Air India and Vistara Complete Historic Merger, Creating a Major Global Aviation Powerhouse

Merger of full-service airlines Air India and Vistara successfully completed on 12 November 2024, following the merger of the low-cost airlines Air India Express and AIX Connect (formerly Air Asia India) on 1 October 2024 Post merger, Air India Group operates a combined fleet of 300 aircraft covering 55 domestic and 48 international destinations, with… Read the full press release

HAC, Hokkaido University, and Japan Airlines Launch World’s First Flight-Based Red Tide Monitoring Initiative

Starting Summer 2025, HAC Aircraft to be Equipped with External Cameras for Red Tide Monitoring (IN SHORT) Starting in the summer of 2025, Hokkaido Air System (HAC) will equip one of its aircraft with external cameras to monitor red tide occurrences as part of a groundbreaking collaboration with Hokkaido University and Japan Airlines. The initiative… Read the full press release

Emirates NBA Cup 2024 Launches in Dubai with NBA Icon James Worthy, Youth Clinic, and Exciting Season Opener

NBA Legend James Worthy brought the NBA Cup trophy to tip off Emirates NBA Cup 2024, which starts today Basketball clinic held to nurture the spirit of sportsmanship amongst youth of Al Nasr Club (IN SHORT) Emirates Airline & Group Chairman His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum welcomed NBA legend James Worthy to… Read the full press release

Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines Strengthen Partnership with Expanded Flight Frequencies and New Travel Benefits

(IN SHORT) Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines (SIA) are expanding their partnership by increasing flight frequencies between Jakarta and Singapore in late 2024. SIA will add two daily flights, bringing its total to eight, while Garuda will increase to six daily services. Both airlines will also extend their codeshare agreement to cover these additional flights,… Read the full press release

Chicago’s O’Hare Airport Opens New Multi-Level Parking Garage as Part of Major Terminal 5 Modernization Effort

Garage offers approximately 1,700 parking spaces with convenient options for travelers and features real-time parking space availability information (IN SHORT) The Chicago Department of Aviation has inaugurated a new six-story parking garage at O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 5, more than doubling parking capacity for the terminal as part of a larger modernization effort under Mayor… Read the full press release

British Airways Opens Applications for 2024 Graduate and Apprenticeship Programs Across Key Roles, Including New Digital Scheme

(IN SHORT) British Airways has launched applications for 270 graduate and apprenticeship roles across fields like customer service, aircraft maintenance, and a new digital graduate program aimed at supporting the airline’s £7 billion transformation plan. Graduates can choose from nine two-year programs, while apprentices have 11 options, with roles available across the UK. Applications have… Read the full press release

flydubai Partners with Batik Air Malaysia to Enhance Global Connectivity Through Kuala Lumpur

(IN SHORT) flydubai has announced an interline partnership with Batik Air Malaysia, expanding travel options for passengers across the UAE, Malaysia, and over 40 additional destinations. This agreement enables passengers to book seamless connections through Kuala Lumpur International Airport, with single bookings and checked-through baggage. flydubai’s CEO highlighted the partnership’s role in supporting Dubai’s status… Read the full press release

Emirates Debuts Upgraded Airbus A380 Experience at Bahrain International Airshow 2024

(IN SHORT) Emirates will participate in the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) 2024 from November 13-15, where it will showcase its retrofitted Airbus A380 with new cabin interiors, including First Class suites, an expanded Premium Economy section, and updated lounges. This marks the first time Emirates introduces its latest Airbus A380 model to Bahrain. The airline,… Read the full press release

Emirates Debuts First Interactive Retail Experience in Africa with New Nairobi World Store

The opening introduces the airline’s premium retail store concept and elevated customer experience to Africa for the first time, with more stores planned in the coming months  (IN SHORT) Emirates has launched its first Emirates World store in Nairobi, Kenya, introducing its modern retail concept to Africa. The store offers a unique, interactive experience for… Read the full press release

Qantas Debuts ‘Palau Paradise Express’ from Brisbane, Expanding Access to Pacific’s Natural Wonders

(IN SHORT) Qantas is launching a new route connecting Brisbane to Palau, marking its fifth international destination added from Queensland in the past year. The “Palau Paradise Express,” scheduled to commence on December 7, will provide weekly direct flights to this Pacific Island nation renowned for its UNESCO-listed Rock Islands and unique marine environments. Qantas… Read the full press release

Air Canada Expands Summer 2025 Schedule with New Routes to Europe, U.S., and Asia for Enhanced Global Connectivity

