Civil Aviation

Abu Dhabi, 3rd July 2025: Etihad Airways has touched down in Atlanta for the first time, expanding its U.S. footprint and connecting the cultural and commercial heart of the U.S. Southeast with Abu Dhabi and beyond. The launch marks another milestone in Etihad’s North American expansion. Etihad’s first flight from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport touched down on 2 July, making Atlanta the fifth U.S. gateway in Etihad’s global network, joining New York City, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Boston. Guests travelling from Abu Dhabi benefit from the convenience of the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility at Zayed International Airport – the only one of its kind in the region. This allows passengers to clear U.S. immigration and customs before departure, arriving in the United States as domestic travellers and saving valuable time on arrival. The newly launched route meets the growing appetite for travel between the UAE and the US, catering to business travellers, vacationers, and those visiting friends and family. It also makes it easier for guests from across the southeastern U.S. to visit Abu Dhabi and experience a city where modernity meets rich heritage, offering a vibrant mix of culture, adventure, relaxation and stunning beaches. The new service is operated using Etihad’s next-generation Airbus A350-1000, a fuel-efficient, environmentally advanced aircraft offering a quieter ride, and the airline’s latest onboard product on key long-haul routes. The Atlanta route launched with four flights per week, but record-high load factors and remarkable early bookings have prompted Etihad to fast-track expansion, with daily flights set to commence from November 2025. Demand from both leisure and corporate segments has exceeded expectations, firmly validating Atlanta’s position as a key market for Etihad. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “Atlanta is a dynamic city with deep cultural, economic and aviation significance. This new service enhances access to the southeastern United States while offering seamless connections across the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Asia. “With U.S. Preclearance at Zayed International Airport, guests can enjoy the convenience of arriving in Atlanta as domestic travellers. We’re delighted to bring our award-winning experience to guests travelling to and from Atlanta. “It also means we’re excited to welcome even more guests to our amazing home in Abu Dhabi. U.S. travellers are already curious about what the city has to offer: from beautiful beaches and fantastic theme parks to world-class cultural experiences and mouthwatering cuisine. The response to this route has been phenomenal – the strength of early bookings has been so impressive that we’ve already announced daily flights starting later this year. It’s a clear sign that travellers are eager to discover everything Abu Dhabi has to offer.” The elevated Business Class is home to 44 Business Suites, each with a sliding door providing each guest with enhanced privacy within their suite. In addition to the direct aisle access, every Business Class seat is designed for maximum comfort and converts into a fully flat bed of 79 inches in length, with ample storage for convenience. Noise-cancelling headphones and an 18.5-inch TV screen provide a cinematic experience to enjoy Etihad’s extensive inflight entertainment offering. The Business seats also feature a built-in wireless charging dock and Bluetooth headphone pairing. The A350 is also home to 327 Economy Smart Seats with an innovative recline, 13-inch touch screen with Bluetooth headset pairing. All guests can also take advantage of complimentary Chat packages on Wi-Fi or opt for full surfing throughout the flight.

Abu Dhabi, 2nd July 2025: Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines have signed a frequent flyer partnership agreement to allow loyalty members of either airline to earn and redeem miles across both networks from 1 July 2025. Mark Potter, Managing Director Etihad Guest at Etihad Airways, said, “We are pleased to offer our members even more ways to earn and redeem their Etihad Guest miles, rewarding guests for every extraordinary travel experience. Complimenting Etihad’s launch of flights to Hanoi from November this year, this partnership gives our members access to Vietnam Airlines’ impressive global network, offering members more destinations across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and domestic Vietnam. We look forward to welcoming Lotusmiles members onboard Etihad soon, to experience our signature Emirati hospitality and earn and redeem their miles with us, one adventure at a time.” Nguyen Sy Thanh, Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles Director, also commented, “We are delighted to partner with Etihad Airways. This collaboration will offer Lotusmiles members greater opportunities to earn and redeem miles across an extensive global network, including destinations in North America and the Middle East. It also ensures a seamless and rewarding travel experience, delivered with world-class service from both airlines. This marks an important milestone in our journey to enhance customer value and reinforce our continued commitment to provide memorable travel experiences. Beyond that, the partnership reflects our dedication to delivering the image of Vietnam and its rich cultural identity closer to the world.” This partnership is a demonstration of the commitment established by both carriers signing a Memorandum of Understanding in October last year and reflects the initial phase of expanded cooperation. The MoU was designed to strengthen ties between the airlines and formalised a commitment to explore further collaboration for both Etihad and Vietnam Airlines’ customers. Etihad will begin flights to Hanoi in November as one of 16 new destinations the airline is launching this year. The inaugural will create a new bridge between Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates and offer more value to loyalty members of both airlines.

