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Etihad invited to join IATA security committee
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed the UAE's Etihad Airways as a member of its Working Group Committee for Security. The carrier is the first airline from the Middle East to join the committee. The security committee's ten members are selected from IATA's 230 member airlines, which together cover more than 90% of all scheduled international air traffic. Appointments are made in recognition of the airlines' experience and contribution to aviation security for a period of two years.
Jet Airways to fly to Jeddah
India's Jet Airways has launched its seventh Gulf destination with the introduction of its daily direct service from Jeddah to Mumbai. The airline's Flight 9W 521 will depart Jeddah at 0100 hrs and will arrive in Mumbai at 0835 hrs, while Flight 9W 522 will depart Mumbai at 2135 hrs and will arrive in Jeddah at 0001 hrs. Jet Airways will operate its maiden flight on the sector aboard a Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Jazeera Airways announces route changes from Bahrain
Kuwait's Jazeera Airways has announced changes to the airline's operations out of Bahrain in light of the new regulations issued by the Iranian government. The airline's direct flights from Bahrain to Mashhad have been cancelled and will now operate with an intermediate stop in Kuwait. Passengers with an existing booking to Mashhad will be offered the choice of: re-accommodation for travel on the same date via Kuwait; a full refund inclusive of all fees and taxes; or a full refund for travel on any outstanding segment of a journey, if re-accommodation cannot be provided. Jazeera has offered all passengers affected by the changes a KD10 voucher to use for booking future travel, the airline said.
Etihad appoints new senior VP corporate communications
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has announced the appointment of Belinda de Rome as its new senior vice president to lead its corporate communications team. Ms de Rome, who will be based at Etihad's headquarters in Abu Dhabi and report to James Hogan, the airline's chief executive, had previously held the position of head of corporate communications at Australia's Qantas Airways, the airline said.
Saudis plan $2.4bn Medina airport expansion
Saudi Arabia plans to award a 'build-operate-transfer' contract to expand Prince Muhammad bin Abdul-Aziz International Airport in the city of Medina, at a cost of $2.4bn, the Arabic Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper has reported. The expansion will increase the airport's capacity from 3 million passengers to 12 million passengers per year, the airport's managing director Abdulfattah Atta said. The new terminal is expected to be completed within a period of four years.
Flydubai adds Aleppo route
Flydubai is now flying to a fifth destination, Aleppo, Syria's second largest city. One way fares to Aleppo from Dubai cost from Dhs300 Aleppo has become the fifth destination for Dubai's budget airline, Flydubai when its inaugural flight FZ223 touched down in Syria's second largest city on Monday. One way fares to Aleppo from Dubai cost from Dh300 and can be purchased from the carrier's website (www.flydubai.com), call centre (043010800) and travel partners. The Aleppo flights are being served by flydubai's third Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, and will operate on a daily basis to accommodate the busy summer period. From August 31, the flights will be four times per week.
BA to increase capacity on Jeddah route
British Airways has announced plans to increase capacity and introduce first class on its London-Jeddah route this winter. Running from October 31st 2009 - March 29th 2010, the airline's winter schedule will see a Boeing 777 operate the five weekly Jeddah flights, providing a 50% increase in premium seats, which the carrier says have been in high demand on this route. BA relaunched flights to both Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia in June, and already serves Riyadh with four-class Boeing 777 aircraft.
Etihad inks code sharing deal with Turkish Airlines
Etihad Airways has announced a new code-share alliance with Turkish Airlines. The alliance will allow Etihad customers to choose from daily services between Abu Dhabi and Istanbul, instead of the four flights a week the Abu Dhabi carrier currently serves with its own aircraft between the two cities that began on June 1. Etihad said it would place its two-letter 'EY' code on Turkish Airline's flights from Istanbul to Abu Dhabi.
Kuwait's ALAFCO earns $28.8m in nine months
Kuwait-based Aviation Lease and Finance Co. (ALAFCO) has reported earnings of KD8.3 million ($28.8m) between October 2008 and June 2009. Assets had reached KD339 million, while shareholders' rights had grown 33% to KD93 million, the firm's Chairman Ahmad Alzabin has said. ALAFCO offers a variety of consultative services in relation to aircraft acquisition and disposal, lease management and technical monitoring.
Etihad introduces new offerings from Kuwait
Etihad Airways has introduced new fares and improved connectivity for its customers travelling from Kuwait via Abu Dhabi to different destinations that cover the European and Asian regions. Etihad's new economy class fares start from KD90 Kuwaiti to London and Milan, Bangkok for KD60, Munich and Istanbul for KD100. Asian cities included in the special offer include India, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Bangkok. Travellers need to book their tickets before the July 31, 2009 to avail of the special offer.
KAIA survey to measure passenger satisfaction
Saudi Arabvia's King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) has launched a survey to measure travellers' satisfaction levels with the recently renovated north and south terminals, Arab News has reported. The survey covers the suitability of roads leading to the terminals, car parks, handling of luggage, immigration desks, customs, security checks, food and screens displaying arrival and departure information. The results of the survey will be used to further develop airport services, the airport's authority said.
Iraq to sell stored planes
Iraq's ministry of transport has put up for sale four Iraqi Airways Boeing 727s and two 707s which have been in long-term storage at the Queen Alia International Airport in the Jordanian capital Amman. The ministry has set a July 16 deadline for submissions of interest in the grounded aircraft.
Iraq, Bahrain sign MoU
Bahrain has signed a memorandum of understanding with Iraq to facilitate air travel between the two countries. The MoU involves operating flights between Bahrain International Airport and Iraq's Baghdad and Najaf airports, the Kuna agency has reported.
Iraqi Airways to lease 20 planes
Iraq's Transport Ministry has said that Iraqi Airways has signed a four-year agreement with Ross Aviation to lease 20 aircraft and jointly operate them with the US-based firm. Under the agreement, the country's national carrier will receive 12% of total revenues during the first two years of the contract, and 15 % during the third and fourth years, after which Iraq will buy two of the cargo aircraft on lease.
Flydubai refunds India bookings
Dubai's lowcost carrier Flydubai has issued a statement regarding its delay on flights to India, due to operational concerns. The airline's CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said, "All passengers who have booked flights to India will be contacted within the next few days and will be given a full refund, plus a voucher for a free return flight to India or anywhere on the flydubai network, which will be valid for travel until the end of November 2009."
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