Qatar Airways has announced plans to enhance its service to Manchester, UK, by adding three more flights per week starting from June 4, 2025. This expansion is driven by growing demand for the airline ahead of the summer season. The increased frequency will raise the total weekly flights from 21 to 24, providing passengers with greater flexibility and comfort when traveling to Manchester.

The flights will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, utilizing the airline's state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000s and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This move is part of Qatar Airways' strategy to strengthen connectivity between Manchester, known as the "Capital of the North," and its global network, including key markets like Australia.

The airline, voted the Best Airline in the World by Skytrax in 2024, has been serving Manchester since 2003 and continues to enhance its offerings through its award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport.

The increased service will not only benefit travelers heading to Manchester but also those connecting through Doha to other destinations worldwide. Qatar Airways' Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, highlighted the importance of enhancing connectivity to Manchester, emphasizing the city's cultural and economic significance.

Manchester is renowned for its rich history, vibrant music scene, and iconic football teams, making it a popular destination for both leisure and business travelers. With this expansion, Qatar Airways reinforces its commitment to providing superior travel experiences and seamless connections for its global customer base. Bookings for the additional Manchester flights can be made through the airline's website or mobile app.

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has released detailed traffic statistics for March 2025, highlighting a period of significant growth and expansion. The airline carried 1.6 million passengers during March, representing a 14% year-on-year increase compared to March 2024, and contributing to a total of 5 million passengers in the first quarter of 2025—a 16% rise from 4.3 million in the same period last year.

This surge in passenger numbers was supported by a 10% increase in fleet size, with Etihad operating 98 aircraft in March, up from 89 a year earlier. The number of destinations served also grew, rising from 69 to 73 over the past year.

The airline achieved a passenger load factor of 87% for the first quarter, up from 86% in Q1 2024, indicating strong demand and efficient capacity management. However, the load factor for March specifically was 82%, slightly down from 84% in March 2024, reflecting the impact of rapid capacity expansion.

CEO Antonoaldo Neves emphasized the airline’s momentum, noting that nearly 20 million passengers were welcomed over the 12 months ending March 2025.

Etihad’s network expansion strategy has been a key driver of this growth. In March alone, the airline announced two new routes and increased flight frequencies, bringing the total number of new destinations scheduled for 2025 to 16. Recent and upcoming additions include routes to Algiers, Atlanta, Chiang Mai, and El Dabaa, among others, as part of a broader push to strengthen Etihad’s global footprint.

The airline’s focus on customer experience has also paid off, with March 2025 recording the highest-ever customer satisfaction scores in Etihad’s history, reflecting its commitment to delivering an exceptional travel experience.

Industry analysts note that Etihad’s robust growth in both passenger numbers and network reach positions it among the fastest-growing global carriers. The airline’s ongoing investments in fleet modernization, route expansion, and service enhancements are expected to sustain its upward trajectory throughout 2025.

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has marked a significant achievement by transporting 5 million passengers during the first three months of 2025. This impressive figure highlights the airline's robust growth trajectory and its position as a leading global carrier. The airline's performance was particularly notable in March, when it welcomed 1.6 million passengers, representing a substantial 14% increase compared to the same period last year.

This growth was accompanied by an average passenger load factor of 87% for the quarter, indicating high demand for Etihad's services across its network.

Etihad's success is attributed to several strategic initiatives, including the expansion of its operating fleet size by 10% and the introduction of new routes. The airline has announced plans to add 16 new destinations throughout 2025, further enhancing its global reach and connectivity. This expansion is part of Etihad's broader strategy to increase flight frequencies and improve passenger convenience.

For instance, the airline will introduce triple-daily services to Milan starting in November 2025 and increase its Bangkok flights to four times daily from February 2026. These developments underscore Etihad's commitment to providing passengers with more options and seamless travel experiences.

In addition to its operational growth, Etihad has also focused on enhancing customer satisfaction. The airline reported record-breaking customer satisfaction scores in March, reflecting its dedication to delivering high-quality services. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, emphasized that nearly 20 million passengers were served in the 12 months leading up to March 2025, highlighting the airline's consistent growth and strong market presence.

