Qatar Airways has made a significant leap in the aviation industry by introducing its innovative AI booking system, Sama, at the Web Summit Qatar 2025.

This groundbreaking technology, which debuted on February 23 and concluded on February 26, allows travelers to engage in a personalized booking experience through voice and chat interactions. Sama can provide tailored itineraries and family-friendly destination suggestions, marking a first in the realm of travel bookings.

The airline's Group CEO, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, emphasized Qatar Airways' commitment to innovation and the adoption of cutting-edge technology to enhance passenger experiences. The airline's Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, noted that these advancements aim to streamline the customer journey from the initial booking to the end of travel.

In addition to Sama, Qatar Airways showcased several other technological innovations at the summit, including the Dream Destination – The Pulse, which uses AI to interpret user emotions for personalized holiday recommendations, and the QVerse Multi-Sensory Experience, offering an immersive virtual reality journey through the airline's Qsuite.

The airline also introduced features like AI Menu Recommendations for Business Class passengers and the Privilege Club Collection, which provides exclusive experiences for loyalty members. The Web Summit served as a platform for Qatar Airways to highlight its position as an aviation sector leader, focusing on enhancing customer experiences through technology.

Emirates SkyCargo has introduced a specialised product named Aircraft Engines, designed to transport one of aviation’s most critical and high-value components with precision and speed. This new service is part of the airline’s newly launched Aerospace and Engineering vertical, which focuses on providing tailored logistics solutions for the aerospace, defence, and space sectors.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, said, “Moving highly specialised items is always an exciting challenge, and, having significantly invested in building world-class infrastructure across our network, it’s a challenge that we are ready to meet.

 We developed Aircraft Engines by harnessing our team’s technical expertise, proprietary technology, and fit-for-purpose infrastructure to cater to such valuable and technical cargo at every touchpoint”.

The Aircraft Engines service addresses the complex needs of transporting engines for maintenance, repair, or replacement. Emirates SkyCargo collaborated closely with manufacturers, operators, and consultants to optimise handling processes, resulting in a solution that ensures expert oversight at every stage.

Certified loadmasters supervise loading, securing, and unloading, utilising specialised equipment such as shock-absorbing transport dollies. Real-time shipment monitoring is available through the carrier’s control tower and optional track-and-trace devices.

Prioritising speed, engine shipments receive the highest loading priority to minimise ground time and maintain efficient aircraft operations. A dedicated team of experts stationed in key global cities offers 24/7 consultation through a hotline and email, enabling rapid response and seamless communication.

The Aerospace and Engineering vertical targets customers across commercial aviation, aircraft manufacturing, defence, space technology, and government sectors.

Alongside Aircraft Engines, it includes Emirates AOG (Aircraft on Ground) service, which expedites time-critical aircraft parts. Emirates SkyCargo has enhanced this offering with distinctive ‘Must Go’ bags for quicker recognition and handling.

Emirates SkyCargo transports hundreds of aircraft engine shipments annually and has supported notable aerospace missions, including the transport of KhalifaSat, the first Emirati-built satellite, and nanosatellites from Paris to Auckland for global IoT connectivity.

 These experiences have informed the development of the new product and vertical, reinforcing Emirates SkyCargo’s position as a leader in aerospace logistics.

This strategic launch expands Emirates SkyCargo’s specialised services, with additional subcategories under the Aerospace and Engineering vertical currently in development to further meet the complex demands of the aerospace industry.

At a recent press conference held during Air Cargo Europe in Munich, Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo, and MAB Kargo Sdn Bhd (MASkargo) announced their intention to launch a Global Cargo Joint Business, targeting a formal rollout in late 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.

This innovative partnership aims to transform the global air freight market by offering enhanced route flexibility and expanded capacity options across key regions including Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, Europe, and the Americas.

By combining their networks, the three carriers will unlock new routes that were previously unavailable through single bookings, opening fresh commercial opportunities worldwide. The initial focus will be on key cargo markets, with plans to include additional countries in future phases as approvals are secured.

To ensure a seamless customer experience, the partners will progressively align their systems, processes, and commercial offerings. Customers can expect streamlined products and services, enhanced digital solutions, and a combined Avios loyalty program as part of the collective offering.

