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British Airways to resume daily London-Dubai flights on November 3

British Airways is preparing to resume flights to Dubai from November 3, restoring part of the air connectivity between the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates after services were suspended amid regional unrest. The airline will operate one daily flight between London and Dubai during the winter season. The frequency will increase to two daily flights during the summer season as part of a gradual return to its regional services. British Airways had earlier postponed the resumption of Dubai flights from October 25 to November 3. British Airways' flights to Abu Dhabi will remain suspended until the 2027-2028 winter season, reflecting the airline's gradual approach to restarting its network in the region. British Airways suspended flights to the UAE on February 28, 2026, after war broke out between the United States and Iran. The airline subsequently postponed plans to resume services several times due to continued regional instability. The airline said it continues to monitor developments in the Middle East and update its flight schedule to provide greater clarity to customers. It stressed that the safety of passengers and crew remains the priority in decisions on flight operations. During the unrest, the airline said it helped thousands of passengers return home, operated relief flights and added capacity on a number of major long-haul routes. British Airways' return to Dubai is part of a series of schedule adjustments by international airlines in the region, as carriers continue to reassess operations in light of developments affecting regional airspace.

MBMobile Business•Emirates2477h ago

Emiraes wraps up ATM 2026 with more than 30 partnerships

Emirates closed Arabian Travel Market 2026 having signed more than 30 agreements at the industry event, spanning tourism boards across 16 countries, and organisations at the centre of new customer segments and communities. Premium Economy is a standout draw The highlight of the airline's stand was its first electrically powered Premium Economy seat, shown publicly for the first time at ATM 2026. Thousands of visitors were able to sit in the seats and explore the latest functions and comfort in Premium Economy. It drew steady traffic throughout the show, with visitors also experiencing the A380 Shower Spa and Onboard Lounge, the Boeing 777 Game Changer First Class Suite, and A350 Business and Economy Class seats, which included the U-Dream headrest. Growing visitor flows through partnerships Emirates signed or renewed agreements with tourism authorities across Africa, Europe, Asia and the UAE, working to convert awareness in source markets into visitor arrivals and supporting travel ecosystems. In Africa, the airline signed new agreements with Kenya Tourism Board and Mozambique's ANDITUR. In Europe, Emirates signed with Visit Finland ahead of the 1 October Helsinki launch, Fjord Norway, Bologna Welcome and Parma Welcome, while Emirates Holidays partnered with the Spain Tourism Office. In West and Southeast Asia, agreements were reached with Tourism Malaysia, the Japan National Tourism Organization, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation, Seychelles Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism and Culture, and the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, and renewed its partnership with the Madagascar's Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts. Closer to home, the airline renewed with Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority and signed with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. Tapping into new customer segments Several new agreements are creating inroads for the airline to tap into new travel segments beyond traditional leisure and corporate business. In education, the airline partnered with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority to support Dubai's ambition as a global study destination, and with ICEF, becoming a preferred global airline partner for education travel. In medical and wellness travel, an agreement with the Medical Tourism Association positions Emirates as the preferred airline for longevity and wellness travel alongside traditional medical travel. In sports, a partnership with Cutting Edge will build travel packages for fans attending major fixtures across cricket, football, motorsport, golf, tennis and more. The airline also moved deeper into marine crew travel through agreements with Cisalpina Tours International and MSC Cruises, covering seafarer rotations, dedicated crew fares and enhanced baggage allowances. Further agreements with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Finnish and Vietnamese Business Councils, Huawei, Dubai Duty Free, Alibaba Fliggy, DERTOUR Group, Emirates Islamic and Al Etihad Payments to bring Jaywan to Emirates bookings, extended the airline's reach across distinct communities and channels. Emirates and Kuwait Airways also signed to expand their interline partnership into a reciprocal codeshare. Recognitions and accolades During ATM, Emirates was recognised for product and service excellence, winning several global and local accolades. At the 2026 World Travel Awards Middle East, Emirates received four honours: Middle East’s Leading Airline – First Class 2026; Middle East’s Leading Airline Brand 2026; Middle East’s Leading Airline Lounge – First Class 2026; and Middle East’s Leading Airline Rewards Programme 2026. The airline was also named Best Long-Haul Airline at the inaugural Independent Travel Awards 2026 and received the Al Rehla Golden Travel Award in the UAE. These recognitions underscore Emirates’ continued focus on product innovation, customer experience and connectivity, as the airline continues to work to further elevate its onboard and onground experiences. Emirates has experienced a strong recovery in demand following earlier disruption and is now operating at approximately 93% of its pre-disruption capacity. Against this backdrop, discussions at the event also reflected the broader outlook for Dubai’s tourism and aviation ecosystem.

