flydubai, Dubai’s pioneering low cost airline, has launched its enhanced in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, offering more movies, TV programmes and audio than any other carrier in its class. Since its launch in November 2010, the ‘Fiber-To-The-Screen’ (FTTS) system from Lumexis has broken new ground in IFE thanks to the fibre-optic technology enabling movies to be shown in high definition in the air for the first time.

Now, Flydubai is leading the way again with an unprecedented increase in movies, TV shows and music. There is also a new payment model offering TV and movie packages rather than the former pay-per-show format, making the system even better value for money for passengers.

Passengers will be able to choose from 149 Hollywood, Bollywood and Arabic films - an 830% increase from the 16 movies offered when the IFE was first installed. Included in this are brand new releases, including The Descendants and Real Steel, plus the top 10 highest grossing movies of all time.

Elsewhere, there will be 154 TV shows - up from 32 in 2010 plus 250 music albums, providing more than 500 hours of non-stop entertainment.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of Flydubai, said: “We are always looking for ways to enhance the flight experience and offer our passengers more choice of optional extras. We also want to pioneer new standards in aviation, and we have done it again as these developments put our IFE ahead of all other low cost carriers around the world. The increased content also means that even our frequent flyers will be able to watch something new every time they travel.”

In another first for low cost carriers, news from English-language website Emirates 24/7 and the Arabic daily newspaper Al Bayan have been added to the system. Sections include sport, features and business in addition to local and global news. And with the news updated every time the aircraft land in Dubai, passengers will be kept up-to-date both day and night.

Meanwhile, the revised payment model now includes a Basic package, which offers customers access to all TV programmes, audio and games. Alternatively, they can choose the Premium package, which includes everything in the Basic package plus movies. Daily newspapers, Flydubai news, the route map and information, however, will continue to be free of charge on all flights.

“No matter which package passengers choose, I am sure they will be as impressed as we are with the choice on offer. We now have more than two thirds of the fleet fitted with this system and with more aircraft on order, more passengers will be able to take advantage of this unique product throughout 2012 and beyond,” added Al Ghaith.

Bahrain Air’s chalet at the Bahrain International Air Show 2012 was throbbing with activity with local and international media, suppliers, industry personal and well wishers viewing and discussing the airlines new business/premium product and future plans in a friendly and cordial atmosphere.

Bahrain Air Managing Director, Capt. Ibrahim Al Hamer, said “We are glad to participate for the second time in this event and are happy to find such popularity for our airline among the local public. We have received many queries and suggestions from visitors at the show. We have noted the feedback and will review how we can further enhance our product and service to further improve customer satisfaction going forward”. He concluded “The remarkable success we all saw at the international event has proven that Bahrain Air is on track in its goal to become a favorite airline in the region”.

Capt. Ibrahim Al Hamer, briefed the media of the new business/premium class seat upgrades which will be installed on all Bahrain Air Aircrafts soon and emphasized that the airlines product and service will be upgraded along with the new seat to ensure a superior offering to attract the business.

Bahrain Air, CEO Mr. Richard Nuttall is very optimistic of the future progress of Bahrain Air’s operation as a hybrid carrier in the region. Mr. Nuttall stated “with the expertise of our team, and with shareholder support we have come a long way in the last 12 months. We have used this platform to showcase our current products and services, and our future plans. Over the last two years we have expanded our network, added complimentary meals for all passengers, introduced a new reservation system with flexibility to offer different fare types, and to provide value added products such as advance seat reservation, purchase of extra baggage, and travel insurance (coming soon).”

He added “Our strategy for this year has three major areas; firstly enhancement of our product and service, secondly development of our distribution systems making it easier for individuals and agents to book, and finally enhancement of our network. Some of this will be through our own organic growth and better aircraft utilization and later systems developments and IATA membership will facilitate working with other carriers to provide a wider choice of destinations. Watch this space!”

