Airlines News Page 79
Etihad Airways Inaugurates First Flight Connecting Abu Dhabi and Peshawar
Etihad Airways today celebrated its inaugural flight to Peshawar (PEW), expanding its network in Pakistan and providing convenient access for travellers from Pakistan to the UAE, GCC and across Etihad’s wider network. The new direct service connects Abu Dhabi to Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a city renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and role as a gateway to trade and tourism. The route is expected to serve strong demand from the more than 1.5 million Pakistanis living and working in the UAE, while also enhancing two-way travel for trade, business and leisure.
DWTC Hospitality and Emirates Flight Catering Join Forces
DWTC Hospitality, the award-winning catering division of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), and Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC), have announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that brings together two of the region’s leading forces in event catering and hospitality services. By combining their respective capabilities, the partnership aims to transform the event catering and hospitality landscape across the UAE and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
Madeira Expands UK Flight Connections With 4.9% More Weekly Services for the 2025/26 Winter Season
Madeira is set to become even more accessible for UK travellers this winter, with an 4.9% increase in weekly flights between October 2025 and March 2026 compared to the previous year. The updated schedule shows services rising from 245 in winter 2024/25 to 257 in 2025/26, with brand-new routes from Bournemouth and London Luton further strengthening the island’s robust air connectivity.
Alaska Air Group Announces Leadership Transitions at Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air
Alaska Air Group today announced several leadership transitions that reflect the organization’s commitment to operational excellence and its people-first culture. After nearly 15 years of dedicated service to Alaska Airlines, Chief Operating Officer, Constance von Muehlen will retire. Von Muehlen joined Alaska in 2011 and became COO in 2021, where she led the airline through a period of significant growth and transformation. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing safety, reliability, and innovation across the airline’s operations.
Emirates Skywards turns 25 with silver style and surprises for millions
Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a Silver Jubilee campaign that combines global recognition with exclusive rewards for its 37 million members. To mark the milestone, Emirates will debut a bespoke “25 years” aircraft livery in striking silver, set to fly worldwide from next month, while members will be treated to 25 days of generous prizes, bonus Miles, and unforgettable surprises both in the air and on the ground.
Turkish Airlines to Expand Its Fleet with Boeing Order
Flying to more countries than any other airline worldwide, Turkish Airlines is taking another significant step forward in line with its strategic growth plans. The national flag carrier has reached an agreement with Boeing and will add a total of 75 wide-body Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft to its fleet between 2029 and 2034, consisting of 50 firm and 25 option orders within this scope. In terms of engine procurement, Turkish Airlines is continuing negotiations with manufacturers Rolls-Royce and GE Aerospace. Within the scope of this strategic acquisition, negotiations between Turkish Airlines and Boeing regarding the purchase of a total of 150 aircraft, consisting of 100 firm and 50 option orders for the 737-8/10 MAX models, have been completed. Subject to the successful conclusion of ongoing discussions with engine manufacturer CFM International, orders for the 737-8/10 MAX aircraft will be placed.
Etihad Airways’ New A321LR Makes India Debut on Inaugural Flight to Kolkata
Etihad Airways has launched its game-changing new A321LR aircraft on all flights to and from Kolkata, bringing a refined luxury experience to the popular Indian route. The sold-out inaugural flight, EY222, touched down at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport (CCU), Kolkata, India at 8.35pm on 24 September. All of Etihad’s eight return flights per week between Abu Dhabi and Kolkata will now be operated by the A321LR.
Finnair becomes the first airline to introduce ancillary combos using modern retailing capabilities
The Finnish national carrier, Finnair, has taken the next step in its digital transformation and is the world’s first airline to introduce ancillary combos, also referred to as bundles in the industry, built on modern retailing capabilities, powered by Amadeus technology. Finnair’s transition from legacy technology to native orders earlier this year now allows customers to buy ready-bundled ancillaries easily and for a better price.
Capital Connections: Air Canada Keeps London and Ottawa connected Year-Round
Air Canada has announced its London Heathrow to Ottawa non-stop flights will continue for Winter 2025-26, ensuring year-round connectivity between the United Kingdom’s largest airport and Canada’s capital city. Flights are available for booking now at aircanada.com, through Air Canada Contact Centres, and via travel agents.
Finnair launches emissions-cutting service for businesses
Finnair has launched the Finnair for Business SAF service for corporate customers keen to help reduce aviation emissions and boost the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Available to members of the Finnair for Business program, the new SAF service allows companies to monitor the flight emissions that their business trips generate. They can then buy SAF environmental attributes – the quantified benefits of using sustainable aviation fuel rather than conventional jet fuel – to help lower the carbon footprint of flying.
Emirates Flight Catering launches inaugural Culinary Arts Apprenticeship Programme
Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) has launched its inaugural Culinary Arts Apprenticeship Programme, in partnership with the Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Designed to provide foundational culinary skills through practical training and industry exposure, the programme has inducted its first cohort of 15 apprentices representing six nationalities: the Philippines, Uganda, India, Nepal, Ghana, and Sri Lanka.
Uzbekistan Airways Orders up to 22 Boeing 787 Dreamliners
Boeing and Uzbekistan Airways announced today the single largest order in the airline’s history as the flag carrier plans to acquire up to 22 787 Dreamliners. Uzbekistan Airways’ purchase of 14 787-9 airplanes, with options for eight more of the ultra-efficient jets, will modernize its Boeing widebody fleet while supporting nearly 35,000 U.S. jobs.