Dubai, United Arab Emirates, July 02, 2020:    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged governments in Africa and the Middle East (AME) to implement alternatives to quarantine on arrival that would allow economies to re-start while avoiding the importation of COVID-19 cases.   Government-imposed quarantine measures in 36 countries across Africa and the Middle East (AME) account for 40% of all quarantine measures globally. With over 80% of travelers unwilling to travel when quarantine is required, the impact of these measures is that countries remain in lockdown even if their borders are open.     “It is critical that AME governments implement alternatives to quarantine measures. AME has the highest number of countries in the world with government-imposed quarantine measures ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, July 02, 2020:     The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomes the decision by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to use 2019 as a baseline for the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). In 2022, the ICAO Assembly will consider if further amendments are necessary to address the impacts of COVID-19 to ensure the successful implementation of the scheme.  Airlines are committed to reducing net emissions to half 2005 levels by 2050. This commitment is unchanged. CORSIA is a vital step in that direction, enabling carbon-neutral growth that will stabilize net emissions from international aviation at 2019 levels (580 million tonnes of carbon). Originally, the CORSIA baseline calculation was agreed to be ......read more

Online searches for ‘space’, ‘Emirati astronaut’, and ‘NASA’ see substantial increases over the past year   Dubai, UAE – 01 July, 2020:  As the UAE readies to embrace history as the first Arab country to launch an unmanned, interplanetary satellite to Mars, the nation’s residents’ interest in space and related topics has gone into orbit, according to historical back-data collected by SEMrush, the award-winning digital marketing suite. Originally announced in 2014, the Emirates Mars Mission - also known as the Hope Mars Mission - has sparked considerable interest among UAE residents over the past 12 months, with searches for the mission increasing by 85 per cent between May 2019 and May 2020. Similar online search growth extends across related terms and ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 30, 2020:    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets in May showing a slight improvement in the air cargo market. But capacity remains unable to meet demand as a result of the loss of belly cargo operations on passenger aircraft that have been parked.   • Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), fell by 20.3% in May (-21.5% for international operations) compared to the previous year. That is an improvement from the 25.6% year-on-year drop recorded in April.  • Global capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), shrank by 34.7% in May (-32.2% for international operations) compared to the previous year, a slight deceleration from the 41.6% year-on-year drop in ......read more

Industry veteran Rosa Tahmaseb will be the new Secretary-General for the Middle East North Africa Leisure Attractions Council (MENALAC) as the industry starts to gear up for re-opening of numerous venues across the region.        Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 29, 2020:   The Board of the Middle East and North Africa Leisure Attractions Council (MENALAC), the leisure and entertainment industry council representing the Middle East’s growing leisure attractions sector, has appointed Rosa Tahmaseb as new Secretary-General, effective from June 2020.   Rosa Tahmaseb, an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience brings with her a wide range of expertise in the leisure, attractions and events industries. Rosa’s varied experience includes having worked for both Operators as well ......read more

• Travellers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, can submit their visa applications at the UK Visa Application Centres from 28 June 2020   • Optional Priority Visa, Super Priority Visa, and Walk-in services will not be offered initially   • As part of health precautions, prior appointment is mandatory; customers may be required to undergo temperature checks, wear facemasks and maintain physical distancing.     From 28 June 2020, UK Visas and Immigration is beginning a phased resumption of services at Visa Application Centres in Bahrain (Manama), Kuwait (Kuwait City), Saudi Arabia (Al Khobar, Jeddah, Riyadh), and the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi and Dubai).   As part of health precautions, only customers with a prior appointment may visit ......read more

185 Indians to fly to Cochin on 3rd July 2020 in a chartered flight arranged by  J&J Marketing L.L.C. Dubai   Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 28, 2020:   The COVID-19 outbreak has left thousands of Indians stranded since its outbreak at the end of 2019. With commercial aviation difficulty, cancellations and dilemma, a good number of Indians were left with little to no alternatives to return to their home country. A trip with certainty and safety to return home comes with a fully sponsored repatriation flight which is made possible, thanks to the efforts and coordination between Mr. Jiji & team and the Government bodies.   Mr. Jiji Varghese, Managing Director of J&J Marketing L.L.C. Dubai, the leading market distributor in the stationery industry with over a network of 20 countries is pleased ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 25, 2020:   The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged governments to avoid quarantine measures when re-opening their economies. IATA is promoting a layered approach of measures to reduce the risk of countries importing COVID-19 via air travel and to mitigate the possibility of transmission in cases where people may travel while unknowingly being infected. “Imposing quarantine measures on arriving travelers keeps countries in isolation and the travel and tourism sector in lockdown. Fortunately, there are policy alternatives that can reduce the risk of importing COVID-19 infections while still allowing for the resumption of travel and tourism that are vital to jumpstarting national economies. We are proposing a framework with layers of protection to keep sick people from ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 25, 2020:   The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged governments to avoid quarantine measures when re-opening their economies. IATA is promoting a layered approach of measures to reduce the risk of countries importing COVID-19 via air travel and to mitigate the possibility of transmission in cases where people may travel while unknowingly being infected.   “Imposing quarantine measures on arriving travelers keeps countries in isolation and the travel and tourism sector in lockdown. Fortunately, there are policy alternatives that can reduce the risk of importing COVID-19 infections while still allowing for the resumption of travel and tourism that are vital to jumpstarting national economies. We are proposing a framework with layers of protection to keep sick ......read more