MBMobile Business•Emirates2478h ago

Dubai Police, flydubai partner to Bbring Esaad benefits to visitors from the moment they arrive

Dubai Police and flydubai have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will give passengers arriving on the airline special access to Esaad Card benefits. The partnership will bring a wide range of discounts and offers to visitors from the start of their stay in the United Arab Emirates. Under the agreement, passengers arriving on flydubai can purchase the Esaad Card at a special price. This will give them access to benefits across a broad range of lifestyle, leisure and tourism services. The agreement was signed by Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, and Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Benefits across 10 sectors The partnership will enable eligible arriving passengers to access Esaad discounts, offers and benefits across 10 sectors. This will help them enjoy greater value throughout their visit. These sectors include restaurants and theme parks, shopping centres, tourism and travel, health and sports, family services, automotive services, accommodation, education, government services and online shopping. The initiative is designed to enhance the tourism experience by giving visitors access to benefits across services they may use during their stay. Enhancing the visitor experience Lieutenant General Al Marri welcomed the partnership, saying it reflects Dubai Police’s commitment to building innovative partnerships across sectors. These partnerships support Dubai’s tourism ecosystem and enrich visitors’ experiences from the moment they arrive. “At Dubai Police, we consider people’s happiness and quality of life an integral part of government work in Dubai,” he said. “We are committed to expanding the impact of our initiatives and partnerships in ways that serve the community and visitors to the emirate. At the same time, we aim to strengthen Dubai’s image as one of the world’s safest cities and a destination known for its quality of life and excellence in services.” The partnership brings together Dubai Police’s Esaad programme and flydubai’s growing network of more than 125 destinations. It extends practical lifestyle benefits to visitors and supports a more rewarding and enjoyable experience throughout their time in Dubai. Meanwhile, Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said: “We are pleased to collaborate with Dubai Police on this initiative. It reflects the importance of strategic partnerships in enhancing the experience of visitors to Dubai and delivering greater value to our customers. “As we continue to see growing demand for travel to Dubai, visitor numbers are expected to increase further over the coming months and into the winter season. This partnership will enable flydubai passengers to benefit from a wide range of offers and privileges while enjoying Dubai’s exceptional tourism, leisure and entertainment experiences throughout the year. “We remain committed to working closely with our partners to support Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations and to provide visitors with a more rewarding and seamless experience from the moment they arrive.” flydubai has built a network of more than 125 destinations in 56 countries across Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and Southeast Europe, the GCC and the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia. Almost 100 of these destinations were previously underserved markets with either no direct connections or very few direct connections to Dubai and the UAE. The airline operates a young and efficient fleet of more than 95 Boeing 737 aircraft.

MBMobile Business•Emirates24710h ago

RTA, Dubai Airports discuss transport integration, passenger movement

DUBAI: Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Airports, discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination between RTA and Dubai Airports. They reviewed traffic projects and solutions aimed at improving traffic flow along road corridors leading to and from Dubai International (DXB), as well as future transport plans for Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC). The discussions focused on strengthening integration between the road and transport network and the aviation sector, facilitating passenger movement, and providing seamless, integrated mobility for Dubai residents and visitors. Al Tayer affirmed that integration between the transport and aviation systems is a key pillar in supporting Dubai’s competitiveness and strengthening its position as a global hub for economic activity, tourism and aviation. He noted that RTA, in coordination with its strategic partners, is developing an integrated and flexible network of roads and public transport modes to keep pace with the rapid growth in population and visitor numbers and support the emirate’s ongoing urban and economic expansion. Al Tayer said, "Guided by the vision and directives of its leadership, Dubai continues to invest in developing world-class infrastructure aligned with its future aspirations and supporting sustained growth.” He stressed that DWC and Dubai South are of strategic importance in RTA’s future plans, given the rapid urban and economic growth in the area and its central role in Dubai’s comprehensive development. Paul Griffiths said, "Close collaboration with RTA is essential to shaping a seamless, integrated travel experience for our guests, from the moment they set out for the airport and throughout every stage of their journey. As Dubai enters a new phase of growth, the seamless integration of airports with road networks and all modes of public transport is a key element of our vision to reimagine the future of travel in the emirate.” He added, "We will continue working with RTA to develop a flexible, future-ready mobility ecosystem that raises standards for ease of access, efficiency and passenger service, while supporting the central role of DXB and DWC in strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading global gateway for travel and aviation.” During the meeting, the two sides reviewed RTA’s future plans and projects for roads and public transport systems, aimed at keeping pace with the anticipated growth at DWC and in Dubai South and improving access to both from across the emirate. They also discussed ways to align transport infrastructure development plans with the aviation sector’s future plans. The meeting also addressed continued coordination between teams on both sides and integrated planning for future projects, thereby strengthening links between airports, road networks and public transport modes, improving traffic flow, meeting the requirements arising from population and urban growth, enhancing quality of life, and serving passengers, employees and customers. Attendees included Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports. RTA was represented by Abdul Muhsen Kalbat, CEO of the Rail Agency; Moaza Saeed Al Marri, CEO of the Executive Affairs Sector; Hussain Al Banna, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency; and Muna Al Osaimi, CEO of Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector.

