Recent News

DUBAI, 05 December 2024: The UAE is rapidly becoming a prime destination for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and affluent clientele, drawn by a host of benefits including enticing investment opportunities, a luxurious lifestyle and flexible visa options. Its strategic location also offers convenient trading hours across major global markets, further boosting its appeal. These factors have helped solidify its position as the premier destination for HNWIs globally, with a projected net inflow of over 6,700 millionaires in 2024[1] – more than any other country in the world. Alongside its reputation for luxury, the UAE continues to be a global hub for business aviation. In the first six months of this year, business jet movements at the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) at Dubai South recorded a 7% year-on-year increase[2], reflecting the growing demand in the region. Meanwhile, according to data from WingX[3], the Middle East continues to lead in business aviation recovery, positioning itself as a vital center for global connectivity and commerce. The MEBAA Show 2024, taking place from 10-12 December at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), will serve as the premier platform for HNWIs, decision-makers and business aviation professionals interested in business jets and luxury lifestyle showcases, as well as exploring the latest trends and advancements shaping the industry. The last edition attracted an international clientele of HNWIs, who were able to secure a VIP visiting experience through the Platinum Guest programme. This year’s show also includes new and exclusive features tailored to this market, with the Platinum Guest Programme and the newly introduced Luxury Boulevard, both of which have been elevated through Falcon, who are sponsoring the features. Aimed at fostering meaningful connections and showcasing the unique intersection of luxury and business aviation, the show will offer a wider showcase of luxury products and services for attendees to experience than ever before at the MEBAA Show. Oleg Kafarov, Group Director – Brand Marketing at Alex Investment Group, comments: “The quest for excellence and the passion for innovation are at the heart of Falcon and the MEBAA Show. In business aviation as in luxury real estate, yachts and watchmaking, every detail counts on the path to success. Both in luxury workshops and in the Falcon skies, it is this incessant search to break boundaries that inspires our vision, and this is the meaning that we want to bring to this great and unique partnership between business aviation and leading luxury brands. All of us at Falcon look forward to welcoming the growing number of HNWIs attending the show, who will have the opportunity to discover the finest of the two worlds at one place.” For industry professionals, the MEBAA Show will also provide a prime opportunity to network with key stakeholders and align with the region’s robust growth across the industry, exploring innovation and collaboration. The Platinum Guest Programme has been curated to provide attending VIPs and HNWIs a premium visiting experience. This includes access to the event through Falcon’s Private Jet Terminal, fast track entry, an opportunity to schedule business jet viewings, access to the platinum guest lounge and invitations to exclusive parties. Complementing the jet-set lifestyle, the Luxury Boulevard is designed to provide HNWIs and the luxury business jet industry with a platform to engage with world-renowned brands. Participating brands includes Gulf Craft, DarGlobal, Luxvant, Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives, LovinFit and more. AIX Investment Group will also join the line-up. Fadi Dabbagh, President of the Board at AIX Investment Group, comments: “We’re excited to participate in an event that perfectly aligns with our values of excellence and ambition. The MEBAA Show allows us to showcase not only our brand but also our dedication to creating exceptional, high-quality experiences for our clients and partners. For us, this is an opportunity to demonstrate what sets AIX apart in an industry that values progress and integrity.” As the UAE continues to dominate in both luxury and business aviation, the MEBAA Show 2024 continues to set the standard for innovation and connectivity, offering a platform for professionals and affluent clientele to gather in an unmatched environment for professional networking, knowledge sharing, and engaging with the latest advancements shaping the industry.

4th December 2024: Visa Cash App RB is pleased to announce that, as from next year, it will enjoy a multiyear agreement with Hahnair, a leading executive charter airline, that joins the team as its Official Private Aviation Partner. With another 24 Grands Prix calendar on the way in 2025, all of it squeezed into just nine months, time saved travelling across continents is an important component of a team’s state of readiness to race. With a commitment to quality and attention to detail, Hahnair will play a critical role in optimising the team’s logistics throughout the season. Hahnair is renowned for its tailored charter flights that cater to the unique needs of its passengers, running a modern fleet, with the very latest technology ensuring maximum energy efficiency. As from 2025 it will use SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) to further reduce its environmental footprint, aligning with Formula 1’s own investment in SAF as part of the sport’s commitment to reach Net Zero by 2030. “We are excited to partner with Hahnair as we navigate through this extensive racing calendar,” said Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of VCARB. “Their specialised services will greatly support our logistical capabilities, ensuring that our team operates at peak efficiency throughout the season.” Peter Bayer, CEO of VCARB further adds “The partnership will enable the Team to efficiently manage travel logistics, not only between races but also addressing the challenges posed by the distance between our aero engineers based in the UK and our factory in Italy.” “As we embark on this partnership with the VCARB Team, we look forward to providing exceptional travel solutions that meet their unique logistical demands,” said Daniel Rudas, General Manager & COO at Hahnair. “We will ensure that the Team can focus on their core business while we handle their challenging travel needs.”

