Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is showing promising signs of recovery, with a 33% year-on-year (YoY) increase in tourist arrivals during the first 10 days of June 2025. The island welcomed 43,962 visitors compared to 33,017 in the same period last year.

The daily average number of tourists also rose significantly, reaching 4,396 visitors per day, up from 3,302 during the first 10 days of June 2024. This uptick is encouraging, especially given that June is traditionally an off-season month for travel to Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) projects 177,257 arrivals for the entire month of June. However, industry stakeholders remain cautious due to a shortfall in arrivals during the first five months of 2025. From January to May, tourist arrivals missed projections by a cumulative 279,452 visitors, underscoring ongoing challenges in converting interest into actual visits despite improving macroeconomic conditions.

Between January 1 and June 10, 2025, Sri Lanka welcomed over 1.07 million tourists, marking a 16% increase compared to 927,196 visitors during the same period in 2024. Notably, arrivals in January, February, and May 2025 exceeded pre-pandemic levels seen in 2018, highlighting Sri Lanka’s renewed appeal as a travel destination.

Despite these positive trends, consistent growth remains elusive. A key hurdle has been the delay in launching a global tourism campaign, which has not been updated in 16 years. The much-anticipated ‘Nation Branding’ campaign, set to launch on June 26, is expected to boost Sri Lanka’s visibility in key markets and drive higher arrivals during the lucrative winter season.

In June 2025, India, the UK, and Bangladesh emerged as the top source markets, contributing 12,362, 3,740, and 2,717 tourists respectively. Year-to-date, India leads with 216,422 arrivals, followed by Russia (111,285) and the UK (100,014). These markets remain central to Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery strategy.

Sri Lanka aims to attract 3 million tourists and generate $5 billion in tourism revenue by the end of 2025. To meet this target, the industry needs to draw approximately 1.93 million visitors 64.2% of the annual goal during the remaining months of the year. So far, the sector has generated over $1.54 billion in revenue in the first five months, with $3.46 billion still needed to reach the target.

In 2024, Sri Lanka’s tourism revenue reached $3.16 billion, a substantial 53.2% increase from $2.07 billion in 2023, reflecting the sector’s strong recovery momentum.

Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming Nation Branding campaign and further developments in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

Riyadh Air, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has signed a landmark agreement with Rolls-Royce for 100 Trent XWB-97 engines to power its fleet of up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The deal, announced during the 55th Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, follows Riyadh Air’s order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft with options for 25 more, marking a major step in the airline’s ambitious growth strategy.

The Trent XWB-97 is recognized as the world’s most efficient large aero-engine, delivering 97,000 pounds of thrust and specifically engineered for the A350-1000. This partnership is set to support Riyadh Air’s goal of connecting over 100 global destinations by 2030, with the airline’s total fleet orders now reaching up to 182 aircraft across three types.

In addition to the engine deal, Riyadh Air and Rolls-Royce signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the comprehensive TotalCare service package, ensuring the health and maintenance of the engines throughout their lifecycle.

The agreement was formalized by Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air, and Ewen McDonald, Chief Customer Officer at Rolls-Royce, in the presence of Tony Douglas, Riyadh Air CEO, and Rob Watson, President of Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce.

Adam Boukadida, CFO of Riyadh Air, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “Selecting world-class companies like Rolls-Royce to power our future Airbus wide-body fleet ensures we have the right partners to achieve our ambitions. This deal brings us closer to realizing our long-term vision of enhanced connectivity for Riyadh and delivering an unrivalled guest experience.”

Rob Watson, President of Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce, added:
“We’re looking forward to supporting the significant growth ambitions of Riyadh Air in its launch year. The Trent XWB-97 is an incredible engine, and our TotalCare package will provide operational certainty across the fleet.”

The new A350-1000 aircraft, powered by the Trent XWB-97 engines, will enable Riyadh Air to expand its network globally, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to transform Riyadh into a leading aviation hub. With its Air Operator Certificate secured earlier this year, Riyadh Air is on track to commence operations later in 2025.

Launched in March 2023, Riyadh Air is a digitally led, full-service airline committed to sustainability, safety, and premium guest experiences. The carrier aims to connect guests to over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030, featuring advanced cabin interiors and next-generation in-flight entertainment.

Rolls-Royce is a global leader in power and propulsion, supporting a wide range of industries and customers in over 100 countries. In 2024, the company reported annual underlying revenue of £17.8 billion and an underlying operating profit of £2.46 billion. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange.

This collaboration underscores Riyadh Air’s commitment to innovation and world-class service, positioning the airline as a key player in the future of global aviation.

At the 2025 Paris Air Show, EgyptAir solidified its ambitious fleet renewal and expansion plans by confirming a firm order for six additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, increasing its total commitment for this model to 16 jets.

This follows the airline’s initial order of 10 A350-900s placed at the Dubai Airshow in November 2023, with the latest order converting six purchase options into firm commitments, underscoring EgyptAir’s confidence in the aircraft’s advanced capabilities and strategic fit.

