Emirates has officially launched its first Emirates World retail store in Singapore, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s 35-year presence in the city-state and signaling a bold new direction in travel retail.

Located at Odeon 333, just across from the iconic Raffles Hotel, the 330-square-meter store is designed as a warm, open-plan, lounge-like environment, featuring Emirates’ signature light and contemporary color palette with motifs inspired by the UAE’s national Ghaf Tree.

The store brings together expert travel planning and a premium shopping experience. Four dedicated customer service counters are staffed by knowledgeable consultants who provide tailored travel advice, exclusive fare deals, and detailed product demonstrations. Visitors can book flights, plan holidays, and receive personalized recommendations-all in a welcoming, relaxed setting.

A key highlight is the interactive First Class Suite installation, available exclusively in Singapore, allowing guests to step inside and experience the luxury of Emirates’ award-winning in-flight environment, complete with plush leather seats, ambient lighting, and privacy doors. The store also features smart technology, such as a ‘selfie mirror’ that lets travelers snap pictures against scenic destination backdrops.

Emirates is also introducing a curated selection of eco-conscious products, including upcycled travel pouches and document holders, reflecting the airline’s commitment to sustainability. Guests are welcomed with freshly brewed coffee, reinforcing Emirates’ hallmark hospitality on the ground.

The grand opening was attended by Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, alongside representatives from the UAE Embassy and Changi Airport Group, underscoring the strategic importance of Singapore as a hub for Emirates in Southeast Asia. In 2024 alone, Emirates carried over 800,000 passengers between Singapore and Dubai, operating four daily flights to Dubai and beyond, plus a daily service to Phnom Penh.

This store is the first of more than 40 planned worldwide as part of a S$35 million investment, positioning Emirates as a leader in premium, high-touch retail experiences that blend technology, personalization, and luxury. The new Emirates World store is set to redefine how travelers engage with the airline, offering a seamless, informative, and immersive space that brings the ‘Fly Better’ promise to life both in the air and on the ground.

Strategic Implications and Explanation

The Emirates World store is more than just a physical sales channel; it is a strategic move to deepen engagement with high-value travelers in a digital age. By combining personal service, interactive technology, and exclusive experiences, Emirates aims to differentiate itself in a competitive market and collect valuable customer insights for tailoring future offerings.

The investment in physical retail, alongside digital integration, allows Emirates to create a consistent and elevated brand experience across all touchpoints, ensuring that travelers receive the same level of care and luxury whether they are booking online or in person.

This initiative also positions Emirates to capitalize on the growing demand for experiential retail, where customers value face-to-face interactions and immersive experiences, especially when planning significant journeys. The store’s success could influence the broader travel industry, encouraging a renewed focus on high-touch, personalized customer service in the premium segment.

Qatar Airways announced a significant expansion of its North and South American operations, increasing the number of flights to Toronto and São Paulo starting in June 2025. The move comes in response to strong passenger demand and the growing importance of these cities as global travel hubs.

Beginning June 19, 2025, Qatar Airways will operate five weekly flights between Doha and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), departing every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The summer schedule features Flight QR767 departing Doha at 08:10 and arriving in Toronto at 15:00 local time, while the return Flight QR768 leaves Toronto at 21:00 and lands in Doha at 16:40.

The airline has also confirmed plans to transition to daily service to Toronto during the winter season, with departures from Doha at 08:25, arrivals in Toronto at 14:40, and return flights from Toronto at 20:10, arriving in Doha at 16:55.

From June 25, 2025, Qatar Airways will further expand its presence in South America by increasing its weekly flights to São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) from 14 to 17. The additional flights will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Flight QR785 departs Doha at 00:10 and arrives in São Paulo at 09:00 local time, while the return Flight QR786 leaves São Paulo at 10:30 and arrives in Doha at 06:45.

