Qatar Airways continues to taking stars to the skies, this time with their safety video, while Saudia and flydubai up their in-flight entertainment offering. IATA reports growth in air cargo, Gulf Air celebrates female empowerment, and Virgin Australia will operate flights to Doha under a “wet lease” agreement. Etihad establishes a new partnership, while Turkish Airlines eyes further destinations and Airbus sets up Middle East HQ in Riyadh.

Etihad Airways partners with Air Astana

Etihad Airways has entered into a strategic codeshare agreement with Air Astana, significantly expanding its network reach to 10 new destinations. This partnership allows passengers to book flights on both airlines seamlessly, connecting Abu Dhabi with key destinations in Kazakhstan, including Almaty and Astana. The agreement bolsters Etihad’s commitment to fostering international connectivity while offering travellers more flexibility and convenience. For Air Astana, this collaboration enhances access to the Middle East and Etihad’s global network. 

Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777 heads to Vienna

Starting January 2025, Emirates will deploy its newly retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft on its popular Dubai-Vienna route. These aircraft feature Emirates’ latest interior upgrades across all cabin classes. First Class travellers will enjoy fully enclosed private suites with, while Business Class passengers benefit from ergonomic seats designed for optimal comfort in a 1-2-1 layout. Economy Class has also been refreshed with modernised cabin aesthetics. The introduction of the retrofitted aircraft to Vienna from Dubai adds to the other 10 upgraded Boeing 777s on routes flying to Zurich, Brussels, Kuwait, Dammam, Riyadh, Geneva, and Chicago. 

Turkish Airlines eyes New Zealand and expanded China operations

After its recent Sydney expansion in November this year, Turkish Airlines plans to launch direct flights to New Zealand and increase services to several cities in China beyond 2025. These expansions come as part of the carrier’s ambitious growth strategy, reflecting its role as a major global connector. Direct New Zealand flights would enhance connectivity for travellers across the Pacific region, while expanded operations in China will support rising demand for travel between the two nations.

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed airport crowned most beautiful

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport has earned the title of the “World’s Most Beautiful Airport” in a global survey. The terminal, which opened just over 12 months ago, combines cultural architecture with state-of-the-art technology to deliver a world-class passenger experience. Its 742,000sqm design features expansive glass facades, sustainable materials, and an emphasis on natural light, while maintaining the functionality to accommodation more than 79 aircraft at a time, and 11,000 travellers per hour. The airport’s recognition highlights Abu Dhabi’s focus on infrastructure development and its ambition to be a global travel hub. 

New Paris-Riyadh connection from Air France-KLM

Air France-KLM will introduce direct flights between Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport and Riyadh starting in summer 2025. Adding to KLM’s existing flights from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Riyadh and Dammam, this next step aims to position Paris as a gateway to Europe for Saudi passengers. It’s predicted the new route will accommodate thousands more tourists and cater to the growing demand for tourism in the Middle east while also strengthening connectivity for business travellers. 

Airbus opens Middle East HQ in Saudi Arabia

Airbus has announced the establishment of its Middle East regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia, signaling the company’s long-term commitment to the region. The new office will oversee the company’s operations in the Middle East, supporting key projects and fostering closer partnerships with regional stakeholders.

The headquarters will also serve as a hub for collaboration on cutting-edge aerospace technologies, training initiatives, and sustainable aviation solutions. This investment by Airbus reflects the growing importance of the Middle East in the global aerospace industry and its potential as a centre for innovation and growth.

Earlier this week…

Qatar Airways talks seatbelts and safety with superstars, strengthens partnership with Cainiao and Japan Airlines

Qatar Airways has launched a star-studded in-flight safety video featuring Hollywood actor and comedian Kevin Hart, alongside a cast of celebrities and social media influencers. Directed by Tim Story, the video aims to transform the traditional safety briefing with humour and star power, with Hart bringing his signature comedy to ensure passengers stay engaged with essential safety instructions. Joining Hart are Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Khaby Lame and Adam Waheed, and internet personalities Anwar and Amal Jibawi, each adding their unique touch to the safety instructions. The video will debut on select flights in December 2024, with a full fleet rollout by January 2025.

Meanwhile, Qatar Airways Cargo is also strengthening its partnerships with both Cainiao and Japan Airlines, to support the growth of cross-border e-commerce and improve global consumer experiences. The collaboration with Cainiao aims to improve supply chain efficiency and delivery speed; while the partnership with Japan Airlines will allow JALCARGO to “leverage JAL’s passenger flights, freighter network, and the newly expanded Qatar Airways network to deliver customers’ cargo to an even broader range of destinations than ever before.”

Emirates renews partnership with Tennis Australia

Emirates will remain the Official Airline of the Australian Open until 2029, having renewed its partnership with Tennis Australia for another five years. From 2025, the partnership will expand beyond the Australian Open, focusing on making a positive impact in local communities, where the airline, in collboration with the Australian Tennis Foundation (ATF) will invest $2.25 million over five years through its ‘Force for Good’ programme. This initiative aims to provide tennis opportunities to disadvantaged children and young people in five Australian cities, promoting physical and mental wellbeing while fostering essential life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and social connection. Offering three daily services between Melbourne and Dubai, including two A380 services, Emirates will be a connector of tennis players and fans to the Australian Open 2025.

