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More GCC hotels likely to undergo renovations this year
A rising number of older hotels across the GCC are expected to get a facelift this year to keep pace with the high volume of new supply entering the market, according to a new report by hospitality advisor Christie + Co.
Etihad Airways records its first annual profit
Etihad Airways announced today that it made its first ever profit in 2011 despite the challenges of the global financial crisis, high oil prices, and the Arab Spring.
Flydubai launches service to its 50th destination
Low-cost airline Flydubai has announced that it has started flights to its 50th destination since launching operations in 2009, cementing its reputation as the fastest-growing start-up airline in history.
Riyadh, Dubai hotels top region in 2011
Hotels in Riyadh and Dubai led the way in key performance indicators for hotels in the region last year, according to new research by TRI Hospitality Consulting.
Royal Jordanian suspends service to five destinations in cost cutting move
Royal Jordanian announced today that it will suspend service to five destinations across its route network in a cost cutting measure aimed at helping it offset high fuel prices and a decline in tourism in the Middle East.
Saudi carriers face risks if domestic market opens up
Plans by Saudi Arabia to open up its domestic aviation market to foreign companies could wreak havoc on Saudi carriers as they will face competition on domestic routes for the first time.
Viceroy plans to double its hotel portfolio by 2016
Luxury hotel chain Viceroy Hotel Group, which is 50% owned by UAE investment firm Mubadala, plans to open a new hotel in the Maldives in April as part of a plan to double its portfolio of hotels worldwide by 2016.
Dubai World Central eyes 2013 launch date for passenger terminal
The head of Dubai Airports said today that the passenger terminal at Dubai World Central airport could start commercial operations next year.
Hawker Beechcraft bullish on business jet market in the Middle East
Hawker Beechcraft said it enjoyed "strong sales' in the Middle East in 2011 due to a rise in purchases by governments in the region seeking special-mission aircraft.
Airbus seeks to allay concerns about A380 safety
Cracks found on the wings of the A380, of which Emirates is by far the largest customer, have raised concerns about the superjumbo, but Airbus says it has determined the cause of the problem and pronounced the aircraft safe to fly.
Etihad buys 40% stake in Air Seychelles
Etihad Airways has said it will pay $20m to buy a 40% stake in Air Seychelles as part of a recent push to expand its network globally through acquisitions.
Dubai airport passenger traffic soars to 51m in 2011
Passenger figures at Dubai International airport hit a new record last year as traffic at the airport rose 8% thanks to strong growth in regional traffic.
Gulf airlines in push to tap Libyan and Iraqi markets
Gulf carriers are rapidly expanding their services in Libya and Iraq as concerns about security subside and demand for business travel grows amidst efforts by these countries to rebuild their economies.
Premier Inn looks to fill gap for budget hotels in Middle East
Premier Inn, the UK's largest budget hotel chain, plans to open 80 hotels in the Middle East by 2020 to take advantage of what it sees as a huge gap for affordably priced accommodation in the region.
Will other Gulf carriers follow Etihad's lead to trim orders for the A350-1000?
Etihad Airways' decision to become the first carrier to cut its backlog of Airbus A350-1000 jetliners has raised questions about whether other Gulf airlines may follow suit.