Fleet Modernization and Delivery Schedule

The delivery timeline for these aircraft is carefully phased to support EgyptAir’s growth and operational efficiency. The first batch of the original 10 A350-900s is scheduled to arrive starting December 2025, with six more deliveries in 2026 and three additional aircraft by 2030.

The six newly ordered A350-900s will be delivered between 2030 and 2033, ensuring a continuous influx of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft to replace aging widebodies, including six leased Boeing 777s averaging 14.6 years in service.

Aircraft Features and Passenger Experience

Configured to seat approximately 340 passengers, EgyptAir’s A350-900s feature Airbus’s latest Airspace cabin design, which enhances passenger comfort with wider seats, higher ceilings, larger overhead bins, and customizable ambient lighting.

The airline is pioneering the use of Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova In-Flight Entertainment system in Africa, equipping every seat in both economy and business classes with larger screens and fast charging capabilities, elevating the onboard experience to global standards.

Operational Capabilities and Environmental Commitment

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines, the A350-900 offers a range of up to 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 kilometers), enabling EgyptAir to expand its long-haul network to new destinations in North America, Europe, and Asia, while increasing frequencies on existing routes.

The aircraft is 25% more fuel-efficient than previous-generation widebodies and certified to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with Airbus targeting 100% SAF capability by 2030. This aligns with EgyptAir’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting Egypt’s national goals for sustainable aviation.

Strategic Network Expansion

EgyptAir aims to grow its destination network from 89 to 114 cities, leveraging the A350’s capabilities to enhance connectivity through its Cairo hub. The airline plans to increase flight frequencies on high-demand routes and explore new nonstop services, particularly targeting markets in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East.

This expansion is part of a broader strategy to position Cairo as a competitive international aviation hub, complementing Egypt’s growing tourism and business sectors.

Financial and Industry Context

The order coincides with EgyptAir’s sale of its 12 Airbus A220s to lessor Azzora, optimizing its fleet composition to better match demand and operational efficiency. The integration of the A350-900 into the fleet will reduce maintenance costs and improve reliability compared to older aircraft.

Rolls-Royce, the engine supplier, welcomed the order for an additional 12 Trent XWB engines, highlighting the engine’s role in delivering superior fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Leadership and Industry Perspectives

Captain Ahmed Adel, EgyptAir’s Chairman and CEO, emphasized that the new A350 order is a cornerstone of the airline’s five-year plan to modernize its fleet, expand its global network, and enhance sustainability. Airbus executives praised EgyptAir’s commitment, noting that the A350 family’s global order book of over 1,390 aircraft from 60 customers reflects its status as a leading widebody aircraft for efficiency and passenger comfort.

This comprehensive fleet upgrade positions EgyptAir to meet growing international travel demand with a modern, environmentally responsible fleet, while offering passengers enhanced comfort and connectivity. The airline’s strategic focus on advanced aircraft like the A350-900 supports its vision to become a major player in global aviation, leveraging Cairo’s geographic advantage and Egypt’s expanding economic ties worldwide

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new flagship airline, and Blacklane, the global chauffeur service, have announced a strategic partnership at the 2025 Paris Airshow, showcased alongside a Riyadh Air-liveried A321 aircraft and a Blacklane-wrapped vehicle. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Riyadh Air’s commitment to delivering best-in-class service throughout the entire customer journey.

Under the new agreement, Riyadh Air’s Business Elite and Business Class passengers, as well as eligible loyalty members, will benefit from complimentary luxury chauffeur services provided by Blacklane within a 50-kilometer radius of Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. The service features elegant, high-end vehicles and is seamlessly integrated into Riyadh Air’s booking platform, allowing guests to arrange their chauffeur as part of their travel experience.

Beyond airport transfers, travelers will have access to Blacklane’s chauffeur services for city-to-city travel, in-city rides, and hourly bookings, both in Riyadh and at any of Riyadh Air’s global destinations. This partnership sets a new standard in the airline industry within Saudi Arabia and internationally, reflecting the shared dedication of both companies to exceptional hospitality and attention to detail.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, highlighted the importance of the partnership: “Our partnership with Blacklane reinforces our ethos of ensuring our customers experience Saudi hospitality with world-class service standards. We revealed our stylish new Business Elite and Business Class seats recently, and this is the next step in keeping our promises to deliver an exceptional premium experience to our guests.

Riyadh Air and Blacklane are two outstanding brands with hospitality and an attention to detail at heart, and our relationship will offer our guests a truly elevated travel itinerary, from the first mile to the last.”Dr. Jens Wohltorf, CEO and Co-Founder of Blacklane, added, “This partnership is more than a service it’s a promise.

 Together, Riyadh Air and Blacklane will offer guests a thoughtfully curated journey, marked by reliability, sophistication, and genuine care. We look forward to welcoming Riyadh Air guests and ensuring every moment of their journey is unique.”

