Airline, Organisations & Operators,

Oman Air has partnered with HSBC Oman on a unique and innovative international payments process, which will dramatically increase efficiency and security.Via a centralised treasury hub in Oman, HSBC’s Global Disbursement solution, developed as a bespoke service for Oman Air, will deliver simultaneous multiple currency payments and an improved track and trace function for every transaction.
The new service enables Oman Air to process foreign currency payments through a single bank account, using HSBC’s extensive global network and transparent FX rates. This reduces dependency on other third party banks, reducing the costs of processing these payment types and the hours worked in doing so. This strengthens the relationship with HSBC as Oman Air’s bank of choice for international payments.
“Oman Air continues to invest in innovative financial solutions as a crucial component of our success as a truly global airline,” said Oman Air Chief Executive Officer Eng. Abdulaziz Al Raisi.
“HSBC’s Global Disbursement solution provides us with simplicity, expediency, and security. We are confident that this partnership will enable us to achieve a more streamlined international payments procedure and ultimately, enhance our guest experience,” Eng. Abdulaziz continued.
“At HSBC Oman, we are committed to innovating in our technology to make banking easier, more accessible, and more secure for our clients. Our Global Disbursement solution is designed to simplify the cross border payment process by reducing costs, minimizing risk and improving transparency. Our Global Payments Solutions Team has a proven record of providing clients across the MENAT Region with a comprehensive suite of market leading, innovative solutions and products to help them do business every day,” said Melika Betley, CEO of HSBC Oman.ADVERTISEMENTThe Global Disbursement solution will introduce significant reduction in the overall working hours spent on payment creation and reconciliation, as it enables Oman Air to process multiple currency payments at the same time, provides detailed status reports and to track and trace every payment transaction.

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In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Qatar Airways Privilege Club, British Airways Executive Club and IndusInd Bank, announced their partnership, to introduce the unique multi-branded credit card, with two leading international airlines powered by Visa.The multi-branded credit card is slated to be launched and made available to consumers in the first quarter of the financial year 2023 – 2024. Through this proposition, members will soon be able to collect Avios, the rewards currency for British Airways Executive Club and Qatar Airways Privilege Club, by signing up and choosing their preferred loyalty programme.
This credit card will be available in the Infinite variant of Visa, and will offer best-in-class rewards and benefits to elevate the travel experience of customers. Stacked with multiple attractive benefits suiting the requirements of frequent travellers, at the time of application, this credit card will give customers the flexibility to choose their preferred airline loyalty programme and select their preferred travel destination to collect maximum Avios and enjoy a host of other benefits.
Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “Today Qatar Airways Privilege Club takes another step forward in providing our members with the best offerings in the industry, introducing a first-of-its-kind Visa multi-branded credit card, in India with IndusInd Bank.
“When adopting Avios as our rewards currency, we promised members that new and exciting opportunities would come, this collaboration with oneworld® partner British Airways is another manifestation of this. We look forward to seeing our members in India availing the extensive benefits of this new partnership, which is designed to enhance their future travels.”Oliver Currell, Head of Financial Partnerships, IAG Loyalty, said: “We are delighted to launch the new British Airways and Qatar Airways credit card with IndusInd Bank; a unique multibrand credit card. The Avios currency will give Indian consumers great value rewards and opportunities to do more when it comes to global travel and experiences.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Soumitra Sen, Head – Consumer Banking & Marketing, IndusInd Bank, said, “IndusInd Bank has always been a pioneer in bringing forth some of the most innovative propositions through its array of banking solutions and suite of credit cards. We are now delighted to collaborate with Qatar Airways and British Airways, to launch this multi-branded credit card, that aims to transform the way India travels. A credit card thoughtfully designed to meet the expectations of discerning travellers with a value proposition curated around travel and bespoke offerings. With this credit card, our aim is to shift the power of choice completely into the hands of the customers.”ADVERTISEMENTSujai Raina, Head – Business Development, India, Visa said, “With air travel rebounding fast post-pandemic, consumers will seek new destinations to travel to and unwind. At Visa, a key priority for us, thus, is to ensure that together with our partners, we provide a suite of benefits that are aligned to the needs of today’s traveller. We are delighted to partner with Induslnd Bank, British Airways and Qatar Airways to power this unique multi-branded credit card and deliver a seamless and secure travel and payment experience.”

