Airline, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Los Angeles in collaboration with STARLUX Airlines, is excited to announce the launch of flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Chiang Mai, a captivating cultural destination in Thailand. Starting January 16th, STARLUX Airlines, renowned for their premium service will provide convenient access to the vibrant region of Northern Thailand.In celebration of this new venture, TAT Los Angeles and STARLUX Airlines hosted a cultural event on January 16th at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The event featured the unique traditions of Chiang Mai and highlight TAT’s dedication to fostering US-Thailand travel.
Passengers on the inaugural flight from LAX received special “Elephant Pants” to symbolize the hospitality that awaits them in Chiang Mai.
“We are delighted to partner with STARLUX Airlines to provide seamless flights from the USA directly to Chiang Mai’s vibrant atmosphere,” said Pornpan Intratat, Director of TAT Los Angeles. “This initiative aligns with our goal to position Thailand as a top travel choice, showcasing the distinct cultural experiences available in Chiang Mai.”
Chiang Mai, nestled in the mountainous region of Northern Thailand, is a city steeped in rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and picturesque landscapes. Its vibrant markets, traditional performances, and breathtaking natural beauty make it a must-visit destination. Explore the historic Old City, visit the sacred Wat Phra Singh, or embark on an adventure to the lush Doi Inthanon National Park. Chiang Mai offers a diverse range of experiences, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity. Uncover more at Thailandinsider.com
“We look forward to presenting these new routes that connect the USA to the enchanting city of Chiang Mai,” said Mike Wang, General Manager, STARLUX North America. “Our commitment to superior travel experiences is evident in this initiative, which also bolsters our network from the USA to Taipei, Bangkok, and now Chiang Mai.”ADVERTISEMENTTAT Los Angeles is enthusiastic about cultivating this partnership with STARLUX Airlines and extends a warm invitation to more explorers to discover Thailand’s wonders through this convenient route at starlux-airlines.com/en-US Please note that the flight from LAX/SFO to Chiang Mai involves transfers via Taipei.

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The recent news that Dutch carrier Corendon Airlines has started offering adult-only areas on its flights garnered widespread media attention around the world.  Rightly so, as it seems that passengers have long been crying out for this service according to an article published in the Spectator that was based on a survey from PhotoAID.
Corendon’s route from Amsterdam to Curaçao in the Caribbean will have a dedicated section at the front of the plane – where those over 16-years-old can enjoy “peace and quiet” – in a move that it says will improve the experience for both those travelling with and without children.
While this move is likely to be popular among many passengers, what does the industry think?  Could this trend actually ‘take off’?  And what do buyers and suppliers need to do to tap into it? We spoke with several experts from the travel technology distribution space for their reactions.
Pointing out that ‘adults only’ travel services currently exist in the hotel industry, several cruise lines offer ‘adults only’ sections or facilities on various ships, and there are tour operators that focus on adult-only trips, Henry Harteveldt from Atmosphere Research Group recommends that anyone entering into this space do their research first. “Do you have enough customers to make this endeavor worthwhile? Is this profitable? Will this favorably distinguish your brand? Will you be able to sell and service this through all the channels you sell through – including travel agencies, if you use them? If the answers are favorable, a robust and comprehensive marketing strategy – and budget – will be critical. Relying just on search engine optimization and search and social media marketing to create awareness and generate interest won’t be adequate. You’ll need an integrated marketing campaign that encompasses PR, advertising in relevant media, targeted email, promotional activity – and, yes, SEO, SEM, and social media marketing.”
To be successful the idea will require investment from both sellers and B2B buyers of flights: “Travel providers and intermediaries need to think carefully about how they would sell and market this new service,” says Janis Dzenis from price-comparison website WayAway. “Currently, adult-only flights aren’t a typical search term for consumers – many wouldn’t know this is now a real option.  A PR or marketing campaign would be needed, alongside new technology that can help adult-only flights appear in the booking flow.  OTAs and metasearch companies should consider adding a filter for this emerging service, and consider guiding people to it on their websites, as it’s not something people will naturally know they can search for.”ADVERTISEMENTIt’s not just airlines that stand to benefit from this being a success, “travel sellers and buyers of accommodation too should think about how to maximise this new trend,” adds Gareth Matthews from global travel distribution provider Didatravel.  “This could be a great opportunity to sell the ultimate adult-only package holiday, for example.  Hotels have already mastered the adult-only concept and many have highly successful business models, plus loyal customers and strong distribution networks.  Now, the ability to package this with a matching adult-only flight could be a win-win-win for travellers, distributors and suppliers.”
Broadly agreeing with this view, Haluk Kayhan, CEO at PrimeTravel, a fast-growing B2B travel distributor providing accommodations around the world adds: “For retail travel agents sat their facing the client in person or selling over the phone this represents a unique opportunity to add value and personalize a trip – they can judge whether or not a traveller is likely to be interested in an adult only cabin experience in a way that an online seller can’t do in the same way. So we’d recommend that airlines considering this explore the retail sales channel route above others. The prospect of adult-only flights therefore presents an exciting opportunity for both travellers seeking a serene journey and for the industry too.”