Mumbai,3rd December 2024: Expanding its presence in India, Vietjet Thailand is excited to announce the launch of its inaugural Mumbai – Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) service, set to begin on December 23, 2024, offering passengers a convenient travel option to explore Thailand’s capital and beyond, while opening greater opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange between the two vibrant cities. In the early stage, the service between Mumbai and Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) will be operated with a daily flight; flight VZ761 will depart Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) at 00:45 AM and arrive in Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi: BKK) at 06:25 AM. The return flight VZ760 will depart Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) at 08:45 PM and land in Mumbai at 11:50 PM (all in local time). Passengers can book the flight tickets with variety of add-on services such as delicious hot meals, premium seats, etc. as well as study ticket terms and conditions online at www.vietjetair.com.

GURUGRAM, 29 November2024: Air India today launched a limited-period, Black Friday Sale, to offer up to 20% off base fares for flights within India, and up to 12% off base fares for flights to or from destinations in the United States, Europe (including the United Kingdom), Australia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia.The sale is exclusively available on Air India’s official website and iOS & Android mobile apps. Bookings under the sale are open from 0001 hours IST of 29 November 2024 to 2359 hours IST of 02 December 2024, for travel until 30 June 2025 (except for flights between India and Australia & North America that are available for travel until 30 October 2025). No convenience fees on website and app bookings. During the sale period, Air India will not charge any convenience fee on bookings for domestic or international flights operated by Air India made on Air India’s website and mobile app, thus helping travellers to save an additional INR 399 on domestic flight bookings and up to INR 999 on international flights. Additional savings with payment offers Air India has also enabled additional discounts with multiple payment offers for travellers to choose from, helping them to unlock further savings.

Delhi, November 28, 2024: Akasa Air, India’s fastest growing airline announced daily direct flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Bengaluru and Ahmedabad starting 1st March 2025. The new routes complement Akasa Air’s daily service between Mumbai and Abu Dhabi inaugurated in July 2024 and strengthens the airline’s presence in United Arab Emirates. Bookings for flights are now open on Akasa Air’s website www.akasaair.com, Android and iOS app and through multiple leading OTAs. India has emerged as a leading market for tourism to Abu Dhabi owing to its proximity, culture, and larger than life experiential offerings. The strategic expansion is fueled by a favorable response on Akasa’s Mumbai-Abu Dhabi route and flourishing demand for travel to UAE from all corners of the country including two prominent cities – Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer further shared, “We are thrilled to ramp up our network in UAE with the addition of daily direct flights connecting Abu Dhabi with two prominent Indian cities – Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. The expansion is in line with our aim of making air travel accessible for a greater number of Indians by enhancing international air connectivity from the length and breadth of the country. Increased connectivity will also enable us to foster the growing momentum of trade, travel and economic activity between the two countries.” “We are delighted to note that Akasa is becoming the preferred airline for travellers every day, and remain committed to reliability and affordability as we expand our wings across the globe” he added.

Sweden,November 27, 2024: Heart Aerospace, the Swedish hybrid -electric airplane maker, plans to conduct the first fully electric experimental flight of its demonstrator airplane, Heart Experimental 1 (Heart X1), at upstate New York’s Plattsburgh International Airport in 2025. The first experimental flight of Heart X1, which is set to become the largest fully electric aircraft ever to fly, marks a critical milestone in Heart Aerospace’s development of its 30-seat hybrid-electric regional passenger aircraft, the ES-30. With an all-electric, zero-emissions range of 200 kilometres and an extended hybrid range of 400 kilometres, the ES-30 promises unmatched sustainability and efficiency on short-haul routes. The initial experimental flight of the Heart X1 demonstrator is designed to validate the capabilities of Heart’s innovative electric propulsion technology. Plattsburgh International Airport was chosen for its location in the Champlain Valley, an emerging hub for next-generation transportation. With expansive airfield infrastructure, low air traffic density, and strong community support for transportation technology initiatives, the airport offers an ideal environment for Heart Aerospace’s experimental flight. “We’re thrilled to join Plattsburgh’s thriving aerospace community as we push the boundaries of air travel towards a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said Heart Aerospace’s co-founder and CEO Anders Forslund. “Electric commercial airplanes have the potential to lower operating costs for US airlines, creating a powerful opportunity to reestablish regional air routes that stimulate local economies, boost tourism, and enhance access to urban hubs. We’re impressed by the leadership shown by New York’s North Country region in the support of next generation airplanes.” “Heart Aerospace’s decision to conduct its fully electric experimental flight from Plattsburgh International Airport reflects Clinton County’s strong commitment to advancing next-generation transportation technologies,” said Mark Henry, Clinton County Legislature Chairman. “Clinton County is strengthening its position as a transportation manufacturing cluster, and we are excited to be part of Heart’s journey and the growing sustainable aerospace community in upstate New York.” The Heart X1 aircraft is currently undergoing extensive tests of critical systems to ensure a safe and successful flight in Plattsburgh next year and Heart Aerospace plans to bring it to Plattsburgh International in early 2025.

