5 October 2023:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the strong post-pandemic passenger traffic trend continued in August.  • Total traffic in August 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 28.4% compared to August 2022. Globally, traffic is now at 95.7% of pre-COVID levels. • Domestic traffic for August rose 25.4% versus August 2022 and was 9.2% above the August 2019 results. This is largely driven by Chinese domestic demand. • International traffic climbed 30.4% compared to the same month a year ago. All markets saw double-digit percentage gains year on year. International RPKs reached 88.5% of August 2019 levels. “Demand for air travel performed well in August. For the year to date, international traffic has increased by 50% versus last year ......read more

05 October 2023:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will be adding further airlines and airline groups as data contributors to its CO2 Connect emissions calculator, hence improving the quality and accuracy of the tool. Respective agreements were signed with Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Baltic, LATAM Airlines Group, Luxair and Nile Air during the first World Sustainability Symposium held on 3-4 October 2023 in Madrid, Spain.   “Accessing the most accurate operational data is key to achieving global consistency and alignment in CO2 emissions calculations. Expanding this data pool is essential in providing greater transparency and coherence to passengers and stakeholders alike. This allows for more informed CO2 compensation choices while supporting ESG reporting. In continuously expanding our data ......read more

• Qatar Tourism leads delegation at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, meeting with dignitaries from seven nations including Turkey, Jordan, Spain, China and Uzbekistan. • Qatar Tourism signs MoU with leading Saudi tour operators Al Mosafer and Al Matar to promote Qatar as leisure tourism destination.   On World Tourism Day (September 27) by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Qatar Tourism lead a strong delegation at this year’s host city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, participating in numerous discussions with regional tourism ministers and dignitaries to discuss the rapid development taking place across Qatar’s tourism sector.   As part of the event, Qatar Tourism signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with leading Saudi tour operators, Al Matar and Al Mosafer, to promote Qatar as a ......read more

4 September 2023, Kuwait: Menzies Aviation, the leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, has successfully extended its agreement with Jazeera Airways, the leading low cost carrier in Kuwait. The announcement marks the next step in an expanding partnership with the Kuwaiti airline, which includes passenger, ramp, and air cargo services at seven airports in five countries. At Kuwait International Airport (KWI), the extended five-year agreement will see Menzies Aviation, operating as National Aviation Services (NAS) at KWI, continue to deliver ground and air cargo handling services, managing more than 1,400 flights a month. In addition, it will oversee the airline’s dedicated T5 Pearl lounge in the exclusive Jazeera Terminal 5, offering passengers a dedicated space to work or relax before they ......read more

- Entered six new countries and expanded to 18 new airports - Increased air cargo footprint with 75th cargo location - Announced net-zero commitment for scope 1, 2 and 3 CO2e emissions by 2045   9 August 2023, Kuwait: Menzies Aviation, the leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, and an Agility company, is marking a year since it joined forces with National Aviation Services (NAS) to become the world’s largest aviation services company.    The company, which was acquired by Agility on 4 August 2022, has enjoyed accelerated growth over the past 12 months, successfully entering six new countries and growing its workforce to 40,000 employees – the highest in the company’s 190-year history.   Accelerating global growth With a focus on accelerating ......read more

06 July 2023 -  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for May 2023 global air cargo markets showing weak market conditions. • Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs), fell 5.2% compared to May 2022 (-6.0% for international operations).  • Capacity, as measured by available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), rose 14.5% compared to May 2022, primarily driven by belly capacity which increases as demand in the passenger business recovers. Capacity is now 5.9% above May 2019 (pre-pandemic) levels.  • Key factors influencing demand include:    o The global manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) indicates an annual contraction of 1.4% in new export orders and a decrease of 5.2% year-on-year in production PMI. This suggests a cooling in global ......read more

05 June 2023:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced an expected strengthening of airline industry profitability in an upgrade of its outlook for 2023. Highlights include: Airline industry net profits are expected to reach $9.8 billion in 2023 (1.2% net profit margin) which is more than double the previous forecast of $4.7 billion (December 2022). Airline industry operating profits are expected to reach $22.4 billion in 2023, much improved over the December forecast of a $3.2 billion operating profit. It is also more than double the $10.1 billion operating profit estimated for 2022. Some 4.35 billion people are expected to travel in 2023, which is closing in on the 4.54 billion who flew in 2019. Cargo volumes are expected to be 57.8 million tonnes, which has slipped below the 61.5 million tonnes ......read more

