Top 3
New widebody aircraft record as Boeing 787 Dreamliner surpasses 1 billion passengers
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet has carried over 1 billion passengers in under 14 years, faster than any other widebody jet. Since entering service in 2011, more than 1,175 Dreamliners have completed nearly 5 million flights and 30 million flight hours. The bestselling widebody with over 2,000 orders, the 787 flies to more than 520 airports in over 85 countries, opening over 425 new nonstop routes. With 25% better fuel efficiency and unmatched range, the aircraft continues to transform global travel. Boeing marked the milestone with a tribute video and #Dreamliner campaign.
Qatar Airways increases flights to Toronto and São Paulo
Qatar Airways will expand its North and South American services this summer, increasing Toronto flights to five weekly starting 19 June, with daily service planned for winter. São Paulo frequencies will rise to 17 weekly flights from 25 June. The move follows strong demand since launching Toronto routes in late 2024. The airline continues to connect travellers via Doha’s Hamad International Airport, offering links to over 170 global destinations. São Paulo passengers will benefit from onward access to 55 Latin American cities via LATAM Airlines.
Emirates announced strategic partnership with AEGEAN and expanded China routes
Emirates has boosted its global connectivity and customer value with two key announcements. Firstly, the airline expanded its strategic partnership with AEGEAN to include reciprocal frequent flyer benefits. From 5 May, Emirates Skywards and AEGEAN’s Miles+Bonus members can earn and redeem miles across both carriers’ global networks.
Emirates also announced the launch of daily flights between Dubai and Hangzhou, starting 30 July. Operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, the new route supports both passenger and cargo demand and is the airline’s fifth gateway into mainland China (Hangzhou joins Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen).
Noteworthy
- Riyadh Air launches a cabin crew recruitment event in Belgrade for aged 21 and over, as it announces Verteil as its NDC aggregator.
- Boeing and Gulf Air host a two-day Commercial Aviation Leadership Seminar to provide an immersive training program for managers.
- Egypt Air renews safety simulators and IATA certification.
- Jazeera Airways partners with TCS to bring AI transformation to customer experience and operation efficiency through a new digital platform.
- MSC Cruises extends partnership with Emirates.
- UAE-backed, Air Kerala, has secured it’s IATA airline code (‘KD’) which is due to be finalised by the end of June when it obtains its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
- Qatar Airways launches ad teasing Riyadh Air.
