Riyadh Air, the ambitious new Saudi Arabian carrier, has officially revealed the interior cabin designs for its upcoming Boeing 787-9 aircraft, setting a new benchmark in luxury and innovation for Middle Eastern aviation. The airline’s 290-seat widebody jets will feature a meticulously crafted four-class layout, designed to deliver exceptional comfort, privacy, and cutting-edge technology to passengers across all travel classes.

At the forefront is the exclusive “Business Elite” cabin, which boasts 10 private suites arranged in a spacious 1-2-1 configuration. These suites are equipped with Safran Unity seats that fully recline into flat beds and include sliding privacy doors and adjustable dividers, allowing travelers to customize their personal space.

Notably, the center two seats can be combined to form a double bed, catering especially to couples or those seeking extra room during long-haul flights.

In addition to the Business Elite suites, the business class section offers 24 seats also arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, featuring the same flat-bed seating to ensure maximum comfort. The premium economy cabin is thoughtfully designed with 39 seats in a 2-3-2 arrangement, incorporating privacy-enhancing head wings, ample storage options, and multiple USB-C charging ports to meet the needs of modern travelers.

Economy class comprises 223 seats in a 3-3-3 layout, each with a generous 31-inch seat pitch, adjustable six-way headrests, and USB-C ports, aiming to provide a comfortable journey even for budget-conscious flyers.

The cabin interiors reflect a sophisticated blend of modern aesthetics and cultural heritage, inspired by Riyadh’s rich history and landscape. The color scheme features deep purples, mocha gold tones, and veined stone textures, evoking the natural beauty and elegance of the Saudi capital. A distinctive “canopy twist” design element, inspired by traditional Arabic tents, adds a unique architectural flair to the cabin environment, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Riyadh Air has partnered with Panasonic Avionics to integrate the latest Modular Interactive in-flight entertainment system, offering passengers a highly personalized experience with real-time content updates. Screen sizes vary from 13.3 inches in economy to an impressive 32 inches in the Business Elite suites, all utilizing 4K OLED displays to ensure crystal-clear visuals.

Connectivity is a key focus for Riyadh Air, with free high-speed Wi-Fi provided by Viasat available to all passengers enrolled in the airline’s loyalty program. This service enables uninterrupted streaming, browsing, and live television access throughout the flight, catering to the digital needs of today’s travelers. Riyadh Air recently secured its air operator’s certificate and is preparing to launch operations later this year.

The airline has ambitious expansion plans, intending to grow its fleet to over 130 aircraft, including a mix of Boeing 787-9s and Airbus A321neos, to serve both long-haul and regional routes.

CEO Tony Douglas highlighted that every detail of the cabin—from the ergonomic seat fabrics designed to reduce fatigue, to the state-of-the-art entertainment and connectivity systems—has been carefully curated to provide a “relaxing luxury” experience that sets Riyadh Air apart in a competitive market.

The airline aims to position itself as a digital-native carrier that seamlessly integrates advanced technology with authentic Saudi culture, offering passengers a premium travel experience that is both innovative and deeply rooted in the region’s heritage. With these new cabin designs, Riyadh Air is poised to become a leading player in global aviation, promising travelers an unparalleled blend of comfort, style, and technological sophistication.

As global air travel rebounds and tourism surges, Qatar Airways’ busiest routes in 2025 offer a fascinating window into the airline’s strategic vision and the evolving dynamics of international aviation.

Anchored at Hamad International Airport in Doha, the airline’s network spans 180 destinations across 86 countries-each route reflecting a blend of high-demand tourism corridors, regional connectivity, and smart aviation economics. Below, we explore each of the top 10 routes in detail, highlighting their significance, operational nuances, and broader impact on global mobility.

1. London Heathrow – Doha

• Weekly Seats: 21,924

• Flights: 8 daily (mix of Boeing 777-300ER, Airbus A350-900, and Airbus A380-800)

• Aircraft: 4 daily Boeing 777-300ERs, 2 Airbus A350-900s, 2 Airbus A380-800s (two- and three-class configurations)

Significance: The London–Doha corridor is the undisputed crown jewel of Qatar Airways’ network. With eight daily flights and nearly 22,000 weekly seats, it stands as one of the world’s busiest intercontinental routes. The route connects two global financial and cultural capitals, serving a diverse mix of business travelers, tourists, and transit passengers.