MBMobile Business•WAM10h ago

Wizz Air cuts capacity forecast as Iran war fuels industry's cost crunch

Budget carrier Wizz Air on Thursday said it had cut its planned capacity ⁠for the second half of its fiscal year by 5%, joining rivals in scaling back growth plans as the Iran war continues to drive a sharp rise in fuel costs. The worst airline crisis in terms of ‌costs since the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S.-Iran war has sent the global aviation industry into a severe cost shock, with Latvian airline airBaltic becoming the first ‌European carrier to file for bankruptcy earlier this week due ‌to the conflict. While full-service flag carriers have generally proved more resilient than ‌budget operators, whose business models ‌rely on cheap fares, even larger U.S. carriers have scaled back their planned flight schedules as surging fuel prices threaten earnings. Wizz Air ‌upgraded its revenue per available seat kilometre (RASK) forecast for ⁠the second quarter running from July to September to flat year-on-year, from a previous forecast of "down low single digits," after a stronger-than-expected summer revenue performance, sending shares up ⁠more than 3% ⁠in early trade. The Hungarian airline set out medium-term financial targets of achieving €10 billion ($11.47 billion) in revenue and a 10% EBIT margin by fiscal year 2030 as ⁠it seeks to restore sustainable profitability after a turbulent stretch. It also plans to operate an all-new-engine-option fleet of 335 aircraft and carry 127 million passengers by fiscal year 2030, up from the 269 aircraft it currently operates and the 69.7 million passengers it carried in its last financial ‌year. The targets mark a pivotal moment for Wizz Air, which has spent the past two years battling grounded aircraft from Pratt & Whitney engine issues, surging fuel costs from the Iran war and a bruising stretch of losses, as it attempts to convince investors it can translate its ultra-low-cost model into durable returns.

MBMobile Business•Reuters14h ago

Emirates, Medical Tourism Association partnership to grow healthcare travel segment

Emirates has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Medical Tourism Association (MTA) as it seeks to expand its presence in the growing medical tourism sector. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of ATM 2026. It forms part of Emirates' efforts to diversify beyond traditional leisure and business travel by building a long-term relationship with an organisation focused on international healthcare travel. The partnership also aligns with Dubai's position as a healthcare, wellness and medical tourism destination and Emirates' global network of nearly 140 destinations. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Healthcare is among the most important reasons people travel internationally and is growing significantly. Our newly established partnership with MTA positions Emirates where premium demand is heading, and our network and superior products both onboard and on the ground provide a natural platform to serve these travellers. The insights we gain from working with MTA will also help us develop product propositions that are genuinely tailored to how these travellers plan, book and experience their journeys.” Jonathan Edelheit, CEO and Founder of the Medical Tourism Association, said the partnership could help connect international patients with accredited healthcare providers through the organisation’s network and platforms. Medical Tourism Association: an airline first Emirates’ partnership with the Medical Tourism Association, a non-profit organisation focused on the medical tourism industry, aims to support the development of medical, wellness and longevity travel as a customer segment for the airline. Under the agreement, Emirates will serve as MTA’s preferred airline partner for international medical and wellness travellers. The organisations will work to identify key markets and medical travel corridors, particularly across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. They will also explore tailored travel solutions and customer services for patients, referring physicians, insurers and employers. The agreement also includes collaboration with healthcare providers accredited by Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA). Emirates and MTA plan to work on industry initiatives, knowledge-sharing and market intelligence aimed at better understanding opportunities in the medical travel sector. The partnership also supports Emirates’ goal of becoming the world’s first GHA-accredited airline. MTA’s network includes healthcare providers, employers, insurers and industry stakeholders across more than 100 countries. As part of the partnership, Emirates and MTA will explore ways to help travellers identify accredited providers, coordinate treatment and travel arrangements, and make secure cross-border payments, with the aim of creating a more seamless medical travel experience.

