ANA HOLDINGS Invests in Sakana AI to Enhance Generative AI Capabilities for Operational Transformation

(IN SHORT) ANA HOLDINGS INC., through its venture capital fund ANA Future Frontier Fund L.P., has invested in Sakana AI, a Tokyo-based AI research company focused on nature-inspired foundational AI models. Sakana AI applies principles like evolution and collective intelligence to develop advanced, efficient generative AI technologies. ANA aims to collaborate with Sakana AI to… Read the full press release

Southwest Airlines Appoints Rakesh Gangwal as Independent Board Chair, Announces New Committee Leaders

(IN SHORT) Southwest Airlines has appointed Rakesh Gangwal as the new independent Chair of its Board of Directors and assigned new Chairs for its Board Committees. Gangwal aims to work closely with CEO Bob Jordan and the leadership team to strengthen the airline’s financial performance. CEO Jordan also acknowledged the dedication of Southwest employees, emphasizing… Read the full press release

Emirates Returns to Edinburgh with Daily Service, Boosting Tourism and Trade Links for Scotland

Reinstated flight will meet market demand and offer customers more travel options (IN SHORT) Emirates has resumed its daily flights to Edinburgh, its eighth UK destination, after a three-year pause. The return flight was celebrated with a performance by the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. This new daily service complements Emirates’ Glasgow route, providing Scottish travelers… Read the full press release

Airport Handling Secures Court Approval to Begin Ground Services at Rome Fiumicino in 2025

Ground services provider to invest over €20 million in ground support equipment and employ 1,800 aviation professionals at FCO (IN SHORT) Airport Handling S.p.A., a dnata subsidiary, has received final approval to operate ground handling services at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) after the Lazio Regional Administrative Court upheld its seven-year license award. Set to launch… Read the full press release

Swissport Opens Pet Lounge at Johannesburg Airport to Enhance Comfort and Care for Traveling Pets

(IN SHORT) Swissport has launched a dedicated Pet Lounge at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, providing a calm, stress-free environment for unaccompanied pets traveling through the airport. The facility, equipped with air conditioning, water, and soothing music, is staffed by a trained team and complies with IATA’s Live Animals Regulations. Swissport works closely with South… Read the full press release

IATA and ASA Partner to Boost Safety and Efficiency in Ground Handling with Enhanced Data Sharing and Standardization

(IN SHORT) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Airport Services Association (ASA) have strengthened their partnership to enhance safety and efficiency in ground handling. By sharing safety data and coordinating on global standards, they aim to improve data-driven decision-making and reinforce industry-wide best practices. This collaboration will focus on safety information sharing through… Read the full press release

Singapore Airlines Unveils S$1.1 Billion A350 Cabin Upgrade, Featuring New First Class for Ultra-Long-Haul Flights

(IN SHORT) Singapore Airlines has committed S$1.1 billion to retrofit its Airbus A350 fleet, introducing upgraded First, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy Class cabins across 41 aircraft. This investment will bring a new, luxurious First Class to its A350-900ULR aircraft for ultra-long-haul flights, along with enhanced privacy and comfort in Business Class. The upgraded cabins… Read the full press release

Cathay Pacific’s SAF Programme Gains Momentum with New Partners and Record Carbon Reduction Targets

New global partners come onboard bringing the total to 15 as programme expands with tiered structure (IN SHORT) Cathay Pacific’s Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Programme has grown significantly in 2024, now including 15 global partners, with new additions such as DB Schenker and Kuehne+Nagel. The programme’s expanded tiered structure allows companies to join based… Read the full press release

JAL and J VALUE Join Forces to Boost Japanese Agricultural Exports in Thailand’s Thonglor Market

(IN SHORT) Japan Airlines (JAL) and J VALUE have formed a partnership to expand the presence of Japanese agricultural and marine products in Thailand through the Thonglor Nihon Ichiba wholesale market in Bangkok. This collaboration leverages JAL’s reliable logistics network to ensure high-quality, temperature-controlled delivery, while J VALUE will enhance visibility and sales through events… Read the full press release

flydubai Commemorates UAE Flag Day, Honoring National Unity and Heritage

(IN SHORT) flydubai marked UAE Flag Day at its campus with CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith, senior leaders, and employees joining in the celebration. Al Ghaith emphasized the flag as a powerful symbol of unity, heritage, and shared national values, and highlighted flydubai’s commitment to promoting UAE’s culture globally. He also honored the nation’s founding fathers,… Read the full press release

