06 March 2025 (Geneva) -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 2025 World Cargo Symposium (WCS) will focus on digitalization, sustainability and safety/security as the key issues in helping the global air cargo industry as it adapts to unfolding geopolitical shifts. "Air cargo demonstrated its resilience in adapting to the post-pandemic world. In 2024, more cargo was transported by air than ever before. But the world is moving at an even faster pace with technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, evolving risks, and changing customer needs. At WCS in Dubai, we’ll collectively take stock of what’s next for air cargo, focusing on digitalization, sustainability, safety/security, and e-commerce. The growing demand for air cargo underscores its critical role," ......read more
Outperforming industry averages in capacity, passenger numbers, and profitability over the past 20 years, Turkish Airlines reported a Profit from Main Operations of 2.4 billion USD in 2024 despite global geopolitical and economic tensions, bottlenecks in aircraft production, and engine issues. Accordingly, our Company maintained its consistent profitability under a challenging post-pandemic operating environment, reducing its net debt by 8.3 billion USD in just three years. Firmly advancing towards its 100th anniversary goals, Turkish Airlines demonstrates its dedication to sharing its success by announcing a cash dividend of 260 million USD and remains committed to investor returns with its current share buyback program. Turkish Airlines' total revenues in 2024 increased by 8.2% year-on-year to 22.7 billion USD. Passenger ......read more
26 February 2025 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its 2024 Annual Safety Report. The industry delivered another year of strong overall performance on safety including showing improvements on the five-year average for several key parameters, but it took a step back from an exceptional performance in 2023. The all-accident rate of 1.13 per million flights (one accident per 880,000 flights) was better than the five-year average of 1.25 but worse than the 1.09 recorded in 2023. There were seven fatal accidents in 2024, among 40.6 million flights. That is higher than the single fatal accident recorded in 2023 and the five-year average of five fatal accidents. There were 244 on-board fatalities in 2024, compared to the 72 fatalities reported in 2023 and the ......read more
23 February 2025 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) opened nominations for the sixth edition of the IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards. Nominations are welcome from individuals and organizations advancing diversity and inclusion in the aviation sector. The Awards categories include: The Inspirational Role Model Award recognizes a woman holding a senior position within the air transport industry who has had substantial impact on diversity and inclusion in aviation through her significant influence at global level. The High Flyer Award recognizes a female aviation professional under the age of 40 who has demonstrated leadership through concrete action in favor of diversity and inclusion, making a positive impact on the industry. The Diversity & Inclusion ......read more
03 February 2025 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the 2025 edition of key industry manuals for cargo and ground handling operations, which incorporate over 350 changes and revisions needed to align with evolving industry standards and state and operator variations. Highlights include: Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Ten additional new dangerous goods, such as sodium-ion batteries and fire suppressant dispersing devices. Three new entries for battery powered vehicles, depending on the type of battery providing the power. Additional safety mitigation is being introduced with the “State of Charge” at which batteries are shipped. Battery Shipping Regulations (BSR) Previously called the lithium battery shipping regulations, this manual has ......read more
Here are three videos featuring Willie Walsh discussing the results for the Middle East and Africa regions, as well as the overall global results 31 January 2025– The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released 2024 full-year and December 2024 passenger market performance showing record high demand. Total full-year traffic in 2024 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 10.4% compared to 2023. This was 3.8% above pre-pandemic (2019) levels. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 8.7% in 2024. The overall load factor reached 83.5%, a record for full-year traffic. International full-year traffic in 2024 increased 13.6% compared to 2023, and capacity rose 12.8%. Domestic full-year traffic for 2024 rose 5.7% compared to the prior year, while capacity expanded by ......read more
30 January 2025 (Geneva) - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for full year 2024 and December 2024 global air cargo market performance showing: Full-year demand for 2024, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased 11.3% (12.2% for international operations) compared to 2023. Full-year 2024 demand exceeded the record volumes set in 2021. Full-year capacity in 2024, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 7.4% compared to 2023 (9.6% for international operations). Full-year yields averaged 1.6% lower than 2023 but 39% higher than in 2019. December 2024 brought the year to a close with continued strong performance. Global demand was 6.1% above December 2023 levels (7.0% for international operations). ......read more
23 January 2025 (Geneva) –The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will launch the inaugural IATA World Data Symposium (WDS) in Dublin, Ireland on 26-27 February. Hosted by Aer Lingus and held under the theme of “Digital skies, unleashing the power of Data in Aviation,” the event will gather experts to discuss topics around data, technology, and cybersecurity. Within these dedicated tracks, the symposium will explore the role of industry leaders in benefitting from cutting-edge data analytics and insights to support decision making; and the impact on aviation of the powerful capabilities that AI is enabling. “By convening aviation’s leading experts to explore the impact and potential of data, technology, and cybersecurity in aviation, the IATA World Data Symposium is ......read more
