Category Archives: Aviation

As per OAG, the Asia-Pacific region is on track to solidify its position in the global aviation market. Its aviation market in 2025 has surpassed 2019’s total capacity by 0.5 per cent in 2024. As APAC’s domestic market outperforms 2019 up 4.7 per cent in 2019; India’s domestic capacity reached 13 per cent ahead of pre-pandemic levels.

The Engineering team of SriLankan Airlines wrapped up base heavy maintenance on an A321neo aircraft for long-term repeat customer, Salam Air, ahead of the scheduled completion date. The work involved replacing a right-hand main landing gear seal on the aircraft. SriLankan Engineering has been forging a path as a reliable provider of base maintenance services in the region for third parties, with a steady stream of both repeat and new customers.

This reflects Saudia’s ongoing efforts to enhance global connectivity and meet growing international travel demand. Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has announced a significant expansion of its global flight network, adding more than ten new destinations for 2025. This strategic growth, fuelled by a 16 per cent increase in international guest numbers last year, reflects the airline’s commitment to connecting the world and meeting 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 have 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.” This expansion is facilitated by Saudia’s modern fleet of 147 Boeing and Airbus aircraft, known for their safety and efficiency. The airline’s commitment to 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 …

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SriLankan Airlines joined the festivities of oneworld’s 25th Anniversary and hosted the oneday. oneteam. oneworld25 Roadshow at Bandaranaike International Airport on 5 February 2025, as it made a stop in Sri Lanka on its journey around the world, covering the home country of each member airline. Since joining the prestigious oneworld alliance in 2014, SriLankan has been able to offer its passengers an expanded global reach, smoother connections and exclusive benefits across more than 1,000 destinations worldwide. The milestone roadshow aims to reconnect staff with the alliance’s vision by empowering them with knowledge to elevate their work and careers, as well as helping them to understand the alliance’s benefits for passengers and staff of member airlines. As oneworld continues to go places, both figuratively and literally, SriLankan Airlines is excited to be a part of the alliance’s next chapter and share in its goal of creating exceptional experiences for travellers.

The airline’s 2024 achievements showcase its commitment to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 aviation goals Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, continues to lead the way in advancing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, showcasing a strong commitment to the nation’s aviation goals throughout 2024. Through innovation, network expansion, and strategic collaborations, Saudia reinforces its pivotal role in supporting the Kingdom’s broader objectives of enhancing global connectivity, fostering economic growth, and creating new opportunities, while positioning itself at the forefront of the aviation sector’s transformation. In line with Vision 2030’s aspirations to transport 330 million travellers, facilitate 150 million visits, and serve 30 million pilgrims annually, Saudia has made significant strides in advancing its growth and development strategy this year. Saudia’s Network Expansion In 2024, Saudia strengthened its position as a global aviation leader by expanding its international network. The airline launched new routes to key destinations, including Beijing, China; Medan, Indonesia; and Phuket, Thailand, in line with Saudia’s strategic vision to increase its global presence and enhance its competitive advantage in the international market. The new Dammam–Beijing route has set Dammam as the third Saudi city to offer direct flights to Beijing, driving a 16.2 per cent increase in passenger traffic compared to 2023 and enriching King Fahd International Airport’s international offerings. Furthermore, the direct connection to Medan strengthens Saudia’s role in supporting Vision 2030’s goals to facilitate seamless travel for pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques. Seasonal flights to Phuket have also commenced on 2 December 2024, positioning it as Saudia’s second destination in Thailand and further catering to the growing demand for leisure travel. Codeshare Agreements in 2024 Throughout 2024, Saudia has continued …