Muscat, Oman, 30th June 2025: oneworld gets its 15th member airline as Oman Air as the flag carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, strengthens the alliance’s presence across the Middle East and unlocks new opportunities for global travel. “We are proud to welcome Oman Air to the oneworld family,” said Nat Pieper, CEO of oneworld. “Oman Air brings valuable strategic reach and award-winning product and service to the alliance. This partnership opens up exciting new connections for our customers, particularly across the Gulf and South Asia, and reinforces oneworld’s position as the premium alliance for international travellers.” Effective 1 July, oneworld customers can access an extended network of destinations across Oman Air’s growing global schedule — including the launch of a new non-stop Muscat–Amsterdam service. As a full oneworld member airline, Oman Air will provide oneworld Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby customers with benefits including earning and redeeming miles, earning status points, priority check-in and boarding and lounge access. Likewise, Oman Air’s top tier customers will gain access to oneworld priority benefits including a network of nearly 700 premium airport lounges globally, as well as newly opened oneworld branded lounges in Amsterdam’s Schiphol and Seoul’s Incheon Airports. “Oman Air is honoured to be joining the oneworld alliance, whose members and global footprint represent the best of what international travellers want to experience,” said Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air. “We are thrilled to be able to welcome oneworld customers to the Sultanate of Oman to experience our unique culture, stunning mountain excursions, beautiful beaches, and, above all, the warm hospitality of the Omani people.” Oman Air, with its hub at Muscat International Airport, serves 42 destinations across 22 countries and territories globally, including key oneworld hubs around the world. The airline offers three cabins, including its exclusive Business Studio with private suites on select longer-haul flights. Known for its exceptional in-flight hospitality, the airline has received several international awards including most recently Best Food & Beverage and Best Cabin Service in the Middle East at the Apex 2025 Awards. In late 2024 it also became one of only 10 airlines in the world to be awarded the prestigious APEX WORLD CLASS by YATES+ award, and the first to gain the APEX WORLD CLASS by YATES+ status for its Business Class Lounge at Muscat International Airport.

Washington, 27th June 2025: In a historic move that will reshape the future of aviation, the world’s most iconic supersonic airplane is poised to fly again by 2026, 50 years after the historic first flight that changed the history of aviation forever. When President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order on June 6th, 2025, quickly dubbed the “Concorde Bill” he lifted a decades-long ban on supersonic passenger flight. Originally imposed due to concerns over sonic booms and environmental impact, it stifled supersonic innovation by preventing flights over land. The new regulation is expected to open the path to a new innovation in aviation, built on the legacy of the iconic Concorde which pioneered commercial supersonic passenger flight. The new Concorde will be 50% lighter, using next-gen composite materials, powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with an 80% reduction in emissions. The elegant exterior form will not change, but everything else about the airplane will be modern and ground-breaking. The interiors will feature a refined Japanese aesthetic designed by leading sustainable architects. Operating at 60,000 feet, the new Concorde will fly cleaner, greener, quieter, and faster than it did before. Backed by five decades of advances in aerospace engineering, materials science, supersonic travel it will be safer, more sustainable, and commercially viable. But it will be in every other sense – “The Concorde” that is still so beloved around the world. “Beyond its appeal as arguably the most majestic plane to ever take to the skies, Concorde is set to become the global benchmark for sonic boom suppression and sustainability,” said Patricia Bader-Johnston, Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Fly-Concorde Limited. Leading the comeback is Dr. Pano Kroko Churchill, CEO and Founder of the Concorde Co. of Washington state. Sir Winston Churchill, launched the original Concorde as a post WWII Peace Initiative, and his legacy lives on in Dr Churchill who has set his sights on flying again by 2026, 50 years after the first Concorde flew. A triple PhD and trained physicist from Oxford, Dr Churchill has dedicated over 23 years to solving the sonic boom challenge, culminating in the world’s first Patent on Sonic Boom Suppression, finally awarded just in May of this year – just in time for the tidal change in aviation progress ushered in by the US Executive order. Underpinning its aviation development, Fly-Concorde is embracing digital innovation with the launch of Concorde Coin (CSSC)-a stable coin backed by the Concorde assets and operations. As global markets show increasing confidence in blockchain-based financial instruments, CSSC offers a new way to engage with Concorde’s future-forward vision. The Concorde brand has long been revered as a symbol of aviation excellence. Today it is estimated to be worth $50 billion and is poised to reclaim its position at the pinnacle of luxury global aviation. ( News published unedited on the basis of Press Release)