Qatar Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, stated that the expansion is driven by robust demand since the launch of the Toronto route in December 2024. Antinori also highlighted São Paulo’s role as a key gateway for both business and leisure travelers, noting that the additional flights will provide greater flexibility and more seamless connections for passengers traveling to over 55 destinations in Latin America, thanks to the airline’s partnership with LATAM Airlines.

These expansions are expected to enhance connectivity through Hamad International Airport, which was recently voted the “World’s Best Airport Shopping” by Skytrax in 2025. The increased frequencies will offer travelers more options and convenience, reinforcing Qatar Airways’ reputation for award-winning service and global reach.

Japan Airlines (JAL) marked a landmark year in its financial performance for the 2024-25 fiscal period, with international passenger traffic climbing a remarkable 14.4% compared to the previous year. This surge was chiefly driven by a significant uptick in foreign visitors to Japan and a strong resurgence in corporate travel abroad.

The notable increase in international travel contributed to JAL’s highest-ever consolidated revenue since relisting, reaching JPY 1,844 billion-an 11.6% jump from the prior year. Much of this success was credited to JAL’s strategic network expansion, especially on trans-Pacific routes and within Asia, with new and enhanced services playing a pivotal role.

Narita International Airport in Tokyo served as the key hub for JAL’s international operations, enabling the launch of new routes such as the daily Narita–Chicago service, which began in late May 2025. This route, operated in partnership with American Airlines, has significantly improved connectivity for travelers between North America and Asia.

Additionally, JAL boosted frequencies on other international routes, including Narita–San Diego and Kansai–Honolulu, and introduced new connections such as Narita–Bengaluru. These moves were designed to capture growing demand from both leisure and business travelers, particularly as Japan’s popularity as a destination soared.

On the domestic front, JAL maintained steady growth, supported by targeted promotional campaigns and efficient route management. Domestic passenger numbers increased by nearly 3%, with load factors reaching a record high of 82.9%. Cargo operations also saw healthy growth, buoyed by the transport of high-value goods and the addition of new routes like Narita–Hanoi.

Meanwhile, the airline’s low-cost carrier subsidiaries-ZIPAIR and Spring Japan-experienced a dramatic 39.1% increase in revenue, with plans underway to double their combined fleet size by 2030.

Despite these positive developments, JAL faced mounting cost pressures. Operating expenses rose by 9.8% year-on-year, mainly due to a weaker yen, higher fuel prices, and increased investments in staff and fleet. Nevertheless, the airline’s proactive cost management strategies, including effective fuel hedging and operational efficiencies, allowed it to achieve an 18.7% increase in EBIT, reaching JPY 172.4 billion.

Net profit also grew by 12% to JPY 107.0 billion, underscoring the strength of JAL’s business model and its ability to navigate a challenging economic environment.

Looking forward, JAL is set to further broaden its international reach. The airline plans to introduce the advanced Airbus A350-1000 aircraft on key routes such as Haneda–Paris and Haneda–Los Angeles starting in the 2025 summer schedule. These new aircraft will offer enhanced passenger comfort, greater fuel efficiency, and support JAL’s sustainability goals, including the increased use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Fleet modernization remains a top priority, with orders for new Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A350-900 aircraft set to enter service from fiscal year 2027.

Infrastructure developments are also playing a crucial role in supporting JAL’s growth. The expansion of Tokyo Narita Airport, which includes the construction of a new runway and upgraded terminal facilities, will nearly double the airport’s annual slot capacity from 300,000 to 500,000. These improvements will provide JAL with the necessary runway and gate access to accommodate its ambitious international expansion and meet the rising demand for air travel to and from Japan.

In recognition of its strong financial performance, JAL announced an increase in its annual dividend to JPY 86 per share, up from JPY 80 the previous year. The year-end dividend was also raised to JPY 46 per share. For the coming fiscal year, the airline has set ambitious targets, aiming for consolidated revenue of JPY 1,977 billion and EBIT of JPY 200.0 billion, reflecting confidence in continued demand growth and the effectiveness of ongoing business reforms.

