Civil Aviation

Jeddah, February 18, 2025: Saudia has announced the network expansion plans with addition of more than ten new destinations in 2025. Saudia witnessed a 16% increase in international guest numbers in 2024 and with this new routes, it looks forward to meet the increasing global travel demand. The new destinations offer a diverse range of options, spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The additions to Saudia’s network include Vienna (Austria), Venice (Italy), Larnaca (Cyprus), Athens and Heraklion (Greece), Nice (France), Malaga (Spain), Bali (Indonesia), Antalya (Turkey), El Alamein (Egypt), and Salalah (Oman). These destinations join Saudia’s existing network of over 100 destinations across four continents. H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “Following last year’s operational success, we’ve implemented a strategic plan for 2025 to ensure continued excellence and meet rising international travel demand. Our destination selection is based on comprehensive feasibility studies and guest preferences. We are committed to providing our international guests with exceptional travel experiences that combine comfort, efficiency, and authentic Saudi hospitality.” Saudia has a modern fleet of 147 Boeing and Airbus aircraft and high standards of onboard service, including comfortable seating, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and authentic Saudi hospitality, complements the diverse destinations offered. Saudia’s planned delivery of 118 new aircraft during the upcoming years will further enhance its operational capacity. With daily operations exceeding 530 flights, Saudia’s ongoing international development plan aims to increase its global market share and strengthen connectivity between the Kingdom and the world.

Rome, February 18, 2025: On February 15th , ITA Airways introduced the “Inspired by Alitalia” sticker on three new generation aircraft in its fleet. After being announced on September 27, 2024, and gradually rolled out across strategic touchpoints such as the app and website, ITA Airways has decided to pair this expression with its brand as a declaration of deep gratitude for a history that the airline is proud of. The first aircraft to sport this phrase on its livery will be a state-of-the-art Airbus A350, which operates on long- haul routes, and it will debut on Saturday, February 15, 2025, flying on the Rome Fiumicino – Tokyo Haneda route. In the 2025 Summer season, “Inspired by Alitalia” will also be showcased on two more aircraft, an Airbus A321neo, used for medium-haul routes, and an Airbus A220-100, primarily operated on short-haul flights.

Montreal,Canada, Feb 6, 2025: CAE has announced that Turkish Airlines has signed a long-term agreement to implement CAE’s next-generation Crew Management product and the Unified Task Board – a new situational awareness and disruption management solution for airline operations control centres (OCCs). In addition to Crew Management and Unified Task Board, Turkish Airlines is a longstanding user of CAE’s Flight Plan Management product. Designed from the ground up and in close alignment with airline partners, the Unified Task Board provides situational awareness of the operation across the OCC. It optimizes disruption and recovery management by integrating data from multiple systems into a single view to support decision-making. The platform auto-calculates disruption scenarios for common and complex day-of-operations issues in real time and allows users to sort, filter, and evaluate solution trade-offs to identify the most beneficial resolution pathway. “With the integration of CAE’s Flight Plan Management, Crew Management and Unified Task Board solutions, Turkish Airlines is equipping its team to enhance operations and maximize overall performance,” said Pascal Grenier, CAE’s Division President of Flight Solutions.” The Crew Management platform aims to boost crew productivity, optimize efficiency and resolve disruptions when time is of the essence. Additionally, the Unified Task Board will enable Turkish Airlines to efficiently manage operational disruptions by offering a comprehensive, real-time view of alerts, contextual details, and system-generated recovery scenarios in a single interface, enabling the Crew Management teams to take more informed decisions faster.” “We are committed to maintaining our competitive edge and delivering the high-quality travel experience our guests rely on with Turkish Airlines. To achieve this, we continuously seek innovative solutions to enhance our operations. Building on the success of CAE’s Flight Management software, we are excited to move forward with the integration of the company’s Crew Management software and Unified Task Board. We are confident these solutions will increase efficiencies, reduce disruptions for our guests, allow faster disruption recovery, and create an even better working environment for our crew,” said Ahmet Acar, Senior Vice President of crew Planning at Turkish Airlines. CAE’s suite of Flight Operations Solutions includes Crew Management, Flight Management, Airport Management, In-Flight Services Management, Operations Control, Training Management and Unified Task Board. Using data from the suite of products, Unified Task Board enhances situational awareness and breaks down silos to enable users to work collaboratively and make proactive informed decisions. CAE’s Flight Operations Solutions allow airlines to make faster decisions and push real-time changes. Each software package offers improved efficiencies through automated workflows and intuitive, user-friendly interfaces, seamlessly integrating with other service-oriented architecture.

