Airlines News Page 136
Kuwait, Bahrain to welcome Emirates A350 on 8 January
Emirates is bringing forward the deployment of its Airbus A350 to Kuwait and Bahrain. Services will start 8 January, making them the second and third destinations to be served by the airline’s newest aircraft.
The Airline Industry in 2024: Trials, Jubilations, and Prospects for 2025
The year 2024 has been a landmark year for the airline industry, marked by a mix of challenges and triumphs that have shaped the trajectory of global air travel. As the sector rebounds from the turbulence of the pandemic years, new innovations and persistent obstacles continue to define its path forward. Here, we explore the highs and lows of the airline industry in 2024 and offer a glimpse into what 2025 may hold for travelers and stakeholders alike.
Introducing The British Airways Club: More ways to earn Tier Points than ever before
British Airways has today announced changes to its loyalty programme, introducing new ways to earn Tier Points to progress through the Tiers. The former British Airways Executive Club will become simply The British Airways Club and will come with a new look and feel. From 1 April 2025, Members can expect:
Emirates to introduce additional flights to and from Colombo
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, will operate an additional scheduled service between Colombo and Dubai, starting from 2 January 2025. The newly-introduced flight, to operate as EK654/655, increases the seat capacity on the route by 30 percent and supports Sri Lanka’s plans to considerably increase tourist arrivals in 2025.
Korean Air celebrates 30 years of service to China
Korean Air celebrates 30 years of connecting Korea and China with commemorative events at four major Chinese airports across its network. The airline hosted passenger appreciation events at Beijing Capital International Airport and Shenyang Taoxian International Airport. The 30th passengers to check in on flight KE2202 from Beijing Capital to Seoul Gimpo, and flight KE832 from Shenyang to Seoul Incheon received round-trip Prestige Class tickets to Korea. All passengers received 30th anniversary commemorative tote bags.
easyJet and easyJet holidays Big Orange Sale
easyJet and easyJet holidays have launched their jolliest sale of the year - the Big Orange Sale - for Brits looking to explore more of Europe and beyond for less and ideal as a last-minute Christmas gift. Over 1.4 million seats across the network are now available to book with up to 20% off, including over February half-term. Discounted fares are available thousands of easyJet flights to and from the UK between 6 January and 14 December 2025, to 136 destinations on the airline’s unrivalled short-haul network spanning Europe and beyond.
Aeroflot resumes flights to Hong Kong
Aeroflot made the first flight from Moscow to Hong Kong. The airline’s plane landed at Hong Kong International Airport earlier this week. The airline suspended the program of regular flights from Sheremetyevo Airport to Hong Kong in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This winter season, three weekly flights to Hong Kong will be operated on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Dara Sakor International Airport (Koh Kong) receives first chartered flight
Dara Sakor International Airport, which is operated by Coastal Airport Investment Co. Ltd (CAI), began trial operations on the morning of December 26, with the arrival of a chartered flight from Phnom Penh International Airport carrying more than 50 passengers. Located in Kiri Sakor and Botum Sakor districts of Koh Kong Province, Dara the airport is being developed by CAI, with an investment of $200 million. Now in the first phase, a 218 hectare area has been developed. In the next phase, an additional 1,000 hectares will be developed.
Air New Zealand’s most popular inflight entertainment revealed
The airline has revealed the most-watched movies and TV shows on its inflight entertainment for 2024, with Jason Statham’s action thriller The Beekeeper securing the top spot. Romantic comedy Anyone But You came in second, but it’s clear customers preferred a fast-paced flick to help the time fly by, with titles like Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and The Fall Guy dominating the list of top movies.
Saudia Partners with Resal to Convert Earned Points into AlFursan Reward Miles
Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has signed a strategic partnership with Resal, a leading Saudi company specializing in digital rewards solutions and loyalty programs. This collaboration allows Resal customers to convert their earned points from purchases via the Resal app into AlFursan Reward Miles, granting them access to various travel benefits and exclusive offers from AlFursan Loyalty Program. The agreement was signed by Essam Akhonbay, Vice President of AlFursan Loyalty Program at Saudia, and Hatem Al-Kameli, CEO of Resal.
Icelandair and ITA Airways introduce strategic partnership
Icelandair and ITA Airways Italy have signed a Codeshare Agreement that will allow customers to seamlessly travel across the two airlines’ networks, opening new and exciting travel possibilities. The flights are available for sale from today, with travel starting 20 January 2025.
Air Canada orders five additional A220s
Air Canada, the national carrier of Canada, has signed a firm order with Airbus for five more latest generation single-aisle A220-300s on the fifth anniversary since taking delivery of its first A220 in December 2019. This follows an initial order in 2016 for 45 A220-300s and a reorder in 2022 for 15 more. Including this latest reorder, Air Canada’s total firm orders for the A220-300 stands at 65 aircraft.