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Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are on the countdown until their first flights depart from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, with operations starting in exactly three months The UK’s largest tour operator and third largest airline will start operating flights and holidays from Liverpool John Lennon Airport in exactly three months, with a flight to Tenerife signalling the start of operations from the airport. To mark the special occasion, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have promised exciting plans at the airport for their first day. 
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays announced they would launch their award-winning flights and holidays from Liverpool John Lennon Airport back in May this year, marking the latest stage in their continued growth and success story. 
The airline and tour operator have put 20 sunshine destinations on sale for Summer 24 from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, including six destinations that are exclusive to Jet2.com and Jet2holidays from Liverpool. Since launching, the companies have reported a fantastic response from customers and independent travel agents and have announced an even bigger programme for Summer 25 on the back of this, with additional aircraft coming into operation to support this growth.
Speaking today, Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “Since the day we announced our launch from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, we have experienced huge demand from customers and independent travel agents wanting to enjoy our award-winning flights and ATOL protected package holidays. The key ingredient behind our success is our commitment to delivering VIP customer service and it is clear that the word has spread to Liverpool and the surrounding region, because the reaction we have had since launch has been nothing short of phenomenal. Bookings have remained consistently strong since launch, and the feedback we have received has left us in no doubt that making this move was the right one. With just three months until our first flight from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, we are incredibly excited about opening this latest chapter in our continued growth story and we cannot wait to welcome customers and get started.” 
In their first summer of operations from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will operate up to 54 weekly flights, including 12 weekly flights to both the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands. A fleet of four based aircraft will fly customers to a wide choice of destinations across Mainland Spain, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Portugal, Madeira and Cyprus (full list of destinations below). ADVERTISEMENTThis is a significant programme for the company’s first summer of operations from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, representing 565,000 seats on sale. The programme includes six exclusive summer routes to Gran Canaria, Menorca, Rhodes, Zante, Madeira, and Bourgas (Bulgaria). With multiple weekly flights to many destinations, it means that customers can enjoy fantastic flexibility when it comes to choosing the duration of their holiday.
A team of more than 250 colleagues, including a huge team of uniformed Customer Helpers will be in place to ensure that customers travelling from Liverpool John Lennon Airport with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays get to experience and enjoy the VIP customer service which has seen the companies continually grow their businesses whilst repeatedly winning high-profile accolades. These awards include Which? Travel Brand of the Year, Which? Recommended Provider in every possible category (seven categories in total), and an unprecedented 14 awards at the recent British Travel Awards.
These customer service accolades complement those of Liverpool John Lennon Airport, which in recent years has been voted the Which? Best UK Airport, as well as Which? Recommended Provider and commended for its high levels of customer service, with travellers able to take advantage of the Airport’s faster, easier and friendlier passenger experience. Passengers flying from Liverpool check-in quickly and pass through the terminal with ease compared to many larger airports, with average security queue times of just 12 minutes last Summer and more on time departures than most other UK airports.
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays’ Summer 24 Programme from Liverpool John Lennon Airport:
Mainland Spain
Alicante – up to four weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) Canary Islands – highest frequency of services from Liverpool John Lennon Airport
Fuerteventura – up to two weekly services (Wednesday and Saturday) Gran Canaria – up to two weekly services (Tuesday and Saturday) – exclusive route Lanzarote – up to three weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday) Tenerife – up to five weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
Balearic Islands
Ibiza – up to three weekly services (Monday, Friday and Saturday)  Majorca – up to seven weekly services (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Friday, Saturday and Sunday) Menorca – up to two weekly services (Wednesday and Sunday) – exclusive route Portugal
Faro – up to four weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) Madeira – weekly Monday services – exclusive route Greece
Corfu – up to two weekly services (Monday and Friday) Crete (Heraklion) – up to two weekly services (Tuesday and Friday) Kos – weekly Friday services Rhodes – up to two weekly services (Monday and Thursday) – exclusive route Zante – weekly Wednesday services – exclusive route Cyprus
Paphos – weekly Wednesday services Turkey – highest frequency of services from Liverpool John Lennon Airport
Antalya – up to four weekly services (Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday) Dalaman – up to four weekly services (Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday) Bodrum – up to two weekly services (Wednesday and Sunday)
Bulgaria – exclusive from Liverpool Airport
Bourgas – up to two weekly services (Monday and Thursday) – exclusive route