Astana, November 26, 2024: Air Astana signed a codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways, effective from 26 November 2024, marking an important step in strengthening the strategic partnership and expanding travel opportunities for passengers of both airlines. As part of this agreement, Air Astana passengers will have access to Etihad Airways’ flights to Mumbai, Riyadh, Dammam, Bahrain, Cairo, Doha, Kuwait City, and Muscat, unlocking new travel experiences to India, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman. Etihad’s global network will be accessible to Air Astana passengers via seamless connections in Abu Dhabi, utilizing Air Astana’s direct flights from Astana, which were launched in late October, and from Almaty starting from 5th December 2024. “We are excited to partner with Etihad Airways, offering our passengers enhanced travel options and convenient access to a broader network. This collaboration reflects our commitment to providing passengers with an exceptional and comfortable travel options, whilst maintaining the highest standards of service and safety. We look forward to welcoming passengers on board following this partnership,” said Zhanna Shayakhmetova, Vice President of Marketing & Sales at Air Astana. Codeshare agreements allow for single bookings, simplified check-in processes, and seamless baggage transfer between airlines. To date, Air Astana has signed codeshare agreements with eight airlines worldwide.

Gurugram, 22nd November 2024: Air India is setting up a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO), which will offer an integrated 2+2 years Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Indian aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Air India has signed an agreement with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), to develop a build-to-suit facility for the AME program that will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories for practical training and a team of qualified trainers. The purpose-built campus, spread over 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City, is expected to be operational by mid-2026. The BMTO will be housed close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Bengaluru that will be operational in early 2026. The program at the BMTO will include two years of in-classroom academic coursework followed by two years of practical on-job training at the MRO. The aim of the BMTO is to foster a workforce of skilled professionals for aircraft maintenance and engineering operations where students will receive hands-on experience and training, adhering to industry standards and Air India’s specific requirements. Till the new BMTO facility commences operations, Air India will implement a Cadet AME program with other reputable institutions across Bengaluru and Hyderabad to ensure continuity in its commitment towards AME education and workforce development as well as to support its requirements for aircraft maintenance engineers. “The Basic Maintenance Training Organization will establish a pipeline of skilled engineers trained to Air India standards from the outset. This facility and program, combined with proximity to Kempegowda International Airport, will enable our AME cadets to gain hands-on, real-world experience as part of their training, supporting their future as industry-ready professionals aligned with Air India’s ongoing fleet expansion needs,” said Sunil Bhaskaran, Director, Aviation Academy, Air India. The program is designed to meet Air India’s growing fleet maintenance requirements and provides specialised career paths for its AME graduates. Students will also be encouraged to pursue a simultaneous bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, which will enhance their academic and career opportunities. “Air India’s commitment to establishing a state-of-the-art training facility symbolises a bold step forward in enhancing India’s aviation capabilities. Education and skill development are vital to sustaining the growth of Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru. The Air India BMTO reinforces our vision of developing a thriving ecosystem that drives innovation and collaboration,” said Rao Munukutla, Executive Director & CEO, BACL.

Delhi, 21st November 2024: Cathay Pacific released its traffic figures for October 2024, showing that the airline reached the milestone of operating more than 10,000 passenger and cargo flight sectors in a single month for the first time this year. Cathay Pacific carried a total of 2,014,105 passengers in October 2024, an increase of 19.6% compared with October 2023. The month’s revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) increased 19.1% year on year. Passenger load factor decreased by 1.6 percentage points to 83.1%, while available seat kilometres (ASKs) increased by 21.3% year on year. In the first 10 months of 2024, the number of passengers carried increased by 27.4% to a total of 18,567,818, against a 32.7% increase in ASKs and a 26.8% increase in RPKs, as compared with the same period for 2023. Recently, we also announced the resumption of Cathay Pacific’s non-stop passenger services to and from Hyderabad starting from 30 March 2025, further enhancing our network presence in India.