From new routes to new lounges, this week’s aviation news is all about expansion and achievements. Here’s the latest…

New Egyptian routes from flyadeal

Saudi Arabian low-cost airline flyadeal is expanding its network by adding two new routes to Egypt. Starting on 11 November 2024, the airline will launch flights connecting Jeddah to Sohag and Madinah to Cairo. This expansion brings flyadeal’s weekly flights to Egypt to 44, served by flyadeal’s Airbus A320 aircraft. The new routes cater to both leisure and religious travellers, including those journeying for Umrah and Hajj pilgrimage. Bookings are already open via travel agents and the flyadeal app. 

Qatar Airways reaches social heights, gains new certification, and celebrates with new partners

Qatar Airways has recently made significant strides in both digital engagement and operational achievements. The airline now holds the title of the most-followed airline across major social media platforms, boasting over 47 million followers. This strong digital presence highlights its global brand appeal and engagement with customers.

In addition, Qatar Airways Privilege Club has announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with Qatar Executive, allowing members to earn and redeem Avios for private jet services. This initiative enhances the loyalty program’s offerings, providing exclusive benefits to its most elite travellers. Further cementing its leadership in the aviation sector, Qatar Aviation Services (QAS) has earned the GCC’s first IATA Enhanced Ground Support Equipment certification.

This recognition underscores QAS’s commitment to safety and operational excellence, marking a significant milestone in ground services. Together, these developments reflect Qatar Airways’ continued focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and industry leadership.

Gulf Air fleet expansion

Gulf Air is set to significantly boost its fleet with the acquisition of nine Airbus A320 aircraft and two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, further strengthening its operations. These new aircraft will enhance the airline’s efficiency and service quality as it works to meet increasing passenger demand and expand its route offerings. This expansion aligns with Gulf Air’s broader strategy to modernise its fleet and provide travellers with more comfortable and sustainable options. The Dreamliners, in particular, will be crucial for long-haul routes, offering better fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.

Emirates’ $48m investment in crew’s A350 readiness, steps into the virtual world for safety training

Emirates is preparing its cabin crew for the future by training them to operate its new Airbus A350 aircraft, which will be joining the fleet in 2024/2025. The airline’s specialised training involves a $48m investment in full flight simulators with pilot support systems (PSS), emergency evacuation trainers, and door trainers. This innovative technology aims to ensure that the crew is equipped with the necessary skills for handling the A350’s unique features and delivering a seamless and safe service to passengers. 

The airline is also expanding its immersive virtual training platform, MIRA, to enhance safety training for its 23,000-strong cabin crew. The self-guided platform will offer photorealistic simulations of aircraft interiors, emergency scenarios, and hyper-realistic audio and images. Initially, two modules will be introduced – aircraft door operations and firefighting. Cabin crew will practice door drills and firefighting skills in virtual scenarios, such as fires in ovens, overhead lockers, and toilets, using modelled fire extinguishers and experiencing smoke and flames effects. This training complements Emirates’ existing methodology, ensuring crew members demonstrate competency in critical safety procedures, ultimately enhancing onboard safety.

Saudia’s new first and business class lounge at Jeddah

Saudia has recently inaugurated a luxurious First and Business Class check-in lounge at Terminal 1 of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Designed to enhance the premium travel experience, the state-of-the-art lounge features 10 dedicated check-in counters and a seating area where guests are greeted with traditional Saudi coffee and dates. The lounge also features a dedicated café, and will have personalised services specific to Saudia passengers. 

Turkish Airlines expands to Santiago

Turkish Airlines will launch four weekly flights between Istanbul and Santiago, Chile, via São Paulo starting 18 December 2024. This new route marks the first direct connection between Turkey and Chile, further expanding Turkish Airlines’ Latin American network. The flights will use Airbus A350-900 aircraft, optimising operational efficiency through fifth-freedom rights from São Paulo. This move enhances connectivity for passengers in both regions, supporting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. Santiago will benefit from its eighth European connection via Istanbul. 

Etihad Airways’ Jaipur route expansion

Starting 15 December 2024, Etihad Airways will increase to 10 flights per week from Abu Dhabi to Jaipur, catering to high demand. The airline, which launched this route less than four months ago, will use Airbus A320 aircraft for these additional flights. This expansion provides more convenience for Indian travellers and offers smooth connections to the airline’s global network. Passengers to the U.S. can also benefit from streamlined immigration at Abu Dhabi’s U.S. Customs facility. 

Riyadh Air announces Sabre partnership

Riyadh Air has partnered with Sabre Corporation to develop cutting-edge technologies for airline retailing. Utilising SabreMosaic Offer Optimisation, powered by AI and machine learning, Riyadh Air aims to be the first airline to operate entirely on offer- and order-based technology by 2025. This will enable personalised customer offers, continuous pricing, and dynamic product bundling, enhancing customer experiences and revenue optimisation. Sabre’s solutions will allow Riyadh Air to manage its pricing and retail strategies in a highly competitive environment.

flydubai and Jazeera Air flying to Siddharthanagar, Nepal

flydubai and Jazeera Airways are two out of the three airlines to have received flight permits from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal to commence flights from Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA), also knwon as Bhairahawa Airport, in Siddharthanagar next month. flydubai will begin daily flights from Dubai to GBIA, with a stop in Kathmandu, starting 9 November, while Jazeera Airways will resume flights on 28 October, operating three times a week. GBIA General Manager Pratap Babu Tiwari confirmed the airlines’ schedules, marking a significant milestone for the airport, which has been awaiting commercial operations since its completion.

Air Arabia wins for ‘operational excellence’

Air Arabia has won the “Corporate Award in the Airline Category” at the OPS Forum in Athens for its commitment to operational excellence, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. The award highlights the airline’s focus on data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement. Air Arabia operates a modern fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, offering passengers comfort and in-flight services like free entertainment streaming. CEO Adel Al Ali credited the team’s dedication to delivering reliability and value for this recognition.

Mayfair Jets named top charter broker

Mayfair Jets, a Dubai-based aviation brokerage firm, has been named Leading Charter Broker of the Year at the ICT Awards 2024. Founded in 2020, Mayfair Jets has quickly established itself as a key player in the industry, providing exceptional aviation solutions and tailored services to clients worldwide. Mayfair Jets prides itself on quality, safety, and privacy – rigorously vetting aircraft and operators, maintaining stringent safety protocols, and prioritising client confidentiality.

Chairman Ahmed Elhawary MBE expressed pride in the award, citing it as a testament to the team’s dedication and commitment to exceptional service. Mayfair Jets aims to continue building on its achievements, adapting to the evolving aviation landscape, and remaining a trusted partner for innovative aviation solutions. With a global presence and strategic partnerships, Mayfair Jets delivers seamless services to tour operators, corporate executives, and high-net-worth individuals.