 2018:  Emirates, the largest international airline in the world, today announced it will start a third daily service between Moscow’s Domodedovo (DME) Airport and Dubai, commencing on 25th October 2018. Emirates has been serving the Russian market since 1st July 2003 and already flies twice daily to Domodedovo on Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER and daily to St Petersburg (LED). Demand for travel has grown significantly over recent years, leading to the airline’s launch of this third flight to Moscow. The new service will be operated by an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER in a three class cabin configuration, with eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie flat seats in Business Class and 310 spacious seats in Economy. This service will cater for leisure and business passengers, ......read more

6th June 2018, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:  Abu Dhabi Airports promotes intensive health and safety measures for the nearing summer season as it commenced its annual ‘Beat the Heat’ campaign. Launched in support of the Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety & Health Centre (OSHAD)’ Code of Practice 11.0, the informative campaign aims to boost awareness among staff and contractors on the effects of heat stress and how to safely cope with the extreme weather conditions expected during Ramadan and the succeeding months.  The program, which takes course until September, features Arabic, English, Urdu and Hindi training sessions across the Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Ain International Airport and Al Bateen Executive Airport. The sessions detail important methods on controlling heat stress such as ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 5, 2018:  Finnair and Cathay Pacific Airlines, based on Hong Kong, have agreed on a new codeshare cooperation on the routes operated by Cathay Dragon, Cathay Pacific Airline’s affiliate, between Hong Kong and selected destinations in Asia. The new codeshare agreement adds four new destinations to Finnair’s network in Asia. From 15th of June onwards Finnair customers can connect with Cathay Dragon’s flights from Hong Kong to •    Hanoi and Danang, Vietnam    •    Yangon, Myanmar •    Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Cambodia      These new codeshare-flights can be booked from 5th of June. In addition, subject to regulatory approval, from 11th of July Finnair customers can connect from Hong ......read more

Posidonia is one of the most prestigious shipping events globally, taking place biennially Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 05 June 2018:  Continuing its work with the international maritime and arbitration communities, the Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre (EMAC) sponsored and attended the Posidonia, The International Shipping Exhibition in Greece this year. Posidonia is a must-attend event for all maritime concerns, attracting over 10,000 visitors from the international shipping community. This international exhibition began in 1969 and ever since has been held biennially. “Posidonia is no doubt one of the biggest and most influential maritime events on the shipping calendar. It provides a platform for the entire maritime community worldwide to come together to discuss trends and share the views of some of the ......read more

5 June 2018, United Arab Emirates:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) 74th Annual General Meeting (AGM) unanimously approved a resolution denouncing trafficking in persons, and committing to a number of actions related to anti-trafficking initiatives. An estimated 24.9 million people are illegally trafficked and live in conditions of modern slavery. The extensive reach of the global air transport network means that unfortunately, airlines are used by traffickers to facilitate their activities.  “Aviation is the business of freedom, flying 4 billion people to every corner of the earth last year alone. Some, however, try to use our networks nefariously. Trafficking in people creates misery for millions, and funds criminal gangs and terrorism. As a responsible industry, our members are determined to ......read more

Dubai, UAE, June 5, 2018:  Taking off with Volotea for the Mediterranean: The Spanish airline now operates two weekly flights with a Boeing 717 from Munich to Montpellier in the south of France and to Zaragoza in north-eastern Spain. The Montpellier service departs on Tuesdays and Fridays, and the flights to Zaragoza on Mondays and Thursdays. Other destinations already served by Volotea from Munich are Bordeaux, Mykonos and Asturias. The new flights will serve three enchanting cities: At the center of Montpellier is the car-free historic town center, lined by splendid mansions, and the Place de la Comédie, with the opera house. Vacationers can reach the Mediterranean coast, just a few kilometers away, by tram or bus. Zaragoza is Spain's fifth largest city. The Ebro, the second-longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, ......read more

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, June 5, 2018:  Effective 1 October, 2018, Etihad Airways will operate the Airbus A380 on its second daily service linking Abu Dhabi and Paris Charles de Gaulle. This will transform the airline’s operation between the UAE and French capitals into a year-round all-A380 service, joining London Heathrow as the second European destination enjoying daily multiple visits by Etihad’s award-winning double-decker aircraft. The introduction of the aircraft on the second daily service will provide business and leisure travellers between both cities with more options to experience Etihad’s latest award-winning cabins and products. The airline has operated the A380 between Abu Dhabi and Paris on one of its two daily flights since 1 July 2017, with the service performing very strongly since its ......read more

04 June 2018 Dubai, United Arab Emirates:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Deloitte have published guidance materials for governments considering public-private partnerships (PPP) and other forms of privatization programs for airport infrastructure.   “Airports provide critical infrastructure. It is important that governments considering privatization or PPP take a long-term view and focus on solutions that will maximize the economic and social benefits of connectivity. The aim of Airport Ownership and Regulation is to help governments make better-informed decisions using best-practices gleaned from decades of experience with the good, the bad and the ugly of airport privatizations,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.  Airport Ownership and Regulation ......read more

