Airline, Events, Organisations & Operators,

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, will return to ITB Berlin from 5 until 7 March in a major way, showcasing its latest signature products and reaffirming the airline’s longstanding commitment to Europe’s leading travel and trade show.
Emirates is gearing up for three action-packed days at ITB Berlin with plans to launch new partnerships and expand existing collaborations with local and regional travel partners – including air carriers to enhance connectivity for travellers headed to/from major European travel hubs; and strategic partnerships with travel and tourism entities to promote travel to and from Europe via joint marketing and other trade initiatives.
Visitors to the Emirates stand will have the opportunity to experience Emirates’ latest roster of innovative products and fan-favourites including the highly popular Emirates Premium Economy seat which will be showcased in Germany for the first time. Unveiled at the 2022 Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Emirates’ Premium Economy product has so far won multiple awards and is available on 27 A380 aircraft flying to 15 destinations including New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, London Heathrow, Sydney, Auckland, Christchurch, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo, Mumbai, Bangalore, Sao Paulo and Dubai.
Also debuting for the first time at ITB Berlin is Emirates’ iconic Boeing 777-300ER game-changer First Class fully enclosed private suite. With the full range of onboard products on display, visitors can experience Emirates’ Boeing 777 Business Class seat, the newest generation of the A380 Onboard Lounge and First Class Shower Spa, as well as its generously pitched Economy Class seats.
Emirates will also dedicate an area to showcase its latest sustainability initiatives, including onboard items that incorporate responsibly-sourced materials, and items from ‘Air-crafted by Emirates’ – a unique collection of luggage, bags and accessories made from upcycled materials from retrofitted A380 aircraft. The airline’s sustainability efforts focus on three areas: reducing emissions, consuming responsibly, and protecting biodiversity and habitats.ADVERTISEMENTThe Emirates stand will also include four meeting spaces and can accommodate up to 200 visitors at any point in time.
Emirates and Europe
Emirates began air transport services to Europe in 1987 and has since grown its operations in line with demand to and from both major and secondary cities across Europe. The airline has played a vital role supporting the tourism flows, economic development, and job opportunities in the markets where it operates. Emirates’ footprint in Europe spans 39 destinations in 22 countries, as well as an additional 403 points beyond its own network through codeshare, intermodal and interline arrangements with 51 partners. Emirates aims to further expand its connectivity for travellers between Europe and the rest of the world on the back of ITB Berlin and in partnership with regional tourism bodies.
Over the past year, Emirates has carried more than 17.2 million passengers between Dubai and all of its European gateways, facilitating convenient and seamless air connectivity for customers to and from its Dubai hub, as well as beyond Dubai to more destinations in its global network.
ITB Berlin represents Emirates’ largest trade-fair presence outside its home market. The new 480 square metres, double-storey Emirates stand will make its world debut at ITB Berlin 2024 and is located in Hall 2.2, stand number 101.