This partnership not only enhances Riyadh Air’s premium offering but also reinforces Blacklane’s position as a leader in luxury chauffeur services worldwide. It promises travelers a seamless, sophisticated experience that begins long before boarding the aircraft and continues well beyond arrival, embodying the future of elevated travel.

Boeing is heading into the Paris Air Show following a blockbuster May, marked by securing 303 new aircraft orders and rolling out 38 new 737 MAX jets, achieving a production rate it has pursued for over a year. The company also delivered 45 aircraft last month, signaling a strong recovery in global air travel and airline fleet modernization.

Record Orders and Deliveries

May's 303 new orders represent Boeing’s sixth-highest monthly order tally in its history. The highlight was Qatar Airways’ historic widebody jet deal—the largest ever for Boeing—including 130 787 Dreamliners and 30 777X aircraft, along with options for an additional 50 long-haul jets. Of the 130 787s, 120 were booked in May, with 10 previously ordered in March but only recently identified in Boeing’s backlog.

Other notable orders included 20 737-8 MAX jets from Saudi Arabian-owned AviLease and seven 737 MAX jets from Canadian airline WestJet, which also canceled two earlier 737 orders. Gulf carrier Etihad announced plans to order 28 widebody jets but did not place a firm order, so these were excluded from May’s totals. After three cancellations, Boeing’s net new orders for May stood at 300, boosting its backlog to 5,943 aircraft as of May 31.

Production Milestone

Boeing reached a key production milestone by rolling out 38 new 737 MAX jets in May, hitting the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) monthly production cap set due to previous quality concerns. This steady production rate reflects Boeing’s efforts to stabilize output after challenges including a strike and quality issues earlier in the year. CEO Kelly Ortberg emphasized the need to maintain this production level consistently before seeking further increases from the FAA.

Deliveries and Market Impact

The 45 aircraft delivered in May marked Boeing’s fifth consecutive month surpassing 40 deliveries and nearly doubled the number delivered in the same month last year. Deliveries included 31 737 MAX jets (with notable deliveries to United Airlines and Alaska Airlines), seven 787s (including three to Qatar Airways), five 777 freighters, one 767 freighter, and one 737 NG converted into a P-8 Poseidon for the U.S. Navy.

 Notably, no deliveries were made to Chinese airlines in May due to a temporary halt amid tariff disputes, though the ban was lifted recently with a new 737 MAX arriving in China.

Context at the Paris Air Show

The Paris Air Show opened amid a complex backdrop of geopolitical tensions, recent aviation tragedies, and ongoing rivalry with Airbus. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg canceled his attendance to focus on supporting customers and the investigation into the recent Air India 787 crash. Despite this, Boeing’s strong May performance underscores its resilience and readiness to compete at the world’s largest aerospace event.

As of mid-2025, Boeing has delivered 220 aircraft, including 164 737 MAX jets, 28 787s, 16 777s, and others, while Airbus has delivered 243 aircraft this year. Both manufacturers are expected to announce new deals during the air show.

This robust May performance positions Boeing strongly as it navigates ongoing challenges and competition at the Paris Air Show 2025.

 

Four Wildlife Trusts in England—the London Wildlife Trust, Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, and Northumberland Wildlife Trust—have received a major multi-million-pound investment through the "Championing Nature" programme, a six-year initiative funded by The All England Lawn Tennis Club and Emirates.

This partnership is specifically designed to bridge the gap between urban communities and the natural world, with a strong emphasis on reaching disadvantaged children, young people aged 16-24, and families who often have limited access to green spaces.

Research underpinning the programme revealed that about one in eight children from low socio-economic backgrounds under the age of 12 has never experienced nature firsthand. Key barriers include a lack of nearby green space facilities (21%) and the cost of transport to such areas (17%). Parents have reported that when their children do spend time in nature, they see notable improvements in mood, happiness, physical activity, and overall health.

Each Wildlife Trust will use the funding to deliver tailored projects in their local urban areas. For example, the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust plans to provide interactive nature-based education sessions for schools—focusing on those with the least access to green space—and launch year-round outreach events for young people and the wider community. The Trust will also upgrade its Centre of the Earth environmental education site.

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside will focus on community-driven initiatives in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, including workshops, school partnerships, habitat restoration, and the creation of a nature corridor. Northumberland Wildlife Trust aims to enhance nature connection in urban and suburban areas through school partnerships, educator training, youth activism, and potentially managing a section of a country park in North Tyneside for the next 40 years, co-designed with the local community.

The programme was launched at the AELTC’s Community Tennis Centre at Raynes Park, with naturalist Steve Backshall MBE as its ambassador. Backshall emphasized the transformative benefits of nature connection for young people and expressed excitement about the positive changes the initiative will bring to urban communities.

Overall, "Championing Nature" is set to create a lasting legacy by improving urban green spaces, providing environmental education, and ensuring that future generations—regardless of background—can benefit from meaningful experiences with nature.