Bahrain Air’s latest A320 aircraft in its fleet A9CBAO (Oscar) participated in the air show and the demonstration flight was flown by Captain Waleed Al Shamsi and assisted by Captain Ahmed Yacoubi, the most experienced senior pilots of Bahrain Air.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and airberlin, Europe’s sixth biggest carrier, today started the sale of joint codeshare flights.

It follows last month’s historic announcement that Etihad Airways would become airberlin’s largest single shareholder.

Using an Airbus A330-200 aircraft, airberlin will operate four flights a week between Berlin and Abu Dhabi from January 15.

Etihad Airways will place its EY code on these flights, providing European travellers with immediate access to a total of 29 flights a week to and through Abu Dhabi from four German hubs (Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich), with a plan to increase to 42 flights from mid-April.

Part of the new strategic partnership will see airberlin place its AB code on Etihad Airways flights from Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich to Abu Dhabi and on Etihad Airways’ flights from Abu Dhabi to Bangkok, Malé and Singapore.

Etihad Airways will in turn codeshare on airberlin flights to Basel, Berlin, Catania, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Hannover, Helsinki, Milan, Rome, Stuttgart, Venice and Zurich.

Additional codeshare destinations will be announced in the coming weeks, subject to government approvals.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has mandated sale and lease back transactions to the value of $367 million to Sanad Aero Solutions (Sanad) and Engine Lease Finance Corporation (ELF), for the financing of its 16 in-service spare engines and seven future spare engine deliveries.

Sanad will purchase and lease back to Etihad Airways five GE90 and six Rolls Royce Trent 500 engines and ELF will purchase and lease back to Etihad Airways six Rolls Royce Trent 700 and six IAE V2500 engines. Both transactions are for a 10-year operating lease term.

The spare engines are for Etihad Airways’ entire fleet of passenger and cargo aircraft.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “These spare engine sales and lease back transactions provide the airline with a long-term financing solution for its entire spare engine fleet while mitigating residual value risk and providing competitive cost of ownership over the long term.

“We are delighted with the support that we were shown by the market in a very competitive bidding process, and we are pleased to mandate such strong partners as Sanad and ELF.”

Troy Lambeth, Sanad Chief Executive Officer, said:  “We are excited to expand our relationship with Etihad Airways through this transaction.  It is another significant milestone in our shared mandate to establish Abu Dhabi as a global aerospace hub and expands the foundation for further cooperation and partnership between our companies.”

Jon Sharp, President and Chief Executive Officer of ELF, said:  “We are particularly pleased to extend our already strong relationship with Etihad Airways, which continues to set the pace for airline performance.  This transaction is a perfect illustration of how two innovative companies can work together to mutual advantage.”

Dubai, UAE; 10 January 2012: Bishkek has been named as flydubai’s 50th destination, marking the pioneering airline’s entry into the Kyrgyz Republic and expanding its global network to 28 countries across the GCC, Middle East, Africa, Indian Sub-Continent, Asia and Central and Eastern Europe in just two and half years of operations.

The new service, which is due to begin on 7 February 2012, makes flydubai the first UAE airline to offer direct flights between the Emirates and Kyrgyz Republic. Flights will operate twice a week, departing Dubai on Tuesdays and Fridays, with flights from Bishkek to Dubai leaving on Wednesdays and Saturdays. One-way fares start from AED 990.

flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “We are proud to launch our latest services, bringing our destinations in the former Soviet Union to 12. It is also a significant milestone for us as the 50th destination we have announced – quite an achievement since our first flight in June 2009.

“We have already launched operations to a number of cities in Central Asia and we believe Bishkek will be just as well received. We are confident it will prove popular with people seeking alternative travel destinations, as well as offering people in the Kyrgyz Republic a gateway to the Middle East, the Indian sub-continent and Africa through the flydubai network.”

The capital and largest city of the Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek is flydubai’s first foray into the Central Asian country and marks the continued rise in demand for flights to previously under-served destinations in Central Asia.

The Kyrgyz Republic has opened its economy to foreign investment in key industries including metallurgy and is developing its tourism potential. Beauty spots such as Issyk Kul Lake are growing into popular tourist destinations while trekking and camping trails as well as skiing bases are developing all over the country, drawing in travellers locally, regionally and internationally.

