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Etihad Airways Unveils Newest Middle Eastern Destination

JetBlue & Etihad Airways Join Forces for Loyalty Partnership under Codeshare Agreement

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today announced the addition of Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia, to its expanding list of destinations, bringing its total number of Saudi gateways to four.

The move is part of an effort to expand the airline’s network and improve connectivity across the Middle East. The airline plans to increase its reach by starting flights to one of the most fascinating areas of Saudi Arabia. Starting on June 24, 2024, Etihad will operate four weekly flights directly connecting Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ) between Al Qassim and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport.

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“A remarkable journey from beginning to end is guaranteed by the outstanding experience that awaits them at Zayed International Airport – Terminal A, new home, which redefines the standards for travel comfort and service excellence.”

Al Qassim, known for its vibrant markets, rich cultural history, and green date palm plantations, provides the ideal fusion of modern attractions with ancient Saudi culture. This new route is intended to satisfy the needs of tourists wanting a genuine exploration of Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural and historical heritage as well as business travellers looking for new opportunities.

Beginning on June 15, Etihad is launching flights to Antalya and Jaipur, which were announced in February, as well as expanding the frequency of its services to several important destinations.

There will be three more weekly flights to Thiruvananthapuram and Amman, for a total of 10 and 14, respectively. Three more flights to Cairo for a total of 24, an increase to 17 in Karachi, and 20 weekly flights to Colombo are among the additional services.

The most recent expansion increases Etihad’s weekly flight count by 33 per cent, from 642 in the summer of last year to 855 in 2024. It also broadens the airline’s destination network from 65 to 76, greatly improving global connectivity.

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Rob Ryan is a distinguished correspondent for Aerospace Press, specializing in covering the latest trends in aviation. With a deep passion for the industry, he exhibits an exceptional level of exploration. Additionally, Rob's talent extends to photography, capturing stunning images that enrich his coverage. He has represented Jetline Marvel at various international airshows, showcasing his expertise and dedication to the field.

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Airlines

United Airlines Introduces Free Seat Switch: Say Goodbye to the Middle Seat

United Airlines Introduces Free Seat Switch: Say Goodbye to the Middle Seat

Are you tired of the cramped quarters and limited mobility that come with being sandwiched between two fellow passengers on an airplane?

Well, United Airlines has rolled out a game-changing solution to spare you from the agony of the middle seat. In a savvy move aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and convenience, United Airlines has unveiled a groundbreaking feature on its mobile app that allows travelers to sidestep the dreaded middle seat.

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Thanks to this innovative tool, passengers can now sign up for seat notifications, effectively giving them the power to their preferred seat and bid farewell to the discomfort of the middle spot.

But that’s not all – for those who crave extra legroom or are blessed with a taller stature, United’s new offering goes the extra mile. Passengers can now opt for coveted exit rows or bulkhead seats, renowned for their generous leg space, ensuring a more comfortable journey from takeoff to touchdown.

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What’s truly remarkable about this service is its simplicity and accessibility. Travelers can make seat selections and request notifications up to 12 hours before their scheduled departure, putting the power to customize their flying experience firmly in their hands. Whether you’re yearning for a window seat with a view or seeking refuge in an aisle seat for easy access to the restroom, United’s app has got you covered.

Here’s how it works: when booking your flight through the United app, you can specify your desired seat preference. Even if your dream seat isn’t initially available, fret not – if it opens up later, you’ll be automatically reassigned and promptly notified of the change. It’s a seamless process designed to ensure maximum comfort and satisfaction for passengers, all with just a few taps on your smartphone.

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And the best part? This game-changing service comes at no extra cost to the 3 million flyers who utilize the United app. whether you’re a frequent flier or a first-time traveler, you can enjoy the perks of this innovative feature.

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IndiGo to Order 100 Small Planes from Airbus, ATR, or Embraer

IndiGo to Order 100 Small Planes from Airbus, ATR, or Embraer


IndiGo, India’s leading airline, is in talks with three aircraft manufacturers to acquire a fleet of at least 100 smaller planes, aiming to bolster its regional operations, as per a report by the Economic Times.

The airline’s recent order of 30 A350 aircraft underscores its strategic focus on expanding its reach with wide-body and long-range planes, targeting increased traffic from various regions across the country.

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Now, the focus shifts to enhancing connectivity on shorter routes within India’s domestic network, tapping into the regional airline market. IndiGo is currently in discussions with ATR, Embraer, and Airbus for this purpose. With 45 ATR-72 aircraft already in operation, accommodating 78 passengers each, and five more expected this year, the airline is leaning towards ATR, although Airbus A220 and Embraer’s E-175 remain contenders.

Having established itself as a key operator of Airbus A320 aircraft, with over 450 on order for future delivery, IndiGo continues to strengthen its fleet.

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This move follows closely on the heels of the recent agreement to purchase 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, a significant step that will facilitate the airline’s expansion both domestically and internationally. This deal marks IndiGo’s entry into the wide-body aircraft segment, further solidifying its position in the market.

IndiGo’s strategy includes penetrating tier 1, 2, and 3 cities within India’s regional aviation market using smaller aircraft.

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As India maintains its status as the world’s fastest-growing aviation market, airlines are striving to meet the escalating demand amid challenges faced by aircraft manufacturers in meeting production targets.

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Best and Worst Airlines in US and Canada for Customer satisfaction

The best and worst airlines in the U.S. for 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of air travel, customer satisfaction stands as a critical benchmark, reflecting the quality of service provided by airlines.

In the latest revelation from JD Power’s esteemed 2024 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, unveiled on Wednesday, a select group of airlines has emerged as the epitome of excellence in meeting passenger expectations. Among the myriad factors influencing satisfaction, the experience at the front of the cabin holds particular significance, encapsulating premium services and amenities tailored to discerning travelers.

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As we delve into the findings of this comprehensive study, we uncover the airlines that have excelled in this domain, setting a commendable standard for others to aspire to in the realm of air travel.

Delta Airlines, boasting a commendable score of 743 out of a possible 1000 points. With a commitment to service excellence that transcends mere transportation, Delta has secured its place as a paragon of customer satisfaction. From seamless check-ins to attentive in-flight amenities, Delta’s dedication to passenger comfort is evident at every turn.

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Close to Delta’s is JetBlue Airways, garnering a respectable score of 736. Known for its customer-centric approach and vibrant in-flight experience, JetBlue continues to charm travelers with its blend of affordability and quality service. Despite the competitive landscape, JetBlue remains a formidable force in the realm of customer satisfaction.

However, not all airlines bask in the glow of acclaim. United Airlines finds itself in a middling position with a score of 698, while Alaska Airlines trails closely behind at 695. Despite their efforts, these carriers have yet to ascend to the pinnacles of customer satisfaction, facing challenges that hinder their ability to truly delight passengers.

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Further down the list, American Airlines grapples with a score of 676, highlighting areas where improvements are imperative to enhance the overall passenger experience. Meanwhile, Air Canada lags behind with a score of 629, underscoring the need for strategic measures to address customer concerns and elevate satisfaction levels.

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