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Qatar Airways, the Global Partner and Official Airline of F1®, in partnership with Qatar Airways Holidays, announced the launch of its fan packages for the upcoming FIA Formula One World Championship™. The packages allow fans travelling from more than 40 countries to be up-close to high-octane action and enjoy unique experiences.
From the beginning to end of their journey, the packages are designed for fans to enjoy a seamless motorsport extravaganza, with the inclusion of return flights, hotel accommodation, F1® Paddock Club or Grandstand race tickets, and return airport transfers for all global races (excluding Qatar). Packages are available for purchase at: qatarairways.com/f1.
Qatar Airways Holidays Senior Vice President, Steven Reynolds said: “We are thrilled to once again provide our F1 Fan Packages to motorsport enthusiasts around the world, offering our passengers an unparalleled experience to witness the adrenaline-fuelled excitement of F1. We have worked hard to create these affordable packages that offer unbeatable value and look forward to helping fans travel to races globally, for what promises to be yet another blockbuster F1 calendar.”
Similar to the inaugural packages, this year’s fan packages include an array of flexible and competitively priced options for select F1® 2024 race destinations.
This year, fans are also encouraged to experience guided track tours, pit lane walks and more with the F1® Paddock Club™ packages, featuring savings of up to 20 per cent on global race packages. One of the best spots to watch the action, offering world-class cuisine and free-flowing beverages, the Paddock Club™ is the pinnacle of F1® hospitality. In addition, Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can collect Avios and Qpoints on all fan packages, accumulating rewards to use towards future travel and experiences while helping them retain and quickly reach their next tier. Members can also purchase their package using Cash + Avios.ADVERTISEMENTAs the racing season nears its end, the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2024 will take place in Doha from 29 November to 1 December 2024. Packages can be booked at: qatarairways.com/f1.
To highlight its commitment to growing motorsport globally and particularly in Qatar, the airline will be the Title Partner of four races this year including the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX 2024, FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS BRITISH GRAND PRIX 2024, FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX 2024, and the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2024.

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Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest airline group in Africa, is pleased to announce the finalization of Gode Ugaas Miraad Airport Terminal building and aircraft parking with taxiway construction Project. The new state of the art airport terminal has been opened for service in a grand inauguration in the presence of H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed Prime Minister of Ethiopia and H.E Mustafe Mohammed Omer President of the Somali Regional State.
The project which took three years for completion has unveiled a new terminal building having a total built-up area of 3,500sq, a new apron having a capacity to handle four De Havilland Q400 or B737 aircraft at a time, ancillary buildings such as airport rescue and firefighting station, water reservoir, and parking areas among others.
Regarding the inauguration of the new passenger terminal, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said, “We are truly pleased with the launching of Gode Ugaas Miraad Airport Terminal building and aircraft parking with taxiway construction project as it will upgrade the airport experience of our passengers traveling to/from the city of Gode. It is also a step forward in the work we do to elevate our domestic airport facilities to a higher level. The inauguration of this new terminal showcases our commitment to enhance our domestic operations alongside our international ones. Gode will neither be the only nor the last airport we will work on constructing and/or renovating. Construction of similar airport terminal is progressing well at Jinka, Kombolcha, Goba/Robe and Bahir Dar airports. It is with great honor and pleasure that we work on these projects and play our part in our country’s tourism and socio-economic growth.”
The new state of the art airport terminal is equipped with the latest technology airport facility amenities including a solar system to allow for a smooth and convenient travel via the airport.
Ethiopian Airlines plays a significant role in regional connectivity with its more than 22 destinations in the country. Ethiopian Airlines operates daily flights to/from Gode. Gode being the third airport in Somali Regional State next to Jigjiga and Kebridahar, passengers can travel between Jigjiga and Gode directly without having to transit via Addis Ababa. Gode Airport has been among the airports that Ethiopian has taken a project on to enhance the facilities.ADVERTISEMENTSince the acquisition of the Ethiopian Airports Enterprise by Ethiopian Airlines Group as a Strategic Business Unit (SBU) in 2017, Ethiopian Airlines Group has taken over the administrative role including construction and renovation projects of airports in the country.

