Riyadh Air marks first year anniversary
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newest national airline, recently celebrated its first anniversary, following its inception on March 12, 2023. Over the past year, the airlines secured major agreements and partnerships both within Saudi Arabia and internationally.
With plans to initiate its inaugural commercial flights by 2025 and connect Riyadh to over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030, Riyadh Air’s first year has been marked by significant progress and preparation.
Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, reflected on the year’s achievements: “2023 was an exceptional year during which we were able to lay the groundwork for our future operations. We anticipate even greater successes in the coming year.”
Air Arabia opens new City Check-in
Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) operator in the Middle East and North Africa, has recently opened its newest City Check-in facility in Dubai. The facility is located at City Centre Al Shindagha in the Al Fahidi area.
This opening brings the total number of City Check-in facilities in the UAE to 12, spread across the country. The new service allows customers to drop off their bags and obtain their boarding passes 24 hours before their flights and up to 8 hours before their scheduled departure time, providing them with greater convenience and flexibility.
The new location will also include a convenient bus service connecting the Shindagha City Centre City Check-in facility with Sharjah International Airport in the near future.
The new facility operates daily from 10am to 10pm.
Emirates strengthens ties with tourism boards
Emirates has signed two Memorandums of Understandings (MoUs) with the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) and Austrian National Tourist Office (ANTO) on the sidelines of ITB Berlin 2024, to boost inboard tourism to two major destinations in the airline’s European network.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Operations commented: “We’re pleased to partner with the Greek National Tourism Organisation and Austrian National Tourist Office, and we look forward to working closely with them to boost visitation to each respective country. Both agreements are a testament of our commitment to the Greek and Austrian markets, where we have progressively grown our connectivity and presence, and we’re confident that our collaborative efforts will encourage travellers to visit the beautiful sights and attractions that each country has to offer.”
Turkish Airlines expands network to Australia
Turkish Airlines starts Australia-Melbourne Flights, making Melbourne its first destination in Australia. It has expanded its operations to 6 continents and 346 destinations in 130 countries. Its fleet has reached an impressive number of 450 aircrafts.
Turkish Airlines has started to operate three weekly flights to Melbourne, following its recent inaugural flight. These flights are operated via the Singapore Changi International Airport transfer point, granting Turkish Airlines the distinction of being the sole European airline currently flying to Melbourne Airport.
Virgin Atlantic enhances Flying Club Red
Virgin Atlantic is enhancing benefits for its Flying Club Red Tier members. Flying Club Red members will receive a new boarding benefit, which will allow them to board their flights ahead of other customers travelling in Economy Classic and Economy Light. The new boarding benefit is available across any Virgin Atlantic operated service throughout its global network.
Anthony Woodman, Vice President Flying Club & CRM, Virgin Atlantic, commented: “We are constantly enhancing our Flying Club programme so that our members receive the very best of Virgin Atlantic.”