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There is ‘snow’ better time to take off to the slopes, as the first major snowfall of the season has hit the Alps, and Jet2.com is offering 10% off all ski flights for this winter too. 
With eight ski destinations on sale this Winter 23/24 with the UK’s leading leisure airline from ten airports (Belfast International, Bristol, Birmingham, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, London Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle International), customers have plenty of choice when it comes to grabbing a piste of the action in the French, Swiss, Austrian and Italian Alps, as well as the Tyrolean Mountains and Pyrenees. 
The winter sale also means customers can slope off to the snow for less this winter, as Jet2.com is offering 10% off all ski flights until March 2024. 
Offering an array of services to eight top ski destinations – Chambery, Geneva, Grenoble, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Lyon, Barcelona (Andorra) and Turin, Jet2.com’s ski flights provide fantastic flexibility and great flight times, making them perfectly timed for customers looking to make the most of the fresh snowfall for a weekend, long weekend, or longer mid-week break. 
There is ‘snow’ way skiers and snowboarders will want to miss out on this sale, and wide choice of ski destinations and flights, as the flakes sweep the mountains for a thrilling winter season. When booking ski flights with Jet2.com, customers can enjoy VIP customer service as well as 22kg ski carriage*, 22kg baggage* and 10kg free hand luggage.  ADVERTISEMENTSki destinations by base for Winter 23/24 are as follows:
Belfast International – Salzburg Birmingham – Chambery, Geneva, Grenoble, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Barcelona (Andorra) and Turin Bristol – Chambery, Innsbruck and Geneva East Midlands – Geneva and Salzburg Edinburgh – Chambery, Geneva, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Turin Glasgow – Geneva Leeds Bradford – Chambery, Geneva, Barcelona (Andorra) and Salzburg London Stansted – Chambery, Geneva, Grenoble, Innsbruck and Salzburg Manchester – Chambery, Geneva, Grenoble, Innsbruck, Lyon, Salzburg, Barcelona (Andorra) and Turin Newcastle International – Geneva, Grenoble, and Salzburg Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “As the Alps welcomes its first snowfall of the season, and we launch a winter sale on ski flights, there is no better time for skiers and snowboarders to take off to the slopes. Our fantastic ski programme for Winter 23/24 is on sale from across ten UK airports and gives customers access to some of the best ski resorts in the world. Offering fantastic choice, flexibility and flight times, skiers and snowboarders can hit the slopes for a weekend, a short break or for longer, whilst flying with our award-winning airline and benefitting from our VIP customer service. We know skiers and snowboarders will be clamouring to hit the slopes for less, and we are looking forward to another successful ski season this year.”