22 January 2025 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced its intention to hold regular procurement events in 2025 for airlines to purchase Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs). This followed the successful conclusion of IATA’s first procurement event with the following highlights: · 32 airlines ......read more
Travellers applying through this platform can now skip the immigration queue at all international airports and sea ports including Bali and Jakarta Dedicated website https://indonesiavoa.vfsevisa.id/ to complete the Indonesia e-VoA application Simple to use end-to-end online platform accessible from desktop and mobile Significant reduction in wait times at immigration upon arrival in Indonesia Group booking facility for travel agents and tour operators making it a valuable solution for travel & holiday facilitators VFS Global, the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions, has launched its new user-friendly and efficient online platform to make Indonesia’s Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) application process seamless ......read more
19 January 2025 (Geneva) - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) opposes the UK Home Office proposal to increase the costs of UK Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) by 60% to GBP 16. Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, commented as follows: “Proposing to increase ETA costs just a week after the system was introduced is bewildering. If implemented it would be a self-inflicted blow to the UK’s tourism competitiveness. In November the government laid out plans to increase tourist arrivals by 30% to reach 50 million annually by 2030 in pursuit of tourism’s economic benefits. Gouging these travelers with a 60% increase in the ETA is a very bad start. The added cost would come on top of the Air Passenger Duty (ADP)—the biggest travel tax in the world—which itself will ......read more
SalamAir, Oman’s Low Fare Airline, today released its On-Time Performance (OTP) for the 4th Quarter of 2024. OTP is a measurement of how often an airline is on time and is a good measure of the ability of the airline to meet its commitment to punctuality to its customers. In the 4th Quarter (October, November, and December), SalamAir flew 4,591 flights and completed 89% of its flights on time. This is a 4% improvement on the airline’s Q3 result and is significantly above the airline's global OTP benchmark that 85% of flights should depart on time. During the Q4 period, the airline carried 755,675 passengers. "We began to share our OTP results in Q3 of 2024, and the feedback was very positive," said Captain Ahmed Al Shidhani, SalamAir’s Chief Operations Officer. “The increased ......read more
09 January 2025 (Geneva) - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for November 2024 global air cargo markets showing: Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 8.2% compared to November 2023 levels (9.5% for international operations) for a 16th consecutive month of growth. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 4.6% compared to November 2023 (6.5% for international operations). "It was a good November for air cargo with 8.2% demand growth nearly doubling the 4.6% growth in cargo capacity. Fuel costs tracked at 22% below previous-year levels and tight market conditions supported yield growth at 7.8%. All things considered we are looking to close out 2024 air cargo performance on a profitable note. While this strong performance is ......read more
Dubai, UAE, 31 December 2024: Emirates is bringing forward the deployment of its Airbus A350 to Kuwait and Bahrain. Services will start 8 January, making them the second and third destinations to be served by the airline's newest aircraft. Emirates will operate its Airbus A350 on the following services to Kuwait and Bahrain: Kuwait: The Emirates A350 will operate on EK853 and EK854. EK 853 departs Dubai at 0125hrs, arriving in Kuwait at 0215hrs. The return flight, EK 854 leaves Kuwait at 0340hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0625hrs. Bahrain: The Emirates A350 will operate on two of the three daily flights to the Kingdom - EK837/838, and EK839/840. EK 837 departs Dubai at 0820hrs, arriving in Bahrain at 0840hrs. The return flight, EK 838, departs Bahrain at 1000hrs, arriving back to Dubai at 1215hrs. The second flight operated by the ......read more
Turkish Airlines has a 30-country lead over its closest competitor in this hard-to-break record Turkish Airlines, which has held the title of flying to the most countries in the world since 2012, has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records™ as the record holder. The national flag carrier has successfully achieved the Guinness World Records™ title for the “Most Countries Flown to by an Airline”. The record certificate was presented at Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport following Turkish Airlines’ inaugural flight to Chile. The ceremony was attended by Turkish Airlines executives and Guinness World Records™ officials. Based on Guinness World Records™ evaluation criteria, Turkish Airlines set the record with flights to 120 countries, reflecting only the ......read more
11 December 2024 (Geneva) -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the IATA Air Cargo Device Assessment Program to validate air cargo tracking devices, data loggers and sensor-equipped devices for compliance with rigorous industry safety standards. "The fastest-growing segments of air cargo are pharmaceuticals, perishables, electronics, and high-value goods. Shippers rely on various battery-powered electronic devices to monitor these sensitive shipments to ensure their integrity. The IATA Air Cargo Device Assessment will confirm that these devices comply with strict industry safety standards," said Brendan Sullivan, IATA's Global Head of Cargo. The IATA Air Cargo Device Assessment validates compliance with IATA's Recommended Practice 1693, which provides critical safety guidance ......read more
10 December 2024 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released new estimates for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production showing that: In 2024, SAF production volumes reached 1 million tonnes (1.3 billion liters), double the 0.5 million tonnes (600 million liters) produced in 2023. SAF accounted for 0.3% of global jet fuel production and 11% of global renewable fuel*. This is significantly below previous estimates that projected SAF production in 2024 at 1.5 million tonnes (1.9 billion liters), as key SAF production facilities in the US have pushed back their production ramp up to the first half of 2025. In 2025, SAF production is expected to reach 2.1 million tonnes (2.7 billion liters) or 0.7% of total jet fuel production and 13% of global renewable fuel capacity*. "SAF volumes ......read more
