Etihad Airways will invest $10 billion in new aircraft over the next five years as part of an accelerated expansion strategy that raises the airline’s fleet target to 200 jets by 2030, up from the previously planned 170. The announcement was made by Etihad Group CEO Antonoaldo Neves during the Dubai Airshow 2025.

Neves said the airline will allocate $2 billion annually toward new aircraft purchases and expects an additional $37 billion to come from Etihad’s own cash flow generation, enabling the carrier to finance its growth without external funding.

Despite ongoing speculation about a potential IPO in 2026, Neves confirmed that Etihad is already prepared to go public but emphasized that the company does not require public listing to support expansion. “We could go public anytime,” he said. “But that is not an objective right now. Companies usually go public to finance growth — and we don’t need that.”

Etihad, fully owned by Abu Dhabi sovereign investor ADQ, continues to show strong performance, recording 20% year-on-year growth and a 25% increase in September.

As part of its fleet expansion, the airline plans to add 20 new aircraft each year in 2025 and 2026. At the airshow, Etihad confirmed an order for 32 Airbus widebody aircraft, following a previous order of 28 Boeing widebody jets earlier this year.

Emirates President Tim Clark has cautioned that a prolonged conflict involving Iran could place weaker airlines under severe financial strain, with low-cost carriers likely to be the first affected.

Speaking on Tuesday ahead of the Berlin Air Show, Clark said extended disruption could lead to failures within parts of the aviation sector, echoing similar concerns expressed over the weekend by International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General Willie Walsh.

Despite the challenges created by the conflict, Clark said Emirates has no plans to reduce operations. The airline intends to continue transporting passengers through its Dubai hub to destinations including India and Australia, while implementing operational measures such as carrying additional fuel when necessary.

Clark also highlighted Emirates' ongoing rollout of Starlink onboard internet services across its fleet, noting that customer demand had increased following the introduction of the connectivity upgrade.

He stressed that the state-owned carrier would maintain its current capacity levels and was not concerned about the added operational costs associated with the regional situation.

The Emirates chief also reaffirmed the airline’s interest in expanding its presence in Germany. He said demand for flights to Berlin remains strong and noted that the carrier has spent decades seeking approval to serve the German capital. Although Emirates has secured airport slots in Berlin, it is still awaiting regulatory clearance to begin operations there.

Addressing criticism from German carrier Lufthansa regarding alleged regulatory advantages enjoyed by Gulf airlines, Clark rejected the claims. He argued that Lufthansa had also benefited from government support and said the airline should compete independently rather than rely on political backing.

Emirates continues to pursue growth opportunities in key international markets while monitoring the impact of geopolitical developments on the global aviation industry.

Source: ZAWYA

Riyadh Air has announced the addition of five new destinations to its growing network, marking another milestone in the airline’s expansion strategy as it prepares for full-scale operations.

The Saudi carrier, owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), revealed on Monday that it will begin serving Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Madrid, and Manchester. The announcement coincides with the arrival of the first three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft that will form part of the airline’s modern fleet.

According to the airline, the newly introduced routes are intended to strengthen links between Riyadh and key economic, tourism, and cultural centres across the region and beyond. Riyadh Air added that further destinations are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as it continues to expand its network.

The latest route launch follows the delivery of the carrier’s third aircraft, which arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday. The addition is expected to enhance operational preparedness and support Riyadh Air’s long-term objective of connecting the Saudi capital with more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.

Services to Jeddah are scheduled to commence on June 14, followed by Dubai on June 18 and Cairo on June 25. Flights to Madrid are set to begin on July 17, while Manchester services will start on July 23.

The airline also confirmed that it has brought forward the launch of its inaugural London route from July 1 to June 10, 2026, following the earlier-than-expected delivery of new aircraft. Ticket sales through the carrier’s official channels are due to open later on Monday.

Riyadh Air said its Boeing 787-9 fleet will feature advanced cabin technology, upgraded onboard amenities and hospitality services designed to meet international standards, aiming to provide passengers with a premium travel experience.

Source: ZAWYA

Emirates and Real Madrid CF have agreed to extend their partnership until 2031, continuing one of the most high-profile sponsorship relationships in global football and reinforcing a collaboration that will span nearly two decades.

The airline has been associated with the Spanish club since 2011, with the partnership elevated in 2013 when Emirates became the official jersey sponsor. Under the renewed agreement, Emirates will remain the Official Main Sponsor and Official Airline Partner for both the men’s and women’s teams.

Its branding will continue to feature prominently on match jerseys, training gear, and staff apparel across major competitions, including La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. The renewed deal also secures the distinction of being the longest-running jersey sponsorship in La Liga history.

Beyond kit sponsorship, the agreement includes expanded brand presence at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, access to club training facilities, and continued use of the Emirates Lounge, a premium hospitality space designed for guests, partners, and customers. The collaboration also extends to Real Madrid’s youth system, supporting player development at grassroots level.

In addition, Emirates will maintain and deepen its involvement in basketball through a separate multi-year extension, under which it will serve as the Official Main Sponsor of Real Madrid’s basketball team until 2031.

Boutros Boutros, Executive Vice President for Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand at Emirates, said the partnership reflects the airline’s long-standing engagement with football and its global fan base.

He highlighted that the collaboration has helped bring supporters closer to the sport through exclusive experiences and global fan engagement initiatives, while also strengthening Emirates’ presence in Spain.