Jakarta, 27 June 2025: BBN Airlines Indonesia, a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group, has received IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification which underscores the airline’s highest aviation safety and operational standards. The IOSA certification, a flagship program by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), follows an audit conducted by independent, IATA-accredited experts. All critical aspects of the airline’s operations were examined, including flight operations, aircraft maintenance, safety and security management, crew training, and organizational control systems. The audit was successfully completed in April 2025. “This is a proud moment for BBN Airlines Indonesia,” said Martynas Grigas, Chairman of BBN Airlines Indonesia. “The IOSA certification is more than a standard, it is evidence of the organisation-wide safety-first culture that we have established. It also strengthens our credibility as a trusted ACMI provider for international carriers seeking safe and scalable capacity solutions.” “The fact that BBN Airlines Indonesia received IOSA certification in the shortest time in the country’s aviation history shows a high level of operational excellence and readiness. As a group spanning six continents with decades of expertise in the industry, Avia Solutions Group worked closely with BBN Airlines Indonesia every step of the way. Growth in the Asia-Pacific market is of outmost importance to the group, and it can only be achieved through close cooperation with every subsidiary involved in this expansion,” says Ugne Maciejauskaite, Aviation Safety Manager at Avia Solutions Group. BBN Airlines Indonesia specialises in the ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) service model, offering airlines a cost-effective solution to scale their capacity and expand their reach. The airline currently supports a growing number of operators across the region, delivering tailored services that address the evolving needs of the aviation industry. The IOSA certification further enhances BBN Airlines Indonesia’s operational credibility, opening doors to new markets and strengthening partnerships with safety-conscious clients worldwide. This aligns with the company’s growth plan for 2025, which includes new partnerships with operators across Indonesia and beyond.

Paris Airshow, Le Bourget: De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (“De Havilland Canada”) has announced that province of Manitoba has confirmed their intent to purchase three De Havilland Canadair 515 (DHC 515) – the next generation of the world-renowned aerial firefighting aircraft. This provincial commitment marks another milestone in the DHC 515 program, signaling additional domestic support for Canadian aerospace innovation and the urgent need for modern, reliable tools in the fight against increasingly severe wildfires across North America. “We are proud to be working with the Province of Manitoba, a long-term operator of CL-215 and CL-415 aerial firefighting aircraft, for the renewal of its fleet,” said Jean-Philippe Côté, Vice President, Programs and Business Improvement at De Havilland Canada. “The De Havilland Canadair 515 represents the future of wildfire suppression, and we are proud of the trust Manitoba has placed in us to support their hard-working firefighting teams.” The DHC 515 builds upon the proven legacy of the CL-215 and CL-415 aircraft, featuring modern avionics, enhanced performance, and increased efficiency. With climate change contributing to longer and more intense wildfire seasons, the De Havilland Canadair 515 is specifically designed to meet the operational challenges faced by today’s aerial firefighters. “Prior to this record breaking wildfire season in our province, Manitoba has been very proactive in ordering the three DHC-515 waterbombers,” said Earl W. Simmons, Executive Director of the Manitoba Wildfire Service. “Given the annual increase in the length of the wildfire season along with the number of and the intensity of these wildfires we are pleased to work with De Havilland Canada to put another tool in our firefighting toolbox to respond to these events.” This new commitment also represent a major investment in the Canadian economy. De Havilland Canada is designing, building, and assembling the DHC 515 entirely in Canada, reinforcing the country’s aerospace leadership while creating high-quality Canadian jobs across engineering, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trades. The program supports a broad national supply chain, drawing on the strengths of Canadian suppliers and service providers coast to coast. “By building the DHC 515 in Canada, we are not only delivering a world-class firefighting aircraft — we’re investing in Canadian workers, growing Canadian expertise, and strengthening our national industrial base,” said Côté. Manitoba is expected to finalize procurement details in the coming months, contributing to a growing international interest in the aircraft. These commitments support the continuation of De Havilland Canada’s domestic production line at its Calgary-based facility and help secure highly skilled Canadian aerospace jobs. DHC is also in discussion with many other undisclosed operators for further orders of DHC-515 aircraft and are confident it will be in position to announce more orders in the upcoming months. The new orders will bolster Canada’s aerial firefighting fleet and reaffirm the aircraft’s status as the gold standard in amphibious firefighting worldwide.