MBMobile Business•Emirates24715h ago

Emirates hiring continues as airline targets further growth

Dubai: Emirates Airline is seeing strong booking momentum heading into the winter season, with demand matching or exceeding last year's levels in several markets, according to Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai, Kazim said booking trends over the past three weeks have been positive, with demand remaining strong for both transit passengers and visitors travelling directly to Dubai. He said Dubai continues to benefit from its busy calendar of events and activities, particularly during the winter season, helping sustain strong tourism demand. Kazim also confirmed that Emirates continues to recruit employees and has not halted hiring. He said the airline's growth plans and the addition of new aircraft require recruitment across specialised fields, with hiring continuing in line with operational requirements. According to Kazim, several markets are recording particularly strong demand, including the UK, China, India, Pakistan and a number of African countries. He also highlighted strong performance in North and South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina, where flights are operating at high load factors. He noted that Emirates achieved seat occupancy rates of between 75% and 77% during the recent summer season, describing the performance as an excellent result despite travel restrictions that affected parts of the region. Kazim said the airline's previously announced figure of 8.6 million passengers carried during July and August reflected the strength of both the Emirates and Dubai brands, adding that booking volumes continue to increase on a weekly basis. He expressed confidence that winter demand could match or exceed summer levels, noting that December is traditionally one of the strongest periods of the year, supported by major events taking place in Dubai. Emirates has already added flights on several routes for the winter season, which Kazim said will help attract additional tourist traffic. Regarding passenger flows, he said around 70% of Emirates passengers currently travel in transit through Dubai, while 30% are travelling to the emirate as their final destination. He said one of the airline's objectives is to convert more transit passengers into visitors by encouraging them to spend time in Dubai. Kazim revealed that Emirates plans to announce new promotional initiatives after Arabian Travel Market aimed at boosting winter tourism to Dubai, targeting both direct visitors and transit passengers. He also highlighted strong booking activity for October, particularly during the final 10 days of the month, which coincide with mid-term school holidays. Kazim said the airline expects strong visitor flows from the UK and other European markets during that period, while outbound travel demand from the UAE is also expected to remain robust, mainly to destinations within four to five hours' flying time. Looking ahead, he said Emirates will continue expanding its network and adding flights, while increasing the number of Airbus A350 aircraft in its fleet from 30 currently to 36 by the end of the year. The additional six A350s will be deployed on routes across the network and support further capacity growth. Kazim added that Emirates is preparing to announce new destinations for the summer 2027 season, noting that the airline is currently receiving approximately one A350 aircraft per month. He also expressed optimism about the expected arrival of Boeing 777X aircraft in summer 2027, saying the new fleet additions will provide fresh momentum for the airline's growth plans.

MBMobile Business•Azad Aishu16 Sept

Emirates weighs switching Boeing 787 order to 777X amid delivery delays

Dubai: Emirates Airline is considering converting its order for Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to Boeing 777X jets as it reassesses fleet requirements amid ongoing delays to the 787 programme. Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer of Emirates, said the option of converting the order remains under consideration given the delays affecting the aircraft. Emirates currently has 35 Boeing 787s on order, comprising 20 Boeing 787-8s and 15 Boeing 787-10s. Speaking on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market 2026, Al Redha said the airline is reviewing its plans in light of delivery schedules and cabin outfitting requirements, particularly as it expects to begin receiving Boeing 777X aircraft from the middle of next year. He noted that the Airbus A350, which is already entering service with Emirates, offers seating capacity and range capabilities similar to those of the Boeing 787. “The option of converting to the 777X remains on the table,” Al Redha said. “Everything is possible and we will discuss everything in this regard with the manufacturer.” He added that Emirates has two options: proceed with deliveries of the Boeing 787 according to a revised schedule agreed with Boeing or convert the order to Boeing 777X aircraft. According to Al Redha, discussions between Emirates and Boeing regarding the 787 order are expected to become clearer within the next two months, after which the airline will decide on its preferred course of action. If Emirates proceeds with the 787 order, he said deliveries are not expected to begin before the end of 2029. The review comes as Emirates continues expanding and modernising its wide-body fleet through the delivery of Airbus A350 aircraft and the anticipated arrival of Boeing 777X jets as part of its long-term growth strategy.