@Airbus @KuwaitAirways #A330-900 Kuwait City, Kuwait, 10 December, 2024 – Kuwait Airways, the national carrier of Kuwait, has taken delivery of its first A330-900 aircraft, becoming the first airline in the Middle East to operate the aircraft. The milestone delivery marks a key step in Kuwait Airways' transformation strategy, which includes enhancing its fleet to drive future growth. Kuwait Airways already operates a fleet of four A330-800s. Kuwait Airways' A330-900 will feature three modern and highly comfortable cabin classes with 278 seats: 32 business class, 21 premium economy and 225 economy class seats. Kuwait Airways' passengers will enjoy the award-winning Airspace cabin, designed for a quieter, more spacious and comfortable environment. Passengers will also benefit from the latest ......read more
9 December 2024 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that $1.7 billion in airline funds are blocked from repatriation by governments as of the end of October 2024. This is a small improvement compared to the $1.8 billion reported at the end of April. "Over the last six months, we have seen significant reductions in blocked funds in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Algeria and Ethiopia. At the same time, amounts are rising in the XAF XOF zones and Mozambique. Bolivia has also emerged as a problem, where repatriating sales revenues is becoming increasingly difficult and unsustainable for airlines. This unfortunate game of 'whack-a-mole' is unacceptable. Governments must remove all barriers for airlines to repatriate their revenues from ticket sales and other activities in accordance ......read more
04 December 2024 -The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for October 2024 global air cargo markets showing continuing strong annual growth in demand. Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), rose by 9.8% compared to October 2023 levels (10.3% for international operations) for a 15th consecutive month of growth. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), increased by 5.9% compared to October 2023 (7.2% for international operations). This was largely driven by an 8.5% increase in international belly capacity. Dedicated freighter capacity increased by 5.6%, the seventh consecutive month of growth with volumes nearing 2021 peak levels. “Air cargo markets continued their strong performance in October, with demand rising 9.8% year-on-year and capacity up ......read more
22 November 2024 - The International Air Transport Association’s Wings of Change Europe (WOCE) event concluded with a call for industry and governments to work together with practical actions to make Europe more competitive and sustainable. Highlights included: In his keynote, Filip Cornelis, Director for Aviation, DG MOVE, European Commission, explained that the new Commission would likely offer continuity of policy direction, but with a greater focus on improving competitiveness, through a focus on the recommendations of the Draghi report. He was clear that there would be no change of course on aviation sustainability, arguing that aviation needed to be a ‘bright green, not hopelessly brown” sector. A CEO panel discussion with Andrea Bernassi (ITA Airways), Luis Gallego (IAG), Christian Scherer (Airbus) and ......read more
Kuwait, November 5, 2024: Kuwait International Bank (KIB) proudly announces the launch of the H.I Innovation Program in collaboration with Visa and five prestigious universities in Kuwait. The H.I Innovation program is a unique six-week initiative designed to bridge the gap between academia and the business world where teams from the five participating universities would get to solve real-world challenges. This program aims to empower university students by giving them the opportunity to tackle real-life problems faced by the banking sector today, providing a unique prospect to develop practical skills and gain valuable industry experiences. In collaboration with Visa – a global leader in digital payments, and SIA Partners – a renowned global management consulting and Innovation firm, KIB's H.I Innovation Program will ......read more
05 November 2023 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Airport Services Association (ASA) are strengthening their collaboration to improve ground handling safety and efficiency. Together, the organizations will work to reinforce standardization, promote safety data sharing, and explore new approaches to enhance sector resilience. “Global standards make aviation safer, and ASA and its members have been pivotal in helping develop the IATA ground handling standards we rely on today. By sharing data, we will be able to support this vital activity with data-driven insights and decisions. Maximizing the impact of data relies on broad contributions. We encourage ground handler participation to strengthen our collective insights,” said Nick Careen, Senior Vice-President Operations, Safety ......read more
Innovative collaboration between technology leader and industry association aims to deliver revolutionary solution for a more sustainable future in air travel GENEVA – 30 October 2024 – The aviation industry remains at a critical crossroads as it works to reduce its carbon footprint and meet global sustainability targets, all while navigating increasing regulatory pressure. Responsible for around 2% of global carbon emissions, according to the World Economic Forum, and with air travel demand projected to grow by 4.3% annually according to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the industry must act swiftly. In a bold continuation of their longstanding collaboration, SITA, the global leader in air transport technology, and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO) are driving forward SITA Eco ......read more