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BOC Aviation Limited and Boeing today announced that the airplane lessor is growing its 737 MAX portfolio with an order for 40 additional 737-8 jets. With the order, BOC Aviation is advancing its strategy of purchasing new, fuel-efficient, environmentally sustainable airplanes that are in demand with airline customers.“We are pleased to continue to build on our existing relationship with Boeing, with this 40-aircraft incremental order for the fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 aircraft. The incremental order takes our total 737 MAX 8 orderbook with Boeing to 80 aircraft,” said David Walton, BOC Aviation deputy managing director and chief operating officer. “We look forward to continuing to provide one of the industry’s most technologically advanced aircraft for delivery on lease to our airline customers, and to support their sustainable growth over the balance of this decade.”
Boeing continues to see strong market demand for the 737 MAX family, with more than 1,500 gross orders since late 2020.
“We are proud that BOC Aviation continues to invest in the 737-8 with its industry-leading versatility and ability to fly almost any short- and medium-haul market profitably,” said Ryan Weir, vice president of Global Leasing Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We look forward to more opportunities to expand our relationship to support BOC Aviation and its customers.”
The 737-8 is designed to offer more fuel efficiency, reliability and flexibility in the single-aisle market. The airplane can fly 3,500 nautical miles – about 600 miles farther than its predecessor – allowing airlines to profitably serve new and more direct routes for passengers. Compared to the airplanes it replaces, the 737-8 also delivers superior efficiency, using 20% less fuel and significantly reducing CO2 emissions and operating costs.
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality, and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.ADVERTISEMENTBOC Aviation is a leading global aircraft operating leasing company with a fleet of 612 aircraft owned, managed and on order. Its owned and managed fleet was leased to 81 airlines in 38 countries and regions worldwide as of 30 September 2022. BOC Aviation is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEx code: 2588) and has its headquarters in Singapore with offices in Dublin, London, New York and Tianjin. For more information, visit www.bocaviation.com.

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The Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (MOFCOM) announced its approval of Korean Air’s business combination with Asiana Airlines on December 26.MOFCOM has demanded that the merged Korean Air-Asiana entity reduce its market share due to competition concerns, to which Korean Air has submitted remedies proposing to transfer slots to any new airlines wishing to start air services on nine routes where both Korean Air and Asiana Airlines operate. Five of the nine routes have been proposed by the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) earlier this year and an additional four routes have been advised by MOFCOM.
Korean Air expects MOFCOM’s approval of the business combination to play a positive role in the review process of the remaining competition authorities.
Currently, Korean Air is still waiting for business combination approvals from the U.S., E.U. and Japan, countries where reporting is mandatory, as well as the final approval from the U.K., where reporting is arbitrary. The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has accepted remedies submitted by Korean Air, but will gather opinions from the market before giving their official approval. Korean Air will continue to cooperate closely with the remaining competition authorities to ensure the review process is completed as soon as possible.
The airline submitted business combination reports to the nine countries that require reporting on January 14, 2021. Out of these nine countries, Korean Air has received approval from China, Korea, Turkey, Taiwan and Vietnam. The Thailand Competition Commission announced that submission of a business combination report was not necessary.
From countries where reporting is arbitrary, Korean Air has received clearance from Singapore, Malaysia and Australia. The Philippines has confirmed that the business combination report was not required.ADVERTISEMENT

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SWISS is to resume the recruitment and training of new pilots from 2023 onwards. The training will be provided by the European Flight Academy, which is operated by Lufthansa Aviation Training. SWISS student pilots can also take advantage of financial training support.Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) will resume the recruitment and training of new pilots next year, after such activities were suspended in view of the coronavirus pandemic. SWISS will also be newly employing 80 first officers who have already completed their training with Lufthansa Aviation Training Switzerland (LAT).
“We are really pleased that, after a two-year hiring freeze, we can now offer a new generation of SWISS pilots job prospects, career perspectives and an attractive workplace aloft, and can welcome more new colleagues to our cockpit crew corps,” says SWISS Head of Flight Operations Stefan-Kenan Scheib. “We’re looking to train new cockpit personnel now, to ensure that we continue to meet all our cockpit crewing needs for our SWISS flight operations.”
The two-year training of SWISS’s new pilots will be conducted by the LAT-operated European Flight Academy (EFA). The training will take place at various locations including Opfikon and Grenchen in Switzerland and Goodyear (Arizona) in the USA.
“Now is the ideal time for talented young individuals to seek a cockpit career,” says Manuel Meier, Managing Director of Lufthansa Aviation Training Switzerland AG. “As the Lufthansa Group’s Swiss-based training organization, we offer our applicants high-quality basic and further flight training with SWISS instructors and a state-of-the-art training aircraft fleet.”
SWISS student pilots offered financial supportADVERTISEMENTApplicants should have completed at least three years of basic vocational training or have examination-free access to university-level education. SWISS student pilots can also benefit from assistance in financing the training costs involved. Candidates can apply now, and will find further information at www.swiss.com or at www.european-flight-academy.com.