The Kyrgyz Republic has a growing presence in the UAE thanks to a 3,000-strong expatriate population. Flights to Bishkek will start from February, ensuring they are able to travel home to visit friends and family more often.

Flight Information

Flights to Bishkek will operate twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7 February 2012. Flight FZ771 is scheduled to depart Dubai Terminal 2 at 2255, landing at Bishkek International Airport at 0500hrs local time. The return flights leave on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with FZ772 departing at 0620hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0845hrs. One way fares from Dubai to Bishkek start at AED 1,055 and fares from Bishkek to Dubai start at AED 1,020.

Fares include 20kg checked baggage plus one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7kg and one small laptop bag or hand bag. A seat with extra legroom costs AED100 extra.

Flights between Dubai and Bishkek can be purchased from flydubai’s website (www.flydubai.com), its call centre (+9714 231 1000) and through travel partners.

muscat, january 10 –   Oman Air today announced the adoption of SITA’s resource management solution for planning, rostering, management and real-time scheduling of work tasks for its 2,500 employees at Muscat International Airport.

The new system allows tasks to be communicated to work crews using mobile communications and captures operational status and billing information in real-time. Implementation of the system will be completed early in 2012 and the agreement extends for five years.

This is SITA’s first deployment of the solution in the Middle East since WorkBridge A/S, an air transport industry leader in the field of mobile resource management solutions, became part of its airport solutions division in 2010. The resource management system is now an integral part of SITA’s overarching next-generation Airport Management Solution which is focused on pro-active, real-time control of airport operations.

Don Hunter, Oman Air’s Chief Officer, Airport Operations, said: “SITA’s sophisticated resource management solution will help Oman Air to optimize all ground operations and lead to a significant increase in productivity. We will be able to establish new ways of working while improving aircraft turnaround time with automated work scheduling capability and direct communication to ground crews using mobile devices.

“It will help us to validate the effectiveness of our flight schedules and calculate accurate costs for all our ground operations. The quality of decision support and operational transparency will also greatly improve our ability to handle any disruptions.”

Hani El Assaad, SITA Regional Vice-President, Middle East and North Africa, said: “SITA’s resource management solution is ideal for a dispersed work-force at a large site like Muscat International Airport. Most airport employees do not work from a fixed location anymore so real-time, pro-active planning and rostering is essential to be effective.”

Etihad Airways has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with International Golden Group (IGG) to provide their employees with tailored services, benefits and simplified procedures for all their government-funded travel.

Under the agreement, which is part of the Abu Dhabi Government Employee Travel Program (ADGETP), Etihad will offer IGG a range of benefits including bonus miles, additional excess baggage allowance, priority services and exclusive travel discounts. Additionally IGG has agreed to make Etihad Airways its preferred airline for all air travel and cargo requirements. Both parties also agreed to look at possible future joint initiatives.

Hareb Al Muhairy, Etihad Airways’ Vice President Sales in the UAE, said: “Etihad is delighted to offer benefits specifically packaged to suit the needs of IGG employees. This agreement affirms Etihad’s efforts to offer unprecedented benefits and travel services to government and semi government employees across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.”

The Abu Dhabi Government Employee Travel Program has been developed jointly with Abu Dhabi General Services Company Musanada. Several Abu Dhabi government entities have already joined the program including Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Tourism Development Investment Company, Abu Dhabi Educational Council, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, Department of Economic Development and Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates; 04 January 2011: Taif has been named as flydubai’s seventh destination in KSA, strengthening its commitment to the Kingdom and expanding its network across the GCC, Middle East, Africa, Indian Sub-Continent, Asia and Central & Eastern Europe.

flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “We are grateful to the Saudi authorities for their continued support of flydubai. Taif marks our seventh destination in KSA and is part of our strategy to connect the UAE to destinations previously under-served by direct air links. By continuing to identify emerging cities such as Taif, we hope to continue promoting new avenues for trade and commercial ties across our network.”