MBMobile Business•Azad Aishu16 Sept

Emirates signs new tourism, travel and business partnerships at ATM

Emirates has signed three new destination partnerships and expanded collaborations with travel technology platforms, cruise operators, business councils and banking partners. The agreements aim to broaden the airline's customer reach and develop targeted offerings for different traveller segments. Emirates and the Mozambique National Agency for Tourism Development and Investment, Public Fund (ANDITUR) have partnered to support the growth of international tourism to Mozambique. The agreement will see the partners explore opportunities to promote Mozambique to travellers in key markets and strengthen connectivity through airline partnerships across Africa. With more than 2,500 kilometres of coastline, Mozambique is known for its beach destinations, ocean activities, cultural experiences, cuisine and vibrant cities, offering a diverse range of attractions for international visitors. Emirates and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) have signed a partnership agreement to support the growth of inbound tourism to Kenya. Already one of the most popular destinations on the airline's Africa network, Kenya is expected to benefit from joint efforts to attract visitors from both emerging and established markets. Tourism remains a key pillar of Kenya's economy, supporting jobs and attracting millions of visitors each year. The Kenya Tourism Board aims to position the country as Africa's leading tourism destination through a year-round calendar of diverse, sustainable and authentic experiences. Emirates and Alibaba Fliggy, one of China's largest online travel agencies, have signed an MoU to strengthen their strategic partnership in China. The collaboration will combine Emirates' global network with Alibaba Fliggy's digital travel platform. Areas of cooperation include co-branded marketing campaigns, customer engagement initiatives and potential integration opportunities between Emirates Skywards and Alibaba Fliggy's membership ecosystem. The partnership aims to increase brand visibility, stimulate travel demand and deliver more personalised travel experiences for Chinese consumers. Emirates and MSC Cruises have signed an MoU that expands their long-standing partnership across fly-cruise distribution, air-sea product integration, crew travel and customer loyalty initiatives. The agreement builds on more than a decade of collaboration. Under the latest MoU, Emirates and MSC Cruises will expand fly-cruise distribution across the Emirates network in line with MSC Cruises' seasonal homeport strategy. The partners will develop through-fares and open-jaw itineraries, and review gateway markets for additional opportunities. They will also create tailored products for MSC Grand Voyages and repositioning cruises, using the Emirates network to provide seamless one-way travel options. In addition, Emirates and MSC Cruises will explore extending Dubai's Port Rashid model to other cruise ports. Areas of cooperation include terminal check-in, through-baggage solutions, coordinated transfers, and joint protocols for disruption management and passenger repatriation. The partnership will also expand cooperation on crew mobility. Emirates and MSC Cruises will work together on seafarer rotations, with Emirates serving as a preferred carrier. The arrangement includes dedicated crew fares, enhanced baggage allowances and specialised services tailored to seafarers. Emirates has signed an agreement with the Finnish Business Council (FBC), a non-profit organisation supporting Finnish businesses and professionals in the UAE. The partnership aims to strengthen Emirates' engagement with the Finnish business community, particularly ahead of the launch of the direct Dubai-Helsinki service on 1 October. Emirates will provide FBC members with exclusive benefits, while the council will facilitate engagement between the airline and its members. Emirates has also partnered with the Vietnamese Business Council (VNBC), a non-profit organisation supporting Vietnamese businesses and professionals in the UAE. The agreement aims to strengthen ties with the Vietnamese business community and follows the announcement of additional services to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City this winter. Under the partnership, VNBC members will receive exclusive Emirates benefits, while the council will support engagement opportunities between the airline and its network. Emirates has partnered with Cutting Edge, a travel management company specialising in international sports tourism, to develop tailored travel packages for fans attending major sporting events around the world. Combining Emirates' network of nearly 140 destinations with Cutting Edge's access to cricket, football, motorsports, golf and tennis events, the partnership will offer end-to-end travel experiences linked to Emirates sponsorships and other key sporting fixtures. Emirates Holidays, the tour operating arm of Emirates Airline, and the Spain Tourism Office have signed an MoU to support inbound tourism to Spain. The partnership aims to encourage more travellers from Emirates' Middle East network to visit Spain through Emirates Holidays packages. The partnership will see Emirates Holidays and the Spain Tourism Office explore initiatives to increase destination awareness in key Middle East markets and drive package holiday bookings. These include integrated marketing campaigns, seasonal promotions and holiday packages combining Emirates flights with accommodation, local experiences and additional traveller benefits. Emirates Skywards and Emirates Islamic have strengthened their long-standing partnership by renewing their strategic agreement at ATM. The renewed agreement focuses on product innovation and enhancing benefits for Emirates Islamic Skywards co-branded cardholders. The partnership, which spans 18 years, now includes three Emirates Skywards co-branded cards, including the Emirates Islamic Skywards Black Card, as well as a co-branded savings account, salary transfer proposition and miles exchange product. The partnership began with the launch of the Emirates Islamic Skywards Card in 2008, the region's first Islamic co-branded airline credit card. It combined Emirates Islamic's Shariah-compliant banking services with the Emirates Skywards loyalty programme. Under the 2026 agreement, the partners will continue to focus on product innovation and enhanced benefits for co-branded cardholders, further strengthening the offering for Emirates Islamic customers.

MBMobile Business•Emirates24716 Sept

Etihad Airways, Swissport expand global ground handling, cargo partnership

ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways and Swissport, the world’s largest provider of aviation services by revenue, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Arabian Travel Market to expand their global partnership, increasing the number of airports at which Swissport serves the airline from 30 to 40. The expanded partnership covers airports across Africa, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia. Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Chief Operations and Guest Officer, Etihad Airways, said, "Working with one partner across 40 airports gives our guests the same experience whether they are departing from Europe, Asia or North America, and gives our operation the consistency it needs to match that expansion.” Warwick Brady, President and Chief Executive Officer, Swissport, said, "Etihad and Swissport are a natural fit. We share the same ambition for operational excellence and an uncompromising focus on the customer experience. Etihad is embarking on an exciting phase of growth, and Swissport is proud to support that journey with our global network, our teams’ operational expertise and our technology capabilities.” Under the MoU, the two companies will work together across ground handling and cargo services, with scope to extend the relationship into airport hospitality through Swissport’s Aspire brand. Technology and innovation will be important drivers of the expanded partnership as Etihad and Swissport explore opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen service delivery and improve the guest experience. By applying automation, artificial intelligence and data-driven insights, including Swissport’s work on autonomous ground vehicles, the two organisations aim to support safer, smarter and more seamless airport operations, while investing in the people and capabilities that will support it.