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Jessica Diktonius has been appointed as Finavia’s Communications and Marketing Director and a member of Finavia’s Executive Group from 1 March 2023. In her role, she will be responsible for Finavia’s communications, public relations and marketing.
Jessica Diktonius has extensive experience in different roles in communications and marketing in international business environments. She will be coming to Finavia from Kesko, where she has been working as the Communications Director of the Building and Technical Trade Division since 2017. Jessica Diktonius previously held senior positions in communications at Tieto and the communications consultancy Kreab. At Finavia, Jessica Diktonius will report to the CEO Kimmo Mäki.
“We welcome Jessica Diktonius to Finavia. Her in-depth business knowledge and extensive communications expertise support our new strategy and responsibility work,” says Kimmo Mäki, Finavia’s President and CEO.
“It is great to be able to start work at Finavia, which is an internationally respected airport company in a globally linked industry. Finavia enables smooth connections to the world and promotes Finland’s accessibility as an attractive destination. I look forward to working with the team and stakeholders to advance this meaningful goal,” Jessica Diktonius says.

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Taiwan-based carrier China Airlines has won extensive recognition for its sustainability philosophy and accomplishments by winning more than 10 national and international awards in 2022 thus far.China Airlines scored another win at the “2022 National Sustainable Development Awards” (NSDA) of the Executive Yuan, emerging from a field of more than 100 businesses and organizations to receive the NSDA award in the corporate category. China Airlines won the award on its first foray at NSDA, thanks to outstanding performances in the sustainable operations, social service, digital innovation, and green procurement aspects. China Airlines became the first airlines in Taiwan to win the award, representing yet another example of excellence in sustainability. Chairman Su-Chien Hsieh accepted the award on behalf of China Airlines.
During his presentation of the NSDA awards, Premier Tseng-Chang Su encouraged everyone to support the national vision on sustainable development. More than a hundred businesses and organizations registered for the four categories of NSDA this year, these being Education, Business, Non-Government Organizations, and Government Agencies. After a very competitive three-stage judging process, the sustainability initiatives of China Airlines caught the eye of the judges, who presented the airline with the award for the Business category. The award reflected the many successes achieved by China Airlines in implementing the “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.
China Airlines is a longstanding supporter of ESG. Environmental, social and corporate governance are incorporated into its business strategy and integrated with international sustainability initiatives as well. Implementation principles were developed using the UN SDGs and Taiwan SDGs as a reference. Active efforts were made to connect the business with other stakeholders to promote related activities and fulfill their corporate social responsibilities together. This proved to be the deciding factor in the winning of the award this time.
China Airlines is continuing to employ innovative methods to strengthen its corporate sustainability and competitiveness. It was the first company in the domestic airline and transportation industries to issue a TCFD independent report. China Airlines also answered the call of the SkyTeam for the “Sustainable Flight Challenge” by operating a demonstration flight. The entire A321neo fleet used 10% sustainable aviation fuel for their delivery flights; the goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 has been set to protect the global climate and environment. China Airlines recently partnered with the Yang Ming Spring food and beverage brand, winner of the Michelin Green Star for two consecutive years, to create the “Clean & Green Plant-based Cuisine.” The all-new in-flight menu, promoting low-carbon cuisine as well as quality and diversity in in-flight catering, is yet another demonstration of the airline’s prowess in green sustainability.
China Airlines has won the Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards (TCSA) for nine consecutive years so far. This included further successes at the TCSA and Global Corporate Sustainability Awards (GCSA) in 2022. This year, China Airlines was chosen by the authoritative Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) as a constituent stock for the seventh time and won first place in the global aviation industry – a truly world-class performance. It also won the Titan Award at the “National Enterprise Environmental Protection Awards (NEEPA).” The winning of the National Sustainable Development Award is proof that China Airlines’ proactive efforts in sustainability have not gone unnoticed. China Airlines continues to promote sustainability initiatives with the goal of creating a more inclusive society.ADVERTISEMENT