Abu Dhabi, 24th June 2025: Etihad Airways and Air Europa have celebrated a historic milestone as Air Europa operates its inaugural wet-lease flight from Abu Dhabi to Madrid, marking the Spanish carrier’s first-ever aircraft operation from the Middle East. The landmark Boeing 787-9 service represents a significant evolution of the partnership between the two airlines, building on their expanded codeshare agreement and frequent flyer programme cooperation. This collaboration highlights the value of strategic partnerships in improving global connectivity and offering more seamless travel options for passengers across four continents. Etihad now offers twice-daily services to Madrid, with the afternoon EY103 service operated by Air Europa’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring 32 Business class and 307 Economy seats. The wet-lease arrangement, alongside the expanded codeshare, strengthens the growing market between Abu Dhabi and Spain, and supports wider tourism and trade links between the two countries. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Today marks a new chapter in our partnership with Air Europa. This collaboration demonstrates how Etihad can work with strategic partners to enhance our Madrid route and offer even greater choice for travellers between the UAE and Spain. By partnering with Air Europa, we’re opening exciting possibilities for our passengers seeking to explore new destinations.” Juan José Hidalgo, Air Europa’s President, added: ““Partnering with Etihad Airways to launch our first Middle East service from Abu Dhabi is a major milestone for Air Europa. It allows us to better serve growing demand for travel between Spain and the UAE. Abu Dhabi is a world-class destination and an ideal platform for us to expand into new markets.” The partnership reinforces Etihad’s commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s position as an attractive destination for both leisure and business travel, while also strengthening links with key European markets such as Spain. Together, Etihad and Air Europa offer passengers convenient travel options to more than 130 destinations across their combined networks. The wet-lease operation establishes a strong foundation for more strategic initiatives between Etihad and Air Europa in the future, including opportunities for deeper commercial activities and expanded bilateral cooperation. Both airlines remain committed to exploring additional collaborative opportunities that will benefit passengers through enhanced travel options, improved connectivity, and seamless service delivery.

Mumbai, 20th June 2025: Royal Jordanian Airlines has launched new nonstop route between Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai (BOM), commencing June 19, 2025. The new service will operate year-round, four times a week—on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday—aboard the modern Airbus A320neo. This strategic addition strengthens connectivity between India and Jordan and offers seamless onward travel to over 50 destinations across the Middle East, Gulf, and North Africa. The new route will open the door for Indian tourists to experience one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. With Royal Jordanian’s seamless access to the Kingdom, passengers from Mumbai can now exploRJordan through an unforgettable journey. In just three or seven days, visitors can witness the breathtaking rose-red city of Petra—one of the Seven Wonders of the World—float in the healing waters of the Dead Sea, and explore the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, positioning Jordan as a contemporary, truly authentic Arabia five hours away from India. Whether driven by history, nature, or a passion for discovery, Jordan promises Indian travelers an enriching escape filled with beauty, culture, and unmatched hospitality. “With direct access to Jordan, a captivating country rich in history and culture, passengers can now easily explore Jordan’s inspiring landscapes. This expansion reflects our dedication to showcasing Jordan’s unique allure to tourists, inviting them to uncover its hidden gems, immerse themselves in its vibrant traditions, and experience the renowned hospitality that awaits every visitor,” stated Chief Commercial Officer of Royal Jordanian, Karim Makhlouf. ” Royal Jordanian’s new route to Amman offers more than just added convenience—it serves as a vibrant bridge between India and Jordan, connecting travelers to the heart of a land where ancient wonders and modern vitality coexist in harmony. With this launch, Indian tourists can now explore Jordan’s captivating history, breathtaking landscapes, and dynamic culture more easily than ever before, as they will be eligible for visa-free entry when booking tourist packages. Isha Goyal, CEO of STIC Travel Group said,” The new direct service between Mumbai and Amman is more than just a flight — it is a bridge between two ancient civilizations and a gateway for deeper tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. Jordan holds a distinctive place in the Levant region, and as a longstanding friend of India, this long-awaited route marks a significant step in bringing our countries closer. This milestone reflects STIC Travel’s continued commitment to forging strategic airline partnerships built on trust, shared vision, and service excellence. We look forward to introducing Indian travellers to the richness and beauty of Jordan, an inspiring and still largely untapped destination.”