Situated 1,700m above sea level in the Hejaz province, Taif is a local beauty and holiday spot thanks to its temperate climate and beautiful scenery. With tree-lined streets, large souks and almost 3,000 gardens, the city is gaining prominence around the region as an alternative short-holiday destination. Located less than 100km by road from Makkah, Taif is also an alternative gateway for travellers to the holy city.

In tandem with developing its route network, flydubai has underscored the importance of Saudi Arabia to its growth strategy by increasing the frequency of existing operations to the Kingdom. The airline now flies twice daily to Damman and Riyadh following increasing demand for flights between Dubai and two of Saudi’s main business hubs.

“Our daily flights to Riyadh and Dammam have seen overwhelming success with business and commercial travellers alike and these extra flights are a direct result of increasing consumer demand for direct, convenient, low-cost links to the Saudi capital and Eastern Province,” added Al Ghaith.

With the launch of operations to Taif, flydubai will operate a total of 55 weekly flights to destinations across the Kingdom.

Flight Information

Flights to Taif will operate three times a week and will commence on 1st February 2012. FZ875 is scheduled to depart Dubai Terminal 2 at 1925hrs, landing in Taif Regional Airport at 2130hrs local time. The return flight, FZ876, departs at 2230hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0220hrs the next day. One way fares from Dubai to Taif start at AED 570 and fares from Taif to Dubai start at AED 600.

Fares include one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7kg and one small laptop bag or hand bag. Checked baggage starts at AED 50 ($14) for 20kgs. A seat with extra legroom costs AED100 ($28) extra.

Flights between Dubai and Taif can be purchased from flydubai’s website (www.flydubai.com), its call centre (+9714 231 1000) and through travel partners.

Dubai, UAE; 26 December 2011: flydubai’s position as the world’s fastest growing start up airline has been underscored after its 10th aircraft of 2011 and 21st since beginning operations in June 2009 arrived in Dubai.

Joining one of the youngest fleets in the industry, the latest Boeing 737-800 NG also marks the 7000th 737 to be delivered from Boeing’s production line.

Commenting on the arrival, flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “We are proud to be the recipient of the 7000th Boeing 737, officially the most commercially successful model ever designed. It is an aircraft that has been the focus of years of design and refinement to increase efficiency and range and reduce operating costs, which is why it is an ideal aircraft for flydubai. We promise our customers we will make every effort to reduce costs and offer them the lowest fares possible and the 737-800 helps us to achieve that while at the same time maintaining the highest levels of safety and comfort.”

Beverly Wyse, Boeing’s vice president and general manager of the 737 program, said: “It is exhilarating to deliver our 7000th 737 to flydubai, and we thank them for being among the hundreds of airlines, operators and leasing companies who have made the 737 the world’s most popular jet airliner. Thousands of employees have supported the many 737 variations Boeing has introduced, including today’s Next-Generation 737 family which is used in private, government and commercial service.”

The new aircraft arrived following its journey from the manufacturer’s base at Payne Field, Seattle, USA. It is the first of flydubai’s fleet to be fitted with a new Zonal Drying™ System, developed by CTT Systems, which reduces condensation accumulated during flights. The new system will eliminate almost 200kg of condensation per year from each aircraft, significantly reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, as well as reducing the risks to the aircraft of structural corrosion. Earlier this year, flydubai placed an order for 31 Zonal Drying™ Systems which will be installed on flydubai’s aircraft due to be delivered between the end of 2011 and 2016.

“We are happy to be part of flydubai’s vision to provide the very best in efficient, cost-effective and comfortable short-haul travel in the Gulf region. The airline has one of the youngest and most hard-working fleets in the industry and incorporating the Zonal Drying™ System is the next step in increasing the structural and operational efficiency of its fleet,” stated CTT’s VP Sales and Marketing, Peter Landquist.