Cathay Pacific Launches Direct Hong Kong-Riyadh Flights, Enhancing Links with Saudi Arabia

Providing travellers from Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia with greater convenience and connectivity (IN SHORT) Cathay Pacific has launched a new direct flight route connecting Hong Kong and Riyadh, operating three times weekly. This route aims to boost tourism, business, and cultural connections between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, supporting initiatives like the Belt and… Read the full press release

Emirates Reintroduces ‘My Emirates Pass’ for Exclusive Discounts in Dubai and the UAE

Enjoy some winter sun and use your Emirates boarding pass to unlock five months of exclusive offers at hundreds of locations in Dubai and the UAE (IN SHORT) Emirates has relaunched the My Emirates Pass, offering travelers exclusive discounts and benefits across Dubai and the UAE from November 2024 through March 2025. Passengers can use… Read the full press release

KLM Celebrates Fourth Consecutive APEX World Class Award, Highlighting Commitment to Customer Experience and Sustainability

(IN SHORT) KLM has been awarded the APEX World Class Award for the fourth consecutive year, recognizing its outstanding achievements in customer experience, sustainability, and safety. This prestigious honor, presented by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), is based on global audits and consumer feedback. Ben Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, accepted the award in… Read the full press release

SAS Achieves Five Star Rating in 2025 APEX Awards, Recognizing Commitment to Customer Excellence

(IN SHORT) Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has been awarded a Five Star rating in the 2025 APEX global customer rankings, reflecting the airline’s commitment to exceptional passenger experiences. This recognition is based on nearly one million passenger reviews of 600 airlines worldwide and places SAS among the top 30 airlines globally, representing the top 7% in… Read the full press release

PATA Renews Partnership with OAG to Enhance Aviation Data Accessibility for Members

(IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has renewed its partnership with OAG, designating the company as its Preferred Partner and exclusive aviation data provider for the next three years. PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid emphasized the importance of this collaboration, which will provide members with vital aviation data to monitor flight capacity and… Read the full press release

British Airways Celebrates the Resumption of Flights to Bangkok

(IN SHORT) British Airways has announced its return to Bangkok, resuming flights to Thailand for the first time in over four years. The inaugural flight departed London Gatwick on October 28, 2024, landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport the following day, where passengers were welcomed with traditional dancers and local gifts. Initially, the route will operate three… Read the full press release

Blue Islands Introduces Modern and Comfortable Cabin Crew Uniform to Enhance Service and Identity

(IN SHORT) Blue Islands has launched a new, stylish uniform for its cabin crew, emphasizing comfort and practicality while reflecting the airline’s unique identity tied to the Channel Islands. The updated uniform features trousers for all crew members and trainers instead of formal shoes, combining modern design with functionality. The initiative involved input from the… Read the full press release

Qantas Expands Southeast Asia Reach with New Direct Brisbane-Manila Route, Strengthening Tourism and Trade Links

(IN SHORT) Qantas has launched nonstop flights from Brisbane to Manila, providing a direct link for travelers between Queensland and the Philippines. Operating four times a week, the new route will add over 100,000 seats annually and enhance connectivity for passengers traveling from New Zealand. The service reflects Qantas’ commitment to expanding in Southeast Asia… Read the full press release

Emirates Honors Johannesburg Teachers with Unique ‘Aircrafted’ Bags Made from Recycled Aircraft Materials

Premium cream leather backpacks made from repurposed aircraft materials gifted to 100 teachers in Alexandra, Johannesburg in recognition of their dedication to the next generation (IN SHORT) Emirates has honored 100 teachers in Alexandra, Johannesburg, by gifting them exclusive backpacks from its ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ collection, made from upcycled materials from the airline’s A380 and… Read the full press release

Emirates Brings Diwali Festivities to the Skies with Special Treats and Entertainment for Passengers

(IN SHORT) Emirates is celebrating Diwali by offering special festive treats and entertainment on flights to and from India between October 28 and November 4. Passengers in all classes will enjoy traditional Diwali sweets like motichoor laddu and Pista rolls, while First and Business Class travelers have access to a wider range of delicacies in… Read the full press release