IATA reports strong air cargo growth for October 2024

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported strong growth in global air cargo demand for October 2024, with total demand increasing by 9.8% compared to October 2023, marking the 15th consecutive month of growth. International demand rose by 10.3%, while capacity grew by 5.9%, driven by an 8.5% increase in international belly capacity. Dedicated freighter capacity also saw a 5.6% rise, nearing 2021 peak levels. Middle Eastern carriers saw 4.5% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in October. Capacity increased 0.8% year-on-year.

Despite this positive performance, IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, cautioned about potential risks in 2025 due to geopolitical tensions, particularly with the US potentially imposing tariffs on key trading partners. Factors such as rising industrial production, increased global trade, and a rebound in global manufacturing activity contributed to the growth.

Saudia ups its entertainment game, celebrates inaugural direct flight to Phuket

Saudia Group has partnered with Saudi Projects to enhance local media content and improve the in-flight entertainment experience for Saudia passengers. The collaboration will feature Saudi Projects’ media programs on Saudia’s BEYOND entertainment system, particularly in the “Discover Saudi” library, offering engaging insights into the Kingdom’s development projects. The agreement, signed by Mr. Khaled Tash, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Saudia, and Eng. Mishal Al-Qassim, Founder and CEO of Saudi Projects, expands the airline’s BEYOND system to include 243 hours of local content.

Meanwhile, the airline has launched direct non-stop flights between Riyadh and Phuket. The flights, operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft, will run three times a week until 28 February 2025. Saudia also operates multiple weekly flights to Bangkok from both Riyadh and Jeddah.

Saudi’s GACA approves annual permits for private non-commercial aircraft

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has approved annual permits for private non-commercial aircraft operated by foreign companies, allowing owners to travel to and within Saudi Arabia without needing individual permits for each trip. This move supports GACA’s strategic goals to enhance collaboration, build efficient transportation systems, and align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives. It also contributes to the Kingdom’s Public Aviation Roadmap, ensuring a safe, seamless, and high-quality aviation experience while maintaining strong regulatory standards for security and operational excellence.

flydubai teams up with BBC Studios to introduce BBC Kids

flydubai and BBC Studios have teamed up to launch BBC Kids on flydubai’s inflight entertainment system. As of 1 December 2024, passengers can enjoy more than 15 hours of children’s content, including popular shows like Hey Duggee, Bluey, Supertato, Go-Jetters, Horrible Histories, Deadly 60 and Junior Bake-Off. Business Class passengers will enjoy content on a 15.6-inch HD screen, while Economy Class passengers will view it on an 11.6-inch screen. The BBC Kids content will be updated regularly to provide fresh entertainment throughout the year.

Australia grants interim approval for Qatar Airways-Virgin Australia partnership

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has granted interim approval for a partnership between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia, allowing them to offer long-haul return flights starting June 2025. Under this temporary approval, Virgin Australia will operate 28 weekly return flights between Doha and Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, with services from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane beginning in June 2025, and Perth in November 2025.

The partnership will see Virgin Australia flying the routes under a “wet-lease” arrangement, using Qatar Airways’ aircraft and crew. The airlines are seeking five-year authorisation, with a draft determination from the ACCC expected in February 2025. Customers who pre-book flights will be protected, even if final approval is not granted. Earlier in October, Qatar Airways announced it would acquire a 25% stake in Virgin Australia from Bain Capital.

Gulf Air Group celebrates Bahraini Women’s Day and female empowerment, partners with ila Bank to launch co-branded MasterCard credit card

Gulf Air Group (GFG) recently marked Bahraini Women’s Day, coinciding with the Silver Jubilee of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s accession to the throne. The event, themed “Women, worthy partner in nation building,” celebrated the significant contributions of Bahraini women across the organisation.

Held at GFG’s headquarters, the gathering honoured the achievements of eleven exceptional female employees from various roles, including engineers, ground staff, and management. GFG CEO, Jeffrey Goh, underscored the strategic importance of women’s empowerment, stating, “The remarkable women of GFG are driving innovation, shaping our future, and inspiring the next generation of aviation leaders.”

Meanwhile, the carrier has also partnered with ila Bank to launch a co-branded ila Gulf Air MasterCard credit card, offering a range of personalised travel rewards and lifestyle benefits, including accelerated airline miles, bonus miles for milestones, discounts on Gulf Air seat classes, and access to global airport lounges. The partnership aims to deliver a seamless, smarter way for customers to enhance their travel and banking experiences.

Kuwait Airways partners with Saudi Arabia Railways

Kuwait Airways has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) to sell tickets for the Haramain High-Speed Railway, starting with Hajj and Umrah trips, and will later expand to individual travel. The partnership aims to improve cooperation between the two organisations and improve the traveller experience between Mecca and Medina. The agreement was signed by Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan, and SAR CEO, Dr. Bashar bin Khalid Al-Malik.