Its importance is amplified by London’s role as a gateway to Europe, and Doha’s position as a hub for Asia, Africa, and beyond. The deployment of flagship aircraft like the A380 ensures premium service and maximum capacity, supporting billions in trade, investment, and tourism revenue between the UK, the Gulf, and the wider world.

Operational Insight: The route is also served by British Airways, reinforcing its status as a critical international corridor. In January 2025, Qatar Airways operated 247 one-way flights to London Heathrow, using a diverse fleet including A350s, A380s, and Boeing 777s.

2. Bangkok – Doha

• Weekly Seats: 12,513

• Flights: 32 weekly (25 Boeing 777-300ER, 7 Airbus A380-800)

• Aircraft: Mix of two- and four-class Boeing 777-300ERs, daily A380-800 with first class

Significance: Bangkok’s status as Southeast Asia’s gateway city makes this route a cornerstone of Qatar Airways’ Asian network. It caters to both long-haul leisure tourists heading to Thailand and Southeast Asians connecting to Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

The route’s high capacity and frequency, including the A380, underscore its importance to both the airline and the Thai economy. It supports Thailand’s tourism industry, facilitates international trade, and is a vital conduit for labor migration and remittance flows.

Operational Insight: In January 2025, Qatar Airways operated 196 one-way flights to Bangkok, using a mix of A350s, A380s, and Boeing 777s.

3. Doha – Jeddah

• Weekly Seats: 10,952

• Flights: 5 daily (Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 777-300ER)

Significance: Jeddah is a major commercial and religious hub, with high pilgrimage traffic and strong business demand. The route is critical for intra-Gulf connectivity and supports year-round religious tourism, especially during Hajj and Umrah seasons. It is also essential for business travelers, government officials, and expatriates, reflecting the growing economic integration within the GCC.

Operational Insight: The route is operated with a mix of widebody aircraft, ensuring flexibility and premium service.

4. Dubai – Doha

• Weekly Seats: 10,836

• Flights: 5 daily (widebody fleet: A350, 787-9, 777-300ER)

Significance: Despite its short distance, the Doha–Dubai route is among the busiest in the world, serving business travelers, expatriates, and connecting passengers. Dubai’s status as a global business, tourism, and logistics hub means the route is essential for supporting the region’s fast-growing economy. The use of widebody aircraft on such a short route is unique and underscores the high demand and premium service expectations.

Operational Insight: The route faces fierce competition from Emirates and Etihad, driving high frequencies and premium service.

5. Doha – Riyadh

• Weekly Seats: 10,647

• Flights: 5 daily (A350, 787-9, 777-300ER)

Significance: The Doha–Riyadh link is vital for government, business, and growing tourism flows between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, especially as regional relations improve. The route is essential for the large expatriate communities in both countries, facilitating family visits, business meetings, and cultural exchanges.

Operational Insight: The high frequency and capacity reflect the growing importance of this corridor in the broader GCC context.

6. Doha – Paris (CDG)

• Weekly Seats: 8,918

• Flights: 4 daily (Airbus A350-900, Boeing 777-300ER)

Significance: Paris is a major destination for both business and leisure travelers, maintaining strong demand for Qatar Airways’ premium services. The route supports billions in trade, investment, and tourism revenue between France and the Middle East.

Operational Insight: The use of modern, premium aircraft ensures world-class service and strong demand.

7. Colombo – Doha

• Weekly Seats: 8,001

• Flights: 4 daily (Boeing 787-9, 787-8)

Significance: This route is crucial for migrant workers, tourists, and business travelers, offering one-stop access to the Middle East, Europe, and North America. It supports labor migration and remittance flows between Sri Lanka and the Gulf.

Operational Insight: The high frequency and capacity reflect the importance of this corridor for both countries and the broader South Asian region.

8. Doha – Denpasar (Bali)

• Weekly Seats: 7,308

• Flights: 3 daily (2 Airbus A350-1000, 1 Boeing 787-8)

Significance: Bali’s global appeal as a leisure destination drives strong demand from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. The route is a major driver of inbound tourism to Indonesia, supporting local economies and international visitor numbers.

Operational Insight: The use of large, modern aircraft reflects the high demand and premium service expectations.

9. Doha – Singapore

• Weekly Seats: 6,748

• Flights: 3 daily (Airbus A350-900, A350-1000, Boeing 777-300ER)

Significance: Singapore is a vital business and transit hub, catering to both corporate and leisure travelers. The route is critical for maintaining the airline’s premium presence in Southeast Asia.

Operational Insight: The mix of aircraft types allows for capacity adjustments based on demand and seasonality.