Abu Dhabi, 9th June 2025: Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines activated their codeshare agreement, strengthening connectivity between Africa and Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. This bilateral partnership enhances global travel opportunities for guests, with seats available to book now. Ethiopian will start services from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) on 15 July, and Etihad Airways introducing daily flights to Addis Ababa starting 8 October. This is the first step ahead of implementation of the groundbreaking Joint Venture agreed between Etihad and Ethiopian in March 2025 unlocking greater travel opportunities for passengers across both networks.The codeshare lets guests simplify their journeys by making a single booking with one check-in process at the start and the added convenience of having their baggage transferred to their final destination. Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer said: “By leveraging our combined networks, we are unlocking seamless travel opportunities between Africa and Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Easy connections via Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, will enhance flexibility, boosting trade and tourism, and delivering unparalleled travel experiences to guests of both airlines.” Under this partnership, Etihad passengers will gain access to Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive African network, with connections via Addis Ababa to 55 destinations across 33 countries, including Entebbe, Kinshasa, Kigali, Lusaka, Harare and Victoria Falls expanding their travel options across the continent. At the same time, Ethiopian Airlines passengers can book itineraries connecting to Etihad-operated flights through Abu Dhabi, with onward service to 20 key destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East including Sydney, Krabi, Colombo and Phnom Penh. As part of its commitment to Africa’s growing demand for air travel, Etihad is significantly expanding its network in 2025, introducing new destinations and increased frequencies to strengthen links across the continent.

Gurugram, 9th June 2025: Air India has rolled out an integrated self-check-in and baggage-drop service for its passengers flying from India to all destinations operated by the airline in Europe, the UK and Canada. Air India was the first airline to have introduced this service from India to international destinations in the US and Australia, besides airports in the domestic network. Air India is now extending the facility to a total of 19 airports – London (Heathrow and Gatwick), Birmingham, Paris, Vienna, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Milan, Zurich, Toronto, Vancouver and to all five destinations in US (New York, Newark, Chicago, Washington and San Francisco) and two in Australia (Sydney and Melbourne) – from airports in India. The initiative reaffirms Air India’s commitment to leveraging technology to elevate customer experience and deliver world-class service across every touchpoint. The integrated self-check-in and baggage-drop service offers smooth and faster check-in process at the airport, significantly enhancing passenger experience. With this facility, Air India passengers can enjoy a seamless digital process to print boarding passes and baggage tags and drop bags on their own, eliminating the need to queue up for check in at counters. The kiosks allow travellers to customise their trips by selecting and even paying for their preferred seats or update their frequent flyer number and contact details. This initiative cuts down on the time spent queueing up at the counters and helps passengers breeze through the airport to reach their boarding gates in time. Over the last one year, Air India has introduced several customer initiatives including the Premium Lobby that offers exclusive check-in for first, business, and premium economy passengers, the dedicated Family Assistance counters at Delhi airport offering support to passengers travelling with family, city-side check-in counters at Delhi and Hyderabad helping passengers skip queues at airport counters and Self Check-in and Baggage-drop service. These initiatives are further elevating Air India’s customer experience to global standards that are now reflecting in our NPS (customer satisfaction) scores.