IATA takes a major step towards sustainability with the launch of the Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization (CADO), which will oversee a global Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) registry, while Emirates, Royal Jordanian, and Gulf Air announce new routes and flights. Get ready for a very busy travel period over Eid.

Abu Dhabi Aviation partners with Archer Aviation to launch region’s first electric air taxi fleet

Abu Dhabi Aviation Group (ADA) has signed a strategic MoU with Archer Aviation to deploy the first global fleet of Midnight electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, starting in 2024. The initiative is part of Archer’s global “Launch Edition,” launched from Abu Dhabi in coordination with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority. The agreement includes the development of a commercial deployment framework and operational support from Archer, including pilots, technicians, and engineers. ADA will also fund the deployment, becoming the region’s first electric air taxi operator. Archer will provide a software infrastructure and booking application to support urban air mobility services. The project aims to reduce urban commute times from over an hour to 10–20 minutes through safe, sustainable, and low-noise electric flights.

Turkish Airlines launches global holiday booking platform and dedicated pet lounge​

Turkish Airlines has introduced a global holiday booking platform, enabling travellers to arrange flights, accommodation, tours, activities, car rentals, transfers, and insurance through a single portal. Initially available for outbound flights from Türkiye, the platform has expanded to key markets including South Africa, the UK, Europe, and South Korea, in partnership with HBX and PerfectStay. During the launch, CEO Bilal Ekşi highlighted the airline’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience by offering comprehensive booking options. Additionally, Turkish Airlines has unveiled an exclusive pet lounge at Istanbul Airport for pets travelling as AVIH (animals in hold). Located in the B Pier area, the 250m² lounge features a 32m² outdoor terrace and can accommodate up to 32 dogs, 36 cats, and 10 birds. Amenities include veterinary supervision, separate areas for staff and pet rest, and a secure, temperature-controlled environment to ensure pets’ comfort before departure.

Emirates to commence flights between Dubai and Montego Bay via Frankfurt in April​

Starting in April, Emirates Airlines, in partnership with German carrier Condor, will introduce a code-share route connecting Dubai to Montego Bay, Jamaica, with a stopover in Frankfurt. This initiative aims to enhance travel accessibility between the United Arab Emirates and Jamaica. Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, hailed the development as a significant milestone for the nation’s tourism industry, noting that discussions with Emirates began prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and have now come to fruition. The collaboration is expected to position Jamaica as a hub for Middle Eastern tourism into the wider Caribbean, aligning with the country’s multi-destination tourism strategy. Additionally, efforts are ongoing to establish non-stop flights between Dubai and Jamaica, with Emirates expressing keen interest in such a service. This new route is part of Jamaica’s broader strategy to expand its global tourism footprint beyond traditional markets in North America and Europe.

flydubai introduces mobile money payment options in Kenya and Uganda​

flydubai, in collaboration with Network International, has launched mobile money payment options for customers in Kenya and Uganda. Passengers can now use Mpesa, Airtel Money, and MTN Mobile Money to book flights directly through flydubai’s website or mobile app. This initiative aims to provide a secure and convenient payment experience, catering to the increasing demand for digital payment solutions in East Africa. flydubai has been operating in Entebbe since 2014 and expanded to Mombasa in 2024, observing a growing demand in these markets. The airline plans to extend this payment method to additional African markets, including Tanzania, in the future. Network International, a digital payments company operating in over 50 countries in the Middle East and Africa, supports this partnership by offering technology-driven payment solutions tailored for merchants and financial institutions.

Bahrain Airport Services signs MoU with AIESL to launch aviation training centre

Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) to establish an aviation training centre in Bahrain. The centre will focus on aircraft maintenance training and related technical services, aiming to enhance local and regional aviation capabilities. BAS CEO Mohamed Khalil highlighted that the collaboration supports Bahrain’s strategy to become a regional aviation hub. AIESL, a leading Indian maintenance and engineering firm, brings extensive technical expertise to the initiative. The training centre is expected to contribute to job creation and upskilling within the sector. Both parties expressed commitment to knowledge sharing and fostering long-term industry growth.

Eid al-Fitr travel rush at Dubai International Airport

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is bracing for a massive influx of passengers during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, with over 3.6 million travellers expected to pass through its gates between 26 March and 7 April 2025. To cope with the surge, DXB has introduced measures such as DXB Express Maps, a smart wayfinding tool, and enhanced passenger clearance procedures, including additional inspection officers and coordinated efforts with key partners to maintain efficient operations.

Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia collaborate on sustainable aviation fuel project

Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia have partnered with Renewable Developments Australia (RDA) to advance the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in North Queensland. This collaboration aims to establish a local SAF production facility, utilising agricultural by-products to create a more environmentally friendly aviation fuel. The initiative underscores both airlines’ commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability within the aviation industry. By investing in domestic SAF production, the partnership seeks to enhance fuel security and support regional economies in Australia. This project aligns with broader efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The collaboration represents a significant step towards more sustainable air travel in the region.

Oman Air and SalamAir to codeshare on 15 domestic and international routes

Oman Air and SalamAir have signed a codeshare agreement covering 15 routes, enhancing connectivity and convenience for travellers. The agreement allows passengers of both airlines to book seamless connections across domestic and international destinations. Key international routes under the codeshare include cities in the GCC, Indian Subcontinent, and North Africa. The partnership supports Oman’s aviation strategy to develop Muscat as a regional hub. Both airlines aim to optimise route networks, improve service offerings, and provide better travel flexibility. The agreement is expected to boost tourism and economic growth through enhanced regional integration.

Earlier this week…

IATA establishes civil aviation decarbonization organization to manage global SAF registry

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization (CADO) to oversee the soon-to-be-released Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Registry. CADO, based in Montreal and incorporated as a not-for-profit in Canada, will operate independently from IATA, aiming to foster transparency and inclusivity across the SAF value chain. Membership is open to SAF stakeholders, including producers, governments, and related organisations. The SAF Registry will track SAF transactions globally, ensuring accurate claims of environmental benefits under both regulatory and voluntary frameworks. It also addresses the geographical limitations of SAF supply by linking airlines and producers, while allowing corporate customers to co-finance decarbonisation. Participation in the SAF Registry will be free until April 2027, after which it will shift to a cost-recovery model.

Emirates adds 17 extra Eid Al Fitr flights

Emirates will operate 17 additional flights to key GCC and Middle East destinations from 26 March to 6 April to accommodate over 371,000 travellers expected during the Eid Al Fitr period. The expanded schedule includes six extra flights to Amman, five to Dammam, four to Jeddah, and two to Kuwait, providing greater flexibility for travel to Dubai or onward to destinations such as Thailand, the UK, the US, South Africa, Mumbai, Karachi, and Cairo. In celebration of Eid, Emirates will offer a special festive menu across all classes, featuring traditional Arabic dishes and desserts.

Etihad shares travel tips to ensure smooth journeys during busy holiday season

Etihad Airways has issued key travel tips for passengers ahead of a busy holiday period spanning from March through August 2025. The airline expects increased traveller numbers during Spring Break, Eid Al Fitr, Hajj, Eid Al Adha, and Summer Break. To streamline the experience, Etihad encourages early planning, online check-in, and the use of its mobile app for managing bookings and flight updates. Passengers are advised to arrive at least four hours before departure and utilise early check-in and bag-drop services available at multiple Abu Dhabi locations. For added convenience, Morafiq’s home check-in service allows guests to check in from home, while the Land & Leave service ensures quick baggage delivery upon return.

Royal Jordanian’s historic landing and new route

Royal Jordanian Airlines has made a historic landing at Aleppo International Airport in Syria, marking the airport’s reopening after nearly three months of closure. The flight carried an official Jordanian delegation focused on enhancing cooperation between Syria and Jordan. Maintenance and restoration efforts by Syrian authorities have now enabled the resumption of air traffic to and from the city.

Meanwhile, the airline has also launched a direct flight route between Amman and Washington, D.C., operating two weekly flights on Tuesdays and Sundays on board a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. This new route is a strategic addition to the airline’s network, complementing existing direct flights to Chicago, New York, and Detroit. The airline has plans to increase its destinations to 60 and grow its fleet to 42 aircraft in the coming years.

Gulf Air resumes direct flights to Nairobi after 12-year hiatus

Gulf Air will restart direct flights to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on 2 June, marking its return to Kenya after more than a decade. The airline will operate five weekly flights, with services available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Sundays, and additional flights on Fridays, on board the Airbus A320neo. This expansion is part of Gulf Air’s strategy to strengthen its presence in Africa and enhance connectivity between East Africa and the Middle East.