UAE: Emirates Has Increased Jeddah Flights To Serve The Umrah Season

Emirates has today announced that they will be adding up to 24 extra flights between June 12 and June 24 for the busy season of Umrah.

These flight additions will add up to 10,000 additional seats in overall capacity over the period of Umrah, with travelers from Pakistan, North Africa, the US, the UK and South Africa all expected to travel to Jeddah for this event.

They will be operating a 777-300ER for these extended operations, with configuration offerings currently unclear at this moment in time. The additional flights will help accommodate more convenient travel through Dubai during the Umrah season, which starts in Ramadan and concludes in July.

The services will run directly in line with the scheduled services to Jeddah, which are currently operated on a thrice-daily basis.

Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations for Gulf, Middle East and Iran said: Performing Umrah during the month of Ramadan is a significant experience for Muslims and Emirates is helping to make the journey more seamless through convenient connections for the thousands of pilgrims looking to travel during this time.

We thank the Saudi Arabian government and authorities for their support to introduce these extra frequencies during Umrah season.

Emirates’ is well-suited to the Umrah season and Ramadan, especially with their award-winning ice system which features special religious programming as well as popular regional entertainment options.

The airline’s content, which is significantly diverse offers up to 3,500 channels of entertainment, 238 of those being Arabic channels, which features movies, TV shows, music and audio.

Two of the three scheduled daily flights are operated by Airbus A380s, with the other daily service operated by a Boeing 777-300ER.

This fourth additional service will mean that they have balanced their capacity options across their Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

It will also be useful for the carrier to use, especially at a time when they have been storing aircraft, as well as it may encourage the airline to bring some of the stored aircraft out to help cater for demand.

Overall, this capacity increase is good news for those that attend Umrah as there is less stress about guaranteeing their flights on a more secure basis.


Tourism Observer

USA: Qatar Airways Places $2.16 Billion Boeing Order

Qatar Airways announced an order for two Boeing 747-8 freighters and four 777-300ERs, valued at $2.16 billion at list prices.

Qatar said the order was a sign of the airline’s continued expansion and contribution to the US economy.

The deal adds to the Doha-based carrier’s fleet of nearly 100 Boeing widebody aircraft and its more than 100 additional Boeing aircraft on order.

Qatar Airways Ltd. is considering whether to order more Boeing Co. 747 jumbo freighters as global air cargo rebounds and the Persian Gulf carrier responds to a blockade of its home country.

The jets, featuring a hinged nose that flips open to load oversize equipment, would help the Doha-based carrier make good on its ambition to become the largest international cargo operator in the world, Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said Monday during a visit to Seattle to take delivery of the first of Qatar Air’s two 747-8 freighters.

Boeing has been scrambling to land additional orders needed to extend the commercial life of its iconic hump-backed jet into the next decade.

The Chicago-based planemaker had 20 unfilled orders for its 747 as of the end of August, including the two jets currently bound for Qatar Air.

That is the equivalent of about three years of production at its current six-jets-a-year pace.

Qatar Air’s cargo division is flourishing as air freight emerges from a lengthy slump. Worldwide loads are up 11 percent this year through July, according to the International Air Transport Association, a trade group.

The flight embargo imposed in June by neighboring nations to penalize Qatar actually has provided a benefit, Al Baker said. Air-freight deliveries have climbed 160 percent from a year ago as Qatar Air has airlifted in fresh food, medical equipment and other supplies.

Four Arab nations severed diplomatic and transport links with Qatar as punishment for allegedly backing Islamic militants, a charge the Gulf nation denies.

I’m pleased to tell you today that in fact the blockade has quite the opposite impact on our business to the one intended, Al Baker said.

Our adversaries thought they would bring us to our knees and we would capitulate, but this didn’t happen.

He dismissed any suggestion that Qatar Air might delay aircraft orders because of the blockade or slowing travel growth in the Middle East.

We are not studying any deferrals because Qatar Airways’ aircraft orders are not all growth airplanes,Al Baker said.

They are also fleet replacement.

The carrier plans to take all 110 of the Boeing 777X planes that it has committed to buy from Boeing through orders or options.