London, 5th February 2025: In light of Egypt’s efforts to enhance investment and technical cooperation in civil aviation, Dr. Sameh Elhefny, Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, participated in the first dialogue session titled “Shaping the Future of Egyptian Civil Aviation” in London, United Kingdom. This official visit to the United Kingdom aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Egypt and the UK in aviation-related areas of mutual interest, including technology, infrastructure, maintenance services, and other air transport issues. This visit aligns with the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s broader strategy to enhance international cooperation, attract foreign investment, and position Egypt as a leading aviation hub. It supports Egypt’s Vision 2030 for the sector’s development. Ambassador Sherif Kamel, Egypt’s Ambassador to the UK, hosted the session, which was moderated by Karim Rafaat, Chairman of NGAGE. Key participants included Magid Elmenshawy, Vice Chairman of the British Egyptian Business Association (BEBA); Dr. Mohannad Khaled, Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce (EBCC) ; and Chris Dane from Baker Tilly. More than 85 business leaders and investors from major British aviation companies attended. Dr. Elhefny emphasized that such meetings provide an ideal platform for exchanging insights and fostering partnerships in aviation, investment, and technology, which pave the way for sectoral growth in alignment with global standards. He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation, particularly in civil aviation. He also highlighted the historical ties between Egypt and the UK as a foundation for developing air transport as a key collaboration area. Dr. Elhefny noted that the Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation is currently working on strategic projects to improve Egyptian airports. These include plans to expand Cairo International Airport to become a regional hub and increase EGYPTAIR’s fleet to 97 aircraft by 2028, despite the challenges facing the global aviation industry. The Minister reiterated the government’s support for private sector participation by providing private airlines various incentives and facilities to enhance their market competitiveness. He also emphasized Egypt’s commitment to expanding Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services through EGYPTAIR Maintenance & Engineering Company, which is set to use advanced technologies to grow globally. He further noted that the Cairo Air Cargo City project aims to position Egypt as a regional hub for air cargo and trade to reinforce its strategic role in Africa and the Middle East. Additionally, Dr. Elhefny announced plans for a comprehensive strategic study on targeted airport investments, with an international consultancy firm assessing airports suitable for private sector management. The initiative aims to improve management efficiency, service quality, and investment appeal, which reinforces Egypt’s commitment to global aviation partnerships. The Ministry also intends to expand annual airport capacity to 100 million passengers by 2030, with projections estimating 50.5 million passengers by the end of 2025. These numbers reflect significant progress toward this goal. During the session, Eng. Aiman Arab, Chairman of the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation, highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming Egyptian airports into world-class aviation hubs. He outlined the company’s efforts to modernize airport infrastructure, implement advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and biometric systems, and strengthen international partnerships to ensure operational excellence. Arab emphasized that Cairo International Airport is set to become Africa’s primary hub for long-haul travel, which is part of Egypt’s broader strategy to enhance its regional and international aviation standing. The holding company will also host global aviation conferences and exhibitions to enhance Egypt’s positioning in the international aviation sector. In his closing remarks, Arab expressed his vision of Egyptian airports setting a global benchmark for efficiency, innovation, and sustainability while creating a seamless travel experience that connects people, cultures, and opportunities. A documentary film showcasing future aviation projects and investment opportunities was presented, followed by a discussion session on maintenance and aviation projects. The visit also included a discussion hosted by the British Egyptian Chamber of Commerce, featuring Eng. Ibrahim Fathy, Chairman & Executive Managing Director of EGYPTAIR Maintenance & Engineering. Fathy highlighted four key investment opportunities within the company: 1. Skilled workforce: A highly trained team accredited by top aviation authorities, including EASA and FAA. 2. Market demand: A strong industry reputation, with maintenance requests exceeding capacity, demonstrating demand for expansion. 