Qantas and Skytrans Partner to Ensure Continuity of Lord Howe Island Flights

(IN SHORT) Qantas has partnered with Skytrans to ensure continued air service between Sydney and Lord Howe Island as Qantas retires its Q200 aircraft. Skytrans will take over the route exclusively from February 26, 2026, under a licence from the New South Wales Government. A codeshare agreement will allow passengers to book Skytrans-operated flights on… Read the full press release

Emirates Unveils Exclusive Moët & Chandon Champagne Pairing Experience in Dubai Lounge

(IN SHORT) Emirates has introduced a new champagne and canapés pairing experience at its Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge in Dubai’s Concourse B Business Class Lounge. Featuring four select Moët & Chandon champagnes, each paired with meticulously crafted canapés, the menu is designed to enhance the unique flavors of each champagne. This complimentary lounge experience… Read the full press release

dnata Celebrates Decade as ‘Ground Handler of the Year’ with Continued Innovation and Sustainability

(IN SHORT) For the tenth consecutive year, dnata has been awarded ‘Ground Handler of the Year’ at the 2024 Air Cargo News Awards, recognizing its excellence in cargo services. The accolade highlights dnata’s dedication to safety, quality, and innovation, as seen in recent initiatives such as integrating drones and AI-powered solutions in its global operations,… Read the full press release

Heathrow Expands Winter Travel Routes with New Destinations from Arctic Adventures to Asian Escapes

As the clocks go back and the season changes, Heathrow announces nine new airline routes and expanded services for passengers  Those looking for winter sun or a festive break can choose from a range of destinations including Tromsø, Sälen, and Delhi  The new and additional routes enhance Heathrow’s status as ‘most connected airport in the world’,… Read the full press release

Qantas Rolls Out Next-Gen Comfort Upgrades for A330s Ahead of Project Sunrise

(IN SHORT) Qantas is upgrading its A330 fleet with new Economy seating, larger 4K entertainment screens, USB-C fast charging, and Bluetooth audio for enhanced passenger comfort on international routes. The refurbishments, part of Qantas’ Project Sunrise, include mood lighting, refreshed cabin interiors, and fast, free Wi-Fi on select routes starting December 2024. The first upgraded… Read the full press release

Emirates Group Promotes Employee Health with Free Flights for Dubai Fitness Challenge Participants

Group promotes culture of health and wellness by supporting 30 different hobby and sports clubs, runs year-round health awareness campaigns under its Sehaty programme Engages workforce during DFC through classes and fitness events across Dubai, in addition to incentivised travel (IN SHORT) The Emirates Group is actively supporting the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) by encouraging… Read the full press release

Emirates Launches Exclusive Moët & Chandon Champagne Pairing Experience in Dubai Lounge

(IN SHORT) Emirates has launched an exclusive Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge in its Concourse B Business Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport. As part of this new experience, guests can enjoy a carefully curated champagne and canapés pairing menu, featuring four premium Moët & Chandon champagnes—Moët Impérial, Rosé Impérial, Nectar Impérial, and Grand Vintage… Read the full press release

Alaska Airlines Pilots Reusable r.Cups in Sustainability Push on National Reuse Day

Alaska Airlines offered guests the chance to be among the first to try reusable r.Cups in the air. This feasibility study with r.Cups will help us explore new ways to reduce onboard waste, aiming to bring sustainable innovations to our fleet and the broader travel industry. (IN SHORT) Alaska Airlines partnered with r.World on National… Read the full press release

Emirates Orders Additional Boeing 777 Freighters, Expanding Cargo Fleet to Meet Growing Demand

Latest order adds capacity to meet strong customer demand amidst Dubai’s growing prominence as a preferred global logistics hub (IN SHORT) Emirates has ordered five additional Boeing 777 freighters, increasing its freighter fleet to 21 units by the end of 2026. The airline has also extended the lease for four of its existing freighters and… Read the full press release

KrisFlyer Members Enjoy Exclusive Access and Perks for Stefanie Sun’s 25th Anniversary Concert in Singapore

(IN SHORT) KrisFlyer, the rewards programme of Singapore Airlines, is the title sponsor and official Lifestyle Rewards Partner for Stefanie Sun’s 25th anniversary concert in Singapore, set for April 2025. KrisFlyer members will receive early access to tickets starting October 28, 2024, and can redeem tickets using miles. Exclusive benefits include autographed concert posters, limited… Read the full press release