4 June 2023:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) unveiled a series of roadmaps aimed at providing step-by-step detailing of critical actions and dependencies for aviation to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. These roadmaps address aircraft technology, energy infrastructure, operations, finance, and policy considerations leading to net zero.   With the adoption of a Long Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) at ICAO’s 41st Assembly, governments and industry are aligned to reach the same net zero CO2 emissions goal by 2050. As policy initiatives lay the foundation on which many of the needed innovations and actions will rest, these roadmaps will be a critical reference point for policy makers.    “The roadmaps are the first detailed assessment of the key steps necessary to ......read more

• 127 commercial aircraft delivered in Q1 2023 • Revenues € 11.8 billion; EBIT Adjusted € 0.8 billion • EBIT (reported) € 0.4 billion; EPS (reported) € 0.59 • Free cash flow before M&A and customer financing € -0.9 billion • Guidance unchanged   04 May 2023 – Airbus SE (stock exchange symbol: AIR) reported consolidated financial results for its First Quarter (Q1) ending 31 March 2023.   “The first quarter confirmed strong demand for our products, particularly for commercial aircraft. We delivered 127 commercial aircraft, which is reflected in the Q1 financials. The quarter also benefited from a good performance in Helicopters,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. “We continue to face an adverse operating ......read more

13 April 2023:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomes the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ratification of the Montreal Protocol 2014 (MP14), a move that will strengthen the global legal deterrent against unruly and disruptive passenger incidents onboard flights.  “IATA welcomes the leadership shown by the UAE in ratifying MP14. Not only will this give the UAE authorities important new powers in dealing with unruly passengers that land in the country, but as a major aviation market and ICAO Council member, it will also encourage other States to ratify MP14. Ensuring greater international harmonization and strengthening the legal deterrent against unruly and disruptive passengers who pose a threat to passenger and crew wellbeing and safety onboard is a priority for the entire airline industry,” ......read more

08 March 2023:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for January 2023 global air cargo markets showing that air cargo demand declined as economic headwinds persist.    • Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), fell 14.9% compared to January 2022 (-16.2% for international operations).  • Capacity (measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers, ACTK) was up 3.9% compared to January 2022. This was the first year-on-year growth in capacity since October 2022. International cargo capacity increased 1.4% compared to January 2022. The uptick in ACTKs reflects the strong recovery of belly capacity in passenger airline markets offsetting a decline international capacity offered by dedicated freighters.  • Several factors in the operating environment ......read more

Launches New Premium Experience Campaign featuring the actor DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways has launched a new brand campaign in collaboration with world-renowned Indian actor, Deepika Padukone. The campaign launch is the culmination of the airline's endeavour to redefine Qatar Airways Premium experience, particularly through showcasing the world-class Qsuite along with the unparalleled surroundings of The Orchard, which are core to Hamad International Airport’s expansion. The timeless acoustic track ‘Ain’t Nobody’ accompanies the campaign that connects Padukone’s journey with Qatar Airways to a new level of luxury and elegance. She encapsulates the premium experience available to customers of Qatar Airways, transiting through the best airport in the world, Hamad International Airport. Qatar ......read more

7 February 2023:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that 2022 full-year demand for air cargo took a significant step back from 2021 levels but was close to 2019 performance.   • Global full-year demand in 2022, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), was down 8.0% compared to 2021 (-8.2% for international operations). Compared to 2019, it was down 1.6% (both global and international). • Capacity in 2022, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), was 3.0% above 2021 (+4.5% for international operations). Compared to 2019 (pre-COVID) levels, capacity declined by 8.2% (-9.0% for international operations). • December saw a softening in performance: global demand was 15.3% below 2021 levels (-15.8% for international ......read more