4 June 2018 Dubai, United Arab Emirates:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced its expectation for airlines to achieve a collective net profit of $33.8 billion (4.1% net margin) in 2018. This is a solid performance despite rising costs, primarily fuel and labor, but also the upturn in the interest rate cycle. These rising costs are the main driver behind the downward revision from the previous forecast of $38.4 billion in December 2017. In 2017 airlines earned a record $38.0 billion (revised from the previously estimate of $34.5 billion). Comparisons to this, however, are severely distorted by special accounting items such as one-off tax credits which boosted 2017 profits. Profits at the operating level, though still high by past standards, have been trending slowly downwards since early 2016, as a ......read more

Smarter Regulation, Global Standards, Infrastructure 4 June 2018, Dubai, United Arab Emirates:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for governments to facilitate the growth of global connectivity by avoiding creeping re-regulation, maintaining the integrity of global standards, and addressing a capacity crisis. The call came in the IATA Director General’s Report on the Air Transport Industry at the 74th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit. “On aviation’s core mission to deliver safe, secure, accessible and sustainable connectivity, the state of our industry is strong and getting stronger. And with “normal” levels of profitability we are spreading aviation’s benefits even more widely. But there are challenges. Smarter regulation needs to ......read more

Dubai, UAE, June 4, 2018:  oneworld has launched a new platform for linking up to the world’s premier airline alliance – enabling customers to enjoy more services and benefits across an even more extensive global network. The first airline to join in the new capacity as a oneworld connect partner will be Fiji Airways. A date will be announced in due course for when Fiji Airways will start offering oneworld connect services and benefits. oneworld connect is the first new membership platform unveiled by oneworld since the alliance was originally announced 20 years ago. oneworld is in discussion with other carriers interested in participating in the programme, from various parts of the world including the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe. Each oneworld connect partner will need to have a minimum of three oneworld ......read more

Daily A380 service effective 28th October – two of three Japanese gateways will be served by the iconic Airbus flagship   Dubai, UAE, June 4, 2018:  Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, will introduce regular scheduled commercial Airbus A380 services to Osaka (KIX) in Japan on 28 October 2018*. The deployment of the double-decker aircraft represents a capacity increase of 38%, and means that travellers will enjoy the comfort of an A380 to and from two Japanese gateways, as the flagship aircraft already operates daily from Narita International Airport. The A380 will replace the 777-300ER aircraft currently operating on the EK316/EK317 service to and from Osaka.   The Emirates’ Airbus A380 aircraft serving the Dubai-Osaka route will offer a total of 489 seats in a three-class ......read more

3rd June, 2018, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:   Abu Dhabi Airports announced today that it will be taking part in the 142nd IATA Slots Conference in Vancouver, Canada to open and enhance links within the aviation industry. The company will be joining Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture & Tourism (DCT) and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).  Set to run from the 19-21 June, IATA Slots Conference is a semi-annual forum that attracts over 1,200 delegates across 75 exhibitors and sponsors, representing 230 airlines, and 75 schedules-facilitated and fully-coordinated airports. The conference provides a comprehensive platform for the allocation of slots among IATA and non-IATA airlines worldwide at fully-coordinated airports and to reach a concord on the schedule adjustments based on the airport capacity ......read more

The Ras Al Khaimah Shuttle Bus offers visitors and residents an easy and comfortable journey to and from the Emirate  The complimentary transfer offer is available from 1st June till 30th September 2018 Ras Al Khaimah – UAE – 3 June 2018:   Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) today announced that its RAK Shuttle service connecting Dubai Airport to the Emirate will be complimentary for visitors over the summer months.  Free WIFI, water bottles and maps will be provided on board, giving tourists and residents alike the opportunity to enjoy a hassle-free start and end to their holiday or staycation in Ras Al Khaimah.     Visitors will be able to plan and book their shuttle bus tickets online at www.rakshuttle.com, choosing between two convenient pickup points ......read more

New flights between Abu Dhabi and Barcelona effective 21 November 2018 Starting with five weekly flights, service to increase to daily from 31 March 2019 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, June 03, 2018:   Etihad Airways has announced the introduction of a new scheduled service linking Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, and Barcelona, Spain, effective 21 November 2018. The route will initially be operated five times a week by a two-class Airbus A330-200 before becoming a daily operation from 31 March 2019.   Barcelona will become the second city in Spain served by Etihad Airways, complementing the airline’s existing daily service to the capital Madrid. The new link will provide business and leisure travellers with convenient timings to travel between Abu Dhabi and Barcelona, also providing seamless ......read more