Oman Air offers more affordable travel, Riyadh Air debuts sonic brand, Saudia adds 11 new destinations, Etihad sees good January growth and boosts Atlanta flights, Emirates expands in Africa, Turkish Airlines ups Sydney services, and more!
Oman Air launches ‘Oman Air Connect’
Oman Air has introduced ‘Oman Air Connect’, a fleet of all-economy class Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft designed to offer affordable travel options while maintaining the airline’s signature comfort and service. The new fleet, comprising five aircraft, aims to enhance connectivity across key regional markets, including the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, and Africa.
Meanwhile, the carrier sponsored the 22nd annual WTW Aviation Conference, which concluded at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah in Muscat. The conference, held for the first time outside of Asia, welcomed more than 400 delegates.
Riyadh Air unveils Sound of a New Era
Riyadh Air has launched its new sonic brand, Sound of a New Era, a captivating musical identity that reflects the airline’s mission to blend Saudi cultural heritage with global premium travel standards. Composed at Abbey Road Studios, the sonic brand features a live orchestra, traditional Arabic instruments, and digital soundscapes, symbolizing the harmonious balance between tradition and modernity. The sound will be integrated into various passenger touchpoints, from boarding music to in-flight entertainment. According to Osamah Alnuaiser, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications, “‘Sound of a New Era’ is the symphony of our brand promise, heralding a new era of premium travel infused with Saudi hospitality and culturalΒ heritage.”
Meanwhile, in a report by Saudi Gazette, Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, labelled Saudi Arabia’s lack of direct global flights to major key cities as “haram” (unacceptable). Highlighting the inconvenience of Saudi travellers relying on foreign airlines for long-haul flights, he vowed to change this with the airline’s ambitious expansion plans, aiming to connect 100 cities by 2030.
Etihad Airways sees 18% passenger growth in January, launches Sochi
Etihad Airways has reported a strong start to the year, with a record 1.7 million guests flying with the airline in January, an 18% increase compared to the same period last year. The airline’s passenger load factor also rose to 89%, up from 86% in January 2024. CEO Antonoaldo Neves attributed the growth to guests choosing to fly with Etihad, and noted a record level of customer satisfaction in January, with plans to increase frequencies to key destinations including Milan and Bangkok.
Meanwhile, the carrier is launching flights to Sochi, Russia, this summer, offering non-stop access to the Krasnodar Krai region. This is part of Etihad’s expansion plans, adding 14 new destinations this year, including Atlanta, Hanoi, and Prague.
Emirates celebrates 25 years of flying to Bahrain, unveils new Business Class menu
Emirates has marked 25 years of service to Bahrain, carrying over 7.86 million passengers on nearly 49,000 flights. To commemorate this milestone, the airline hosted a dinner honouring its longest-serving employees and welcoming government officials and VIPs.
The airline has also announced a new Business Class menu developed over a year by Emirates’ master chefs and Michelin-starred chef Jean Michel Bardet, featuring 18 dishes expertly paired with exclusive champagnes, including MoΓ«t & Chandon, available on select routes from May 2025.
flynas announces major Airbus order
flynas has announced plans to receive over 100 Airbus aircraft in the next five years, growing its fleet to more than 160 aircraft by 2030. This forms part of its record-breaking order for 280 aircraft, valued at over 161 billion Saudi Riyals. The announcement coincided with a visit from Airbus senior management to flynas’ Riyadh headquarters and the delivery of a new Airbus A320neo aircraft, bringing the total number of this type in flynas’ fleet to 54.
Air Arabia reports record profits for 2024
Air Arabia has announced its financial results for 2024, boasting a record pre-tax net profit of AED1.6B (around US435M), up 4% from 2023. The airline’s total turnover exceeded AED6.63 billion, marking an 11% growth. This robust performance is attributed to the airline’s expansion efforts, which saw the addition of 31 new routes and a 13% increase in operational capacity. Passenger numbers rose by 12% to 18.8 million, with a seat load factor of 82%. The airline’s Board of Directors has proposed a dividend distribution of 25% of share capital, subject to shareholderΒ approval.
UAE pioneers urban air mobility with air taxi corridors
The UAE has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to redefine urban transportation, commencing air corridor mapping and regulatory framework development for piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones. This transformative project, set to be completed within 20 months, will establish the UAE as a global leader in advanced urban mobility. The new air corridors will connect key international airports and iconic places, ensuring seamless integration of air taxis and drones into urban landscapes, relieving pressure on traditional road networks, and improving connectivity.
Earlier this week…
Saudia announces 11 new destinations
Saudia has announced a significant expansion of its global flight network, adding 11 new destinations for 2025, including Vienna, Venice, Larnaca, Athens, Heraklion, Nice, Malaga, Bali, Antalya, El Alamein, and Salalah. This strategic growth, driven by a 16% increase in international guest numbers last year, reflects the airline’s commitment to connecting the world and meeting increasing global travel demand. The new destinations join Saudia’s existing network of more than 100 destinations across four continents, with the airline’s modern fleet and commitment to exceptional onboard service set to further enhance the travel experience.