7 February 2023:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the recovery in air travel continued in December 2022 and for the full year.  • Total traffic in 2022 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 64.4% compared to 2021. Globally, full year 2022 traffic was at 68.5% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels. December 2022 total traffic rose 39.7% compared to December 2021 and reached 76.9% of the December 2019 level. • International traffic in 2022 climbed 152.7% versus 2021 and reached 62.2% of 2019 levels. December 2022 international traffic climbed 80.2% over December 2021, reaching 75.1% of the level in December 2019. • Domestic traffic for 2022 rose 10.9% compared to the prior year. 2022 domestic traffic was at 79.6% of the full year 2019 level. December 2022 ......read more

10, January 2023:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the air travel recovery continued through November 2022.    • Total traffic in November 2022 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 41.3% compared to November 2021. Globally, traffic is now at 75.3% of November 2019 levels.  • International traffic rose 85.2% versus November 2021. The Asia-Pacific continued to report the strongest year-over-year results with all regions showing improvement compared to the prior year. November 2022 international RPKs reached 73.7% of November 2019 levels.  • Domestic traffic for November 2022 was up 3.4% compared to November 2021 with travel restrictions in China continuing to dampen the global result. Total November 2022 domestic traffic was at 77.7% of ......read more

04 January 2023:  “Several countries are introducing COVID-19 testing and other measures for travellers from China, even though the virus is already circulating widely within their borders. It is extremely disappointing to see this knee-jerk reinstatement of measures that have proven ineffective over the last three years.  Research undertaken around the arrival of the Omicron variant concluded that putting barriers in the way of travel made no difference to the peak spread of infections. At most, restrictions delayed that peak by a few days. If a new variant emerges in any part of the world, the same situation would be expected.   That’s why governments should listen to the advice of experts, including the WHO, that advise against travel restrictions. We have the tools to manage COVID-19 without ......read more

Kuwait’s Ministry of Health Emergency capabilities boosted with new delivery Kuwait (Nov. 10, 2022) – Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, recently delivered a Bell 429 helicopter to Kuwait International Aircraft Leasing (KIAL), which will be used by the Ministry of Health (MOH) for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS). This marks the third 429 HEMS delivery in the country. “I’m delighted to see this delivery and honored that Kuwait has chosen a Bell platform to add to its existing fleet – there couldn’t be a better testament than this,” said Sameer Rehman, managing director, Bell. “We’re delighted to receive this latest addition to our fleet of 429s, being already very familiar with the model’s excellent performance in our extreme summer ......read more

The new route to Kuwait City enriches Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s network in the GCC as part of its commitment to strengthen connectivity within the Gulf region 31 October 2022, Abu Dhabi, UAE: Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the ultra-low-fare national airline of the UAE, has today added Kuwait City to its ever-expanding network, its fifth key destination in the Gulf region. The new route will strengthen connectivity within the GCC by providing an alternative ultra-low fare travel option for passengers between the two Gulf countries. This falls in line with the national airline’s ambitions to provide tourists and residents with hassle-free, affordable travel in the UAE and throughout the region. Tickets are on sale now on wizzair.com and on the airline’s mobile app, with fares starting from just AED 99*. Kuwait City is home to some ......read more

7 September 2022 (Geneva) - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced passenger data for July 2022 showing that the recovery in air travel continues to be strong.    Note: We have returned to year-on-year traffic comparisons, instead of comparisons with the 2019 period, unless otherwise noted. Owing to the low traffic base in 2021, some markets will show very high year-on-year growth rates, even if the size of these markets is still significantly smaller than they were in 2019.   • Total traffic in July 2022 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was up 58.8% compared to July 2021. Globally, traffic is now at 74.6% of pre-crisis levels.  • Domestic traffic for July 2022 was up 4.1% compared to the year-ago period and is now driving the recovery. Total July 2022 ......read more

• Flights to Kuwait commence from 30 October and underpin Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s commitment to the Gulf Region • From 04 October, flights to the Maldives will begin, making the dream island paradise more accessible and affordable than ever • The routes will be operated onboard Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s newest Airbus aircraft, which is expected to join the national airline’s fleet later this year    21, July 2022 - Abu Dhabi, UAE:  Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the ultra-low-fare national airline of the UAE, today announces it will launch two new routes from Abu Dhabi to the idyllic island paradise of the Maldives, and the airline’s fifth key destination in the Gulf, Kuwait. Tickets are on sale now on wizzair.com and on the airline’s mobile app, with fares starting from just AED ......read more