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that it will offer digital currencies in the financial settlement systems it operates for the aviation industry. “Digitalization impacts many aspects of our daily lives, including the currency we use. With the increasing use of digital currencies, it is imperative that IATA’s industry financial settlement systems adapt to support the needs of those using our services,” said Muhammad Albakri, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Financial Settlement and Distribution Services. The first digital currency to be offered is the digital Renminbi, which will be available in the China Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) by the end of 2024. “China is one of the most advanced countries in the world in the adoption of digital currency. Recognizing the ......read more
Dubai, UAE, 17 October 2024: Emirates today announced plans to debut newly retrofitted Boeing 777s featuring its latest Business Class and Premium Economy cabins to Kuwait and Dammam, Saudi Arabia, as more aircraft sporting refreshed cabins roll out into scheduled service. The airline aims to offer customers traveling on short flights more opportunities to experience its latest-generation products, in addition to raising the bar for premium travel, with Kuwait and Dammam becoming the second and third cities in the GCC to be served by the refurbished Emirates Boeing 777s. Emirates’ enhanced Boeing 777s with the airline’s signature Premium Economy and next generation Business Class will operate as follows: Kuwait: The retrofitted Emirates Boeing 777 will operate on EK855 and 856 from 27 October. Dammam: The ......read more
02 October 2024 (Marrakech) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airbus, Embraer and Rolls-Royce have established five key principles for access to, and the use of, Aircraft Operational Data (AOD). These are: Consent: AOD can only be extracted with the airline's written consent. Transparency: Airlines have visibility of the data generated by their aircraft and how it is used. Sharing: Airlines can choose the parties they share AOD with and control such sharing. Accessibility: Airlines can access, analyse, and use AOD from aircraft they operate without interference. Responsible Use: Airlines provide AOD to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to improve safety and, if they choose, to support aircraft reliability. The principles apply to AOD generated by aircraft once delivered to the ......read more
London, UK: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today launched its 2024 Economic Impact Trends Report, which has revealed the U.S. as the world’s most powerful Travel & Tourism market, contributing a record-breaking $2.36 TN to the nation’s economy last year. Despite the slow return of spending from international travellers, the U.S. keeps pole position, with almost double the economic contribution of its nearest rival. Following a record-breaking year for Travel & Tourism, the sector continues to be the backbone to many country economies, while supporting millions of jobs globally. The latest report from the global tourism body reveals China as the world’s second most powerful market with a GDP contribution of US$1.3 TN in 2023, underscoring its impressive rebound, despite the late reopening ......read more
29 August 2024 (Geneva) - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for July 2024 global passenger demand with the following highlights: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 8.0% compared to July 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 7.4% year-on-year. The July load factor was 86.0% (+0.5ppt compared to July 2023). There was no significant negative demand impact from the CrowdStrike IT outage on 19 July. International demand rose 10.1% compared to July 2023. Capacity was up 10.5% year-on-year and the load factor fell to 85.9% (-0.3ppt compared to July 2023). Domestic demand rose 4.8% compared to July 2023. Capacity was up 2.8% year-on-year and the load factor was 86.1% (+1.7ppt compared to July 2023). July was ......read more
[Kuwait City, 20th July 2024] – In line with the busy travel season, Ooredoo Kuwait announces the upgrade of its global roaming services. With unmatched coverage, competitive rates, and exceptional service quality, the leading telecommunications provider is committed to ensuring seamless connectivity for its customers, no matter where they are in the world. Ooredoo customers traveling this summer can rest assured they will have access to voice and data connectivity without incurring expensive roaming charges. The telco leader’s reach extends further across the globe, providing reliable and affordable connectivity. Customers can benefit from the comprehensive Ooredoo Passport package, which now includes new networks in countries such as Argentina, Peru, and many more. This extensive network expansion ensures that ......read more
Through the newly introduced Luxe car type in Kuwait, customers will be able to book luxurious commutes in premium vehicles in and around the city. Luxe becomes the latest addition to the already existing car types from Careem Rides which customers rely on for reliable everyday commutes in Kuwait. Kuwait, June 2nd, 2024: Careem Rides, the region’s choice for facilitating reliable, convenient and stress-free everyday commutes through the Careem Everything app, is excited to announce the official launch of the new “Luxe” car type in Kuwait. The new service will allow customers to book everyday reliable commutes in elegant premium vehicles, offering customers an experience that combines luxury with comfort and convenience. The newly introduced service available today in Kuwait, caters to customers who choose an ......read more
Kuwait, 30 June 2024: Kuwait International Bank (KIB) announced the conclusion of its gold sponsorship and active participation in Tourista Expo 2024, which was recently held at Assima Mall. The travel and tourism exhibition brought together the best travel agencies, travel insurance providers, airlines, travel accessories and products suppliers, local and international hotels, and more to engage with a diverse audience. Commenting on the occasion, Saifaldin Al-Nasser, Senior Marketing Officer at KIB, said: “We are pleased with our gold sponsorship and participation in Tourista Expo 2024. We are always keen to be present at such prominent events, which provide a distinguished platform that brings together various leaders in this sector under one roof to offer diverse services and great deals for travel ......read more
