From new destinations, merch and appointments to incentivised stop overs and choosing your own inflight meal, here are the some of the big players upping their game this week.

Choose Your Cuisine on Gulf Air

Fed up with airplane food? Gulf Air has introduced a new service that allows Falcon Gold business class passengers to select their preferred meals on long-haul flights. The new “Choose Your Cuisine” service will be a curated menu on the Gulf Air app and website that can be viewed from six months to 24 hours before departure. The initial offering will feature on flights from Bahrain with ten dishes. The program will then gradually expand to other destinations.

Riyadh Air and Delta sign new MoU

Riyadh Air and Delta Air Lines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance connectivity and expand travel options between Saudi Arabia and North America. This strategic partnership aims to offer seamless travel experiences for passengers, leveraging Delta’s extensive network and Riyadh Air’s growing reach. The agreement highlights the commitment to improving flight services and fostering stronger ties between the two nations​. Under the MoU, Delta will operate as Riyadh Air’s partner in North America, and Riyadh Air will be Delta’s partner in KSA.

Qatar Airways $14 Stopovers

Available to passengers with a minimum 12-hour transit in Doha, Qatar Airways is offering stopover packages from $14 per night or $22 for two nights. This promotion includes accommodation in 4-star hotels, with options to upgrade to 5-star or luxury hotels. Packages can be tailored to include tours and airport transfers, enhancing the travel experience with cultural and adventure activities. 

Etihad’s daily Boston flights and the A350 comes to Toronto 

Etihad Airways is expanding its North American network on the Abu Dhabi to Boston route from four weekly flights to daily flights. This comes only three months after the route was introduced, but it has performed so well that it’s already being increased. Alongside this increase, Etihad has also introduced the Airbus A350 on a once-per-day flight to Toronto starting October 27. Featuring advanced technology, quieter cabins, and improved fuel efficiency, the A350 is part of Etihad’s expanding 2024 fleet. 

Saudia’s Saudi Coffee Cups

Saudia Airlines has introduced a new initiative with the Culinary Arts Commission to showcase handcrafted cups that represent the Kingdom’s heritage. Cups with five different designs will be introduced as part of business class travellers’ coffee and date welcome service. Each cup represents a different theme or region and includes: 

• Central region – Palm trees and clay buildings
• Eastern region – Calligonum Al Arta 
• Northern region – Olive trees
• Southern region – Assiri patterns
• Western region – Corals, seashells, coastline, and a Taifi rose

12 new senior appointments for Emirates

Emirates has announced the latest senior appointments and promotions to support its leadership. The 12-strong list features seven UAE nationals, some of whom have developed their careers at the Emirates Group. Appointments include: 

• Mr Ali Mubarak Al Soori – Chief Procurement and Facilities Officer
• Mr Ahmed Safa – Head of Engineering and MRO
• Mr Badr Abbas – Divisional SVP Emirates SkyCargo
• Capt Mark Burtonwood – Divisional SVP Group Safety and Network Operations
• Mr Mostafa Karam – Divisional SVP Customer Affairs and Service Audit
• Mr Yousuf Mohammad Ali – Divisional SVP Group Procurement and Logistics
• Mr David Broz – SVP Aeropolitical and Airline Industry Affairs
• Mr Devarajan Srinivasan – SVP Facilities and Asset Management
• Mr Mahmood Al Khaja – SVP Material Management and Repairs
• Mr Will Lofberg – SVP International and Government Affairs
• Mr Shahreyar Nawabi – CEO Emirates Flight Catering
• Mr Mahmood Ameen – Divisional SVP Engineering Projects and Aircraft Procurement

flynas’ first flight between Riyadh and El Alamein

flynas has inaugurated its first direct flight from Riyadh to El Alamein, Egypt, marking a new connection that enhances travel options between Saudi Arabia and Egypt’s North Coast. The flight was welcomed in Egypt at El-Alamein International Airport (DBB) with representatives and stakeholders from both destinations and the carrier’s leadership. More than 120 direct flights per week connect Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and this latest destination has become the fifth in Egypt, serviced by flynas.