10. Manchester – Doha

• Weekly Seats: 6,643

• Flights: 3 daily (2 Boeing 787-9, 1 Airbus A350-1000)

Significance: This route connects Northern England to Qatar Airways’ global network, offering seamless access to Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. It is particularly important for the large South Asian diaspora in Northern England, facilitating family visits, business meetings, and cultural exchanges.

Operational Insight: The high frequency and use of modern, premium aircraft reflect the airline’s commitment to serving the UK market beyond London.

Broader Context and Industry Trends

• Hub Strength: Hamad International Airport’s record passenger numbers and rising point-to-point traffic underscore Doha’s growing prominence as both a transit and destination hub.
• Fleet and Capacity: Qatar Airways operates a fleet of over 200 aircraft and is negotiating further orders to boost annual passenger capacity from 50 million to 80 million by 2030.
• Economic Resilience: Despite a slight decline in passenger numbers and aircraft movements in early 2025, the airline and its hub remain resilient, with strong load factors and premium service offerings.
• Competitive Landscape: Intense competition in the Gulf region and beyond drives innovation, high service standards, and frequent route expansions.
• Passenger Mix: The busiest routes serve a dynamic mix of business travelers, tourists, migrant workers, and religious pilgrims, reflecting the airline’s role as a global connector.

Qatar Airways’ top 10 busiest routes in 2025 are a microcosm of its global strategy: connecting major cities, supporting regional mobility, and offering premium service across diverse passenger segments. With a modern fleet, ambitious expansion plans, and a resilient hub, the airline is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in international aviation and continue shaping the future of global travel.

Etihad Airways is poised to elevate the standards of short and medium-haul air travel with the debut of its Airbus A321LR aircraft, set to take to the skies on August 1, 2025. This move signals a bold step forward for the airline, as it introduces the kind of luxury and comfort typically associated with long-haul, wide-body jets to its single-aisle fleet for the very first time.

Unprecedented Luxury in Narrow-Body Cabins

The A321LR will be configured with three distinct cabin classes, each designed to deliver a premium experience. The highlight of the new offering is the introduction of First Suites-exclusive, private enclosures equipped with sliding doors, lie-flat beds, companion dining options, and state-of-the-art 20-inch 4K entertainment screens complete with Bluetooth connectivity and wireless charging. These features ensure that passengers enjoy a level of privacy and comfort rarely found on narrow-body aircraft.

Business Class has also been upgraded, featuring 14 lie-flat seats arranged in a 1-1 herringbone pattern. Each seat offers direct aisle access, a 17.3-inch 4K screen, wireless charging, and Bluetooth headphone pairing. While these seats do not feature sliding doors, they provide ample privacy and personal space, making them ideal for business travelers on medium-haul routes.

Enhanced Comfort in Economy

Economy Class has not been overlooked in this transformation. With 144 seats, each measuring 18.4 inches wide-among the most generous in the industry-passengers can expect a comfortable journey. Every seat is equipped with a 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen, USB charging, and up to five inches of recline. Additionally, 36 seats offer extra legroom, further enhancing the travel experience for economy passengers.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Connectivity

All cabins will benefit from superfast Wi-Fi, powered by Viasat’s advanced multi-orbit system, capable of delivering speeds up to 1 Gbps. This allows passengers to stream, browse, and stay connected throughout their flight. Complimentary messaging is available to all, with full connectivity included for premium travelers.

Expanding Network and Strategic Vision

The A321LR will initially operate from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, connecting the city to a mix of new and existing destinations across Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. Key routes include Algiers, Athens, Bangkok, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf, Milan, Paris, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Tunis, and Zurich.

This launch is a cornerstone of Etihad’s ambitious “Journey 2030” strategy, which aims to double the airline’s fleet, triple passenger numbers, and open 16 new destinations in 2025 alone. The broader vision includes expanding the network to over 125 destinations, leveraging Abu Dhabi’s strategic location to connect Asia and Europe, and attracting 10 million point-to-point travelers to the UAE capital by 2030.

Commitment to Sustainability and Growth

Etihad’s expansion is underpinned by a commitment to sustainable and profitable growth. The airline’s new Terminal A at Zayed International Airport provides the infrastructure needed to support this vision, while a focus on enhanced customer experiences and operational efficiency is expected to drive economic growth and job creation in Abu Dhabi.

In summary, Etihad’s A321LR is more than just a new aircraft-it’s a game-changer for the airline, bringing wide-body luxury, advanced technology, and a premium experience to the short and medium-haul market, while supporting Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to become a leading global aviation hub.

