Cathay Pacific redesigns economy fares
CATHAY PACIFIC has redesigned its Economy fares offering Middle East customers greater choice and flexibility when booking flights.
The airline has developed new and simple-to-understand Light, Essential and Flex fares that have been introduced to customers travelling from Dubai.
Light fares enable customers to enjoy great value when they have confirmed travel plans and are travelling light. One piece of checked-in luggage is included, and customers can always pay for additional luggage and other benefits like seat pre-selection after their booking is made.
Essential fares offer the perfect balance of everything customers need, such as an extra piece of luggage, seat pre-selection and the option to upgrade using Asia Miles. This fare type is ideal for those travelling with family, heading for a longer trip or simply seeking more comfort and convenience.
Flex fares give customers maximum flexibility for their next business trip or holiday, with full control over their travel plans as and when changes are needed. Greater convenience and peace of mind is assured.
Qatar’s HIA witnesses passenger surge in 2021
HAMAD International Airport (HIA) has witnessed a 41.37 per cent increase in the number of passengers served in 2021 compared to 2020, with a total of 17.70 million passengers served.
Aircraft movement also grew by 28.12 per cent, with 169,909 total aircraft take-off and landing at HIA. HIA currently serves a total of 156 destinations, with eight new passenger destinations and one new airline partner, namely RwandaAir, added to HIA’s network in 2021.
HIA’s expansion, currently in Phase A, is set to increase its capacity to more than 58 million passengers annually by 2022 and Phase B, which will commence after the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, will increase HIA’s capacity to more than 60 million passengers.
The ongoing expansion enhances the multi-dimensional offerings of the five-star airport and allows passenger flow to seamlessly connect with the existing terminal. Passengers will be welcomed with an efficient airport experience, including a minimised travel distance for connections.
King Khalid Airport gets ACI accreditation
RIYADH Airports Company (RAC), which manages and operates King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in Riyadh, has announced that the KKIA has obtained a key certification from the Airport Carbon Accreditation program provided by the Airports Council International.
The Airport Carbon Accreditation programme is the world’s only institutionally endorsed programme that independently assesses and recognises airport’s efforts to manage and reduce their CO2 emissions.
RAC has also adhered to the necessary measures to reduce pollution and launched several green initiatives and programmes, in line with the kingdom's vision for sustainable development, and reducing carbon emissions, reaching to carbon neutrality (zero percent net carbon emissions) by 2060.
Commenting on this achievement, CEO Engineer Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Maghlouth said: "We are keen at RAC to adopt and apply the best international standards that protect and preserve the environment. Obtaining this certificate proves the airport’s commitment to confront climate change and reduce carbon emissions."
DRCT partners with Emirates Airline
DRCT, a travel technology provider and IATA-certified New Distribution Capability (NDC) aggregator, will work with Emirates Airline to boost its New Distribution Capability (NDC) sales.
Travel sellers will now be able to book Emirates NDC fares through the provider’s AI-powered products: DRCT Extension, DRCT Search and DRCT API, saving as much as $14-$25 on the cost of GDS fees per direct booking. The partnership will grant OTAs, TMCs and small travel sellers that use DRCT, access to Emirates NDC fares, along with differentiated pricing for ancillary services and the ability to sell excess baggage.
Dmitry Ianishevskyi, Co-Founder and Director at DRCT, says: “Emirates is an ideal partner for us as an iconic and forward-thinking airline that continuously innovates to customise offers and pricing for their passengers.”