Organisations & Operators News Page 117
Korean Air delivers 5,000 Airbus A320 Sharklets
Korean Air has delivered its 5,000th Sharklet for the Airbus A320 family, marking a key milestone in its aerostructures business and reinforcing its role in the global aerospace supply chain. Korean Air marked the achievement with a ceremony on April 23 at its Busan Tech Center. Attendees toured Korean Air’s aerostructure manufacturing and MRO facilities, and Korean Air recognized 15 partner companies for their contribution to the program.
RYANAIR TO CLOSE 7 AIRCRAFT BERLIN BASE FROM OCT 2026
Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline, announced that it intends to close its 7 a/c Berlin base on 24 Oct ’26, reducing the number of flights it operates to/from Berlin by 50% in its winter schedule. All 7 Berlin based aircraft will in this case be reallocated to lower cost airports in other EU states that have abolished aviation taxes like Sweden, Slovakia, Albania & Italy. This is a direct result of Berlin Airport’s recent notice that it will again raise fees by another 10% from 2027 to 2029 when its already high airport fees have increased by 50% since Covid even as Berlin’s traffic collapsed by 30% from 36m in 2019 to 26m in 2025. German aviation policy has failed its citizens as it relies on high aviation taxes and excessive airport costs to combat hopeless inefficiency, evidenced by the fact that since 2019:
easyJet and easyJet holidays commits to no fuel surcharges on package holidays
easyJet and easyJet holidays has confirmed that it will not introduce surcharges on its flights or package holidays, giving customers complete peace of mind when booking. No surcharges will apply to any pre‑booked easyJet holidays packages or to any new bookings for summer 2026.
A new Admirals Club lounge inspired by Music City coming to Nashville International Airport
American Airlines continues to invest in elevating the customer experience with plans for a new, expanded Admirals Club® lounge at Nashville International Airport®’s (BNA®) new Concourse A. When complete, the approximately 17,400-square-foot lounge will be the largest airline lounge at BNA and nearly three times the size of the current lounge space, offering customers a more spacious and premium place to relax, work or recharge before their flight. The new location will feature sweeping views of the airfield and a design inspired by Nashville’s vibrant culture and the natural landscapes of Tennessee.
Etihad Airways becomes first airline to depart from Frankfurt's new Terminal 3
Etihad Airways became the first airline on Thursday morning to depart from Frankfurt Airport's newly opened Terminal 3, as flight EY 122 took off for Abu Dhabi at 10:30 local time. At the controls was Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Etihad's Chief Operations and Guest Officer, who took the seat as operating captain for the flight. Before boarding, Captain Majed joined Fraport Chief Technology Officer Dr. Pierre Dominique Prümm for a ribbon-cutting at the gate. The morning also held a surprise for one couple from Limburg, heading to Singapore for their holiday. Captain Majed greeted them at the gate with an upgrade to Business for the flight to Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Supercharges U.S. Network: Chicago Goes Double Daily as Charlotte Rises to Daily Service
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is accelerating its growth in the United States with two major enhancements to its North American network, increasing capacity and connectivity across key markets. Chicago O’Hare will move to double-daily service, while Charlotte will increase to daily flights from 15 June, building on strong early performance following the launch of services on 20 March 2026. Together, the enhancements significantly expand Etihad’s U.S. footprint, strengthening connectivity between North America and high-growth markets across India and Asia-Pacific, while improving access to the U.S. domestic network through partner airlines.
Neupass partners with Etihad Guest to expand global loyalty reach
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced a frequent flyer partnership between its Taj InnerCircle-Neupass and Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme of Etihad Airways. This alliance will offer Etihad Guest members enhanced travel and stay benefits across participating hotels worldwide.
Qatar Airways Resumes Daily Services to the United Arab Emirates and Syria
Qatar Airways announces resumption of flight operations between Doha and key destinations across the Middle East, reinstating daily services to the United Arab Emirates and Syria. Starting 23 April 2026, Qatar Airways will resume daily flights to Dubai (DXB), and Sharjah (SHJ), with a daily service to Damascus (DAM) commencing on 1 May 2026.
Conrad Athens The Ilisian Opens, Redefining an Athenian Landmark
Hilton today announces the opening of Conrad Athens The Ilisian, marking the rebirth of one of Athens’ most iconic landmarks. Formerly the beloved Hilton Athens, the property has undergone a significant transformation to emerge as a contemporary urban resort in the cultural heart of Athens.
Hilton To More than Double its Portfolio in Morocco with New Signings and Debut of Waldorf Astoria
Hilton is on track to more than double its portfolio in Morocco, with plans to open 15 new hotels in destinations across the kingdom. Latest agreements include the debut of Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Morocco, alongside the continued expansion of Hilton’s multi-brand presence across Curio Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn. Hilton also recently opened Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé, marking the luxury brand’s first hotel in the country.
Pom Thaï Ibiza Returns to Ibiza for Summer 2026
Pom Thaï (www.pomthairestaurant.com) Ibiza will open for the 2026 summer season on 1st May, marking the return of one of the island's most coveted late-night dining spots for islanders in-the-know. A long-standing fixture on Ibiza's restaurant scene, Pom Thaï has built a loyal following for its high-energy atmosphere and modern Thai cuisine. Each season, it draws a mix of international visitors, returning regulars and music industry crowd – including globally renowned DJs and creatives - looking for a place where dinner naturally extends into the evening.
27 Trees get a New Home at Brahman Hills
Twenty-seven mature Plane trees have found a new home at Brahman Hills, where they now form part of what is set to become one of South Africa’s most ambitious garden developments. At over 20 hectares, The Serenity Garden development in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is being designed on a scale rarely seen in private garden projects. The record-breaking labyrinth will include expansive garden rooms, water features, an underground orchid house, olive garden, and an African Art Museum, all designed by landscape artist Tim Steyn and developed intentionally as part of a long-term landscape legacy project.