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Qatar Airways announces its commitment as the Official Airline Partner of United for Wildlife (UfW), an initiative working to tackle the illegal wildlife trade and protect endangered species, founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales in 2014.
This prestigious partnership underscores Qatar Airways’ unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation. Qatar Airways and United for Wildlife will pursue campaigns around their shared mission to fight the illegal wildlife trade and advance the work of the United for Wildlife Regional Chapters.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “The illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade threatens our global biodiversity, and poses a risk to health and safety, particularly in marginalised communities. We are taking measures to disrupt this illicit trade in order to conserve biodiversity and safeguard our delicate ecosystems. As the Official Airline Partner, we believe that this ground-breaking partnership with United for Wildlife demonstrates our commitment to the Buckingham Palace Declaration and represents another important step in our commitment protecting wildlife. United for wildlife has brought together various businesses in a unique collaborative approach that share the same mission as ours. We remain committed to collaborating with our stakeholders to raise awareness of the impact on the illegal animal trade, working tirelessly to deliver Qatar Airways Cargo – WeQare Rewild the Planet initiative to protect our planet’s most vulnerable species.”
Amanda Berry OBE, CEO of The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, said: “As a founding member of our Transport Taskforce in 2016, Qatar Airways has a longstanding partnership with United for Wildlife and has consistently demonstrated commitment to tackling the illegal wildlife trade around the world. They were the first airline to complete the IATA IEnvA IWT certification and have implemented several initiatives to help prevent wildlife trafficking through their network.
“Qatar Airways’ enhanced level of support in their capacity as the Official Airline Partner is another example of their dedication to eradicating this harmful trade and preserving biodiversity for future generations.” ADVERTISEMENTQatar Airways Cargo launched its WeQare chapter: Rewild the Planet corporate sustainability initiative in 2020. As a part of the initiative, Qatar Airways Cargo encourages the preservation of ecological balance by providing free transportation services to organisations involved in returning wild animals to their natural habitat. One of the notable milestones of this initiative was the successful transportation of seven lions from Ukraine in 2021. This operation demonstrated Qatar Airways dedication to supporting the efforts of NGOs and conservation organisations in their vital work to rewild the planet.
Qatar Airways is the official airline to be certified to the industry standard for the prevention of illegal wildlife trafficking in aviation. The certification confirms that an airline has procedures, staff training and the reporting protocols that help with better detection of illegal wildlife products. Qatar Airways Group maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards the transportation of illegal wildlife and products, and has implemented employees to undertake the llegal Wildlife Trade Awareness training. This training serves the dual purpose of enhancing knowledge and awareness about trafficking and equipping employees with skills to identify and respond effectively should they encounter trafficking activities.

The airline’s participation in the United for Wildlife Global Summit in Singapore aligns with its sustainability initiatives and responsibilities and encourages other organisations and individuals to join in their commitment to preserving the planet’s precious biodiversity.

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Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has unveiled flagship premium lounges at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new Terminal A. This follows Etihad making history when it operated Terminal A’s first commercial flight on 31 October, and the new lounge is revealed ahead of the airline’s full transition to the new Terminal which is phased to take place between 9 and 14 November.Etihad’s impressive new lounges span three floors of Terminal A’s north side, nestled between Piers C and D. The First and Business lounges feature a range of dining options, relaxation and entertainment spaces to suit all guests, including the stunning Constellation Bar at the enclosed Roof Lounge.
“When designing the Etihad Lounges in our new home, Terminal A, our teams thought through every detail, ensuring an experience that will delight our guests from the moment they step through the door,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad.
“The lounge is a hugely important aspect of our guests’ journey and we wanted to curate an impressive experience that will leave them wanting to fly again soon. In true Etihad style, we’ve been innovative with the design and will offer a selection of memorable experiences whether our guests choose to relax, indulge in various dining options or enjoy a refreshing drink at the signature Constellation Bar,” he continued.The Etihad lounges are accessible to guests flying in Etihad’s The Residence, First and Business Class and Etihad Guest members with eligible tier status. Guests flying in Economy who wish to enjoy the exclusive lounge space can purchase access to Etihad’s Business Lounge subject to availability.
The Lounge is conveniently located with access to three gates offering direct-lounge boarding on selected flights, meaning guests in premium cabins can board straight from the Lounge for convenience and speed.Within the Lounge, expansive views of the runway can be savoured from the calm and tranquil retreat offered in the East and West Study, which offers guests the perfect place to watch aircraft take-off or come in to land.
ADVERTISEMENTDining decadence and Rooftop loungeEtihad’s Business Class lounge features an array of dining experiences. Liwan Global Dining is Etihad Lounge’s informal, all-day dining restaurant which offers an abundance of choice featuring live cooking stations, Emirati and Middle Eastern cuisines alongside international favourites inspired by the destinations Etihad flies to.
Guests can also choose to dine at the Roof Lounge at select periods and enjoy an international buffet of hot and cold dishes.
For those preferring something lighter, there are multiple stations across the lounge where guests can help themselves to a selection of snacks as well as hot and cold drinks.
The Constellation Bar within the Roof Lounge is decorated with a 172 piece, 25m long bespoke glass lighting sculpture– Panora – which depicts the Abu Dhabi city skyline. The bar will serve a wide selection of cocktails, mocktails, wines and beverages, and is set to become a destination in itself for frequent travellers.
The Relaxation Rooms provide private spaces complete with day beds and plush Armani Casa furnishings for guests to catch up on rest and refresh in one of the 18 beautifully appointed shower suites before their flight. Those preferring a more entertaining experience can head to the Games Room which is fully equipped with table football, air hockey and digital gaming options for all to enjoy.