MBMobile Business•WAM16 Sept

Etihad Airways, Etihad Rail collaborate to enhance UAE air-rail transport integration

Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways and Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s National Rail Network, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities to create a seamless air-rail travel experience across the UAE, helping connect visitors and residents more easily to destinations across the country. The agreement, signed during Arabian Travel Market, brings together two of the UAE’s key transport networks with a shared vision to develop an integrated mobility ecosystem that supports tourism growth, economic diversification and sustainable transport. Under the MoU, the organisations will explore a range of initiatives designed to simplify travel and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a gateway to exploring the wider UAE. Key areas include studying opportunities to improve connectivity between Zayed International Airport and the Mohammed Bin Zayed City Passenger Station through dedicated shuttle services, enabling smoother transfers between the airport and the national railway network and enhancing multimodal travel integration. The partnership will also explore the development of integrated air and rail booking experiences, station-based passenger services, creating a more seamless end-to-end travel experience from the point of departure to the final destination. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said, "Etihad Airways plays a unique role in bringing millions of visitors to Abu Dhabi each year and our partnership with Etihad Rail reflects a shared ambition to strengthen the emirate’s position as a leading global destination. Through this partnership with Etihad Rail, we will explore new opportunities to link air travel with destinations across the UAE, supporting tourism growth, creating greater convenience for travellers and contributing to Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic development.” Azza AlSuwaidi, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Rail, said, "The country continues to develop an integrated national transport system that keeps pace with its comprehensive development journey and supports its future ambitions, recognising that the future of transport lies in the integration of different modes of mobility. Since the launch of passenger rail services earlier this year, Etihad Rail has continued to strengthen the role of the national railway network in connecting cities and regions across the UAE, while providing a smoother mobility experience for residents and visitors. Our partnership with Etihad Airways represents a further step towards strengthening integration between rail and aviation, supporting the growth of the tourism sector, economic diversification and sustainable development across the UAE.”