Kuwait - June 23, 2024: As part of its commitment to engaging with all segments of the community, Burger King places greater emphasis on children as the future generation, aiming to support their lives with more interactive experiences and activities that bring them joy and unleash their creative energy. Thus, Burger King developed a new interactive initiative through its JR Club kids' app, which included inviting and sponsoring a group of children to visit the Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Center and get a close-up look at the fascinating dinosaur world that sparks amazement and curiosity in young minds. This initiative came to enhance the spirit of optimism and fun among the children who attended from Bayt Abdullah Children’s Hospice and the Kuwait Association for the Care of Children in Hospital, with significant ......read more
Kuwait, 13th June 2024: Reaffirming its role as a leader in corporate citizenship, tech pioneer, talabat, recently partnered with non-profit organization for community empowerment, LOYAC, to support the "Farhat Al-Eid" initiative. This effort, part of talabat’s community engagement program, aimed to celebrate Eid Al-Adha with needy families in Kuwait by providing Eid clothes for their children. Volunteers from LOYAC and talabat’s employees took 125 children on a fun shopping spree at a major department store in Kuwait, for children to buy new Eid garments of their choice. talabat and LOYAC’s "Farhat Al-Eid" initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burden on needy families by providing new Eid clothes for their children, bringing joy through an exciting shopping tour. Volunteers from ......read more
[Kuwait, 9 June 2024] In a bid to enhance the well-being of delivery riders, talabat, the leading technology company, has launched the “Make a Wish '' campaign this May. This innovative initiative, part of talabat’s social responsibility program, aims to fulfill the personal wishes of riders, showing gratitude for their dedication and hard work. Commenting on the campaign, Abdullah Al Mansour, Director of Communications, Public Affairs, and Corporate Responsibility at talabat Kuwait, said: “Our success is deeply rooted in the efforts and dedication of 3rd party delivery riders. Through the “Make a Wish” campaign, we seek to express our profound gratitude and appreciation in a unique and meaningful way.” The campaign gathered individual wishes from delivery riders, which ranged from ......read more
02 June 2024 (Dubai) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that it will establish the SAF Registry (Registry) to accelerate the uptake of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) by authoritatively accounting and reporting emissions reductions from SAF. Seventeen airlines, one airline group, six national authorities, three Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and one fuel producer are already supporting the effort to develop the Registry. The Registry is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2025. SAF is expected to account for up to 65% of the total carbon mitigation needed to achieve net zero carbon emissions in air transportation by 2050. "SAF is key to aviation's decarbonization. Airlines want more SAF and stand ready to use every drop of it. The SAF Registry will help meet the critical ......read more
29 May 2024 - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for April 2024 global air cargo markets showing strong annual growth in demand into the second quarter (Q2). Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), rose by 11.1% compared to April 2023 levels (11.6% for international operations). This is the fifth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), increased by 7.1% compared to April 2023 (10.2% for international operations). "Air cargo demand started Q2 with a solid 11.1% increase. While many economic uncertainties remain, it appears that the roots of air cargo's strong performance are deepening. In recent months, air cargo demand grew even when the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) was indicating ......read more
07 May 2024 (Reykjavík) -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) highlighted three priorities for ground handling at the IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) which opened in Reykjavík today hosted by Icelandair: Improving safety through reducing operational risk Implementing global standards Embedding sustainability – people, planet, and prosperity – in all activities “Ground handling forms the backbone of aviation. It is critical to ensuring the safe and efficient transport of millions of travelers each year. With travel demand for the upcoming peak Northern summer season predicted to surge by 12% over last year, the ground handling sector will need to be ready. Our priorities are clear: improving safety, implementation of global standards and embedding sustainability ......read more
Kuwait – April 3rd, 2024- During the peak travel season for visiting Saudi Arabia in the last days of Ramadan and performing Umrah rituals, Ooredoo Kuwait, the country’s leading telecom company in integrated and innovative communication services, has unveiled its new and distinctive offers for comprehensive roaming services dedicated to customers planning to visit the Kingdom in the upcoming period. To ensure that these travelers maintain seamless communication with their loved ones, friends, and families in Kuwait, without concerns about exorbitant roaming charges or service disruptions, Ooredoo presented a special plan for both current postpaid and prepaid customers during Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr. It's noteworthy that both new and existing customers can seamlessly activate the roaming offer through their Ooredoo ......read more
12 March 2024 (Hong Kong) -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reviewed progress in digitalization, safety and sustainability at the opening of the IATA World Cargo Symposium with the aim of accelerating progress on these critical priorities. “Air cargo volumes are now firmly back to pre-pandemic levels. The challenge now is to ensure that air cargo growth is efficient, safe and aligned with achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Through the hard work of the air cargo industry, the building blocks are in place to significantly accelerate progress in all these areas,” said Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo at the World Cargo Symposium (WCS), which opened in Hong Kong, today. Digitalization “The biggest opportunity for the air cargo industry is digitalization. This has ......read more
