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Jazeera Airways adds Abu Dhabi route
Kuwait-based Jazeera Airways will fly direct to Abu Dhabi from October 25. Jazeera will be the first low-budget airline to operate non-stop flights to the UAE's capital. It currently operates non-stop flights to Dubai six times a week.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner first flight expected this year
Boeing has said that its much delayed 787 Dreamliner aircraft will make its first flight by the end of this year, Reuters has reported. Hopes that the plane would make a demonstration flight at the Dubai Airshow, taking place in November, were dashed earlier this summer by the exhibition's organisers, who said the plane would not be making an appearance. Initial deliveries of the Dreamliner are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2010, with a planned production rate of 10 planes a month in late 2013, Boeing said.
Middle East traffic up 13% in July
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported the Middle East with a 13.2% increase in air traffic in July, while the global air traffic has declined by 2.9% compared to the same period last year. The report further noted that the Middle East was also the only region to experience growth in air cargo traffic, climbing 1% in July over the same month last year.
Three Omani airports out for tender
Omani officials have said that foreign firms, including South Korea's Hanjin Heavy Industries, Greece-based Consolidated Contractors and India's Dodsal, have qualified to bid for three airport contracts in the Sultanate, Reuters has reported. Bids submissions for Salalah airport in the south of Oman is due on September 21, with bids for Duqm and Sohar airports due on September 28. "The Salalah airport will be converted from domestic to international, while the new Sohar airport is for airfield works and it will be Phase Two for Duqm airport," an official said. Contracts for the three airports is expected to exceed $1.3bn.
Alec invites subcontractors for airport work
Al Jaber LEGT Engineering and Contracting (Alec) has invited specialist subcontractors to prequalify for fit out works at the lounges and hotels at the Dubai International Airport Expansion Phase II, which will form part of the main contractor scope of works. (Mac Capital Advisors)
ANZ denies Emirates collusion
Air New Zealand (ANZ) has denied a report from Australia's Fairfax Media that ANZ staff colluded with Emirates Airline to fix cargo rates between Australia and New Zealand, Emirates Business 24/7 has reported. Rob Fyfe, ANZ CEO, said the airline had signed a cargo Special Prorate Agreement with Emirates Airline to secure additional lift across the Tasman Sea, as it was the logical source for the extra widebody capacity that ANZ required, he added.
BA cuts Saudi fares for Ramadan
British Airways has cut the price of its World Traveller economy fares on some routes from Saudi Arabia to Europe and the US during Ramadan. Return economy flights from Saudi Arabia to London Heathrow start from SR1,862, while fares to other major European destinations are available from SR2,317, BA said. Tickets can be bought until September 3, for travel up to March 31. Prices include taxes, fees and service charges, the airline said.
Etihad Airways introduces new first class suite
Etihad Airways has introduced its first class suite on board its new Airbus A340-600, which makes its maiden flight between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow today. The private suite comes with leather seats fully upholstered by Italian furniture maker, Poltrona Frau. Etihad unveiled its new first class suite during Arabian Travel Market in May, using it to attract those who want to travel in luxury and are prepared to pay for such a service.
Air Arabia adds Medina route
Sharjah-based low cost carrier Air Arabia is introducing service to Medina in Saudi Arabia, with flights starting on September 1. The airline will run two roundtrip flights a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays, departing Sharjah in the mornings. The return flight will arrive back in Sharjah in the early afternoon.
Gulf Air signs loan to buy planes
Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air has signed a $70m Ijara facility with Bahrain Islamic Bank (BIsB). The four year medium-term facility will be used to partly finance the purchase of eight A320 planes, which are due for delivery in the fourth quarter 2009 and first quarter 2010.
Gulf Air may renegotiate Airbus and Boeing orders
Samer Majali, CEO of Bahrain's Gulf Air, has said the airline may renegotiate its plane orders with Airbus and Boeing, Reuters has reported. The company would "honour the terms of the contract" with manufacturers, but may negotiate amending airplane numbers and sizes, he said.
Etihad increases winter flights
Etihad Airways has said its new winter flying programme, which starts on October 25, will be almost 15% bigger than for the same period last year, with 950 flights planned for each week. From November, its Hyderabad flights will join Chicago and Cape Town as the airline's newest routes. Flights to the Greek capital Athens will increase from three flights a week to five from November 1 and then become daily from January 1 2010. Etihad is adding one flight to Istanbul in Turkey, taking the service to five a week from November 1. Services from Abu Dhabi to Beirut will be increased from 14 to 18 flights a week, and to Cairo from seven to 10 a week, starting on January 1. The airline's Asian flying programme will also be boosted, with flights to Kathmandu rising from four a week to a daily service.
Emirates' offers Ramadan in-flight service
Emirates Airline has announced it will provide all flights departing close to Iftar with small snack boxes containing baklawa, dates, a laban drink and water to enable its passengers to break their fast immediately. For passengers who are in-flight when the sun sets, specially prepared Iftar meal boxes will be served in Economy class, with a similar selection of foods served to fasting passengers in both Business and First Class, the airline said.
Oman Air launches routes to Germany
Oman Air has is to launch non-stop flights from Germany to the Sultanate starting from September. Initially, it will fly to Frankfurt four times a week, adding a three-times a week flight to Munich from October. Other new routes from Muscat launching in October will additionally include Paris, Maldives and Colombo in Sri Lanka.
Air Arabia diverts Peshawar flights to Islamabad
Sharjah-based Air Arabia has said in a press statement that its flights to Peshawar airport in Pakistan will be diverted to Islamabad airport beginning August 23, 2009. The airline has stated it is due to security reasons and is the request of the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan. Air Arabia has expressed regrets to any inconvenience caused to its passengers.
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