3. Strategic location: Egypt’s position allows for cross-continental servicing across Asia, Europe, and Africa, with easy access to spare parts. 4. Favorable investment climate: Egypt’s stable economy provides an attractive environment for aviation investments. (The above news is published unedited on the basis of press release)

Kuwait, 3 February 2025: Jazeera Airways announced impressive financial results for 2024, reporting a net profit of KD 10.2 million, a significant 66.2% increase compared to the previous year. The airline’s operating revenue rose by 5.3% to KD 208.6 million, while EBIT surged by 46.8% to KD 17.3 million. Passenger numbers continued their upward trend, demonstrating the most active year on record – exceeding 4.9 million—an increase of 5.1% from 2023, supported by a strong summer travel demand. The airline also achieved a load factor of 78.4%, reflecting high seat occupancy. In Q4 2024, group operating revenue climbed 15% to KD 45.1 million, with quarterly losses reduced by 41.1% to KD 4.2 million, compared to KD 7.14 million in Q4 2023. This was mainly driven by improved revenues and measures implemented to increase operating efficiency. Jazeera Airways Board of Directors recommended a dividend distribution of 40 fils per share. Marwan Boodai, Chairman, Jazeera Airways, said: “Jazeera Airways’ strong performance in 2024 reflects our strategic agility, operational excellence, and commitment to our passengers. A significant growth in profit amid industry challenges underscores our resilience and ambition. As we drive forward with digital transformation in 2025, we remain focused on enhancing connectivity and customer experience. We could not have achieved this success without the exceptional support of our shareholders, passengers, dedicated employees, and supportive stakeholders. We are excited for the journey ahead, building on this momentum to deliver even greater value and innovation in the years to come.” 2024 Operational Review The year 2024 was operationally a record year for Jazeera Airways. With 18,374 aircraft movements, Jazeera was the most active airline at the Kuwait International Airport for the third consecutive year. Despite geopolitical challenges, regional airspace disruptions, and a global IT outage in peak summer, the airline improved its On-Time Performance (OTP) from 74% in 2023 to 86% in 2024, ensuring reliability for its passengers. Renewing its IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, Jazeera reinforced its dedication to the highest safety and quality standards. Selectively adding two new leisure routes, Krakow in Poland and Batumi in Georgia combined with the relaunch of Bhairahawa in Nepal, Jazeera expanded its network alongside the resumption of key seasonal destinations. The airline strengthened its fleet, adding a new aircraft and completing the acquisition of six Airbus A320 CEOs which were aimed at reducing costs and mitigating supply chain challenges. Customer experience enhancements included new in-flight meals, upgraded seat selection, flexible baggage options, and the launch of Travel Cash, a seamless foreign currency solution. Sustainability remained a priority, with Jazeera fuel saving efforts ranking third globally in Open Airlines SkyBreathe® efficiency. For the second year in a row, Jazeera Airways was honored as an “Employee Wellness Advocate” at the HR Excellence Awards, reinforcing its focus on workplace well-being. Positive Outlook Jazeera Airways is accelerating digital transformation for an enhanced customer experience. Fleet optimization includes shifting to a 180-seat configuration by Q3 2025, with 26 new aircraft arriving from 2027 onwards. Jazeera Terminal 5 upgrades are also planned to support growing passenger demand. Backed by a solid financial foundation, fleet expansion, and digital innovation, Jazeera Airways is well-positioned for continued growth in 2025, our 20th year of flying and beyond.