Rehlat goes foodie way for this annual survey of airline’s with best in-flight food service for both domestic and international airlines. Our experts took opinion from our esteemed clients on what exactly is served on their flight and how much they actually like it. It was obvious but Emirates topped the list for best food and beverages. It was given huge thumps up for both domestic and ......read more
Dubai, UAE, September 22, 2016: Have just 48 hours to get the most out of London and the surrounding region? Don’t fear, we’re here to help. From the best tea shops and art-deco hotels London has to offer to the perfect spots for enjoying some of the best countryside scenery in the whole of England, our guide will ensure that you don’t miss out. Within easy ......read more
Dubai, UAE, 19 September 2016: The Fibre to the Home (FTTH) Council MENA is pleased to announce the launch of the 8th Edition of FTTH Council MENA Conference taking place from 7th to 9th November at The Regency hotel, Kuwait, under the patronage of HE Salim Al-Ozainah, Chairman and CEO of Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) of Kuwait. Prysmian Group, ......read more
Kuwait, September 5, 2016: Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa is offering guests the most memorable stay during the upcoming Eid Al-Adha -holiday. During the festive period, the luxurious five-star hotel is providing families and friends with the ultimate experience. From the most luxurious rooms and tantalizing menu options available at the idyllic resort’s ......read more
Dubai, UAE, August 16, 2016: Families come together from far and near to celebrate the joyous festival of Eid Al Adha in their own special way. Whether you have your heart set on a relaxed beach holiday, a quick getaway within the UAE or a staycation in one of Dubai’s top family resorts, JA Resorts & Hotels has exactly what you’re looking for. Experience a fun filled holiday ......read more
International Terminal D delivers a high-end, convenient shopping experience Dubai, UAE, July 26, 2016: Aveda, Jo Malone London and MAC Cosmetics are bringing new luxury beauty options to customers traveling through International Terminal D at Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport. The three stores—all of which are part of the Estée Lauder Companies, Inc. brand ......read more
With two million travellers forecasted to go through Dubai International Airport this summer, Emirates Leisure Retail (ELR) and Maritime & Mercantile International (MMI) is encouraging travellers to arrive early for a relaxed travel experience and to ensure the time to visit their brand new venues including giraffe, The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, The Draft House, Pret A Manger, The Noodle ......read more
British Airways rounds up some of the best events and activities taking place in the English capital this summer Kuwait passport holders can now apply for a visa waiver up to 48 hours before travel Kuwait, July 3, 2016: London is set to host a number of festivals, cultural events and activities that will bring the English capital alive during July and August. Customers ......read more
Kuwait, 12 June 2016 – With the long, hot summer knocking at our door, residents across Kuwait will seek to avoid the steamy weather and use the extra time indoors to catch up on or discover new TV shows. Inevitably, classic American box sets and this season’s hit new USA-based shows will rank among the nation’s most popular options – but why settle for a seat on ......read more
Sharjah, UAE, May 28, 2016: The recently held Rotana Annual Conference at Park Rotana Abu Dabhi for the company executives served great news for Centro Sharjah. Mr Michael Kasch, General Manager was awarded ‘Manager of the Year’ in the company wide award ceremony. Mr. Michael Kasch, is a veteran in hospitality services and has been in the hospitality arena for over 2 ......read more
Cathay Pacific Airways and Dragonair have introduced a new Self Service Bag Drop facility at Hong Kong International Airport that will further enhance the airport experience for passengers of the two airlines. Self Service Bag Drop allows passengers to check in baggage by themselves. The self-service process includes printing the baggage tag, tagging the luggage and dispatching the luggage. ......read more
Dubai, UAE, April 27, 2016: Independent five-star luxury hotel operator, Shaza Hotels unveiled their forthcoming projects and plans at this year’s editions of the Arabian Travel Market ( ATM; 25th-28thApril) and the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC; 26th – 28th April). The first hotel chain to infuse Arabian cultures and values in a contemporary and luxurious ......read more
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, inaugurates ATM 2016; the Middle East’s largest travel and tourism event celebrates 23 years of industry milestones Dubai, UAE, April 26, 2016: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, officially inaugurated Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2016 today, ......read more
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is delighted to bring to Kuwait the highly-anticipated Business Studio which is displayed at Avenues. Ahmed Al Kaabi, Militry Attache, and Aaref Altenaiji, First Secretary, from the UAE embassy in Kuwait and Nabil Matarweh, General manager – Kuwait, Etihad Airways was amongst the distinguished guests at the ......read more
Visa application services for travellers to the Netherlands now available in 7 countries across the Middle East Kuwait City, April 5, 2016: Residents of Kuwait can now apply for visas to the Netherlands at a new Visa Application Centre launched by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kuwait City. Applicants can visit the VFS Global centre to submit visa applications and enrol ......read more
Welcome to Vienna! The city of the most enthralling history and lifestyle that will make you fall in love over and over again Over the years, Vienna has maintained a high-quality of living and is named as one of the most liveable cities in the world (ranked no. 2 in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2015 Global Liveability Ranking) not only for its efficient and stable political ......read more
Sharjah, UAE, January 18, 2016: Having previous held key managerial positions with world renowned hospitality brands, Mr Michael Kasch has been with Rotana since 2011. The most integral driving force behind hotel operations at Centro Sharjah for the last two years, he gives us here extensive insight into current trends transforming the tourism & hospitality sector of Sharjah. As we ......read more
