Airlines

DUBAI: Flydubai, the Dubai-based airline, has announced the resumption of flights to Qatar. A double daily service from Dubai International (DXB) to Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) will start from January 26.

 Commenting on the announcement, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “With today’s announcement we see the flydubai network grow to 64 destinations.  Flights to Doha will start from 26 January and to meet expected demand we are pleased to launch operations with a double daily service.  We hope to be able to continue to grow the service.”

 Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent) at flydubai, said: “flydubai offers convenient and reliable travel services between both countries. Passengers have the opportunity to choose how they would like to travel whether it is in the comfort of Business Class or a customised experience in Economy Class. Tickets are available to book today on flydubai.com.”

 Passengers will have the option to experience Business Class enjoying space and privacy in the cabin, a comfortable spacious seat, inflight entertainment with films and TV shows available to watch and a range of delicious snacks and complimentary hot and cold beverages.

 Passengers travelling in Economy Class will enjoy a Recaro designed seat offering optimal levels of space and comfort in the air. flydubai continues to roll-out wi-fi across its fleet enabling passengers to stay connected during their flight and can browse the web, send emails, use social networks and get the latest news. Passengers are able to choose between bundled (Flex/Value) or unbundled (Lite) fares depending on their travel needs.

 Flydubai’s passenger experience has been redesigned to enable travel in a safe environment that minimises crew and passenger contact and offers passengers confidence to travel at every step of their journey. The airline has recently introduced an extended multi-risk travel insurance that includes Covid-19 cover to offer passengers greater piece of mind when travelling. In the UAE, flydubai has also partnered with Aster DM Healthcare and NMC Healthcare to offer passengers PCR testing at special rates. To take advantage of these special rates, passengers must be able to present a valid flydubai booking confirmation along with their Emirates ID or passport copy.

DUBAI: Emirates is launching its much-awaited global sale to inspire and encourage travellers to reconnect with family and friends or explore new destinations in the New Year.

 All-inclusive Economy Class fares from Dubai start at AED1, 055 ($287) to Karachi; AED1, 605 ($436.9) to Istanbul; AED1, 695 ($461.4) to Cairo; AED1, 995 ($543) to Moscow and AED4, 995 ($1,359.7) to Los Angeles. Business Class fares start at AED4, 495 to Karachi ($1,223.6); AED5, 995 ($1,631.9) to Cairo; AED8, 995 ($2,448.5) to Istanbul; AED9, 995 ($2,720.7) to Moscow and AED23, 995 ($6,531.7) to Los Angeles.

 Bookings have to be made between January 19 to February 2 for travel until June 15. Emirates customers can travel with peace of mind with the airline’s flexible booking options and multi-risk travel insurance including Covid-19 cover with every flight.

 Emirates Skywards, the loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, is also making sure members get the best out of their travels with special Cash+Miles rates. Bookings made from January 3 to February 1 for travel between January 3 and June 15 can enjoy a special conversion offer where 2,000 Skywards Miles is equivalent to $20 for Economy Class flights; and 2,000 Skywards Miles is equivalent to $40 for First and Business Class flights. With no minimum number of Miles needed to spend, Skywards members can pay for part of their ticket’s cost with as little as 1 Mile.

Emirates delivers outstanding value through industry-leading service and products across every class of travel. Customers can explore over 4,500 channels of on-demand entertainment on the airline’s award-winning inflight system, ice; as well as regionally inspired multi-course meals and complimentary beverages in every class.

KARACHI: Last week Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) celebrated its 66^th anniversary at its head office in Karachi.  Commemorating 66th year in service to the nation, PIA held a modest ceremony. The occasion was graced by celebrity performer and philanthropist   Mr. Shehzad Roy while Mr. Zaryab Sultan performed national songs for the audience. A ceremonial cake cutting ceremony was performed by CEO PIA Air Marshal Arshad Malik.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the national flag carrier of Pakistan  PIA was founded on 29 October 1946 as Orient Airways, and was initially based in Calcutta, British India, before shifting operations to the newly independent state of Pakistan in 1947.

Orient Airways was nationalised to form the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (PIAC). The new airline commenced international services in 1955 to London, via Cairo and Rome.

PIA became the first Asian airline to operate jet aircraft with the induction of the Boeing 707 into commercial service on 7 March 1960   and later in 1964 became the first non-Communist airline to fly to China.

The airline played a vital role in the establishment of the Emirates airline in 1985. In 2004, PIA become the launch customer of the Boeing 777-200LR. On 10 November 2005, PIA used the Boeing 777-200LR to complete the world’s longest nonstop flight by a commercial airliner. This flight lasted 22 hours and 22 minutes on the eastbound route between Hong Kong and London.

ISTANBUL: Turkish Airlines has launched a new hygiene programme “TK Extra Care” which highlights new protective hygiene measures, in collaboration with the global carrier’s ambassador Dr. Mehmet Oz, the producer and host of the world-renowned “The Dr. Oz Show.”