20 June 2022:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Pegasus Airlines Vice-Chairperson of the Board (Managing Director) Mehmet Tevfik Nane has assumed his duties as Chair of the IATA Board of Governors (BoG) for a one-year term, effective from the conclusion of the 78th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Doha, Qatar on 21 June. Nane is the 80th chair of the IATA BoG. He has served on the BoG since 2019. He succeeds JetBlue Airways CEO Robin Hayes, who will continue to serve on the BoG. “I’m honored to take on this position at a time when the industry is emerging from our worst downturn. In addition to maintaining momentum toward re-opening the globe to travel and commerce, we have a very full agenda over the next 12 months. This includes achieving agreement at the ICAO Assembly on a Long ......read more

20 June 2022: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced an upgrade to its outlook for the airline industry’s 2022 financial performance as the pace of recovery from the COVID-19 crisis quickens. Forecast highlights include:   • Industry losses are expected to reduce to -$9.7 billion (improved from the October 2021 forecast for an $11.6 billion loss) for a net loss margin of -1.2%. That is a huge improvement from losses of $137.7 billion (-36.0% net margin) in 2020 and $42.1 billion (-8.3% net margin) in 2021.  • Industry-wide profitability in 2023 appears within reach with North America already expected to deliver an $8.8 billion profit in 2022. • Efficiency gains and improving yields are helping airlines to reduce losses even with rising labor and fuel costs (the latter ......read more

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), announced that leaders of the global aviation industry are gathering in Doha, Qatar, for the 78th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS), with Qatar Airways as the host airline. The event (19-21 June) attracts the industry’s most senior leaders from among IATA’s 290 member airlines, as well as leading government officials, strategic partners, equipment suppliers, and media.  “In a few days, Doha will become the aviation capital of the world. The last time we met in Doha, in 2014, we were celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first airline flight. This year’s AGM is another momentous occasion: Airlines are simultaneously recovering from the COVID-19 crisis, setting the path to achieving net zero carbon emissions by ......read more

07 April 2022:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air cargo markets showing that demand increased in February despite a challenging operating backdrop.    Several factors benefitted air cargo in February compared to January. On the demand side, manufacturing activity ramped-up quickly after the early February Lunar New Year holiday. Capacity was positively influenced by the general and progressive relaxation of COVID-19 travel restrictions, reduced flight cancellations due to Omicron-related factors (outside of Asia), and fewer winter weather operational disruptions. Note: We are returning to year-on-year traffic comparisons, instead of comparisons with the 2019 period, unless otherwise noted. Cargo demand is tracking above pre-COVID-19 levels, although capacity is ......read more

26, March 2022:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 78th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit will take place 19-21 June 2022 in Doha, Qatar, hosted by Qatar Airways. This will be the second time that the global gathering of aviation’s top leaders will be held in Qatar; the first being in 2014. Originally, the 78th IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit were planned for the same dates in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, hosted by China Eastern Airlines. The decision to change the venue reflects continuing COVID-19 related restrictions on travel to China. “It is deeply disappointing that we are not able to meet in Shanghai as planned. In the meantime, we are pleased to be returning to the dynamic aviation hub of Doha and ......read more

17 March 2022:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed the increasing momentum towards re-opening of borders and relaxation of travel restrictions, as COVID-19 moves into the endemic phase.  An IATA survey of travel restrictions for the world’s top 50 air travel markets (comprising 88% of international demand in 2019 as measured by revenue passenger kilometers) revealed the growing access available to vaccinated travelers:   • 25 markets representing 38% of 2019 international demand are open to vaccinated travelers without quarantine measures or testing requirements—up from 18 markets (28% of 2019 international demand) in mid-February. • 38 markets representing 65% of 2019 international demand are ......read more

2, March 2022: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects overall traveler numbers to reach 4.0 billion in 2024 (counting multi-sector connecting trips as one passenger), exceeding pre-COVID-19 levels (103% of the 2019 total). Expectations for the shape of the near-term recovery have shifted slightly, reflecting the evolution of government-imposed travel restrictions in some markets. The overall picture presented in the latest update to IATA’s long-term forecast, however, is unchanged from what was expected in November, prior to the Omicron variant.    “The trajectory for the recovery in passenger numbers from COVID-19 was not changed by the Omicron variant. People want to travel. And when travel restrictions are lifted, they return to the skies. There is still a long way to go to reach a ......read more