Emirates has once again redefined excellence at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, marking its most successful presence to date with record visitor numbers and nearly 40 strategic partnerships forged across the global travel ecosystem. Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 28 to May 1, the event brought together over 55,000 industry professionals from 161 countries and featured more than 2,800 exhibitors, making it the largest edition in ATM’s 32-year history.

Record-Breaking Engagement and Showcase of Innovation

Emirates’ stand was the centerpiece of ATM 2025, welcoming a staggering 27,000 visitors over the four-day event. Attendees experienced firsthand the airline’s latest innovations, including the new-generation A350 Business Class and Premium Economy seats, the signature Onboard Lounge and Shower Spa, and a dedicated showcase of sustainability and accessible travel initiatives.

The presence of high-profile guests, including UAE royal dignitaries such as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, underscored the airline’s leadership in shaping the future of global travel.

Forging the Future Through Strategic Partnerships

Emirates announced nearly 40 strategic partnerships, spanning tourism boards, ministries from 21 countries, technology partners, cruise lines, airlines, and rail operators. Among the most notable collaborations were the extension of the long-term partnership with MSC Cruises and a new agreement with Hapag-Lloyd, both aimed at reinforcing Dubai’s status as a premier cruise hub and enriching the air-sea travel experience for passengers.

Emirates also reinforced its executive partnership with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), further solidifying its leadership in the luxury cruise segment.

In the aviation sector, Emirates expanded its global reach through new interline and codeshare agreements. The airline explored the framework for an interline agreement with Kuwait Airways and began discussions on reciprocal codesharing with Philippine Airlines.

Emirates also officially activated its codeshare partnership with Condor, granting Condor passengers access to 13 Emirates destinations via Dubai, including popular leisure spots such as Bali, Bangkok, Phuket, and Cape Town. Additionally, a new codeshare agreement with Air Seychelles was established, further broadening Emirates’ network and offering seamless connectivity for travelers across continents.

Elevating the Passenger Experience

Emirates unveiled a fleet of retrofitted aircraft featuring refreshed interiors, with upgraded A380s now serving key routes to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Nice, and Perth, and renovated Boeing 777s deployed on routes to Madrid, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Frankfurt, and Dublin. These enhancements are part of Emirates’ ongoing mission to deliver a refined, luxurious travel experience and to position itself at the forefront of the industry’s evolution.

Empowering the Travel Ecosystem

Recognizing the diverse needs of the global travel market, Emirates launched a series of initiatives aimed at empowering different travel segments. The airline hosted its first-ever travel industry workshop series, partnering with seven tourism boards and attracting over 350 trade partners from 15 countries.

These workshops, alongside more than 600 industry meetings and networking sessions, provided a platform for knowledge exchange and fostered deeper collaboration within the travel sector. Emirates also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with American Express Middle East, exploring new offerings for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the Middle East and North Africa. This partnership is expected to deliver tailored payment solutions and exclusive incentives, further supporting the region’s vibrant SME sector.

A Vision for Tomorrow’s Tourism

The announcements at ATM 2025 reflect Emirates’ ambitious vision for the future of international travel, perfectly aligned with the event’s theme, “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity.” By leveraging its extensive network, cutting-edge technology, and strategic partnerships, Emirates is not only elevating the passenger experience but also driving the growth of global tourism.

As the airline celebrates its 40th year of operations, its bold innovations and collaborative approach signal a new chapter in the evolution of international travel.

A Platform for Global Dialogue and Collaboration

Emirates’ presence at ATM 2025 was not limited to product launches and partnership signings. The airline played a pivotal role in fostering dialogue and collaboration among global tourism stakeholders. Emirates welcomed delegations from around the world, including a high-profile visit from Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism, and renewed longstanding relationships with organizations such as the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), IDP Education, and Huawei.

These engagements reflect Emirates’ holistic approach to tourism development, encompassing everything from student travel and business events to digital innovation and destination marketing.

As the global travel industry continues to recover and evolve, Emirates’ leadership at ATM 2025 sets a powerful example for how visionary thinking, strategic partnerships, and customer-centric innovation can drive the future of tourism forward

Emirates and Philippine Airlines (PAL) are advancing discussions to significantly enhance their collaboration across passenger and cargo operations, aiming to strengthen connectivity between the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. During the Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, both airlines outlined plans to explore a reciprocal code-sharing agreement on flights between the Philippines and Dubai, with potential extensions to select routes beyond their primary hubs.

