Kuwait Airways to fly Ahmedabad
KUWAIT Airways will launch a thrice weekly service to the western Indian city of Ahmedabad from October 28.
The flights will be on Monday, Thursday and Saturday departing Kuwait at 11.05 pm to arrive in Ahmedabad at 5.15am, local time. The carrier also increases to four the number of flights it offers to Kochi in Kerala, India. The airline also announced it will run two services a week to Kuala Lumpur.
New oneworld website
Global airline alliance Oneworld has unveiled a new-style, more user-friendly website, making it easier to check flight schedules across its global network and check out the 600 destinations its member airlines fly to. Oneworld.com has been completely redesigned with a fresh look and easier-to-follow navigation and now features an interactive network map, an ability to check schedules for member airlines, affiliates and code-share partners and specific sites, in local languages, among other features.
Ahmed calls for open skies policy
AN open skies policy will have a very positive impact on the region’s overall growth, and will boost civil aviation and tourism in the Middle East, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and chairman and CEO of Emirates Group said. He made the statement at the recent Routes Forum in Dubai. “Air transport liberalisation is one of the most important issues the Middle East’s civil aviation industry faces today. Considering that population in the region has increased significantly over the years and billions of dollars are being invested across the region in projects connected to airports, airlines, tourism and trade, pursuing open skies policy should be a natural choice for a sustainable growth of these sectors,” he said.
Virgin to allow mobile calls next year
VIRGIN Atlantic will give passengers the capability to make in-flight mobile phone calls or text messages next year on a trial basis. Virgin will become the third company to announce intentions to test on-board mobile telephony after Air France-KLM and Ryanair.
The airline recently tied up with Jumeirah as part of its Flying Club and members of the programme can earn benefits at participating Jumeirah hotels.
Air India eases baggage rules
AIR India has relaxed strict new security measures, in response to protest by passengers, it was announced in Bahrain. Passengers will now be allowed to carry laptops, cameras and mobile phones on board aircraft as cabin baggage. Bahrain and Jordan area manager M N Naik said the decision came into force with immediate effect. However, he said the ban on liquids and all duty free purchases would continue.
EgyptAir to buy 6 Embraers
EGYPTAIR Holding Company has ordered from Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer six planes with an option on another six aircraft. The 76-seat Embraer 170s will be operated by EgyptAir Express, a subsidiary of EgyptAir, and the first airliner will be delivered in April, 2007 to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Egyptian company.