 The announcement of the new animated in-flight video comes at a time when health and safety is a top consideration on travellers’ checklists. Inspired by the airline’s ongoing dedication to its passengers’ well-being, the three-minute video follows Dr. Oz through the travel experience passengers should expect when flying with the global airline today. From the moment Dr. Oz checks-in for his flight to when he arrives at his destination, viewers will not only be reminded of the airline’s hygiene protocols necessary for a safe flying experience, but will have full assurance that Turkey’s flag carrier is enforcing a higher level of protection for every stage of the journey that goes above and beyond industry standards.

 Turkish Airlines puts passenger hygiene at the forefront, protecting its guests at each stage of the journey. In the three-minute animated video, Dr. Oz shows that from checking-in online and carrying only personal items in the cabin, passenger contact is reduced. Viewers learn that upon entering the airport, all passengers must wear a mask and are provided with hand disinfectant and body temperature screenings throughout the terminal. The video also highlights that Turkish Airlines has taken extra safety steps to ensure peace of mind, such as disinfecting luggage with a UV system and boarding passengers in smaller groups from the back of the plane to the front. Hygiene Experts are present on each flight to maintain a high health and safety level, while each passenger will receive a hygiene kit upon boarding.

 Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, M. İlker Aycı, commented on the video’s debut; “There is no question that travellers around the world are facing an immense need for enforced safety measures and peace of mind while traveling. At Turkish Airlines, the hygiene standards for our passengers are our top priority and we offer the highest standards. These extra safety precautions have been introduced following the authorized committees’ evaluations and approvals. With the release of ‘TK Extra Care’, we are hopeful that viewers will recognize Turkish Airlines’ hard work and dedication in keeping both passengers and crews safe, and we are pleased to have Dr. Oz share our message with the world.”

LONDON: The UK will remove all remaining countries from the travel corridor from Monday, December 18. Prime Minister Boris Johnson used this afternoon’s Downing Street briefing to announce all corridors will be temporarily closed as the government battles to contain new variants of Covid.

It will apply across the UK from 4am Monday.

It means anyone entering the UK from any country will have to quarantine for 10 days on arrival, in addition to presenting a negative Covid test.

Incoming passengers will still have the test-to-release option where they can take a test after five days to release themselves from quarantine early.

Johnson said enforcement at the borders will also be stepped up.

The government has already banned travellers from South America and Portugal following the emergence of a worrying strain of Covid in Brazil.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps tweeted: “Travel Corridors assess public health risk from the original SARS-COV-2, but it’s impossible for the Joint Biosecurity Centre to provide live scientific updates to predict which countries or regions will now originate new variants. Travel Corridors are therefore suspended for now.”

He added: “There will be more enforcement checks & fewer exemptions. International arrivals will need to have a negative COVID-19 test & self-isolate for 10 days or Test to Release after 5. This action will slow the spread of new variants whilst millions receive their vaccinations.”

ABU DHABI: Adults who book their next flight to Abu Dhabi or Dubai with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, can take their children for free.

 With every adult ticket booked before January 28, for travel until September 30, up to two children will travel free – so two adults can bring four children, free. Fares to Abu Dhabi and Dubai start from just GBP299 ($406.2) in Economy class.

 To give guests peace of mind and to offer an extra level of reassurance to travel, Etihad is the only airline in the world requiring 100 per cent of its passengers to show a negative PCR test before departure, and on arrival in Abu Dhabi.

 Abu Dhabi is a diverse destination with desertscapes, fabulous beaches and warm, clear waters. The modern, cosmopolitan capital city features thrilling headline attractions such as Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, as well as cultural highlights including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

 Adventurers will appreciate the opportunity the emirate presents for kayaking in the mangroves, sand boarding in the desert, jet-skiing, go-karting and more. Travellers in need of rest and rejuvenation will find peace in the many tranquil spaces across the city, from serene beaches to luxury spas.

 Flying to, from, and via Abu Dhabi is supported by the airline’s fully redesigned Etihad Wellness sanitisation and safety programme, which ensures the highest standards of hygiene are maintained at every stage of the customer journey.

 This includes specially trained Wellness Ambassadors, a first in the industry, who have been introduced by the airline to provide essential travel health information and care on the ground and on every flight, so guests can fly with greater ease and confidence. All passengers travelling with Etihad receive complimentary Covid-19 insurance. 

 The sale starts on January 14 and ends on January 28 at etihad.com. Offer valid for children up to 11 years old.

MANAMA: Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, has announced that starting January 28, it plans to move its entire operations for inbound and outbound flights to the new Bahrain International Airport terminal.

 This will provide a brand new customer experience to its passengers flying through the airline’s hub, the Kingdom of Bahrain, it said.

The new airport terminal will open a new chapter in the kingdom’s journey in aviation history, support the strategic vision for Bahrain to strengthen its position as a hub and facilitate the movement of millions of passengers.

The new airport terminal will feature a dedicated check-in area for both Falcon Gold and economy class passengers of Gulf Air as well as a brand new Falcon Gold lounge that is double in size and capacity compared to the previous one in the old airport.

