Etihad Celebrates Lunar New Year, Riyadh Air’s successful test flight, Emirates resumed flights to Beirut, Qatar Airways extended partnership with PSG, Oman Air’s financialΒ turnaround and more.
Etihad prepares to usher in Lunar Year of the Snake
Etihad Airways is celebrating the Lunar New Year with a special themed menu and decorations in its lounges and on select flights to and from Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, and Shanghai today, 29 January. Guests in premium cabins and eligible Etihad Guest members will be treated to a live cooking station, traditional dishes, and red-themed decorations. Additionally, Etihad will commence flying its Airbus A380 between Abu Dhabi and Singapore on 1 February, offering a luxurious travel experience with amenities such as comfortable seating, Wi-Fi connectivity, and premium cabins, including The Residence, a three-room suite in the sky.
Meanwhile, the airline has announced a significant expansion of its Italian network with the addition of a third daily flight to Milan, starting 1 November 2025. The triple-daily service will offer 12,600 seats per week, representing a 115% year-on-year capacity increase.
BAS upgrades ops management with SITA system
Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) has partnered with SITA to implement an advanced Resource Management System (RMS) at Bahrain International Airport, aimed at optimising ground operations and enhancing the passenger experience. The new system will enable BAS to efficiently allocate workforce and equipment resources, providing real-time operational insights and reducing downtime. The RMS is expected to improve service efficiency, particularly during peak periods, and facilitate effective monitoring of ground equipment usage, reducing maintenance and energy costs.
Riyadh Air completes successful test flight to Istanbul
Riyadh Air successfully conducted its first test flight to Istanbul on 23 January. The flight, operated using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner previously used by Oman Air, marks a significant step towards the airline’s planned launch later this year. The airline boasts partnerships with eight other airlines, including Turkish Airlines, and has ambitious goals including 132 aircraft orders and the creation of more than 200,000 jobs.
Jazeera Airways adds three summer hotspots
Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost airline, has announced the addition of three new summer destinations: Sochi, Russia; Hurghada, Egypt; and Budapest, Hungary. These new routes, including the recently unveiled Budapest connection, will provide passengers with a wider range of travel options. Sochi, known for its stunning beaches and breathtaking scenery, and Hurghada, renowned for its diving and vibrant culture, will offer unique and exciting travel experiences. Jazeera Airways CEO, Barathan Pasupathi, expressed his enthusiasm for this expansion, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable travel options for its customers.
Air AlgΓ©rie temporarily closes its Dubai office
Air AlgΓ©rie, Algeria’s national carrier, has temporarily closed its Dubai office for relocation. Despite the closure, the airline has assured customers of seamless support through alternative communication channels. Passengers can stay updated on the relocation progress and new office details through Air AlgΓ©rie’s official channels, with further updates to follow once the relocation is complete.
Qatar Airways extends Paris Saint-Germain partnership
Qatar Airways has extended its partnership with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) until 2028. The renewed partnership, which strengthens the long-standing relationship between the two brands, will feature the Qatar Airways logo on PSG’s shirts and training apparel. The collaboration will also extend across the Qatar Airways Group, involving Qatar Duty Free and Hamad International Airport, to create a comprehensive partnership ecosystem.
Emirates resumes flights to Beirut from 1 February
Emirates will resume daily flights to Beirut, Lebanon, and Baghdad, Iraq, starting 1 February. The Beirut route will initially operate with a daily Boeing 777-300ER flight, offering over 5,000 seats weekly, and will add a second daily flight from April 1, 2025. The Baghdad route will also operate daily with a Boeing 777 aircraft. The reinstated services will provide passengers with increased choice, comfort, and connectivity to Dubai and Emirates’ network of over 140 destinations.
Oman Air fleet reduced
Oman Air has reported a significant turnaround in its financial performance, with a 40% increase in annual Ebitda to OR24 million and a 40% rise in earnings before interest and taxes to OR76 million. The airline achieved these results despite a 13% decline in passenger numbers to 5.4 million, by reducing its fleet size by 29% and implementing cost-cutting measures, including a 24% restructuring of its operations and workforce, which resulted in savings of OR18 million.