MBMobile Business•WAM15 Sept

Emirates signs 11 new partnerships on day two of ATM

Emirates has signed eleven partnership agreements on the second day of Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, deepening its collaboration with seven destinations and opening access to and supporting new customer segments across its global network, as well as expanding codeshare agreements for deeper cooperation with partner airlines. His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, visited Emirates' stand during the second day of ATM, touring the airline’s product showcases on display. He was briefed by senior Emirates leadership on the airline's latest cabin innovations and passenger experience enhancements. Emirates and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) have renewed their partnership, building on a collaboration first established in 2022. Under the terms of the agreement, Emirates will continue to draw on its network of almost 140 destinations to promote Sri Lanka to global audiences and support the growth of visitor arrivals. The country welcomed more than 2.3 million international tourists last year, a 15.1 percent increase on the two million recorded the previous year. Emirates and SLTPB work together on a range of initiatives including marketing campaigns, tailored excursions, trade incentives and familiarisation trips designed to showcase the island nation across key feeder markets, along with developing special packages. Emirates and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to boost visitor arrivals and stimulate traffic to the emirate from select markets within the airline’s network. RAKTDA and Emirates will work closely to explore implementing promotional activities including joint marketing and advertising, trade and media familiarisation programmes, with RAKTDA supporting visits through curated ground experiences that showcase the destination, in addition to multi-market campaign activities in Ras Al Khaimah’s target markets. Both parties will explore developing bespoke products and packages for Emirates customers, to be promoted directly through 'Dubai Experience' on the airline's website, alongside incentives for tour operators and the wider travel trade – enabling tourists to explore the full range of activities and experiences the UAE has to offer. Emirates and Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) have signed a new MoU to strengthen tourism promotion and further encourage travel between Japan, Dubai, and the wider Middle East. Emirates continues to invest in Japan through direct services to Narita, Haneda, and Kansai, with operations expected to reach 28 weekly flights in October 2026. The airline has also increased capacity through A380 deployments, introduced Chauffeur-Drive services at Narita and Kansai airports and opened a Travel Store in Osaka. The renewed partnership aims to raise awareness of Japan, meet growing travel demand, and deepen connections between the regions. Building on years of highly successful collaborations, Emirates and the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) have renewed their partnership to jointly support the growth of inbound tourism to the archipelago nation from across the airline's global network. The strategic partnership underscores Emirates' commitment to promoting tourism to the idyllic destination, which has been part of its West Asia and Indian Ocean network since 1987. Air arrivals to the Maldives rose almost ten percent last year, reaching 2.25 million, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment's Tourism Statistics 2025 report. Emirates has supported this growth drawing on its network of almost 140 destinations to attract visitors from key markets including the US, UK and Russia. Emirates has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoU) with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to strengthen support for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families. The partnership will explore collaboration between the two parties in the areas of welfare and social protection, repatriation assistance, reintegration and livelihood, CSR, and community engagement, including support for OWWA outreach activities across the Middle East. The collaboration underscores Emirates’ recognition of the significant contribution Filipino workers make to Dubai and the UAE. The partnership comes at a time when the welfare of Filipino workers abroad has moved further into focus. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority's 2024 Survey on Overseas Filipinos, the UAE is now the second-largest destination for Filipino workers globally, home to an estimated 271,000 OFWs[1]. Cash remittances from the UAE reflect this scale, reaching US$750.3 million in the first half of 2026, up 4.3% from US$719.6 million in the same period last year, per Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data[2]. Emirates and Sharjah Police have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise a partnership that includes exclusive travel-related benefits for Sharjah Police employees and support for their events. Sharjah Police will promote Emirates across its communication channels and events, strengthening collaboration, employee engagement, and brand visibility for both organisations. The MoU was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer and Major General Dr. Ali Ahmed Bu Al Zoud, Director General of the General Department of Resources and Support Services. Emirates and DERTOUR Group are expanding their long-standing partnership across Europe. The agreement will strengthen group-level cooperation, broaden the availability of Emirates products across DERTOUR’s sales channels, accelerate New Distribution Capability adoption, and provide customers with enhanced content and booking options. The partnership will also focus on premium leisure travel by developing exclusive experiences, supporting travel advisors, coordinating marketing and communications, and pursuing growth opportunities in Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe. Emirates has signed strategic partnerships with Bologna Welcome and Parma Welcome to promote Italy's Emilia-Romagna region to international travellers. Through coordinated marketing campaigns, trade engagement, media outreach and familiarisation trips, the collaboration with two respective parties aims to raise awareness of the region's rich cultural heritage, world-renowned gastronomy, lifestyle experiences and business offerings. Emirates signed an MoU with Cisalpina Tours, one of Italy's leading travel management companies, expanding a long-standing relationship into a dedicated framework for marine crew movements, one of the industry’s most specialised travel segments. Part of MSC Group, a global cruise and shipping operator and a longstanding Emirates partner, Cisalpina brings more than 50 years of experience and direct access to maritime expertise, managing cruise crew traffic and marine logistics alongside its corporate travel and MICE business. Building on years of collaboration, the agreement positions Emirates as a preferred airline partner for marine crew travel and the mobility business and sets out a framework for the two companies to pursue joint commercial opportunities across the Emirates network. Both parties will explore ways to combine their respective strengths in crew travel solutions and share market insights on crew travel flows, port developments and broader industry shifts to guide joint planning. Growing airline partnerships Kuwait Airways and Emirates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding expand their existing interline partnership into a reciprocal codeshare. Under the new arrangement, Kuwait Airways customers will gain access to a wider range of destinations through Emirates' network via Dubai, with the ability to book multi-sector journeys on a single ticket and enjoy through-checked baggage to their final destination. Emirates customers will benefit reciprocally from Kuwait Airways' services and network.

MBMobile Business•Emirates24715 Sept

Emirates adds Jaywan card payments for flight bookings, unlocking UAE national card discounts from Dubai

Emirates and Al Etihad Payments have signed an agreement to bring Jaywan, the UAE's national card scheme to Emirates, expanding payment options for customers booking travel from Dubai. The agreement was formally signed by Abdulla Al Olama, Vice President Commercial Operations UAE for Emirates and Andrea Cianchetti, Chief Product Officer (CPO) at Al Etihad Payments, witnessed by senior leadership from both organisations. Starting on 16 September 2026, customers can book flights with their Jaywan cards in two ways: Online: At checkout, UAE-based customers can enter their Jaywan card details to complete their booking on emirates.com. In retail stores: Jaywan is accepted at Emirates Retail stores, with physical cards verified by staff before payment and issuance of tickets. Emirates will accept all Jaywan cards, including the Jaywan Royal Debit Card, Jaywan Prestige Debit Card and Jaywan Prepaid Card, with the security and seamless experience customers expect at checkout when booking their travel. Jaywan customers can also enjoy discounts across all cabin classes and most fare types, on both one-way and return fares from Dubai*. The offer is available for bookings made from 16 September 2026 until 31 August 2027, for travel until 29 February 2028. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said: "Emirates already offers UAE customers a broad range of ways to pay for their travel, and Jaywan is now added as a homegrown option that adds further choice and simplicity when booking. It also means more people across the UAE that use Jaywan cards can book with Emirates as easily as they would make any other payment. We've been working with partners across the UAE's digital payments ecosystem to accelerate cashless adoption within travel, and accepting Jaywan is one step further in delivering on our commitment. Our partnership with Al Etihad Payments and Jaywan also plays a part in strengthening the financial infrastructure the UAE is building for the years ahead.” Dr. Tariq Al Hawi, Chief Operating Officer at Al Etihad Payments, said: “Our partnership with Emirates Airlines reinforces Jaywan’s ambition to deliver more than a payment solution by creating tangible value and a seamless experience for every cardholder. The acceptance of Jaywan cards across emirates.com and Emirates’ retail stores gives Jaywan Cardholders greater choice, flexibility and convenience, enabling them to pay seamlessly whether booking online or purchasing in person. Combined with access to exclusive fares across all cabin classes, this partnership demonstrates how Jaywan can connect everyday payments with meaningful benefits and experiences for cardholders.” The agreement builds on Emirates' wider work to expand digital payments in the UAE. In October 2025, the airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dubai Finance to promote the Dubai Cashless Strategy among international visitors, and in July it launched Crypto.com Pay, giving eligible UAE residents another way to pay on emirates.com and the Emirates app. Jaywan is the UAE's domestic card scheme, introduced by Al Etihad Payments for a resilient and robust national payments ecosystem. Created to handle local transactions safely and efficiently, it localises the country's card infrastructure and reinforces national financial sovereignty. Jaywan cards are issued by major banks across the UAE and are accepted by a growing network of merchants spanning ride-hailing and car rentals, restaurants, attractions, healthcare and pharmacies, retail, among other businesses.

