Emirates has once again set a new standard in the aviation industry by sweeping four prestigious categories at the 2025 Business Traveller Middle East (BTME) Awards, held in Dubai.

This remarkable achievement includes winning the highly coveted Best Airline Worldwide award for the twelfth consecutive year-a testament to the airline’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

In addition to this global recognition, Emirates dominated the awards by securing Best First Class, Best Premium Economy Class, and Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East, reflecting the airline’s comprehensive approach to delivering outstanding service both in the air and on the ground.

These accolades come amid a period of significant growth and transformation for Emirates, as it continues to expand its fleet, enhance its onboard products, and elevate the overall travel experience for millions of passengers worldwide.

The airline’s success at the BTME Awards highlights its ability to consistently meet and exceed the evolving expectations of discerning business travelers and luxury seekers in an increasingly competitive global market.

A Legacy of Excellence and Industry Recognition

The BTME Awards, determined through a transparent public voting process reflecting genuine traveler preferences, add to Emirates’ growing list of 2025 accolades. These include recognition as a 2025 APEX World Class Airline and top rankings in Telegraph Travel’s global airline study for fleet modernity, rewards value, and onboard dining.

The wins underscore Emirates’ strategic investments in fleet upgrades, cabin innovation, and loyalty programs, with its Skywards rewards platform also earning global acclaim at the 2024 World Travel Awards.

Fleet Modernization and Premium Economy’s Rise

Emirates’ $2 billion retrofit program has upgraded 51 of its 219 aircraft to date, introducing its acclaimed Premium Economy Class across refurbished Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s. Launched in 2022, this cabin class features 19.5-inch-wide leather seats with 38-inch pitch, six-way adjustable headrests, and dedicated calf rests-a configuration praised for bridging the gap between Economy and Business Class.

By late 2025, the airline’s new Airbus A350 fleet, equipped with next-generation lie-flat seats and mood-lighting systems, will expand its Premium Economy offerings to over 70 global destinations.

First Class Opulence and Lounge Luxury

The Best First Class win highlights Emirates’ iconic private suites, offering sliding doors, personal minibars, and gourmet dining with complimentary caviar. On the ground, its three Dubai International Airport lounges-honored as Best in the Middle East-set industry benchmarks with à la carte dining, Timeless spas offering complimentary treatments, cigar lounges, and exclusive duty-free boutiques.

Premium Economy’s Competitive Edge

Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin, available on routes to New York, Paris, London, and Frankfurt, features a 2-4-2 layout with wood-accented tray tables, electronic window shades, and reusable amenity kits.

While meals mirror Economy Class offerings, passengers enjoy exclusive perks like Chandon Vintage Brut 2017 sparkling wine and priority boarding. The cabin’s front-of-plane placement ensures quicker disembarkation-a critical advantage for connecting travelers.

Brand Power and Future Vision

Emirates’ brand value surged to $8.4 billion in 2024, driven by its Premium Economy expansion and lounge enhancements. With 36 refurbished aircraft already operational-including A380s offering 56 Premium Economy seats per plane-the airline aims to redefine accessibility to luxury travel while maintaining its dominance in First Class innovation.

Why It Matters: These awards validate Emirates’ dual focus on elevating premium experiences and democratizing luxury, ensuring its position as the airline of choice for both business elites and discerning leisure travelers worldwide.

Etihad Airways has officially become a participant in IATA’s Turbulence Aware initiative, bringing its entire fleet-comprising nearly 100 Airbus and Boeing aircraft-into the programme. By doing so, every Etihad flight will now automatically feed anonymized, real-time turbulence data into a global network.

This development is set to further enrich the world’s largest database on in-flight turbulence, empowering pilots and dispatchers to make better-informed decisions about flight routes, thereby enhancing safety, comfort, and operational efficiency for all passengers and crew.

The Turbulence Aware programme is an aviation industry-wide collaboration that aggregates and shares precise, up-to-the-minute turbulence readings-known as Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR) data-from aircraft operated by participating airlines, business aviation, and ground-based systems.