And it expanded a previous order for 44 of Boeing’s 777-300ER by four aircraft, a deal previously recorded on Boeing’s backlog without disclosing the buyer.

Combined with the two jumbos, the aircraft are worth $2.16 billion at list prices before the customary discounts.

Qatar Air has decided to take all of the Airbus SE A350 aircraft it has on order, reversing an earlier plan to cancel four deliveries, Al Baker said.

As to Qatar Air’s ongoing war of words with U.S. carriers over access to the U.S. market, Al Baker advised its rivals to shut up and mind their own business.



Tourism Observer

FRANCE: Etihad Airways Passenger Captures Moment Etihad Airways Plane Was Struck By Lightning

This interesting video shows the dramatic moment lightning strikes the wing tip of a plane on its approach to Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport.

Etihad passenger Mitchell Stewart captured the incredible moment on a flight from Abu Dhabi to Paris.

Stewart, who was in a window seat, said the Boeing 777-300ER was on its approach to Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport when the lightning strike occurred.

He said the plane went on to make a safe landing in Paris shortly after.

Etihad Airways flight ETD37 landed at about 2pm local time after a seven-hour journey from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Watch the video at the top to see this dramatic moment happen.

QATAR: Qatar Airways Upgrades Doha Bangalore To Boeing 777. Economy Class Boon.

Middle Eastern carrier Qatar Airways will be up-gauging its Doha Bangalore service from the current Boeing 787-8 to a Boeing 777-300ER from August 1, 2015. The up-gauge will see a increase in number of seats from 254 to 335. Qatar is the second airline after Emirates to bring the 777-300ER on a regularly scheduled service.

Qatar’s economy class on the Boeing 777s is very highly rated in terms of comfort. The airline trails only Singapore Airlines in seat width. Economy class passengers will enjoy a seat width of 18.9 inches compared to the bone-crushing 17.2 inches on their 787.

Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive, Qatar Airways

“The strengthening of the Doha–Bengaluru route reflects increased passenger demand and reaffirms our continuous expansion strategy for the Indian market. There are a large numbers of expatriates from South India who are working in Doha, and with our increasing capacity we aim to offer our customers a superior travel experience and seamless connectivity into the State of Qatar.

India is growing as an economic hub and shows enormous potential, and our growth strategy has always stressed the significance of the Indian market where we plan to seek even more capacity and increase frequency on existing routes.”

UAE: Emirates Introduces New In-flight Entertainment

Emirates introduces its new generation in-flight entertainment (IFE) system reaffirming its commitment to continual product enhancement. The latest features include larger screens in First Class and Economy Class and three times the media storage – offering passengers an even greater choice of content on board.

The new products can be found on Emirates’ newly-delivered Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A380 aircraft.

Passengers travelling in First Class will have a more immersive viewing experience to look forward to with IFE screens increased from 27 to 32 inches – the 40% increase makes it the largest screen on any aircraft.

“We continually upgrade our fleet, as well as our products and services on board to ensure an unparalleled travel experience. In addition to the technology, Emirates also puts emphasis on curating our award-winning in-flight entertainment system and we always aim to surpass industry benchmarks. Our new generation ice system elevates the viewing experience, and offers passengers the most comprehensive movie and TV selection on any airline,’ said Patrick Brannelly, Emirates’ Divisional Vice President – Customer Experience.

Economy Class passengers can also look forward to immersing themselves in Emirates’ selection of in-flight programmes, with the industry’s largest in-seat screens at 13.3 inches. These can also be found on Emirates’ latest two-class configured A380. The Business Class screens, at 23 inches wide, remain one of the industry’s largest for its class.

With three times the media storage on the new IFE system, ice Digital Widescreen now has 2,186 channels of on-demand entertainment and 1,230 music channels which amounts to about 4,300 hours of entertainment. This includes over 50 full TV box sets and close to 600 movies. Reflecting Emirates’ global and diverse customer base, the enhanced system also features a multilingual interface in 14 languages.

This year, Emirates clinched its 11th consecutive SKYTRAX World Airline Awards for ‘World’s Best Airline Inflight Entertainment’.