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Manchester Airport is marking the Lunar New Year with a fortune cookie and plush toy dragon giveaway to passengers jetting off to China from Terminal 2, as new figures show a jump in the number of passengers travelling to and from Beijing in the second half of last year.
Hainan Airlines brought back its flights to the Chinese capital in late 2022 after a hiatus during the Covid-19 pandemic, and passenger numbers rose dramatically over the first full year of the route’s resumption. 32,933 passengers used the route in the second half of 2023 – up from 16,186 in the first half of the year, an increase of 104%.
The figure is expected to rise further this year, with Hainan Airlines upping the number of flights in June from four-times-per-week to daily.
The airline’s partnership with Loganair means passengers from other UK regions can also benefit from these links with tickets available from Aberdeen, Inverness, the Isle of Man and Newquay to Beijing, with a simple airside transfer at Manchester.
Manchester has one of the UK’s oldest and largest Chinese communities and celebrates the Lunar New Year with an impressive parade through the city centre, ending in its Chinatown district – a parade in which airport colleagues are also due to take part this year.ADVERTISEMENTThe Beijing flights also underpin crucial economic ties between China and the north of the UK. Export values from Manchester Airport to China grew 41% and enquiries about investment in the area from China doubled in the two years after the route first launched. The region’s universities also saw a boost of nearly 10% in the number of Chinese students enrolling.
More than 117,000 passengers also travelled between Manchester and Hong Kong last year, where Cathay Pacific operates four flights per week.
Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: “We’d like to wish a happy Lunar New Year to all those celebrating. The Year of the Dragon is believed to bring good luck and prosperity, and we are certainly very fortunate in Manchester to have a direct link to Beijing, which will become a daily service this summer.
“We’re proud to connect the North with the world, and with services to destinations like Beijing, Hong Kong and Singapore, our links to the Far East are unrivalled by any other UK airport outside of London.”
Rhys Whalley, Executive Director at the Manchester China Forum, added: “Hainan Airlines’ decision to take the Manchester-Beijing route daily this summer is not only a vote of confidence in the prospects for post-pandemic two-way traffic, but also in the airline’s conviction that the region will serve as a key gateway for Chinese businesses, students and visitors entering the UK market.
“This weekend’s Lunar New Year celebrations will once again see tens of thousands gather in Manchester’s Chinatown to welcome in the new year. As some of the largest scale celebrations in Europe; this will provide local residents, the thousands of Chinese students studying across the region as well as the ever-growing Chinese business community, an opportunity to come together to welcome in the year of the Dragon.”

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Air Canada became the first airline globally to bring Disney+ Originals to the skies through its in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. The airline’s latest collaboration with Disney, an internationally recognized brand, offers customers even more opportunities to enjoy original programming for all ages while onboard. It also marks Air Canada’s most recent investment in its family-focused travel experience, adding critically-acclaimed and exclusive Disney+ Originals such as the first three episodes of Loki Season 1 and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
“We are thrilled to bring Disney+ Original series and films to our inflight entertainment, further solidifying our expansive range of leading content. Families with kids and enthusiasts alike will enjoy watching familiar favourites and exciting new Originals from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more. Taking in a Disney+ Original is a great way for our global customers to start or end their journey with us,” said John Moody, Managing Director, Product Design at Air Canada.
Beginning this month, customers will be able to enjoy a selection of episodes from beloved Disney+ Original series that include Limitless with Chris Hemsworth, Cars on the Road and Zootopia+, as well as Original movies such as Disenchanted and Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Recent other family-focused Air Canada collaborations with Disney have included the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida themed in-flight safety video launched for the summer travel period, a special Walt Disney World Resort in Florida themed children’s room at Toronto Pearson’s Transborder Maple Leaf Lounge, and a special aircraft livery celebrating the launch of Disney and Pixar’s acclaimed movie Turning Red, with more to come.
This year, Air Canada was named by Skytrax as the world’s most family friendly airline at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards, Best Family-Friendly Airline in North America for the fifth consecutive year and Best Family-Friendly International Airline for the fourth consecutive year at the Wherever Awards.
Air Canada was also recognized by Global Traveler as Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment for the fifth consecutive year, and by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) with the Passenger Choice Award for Best Entertainment in North America, earlier this year. With 420+ movies, 1,000+ TV episodes, 130+ music albums, podcasts and more, customers can enjoy the best programming from boarding to landing. All content onboard Air Canada’s inflight entertainment equipped aircraft is complimentary for all customers.ADVERTISEMENT