India, 3rd Feb 2025: Etihad Airways’ popular A380 makes its debut at Singapore Changi Airport on Sunday, 2 February, marking the first time the airline has flown its Big Bird to Singapore. The milestone further enhances the travel experience between the UAE and the Asian powerhouse. The world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, brings Etihad’s celebrated inflight features to the Singapore route, including The Residence – the world’s only three-room suite in the sky. The upper deck also features The Lobby, an exclusive lounge area for First and Business class guests. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “As a vibrant and dynamic city, Singapore is always going to be a key destination in our global network. The decision to deploy our much-loved A380 boosts our travel offering between Abu Dhabi and Singaporeandhighlights our resolve to go beyond by delivering fantastic travel experiences across Etihad’s growing global network. “Bringing the A380 to Singapore, along with our broader network expansion plans – including increased frequency on key routes – demonstrates our strong growth momentum in Asia. This added capacity reflects the growing demand we’re seeing for travel to and from Singapore.” The UAE and Singapore enjoy robust ties across multiple sectors, including trade, culture, and business, and the route caters to leisure travellers as well as providing strong business connections, particularly in sectors like aviation, energy, and technology. The A380 increases the route’s capacity by 28%, offering 486 seats, including The Residence, nine First Apartments, 70 Business Studios, and 405 Economy Smart seats. As well as being a global financial hub, Singapore offers a vibrant mix of stunning architecture, lush gardens, diverse cuisine, and world-class shopping, making it a must-visit destination for travellers, for business, pleasure, or both. The enhanced capacity also offers visitors more opportunities to experience Abu Dhabi’s unique charm and culture, while providing seamless and timely connections to key destinations worldwide. Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover programme further enhances connectivity, enabling travellers to extend their layovers into memorable stays with up to two complimentary nights at premium hotels in Abu Dhabi, showcasing the city’s growing appeal as a fashionable destination.

Bangkok,3rd Feb 2025: Lufthansa, Germany’s flagship carrier and largest airline, has announced the extension of its Airbus A380 service from Bangkok to Munich for the peak Songkran holiday season. In response to growing demand during this key travel period, Lufthansa will operate its flagship aircraft on this route, offering passengers a luxurious and comfortable flying experience between the two major cities. The A380, known for its spacious cabins, cutting-edge amenities, and state-of-the-art technology, will be deployed for additional flights starting in early April 2025, coinciding with the annual Songkran Festival in Thailand. As one of the most significant cultural events in Thailand, the Songkran holiday attracts millions of travelers both domestically and internationally. Lufthansa’s decision to extend its A380 service aims to provide travelers with enhanced capacity and superior comfort during this busy travel period. “We are excited to extend our A380 service on the Munich-Bangkok route during the Songkran holiday season,” said Felipe Bonifatti, Vice President Asia Pacific & Joint Ventures East. “The A380 offers unparalleled comfort and capacity, and we are confident that our passengers will appreciate the extra space and top-tier service as they travel during the busy Thai New Year period.” Lufthansa’s decision to continue the deployment of the A380 for the Songkran season follows the airline’s continued commitment to enhancing the travel experience for its passengers. With its wide-body design and cutting-edge technology, the Airbus A380 is ideal for long-haul flights, offering passengers an elevated level of comfort when flying with the national airline of Germany.