As Etihad continues to expand its network and improve its offerings, it is well-positioned to maintain its competitive edge in the global aviation market. The airline's emphasis on innovation, customer experience, and strategic partnerships will likely play a crucial role in its future success.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is on the cusp of a historic financial turnaround, poised to report its first annual profit in over two decades. This remarkable recovery follows an extensive restructuring process initiated in 2023, during which the Pakistani government removed Rs671 billion worth of liabilities from PIA's balance sheet.

These liabilities included Rs268.7 billion in bank debt, Rs170 billion in government debt, Rs188.3 billion in legacy operating liabilities, Rs44 billion in employee liabilities, and Rs26 billion in non-core assets. As a result, PIA's negative equity dramatically decreased from Rs698 billion to just Rs45 billion by April 2024, alleviating the airline from its heavy debt servicing burden that previously consumed one-third of its cash inflow.

The airline's management attributes this turnaround to targeted reforms implemented over the past three years. A key component was a 30% reduction in the workforce, bringing the total number of employees to 7,104 as of February 2025. Additionally, PIA withdrew from loss-making international routes and improved aircraft utilization to enhance operational efficiency.

These operational reforms, combined with the financial restructuring, have positioned PIA for profitability after years of struggling with significant financial losses. The airline's return to profitability is a significant achievement, especially considering it had reported a loss of Rs104.5 billion in 2023.

PIA's financial recovery has also reignited privatization efforts. The government has transferred approximately 75% of PIA's liabilities to state books, making the airline more attractive to potential investors. Several parties that had previously shown interest have reengaged with the process, and the Privatization Commission expects initial bids later this month.

Secretary Usman Bajwa has expressed optimism about receiving binding offers, indicating a positive outlook for the privatization process. However, privatization remains a contentious issue in Pakistan, facing strong opposition from labor unions and nationalist political parties.

The government's divide and sell strategy, which involves isolating PIA's liabilities from its core airline business through the creation of PIA Holding Co., aims to make the airline more appealing to investors while ensuring operational stability.

Despite the positive financial outlook, PIA still faces significant challenges. The airline operates with a limited fleet, as only 19 out of 32 aircraft are currently in service, with six out of 12 Boeing 777s grounded due to financial constraints. Additionally, employee concerns and political sensitivities surrounding privatization continue to pose hurdles.

The ITF and its affiliated unions have called for a halt to the privatization process until meaningful dialogue with trade unions occurs. As PIA moves towards profitability, it has begun expanding its operations, resuming flights to Skardu from key cities and planning to restore key international routes.

The airline's future success will depend on addressing these ongoing challenges, maintaining operational improvements, and navigating the complex political landscape surrounding the national carrier's future.

The government's efforts to privatize PIA are also influenced by external pressures, particularly from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has emphasized the need to divest loss-making state-owned enterprises. This pressure underscores the importance of PIA's financial recovery and privatization in the broader context of Pakistan's economic reforms.

As PIA continues on its path towards financial stability and potential private sector involvement, it sets the stage for a potential transformation of Pakistan's aviation landscape. The success of this transformation will not only impact PIA but also contribute to the country's economic development and competitiveness in the global aviation industry.

Air India and Air New Zealand have announced a significant codeshare partnership, marking a major step forward in strengthening air connectivity between India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. The agreement was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on March 19, 2025, in Mumbai.

The event was attended by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, and other dignitaries. This collaboration is expected to not only simplify travel for passengers but also boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

Under the codeshare arrangement, passengers traveling from key Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai will be able to connect seamlessly via major transit hubs like Sydney, Melbourne, or Singapore to popular destinations in New Zealand, including Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown.

The codeshare will allow travelers to book their entire journey on a single ticket with coordinated baggage handling and streamlined connections. This partnership is particularly significant as it bridges the gap between two regions that currently lack direct air connectivity.

A key highlight of the MoU is the exploration of launching direct flights between India and New Zealand by 2028. While this plan hinges on new aircraft deliveries and regulatory clearances, it represents a transformative opportunity for both countries. At present, travelers face long connecting flights that can take up to 30 hours; a direct route would reduce travel time significantly and enhance convenience for both business and leisure travelers.

The introduction of direct flights could also stimulate economic activity by facilitating smoother trade relations and increasing tourism flows.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson expressed enthusiasm about the partnership’s potential to expand Air India’s global footprint. He noted that the codeshare aligns with Air India’s broader strategy of forging alliances with leading global carriers—such as its recent agreements with Lufthansa Group and Singapore Airlines—to provide customers with greater connectivity options.