 The joint business will also optimize freight and cargo capacity across their networks, improving efficiency and flexibility. Coordinated ground handling and trucking services will further enhance the cargo booking and delivery process.

In a significant humanitarian initiative, the three carriers will soon enter into individual agreements with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), pledging a total of 1,000 tonnes of free cargo capacity to support the delivery of food and essential commodities.

This commitment highlights the joint business’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and the broader goal of combating global hunger.

Mark Drusch, Chief Cargo Officer of Qatar Airways Cargo, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing its potential to deliver unparalleled service and efficiency while supporting humanitarian efforts.

 David Shepherd, CEO of IAG Cargo, described the joint business as a game changer that will create new connections and commercial opportunities with greater reliability and coordination than traditional interline agreements. Mark Jason Thomas, CEO of MASkargo, highlighted the milestone nature of the partnership, noting its role in extending connectivity and transforming cargo movement globally.

Virginia Villar Arribas, Deputy Director of Private Sector Partnerships at WFP, welcomed the collaboration, underscoring the growing role of the private sector in accelerating humanitarian response and expressing excitement about working with the three carriers to enhance the speed, efficiency, and scale of WFP’s operations.

The partners remain focused on obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals and will provide further updates as the planned launch in late 2025 approaches. This joint venture is set to redefine global air cargo connectivity while making a meaningful impact on humanitarian aid worldwide.

 

Newark Liberty International Airport’s main runway, 4L/22R, is back in operation after a major rehabilitation project finished 13 days ahead of schedule, federal and state officials announced this week. The early reopening is expected to help ease recent congestion and delays at one of the nation’s busiest airports.

The $121 million project began in early March and required a full shutdown of the 11,000-foot runway starting April 15. Originally scheduled to reopen on June 15, the runway is now open for departures as of June 2, with full arrival operations expected to resume after final safety checks in the coming days.

Officials credited the accelerated timeline to expanded work shifts, additional construction crews, and continuous 24/7 operations.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) also brought a second asphalt plant online to double paving capacity, helping crews complete critical upgrades that included new pavement, updated lighting, improved airfield signage, new underground electrical systems, and enhanced drainage.

“It took around-the-clock work — literally seven days a week of people, multiple crews, paving, milling, electricians, and Port Authority aviation, operations, maintenance and engineering staff to make this happen,” said Sarah McKeon, Port Authority aviation director.

For now, the reopened runway will only be used for departures while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) completes final navigational aid tests and safety verifications.

The airport’s maximum arrival rate remains capped at 28 aircraft per hour until these checks are complete, after which the rate will increase to 34 arrivals per hour.

The closure of runway 4L/22R since mid-April had forced Newark Liberty to operate with just two runways, resulting in significant delays and a 15% reduction in arrivals and departures.

United Airlines, the airport’s largest carrier, and other airlines had to cut back schedules during the construction period. Officials expect the early reopening to bring immediate relief to passengers and airlines, with increased flight schedules set to resume by mid-June.

While the main phase of rehabilitation is complete, officials noted that runway 4L/22R will continue to be closed on weeknights and weekends from September through December to finalize the project. The Port Authority emphasized that these closures are necessary to ensure the runway meets the latest FAA safety and design standards.

The runway project is part of a broader multi-billion-dollar investment in Newark Liberty’s infrastructure, including recent upgrades to terminals and taxiways. However, airport officials and the FAA acknowledged ongoing challenges, such as air traffic controller shortages and technical issues, which have contributed to recent disruptions.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised the collaborative effort, stating, “We don’t want to rush anything, doing it the right way is key, so that you feel the system is safe and we know the system is safe”.
Travelers are advised to check with airlines for the latest flight information as Newark Liberty transitions back to full runway capacity.

Southeast Asia is edging closer to a tourism revolution that could make cross-border travel as effortless as in Europe’s Schengen Area. Thailand is at the forefront of a plan to introduce a single visa—“Six Countries, One Destination”—that would allow tourists to seamlessly visit Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos with just one application.

The initiative, expected to launch as early as late 2025 or early 2026, is part of a broader ASEAN strategy to boost tourism, foster economic integration, and recover from the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

How Would the Single Visa Work?