Since launching its first flight to Madrid in 2010, Emirates has expanded its operations in the Spanish market, now operating five daily services across Madrid and Barcelona. The airline has also broadened its global connectivity via Dubai and introduced updated onboard products for passengers travelling to and from Spain.

Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez described the renewed agreement as a continuation of a strong and enduring relationship built over many successful years, noting the shared achievements between the two organisations.

Over the course of their partnership, Emirates and Real Madrid have collaborated on a range of marketing and fan engagement initiatives, including specially branded aircraft liveries, player-themed aircraft decals, matchday activations, and exclusive supporter experiences.

Emirates has also deployed dedicated aircraft for club-related charter operations, including Boeing 777 aircraft used for Spanish Super Cup travel between Madrid and Jeddah.

The airline maintains a broad portfolio of football sponsorships, which includes partnerships with Arsenal FC, AC Milan, Real Madrid CF, S.L. Benfica, and Olympique Lyonnais, along with a Platinum Partnership with FC Bayern Munich. It also serves as title sponsor of the Emirates FA Cup and supports the UAE Pro League.

Beyond football, Emirates’ global sponsorship strategy spans multiple sports, including tennis, rugby, basketball, sailing, cycling, golf, horse racing, cricket, and Australian Rules Football. The airline says its portfolio is designed to connect international audiences with major sporting events, clubs, and competitions worldwide.

Source: ZAWYA

Oman Air is considering a fresh aircraft acquisition programme aimed at replacing aging planes and supporting future network expansion, according to Chief Executive Officer Con Korfiatis.

Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Korfiatis said the airline is particularly interested in narrowbody aircraft equipped with lie-flat business-class seats. Such aircraft would allow the carrier to operate long-haul services more efficiently while serving premium travellers on routes including Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul.

Korfiatis noted that Oman Air has increasingly deployed narrowbody aircraft on longer international routes in recent years, marking a shift from its previous operating model.

“Something we’ve done in the last couple of years that we weren’t doing in the past is long-haul flights with narrowbody aircraft,” he said. “We see an opportunity to serve the market with this product.”

The CEO did not provide details on the number of aircraft under consideration or the timeline for any potential order.

Oman Air also played a significant role during the regional disruption caused by Iranian airstrikes following the US-Israeli conflict involving Iran. The airline, alongside authorities in Oman and Saudi Arabia, helped facilitate alternative travel arrangements for thousands of passengers seeking to leave the Gulf region.

According to Korfiatis, passenger volumes surged to four or five times normal levels during the crisis, creating unprecedented operational challenges for the airline and airport facilities.

“To have that many people come across the border for flights, it certainly operationally challenged us in ways we haven’t seen,” he said. “We’ve never seen our airport so full.”

The carrier introduced additional support measures, including bus transportation for travellers who arrived at border crossings without onward transport. In some cases, passengers were required to purchase tickets before entering Oman.

Korfiatis said many travellers who temporarily stayed in Oman while awaiting flights could return in the future, potentially supporting the airline’s long-term transformation strategy.

The expansion plans come as Oman Air reported its first profit in 15 years. In April, the airline announced an operating profit of RO3.2 million for 2025, marking a major milestone in its financial recovery.

“Oman Air’s turnaround marks a defining moment for the airline,” Korfiatis said during a media briefing.

He attributed the improved performance to tighter cost controls and a focus on sustainable growth. The airline reduced bank debt by RO27 million, the first decline since 2009, while lowering cost per seat by 6%.

Passenger traffic also strengthened significantly, with Oman Air carrying 5.8 million travellers in 2025, an 8% increase compared with the previous year. The airline recorded a load factor of 82%, while point-to-point traffic rose by 34%, reflecting growing demand across its network.

“Our network strategy is delivering results, particularly in point-to-point traffic,” Korfiatis said.

Source: ZAWYA

Ethiopian Airlines has announced the introduction of a new direct passenger route linking Addis Ababa with Mauritius, scheduled to commence on 12 July 2026. The move is part of the carrier's broader strategy to strengthen connectivity across Africa and support economic and tourism growth throughout the region.

The new service will operate three times a week, offering direct connections between Ethiopia's capital and Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. Flights are scheduled on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Under the timetable, flight ET887 will depart Addis Ababa at 8:50 a.m. and arrive in Mauritius at 3:20 p.m. The return service, flight ET886, will leave Mauritius at 4:15 p.m. and land in Addis Ababa at 8:45 p.m.

Prior to the launch of the nonstop service, Ethiopian Airlines connected passengers to Mauritius through interline and codeshare arrangements via regional gateways such as Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Antananarivo. The direct route is expected to shorten travel times and provide more convenient access for passengers traveling between Mauritius and destinations served by the airline's extensive network.

The airline said the new connection is designed to facilitate tourism, business travel, and trade while strengthening economic ties between Mauritius and other African markets.

“We are delighted to launch this direct flight service to Mauritius, making it easier for Africans and other international tourists to visit this beautiful African island destination, while also enhancing business and trade opportunities,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew.

He added that expanding the airline's African network remains a key priority, supporting its long-term objective of improving connectivity among African nations and strengthening links between the continent and the rest of the world.

According to Ethiopian Airlines, the route reflects its ongoing commitment to expanding intra-African air links through its Addis Ababa hub. The carrier expects the service to provide smoother onward connections across its African and international network while contributing to increased tourism and commercial activity between Mauritius and other destinations across the continent.

Bookings for the new route are now available through Ethiopian Airlines' sales and reservation channels ahead of the July launch.

Source: ZAWYA