UAE: AtlasGlobal Starts Daily Sharjah Flights

Turkish airline AtlasGlobal has begun three-times weekly service between Istanbul Atatürk International Airport and Sharjah International Airport on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: the airline’s only route to the UAE. Majority owned by Turkish travel and tourism operator ETS Group, AtlasGlobal (formerly Atlasjet Airlines) now operates 37 domestic and international flights to Europe and the Near East including flights to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

AtlasGlobal’s A320 fleet operates the 3,013 kilometre sector between Istanbul and Sharjah, from its home base at Istanbul Atatürk International Airport and plans to make the new service a daily one. The airline is now the only carrier flying the route, although Sharjah-headquartered Air Arabia offers a daily service from Sharjah International Airport to Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

Sharjah International Airport handled 10 million last year and is already a hub for a number of international passenger and cargo airlines including Air Arabia, Air India, Air India Express, Jet Airways (India), Qatar Airways, SpiceJet (India) and Sri Lankan Airlines. Air Arabia, the region’s largest low-cost carrier, serves 100 destinations in the Middle East, North Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia and Europe.

Sharjah opened a new super-jumbo capable AED 500 million (US$ 136m) airport runway in 2014, significantly expanding the airport’s capacity, in line with its goal of handling 25 million passengers by the year 2025. The airport also recently announced a new automated baggage management system, based on SITA’s baggage management and communication technology.

Sharjah International Airport will soon begin to levy a AED 35 (US$ 9.5) exit fee towards the infrastructure and expansion of the airport.

TURKEY: Carlson Rezidor Announces New Radisson Blu Hotel In Istanbul

Carlson Rezidor, one of the most dynamic hotel groups worldwide, announces the Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Ataköy. The property featuring 133 rooms is schedule to welcome the first guests in early 2016. It is the 9th Radisson Blu hotel in Istanbul and further strengthens Radisson Blu as the largest upper-upscale brand in the city.

“Istanbul is one of today’s most important markets – strategically located between Europe and Asia, and marked by a rich culture and economic power. With this signing we add a further Radisson Blu to our high-quality portfolio in town and consolidate our leading position in Istanbul”, said Wolfgang M. Neumann, President & CEO of Rezidor.

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Ataköy will enjoy a waterfront location in the Ataköy neighbourhood – a residential area between Atatürk International Airport (9km) and the old town (6km). It will be located in a larger building that also hosts residential units. Besides 133 rooms with Radisson Blu signature services such as free high speed internet access, the hotel will offer an all-day-dining restaurant with private dining, a lobby bar and patisserie, and a vitamin bar as part of the 980sqm spa that will include a traditional Turkish Hammam and treatment rooms. Guests will also benefit from an indoor and outdoor pool. For meetings and events, the hotel will comprise 2 board rooms and 2 meeting rooms. 50 parking spaces will complement the facilities.

Carlson Rezidor’s engagement in Turkey goes beyond Istanbul: with the core brands Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson the group is also present in Ankara, Kayseri, Izmir, Cesme, Mersin and Samsun – the total portfolio across the country counts 20 hotels with more than 3,700 rooms in operation and under development. “Turkey is a focus country for us. We closely monitor its development and believe in its long-term potential. Turkey offers considerable potential for all our brands, also for the luxury Quorvus Collection and the lifestyle select offer Radisson Red. We want to capture additional market share in additional market segments together with experienced national partners, and add value to their investment in the Turkish hospitality sector”, commented Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer of Rezidor.

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Ataköy will be operated by The Rezidor Hotel Group.