Taking into consideration all of the updated health and safety measures, the new state-of-the-art lounge will reflect new concepts of modern premium lounges yet keeping with the legacy and rich history of the 70-year-old Gulf Air brand.

 A number of features will be maintained from the previous lounge as well as newly introduced spaces such as a children’s area, shower rooms, prayer space, a quiet area along with live cooking stations and new food & beverage concepts. Operational around the clock and with a capacity of over 400 passengers at any given time, the new Falcon Gold lounge will be available to experience by the airline’s Falcon Gold passengers as well as its Black, Gold and Silver Falconflyer members.

 Ahead of moving to the new premises, Gulf Air’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Captain Waleed AlAlawi said: “It will be a big day for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s aviation history and for Gulf Air. We started our operations back in 1950 in a small facility in Muharraq and soon we will see a world-class airport being officially opened to welcome the world to our beloved Kingdom. The new airport is our new home and we are proud to have a bigger, more modern home to be Gulf Air’s hub.”

 He added: “With our own check-in area and a brand new Falcon Gold lounge, we are now more equipped than ever to carry and serve more passengers and expand our operations. We welcome our passengers to fly with us through the new airport which I am sure will impress everyone with its design, facilities, capacity and welcoming feel.”

TOULOUSE: Airbus delivered 566 commercial aircraft to 87 customers in 2020, 34 percent fewer than in 2019, in line with the production adaptation plan set out in April 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In order to overcome international travel restrictions, the Airbus team developed an innovative e-delivery solution which represented more than 25% of the 2020 deliveries, allowing customers to receive their aircraft while minimising the need for their teams to travel.

“Working hand-in-hand with our customers allowed us to navigate a difficult year. The Airbus teams, customers and suppliers truly pulled together in the face of adversity to deliver this result. We also thank our partners and governments for their strong support to the sector,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer.

“Based on our 2020 deliveries we are cautiously optimistic as we look into 2021, although challenges and uncertainties remain high in the short term.”

In 2020, Airbus recorded a total of 383 new orders, 268 net orders, showing continued customer endorsements in all market segments. The A220 won 64 new orders, confirming it as the leading aircraft in its category. The A320 Family won 296 new orders including 37 A321XLR.

In the widebody segment, Airbus won 23 new orders including two A330s and 21 A350s. After 115 cancellations by the end of 2020, Airbus’ backlog stood at 7,184 aircraft.

DUBAI: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has welcomed the signing of the ‘solidarity and stability’ agreement that will see Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE and Egypt open their air, land and sea borders with Qatar.

 The agreement paves the way for commercial airlines to resume regional connectivity, which will shorten flight times and provide essential air links to families and businesses across the region.

“The reopening of airspace with Qatar by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Egypt is welcome news for the region, passengers and the aviation industry during these very difficult times. It will permit the resumption of direct flights between these countries and Qatar, eliminating complex transit travel itineraries that saw typical journey times increase from under an hour to over five hours in some cases.

 “The agreement also opens the door for the establishment of quarantine-free travel corridors which will allow families and friends across the region to be able to reconnect and businesses trade more easily. And will facilitate the transportation of COVID-19 vaccines globally given the region’s strategic location,” said Muhammad Al Bakri, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East.

MUSCAT: Flag carrier Oman Air will welcome guests from 103 countries who can travel to the country without a visa.

 The Royal Oman Police recently announced the plan, which eases travel requirements for guests who spend up to 10 days in the sultanate. Guests are required to have a confirmed hotel reservation, health insurance, and a return ticket.

 The new programme applies to citizens of countries throughout the world including European nations such as Germany, France, UK, Spain, Italy and many more.

 Citizens of Turkey, Japan, Brazil, Russia, China, Egypt, Jordan and a number of other countries around the world are also eligible.

 Visitors to the Sultanate can avail themselves of a number of options to experience Oman Air’s award-winning service. The national carrier recently earned two 2020 World Travel Awards, for providing the world’s best service to the Middle East and the world’s best First Class experience. Oman Air also recently achieved the top tier five-star status from APEX, an internationally recognised organisation which rates airlines based on travellers’ feedback.

 Oman Air continues to maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey to ensure that guests fly confidently. Masks are required when guests are on board the aircraft and in Oman’s airports. Distancing is maintained while guests board and exit the aircraft, which are carefully cleaned after each flight and at the end of every day. Cabin crew all wear a full set of personal protective equipment, meal service has been modified to further ensure safety and a number of other steps have been taken to ensure that the airline’s guests and crew are safe at all times.

 Guests who are planning to travel to Muscat should visit the Civil Aviation Authority website, caa.gov.om, to ensure they are prepared to comply with requirements to enter the Sultanate.

Guests departing from Oman should also ensure that they are aware of all pre-departure requirements and requirements during their flights, which are provided at omanair.com.

 Guests travelling outside Oman should ensure that they are aware of official requirements to enter their destination country.