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Boeing will show its market-leading commercial, defense and services portfolio at the 2023 Dubai Airshow, with its new wide body 777-9 jet appearing in the flying display. The company also will demonstrate the state-of-the-art F-15QA (Qatar Advanced) fighter, the first time the digitally advanced Qatar Emiri Air Force F-15 has performed at an air show.
As a strategic sponsor of the airshow’s Aerospace 2050 conference, Boeing will highlight its commitment and actions towards a more sustainable aerospace future and support of the aviation industry’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
“We’re proud to again join the Dubai Airshow and share some of our most advanced products and services with customers, suppliers, partners and aviation enthusiasts attending from around the globe,” said Dr. Brendan Nelson AO, president of Boeing Global. “We will also focus on our investments in technology and other actions to reduce industry emissions ahead of the U.N. Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 28) in Dubai.”
For media planning, Boeing will offer these events during the airshow:
Boeing Commercial AirplanesADVERTISEMENTFrom November 13-15, Boeing’s widebody 777-9 flight-test airplane will perform in the flying display and be on static display. The world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, the 777-9 is based on the industry’s most successful twin-aisle family – the 777 – with advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner. The jet can seat 426 passengers with a range of 13,510 km (7,295 nautical miles).Customer displays will include 787-9 Dreamliners from Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, an Emirates Airlines 777-300ER (Extended Range), a SAUDIA 787-10 Dreamliner and an Air India Express 737 MAX.Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newest carrier, will display a Boeing-owned 787-9 in its new indigo livery, inspired by the colors of the sky at dusk.On Nov. 14, Darren Hulst, vice president of Commercial Marketing, will present the 2023 Middle East Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) and a product overview. The Boeing CMO is the industry’s most comprehensive market analysis.Boeing Defense, Space & Security
The superior capability of Boeing’s Advanced F-15QA fighter jet will be on display as the aircraft performs in aerial demonstrations.Boeing will feature the T-7A Red Hawk Advanced Pilot Training System simulator, giving visitors a glimpse into the revolutionary ground-based training system, connecting simulators to real training jets.Global defense customers will display several Boeing aircraft including the F-15E, KC-46A Pegasus, P-8A Poseidon, AH-64 Apache and CH-47F Chinook.Boeing Global Services:
Boeing will showcase services for government and commercial customers including digital, sustainment, modifications, parts and training solutions.The company will highlight in-country partnerships providing on-the-ground support for defense platforms as well as digital capabilities enabling the future of efficient commercial aviation operations.Sustainable Aviation:
On Nov. 13, Sheila Remes, vice president of Environmental Sustainability, will join a panel at the Aerospace 2050 forum to discuss Boeing and industry efforts to decarbonize aviation.On Nov. 14, Brian Moran, vice president of Global Sustainability Policy & Partnerships, and Jim Hileman, chief engineer and vice president of Sustainability & Future Mobility, will discuss Boeing’s Cascade Climate Impact Model, a data-modeling tool that provides actionable insights towards decarbonization.Innovation and Technology
Boeing-led Aerospace Xelerated is a strategic partner of the Vista 2023 startup hub at the Dubai Airshow and plays a key role in mentoring emerging aerospace technology companies. Its participation includes:Highlighting 10 portfolio companies supported by the UAE’s Tawazun CouncilBoeing’s Applied Innovation team, which is dedicated to bringing startup innovation and technology of startups into Boeing products and services, and seven portfolio companiesVisit the Boeing Exhibit 1005 to learn more about the company’s capabilities through the lifecycle of several customer-focused products