Announces redevelopment plans for 11 projects following the approval of a 250 million KWD capital increase from the Kuwait Investment Authority Kuwait- 22 September 2021: Today, the Chief Executive Officer of the Touristic Enterprises Company, Mr. Abdulwahab Ahmed Al-Marzouq and members of the leadership team revealed the company’s new strategy to become a world-class provider of leisure and entertainment experiences in Kuwait. Speaking at the press conference at Kuwait Towers, Mr. Al-Marzouq outlined the company’s path forward to revive the golden era of tourism in Kuwait and become one of the leading developers and operators of family entertainment experiences in the region. This is the most ambitious transformation in the company’s 40+ year history, which laid out concrete plans for the redevelopment of 11 ......read more

• Managed and operated by VFS Global, the newly launched centre has started to accept passport renewal requests from Sunday to Thursday between 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM   September 20, 2021:  The Republic of the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs and VFS Global, the world's largest visa outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, has signed a contract for the establishment of the first Philippine ePassport Renewal Centre in the State of Kuwait.   The centre has started to accept passport renewal requests on appointment basis from Sunday to Thursday between 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM   This is the first time The Republic of the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs has outsourced its passport renewal process in the State of Kuwait. Prior ......read more

Starting July 17, 2021 Kuwait Airways re-instates two weekly services between Munich and Kuwait City. The route is operated on Thursdays and Saturdays with a brand new Airbus A320neo. “We are very pleased that Kuwait Airways has decided to re-launch flights to Munich and we expect a good response to the route this summer” states Oliver Dersch, Vice President Traffic Development Munich Airport. Along with Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways flights, there will be a total of 19 weekly departures from the Gulf region to Munich this July and potentially more to come in the following months.  In 2019, 1.7 million passengers traveled on flights between Munich and the Gulf States. “We are convinced that traffic between the two popular regions will soon recover,  with Germany once again allowing entry for ......read more

October 31, 2020:    Kuwait Airways, the national airline of Kuwait, has received its first two A330neos. These aircraft are the first of eight A330neos ordered by the airline. The carrier currently operates a fleet of 15 Airbus aircraft comprising seven A320ceos, three A320neos and five A330ceos.  This event also marks Airbus’ first A330-800 delivery. The new generation widebody aircraft is the latest addition to Airbus’ product line, highlighting the company's strategy to keep offering its airline customers unbeatable economics, increased operational efficiency and superior passenger comfort with proven latest technology platforms. Thanks to its tailored mid-sized capacity and its excellent range versatility, the A330neo is considered the ideal aircraft to operate as part of the post-COVID-19 ......read more

Kuwait, 15 October 2020:  The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) has entrusted National Aviation Services (NAS), a leading aviation services provider across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, to upgrade and operate passenger-handling services and processes at the Baghdad International Airport. NAS will extend its expertise and resources at the Babylon and Samara passenger terminals as well as the international transit halls. NAS will also be responsible for the refurbishment and upgrade of infrastructure and facilities, installation of new equipment, and implementation of all required technology solutions at the two terminals.   Hassan El-Houry, Group CEO of NAS said, “We are excited to collaborate with the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) on upgrading and operating passenger handling services at the ......read more

• Health precautions introduced throughout the visa application system, including the doorstep ‘On Demand Mobile Visa’ service available for student visa customers.  • UK Visas and Immigration has introduced greater flexibility in visa rules, allowing students to apply for visas when they are able to travel to the UK, rather than at the start of their studies. • Students completing courses online will still be eligible to apply for the Graduate Route, provided they are in the UK by 06 April 2021.    September 02, 2020:  As part of its commitment to enhance the visa system experience for students, United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has introduced flexibility in visa rules, with health precautions throughout the visa system along with visa services partner VFS Global, to ......read more