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The results of the 2022 Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) have now been released. China Airlines placed first in the global aviation industry, breaking its own ranking and scoring record and making this the first time that a Taiwanese transportation operator has been crowned.China Airlines was also the only airline to be chosen as a constituent stock for Emerging Markets for seven consecutive years, another milestone moment for the Taiwanese transportation industry. As part of its corporate anniversary celebrations, China Airlines will implement ” Net Zero Carbon Emission Flight” for all flights departing from Taiwan on December 16. Providing every passenger on the day with “Carbon Neutral” travel is China Airlines’ way of putting its love for Earth into action.
Annual Improvements in Sustainability Performance See China Airlines Top ESG Ratings
DJSI is the most trusted corporate sustainability performance index in the world and is an important reference for global institutional investors. S&P Global, the international sustainability assessment body, evaluates the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of 61 industries around the world and identifies the top 10% of businesses within each. A total of 33 Taiwanese companies were selected this year. China Airlines emerged from a field of 57 participating airlines from around the world and placed first in the global aviation industry for its strong overall performance.
The DJSI assessment awarded China Airlines top marks in the environmental and social aspects. These included full scores in categories such as environmental reporting, social reporting, human capital development, corporate citizenship and philanthropy, passenger safety, sustainable marketing and brand perception. China Airlines also topped the airline industry in ten categories including environmental policy and management system, operational eco-efficiency, climate strategy, food loss and waste. The demonstration of how corporate business strategy can be successfully combined with sustainability ideals showcased the sustainability prowess of Taiwan to the world.
Celebrating with Travelers through Carbon Neutrality with Taiwan’s First “Net Zero Carbon Emission Flight”As the ESG leader in global aviation, China Airlines announced it will also implement “Net Zero Carbon Emission Flight” through the Eco Travel carbon offset platform it set up with a professional environmental protection organization. Carbon emissions will be offset for all flights departing from Taiwan on December 16. The internationally certified high-quality carbon offsets provided direct support to the development of renewable energy programs and contributed to global energy transformation. China Airlines hopes that this first-ever large-scale “carbon neutrality” initiative in the domestic transportation industry will not only serve to put ESG and sustainability into practice, but also encourage travelers to join in protecting the environment and reducing their carbon emissions by taking public transport to the airport, using online check-in, booking their meals in advance, and bringing their own duty-free eco shopping bags.ADVERTISEMENTClimate change is an important issue for China Airlines. In addition to being the first airline in Taiwan to sign and implement the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) initiative, China Airlines also issued the first independent TCFD report in the global airline industry and signed the letter of commitment for Science-Based Reduction Targets (SBTi). In recent years, the airline also accelerated the introduction of more eco-friendly and fuel-efficient next-generation aircraft such as the 777-300ER, A350, A321neo, 777F and 787, optimized flight operations and ground facilities, adopted Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), installed renewable energy, improved aircraft repairs and performance maintenance, introduced weight-cutting measures on aircraft, and put electric vehicles into service. ESG sustainability management was expanded to the Group and supply chain to boost flying efficiency and reduce overall operational carbon emissions. As a result, China Airlines is now the benchmark on carbon emissions efficiency for the Asia Pacific aviation industry and is well on its way to realizing the target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
China Airlines supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has incorporated them into the company’s core philosophy and sustainability strategy. ESG sustainability initiatives are now being actively implemented. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China Airlines conducted transportation missions for epidemic prevention materials, emergency medical supplies, and COVID-19 vaccines. These included the transportation of up to 120 million doses of vaccines across the world. The airline also recently demonstrated its capability for high-quality pharmaceutical transportation by obtaining CEIV Pharma certification for pharmaceutical cold chain logistics from the IATA.
Talent cultivation is another top priority at China Airlines. China Airlines announced that it has joined the “TALENT in Taiwan” alliance to support and promote the sustainability of talent. China Airlines has long paid attention to social issues and disadvantaged groups. Direct support included preparing boxed meals for medical workers, airport police, and epidemic prevention taxi drivers on the frontlines of COVID-19 prevention to thank them for their hard work. China Airlines also hosts charitable activities such as annual banquets, senior citizen support, tree-planting, coastal clean-up, and volunteer teaching to give back to society.
The long-running ESG sustainability initiatives of China Airlines have received widespread recognition both locally and overseas. This year, national awards won by China Airlines included the “National Sustainable Development Awards” by the National Council for Sustainable Development and the ” Giant Thumb Award of the National Enterprise Environmental Protection Awards” by the Environmental Protection Administration. The S&P Global 2022 sustainability evaluation also resulted in a “Silver Class” award in the airline industry. In addition, China Airlines is also a frequent constituent stock in the UK FTSE4Good Index Series and Taiwan Sustainability Index, as well as the winner of consecutive Global Corporate Sustainability Awards (GCSA) and Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards (TCSA).

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