Wilson also highlighted his personal connection to New Zealand as a motivating factor in fostering closer ties between the two nations.

Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran underscored India’s growing importance as a key market for tourism and travel demand. He pointed out that Indian visitors to New Zealand have been steadily increasing in recent years. In 2023 alone, over 87,000 Indians visited New Zealand—a 23% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Additionally, data shows that over 18 million Indians actively consider visiting New Zealand annually. Foran emphasized that this codeshare partnership is an important first step toward understanding travel patterns and building demand for future direct services.

The partnership also reflects broader geopolitical and economic trends. With India emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and New Zealand seeking to diversify its international connections post-pandemic, this collaboration is well-timed. It supports both countries’ goals of fostering stronger bilateral relations through enhanced people-to-people ties and increased business opportunities.

Beyond tourism and trade benefits, the partnership could pave the way for greater cultural exchange between the two nations. New Zealand has a vibrant Indian diaspora community that plays an integral role in its multicultural fabric. Improved connectivity is likely to strengthen ties within this community while encouraging more Indians to explore opportunities in education, business, and leisure in New Zealand.

As both airlines are members of the Star Alliance network, this partnership leverages their shared commitment to providing world-class service and seamless travel experiences. With Air India undergoing significant transformation under its new ownership by Tata Group—focusing on fleet modernization and network expansion—and Air New Zealand continuing its efforts to attract international travelers post-COVID-19 recovery, this collaboration represents a win-win for both carriers.

In summary, this codeshare agreement between Air India and Air New Zealand is more than just an operational partnership—it is a strategic initiative aimed at unlocking new opportunities for connectivity, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between two vibrant regions of the world.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital’s first low-cost airline, has announced the launch of a new non-stop route connecting Abu Dhabi to Almaty, Kazakhstan. The service is set to commence on June 3, 2025, and will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Flights will depart from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport at 9:20 AM local time and arrive in Almaty at 2:35 PM.

Return flights will leave Almaty at 3:35 PM, landing back in Abu Dhabi by 7:20 PM. The route will be serviced by Airbus A320 aircraft, offering passengers modern amenities such as free in-flight streaming through 'SkyTime' and affordable onboard dining with 'SkyCafe'.

This new route marks a significant milestone for Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, increasing its network to 30 destinations and enhancing connectivity between the UAE and international markets. Almaty, known for its picturesque natural landscapes, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage, is expected to attract both leisure and business travelers.

The city offers a blend of traditional and modern attractions, including the Green Market, Panfilov Park, and the stunning Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, emphasized the airline's commitment to providing affordable travel options while supporting Abu Dhabi’s growth as a hub for tourism and business.

Here are some key details about the new route:

• Launch Date: June 3, 2025

• Frequency: Three times a week (Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays)

• Departure and Arrival Times:

  • Departure from Abu Dhabi: 9:20 AM local time

  • Arrival in Almaty: 2:35 PM

  • Departure from Almaty: 3:35 PM

  • Arrival back in Abu Dhabi: 7:20 PM

• Aircraft: Airbus A320, known for its comfort and efficiency

• Amenities:

  • 'SkyTime' for in-flight entertainment, offering a variety of movies, TV shows, and music

  • 'SkyCafe' for onboard dining, providing a range of snacks and meals at affordable prices

• Booking Options: Passengers can book their flights through Air Arabia’s website, call center, or travel agencies

• Ticket Prices: Starting from AED 298 for one-way trips, offering competitive pricing for travelers

• Loyalty Program: 'Air Rewards' allows customers to earn and redeem points for added value, such as free flights or upgrades

• Travel Documents: Passengers are advised to check visa requirements for Kazakhstan and ensure they have all necessary travel documents before departure

• Baggage Allowance: Economy class passengers are entitled to one piece of checked baggage up to 32 kg and one piece of hand luggage up to 10 kg

This new service is anticipated to foster stronger tourism and trade ties between Abu Dhabi and Almaty while providing travelers with greater convenience and choice. The route is expected to attract tourists interested in exploring Kazakhstan's natural beauty and cultural sites, as well as business travelers looking to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the region.