All the information is processed within seconds, ensuring that pilots, dispatchers, and operational teams can access the latest turbulence updates through their own flight planning tools, third-party apps, or IATA’s MET Viewer, a web-based interface that visualizes turbulence in vivid detail, including intensity, location, altitude, and relevant weather patterns.

The advantages of this programme are far-reaching. By providing objective, real-time turbulence data, Turbulence Aware helps flight crews steer clear of hazardous weather, uphold the highest safety standards, and reduce the likelihood of injuries among passengers and crew-an area of concern that remains a leading cause of in-flight incidents.

Furthermore, optimized routing supported by the programme leads to significant fuel savings, lower CO₂ emissions, and reduced operational expenses. The predictive power of the data also aids in minimizing aircraft wear and tear, which in turn helps decrease maintenance costs and increase fleet reliability.

With more than 2,600 aircraft now actively contributing to the data pool-and over 54 million turbulence reports generated in 2024 alone-the programme’s reach and data quality are rapidly expanding as additional airlines join the effort. Etihad’s involvement is especially significant, as it extends the programme’s coverage across the Middle East and all five continents it serves.

This ensures that pilots and dispatchers worldwide have access to the most accurate and timely turbulence information, supporting safer, smoother, and more efficient flights for everyone.

Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Interim Chief Operations and Guest Officer at Etihad Airways, highlighted the airline’s strong commitment to safety, stating, “Having access to real-time, accurate turbulence data allows our pilots to make better decisions, resulting in smoother and more comfortable journeys for our guests.”

Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA Regional Vice-President for Africa and the Middle East, also welcomed Etihad’s participation, emphasizing that timely, reliable turbulence data is key to improving flight safety and enhancing the overall passenger experience.

In essence, by joining the Turbulence Aware programme, Etihad Airways is not only reaffirming its dedication to safety and operational excellence but also playing a vital role in a global, collaborative movement to make air travel safer, more comfortable, and more sustainable for everyone involved.

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

In a significant development for Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia, Alankit Assignments Limited has been officially awarded a new contract to provide consular, visa, and passport services for the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Indian Consulate in Jeddah.

The transition comes after a competitive bidding process, where Alankit Assignments Limited emerged as the L1 (lowest bidder) during the financial bid evaluation held on April 26, 2025, as confirmed by official embassy documents. This means that, barring any last-minute changes, Alankit Assignments Limited will take over these vital services from the current provider, VFS Global, once their contract expires on June 30, 2025.

These outsourced services are crucial for the large Indian community in Saudi Arabia, covering a wide range of consular needs-including the issuance and renewal of Indian passports, processing of various visa applications (such as employment, family, and visitor visas), and related document attestation. VFS Global has been the service provider for these functions since 2014, and this change marks the first major shift in a decade.

The new contract is expected to bring improvements in efficiency, customer service, and possibly the introduction of new digital platforms for easier application and tracking. Applicants will, however, need to be aware of the transition period and any changes in service procedures or documentation requirements that may accompany the switch.

It is also important to note that, as of now, citizens from 14 countries-including India-are temporarily restricted from entering Saudi Arabia for tourism, family visits, or business trips due to ongoing travel restrictions. This ban, affecting nationals from countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Indonesia, Jordan, Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco, Nigeria, Sudan, Yemen, and Tunisia, is expected to be lifted around June 2025, coinciding with the change in service providers.

In summary, Alankit Assignments Limited's new role will be pivotal for the Indian community in Saudi Arabia, ensuring streamlined and efficient handling of all consular, visa, and passport services starting July 1, 2025. Applicants are advised to stay updated with official embassy announcements for any procedural updates or additional requirements during the transition period

Qatar Airways has terminated a flight attendant following a brazen theft incident aboard a March 28, 2025, business class flight (QR 948) from Doha to Singapore. The passenger, an unnamed executive traveling for work, reported placing his iPhone 15 Pro Max in the lavatory’s vanity compartment during the final descent.