Sharjah, UAE, December 21, 2015: Take a step back into true holiday enchantment and get entertained by Centro Sharjah’s Christmastide and meet Father Christmas himself. Join us for a lovely time of merry making and experience the magic of Christmas festivities and relive these priceless moments! We’ve got fantastic plans to keep you entertained with lots of seasonal ......read more
Sharjah, UAE, December 10, 2015: Colleagues from Centro Sharjah Hotel joined the Clean Up UAE campaign organised by Emirates Environmental Group as part of the Hotel’s social responsibility initiative. The Clean Up UAE campaign brings together people from all walks of life and creates awareness as well as advocates the cause of sustainable living. The Sharjah version of the ......read more
4th OIC Halal Middle East to be held from 8 to 10 December at Expo Centre Sharjah Sharjah, 29 November 2015 : The 4th OIC Halal Middle East exhibition, which will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from December 8 to 10, is launching a new vertical targeting the halal tourism segment – Halal Tourism Middle East 2015. To be held as part of Halal Middle East, the Halal Tourism Middle East ......read more
Share seasonal moments to treasure and feast on delicious gourmet treats for the whole family Dubai UAE, November 16, 2015: Soneva Resorts and Residences, the world-leading luxury resort operator, has unveiled its Christmas and New Year’s Eve Programmes 2015/2016 for its two properties; Soneva Fushi (Maldives) and Soneva Kiri (Thailand). Soneva’s ‘Ever So ......read more
Dubai Air Show, Dubai, November 12, 2015 – Philippine Airlines (PAL), the Philippine flag carrier, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Pratt & Whitney to power its order of 15 firm plus 15 purchase right A321neo aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2017. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company. “We pride ourselves on ......read more
Emerging Market Airport Awards recognizes SITA for fourth time KUWAIT – 21 October 2015 – Air transport IT specialist, SITA, was yesterday named the ‘Best Airport IT Service Provider’ at the Emerging Markets Airports Awards (EMAA), held in Kuwait. This is the fourth time SITA has won this prestigious award. SITA was recognized for its unique system integration ......read more
Dubai, UAE, October 17, 2015: If your travels have been weighing heavily on your budget recently, you may not be travelling smart. You don’t always have to pay with cash for your flights; you can also pay with your miles. This method of buying a flight ticket in the UAE was also the topic of one of our previous articles, but the primary goal of this article is to show you how to earn ......read more
Incredibly, Dubai is still classified as part of an emerging economy, as are most cities and nations in the Middle East. This does a huge disservice to these countries, both in terms of the natural resources at their disposal and the regeneration that has engulfed the Middle East as a whole during the course of the last decade in particular. This particularly applies to Dubai, ......read more
The Eurofighter Consortium today welcomes the State of Kuwait as a new member of the Eurofighter community. Hallbergmoos, 12 September 2015: This new international success follows an order from the Sultanate of Oman for 12 aircraft in December 2012 and it is a further evidence of growing interest in the Eurofighter Typhoon across the globe and in the Gulf Region in particular ......read more
Every year the hospitality industry sees $8.6 billion worth of non-refundable hotel room cancellations. The numbers are astounding, and if you have ever made such a cancellation you know how they eat into your wallet. When you are planning a holiday or even a business trip, like most people, you too may be looking for the best deal. Often this means that you end up booking cheaper, ......read more
Kuwait, 23 August 2015: British Airways’ High Life Magazine has identified the top landmarks that define Britain in the 21st century in a three month-long campaign where readers were invited to name the buildings – both historic and new – they felt exemplify the United Kingdom. With daily flights from Kuwait to London Heathrow, residents in Kuwait can now choose from a list ......read more
Whether summer or winter is your favourite time of year to travel, make sure you keep in mind something that is often overlooked: how to protect yourself from fraud or theft when travelling abroad. With the upcoming Eid holidays, traveling without cash is by far the safest way to travel, so don’t forget these five pointers to protect yourself: • Check that your ......read more
UAE mega-projects in development include Dubai-I (2017) world’s largest Ferris wheel to rival the London Eye, the new Louvre (Paris) and Guggenheim (New York) museums in Abu Dhabi (2017), Dubai Pearl (2018) featuring MGM Grand and Bellagio made famous by the Las Vegas strip, Dream Island (2018) in Ras Al Khaimah promoted as a ‘mini Ibiza’ and 10 major new theme parks ......read more
This summer, the Collection of Villages across Europe will offer Middle Eastern guests ‘seven star’ service in celebration of the Eid al-Fitr holiday. This period will encompass special events, exclusive offers, an unrivalled hospitality experience and – as always – leading luxury shopping destinations. With guests looking to enjoy a period of celebration and ......read more
Dubai Cruise Market Crosses 500,000 Visitor Mark Due to Enhanced Services at Seaports, according to GDRFA DUBAI, 6 July 2015: Middle East governments should consider easing restrictions on travelling between states to boost the region’s tourism industry and support the fast-developing yachting and cruise market, says Mohammed Hussein Al Shaali, Chairman of the UAE-based yacht and ......read more
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, recently hosted an award ceremony to thank and honour the top performing travel agents in Kuwait. A special award went to the first agency to sell ‘The Residence™ by Etihad’ in Kuwait. More 20 awards were also presented to winners in Gold, Silver, Bronze and Remarkable growth categories. The ceremony ......read more
Summer in St. Moritz St. Moritz is one of the most tradition-steeped holiday resorts around. Even its name is protected as a quality brand and all over the world it is equated with style, elegance and class. Beautifully located in the inspiring Engadin valley, St. Moritz celebrates the picture-book beauty of summer and winter in high style – with its inimitable cosmopolitan ......read more
