Airlines
Etihad Airways Soars to New Heights with Three New Destinations
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has begun flights to three key destinations, fulfilling its promise of development and increased connectivity. Services to Dusseldorf, Germany (DUS) began on September 28, followed by Copenhagen, Denmark (CPH) the next day, and Osaka, Japan (KIX) on October 1.
Meanwhile, the airline announced increased frequency to popular destinations Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Colombo (CMB).
Emirates to increase flights on Dubai-Cairo route(Opens in a new browser tab)
The flights are part of a package of new routes and higher frequencies aimed to accommodate consumer demand for more ways to visit Abu Dhabi while also providing even greater access to Etihad’s expanding global network.
Expanded Frequencies: Increased regularity to Chennai (MAA), Colombo (CMB) Islamabad (ISB), Kochi (COK), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Madrid (MAD), Milan (MXP), Munich (MUC), Rome (FCO), and Phuket (HKT) offer travelers more choice while improving travel options and connectivity.
Aeroflot resumes flights to Colombo, Bangkok, Goa(Opens in a new browser tab)
- Cairo (CAI): An additional 5 flights per week to make triple daily operations to Cairo, effective from 1 Jan, strengthening the link between Abu Dhabi and the Egyptian capital.
- Colombo (CMB): 7 direct flights per week with 3 flights effective from 1 Dec and 4 flights effective from 1 Jan,increasing to 10 per week from May 2024, further enhancing travel options to this destination.
- Kuala Lumpur (KUL): Double daily from 15 Jan, 2024
- Maldives (MLE): An additional 7 flights per week, with 3 flights effective from 1 Dec and 4 flights effective from 1 Jan
Destinations | Change | Total Frequency | Start Date |
Dusseldorf | New route | 3 per week | 28 September 2023 |
Copenhagen | New route | 4 per week | 29 September 2023 |
Osaka | New route | 5 per week | 1 October 2023 |
Lisbon | Extended year-round | 3 per week | 29 October 2023 |
St Petersburg | New route | 3 per week | 29 October 2023 |
Kozhikode | New route | 7 per week | 1 January 2024 |
Thiruvananthapuram | New route | 7 per week | 1 January 2024 |
Boston | New route | 4 per week | 31 March 2024 |
Chennai | +7 per week | 21 per week | 15 September 2023 |
Frankfurt | +4 per week | 11 per week | 29 October 2023 |
Rome | +4 per week | 11 per week | 4 November 2023 |
Amsterdam | Retimed | 7 per week | 21 November 2023 |
Kochi | +8 per week | 21 per week | 21 November 2023 |
Madrid | +3 per week | 10 per week | 21 November 2023 |
Milan | +3 per week | 10 per week | 21 November 2023 |
Munich | +3 per week | 10 per week | 21 November 2023 |
Phuket | +7 per week | 14 per week | 21 November 2023 |
Moscow | Retimed | 7 per week | 1 December 2023 |
Cairo | +5 per week | 21 per week | 1 January 2024 |
Colombo | 7 direct per week10 direct per week | 7 per week10 per week | 1 January 2024May 2024 |
Islamabad | +2 per week | 14 per week | 1 January 2024 |
Maldives (Male) | +7 per week | 14 per week | 1 January 2024 |
Airlines
Cathay Pacific asks business class customers to bring their own cutlery
In an innovative move towards sustainability, renowned Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific has recently floated an unconventional idea to its business class customers.
Bringing their own cutlery sets onboard. This initiative, revealed through a member survey circulated within the airline’s “Cathay Lab” community – a platform comprising frequent business class travelers – has stirred a wave of curiosity within the aviation industry.
With sustainability becoming an increasing concern in aviation, Cathay Pacific’s survey aimed to gauge passengers‘ willingness to partake in various eco-friendly practices during their journeys.
Among the initiatives presented, including refilling reusable water bottles and recycling plastic, the prospect of bringing personal cutlery garnered significant attention. Some members expressed practical concerns, questioning the feasibility of carrying cutlery through airport security and the potential inconvenience for passengers unaware of regulations.
Others suggested that Cathay Pacific should simply provide reusable cutlery onboard instead. Furthermore, there were suspicions among some respondents that the BYO cutlery proposal might be a precursor to introducing additional charges, with one user humorously envisioning a scenario where the airline lends cutlery sets for a fee.
Despite the skepticism surrounding the proposal, Cathay Pacific’s exploration of innovative sustainability measures reflects a broader industry trend towards environmental consciousness.
Airlines
Air India and IndiGo’s Joint Initiative, Plans for 170 Wide-Body Aircraft
In a bold move that underscores their confidence in India’s burgeoning aviation sector, Air India and IndiGo have revealed ambitious plans to acquire a combined total of up to 170 wide-body aircraft.
This strategic investment marks a significant shift in the country’s aviation landscape, as it brings European aircraft manufacturer Airbus into a domain traditionally dominated by American giant Boeing.
With India positioned as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, the timing couldn’t be more opportune for such expansion endeavors. The aim is clear: to elevate India’s status as a global aviation hub by enhancing connectivity through direct flights between Indian cities and international destinations.
Currently, a substantial portion of India’s international air traffic relies on overseas hubs, particularly in the Gulf region. IndiGo’s announcement of firm orders for 30 A350-900 aircraft, with an option for an additional 70, signals its commitment to capturing a larger share of the long-haul market.
Meanwhile, Air India’s comprehensive order, unveiled last year, encompasses 70 wide-body planes, including a mix of A350 and Boeing 787 models.
Recognizing the potential for disruption in the long and ultra-long haul segments, aviation consultancy CAPA India has emphasized the pivotal role Indian carriers can play in driving innovation and transformation.
With the current combined fleet size of Indian airlines exceeding 700 aircraft, the stage is set for Air India and IndiGo to spearhead a new era of growth and connectivity in the Indian aviation sector.
Airlines
Air China Makes Landmark Deal: Orders 100 C919 Jets from COMAC
In a strategic move that could reshape China’s aviation industry, Air China has inked a monumental deal with Comac, signaling a significant shift in the nation’s commercial aircraft procurement landscape.
The agreement, valued at a staggering $10.8 billion based on list prices, entails the purchase of 100 Comac C919 jets, a resounding endorsement of the homegrown challenger to aerospace giants Airbus and Boeing.
The announcement, disclosed in a filing by Air China, underscores the airline’s commitment to bolstering its fleet with domestically manufactured aircraft. These C919 jets, slated for delivery between 2024 and 2031, are poised to amplify Air China’s operational capabilities and enhance its competitive stance in the global aviation arena.
The C919, a formidable competitor to Boeing’s 737 Max and Airbus’s A320neo, symbolizes China’s ambitious foray into the global aviation market. With Air China’s commitment to acquiring a substantial fleet of C919s, the aircraft is poised to carve out a formidable niche in the industry, challenging the dominance of established players.
Notably, Air China‘s existing fleet comprises an extensive array of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, showcasing its diverse operational portfolio.
With nearly 500 airplanes in service, including models from the A320 family and the 737 series, Air China’s decision to incorporate the C919 into its fleet underscores a strategic diversification strategy.
While Airbus has enjoyed notable success in China, buoyed by its local assembly line, Boeing has faced formidable challenges in recent years. However, Air China’s resolute investment in the C919 signals a paradigm shift, amplifying China’s quest for self-sufficiency in aviation.