Airlines News Page 134
Qatar Executive Adds Two Additional Gulfstream G700 to its Fleet
Qatar Executive (QE), the luxury private jet charter division of Qatar Airways Group, is proud to announce that it has taken delivery of two additional Gulfstream G700 aircraft, taking its total fleet size to 24. The two additional aircraft will increase the total number of Gulfstream G700 in QE’s fleet to six, with an additional four G700s scheduled for delivery throughout 2025 and early 2026. QE’s fleet also includes 15 Gulfstream G650ER aircraft.
Alaska Airlines announces new flights to Anchorage from Detroit and Sacramento
For the first time this summer, Alaska Airlines is connecting Anchorage to both Detroit and Sacramento with seasonal nonstop flights, as well as resuming nonstop service between Fairbanks and Portland. Weekly, roundtrip flights to and from Detroit and Sacramento begin on June 14, 2025 – which adds up to 15 nonstop destinations between Anchorage and the Lower 48 and Hawaii, the most we’ve ever served in the summer. We’ll start flying the Fairbanks-Portland route on May 15, 2025. Tickets can be purchased now at alaskaair.com.
Air Astana to add new route from Frankfurt
Air Astana is to increase its presence in Germany by adding a new route between Almaty and Frankfurt. The Kazakhstan-based carrier will launch the Almaty-Frankfurt route on 1 June, which will operate three times per week using Airbus A321LR aircraft.
ATM 2025 to address soaring growth within the aviation sector as connectivity takes centre stage
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 to welcome the world’s aviation industry to discuss the latest trends impacting the sector, in line with this year’s theme, ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity’ New technology, sustainable aviation, corporate travel, and the ‘gate escape’ to be discussed in detail The international travel community will explore a broad range of industry-related opportunities at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 April to 1 May 2025
United Announces Accelerated Timeline for Starlink’s Industry-Leading Connectivity in the Sky
United Airlines have announced an accelerated timeline to bring Starlink – the world’s fastest, most reliable connectivity in the sky – to United travelers around the world. The airline now expects to begin testing Starlink next month with the first commercial flight anticipated to take off this spring on a United Embraer E-175 aircraft. United now plans to outfit its entire two-cabin regional fleet by the end of this year and have its first mainline Starlink-enabled plane in the air before the end of this year.
Cirium names Delta most on-time North American airline
Delta has once again earned the Platinum Award for operational excellence from aviation analytics firm Cirium by delivering the best on-time performance among airlines in North America in 2024.
Qatar Airways to Resume Flights to Syria
Qatar Airways is pleased to announce the resumption of three weekly flights to Damascus, Syria, from 7 January 2025. This marks a significant step in reconnecting the region and providing passengers with seamless access to Qatar Airways’ extensive global network of more than 170 destinations.
Etihad opens dedicated U.S. Preclearance Lounge at Zayed International Airport
Etihad Airways opened its new Etihad U.S. Preclearance Lounge at Zayed International Airport on 30 December, enhancing the travel experience for passengers flying to the United States. Located steps away from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility, the new lounge provides eligible guests with a serene space to unwind after completing their U.S. entry formalities and before boarding their flight. The thoughtfully designed facility features a refined selection of beverages and light dining options, complementing Etihad’s premium travel experience. Select flights offer the convenience of direct boarding from the lounge, enhancing the seamless journey.
Delta, LATAM, and Qatar Airways Shine in Global Spotlight with Aeromexico for Punctuality Excellence
As global tourism rebounded to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, airports and airlines grappled with soaring passenger volumes and on-time performance challenges. Cirium’s annual report spotlighted the year’s most punctual airlines and airports. Aeromexico, Mexico’s national carrier, claimed the top spot as the world’s most reliable airline, achieving an impressive 86.7% of its flights arriving within 15 minutes of schedule.
Etihad Airways announced as official global airline partner of Badminton World Federation
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, serves up an exciting new partnership with the Badminton World Federation, commencing in the 2025 season. As the exclusive Official BWF Global Airline Partner from 2025, Etihad will be present at prestigious BWF World Tour events as well as the BWF World Tour Finals, BWF World Championships, BWF Sudirman Cup Finals and BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals.
Spirit Airlines to launch new nonstop route to this Caribbean island out of San Antonio
Spirit Airlines is launching a new nonstop route between San Antonio, Texas, and San Juan, Puerto Rico in March. The route, which will begin on March 5, 2025, will mark San Antonio International Airport’s first nonstop flight to San Juan. Service to Puerto Rico’s capital will run year-round up to four days a week, according to airport officials.
The Emirates A350 officially takes flight to its first destination, Edinburgh
Emirates marked a significant milestone as its first Airbus A350 entered commercial service, operating its inaugural flight from Dubai to Edinburgh. Emirates newest aircraft combines next-generation cabin design and exceptional passenger comfort paired with outstanding onboard service. The aircraft, featuring Emirates’ latest cabin products is the first of 65 A350s joining the airline’s fleet over the coming years.