Kuwait, June 4, 2015- Al Manshar Rotana announces appointment of the new Materials Manager, Alaa Malkawi. Alaa joins from Media Rotana in Dubai where he has had various roles since 2012. His last role which he held for 2 years gave him solid experience which he will now apply to Al Manshar Rotana hotel. As a Materials Manager, Alaa will be responsible for all the purchasing functions, ......read more
This Ramadan, embrace the spirit and traditions of this special time of the year with the early bird Ramadan group offer. Kuwait, June 4, 2015- Celebrate the holy month with friends and family by gathering and sharing exquisite meals. Al Manshar Rotana offers an unforgettable taste of Arabian culture and hospitality for Iftar or Ghabka. Choose from our extensive array of cuisine, popular ......read more
4 June 2015: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Tourism Malaysia today signed a global partnership agreement to boost inbound tourism to Malaysia by leveraging the airline’s global passenger network. Under the agreement, Etihad Airways and Tourism Malaysia will put into effect a range of joint marketing activities targeting Malaysia’s ......read more
Launched Under the Auspices of Minister of Communication Issa Al-Kandari on October 20 to 21 Al-Fawzan: this event derives its importance from the fact that there are existing airports projects worth $ 50 billion The General Manager of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Engineer Yousef Sulaiman Al-Fawzan, announced the commencement of preparations for the launch of Emerging ......read more
Amman Queen Alia International Airport ceremony attended by the Aviation industry, press and official dignitaries. Comfort, Reliability and Value for Money is what customers canexpect from the new carrier. Amman, Jordan; May 18, 2015: A new era of low-cost aviation in the Levant began today as the first Air Arabia Jordan flight departed its base at Queen Alia International Airportin ......read more
UAE – Dubai, 5 May 2015: His Highness Faisal S.A. Al Faisal, Prince of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of Alternative Tech Commercial Ltd, visited Global Innovations' stand at the Arabian Travel Market Exhibition (ATM) and met with Mr. Kabir Ali Baig, CEO and Founder of Global Innovations. Mr. Baig leads the Global Innovations team in introducing its Enterprise Software Solution, ......read more
Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, and Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, today unveiled a codeshare agreement that offers travellers enhanced connections on their respective networks. The agreement heralds an era of closer cooperation between the two airlines which, in subsequent months, will include reciprocal frequent flyer programmes, ......read more
Middle East’s largest travel trade event showcasing 2,700 exhibitors, 64 national pavilions, over 35 seminar and technology theatre sessions, and the return of the UNWTO Ministerial Forum set to welcome an anticipated 23,000 visitors Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2015, the region’s leading travel industry showcase, opens its doors tomorrow (Monday 4th May) for four days of ......read more
Dubai, UAE – 3 May 2015: Global Innovations, a Dubai-based Travel and Tourism Technology company is now an exclusive distributor of Vertical Booking products designed for all types of hotel and hotel chains. This agreement is a step that will further strengthen Global Innovations’ unprecedented growth in the GCC market following the successful launch of its own ERP software solution, ......read more
Abu Dhabi, October 20th & 21st, 2015 The Aviation Conference 2015 is taking place with a motive to highlight opportunities that are there with the aviation industry to contribute towards the environment with carbon-neutral growth. There will also be discussion on how the aviation industry can be shaped with promotion of bio fuels. AFCC will discuss the ways that may help turn the challenges ......read more
The Grand Millennium Dubai will be on show at the Arabian Travel Market exhibition in the emirate this May to reinforce its position as a city hotel catering superbly to leisure and business visitors, both from the GCC region and overseas. According to General Manager Peter Mansourian, while business was extremely dynamic and profitable in 2014, increased competition in the hotel sector in ......read more
The Iraqi National Football Team is in the UAE training for the Asian Cup that will be held in Australia in January 2015. Staying at The Ajman Palace Hotel, the players are undergoing intensive training that also includes three friendly matches with Kuwait, Pakistan and Iran. Ferghal Purcell, General Manager, The Ajman Palace Hotel, said, "We are really proud to host the Iraqi National ......read more
Targeted seasonal offering to capitalise on regional preferences as 68% of GCC leisure travellers opt for family-centric vacations; launch of new Millennium Executive Apartments concept timely as industry experts predict rise in intra-regional travel to visit family members Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East and Africa (MEA) has launched its 2014 winter campaign with a special ......read more
The six-month-long incentive Program, Swiss Pass SuperStar, by Switzerland Tourism, in collaboration with Rail Europe and Swiss Travel System, received an overwhelming response with 6 winners in the first 2 months, May & June, winning 3 prizes every month. The program, launched in GCC markets (U.A.E – SAUDI ARABIA - QATAR – BAHRAIN – OMAN – KUWAIT) May – ......read more
SPG Members Enjoying Iftar or Suhoors at One of the 60 Participating Hotels will Receive a Discount of Up to 30% and Earn Starpoints DUBAI, UAE – 29 June, 2014 – To celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced today a special offer for members of its award-winning Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG®) loyalty ......read more
Why did Rotana choose Salalah for their first hotel in Oman? Oman has always been a key growth market for us to expand into. We pride ourselves in identifying new and upcoming travel destinations people wish to visit and Salalah is growing in popularity. The opening of Salalah Rotana Resort is an exciting one for us, not only does it take us one step closer to reaching our ultimate vision but it ......read more
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