Overall, JAL’s exceptional results for the 2024-25 fiscal year highlight the airline’s resilience, strategic vision, and ability to adapt to a rapidly changing global aviation landscape. Through a combination of network expansion, fleet modernization, and a commitment to sustainability, JAL is well-positioned to sustain its growth trajectory and maintain its leadership in the highly competitive airline industry.

Abu Dhabi’s Stopover Programme, a flagship initiative jointly led by Etihad Airways and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has achieved unprecedented success, setting new benchmarks for visitor numbers, bookings, and economic impact. In the first four months of 2025, the programme recorded 25,000 bookings-a remarkable 47% increase compared to the same period in 2024-while visitor arrivals surged to 44,000, marking a 76% rise over the previous year.

This rapid growth builds on the momentum of 2024, when Abu Dhabi welcomed 85,000 international stopover guests, up from just 12,000 in 2023. Etihad Airways now projects that more than 130,000 stopover guests will visit the Emirate in 2025, highlighting the programme’s accelerating popularity and its ability to attract incremental visitors at an impressive rate.

The Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme is designed to encourage transit passengers to extend their layovers and experience the city’s world-class attractions, luxurious hotels, and vibrant cultural scene. Available exclusively to Etihad Airways passengers, the programme allows travellers to seamlessly add a one- or two-night complimentary hotel stay at premier properties across the city during the online booking process.

The introduction of the Abu Dhabi Pass has further enhanced the experience, offering practical benefits and exclusive discounts at leading attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues. These features make it easier and more appealing for travellers to explore the Emirate’s diverse offerings, from iconic landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi to thrilling theme parks on Yas Island and serene desert landscapes.

The programme’s success is also driven by its broad international appeal, attracting travellers from key markets such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, India, Japan, and South Korea. Many visitors who initially stopover for a short stay are now returning for longer dedicated holidays, drawn by Abu Dhabi’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. The average length of stay for stopover visitors has increased, with travellers exploring more attractions and spending more time in the Emirate.

This trend not only enriches the visitor experience but also delivers a substantial economic boost to Abu Dhabi, supporting the objectives of the city’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to attract 39.3 million visitors, create 178,000 new jobs in the tourism sector, and contribute AED 90 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP by 2030.

Industry experts attribute the programme’s popularity to its seamless booking process, strategic partnerships, and the exceptional value it offers through complimentary hotel stays and curated experiences. The collaboration between Etihad Airways and DCT Abu Dhabi has been instrumental in positioning Abu Dhabi as a premier stopover destination, leveraging the airline’s global network and the city’s world-class infrastructure.

This partnership has also fostered innovation in the travel sector, setting new standards for customer experience and destination marketing.

Looking ahead, both organizations have outlined ambitious plans to further enhance the programme, including new partnerships, tailored packages, and expanded offerings. These initiatives are expected to drive continued growth and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global tourism destination. The Stopover Programme is not only transforming the way travellers experience the Emirate but also contributing significantly to the city’s long-term economic and cultural development.

As Abu Dhabi continues to innovate and invest in its tourism sector, the Stopover Programme stands as a shining example of how collaboration between airlines and tourism authorities can create win-win outcomes for travellers, businesses, and the local community. With its record-breaking success, the programme is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of tourism in Abu Dhabi and beyond.

Emirates has unveiled its newly reimagined Travel Store in Jakarta, Indonesia, a 221-square-meter retail space located in Sequis Tower in the city’s business district, underscoring the airline’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience for Indonesian customers.

The grand opening was officiated by Orhan Abbas, Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for the Far East, alongside H.E. Abdulla Salem AlDhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Indonesia, and other dignitaries, trade partners, and media representatives.

The Jakarta Travel Store is designed as a luxurious, modern lounge offering a seamless blend of comfort, technology, and personalized service. The interior features soft beige sofas and sleek contemporary furnishings that create a relaxed atmosphere where customers can browse a curated selection of exclusive Emirates-branded merchandise and premium travel accessories.