Other new features on ice includes enhanced handset controllers, USB ports and PC power outlets on all seats across the three cabin classes to allow passengers to charge their own mobile phones and portable devices.

Connectivity on board

Emirates’ next generation IFE system is complemented with connectivity on board. The airline offers Wi-Fi on 142 aircraft, more than half of its fleet, and Live TV now on 75 aircraft. Emirates began offering free Wi-Fi on board last year and has invested US $15 million to offer its passengers data connectivity in 2015. From January to September this year, 2.6 million Emirates passengers connected to Wi-Fi on board – a four-fold increase from last year, reflecting the strong consumer demand for connectivity services while travelling.

Other product enhancements include new micro fibre optic carpet in the First Class cabin which helps to reduce the effects of jet lag, and private suites in the centre aisle have been widened by 1.9 inches.

Emirates’ new generation in-flight entertainment system product enhancements at a glance:

• IFE screen in First Class increased from 27 inches to 32 inches

• IFE screen in Economy Class increased from 12.1 inches to 13.3 inches

• All PC power outlets equipped with HDMI & USB ports for charging of portable devices

• 3x media storage offering an even greater choice of content

• Enhanced handset controllers

• Personal video playback

• Multilingual interface in 14 languages

TAIWAN: EVA Adds 22nd Boeing 777-300ER Reveals Brand-new Corporate Identity, Livery Design

EVA Air, a Star Alliance member, was established in 1989 as Taiwan's first privately owned international airline. It is part of the respected Evergreen Group and a sister company to global container-shipping leader Evergreen Line. It flies a fleet of close to 70 Boeing and Airbus aircraft to more than 60 international destinations throughout Asia, Oceania, Europe and North America. With just one easy stop in Taipei, travelers can connect onward to most major cities throughout Asia, including 29 destinations in China.

EVA Air took delivery of its 22nd Boeing 777-300ER (registration numbers B-16725) at the Boeing factory in Everett, WA on 11 November, 2015. With the delivery, EVA unveiled a new corporate identity system and livery. EVA Chairman K.W. Chang and Boeing Vice President Jeff Klemann led the ceremony. EVA Chairman, a certified pilot who has earned the rank of captain, took charge of the cockpit for the ferry flight to Taipei and departed Seattle’s Paine Field Airport at 13:30 (1:30 pm).

“EVA became a launch customer for the 777-300ER in 2005 and the aircraft has become the backbone of our long-haul fleet. By the end of 2017, we will be operating more than 30 Boeing 777-300ERs,” said EVA Chairman K.W. Chang. “We launched our new generation Boeing 777-300ERs last year and significantly upgraded our inflight services and cabin environments. Today, we unveiled a new livery design to herald our continuing commitment to service innovation. We aim to give our passengers flying experiences that are even more comfortable and enjoyable, and that include fun and entertainment along the way.”

EVA’s new corporate identity retains its original compass design, borrowed from the logotype of the respected Evergreen Group and symbolizing the airline’s seamless network and services. In the livery, the simplified tail design establishes the compass as the focal point for the EVA Air brand and represents the carrier’s commitment to quality service and flight safety. The elegant curve that flows the length of the aircraft and the dark-green belly showcase “The New EVA Difference” in the livery design. Together, these livery design elements illustrate EVA’s commitment to becoming a globally respected airline and to maintaining consistency in its core identity and values.

EVA also revealed new inflight music to accompany the new livery. The airline worked in cooperation with renowned soundtrack master Ricky Ho to create a sound for the boarding experience that makes flying more relaxing and enjoyable. Ho used the ocarina, an ancient wind instrument and type of vessel flute, to specially create three melodious pieces, “Love is the Answer,” “Horizon” and “All things bright and beautiful.” The free-flowing sound of the ocarina has a worry-free quality. It is the perfect instrument for creating a unique and pleasing atmosphere for boarding and take-off. Ho methodically tested and adjusted the bass and treble in different cabins on several aircraft to make sure passengers are welcomed aboard EVA flights by beautiful music.

