Middle East aviation is showing no signs of slowing down, with Qatar Airways branching out to buy a stake in Virgin Australia, Gulf Air and Thai Airways extending their partnership, and Emirates getting its first refurbished Boeing 777 on the ground. Plus, we’ve got updates on airport safety meetings, runway renovations, and new digital payment options. Here’s the latest. 

Qatar Airways buys 25% of Virgin Australia 

Qatar Airways has agreed to acquire a 25% stake in Australia’s second-largest airline, Virgin Australia. This strategic move will help Virgin Australia re-enter the long-haul flight market after a challenging period, including administration during the pandemic. For Qatar Airways, this investment deepens its presence in the Australian aviation sector, a key market in the Asia-Pacific region. The partnership will benefit both airlines by increasing flight capacity from Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to Doha, Qatar. 

flydubai unveils new Business Class check-in

flydubai has launched its first dedicated Business Class check-in facility at Dubai International’s Terminal 2, offering personalized services to enhance the travel experience. Located near Entrance 3, the new area features seated check-in, fast-track passport control and security, a dedicated kerbside drop-off, and complimentary porter service. Inspired by desert dunes, the facility’s design boasts sweeping arches, warm tones, and minimalist aesthetics, creating an inviting space for relaxation. Business Class passengers look forward to enjoying a traditional Arabic welcome with cold towels, and refreshments in a quiet area.

Priorities from 2024 IATA World Safety and Operations Conference 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) highlighted key aviation safety priorities at its 2024 World Safety and Operations Conference in Marrakech. These include strengthening global standards, fostering a robust safety culture, and utilising data for continuous improvement. IATA emphasised the transition to risk-based safety audits and the importance of timely accident reports. Safety culture must empower employees to raise concerns, supported by leadership and collaboration tools like IATA Connect. Data-driven insights, using programs like GADM and Turbulence Aware, will enhance safety and innovation, addressing risks such as GPS signal loss and inflight turbulence.

Meanwhile IATA, Embraer and Rolls-Royce have also established five key principles for access to, and the use of, Aircraft Operational Data (AOD):

1.    Consent: AOD can only be extracted with the airline’s written consent.
2.    Transparency: Airlines have visibility of the data generated by their aircraft and how it is used.
3.    Sharing: Airlines can choose the parties they share AOD with and control such sharing.
4.    Accessibility: Airlines can access, analyse, and use AOD from aircraft they operate without interference. 
5.    Responsible Use: Airlines provide AOD to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to improve safety and, if they choose, to support aircraft reliability.

Dubai Airports hosts ACI safety meeting

Dubai Airports is hosting the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East Operational Safety Committee Meeting for the first time from 1-3 October 2024. The meeting, inaugurated by Dubai Airports’ CEO, Majed Al Joker, addresses key issues such as runway safety, firefighting advancements, and climate resilience. Delegates from 15 countries will collaborate on improving safety protocols and operational efficiency. 

Emirates Boeing 777 refurb debuts in Riyadh

Emirates’ newly refurbished Boeing 777 has touched down in Riyadh, making it the GCC’s first destination to be served by the retrofitted aircraft. Featuring a refreshed cabin design, the Boeing 777 now offers enhanced Business Class and the introduction of 24 Premium Economy seats. This marks a key milestone in Emirates‘ ongoing fleet upgrade initiative, aimed at elevating passenger experience with modernised interiors across its fleet. The refurbished Boeing 777 will serve the Riyadh route daily and features 6 First Class luxury suites. 

Gulf Air and Thai Airways extend partnership

Gulf Air and Thai Airways (TG) have extended their longstanding partnership, further enhancing travel options for their passengers. This collaboration allows both airlines to offer more seamless and convenient connectivity across their networks. The extended partnership focuses on codesharing, with Gulf Air adding ten new destinations to its network and Thai Airways adding six new destinations. 

AUH re-opens northern runway early 

Abu Dhabi Airports celebrated the early reopening of the northern runway at Zayed International Airport (AUH) ahead of schedule, which was originally planned for later in 2024. The renovation project included resurfacing the runway with 210,000 tons of asphalt, integrating advanced safety systems, and upgrading the lighting to energy-efficient LED technology.

These enhancements aim to improve operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The project’s early completion will enable the airport to better handle the increasing air traffic as it regains dual-runway operations, supporting Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision of becoming a global aviation hub.

King Fahd International Airport achieves ACI Level 3 accreditation

King Fahd International Airport in Dammam has been awarded the Level 3 Customer Experience Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI). This recognition highlights the airport’s efforts to enhance passenger satisfaction through a sustainable, safe, and innovative experience. The accolade was received during the US Customer Experience Summit in Atlanta and marks a significant achievement in the airport’s mission to meet global standards. The airport aims to achieve its level 4 and 5 certification, reinforcing its position as a leading airport in the region.

More digital payment options for Wizz Air

Wizz Air’s app has introduced Apple Pay and Google Pay to expand its digital payment options for customers. Catering to more than 30% of travellers who buy additional products and services after booking, the new features allow passengers to book and manage their travel more easily, particularly when making last-minute payments or trying to add-on services. 

170,000kg of coffee for Emirates 

Emirates Airlines celebrated International Coffee Day (1 October) by highlighting its coffee offerings to passengers. Annually, Emirates serves over 170,000 kg of coffee, with more than 17 tonnes being enjoyed on flights each year. The airline works with renowned coffee brands such as Lavazza and Coffee Planet to ensure a high-quality experience. In their Dubai lounges, Emirates offers a range of premium coffee options for travellers to relax and enjoy. Plus, they even commission their own blend of artisan Arabic coffee from local producer Mattina. 

Speculation surrounding Etihad’s 10 new routes

Etihad Airways plans to announce around 10 new routes in November 2024, according to an interview with the airline’s CCO, Arik De and Skift. This expansion is a significant part of Etihad’s growth strategy, with nine of the new routes being completely new destinations for the airline. The introduction of these routes will be supported by the arrival of new Airbus A321LR aircraft, which enable the airline to operate longer, more efficient flights. This move underscores Etihad’s ambition to expand its global network, potentially including a return to previously served markets in the Balkan region.

We’ll see you at the Routes World 2024 Conference 

The Routes World 2024 Conference is fast approaching, and we’ll be on the ground to bring you the latest updates. This premier event will feature keynote interviews, panel discussions, and workshops, providing key market insights and strategies from global aviation leaders. Expect exciting announcements, including certain airlies returning to previously served markets, and Gulf Air’s potential launch of its first U.S. route in nearly 30 years by mid-2025. The event also includes the prestigious Routes World Awards, recognising 30 organisations and ten individuals. Watch this space for more coverage and essential air service news.