New Delhi, 1st Feb 2025: At the second full budget of the Modi 3.0 government, Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her eighth consecutive Union Budget in the Parliament addressed key decisions for the aviation sector. This year’s Union Budget holds special focus on agriculture, uplifting rural areas, manufacturing, innovation, etc as the FM mentioned that the Modi government’s budget aims to work on transformative reforms. The FM announced that under the current aviation budget, as many as 120 new airports will be connected in a span of 10 years under UDAN scheme. Additionally, Bihar will get new greenfield airport at Bihta along with the expansion project of the Patna airport. UDAN – Regional Connectivity Scheme While presenting the Union Budget the finance minister said, “UDAN has enabled 1.5 crore middle-class people to meet their aspirations for speedier travel. The scheme has connected 88 airports and operationalized 619 routes. Inspired by that success, a modified UDAN scheme which will be launched to enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years and this scheme will also support helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational, and North East region districts.” She also informed that the government will facilitate upgradation of infrastructure and warehousing for air cargo including high value perishable horticulture produce. Cargo screening and customs protocols will also be streamlined and made user-friendly.” Giving infrastructure fillip to the state of Bihar, the Union Finance Minster proposed that the Greenfield airports will be facilitated in Bihar to meet the future needs of the State. These will be in addition to the expansion of the capacity of Patna airport and a brownfield airport at Bihta. Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO, Akasa Air said,”The Union Budget 2025 marks a significant step in supporting the sustained growth of India’s aviation sector. We commend the government’s commitment to infrastructure which will make air travel more accessible, thereby boosting tourism and the economy on the whole. Aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, this focus on aviation strengthens India’s position as a global hub, ensuring greater mobility for all and contributing to a more connected, inclusive nation. As India’s fastest-growing airline, we applaud the government’s continued efforts to fuel the sector’s growth and make air travel accessible to a greater number of Indians.” Industry experts opinions on the Union Budget catering to the aviation & aerospace sector alongwith travel trade sector: Vinay Bagri, Co-Founder & CEO, Niyo The Union Budget 2025 brings encouraging developments for both startups and international travellers. The five-year extension for startup incorporation eligibility is a strong boost to India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing much needed continuity and support. On the international travel front, while the increase in the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) limit to ₹10 lakh is a step forward, we were hoping for exemptions on TCS for global travellers which remains a concern. The removal of TCS on education remittances from loans is a positive move, easing the financial strain on students. As a travel banking fintech, we believe these policy changes will impact how Indians engage with the global economy. Amey Belorkar – Fund Manager – Maharashtra and Aerospace Venture Fund at IDBI Capital Markets & Securities Limited The Budget has focused on strenthening India’s MSME and Startup ecosystem through enhanced credit access by way of expanded fund-of-funds (FOF) of Rs 10,000 crores as well as a proposal for setting up a Deep Tech FOF. Further the investment limits for MSME classification have been increased by 2.5 times which means that businesses can now invest significantly more while still qualifying as MSMEs. Also startups are benefited with the increase in Incorporation period by 5 years. The allocation of Rs 500 crore for MRO sector and the establishment of a Rs.25,000 crore corpus for shipbuilding shows India’s commitment to promote India’s self-reliance. Additionally, India is focused to accelerate clean energy to develop at least 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047 and encourage private sector involvement. A dedicated Rs. 20,000 crore R&D initiative for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) will be launched, with the goal of having at least five indigenously developed SMRs operational by 2033. The Budget also aims to create self reliance in EV and mobile phone battery manufacturing.” Krishna Rathi, Senior Country Director, India Subcontinent and MEA at Agoda: Agoda acknowledges and celebrates India’s exciting potential as a top travel destination and is enthusiastic about the tourism plans announced in this year’s Union Budget. The investment in recent years in infrastructure enhancements and destination marketing is undeniably paying off. At Agoda, we see this reflected in a 22% year-on-year increase in inbound accommodation searches to India. With this year’s announced investments in the expansion of the UDAN scheme to connect 120 