Ho also adapted popular Taiwanese folk songs for EVA’s new landing music, including “Rainy Night Flower,” “Craving for the Spring Wind,” “The Valley of Peach Blossoms,” “Lonely Love Flower,” “White Peony,” “The Tea Harvesting Song” and more. EVA chose the peaceful, catchy melodies to share beauty and charms of Taiwan with passengers.

EVA will add seven more Boeing 777-300ERs and six more A321-200s by the end of 2016. After all of its new aircraft are delivered, EVA’s fleet will include more than 80 airplanes. EVA will deploy its new 777-300ERs on North America routes. The new aircraft will equip EVA to increase its North American services to 77 flights a week by the end of 2016.

Cathay Pacific Unveils New Livery

Cathay Pacific has unveiled its new livery at an event on 1 November.

The new livery incorporates an updated and streamlined brushwing logo, a simplification of its colour palette to three colours (green, grey, and white), as well as a more prominent display of its workmark and brushing, says the carrier.

A Boeing 777-300ER bearing the registration B-KPM was the first aircraft to bear the new livery, and that the Airbus A350 will be the next type to have the new livery. Cathay will eventually repaint its 150 aircraft through their maintenance schedule over the next five years.

“The livery is a vital part of our brand image - a symbol of the company’s values displayed on our most important physical asset. The livery represents Cathay Pacific in and out of Hong Kong and every time our aircraft take off or touch down in our network of destinations around the world,” adds the airline’s chief executive Ivan Chu.

EGYPT: Turbulence On EgyptAir

Twelve people were hospitalised on a flight from New York due to severe turbulence on EgyptAir.

The aircraft was carrying 268 passengers when, a few hours into the journey, the plane was violently rocked from side to side.

Ten passengers were injured as a result, as well as two members of cabin crew.

The EgyptAir flight from New York to Cairo was rocked by severe turbulence a few hours into the journey

The pilot took the decision to continue on to the final destination of Cairo, where the plane landed safely.

The company confirmed the 12 people were taken to hospital once the plane had landed, and that they received ‘superficial injuries’.

Egyptian Streets reports that the Minister of Civil Aviation, Hossam Kamal, ‘personally traveled to the airport to ensure injured passengers received due treatment.’

The news-site described the incident as ‘severe air turbulence.’

Once landed, the injured passengers and staff were met by concerned senior officials of EgyptAir

The Boeing 777-300ER was also met by the chairman of EgyptAir Holding Company and a host of other senior aviation officials.

An inspection of the aircraft once parked up reported no damage from the incident.

Earlier this month terrified passengers were thrown from their seats when a domestic flight was rocked by severe turbulence in the skies over China.

The Hainan Airlines plane began to shake violently as it approached China’s largest airport, leaving 30 people, including crew, ‘covered in blood’, bumps or bruises, said passengers.

The turbulence was so severe that passengers were thrown into the ceiling or neighbouring rows, and ceiling panels within the cabin cracked or popped loose as the flight descended into chaos.

Passengers said the mid-air drama unfolded as flight HU7148 was nearing the end of its two-hour journey from Chengdu to Beijing Capital International Airport.

The plane was taken on a bumpy ride as it descended and reached an altitude of 14,000ft.

A passenger named Lin told China.org.cn that many on board were not wearing their seatbelts and were tossed around the cabin.
HOW DANGEROUS IS TURBULENCE?

Talking about what happens to the aircraft during an episode of turbulence, Patrick Smith, an active airline pilot and author said: ‘During turbulence, the pilots are not fighting the controls.

‘Planes are designed with what we call positive stability, meaning that when nudged from their original point in space, by their nature they wish to return there.

‘The best way of handling rough air is to effectively ride it out, hands-off. (Some autopilots have a turbulence mode that desensitizes the system, to avoid over-controlling.)

‘It can be uncomfortable, but the jet is not going to flip upside down.’

‘For what it’s worth, thinking back over the whole history of modern commercial aviation, I cannot recall a single jetliner crash caused by turbulence, strictly speaking.

‘Airplanes are engineered to withstand an extreme amount of stress, and the amount of turbulence required to, for instance, tear off a wing, is far beyond anything you’ll ever experience.’