As a continuation of its globally recognised ‘Time for’ campaign, Malaysia Airlines unveiled ‘Time for Premium Leisure,’ a campaign that redefines Business Class travel by showcasing its unparalleled comfort, personalised service, and worldclass amenities. From spacious seating and bespoke in-flight experiences to exclusive access to award-winning lounges and gourmet dining, travellers can indulge in a seamless and luxurious journey. Running until 20 February 2025, this exclusive Business Class campaign offers special fares across its network. In addition, members of the airline’s award-winning Enrich programme can also enjoy an additional five per cent off fares, while non-members are encouraged to sign up for free to unlock this exclusive benefit. Whether it is a dream escape to the Maldives, a romantic getaway to Paris, or a coastal retreat in Da Nang, now is the perfect time to experience premium travel at exceptional value. Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer, Airlines from Malaysia Aviation Group, said, “At Malaysia Airlines, we continuously elevate the premium travel experience, ensuring that every journey is defined by comfort, exclusivity, and our signature Malaysian Hospitality. This commitment is exemplified in the introduction of our next-generation A330neo, setting a new benchmark in business class travel. Designed for discerning travellers who seek more than just a seat, our Business Class offers spacious suites with privacy doors, direct aisle access, and our state-of-the-art elevation seat, designed for ultimate relaxation. Whether traveling for business or leisure, our goal is to ensure that every moment onboard is an indulgence in premium comfort.” As part of this journey, Business Class passengers can enjoy an elevated end-to-end travel experience from the moment they arrive at the airport, including personalised Meet and Greet assistance, access to the …

Ethiopian Airlines announced the launch of a new thrice-weekly passenger service to Hyderabad, India, starting from 16 June, 2025. This new route exemplifies Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to expanding its global network and enhancing connectivity between Africa and Asia, providing passengers with convenient travel options. The new flight will commence operations with three mid-day departures from Addis Ababa to Hyderabad and morning arrivals on the return leg as per the details below: ET 682 Addis Ababa (ADD) to Hyderabad (HYD) – Mon, Wed, Sat ET 683 Hyderabad (HYD) to Addis Ababa (ADD) – Tue, Thu, Sat Regarding the launch of the new service Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO, Ethiopian Airlines, remarked, “We are delighted to commence a new passenger service to Hyderabad. Since our first flight to Mumbai, India, in 1971, we have expanded our footprint throughout the country, offering convenient passenger and cargo transportation services. This new service will not only enhance travel options for our esteemed passengers but also strengthen trade and tourism ties between the two countries and beyond. Additionally, it is also a testament to Ethiopian’s commitment to enhancing its position as the continent’s top carrier with wide connectivity and world-class service.” Currently, Ethiopian Airlines offers over fifty weekly dedicated passenger and cargo flights to five Indian cities; Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Chennai, With the opening of this new passenger route to Hyderabad, Ethiopian will solidify its presence in India and enhance flight alternatives for passengers travelling between and outside the region.

Egyptair is pushing India’s MICE traffic to Egypt by offering competitive fares. Amr Aly, Country Manager, India, Vietnam & Hongkong, Egyptair, said, “For Cairo, we have an offer till March end, 40 per cent discount on economic class, 30 per cent on business class. Due to high demand, we may extend it till July.”

SriLankan Airlines is presenting a game-changer with the introduction of ‘Yaana,’ an AI-powered chatbot. Yaana is set to transform customer support and the way passengers interact with the airline by leveraging advanced AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) technologies to intelligently assist with a wide range of passenger inquiries. Developed in collaboration with CodeGen International, Yaana is now live on SriLankan Airlines’ corporate website. Chamara Perera, Group Head of Information Technology, SriLankan Airlines, commented on this latest advancement in customer engagement technology stating, “Yaana features a generative AI virtual assistant powered by GPT-4 technology and is equipped with sophisticated retrieval capabilities to enhance customer interactions and efficiently address inquiries. The system also utilises a conversational AI framework and custom AI algorithms to deliver rapid, accurate, empathetic and contextually relevant responses. By cross-referencing multiple policy documents, real-time data sets, including flight schedules, Yaana ensures that passengers receive reliable, tailored information.” Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Worldwide Sales and Distribution, SriLankan Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm about Yaana’s potential, stating, “Since going live, Yaana has handled close to 12,000 inquiries with remarkable efficiency, autonomously resolving 88 per cent of them. Furthermore, with its scalability, we anticipate Yaana will manage five times the current volume. By providing 24/7 assistance, including real-time updates during disruptions, streamlined booking guidance and personalised support for complex queries, Yaana will significantly enhance customer service every step of the way.” The chatbot will prove especially indispensable during unplanned flight disruptions, a common occurrence in the airline industry, by assisting passengers in swiftly finding alternative travel options. Available globally, Yaana also has multilingual capabilities, making it accessible to SriLankan Airlines’ diverse, global customer base. For SriLankan Airlines, an airline committed to using …