new destinations, enhanced support for homestays, and the development of top tourist destinations in collaboration with state governments, we’re hopeful that India will be able to sustain this momentum. Especially as this comes on top of continuing positive trends like visa easements and inspirational destination marketing campaigns promoting India’s diverse experiences and attractions.” Ankit Mehta, CEO, ideaForge: The Union Budget 2025 reaffirms the government’s commitment to deep tech innovation. The rise in PLI spending for drones and drone components—from INR 33 crore to INR 57 crore within the total outlay of INR 120 crore—reflects the increasing scale of industry participation and adoption. This trend highlights the sector’s growing momentum and the need for sustained support. However, to fully unlock the potential of this technology, a significantly larger scheme of INR 1,000-2,000 crore over at least five years is essential. Additionally, the INR 20,000 crore allocation for private-sector-led R&D and the launch of the National Geospatial Mission will accelerate advancements in autonomous systems, precision mapping, and next-generation infrastructure planning. Together, these initiatives position India as a global leader in drone and geospatial intelligence, driving innovation and self-reliance in this critical sector.” Kush Kapoor, CEO, Roseate Hotels & Resorts: “The Union Budget 2025 presents a forward-thinking approach that is bound to benefit

Mumbai, 29th Jan 2025: Air Astana is celebrating 20 years of connecting Kazakhstan and India by expanding its services with a new Almaty-Mumbai route launching on 20th April 2025. Since entering the Indian market in 2004, the airline has steadily expanded its presence and now operates nine weekly flights to Delhi from Almaty, with a regular increase in frequencies during the summer. Flights to Mumbai will be operated using Airbus family aircraft three times a week on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with the first service departure from Almaty on 20th April being at 04.30 and arriving in Mumbai at 09.55. The return flight will depart Mumbai at 11.00 and arrive in Almaty at 14.45. All times local. Flight time to Mumbai is 4h50m outbound and 4h20m on return. Economy class return fares including taxes start at US$406, whilst Business class return fares including taxes start at US$1,136. “With the Indian economy growing strongly, Air Astana is delighted to launch services to Mumbai, a vibrant and flourishing metropolis driven by trade, finance and enterprise. Business and leisure travellers will now be able to experience the excellence of Air Astana’s in-services when flying between Kazakhstan’s and India’s most commercial cities.” said Peter Foster, Chief Executive at Air Astana.

Mumbai, 23rd January, 2025: Vietnam Airlines has announced the upgrade of its aircraft on the Mumbai to Hanoi route, effective May 1, 2025. It will operate four times a week using Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 aircraft. This upgrade will increase capacity of Vietnam Airlines from Mumbai, strengthening air connectivity between both the countries. Speaking on the announcement, Nguyen Trung Hieu, Country Manager India at Vietnam Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm,“Following the launch of daily A350 flights in Delhi last year, and the overwhelming response from the market, we are thrilled to increase our operations from Mumbai. Upgrading to wide-body operations with our Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 aircraft reflects our unwavering commitment to offering Indian travelers unparalleled comfort and convenience. We look forward to welcoming passengers onboard and providing them with an exceptional journey characterized by renowned Vietnamese hospitality.” Echoing this sentiment, Abhishek Goyal, CEO & Executive Director, Aeroprime Group(India GSA for Vietnam Airlines), added: ‘’Upgrading to the world-class Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 aircraft demonstrates Vietnam Airlines’ commitment to enhancing customer experience. We are proud to support Vietnam Airlines in their journey as Mumbai represents a vital market for expanding travel between India and Vietnam. With a strong and growing demand for this stunning destination, these upgraded operations will further strengthen connectivity and offer Indian travelers an unparalleled travel experience.’’ Vietnam has emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations for Indian travelers in recent years. According to Google Trends, it was the “Most Searched Destination for Indians in 2023.” The introduction of wide-body flights from Mumbai is perfectly timed to meet this growing demand while providing seamless connections from Hanoi to key destinations across Asia-Pacific, including China, Japan, Korea, and Australia. Vietnam Airlines currently operates 14 flights weekly from Delhi and Mumbai to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. With this upgrade featuring wide-body aircraft on the Mumbai-Hanoi route, the airline further solidifies its position as a preferred choice for Indian travelers seeking comfort, reliability, and exceptional service.