Family travellers continue to be important to Etihad and a bespoke Family Room has been thoughtfully designed with young travellers in mind, and comes packed with games, toys and books to keep little ones entertained. Additionally, Chesterfield sofas bring plush comfort to the Smoking Lounge for cigarette and cigar smokers.
Prayer rooms have also been thoughtfully designed with ensuite ablution areas for comfort and convenience.

A First class welcomeThe exclusive First lounge offers a dedicated reception lobby for Etihad’s most premium guests and a private elevator to access the Rooftop Lounge on the top floor of the complex.The First Lounge Dining Room offers an elevated dining experience with à la carte dining and a fine and boutique wine selection recommended by in-house experts. The cuisine will reflect the best of Emirati gastronomy as well as the destinations Etihad flies to.In The Parlour for First customers will be treated to a decadent selection of pastries, desserts and a signature tea experience in an elegant setting. The experience includes an array of tea ceremonies as well as signature coffee presentation.
For the ultimate relaxation and indulgence before flying, First class Private Suites are available for guests to work, relax and dine in complete privacy. The Private Suites are complimentary for guests flying in The Residence and available for booking by all other First class lounge guests.
On arrival in Abu DhabiIn addition to the First and Business class lounges in Departures, premium guests arriving in Abu Dhabi with pre-booked chauffeur services will be invited to visit the Etihad Chauffeur Lounge to shower, refresh or simply grab a quick snack or drink before meeting their chauffeur.

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As the UAE’s national airline, Etihad Airways operated the first commercial flight from Abu Dhabi International’s highly-anticipated new Terminal A today.
Etihad flight EY224, from Abu Dhabi to New Delhi, departed Terminal A today at 14.35. The flight used one of the airline’s Airbus A350-1000, with 359 guests onboard.
Etihad and Abu Dhabi International Airport welcomed the guests who made history as they enjoyed the seamless experience of checking in at Terminal A for the first time.
To commemorate the occasion, all passengers, including those in both Economy and Business classes, had the unique opportunity to be the inaugural guests at the new flagship Etihad Lounges which span three floors at Terminal A.
After sampling a special menu of celebratory cuisine at the Etihad Lounge, guests made their way to Gate C27, where themed decorations and a photo booth awaited to capture this historic moment.ADVERTISEMENTThe ceremonial flight was officially inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by a distinguished array of guests, including Etihad and Abu Dhabi Airport Board members and aviation leaders. Among those present were Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, as well as Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim CEO and Frank McCrorie, Chief Operations Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports. Antonoaldo and Frank both gave speeches to officially welcome the airport’s first guests.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad, said: “This is a pivotal and exciting moment in Etihad’s history. As we begin to celebrate our 20th anniversary in November, we are ready for the next growth chapter in our new home.
“Our congratulations go to the Abu Dhabi leadership for their vision in creating what is one of the world’s most spectacular airports. The terminal is a stunning piece of architecture that echoes the local landscape and warmly welcomes our guests and elevates their travel experience.
“As we begin our transition to our new home, we look forward to welcoming even more passengers as we continue to grow and expand our fleet and network.”