29 July 2020, Kuwait:   National Aviation Services (NAS) is pleased to announce that all travelers departing from Kuwait can now get PCR testing done through the International German Company (IGC). The exclusive partnership is authorized to test passengers travelling out of Kuwait that require a PCR test certificate. Travelers can book an appointment for testing through the kuwaitmosafer.com portal.    Mansour Al-Kheziem, General Manager, NAS Kuwait said “NAS had been providing aviation and airport services in Kuwait since 2003. We are pleased to partner with International German Company (IGC), a reputable and Ministry of Health (MOH) authorized organization, to conduct PCR testing for departing passengers in Kuwait. A number of countries require the PCR test certificate on arrival and we have done our ......read more

Mandatory mask wearing will protect travellers and workers People need to learn to live with COVID-19 until a vaccine is widely available July 11, 2020:  The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has called upon all travellers to don protective face masks to show they ‘wear to care’ in the new normal of travelling. As countries transition from lockdowns to reopening their borders, the wearing of face masks helps signal the return of safer travels, while also providing personal protection for users as well as those around them. The advice from WTTC in favour of mandatory mask wearing comes from evidence that countries which are recovering faster and avoid second COVID-19 spikes are those where the use of face masks have been widely enforced and encouraged.   Following medical guidance from ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, July 02, 2020:  (BUSINESS WIRE/AETOSWire)-- Smiths Detection, a leading threat-detection and security-technology company, will supply hold-baggage screening equipment for Kuwait’s new International Airport Terminal 2, which is currently under construction. The contract includes the installation of HI-SCAN 10080 XCT units for screening hold baggage.   Terminal 2, which is intended to become an international transit hub, will have the ability to handle 25 million passengers annually, and the screening equipment will help ensure the quick and thorough screening of baggage and cargo passing through the terminal.   Jerome de Chassey, Vice President APAC and Middle East said, “We’re happy to be entering this partnership with Kuwait International Airport, providing them ......read more

Intra-Middle East travel demand as a region expected to perform best, with The Maldives ranked as number 1 standalone destination for expected demand   09, June 2020 – In a survey conducted by AVIAREPS of 94 of the Gulf Countries (G.C.C.) leading outbound travel agencies, demand for outbound travel from the G.C.C. is expected to return from August/September 2020, with a majority of travel agencies to commence promoting their travel offerings from July through to September 2020. Most promotional offerings will take the form of full travel packages that include air, accommodation and tour components, with intra-Middle East packages to be most popular, followed by packages for travel to South East Asia, Indian Ocean destinations and Europe.  The survey, first conducted in early May 2020, is being conducted on ......read more

June 04, 2020:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that demand for air services is beginning to recover after hitting bottom in April. Passenger demand in April (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs), plunged 94.3% compared to April 2019, as the COVID-19-related travel restrictions virtually shut down domestic and international air travel. This is a rate of decline never seen in the history of IATA’s traffic series, which dates back to 1990.  More recently, figures show that daily flight totals rose 30% between the low point on 21 April and 27 May. This is primarily in domestic operations and off of a very low base (5.7% of 2019 demand). While this uptick is not significant to the global dimension of the air transport industry, it does suggest that the industry has seen the bottom ......read more

2 June 2020:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged governments to quickly implement the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO’s) global guidelines for restoring air connectivity.    Today, the ICAO Council approved Takeoff: Guidance for Air Travel through the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis (Takeoff). This is an authoritative and comprehensive framework of risk-based temporary measures for air transport operations during the COVID-19 crisis.  “The universal implementation of global standards has made aviation safe. A similar approach is critical in this crisis so that we can safely restore air connectivity as borders and economies re-open. The Takeoff guidance document was built with the best expertise of government and industry. Airlines strongly support it. ......read more

December 24, 2019:   Emirates, the world's largest international airline, is set to showcase its latest flagship Airbus A380 to visitors and spectators on 15 January at the Kuwait Aviation Show 2020. Visitors to the show will be able to tour the popular double-decker's signature interiors and experience its industry trendsetting products across all three classes, including Emirates' latest generation Onboard Lounge.   Always a popular draw for aviation enthusiasts, industry visitors and the general public, Emirates' latest generation Airbus A380 will be decorated in blue livery, representing the 'mobility' theme of Expo 2020, and spreading awareness about the world's greatest show which will be hosted for the first time in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asian region. EXPO 2020 Dubai ......read more