This partnership would enable travelers to access new destinations through a single ticket, competitive fares, and unified baggage policies, streamlining journeys across their combined networks.

Passenger Connectivity and Service Enhancements

The proposed code-sharing agreement builds on their existing interline partnership, which since March 2023 has allowed seamless connections to 10 domestic Philippine destinations (e.g., Bacolod, Davao, Caticlan) via Cebu and Clark, and 9 international cities (including Amman, Cape Town, and Lisbon) via Dubai.

Emirates currently operates 28 weekly flights to the Philippines (Manila, Cebu, Clark), offering approximately 22,700 seats weekly, while PAL provides daily Dubai-Manila flights, facilitating access to Emirates’ global network of over 140 destinations. The expanded partnership would integrate scheduling improvements, unified booking platforms (via websites, apps, or travel agents), and enhanced customer experiences, including Emirates’ premium First-Class services on Manila routes.

Cargo and Operational Synergies

Beyond passenger services, the airlines are prioritizing cargo interline cooperation, aiming to optimize freight capacity and logistics efficiency. They plan to exchange expertise in ground handling, catering, and aircraft maintenance, alongside joint technical training programs to elevate service standards. These efforts align with growing demand for air cargo in the Asia-Middle East corridor, driven by e-commerce and trade growth.

Strategic Market Positioning

Emirates’ establishment of its first Southeast Asian Emirates World Store in Manila underscores its commitment to the Philippine market, catering to premium travelers and overseas Filipino workers. PAL, as Asia’s oldest airline, leverages its domestic network (32 Philippine destinations) and international reach (37 cities) to complement Emirates’ global footprint. The collaboration is poised to boost tourism and trade, particularly as post-pandemic travel demand surges, while setting a benchmark for airline partnerships in the region.

Future Outlook

Both carriers emphasize a shared vision for seamless travel experiences and operational efficiency. Industry analysts view this partnership as a strategic response to evolving traveler preferences, offering flexibility and connectivity in a competitive aviation landscape. With plans for joint promotional campaigns targeting trade stakeholders and media, Emirates and PAL aim to solidify their positions as key players in bridging Asia and the Middle East

Kuwait Airways and Emirates have entered into a significant partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, paving the way for an interline agreement designed to enhance travel connectivity and broaden flight options between Kuwait, the UAE, and beyond.

The agreement was formalized by Kuwait Airways Chairman Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan and Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim, in the presence of distinguished guests including His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates Airline & Group, and Sheikh Eng. Humoud Mubarak Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s civil aviation authority head.

This collaboration will allow passengers to book combined itineraries using both airlines, providing greater access to Dubai as well as Emirates’ extensive global network of over 140 destinations across six continents. Travelers flying with Kuwait Airways will benefit from connections to Emirates’ Premium Economy and redesigned Business Class cabins, while Emirates’ customers will gain access to Kuwait Airways’ modern fleet, known for its advanced onboard entertainment and comfort features.

Captain Al-Fagaan highlighted the importance of this partnership in boosting commercial ties between Kuwait and the UAE, describing Emirates as a vital strategic ally that complements Kuwait Airways’ dedication to delivering high-quality service. Similarly, Adnan Kazim emphasized the shared commitment to enhancing passenger experience by offering more flexible schedules and smoother connections through the interline arrangement.

Emirates has been operating flights to Kuwait since 1989, currently running 29 weekly services with its Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft, whereas Kuwait Airways, established in 1954, boasts a well-maintained fleet that supports its reputation as Kuwait’s national carrier. Rather than competing directly, the two airlines will leverage their respective strengths-Kuwait Airways’ regional expertise and Emirates’ global reach-to provide passengers with a more comprehensive travel network.

This agreement also reflects the strengthening of bilateral relations between the UAE and Kuwait, as both carriers aim to elevate the standards of aviation in the Middle East. By combining their networks, they expect to increase transit traffic through Dubai, further solidifying the city’s position as a leading international aviation hub.

Looking ahead, industry experts anticipate that this initial interline cooperation could evolve into deeper collaboration such as codeshare agreements or joint loyalty programs, following the successful partnerships Emirates has established with other global airlines. This move aligns with a broader regional trend where airlines use interline agreements as a stepping stone toward more integrated alliances.

Overall, this partnership represents a major advancement in Middle Eastern aviation, merging Kuwait Airways’ regional strengths with Emirates’ worldwide connectivity to offer passengers enhanced convenience and foster economic growth within the region.