Emirates, the world’s largest international airline by seat capacity, is set to launch a daily non-stop service between Dubai and Hangzhou from 30 July 2025, marking a significant expansion of its footprint in mainland China.

Hangzhou will become Emirates’ fifth gateway city in China, joining Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. The route will be operated with a three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, offering a weekly capacity of 2,478 seats across business, premium economy, and economy cabins.

The flight schedule is designed to facilitate seamless global connections: EK310 departs Dubai at 09:40 (GST) and arrives in Hangzhou at 22:00 (CST), while the return flight EK311 departs Hangzhou at 00:10 and arrives in Dubai at 04:55.

These timings allow passengers to connect efficiently through Dubai’s hub to 38 destinations in Europe, 22 in Africa, 11 in the Middle East, as well as cities in Brazil and Argentina, including Istanbul, Barcelona, Cairo, and Johannesburg.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted that the new route is a pivotal development in the airline’s operations in the Chinese mainland and East Asia.

Hangzhou’s status as a global hub for innovation, e-commerce, and advanced manufacturing makes it a strategic choice for Emirates, aligning with the airline’s broader growth strategy and its commitment to strengthening economic, technological, and cultural ties between the Middle East and China.

The launch of this daily service is expected to significantly boost tourism and business travel between the two regions. Hangzhou, known for its iconic West Lake, UNESCO heritage sites, and as the headquarters of major tech companies, attracts both leisure and business travelers. The new route not only increases passenger options but also enhances cargo connectivity, supporting the region’s fast-growing trade and logistics sectors.

With this expansion, Emirates now operates 49 weekly flights to mainland China, including double daily services to Beijing and Shanghai. The move is seen as a response to increasing demand for connectivity between the Middle East and China’s most dynamic cities, further cementing Dubai’s role as a global aviation hub and Hangzhou’s emergence as a key international gateway in Eastern China

Novoair, one of Bangladesh’s three private airlines, has temporarily suspended all flight operations as of May 2, 2025, in a bold move aimed at reshaping its future amid mounting financial and operational challenges.

The Dhaka-based carrier announced that the pause in service is part of a strategic initiative to sell off its current fleet of ATR 72-500 aircraft and attract new investment to stabilize its finances. The airline’s management emphasized that the suspension is not a shutdown but a temporary measure designed to support long-term restructuring.

The decision comes during a turbulent time for the regional airline, which has been navigating a slowdown in passenger bookings, rising operational costs, and a shifting domestic travel landscape. Industry sources report that two of Novoair’s aircraft were sold to Nepal’s Yeti Airlines in early 2024, and inspections by foreign buyers are currently underway for the remaining fleet.

Founded in 2013, Novoair has built a reputation for reliable domestic service, having transported over 7.5 million passengers across 100,000 flights. Yet, signs of strain have emerged over the past year. The airline’s only international route—to Kolkata—was suspended in September 2024 due to weak demand, and broader challenges such as improved highway infrastructure and the Padma Bridge have further squeezed domestic air travel demand.

Compounding the pressure are rising costs and the global difficulty of securing newer aircraft on lease, particularly for small regional carriers in competitive markets.

Despite the hurdles, Novoair remains focused on a future comeback. Officials say the airline is exploring options to modernize its fleet and revive international routes, with the aim of resuming operations once its financial footing is secure.

"This is a temporary pause, not an end," a Novoair spokesperson stated. “We are working diligently to return to the skies with a leaner, stronger operation.”

As Bangladesh’s aviation sector continues to evolve, Novoair’s strategic suspension underscores both the challenges and potential for growth faced by smaller carriers striving to adapt in a dynamic regional market.

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 Airlines made a significant announcement on World Pilots’ Day, revealing plans to hire more than 1,500 new pilots over the next two years as part of its ambitious global expansion strategy. The Dubai-based carrier, which already boasts an elite team of 4,600 aviators, is looking to recruit over 550 pilots in 2025 alone.

This recruitment drive is a response to the airline’s ongoing fleet and route growth, as well as the aviation industry’s recovery from recent disruptions, and underscores Emirates’ commitment to maintaining its position as a world leader in air travel.

To attract top talent from around the world, Emirates’ recruitment team is hosting roadshows in more than 40 cities globally. Recent sessions have taken place in Italy, with upcoming events scheduled in Norway, Finland, and Sweden. These roadshows provide aspiring pilots with the opportunity to learn about Emirates’ operations, training programs, and career advancement opportunities, and to meet with recruitment specialists in person.

The airline is seeking candidates for a variety of roles, including Direct Entry Captains, Accelerated Command candidates (who are fast-tracked from First Officer to Captain), Type-Rated First Officers, and Non-Type Rated First Officers. The Accelerated Command program has already seen more than 80 pilots on the path to becoming captains, highlighting Emirates’ investment in rapid career progression.

Emirates’ pilots operate one of the world’s youngest and most technologically advanced fleets, consisting of 261 wide-body aircraft, including Airbus A380s, Boeing 777s, and the latest Airbus A350s. The airline serves more than 148 destinations across six continents, offering pilots the chance to experience diverse flying environments-from bustling metropolises to serene island destinations.

The job comes with a suite of thoughtfully curated benefits, such as tax-free salaries, profit-sharing, comprehensive insurance, luxury accommodation in Dubai, generous annual leave, and travel perks for family and friends. These benefits are designed to attract and retain the best talent in the industry.

The requirements to become an Emirates pilot are rigorous and reflect the airline’s commitment to safety and excellence. Candidates must hold a valid Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), a Class 1 Medical Certificate, and have a minimum of 1,500 total flying hours (with higher requirements for command roles).

Additional qualifications include fluency in English (ICAO Level 4 or above), specific type ratings on aircraft such as the A380 and 777, and the ability to pass technical, psychological, and simulator assessments. Emirates also values continuous professional development and encourages candidates with military flying experience or additional language skills to apply.

In terms of compensation, Emirates pilots enjoy some of the most competitive packages in the industry. Captains can expect a monthly basic salary of approximately AED 44,500–46,670, while First Officers start at around AED 30,125–31,341 per month, with additional flying pay and a range of allowances.

All salaries are tax-free, which significantly increases take-home pay. Other benefits include fully furnished accommodation, education allowances for children, medical and dental insurance, and retirement plans. The application process is comprehensive, involving online submission, technical and psychological assessments, interviews, simulator evaluations, and background checks. Successful candidates are then invited to relocate to Dubai and complete Emirates-specific training and orientation.

Emirates’ proactive approach to workforce planning is evident in its recent hiring history. Since 2022, the airline has welcomed nearly 2,000 new pilots, reflecting its confidence in the future of the aviation sector and its dedication to operational excellence. The current recruitment drive is not just about filling vacancies; it is a strategic investment in the airline’s long-term growth and its ability to deliver exceptional service to passengers.

By expanding its pilot workforce and investing in talent development, Emirates is positioning itself to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving industry, ensuring that it continues to set the standard for excellence in global air travel

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.