SAL Logistics Services boosts Madinah Airport logistics
SAL Logistics Services has signed a cooperation agreement with the Madinah Region Development Authority to enhance logistics services and smart facilities at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport. The agreement aims to improve air cargo operations, increase exports, and develop sustainable solutions, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Key initiatives include implementing smart facility systems, supporting events and seasonal activities, and forming a joint task force to enhance coordination. This partnership underscores SAL’s commitment to developing the logistics sector in Saudi Arabia, positioning the Kingdom as a leading global logistics hub
Etihad Airways boosts Atlanta to daily
Etihad Airways has announced plans to increase its Abu Dhabi to Atlanta service from four-times a week to daily flights from 1 November, following strong demand for the route. The airline’s Airbus A350-1000 will operate the service, offering 44 Business class seats and 327 economy seats. The increased frequency will provide greater flexibility and convenience for travellers, with seamless one-stop connections to popular South Asian destinations and the opportunity to visit Abu Dhabi as part of a stopover break.
Emirates expands reach in Africa via new partnership and community initiatives
Emirates has signed an interline agreement with Air Peace, West Africa’s largest airline, expanding its reach to 13 new cities in Nigeria. Passengers will now be able to connect from Dubai to Lagos and onwards to destinations like Asaba, Akure, and Benin City, with single-ticket travel and simplified baggage handling. Corporate travellers will also benefit from connections to major cities like Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt, strengthening trade ties between Nigeria and the UAE.
Meanwhile, the airline has donated essential supplies and limited-edition, handcrafted backpacks from its ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ collection to underprivileged children in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Ethiopia. The airline provided 1,239 backpacks, made from upcycled materials from its iconic A380 and 777 aircraft, along with stationery and books to support education and learning.
Turkish Airlines to fly daily to Sydney
Turkish Airlines is set to increase its flights from Istanbul to Sydney to a daily service by early January 2026, following strong demand since the route’s launch in November 2024. Currently operating four weekly flights with a stop in Kuala Lumpur, the airline will gradually increase frequency to five weekly flights by June 2025, six by October 2025, and daily by January 2026, just in time for Australia’s peak summer travel season. This expansion is part of Turkish Airlines’ strategy to grow its presence in Australia and strengthen its long-haul connectivity, offering passengers greater flexibility and options for flights between Australia and Europe.
flynas achieves significant sustainability milestones in 2024
flynas has made substantial progress in its sustainability efforts across three key tracks: carbon offsetting, social initiatives, and digital transformation. The airline reduced carbon emissions by 625,152 tons over 48 months, which is equivalent to planting 25 million trees; and improved operational efficiency through fleet upgrades and technological solutions. Also, the carrier launched initiatives to provide a more inclusive travel experience for passengers with disabilities and autism, and enhanced its digital services.
flydubai to launch new flight-training centre
flydubai is set to open a new flight-training centre in the coming weeks, featuring two full-flight simulators and six simulator bays to support the growth of its Boeing 737 fleet. The centre, part of the airline’s expansion strategy, will provide additional training capacity and reduce reliance on third-party training facilities. With plans to introduce two more simulators by 2026 and potentially offer third-party training, the centre will play a vital role in supporting airline’s growth, including its upcoming introduction of Boeing 787 widebody operations.
Gulf Air extends Bahrain Grand Prix title sponsorship until 2027
Gulf Air has announced the extension of its title sponsorship of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix until 2027. This landmark agreement marks the continuation of the longest-standing title partnership in Formula 1 history, which began in 2004. Strategically positioned between the Asia-Pacific and European legs of the championship, the Bahrain Grand Prix plays a crucial role in the Formula 1 calendar. The 2025 season promises to be a thrilling spectacle, featuring intriguing driver lineup changes, emerging talent, and the latest advancements in innovative racing technology.
Jazeera Airways reports record-breaking net profit for 2024
Jazeera Airways has announced a net profit of KD 10.2M for 2024, representing a 66.2% increase from the previous year. The airline’s operating revenue rose to KD 208.6 million, up 5.3%, with EBIT growing by 46.8% to KD 17.3 million. Passenger numbers exceeded 4.9 million, with a load factor of 78.4%, and the airline improved its On-Time Performance to 86%. The Board of Directors has recommended a dividend distribution of 40 fils per share, reflecting confidence in the airline’s financial performance.
MRO Middle East and AIME 2025 takes off in Dubai
MRO Middle East and Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) 2025 attracted more than 250 international exhibitors and industry leaders from across the global aviation supply chain. The two-day event, inaugurated by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, featured key announcements, including GE Aerospace’s $10 million investment in its Middle East MRO facilities and FL Technics’ expansion plans in the UAE. Airbus also launched its Middle East Services Forecast, predicting commercial aviation services will evolve towards more digital and connected operations, with services demand expected to reach $32 billion globally by 2043.