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Qatar Airways embodies commitment to sustainability and innovation with Expo-themed livery and enhanced in-flight experiences
Attending the reveal were H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie; Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker; President of Ashghal, H.E. Dr. Engr. Saad Ahmed Al Mohannadi; Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer; and Secretary-General of Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha, Engr. Mohamed Ali al-Khouri
Doha, Qatar – Qatar Airways is proud to welcome the new Expo 2023 Doha livery to its fleet and commemorate its role as the Official Strategic Partner for the landmark event. The unveiling represents a celebration of Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport’s (HIA) readiness to host a global gathering focused on environmental awareness, strengthening their positions as strategic partners in the journey towards a sustainable future.
The aircraft, an A330-300 adorned with the Expo 2023 Doha livery, was unveiled by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, at Hamad International Airport.
The event was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including President of Ashghal, H.E. Dr. Engr. Saad Ahmed Al Mohannadi; Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer; Secretary-General of Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha, Engr. Mohamed Ali al-Khouri; in addition to the senior management of Qatar Airways and the Expo team.ADVERTISEMENTMinister of Municipality, His Excellency Mr. Abdulla bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, added: “Expo 2023 Doha is a beacon of Qatar’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental progress. With esteemed partners like Qatar Airways, we are poised to deliver an Expo experience that resonates globally and inspires positive change.”
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We welcome all countries to Expo 2023 Doha, which represents a continuation of our inspiring journey filled with innovation, collaboration, and pioneering solutions. The arrival of the Expo 2023 Doha aircraft at Hamad International Airport symbolises our commitment to fostering a sustainable and innovative future as enshrined in Qatar’s national vision.”
Secretary-General of Expo 2023 Doha, Engr. Mohammed Ali Al Khouri, stated: “Qatar Airways has consistently demonstrated its commitment to sustainability through its various global initiatives. As a testament to this commitment, we are honoured to take part of the unveiling of our Expo 2023 Doha livery. This milestone not only represents a celebration of our joint efforts but also serves as a powerful symbol of our ongoing environmental stewardship in the region.”
As part of its substantial contribution to Expo 2023, Qatar Airways will feature the “Qatar Airways Garden,” an impressive pavilion highlighting engaging activations designed to illustrate the Expo’s theme of “Green Desert, Better Environment”.
Qatar Airways will also offer an enriched in-flight experience from 11 October 2023, featuring curated beverages and an exclusive à la carte menu spotlighting Qatari farm-sourced ingredients, along with Expo-themed in-flight entertainment. This includes a dedicated Expo channel offering over 30 gardening-related shows, ensuring a memorable horticultural experience in-flight.
Expo 2023 Doha, will run from October 2023 to March 2024 at the scenic Al Bidda Park, and is anticipated to draw around three million international visitors. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the six-month event will feature a diverse array of experiences including beautiful gardens, enlightening talks, art, cuisine, and a special emphasis on innovative approaches to combat desertification.

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Finnair is taking part in Plan International’s #GirlsTakeover campaign, where girls step into the shoes of political, social and economic leaders as part of the UN’s International Day of the Girl celebrations.
At Finnair, 17-year-old Siru Nuutinen will take over the role of CEO Topi Manner and work with Finnair’s Executive Board on 9 October. The takeover is part of campaign by Plan International, a children’s rights organisation that seeks to raise awareness about discrimination against girls and, at the same time, highlighting their potential.
“In recent years, we have seen growth in the importance of companies as socially responsible actors. At Finnair, we strongly believe in a diverse and equitable society, which is why we wanted to join Plan’s initiative,” says Manner. 
The theme for the takeovers is equality in working life. Globally, girls still have fewer opportunities than boys to get an education, to access decision-making positions and earn equal pay. There is also room for improvement in equality in working life in Finland.
At Finnair, the campaign focuses not only on the position of girls but also on the broader theme of equality and diversity. Updated objectives and actions will be published during the takeover.ADVERTISEMENT“We have long enjoyed a multicultural and diverse working environment. However, after long years of crisis, now is a good time to update our goals and restart the systematic actions to achieve a more equitable and inclusive workplace,” says Manner. “We want to be an attractive employer also in the future, and by working with Siru, we believe we can get good ideas on how to concretely advance equality and inclusion”.
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan strives for a just world, working together with children, young people, supporters and partners. Plan has been operating in Finland since 1998.

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