At the heart of the store are four dedicated customer service counters staffed by trained Emirates travel advisors who provide expert assistance with flight bookings, ticketing, Emirates Skywards loyalty program inquiries, and travel planning, ensuring a tailored and elevated service experience from the moment customers enter.

A standout feature is the voice-activated LED selfie screen near the entrance, allowing visitors to take photos with dynamic backdrops of iconic Emirates destinations. These images are instantly accessible via QR codes, eliminating the need for physical prints and integrating interactive technology into the retail experience.

Above a large LED screen showcasing Emirates’ milestones, destinations, and exclusive offers, a striking wall installation of the UAE’s national Ghaf tree symbolizes heritage and endurance, adding cultural significance to the space.

Notably, the Jakarta Travel Store is the first in Emirates’ global network to implement an advanced queue management system. This innovation reduces wait times, offers personalized service especially for Skywards members, and enables customers to provide instant feedback via WhatsApp, marking a new era of digital-first customer care and operational efficiency.

This launch follows similar successful openings in Hong Kong and Manila, reflecting Emirates’ strategic investment in Asia’s travel retail sector. Emirates has served Indonesia for over 30 years, currently operating double daily flights from Jakarta and Denpasar to Dubai, with onward connections to more than 140 destinations worldwide.

The airline also operates the only scheduled daily Airbus A380 service to Bali, significantly increasing seat capacity on this popular route.

Through this new Travel Store concept, Emirates aims to bring its world-class hospitality closer to Indonesian travelers, offering an immersive, end-to-end travel experience that begins well before boarding the aircraft and reinforcing its dedication to innovation, customer-centricity, and premium service in Southeast Asia.

Emirates has solidified its commitment to French football by renewing its partnership with Olympique Lyonnais through the 2029-2030 season, ensuring the iconic “Fly Better” logo remains on the club’s jerseys and training kits for all domestic and European matches.

The agreement, announced on April 25, 2025, builds on a five-year collaboration that began in 2020, which provided Emirates with extensive branding rights at Groupama Stadium and hospitality perks. This renewal includes amplified visibility across the stadium, marketing campaigns, and exclusive fan engagement opportunities, such as player access and social media activations.

Community-Centric Programs Take Center Stage

A hallmark of the partnership is Emirates’ focus on youth outreach. In December 2024, the airline collaborated with Lyon’s Léon Bérard Cancer Center and Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant to host over 23 children as player escorts during a match against OGC Nice, offering behind-the-scenes access and on-pitch experiences. These initiatives align with Emirates’ broader strategy to foster local connections, leveraging its sponsorship to create “unforgettable moments” for young fans.

Economic and Regional Synergies

Emirates’ daily flights between Dubai and Lyon—operated by Boeing 777s and transitioning to Airbus A350s by June 2025—underscore its investment in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Since launching the Lyon route in 2012, the airline has transported over one million passengers and facilitated cargo operations critical for pharmaceuticals and regional trade. Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, emphasized the partnership’s role in driving tourism and economic growth, calling Lyon a “gateway to global opportunities”.

Leadership Perspectives

John Textor, Olympique Lyonnais’ owner, highlighted the “trust built since 2020” and the shared vision for innovation and fan engagement. The club’s storied history—including seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles and a world-class academy producing talents like Karim Benzema—complements Emirates’ reputation for excellence. Jean-Michel Aulas, Lyon’s president during the initial deal, previously praised Emirates as a “premium brand with a proven track record in sports,” a sentiment echoed in the renewed collaboration.

Broader Sports Sponsorship Portfolio

Beyond football, Emirates reinforces its French ties through sponsorships like UAE Team Emirates’ Tour de France campaigns and its role as Official Airline of Roland-Garros. The airline’s global sports strategy, spanning tennis, rugby, and motorsports, reflects its ambition to connect with diverse audiences while supporting community-driven projects.