Moments after exiting, he observed the same restroom being used by a crew member, only to find the device missing shortly thereafter. Internal airline documents obtained by media outlets confirm the crew member’s dismissal, with Qatar Airways’ Security Investigations Manager stating the employee “admitted to taking the phone” during disciplinary proceedings.

Tracking data via the Find My iPhone app revealed the device traveled to a crew-designated hotel near Singapore’s Changi Airport post-flight, before being transported to Manila, Philippines-allegedly to the attendant’s family residence.

Despite this evidence, the airline initially categorized the case as “unattended personal belongings” in internal reports, a classification the passenger denounced as “deliberate misrepresentation” given the crew’s proven involvement.

The $722 reimbursement offer-based on a depreciated value calculation-sparked outrage, with the victim detailing extensive collateral damages: canceled client meetings in Singapore, six hours spent filing police reports at Changi Airport’s Terminal 1, and permanent loss of sensitive business data due to the phone’s unrecovered status.

“This wasn’t just a theft-it was a breach of trust in their duty of care,” the passenger stated, noting he had specifically chosen Qatar Airways for its top-rated business class service.

The incident marks the second major crew theft allegation against the airline in 2025, following a separate lawsuit by a Dubai-based entrepreneur who accused a flight attendant of stealing $600 cash from her seatback compartment during a Doha-Jakarta flight. Aviation analysts highlight growing concerns about Qatar Airways’ crew screening processes, particularly as the airline aggressively recruits staff to meet post-World Cup expansion targets.

The passenger has filed formal complaints with Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority and Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau, demanding reforms to crew monitoring protocols and enhanced compensation frameworks for theft-related disruptions.

Qatar Airways has yet to address why no additional restitution was offered for the passenger’s lost productivity or data, nor explain the 11-day delay in confirming the employee’s termination.

Oman Air has successfully implemented a comprehensive workforce restructuring plan, reducing its employee count by 1,000 positions-including 500 expatriate roles-as part of a strategic effort to optimize operations and reinforce its financial foundation. Spearheaded by Chairman Eng.

Saeed bin Hamoud Al Maawali and CEO Con Korfiatis, this initiative brings the airline’s staffing in line with global industry benchmarks, trimming the workforce from around 4,300 to approximately 3,300 employees, closer to the norm for airlines with similar fleet sizes.

The restructuring focused on eliminating surplus non-core roles, which previously accounted for nearly half of the workforce, thereby significantly boosting organizational efficiency. Oman Air demonstrated a strong commitment to its employees by offering generous voluntary retirement packages, facilitating internal transfers, and supporting external job placements.

Approximately 415 employees were affected, with many receiving severance packages ranging from one to two years’ salary, while others were redeployed within the company or found new opportunities in the aviation sector.

This workforce realignment also accelerated Omanisation efforts, increasing the proportion of Omani nationals employed by the airline from 74.8% in 2023 to an impressive 79.4% in 2024. This reflects Oman Air’s dedication to nurturing local talent and supporting national employment goals.

Beyond workforce changes, Oman Air is undergoing a broader transformation that includes streamlining its fleet by reducing the number of aircraft by nearly 30% since 2023 and shifting its business model towards more point-to-point routes, which now represent 40% of total revenue compared to 27% five years ago.

These strategic moves have contributed to a 19% decrease in operating costs and a remarkable 51% increase in operating profits in 2024. Passenger numbers have also grown, exceeding 5.4 million travelers, supported by an industry-leading 92% on-time performance rate.

Looking ahead, Oman Air is set to join the prestigious Oneworld alliance in June 2025, a milestone that will enhance its global connectivity and offer customers greater travel options. The airline plans to expand its network with new routes to Amsterdam, increased flights to London, and daily service to Moscow, further boosting Oman’s tourism and business sectors.

While Oman Air continues to manage legacy financial obligations, including significant debt and financing costs, the ongoing restructuring and operational improvements are positioning the airline for sustainable profitability by 2026.

Overall, Oman Air’s decisive restructuring and strategic initiatives underscore its commitment to operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and long-term growth, reinforcing its role as a vital contributor to Oman’s economy and the regional aviation industry.