MBMobile Business•Emirates24715 Sept

Emirates Skywards doubles the Miles on Emirates and flydubai flights

Emirates Skywards, the loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, is giving members a chance to earn double Skywards Miles on eligible Emirates and flydubai flights across their global networks. From 15 to 30 September 2026, members must register for the offer and book an eligible Emirates or flydubai flight for travel until 30 November 2026 and then earn 100% bonus Skywards Miles on top of the Miles they would normally earn. The offer spans the extensive networks of both airlines and is available across all eligible cabins including Emirates’ increasingly popular Premium Economy experience, as well as Economy Class, Business Class and First Class. On flydubai, members can earn double Miles when travelling in Economy Class or Business Class. More possibilities Whether planning an autumn city break, visiting friends and family, travelling for business or escaping for a well-earned holiday, members can boost their Skywards Miles balance simply by registering, booking and flying during the promotional period. The bonus Miles can bring members closer to their next reward, with Skywards Miles redeemable on an extensive range of flight and lifestyle rewards. To take advantage of the offer, Emirates Skywards members need to register between 15 and 30 September 2026 and book an eligible Emirates or flydubai ticket during the same period. Travel must be completed between 15 September and 30 November 2026. Customers who are not yet members can also join Emirates Skywards during the promotional period, register for the offer and start earning towards future rewards. Explore the world Together, Emirates and flydubai offer customers extensive connectivity from Dubai to destinations across six continents, giving Skywards members even more opportunities to earn and spend Miles as they travel. The double Miles offer applies to eligible Emirates ‘Special,’ ‘Saver,’ ‘Flex’ and ‘Flex Plus’ fares across Economy Class, Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class. On flydubai, eligible ‘Lite,’ ‘Value’ and ‘Flex’ Economy Class fares and Business Class fares are included. Members can register for the offer through Emirates or flydubai digital channels. Tickets can be purchased through eligible online and offline sales channels, including travel agents. Emirates Skywards members can spend Miles on flight rewards and upgrades with Emirates and flydubai, as well as a wide range of rewards with the programme's global partners. The offer is available for registration and booking from 15 September until 30 September 2026, for eligible travel completed by 30 November 2026. Terms and conditions apply.

MBMobile Business•Emirates24715 Sept

Airbus sees no softening in demand despite geopolitical headwinds

HONG KONG: Airbus has not seen any softening in aircraft demand ‌or deliveries due to geopolitical or supply chain headwinds, its Asia-Pacific president said on Tuesday. "We continue to see strong demand," Airbus Asia-Pacific President Anand Stanley said during a briefing in Hong Kong on its 2026-2045 market forecast ⁠focused on the Asia-Pacific region. "Not only that, we continue to see a strong readiness to take deliveries and a strong uptick in deliveries across the board, and ‌this is not just in Asia-Pacific, but we also see that we are continuing to do our deliveries ‌in the Middle East," he said. Airbus forecasts about ‌42,000 new aircraft will be required globally over the ‌next 20 years, ‌and about 45% of those will be delivered to the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region. Francois Cabaret, Airbus' head ‌of global market forecast, said at the event ⁠that Chinese airlines face a huge catch-up in renewing their fleets. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese airlines were taking about 400 ⁠deliveries a ⁠year, but the collective number from Airbus, Boeing and Chinese planemaker COMAC had since fallen to less than half of ⁠that, Cabaret said. Airbus data shows China, its single largest market for commercial jets, will need 8,830 new passenger aircraft over the next 20 years, India will need 3,480, and the rest of Asia-Pacific will require ‌6,880. The forecast also highlighted diverging growth within Asia. India remains the world's fastest-growing air travel market, with Airbus raising its domestic traffic growth forecast to 9.3% from 8.9%, while cutting China's to 4.7% from 5.4%.

MBMobile Business•Reuters15 Sept