In addition to optimising its operational efficiency, the airline has also taken steps to improve the passenger experience by incorporating innovative systems such as the Boeing Sky Interior and Fiber-To-The-Screen® In-Flight Entertainment system by Lumexis. This latest aircraft is the 14th in flydubai’s fleet to be fitted with the new interior and IFE, which means that two thirds of flydubai’s fleet now has these customer pleasing innovations.

flydubai’s aircraft also boast some of the aviation industry’s most sophisticated seating, engineered to provide more comfort and extra space. flydubai’s seats are comfortable on any length of journey and are manufactured by Recaro Aircraft Seating, one of the world’s leading specialised seating manufacturers. The brand also makes seats for sports and racing cars. Clever innovations to the seat design ensure passengers can enjoy an extra two inches of leg room, through moving the magazine pockets higher up the seat back, thus improving passenger comfort.

“Our seating system for flydubai is incredibly advanced and has been designed to support the airline’s priorities of comfort, cost and convenience. We have maximised personal space by repositioning the rear seat pocket to a higher level; promoted easy upkeep and hygiene with a new pocket design and have reduced load by using light-weight material instead of traditional fabric. In addition, the ergonomic design allows flydubai to add 9 extra seats to the aircraft, allowing them to sell more seats and reduce overall fares for passengers,” stated Axel Kahsnitz, CEO of Recaro Aircraft Seating.

Al Ghaith added: “flydubai’s aircraft have an unbeatable proven track record, a range of innovative measures to increase passenger comfort and reduce operating costs and the very highest levels of safety. Passengers travelling with flydubai know they are buying travel on brand new, innovative, comfortable and safe aircraft. flydubai may be low cost, but we certainly aren’t low quality.”

flydubai is dedicated to making travel more accessible and affordable, taking every step to lower costs and pass savings on to customers. All fares are one way and inclusive of taxes, including one piece of hand baggage weighing up to 7kg and a small handbag or laptop bag. Customers then pay for the optional extras they wish to receive, such as checked baggage, which starts at AED50 for 20kgs or a seat with extra legroom for AED100.

Oman Air has announced the appointment of Saleem Bin Amanullah Bin Abdul Hussain to the new role of General Manager Customer Services. He will be based at the airline’s headquarters in Muscat and will spearhead Oman Air’s drive for the highest quality in all direct customer contact.

Mr Amanulla was appointed following a 23-year career in aviation, most recently as Chief Executive Officer – Cargo for RAS-ENT, a Canadian GSA based in Toronto. Prior to this, he held a number of positions with Gulf Air, including Head of Airports. In addition, Mr Amanulla holds Airline Pilot and Flight Dispatch certification from AFDTC in Dallas.

On taking up his appointment, Mr Amanulla said:

“I am delighted to be joining Oman Air and to be taking on such an important role at a time when the airline is attracting such widespread acclaim. Effective Customer Services are a vital part of any successful organisation and this is especially the case for airlines.

“I look forward to bringing my extensive experience of the aviation sector, my commitment to delivering a seamless passenger experience and my dynamic approach to management to Oman Air and to playing a role in the airline’s continued and growing success.

Having travelled the world and worked in so many different locations over the years, I am also looking forward to once again working in Oman – it is great to be coming home!”

Don Hunter, Oman Air’s Chief Officer Airport Operations, added:

“We are pleased to be welcoming Saleem to the Oman Air team and to be benefitting from his knowledge and proactive approach. His long experience, both within the Gulf region and beyond, together with his commitment to the highest standards of customer service make him a great choice for Oman Air.”

Saleem Bin Amanullah Bin Abdul Hussain’s appointment comes at the end of a 21-month period in which the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman has received 21 awards, including ‘Best Business Class Seat in the World’ and ‘Service Excellence, Middle East’ (World Airline Awards), ‘Airline of the Year’ (Laurier d’Or du Voyage d’Affaires) and ‘Best Luxury Airline, Middle East (Business Destinations Awards). Oman Air’s focus on the quality of its passenger experience has been accompanied by the introduction of new Airbus A330 and Embraer E175 aircraft, the pioneering of complete inflight mobile phone and wi-fi connectivity and the expansion of its network to include 41 destinations worldwide, the latest of which, Zurich, was launched on 2nd December 2011.