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim CEO at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “This is an historic moment for Abu Dhabi International Airport, our partners at Etihad Airways, and the emirate as whole. The first flight from Terminal A marks a major milestone in the journey of Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector. Terminal A brings a significant increase to capacity, and delivers state-of-the-art facilities to both airlines and passengers. We look forward to welcoming more passengers throughout November as we continue to increase the number of flights departing and arriving at Terminal A.”
Terminal A is a key pillar of Etihad’s growth strategy, with the capability to handle up to 45 million passengers annually and connect Abu Dhabi to 117 global destinations.
The Terminal provides dedicated check-in desks for Etihad’s Economy guests, as well as exclusive areas for guests travelling in Business and First to enjoy a fast-tracked, premium experience. Additional state-of-the-art biometric self-bag drop facilities are available for all guests wishing to take advantage of a speedy check-in.
Guests flying in Etihad’s premium cabins can take advantage of the kerbside drop off facility outside of the First and Business class exclusive check-in area, where porters are on hand to assist with luggage.
Etihad’s expansive new airport lounges feature an array of cuisine and dining options, a rooftop cocktail bar, a variety of relaxation spaces, games room and a family room. For added convenience, the Lounge offers direct boarding access for three aircraft, meaning many guests will be able to board their flight straight from the Lounge.
Etihad will transition flights to Terminal A in a phased approach from 9 November and during this time the airline advises all passengers to carefully check their terminal information within two days of travel to ensure the most accurate information. Between 9 and 14 November, Etihad will operate from both Terminal A and Terminal 3, and from 11am on 14 November Etihad is set to operate all flights from Terminal A.
Visit etihad.com/TerminalAinfo for more information.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad said: “This is a pivotal and exciting moment in Etihad’s history. As we begin to celebrate our 20th anniversary in November, we are ready for the next growth chapter in our new home.
“Our congratulations go to the Abu Dhabi leadership for their vision in creating what is one of the world’s most spectacular airports. The terminal is a stunning piece of architecture that echoes the local landscape and warmly welcomes our guests and elevates their travel experience.
“As we begin our transition to our new home, we look forward to welcoming even more passengers as we continue to grow and expand our fleet and network.”

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Saudia will become the first airline to operate in and out of the Red Sea International airport (RSI).This is after the airline signed an MoU with the Red Sea Global (RSG) and daa International.
RSI is on track to open this year along with the first three resorts at The Red Sea destination. Initially it will open for domestic flights to and from Riyadh and later Jeddah, before expanding to handle international flights from 2024.
“In 2016, His Royal Highness, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, set out a vision for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A vision for a thriving country, one that was recognized as a global hub, where people from all around the world would come to experience the best of Saudi culture, hospitality and nature,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.
“When the first commercial flight lands at Red Sea International, it won’t just be a point of personal pride for Red Sea Global. It will be a milestone moment for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in making that vision a reality. It is fitting, therefore, that the Kingdom’s flag carrier, Saudia, will be first to operate from our destination,” said John Pagano, Group CEO, Red Sea Global.”
The agreement will see Saudia commence regular scheduled services to and from RSI. It also provides a framework for the three organisations to undertake joint research on the use of Lower Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at Red Sea International Airport. The use of electric vertical take-off and landing jets (eVTOL) to reduce emissions from air travel to The Red Sea will also be evaluated.ADVERTISEMENTCapt. Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of Saudia, said: “Today’s agreement marks a new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s aviation history. As wings of Vision 2030, Saudia’s contribution is to be an enabler in attaining giga projects targets, and our involvement as the first airline to operate from and to Red Sea International airport is a source of pride for us all. This agreement will strengthen our position in the Kingdom and allow us to collaborate with RSG and daa International to boost tourism and enhance the country’s standing within international aviation.”
The agreement expands on daa International’s existing relationship with RSG as the operator of its international airport. daai will continue to manage the airport and work with Saudia on various activities, such as the allocation of airport gates and counters.
Nicholas Cole, CEO of daa International, said: “Red Sea International is a new gateway for travellers to experience the wonders of Saudi Arabia. Bringing our unmatched airport management expertise, we will work with RSG and SAUDIA to ensure RSI delivers a truly unique experience for all who pass through it.”

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