Abu Dhabi - June 23, 2020:   A total of 51,100 COVID-19 tests have been conducted in Abu Dhabi International Airport covering passengers, airline crew members and employees of the airport since the first week of February in the wake of the global spread of the pandemic. As part of the extensive health and safety measures implemented across the facility, Abu Dhabi International Airport partnered with Pure Health, the largest laboratory operator in the GCC, which managed the massive COVID-19 screening initiative covering the 24/7 operations at the airport.  During the period of various restrictions and the suspension of passenger flight services, the airport remained open for vital cargo operations serving capacity-constrained markets, special repatriation flights and facilitating global humanitarian relief ......read more

Year-round rainfall will ensure 27 degree temperature during hot summer season at the Raining Street Boulevard that will enthrall local and international tourists with year-round European festivals, street cafe, casual dining restaurants, retail outlets, fashion and souvenir shops       Date: Dubai, UAE; June 23, 2020   Key Highlights   1. The world’s first climate-controlled Raining Street will offer year-round rainfall at the Heart of Europe when it opens later this year!   2. An engineering marvel, the Raining Street will offer year-round rainfall that will reduce the temperature to 27 degree Celsius during the summer season providing enough cooling.   3. It will also host as many as 51 year-round European festivals that will enthrall local and international ......read more

Turkish Airlines had 400 flights in Eurocontrol area for the first time an airline has that number since 24 March 2020   Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 21, 2020:   Turkish Airlines, flying to more countries than any other airline, was reported as the busiest operator in Europe last week after successfully restarting domestic and international passenger operations. On 17 June 2020, Turkish Airlines had 400 flights in Eurocontrol area for the first time an airline has that number since 24 March 2020. EUROCONTROL is a pan-European, civil-military organisation dedicated to supporting European aviation. They confirmed that Turkey’s national flag carrier operated 359 flights during the first week of June from its home at Istanbul Airport. On 14th June three aircraft were able to take off simultaneously with the ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 20, 2020:   Emirati astronauts, Hazzaa AlMansoori and Sultan AlNeyadi have shared photos on their respective social media platforms, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the iconic mission of HRH Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who became the first Arab to reach space on 17th June 1985. When I was a child, learning about H.H. Prince Sultan bin Salman Al Saud’s inspiring journey into space made me believe that truly sky is the limit. On the anniversary of his flight into space, we are reminded that no dream is small and if pursued with passion and persistence we can achieve it. Hazzaa AlMansoori, Emirati Astronaut  35 years since H.H. Prince Sultan bin Salman Al Saud made us believe that it is possible to dream, chase and make history. Thank you for making us ......read more

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - June 18, 2020:  Effective 24 June, Etihad Airways will recommence flights from Abu Dhabi to Athens, Greece. The twice-weekly schedule will be operated on Wednesdays and Saturdays using a two-class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.   The flights will connect guests travelling to and from Athens with key destinations in Asia and Australia via Abu Dhabi.   The addition of Athens increases the total number of international flights being flown by Etihad throughout June to 25 destinations, with plans to significantly increase the number of scheduled flights around the world, as international travel restrictions are lifted.      Athens schedule, effective 24 June (all times local)   Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Frequency   EY  91 ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 17, 2020:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific are joining the International Civil Aviation Organization Middle East (ICAO MID) in urging the governments in the Middle East region to rapidly implement ICAO’s global guidelines for restoring air connectivity to ensure the safe and harmonized restart of aviation in the region. These guidelines are contained in Takeoff: Guidance for Air Travel through the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis, which was approved by the ICAO Council on 1 June 2020.    “Air connectivity is critical to economic and sustainable development in the Middle East, effective recovery of air transport in the region is essential to support the economy post COVID-19.  The key principles, ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 17, 2020:   The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released criteria for the use of COVID-19 testing in the travel process. Should governments choose to introduce COVID-19 testing for travelers arriving from countries considered as high risk, testing must deliver results fast, be able to be conducted at scale, and operate to very high rates of accuracy. Additionally, testing must be cost-effective and not create an economic or logistical barrier to travel.   The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) published Takeoff guidance which is the global guidance for governments to follow in reconnecting their people and economies by air. Takeoff outlines layers of measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission during air travel and the risk of importation of ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 17, 2020:   The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that the airline industry faces a hard winter and called on governments around the world to continue providing relief measures as the COVID-19 crisis continues.   Airlines are expected to post a loss of $84.3 billion in 2020 and government financial relief is a lifeline to many airlines. The bulk of airlines make their money in the northern summer season, while the winter season, even in the best of times, is a struggle to remain profitable. For example, the 2019 net profit margin for European airlines followed the normal seasonal pattern and was 9% and 17% respectively in Q2 and Q3 (northern summer). But it started at -1% in Q1 and finished the year at 2% in Q4 (northern winter). The winter season will be even ......read more

UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL 15:00 (GST) 16 JUNE 2020   Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – June 16, 2020:   Etihad Airways, together with its partner Manchester City, have unveiled a bespoke match-day jersey in recognition of the global efforts to begin recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. Etihad is dedicating the front of shirt space, ordinarily bearing the Etihad logo, to the ‘Cityzens Giving For Recovery’ campaign, City Football Group and Manchester City’s 12-month campaign aimed at helping communities get back on their feet.  The ‘Cityzens Giving For Recovery’ campaign will focus on providing support directly to nine recovery-linked projects around the world, fundraising, the use of club facilities, and resources. Each of the nine clubs within City Football Group, staff, ......read more

• The Agreement includes the exploration of mutual opportunities for insurance, reinsurance, co-insurance services for export of goods, investments and services to assist and support insured exporters • The Cooperation Agreement between the two Governments export credit agencies will generate potential trade opportunities that will benefit both countries     Dubai, UAE, June, 15th, 2020 – Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), the UAE Federal Export Credit Company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bpifrance Assurance Export, the French Export Credit Agency, to explore, strengthen, and enhance the trade and economic cooperation between France and the UAE.   The MoU was signed by Massimo Falcioni, CEO at ECI and François Lefebvre, General Manager of Bpifrance Assurance Export. The ......read more

The set of 6 treasure islands gets ready to offer the best of Europe in an experiential holiday and entertainment retreat     Date: Dubai, UAE; June 14, 2020   Key Highlights 1. The US$5 billion mega sustainable tourism project will host more than 4,000 guest rooms and suites offering a wide array of services in different settings.   2. More than 1,200 construction workers, technicians, engineers and environmental experts are working full time within a healthy and safe environment.   3. Developer Kleindienst Group prepares to open the island for tourists in the fourth quarter of 2020 with hundreds of units getting ready to receive local and international visitors.   The Heart of Europe – Dubai’s new island tourism destination where more than 1,200 people are ......read more

UAE national airline’s first ever flight to the Central American country operated via the Dominican Republic         Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – June 14, 2020:  Etihad Airways yesterday operated its first ever flight from Abu Dhabi to San Jose, capital of Costa Rica. The goodwill flight transported Costa Rican citizens returning home, and humanitarian aid from the Government of the United Arab Emirates, to help Costa Rica in its fight against COVID-19.    The Boeing 787-9 was also carrying Dominican nationals returning from the UAE, and the flight landed in Santo Domingo, capital of the Dominican Republic, before continuing to Costa Rica.    The flight was met by Costa Rican officials and diplomatic staff from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 13, 2020:   The International Air Transport Association (IATA) introduced a free online interactive world map to provide travelers with the latest COVID-19 entry regulations by country. The map relies on IATA’s Timatic database which contains comprehensive information on documentation required for international travel. To keep pace with the dynamic situation with respect to COVID-19, Timatic is updated more than 200 times per day to provide accurate travel restrictions specific to the current pandemic, based on one’s citizenship and country of residence. ‘’As the aviation industry prepares to safely restart, travelers will need to know which countries’ borders are open and what health restrictions exist. Travelers can rely on Timatic for comprehensive and ......read more

• Iconic Abu Dhabi brands sign major agreement allowing Etihad Guest members to earn and spend miles with their Visa cards while shopping at Yas Mall, Al Jimi Mall and World Trade Center  • The partnership supports the capital’s quest to become a leading leisure and tourism hub • Etihad Guest also allows members to earn Tier Miles towards their next tier on both earn and spend transactions within the three malls.      June 11, 2020 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:  Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, and Aldar Properties PJSC (‘Aldar’), Abu Dhabi's leading listed property development, investment and management company, have entered into a historic partnership that brings benefits to UAE-based Etihad Guest members and shoppers in the UAE’s ......read more

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – June 10, 2020:   Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is encouraging travellers to start planning their next trip, once travel restrictions ease, with the launch of ‘Etihad Travel Voucher’.    Guests who purchase an Etihad Travel Voucher between 10 and 24 June 2020 will receive an extra 50% cash value for future travel from 1 August 2020 onwards.  Robin Kamark, Chief Commercial Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Now, more than ever, we want to give the world something to look forward to. Valid for two years, Etihad Travel Voucher will give our guests plenty of time to plan their future trip, and with 50% extra credit, they will spend less on that well-deserved break”.  Etihad Travel Vouchers are available in increments ......read more

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates -  June 10, 2020: Etihad Engineering, the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) arm of Etihad Aviation Group, has been expanding its operations in aircraft maintenance and parking, to meet the new requirements of airline operators as fleets have been grounded due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The MRO provider continues to adapt to the ever-changing market needs and leverages its one-stop-shop service to cater to an increase in parking requirements and opportunistic maintenance. Operators from around the world have worked closely with the MRO to bring forward maintenance work that was initially planned towards the end of the year. The current projects involve the delivery of cabin uplift, passenger to freighter conversion, longeron modification, heavy maintenance (C-check), major structural ......read more