Currently, travelers face a patchwork of visa requirements, with some countries offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access and others requiring advance applications. The new system would unify entry procedures, allowing tourists to apply once for a visa granting access to all participating countries. This would reduce costs, paperwork, and waiting times, making the region far more attractive to visitors from key markets like the US, Europe, India, and China.

Why Now?

Tourism is vital to Southeast Asia’s economies, contributing over $90 billion annually and supporting millions of jobs. In 2023, the six countries together welcomed about 70 million foreign tourists, with Thailand and Malaysia accounting for more than half of arrivals and $48 billion in revenue. The unified visa aims to help the region surpass pre-pandemic tourism levels, encourage longer multi-country trips, and distribute tourism benefits more evenly—including to lesser-known destinations in Laos and Cambodia.

Who Is Involved?

While the core group includes Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, discussions are ongoing to possibly include Myanmar, the Philippines, and Indonesia in the future. Thailand has been actively coordinating with its neighbors, and Singapore’s participation is seen as crucial due to its role as a major air transit hub.

What Are the Benefits?

Tourists can move freely across borders, saving time and money.

Travel companies can offer integrated packages—such as Mekong River cruises and multi-country tours—spurring new business opportunities.

The region can market itself as a single, diverse destination, potentially increasing annual arrivals from 50 million to as many as 80 million by 2027.

Economic gains would be significant, with tourism already accounting for up to 12% of Thailand’s GDP and about 20% of its jobs.

What Challenges Remain?

Implementing the single visa is complex. Each country must align its immigration policies, security protocols, and border control procedures. There are also technical hurdles, such as developing a shared digital visa platform and upgrading border infrastructure. Revenue-sharing mechanisms and agreements on permitted stay durations are still under negotiation. Thailand, for example, is introducing a Digital Arrival Card to streamline processing and enhance security, while Vietnam is considering a “Golden Visa” for long-term stays.

What’s Next?

A joint working group of tourism and immigration officials from all participating countries is being formed to finalize the details. The rollout will likely begin with countries that are ready and expand as others join. If successful, the “Six Countries, One Destination” visa could serve as a model for other regions and solidify Southeast Asia’s status as a global tourism powerhouse.

In Summary:

The unified visa represents a bold step toward regional integration, promising to make Southeast Asia one of the world’s most accessible and attractive destinations. While significant policy and technical challenges remain, the economic and tourism potential is driving strong political will to turn this vision into reality.

Paraphrase as a news in Paragraph style with more details:Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) returned triumphantly to Paris after their UEFA Champions League victory, flying on a Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER adorned with a striking, specially commissioned livery celebrating their achievement.

The aircraft, registered A7-BED, featured an eye-catching navy blue and white design with the Champions League logo prominently displayed, symbolizing both the club’s historic win and Qatar Airways’ deep involvement in the football world. The livery was meticulously applied in Haikou, China, where the plane underwent a complete strip-down and respray before being ferried back to Doha and then positioned in Munich to collect the champions.

On June 1, 2025, following PSG’s record-breaking 5-0 victory over Inter Milan at Munich’s Allianz Arena, the team, their management, and the Champions League trophy boarded this unique aircraft for their return to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, where celebrations and a victory parade awaited them. The flight, operating under the callsign ‘5PSG’, underscored the magnitude of PSG’s win and the airline’s commitment to marking the occasion in grand style.

Qatar Airways’ involvement in this year’s Champions League final was unprecedented, as the airline was not only the official sponsor of both finalists—PSG and Inter Milan—but also of the competition itself, achieving a “sponsorship treble” that highlighted its global vision and passion for football. The airline’s CEO, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, described this partnership as a landmark moment, emphasizing how it united values of ambition, precision, and global connectivity.

Beyond the livery and sponsorship, Qatar Airways enhanced the fan and player experience through exclusive travel packages, special events such as a live podcast with football legends, and community initiatives that included inviting children from PSG and Inter’s social programs to enjoy a “Dream Night” at the final. The airline’s cabin crew also participated in the matchday spectacle, lining the players’ tunnel for the world to see.

The special livery is expected to remain on the aircraft for some time, making appearances at airports worldwide and serving as a flying tribute to PSG’s Champions League triumph and Qatar Airways’ prominent role in international sports partnerships.