Airline News Page 135
Middle East Air Connectivity Set for Growth in 2025
Mabrian’s analysis of 2025 international air seat availability reveals key shifts in the Middle East’s aviation landscape, underscoring the need for strategic route development, airline partnerships, and network optimisation to strengthen the Middle East’s position as a global aviation hub. Mabrian, the global travel intelligence platform, analysed seats availability data on flights scheduled in international, one-way, direct flights connecting to nine Middle East destinations (Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates - UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrein), that collectively account for 12% of the total global inbound air seats scheduled for the full year 2025. This study is part of a series of Middle East market insights Mabrian will release in the lead-up to Arabian Travel Market 2025, aiming at sparking discussions on key trends shaping the travel & tourism in the region. Key take outs of this study indicate that the United Arab Emirates and Türkiye maintain their positions as top global connectivity hubs; Saudi Arabia emerges as a fast-growing competitor; Qatar stabilises after sustained expansion; Egypt and Jordan are set to outpace global growth rates, and Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait face declining inbound connectivity.
DIGITRIPS transforms airfare booking with year-long price protection
DIGITRIPS, the French travel tech group behind the B2B and B2C platform MisterFly, has unveiled FREEZE – the only feature on the market that allows travellers to lock in a flight fare for up to 12 months before take-off, without any commitment. Unlike traditional price freeze tools that only offer a few hours or days of protection, FREEZE gives travellers the power to secure the best airfare months ahead and confirm or decline the held fare up to 10 days before departure. This unique approach eliminates the stress of volatile airfare pricing and offers unmatched flexibility in trip planning.
Paradise Found: oneworld welcomes Fiji Airways to global alliance
oneworld® alliance today welcomes Fiji Airways, the flag carrier of Fiji and the South Pacific, as its newest member airline, with a full suite of oneworld benefits available to customers around the world beginning 1 April 2025. Fiji Airways will provide top tier customers with a full suite of oneworld benefits as a full member airline: · Access to a network of nearly 700 airport lounges globally, including recently opened oneworld branded lounges in Amsterdam’s Schiphol and Seoul’s Incheon airports · Priority check-in and boarding · Earning and redeeming miles · Earning Tier Points
Emirates’ Aircrafted KIDS initiative reaches 700 young students across Asia
Supporting children’s education and making meaningful connections within the communities it serves, Emirates has engaged with several educational entities across Asia; to provide 700 handmade schoolbags and essential stationery supplies directly to young students. Each schoolbag is a piece of history - a limited-edition bag from Emirates’ Aircrafted range, made from the fabrics and parts of Emirates’ iconic aircraft. With 1300 bags already distributed across Africa, the Asia Aircrafted KIDS delivery is part of a larger initiative by Emirates to repurpose and upcycle materials for the benefit of children across the globe.
BRITISH AIRWAYS BECOMES THE FIRST AIRLINE TO SERVE PRESTIGE CUVÉE ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE ON BOARD
British Airways has launched a selection of award-winning English sparkling wines and prestigious Champagnes for customers to enjoy at 35,000ft, available in its First and Club World (business class) cabins across all long-haul flights.
H55 FLIES 'ACROSS AMERICA' IN ITS ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT, THE B23 ENERGIC, CARRYING PASSENGERS
H55, the electric aviation leader and spin-off of the pioneering Solar Impulse project, is launching its most ambitious initiative yet: H55 Across America. This cross-country tour will spotlight the Bristell B23 Energic, the first fully electric two-seater aircraft to be certified under Part 23 regulations, at major aviation hubs throughout the United States.
flydubai resumes direct flights to Pisa
flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has announced the resumption of direct flights between Pisa and Dubai. Flights from Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) will operate three times a week to Pisa International Airport (PSA) from 01 April 2025, offering passengers travelling from Dubai and the GCC a convenient and reliable service to the popular holiday destination in Italy.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC DEBUTS NEW CLUBHOUSE AT LAX TAILORED TO PRE-FLIGHT WELLNESS
From today, travelers looking to escape the hustle of La La Land can unwind in style at the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Thoughtfully designed with wellness in mind, the lounge offers exclusive amenities, spaces and experiences tailored to enhance the preflight experience for eligible customers1.
Airlines are pouring millions into AI – so why are charter sales stuck in the 90s?
Airline IT investment is at its highest level since 2019, with spending on AI and automation surging – BA alone has committed £100 million to such initiatives. The global AI market in aviation, currently valued at $1.6 billion, could reach $40.4 billion by 2033. * Yet, commercial charter divisions are still drowning in manual email enquiries and handling bookings with pen-and-paper workflows.
RWANDAIR CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF CONNECTING RWANDA AND ZAMBIA
RwandAir is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its direct flights to Lusaka, Zambia. Since its inception on March 27, 2015, the frequency of flights between the two capital cities has increased from three flights a week to daily flights. This growth has played a pivotal role in fostering bilateral ties between the two nations and contributing to the tourism industry in both countries. Over the past decade, the route has been instrumental in increasing tourism in both countries. It has also contributed to the growth of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) and student exchange programs. The increase to daily operations between the two destinations aligns with the airline’s commitment to enhance intra-African connectivity and meet passengers' evolving needs.
Turkish Airlines journeying north with flights to Ohrid
Turkish Airlines has launched flights to Ohrid, one of North Macedonia’s key tourism cities, taking its global flight network to 353 destinations. This is the airline’s second destination in North Macedonia, the first being the country’s capital Skopje. Türkiye’s national carrier, which flies to more destinations that any other airline, is operating four weekly services between Istanbul Airport and Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport during the summer. This new route strengthens Turkish Airlines’ regional network, offering passengers more travel options in Europe.
TAP Air Portugal announces €53.7 million net income for 2024
TAP Air Portugal has announced its 2024 financial results, with the airline achieving a net income of €53.7 million (£44.7 million) and record €4.2 billion (£3.5 billion) in operating revenues. Recurring EBITDA reached €875.3 million (£729 million) during the same period, increasing 0.4% or €3.7 million (£3.08 million) compared to 2023.