New services between Montreal and Naples, Italy, Montreal and Porto, Portugal Return of Toronto-Prague, Toronto-Port of Spain and Ottawa-London flights New Montreal-Cincinnati and Vancouver-Nashville services, and the resumption of Toronto-Jacksonville,   Over 100,000 weekly seats to 30 destinations across Europe and North Africa in the peak of Summer 2025 (IN SHORT) Air Canada is expanding its Summer 2025 offerings with new routes to Naples, Porto, Cincinnati, and Nashville, along with returning services to Prague, Port of… Read the full press release

Air Canada Expands Intermodal Travel Options with New Rail and Bus Connections Across Europe and Asia

(IN SHORT) Air Canada has broadened its intermodal travel options by adding rail and bus connections in Italy, Spain, Britain, and South Korea, offering seamless air-to-land itineraries for customers. This expanded strategy, launched in partnership with AccesRail, enables travelers to book both air and land segments in one itinerary, enhancing convenience and sustainability for short-haul… Read the full press release

UK Aviation Accessibility Taskforce Launched to Improve Air Travel Experience for Disabled Passengers

(IN SHORT) The UK Government has formed the Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group to enhance air travel accessibility for disabled passengers. With input from leaders across the aviation industry and disability advocates, the group will focus on removing barriers and improving service standards, engaging directly with passengers to ensure their voices guide meaningful change…. Read the full press release

easyJet Debuts Bristol-Istanbul Route, Adding Affordable Access to Turkey’s Top Tourist Destination

easyJet has launched its first flights and package holidays from Bristol Airport to Istanbul for customers eager to explore Turkey’s top tourism hotspot, becoming the only carrier operating the route. Seats are available to book at easyJet.com and via the mobile app with great value fares starting from just £23.99* Package holidays with easyJet holidays… Read the full press release

Swissport Expands E-Commerce Logistics Capabilities with Acquisition of ViaEurope

(IN SHORT) Swissport International has acquired ViaEurope, a logistics company specializing in cross-border e-commerce solutions, enhancing Swissport’s cargo handling capabilities. This integration provides a comprehensive, single-point service for shippers, airlines, and freight forwarders, covering all logistics stages from aircraft handling to final delivery. With ViaEurope’s expertise at major European airports, Swissport aims to streamline lead… Read the full press release

Finavia Secures New Taxi Service Partnership for Kuopio Airport, Ensuring Reliable Transportation Options for Passengers

(IN SHORT) Finavia has awarded Kuljettajasi Oy a contract for taxi services at Kuopio Airport starting February 2025, while existing provider Kuopion Taksiykköset will continue its service. The new agreement ensures reliable transportation options with reserved lanes for contracted taxis, maintaining flexibility for passengers to select any taxi service. (PRESS RELEASE) Vantaa, Finland, 2024-Nov-7 —… Read the full press release

Eve Air Mobility Reaches Key Certification Milestone for eVTOL Aircraft with ANAC Approval of Airworthiness Criteria

(IN SHORT) Eve Air Mobility has reached a major milestone in the certification of its eVTOL aircraft with Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) publishing the final airworthiness criteria. Following public consultation, this step advances Eve’s Type Certification process, with further work planned in collaboration with ANAC and the FAA. This progress supports Eve’s vision… Read the full press release

Emirates Partners with Spotify to Bring Curated Playlists and Podcasts to Passengers on Flights Worldwide

(IN SHORT) Emirates has launched a collaboration with Spotify, offering curated playlists and top podcasts on flights to 140 destinations. This addition to the ice entertainment system caters to a diverse audience with multi-language content, adding to Emirates’ extensive media library and providing a more personalized inflight experience. (PRESS RELEASE) Dubai, UAE, 2024-Nov-7 — /Travel… Read the full press release

Japan Airlines and Lime Partner to Boost Sustainable Last-Mile Travel Across Japan with New E-Scooter Network and Mileage Rewards

JAL mileage linkage and port collaboration will supercharge Lime’s growth and brand awareness, while offering major benefits to consumers and travelers (IN SHORT) Japan Airlines has partnered with Lime to enhance last-mile travel solutions across Japan, offering mileage rewards to Lime riders and expanding e-scooter networks in key regions. This collaboration aims to make sustainable… Read the full press release

Air Tahiti Nui and Air Rarotonga Codeshare Partnership Boosts Connectivity Across South Pacific Islands

(IN SHORT) Air Tahiti Nui and Air Rarotonga have launched a new codeshare partnership, enhancing connectivity between the United States, French Polynesia, and the Cook Islands. This agreement allows travelers to book a single ticket for seamless travel between the islands, with coordinated schedules, simplified transfers, and loyalty benefits. The partnership aims to provide more… Read the full press release

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