A busy month for Las Vegas Airport.....

Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport experienced its third busiest month in its history in June with more than 5 million passengers passing through the airport. 

The budget carrier, Southwest was responsible for a large proportion of domestic passengers, with 1,890,825 people travelling with the airline during June. Delta Air Lines was the second leading carrier with domestic passengers amounting to 469,848, American Airlines was third with 369,624 passengers.  International passengers travelled with Air Canada 54,022 followed closely by British Airways, carrying 49,611 up over 53% from the previous month. 

Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport is named after the late U.S. congressman and senator from Nevada Harry Reid Democrat. The airport was formally named McCarran International Airport 

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AirAsia launches flights from Bangkok to Himalayan World Heritage City of Kathmandu

 AirAsia is unveiling a completely new travel experience with flights to a city embraced by the Himalayas and home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Travellers from Thailand are now just a flight away from the Peak of the World with the new Bangkok (Don Mueang) – Kathmandu, Nepal route that will kick off with a four-weekly flight frequency from 2 October 2024.

Mr Santisuk Klongchaiya, CEO of Thai AirAsia, said: “AirAsia is always looking to expand its network to exciting destinations, and Nepal is one of the most popular not only among Thai travellers but also visitors from across the globe looking to experience the majestic views, culture, and the World Heritage architecture that Nepal has to offer. It is of course a top pick for adventure and mountaineering enthusiasts. 

“This is the 16th destination of AirAsia to South Asia since we resumed near full-scale operations post-pandemic. This is a region with tremendous growth potential that has only made us to work even harder to roll out more flight services to meet the demand for tourism, trade and business purposes. Thus latest route will definitely be of benefit to both regions, ” Mr. Santisuk said.

Key leadership changes across United Airlines team in Africa

United Airlines has announced key leadership changes across its team in Africa, reflecting the importance of this region within the airline’s international route network and its commitment to driving growth and innovation across the continent, alongside its joint venture and alliance partners.

United is aligning its Sales Leadership Team across Africa, including South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Morocco, with the appointment of Amit Badiani as Head of Africa and Offline Sales, responsible for the overall leadership of United’s Africa business, as well as the expansion of Oluwatomi Bola-Sadipe’s role as Country Sales Manager for Nigeria, Ghana and now, South Africa.

In South Africa, Penny Alexandrou has been appointed as United’s General Manager, Johannesburg, responsible for United’s operations at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport.

 

“With over 19 years’ experience in the aviation industry, Badiani brings a wealth of expertise and strategic direction to our team as we build on our success in Africa,” said Thorsten Lettnin, Director of Sales, Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, Israel and India at United Airlines. “This will further build on our close partnerships with key trade and airline partners as we expand our presence in soon-to-be four online countries across Africa, including Morocco from October 2024.”

“Bola-Sadipe has over 15 years’ experience in the aviation business and is a highly respected and well-established leader with a proven track record in the industry,” said Lettnin. “In her new role, I know that Oluwatomi will continue her great success in sales efforts across Africa.”

 

“We are delighted to welcome Penny Alexandrou to our Johannesburg operations,” said Mark Clays, Regional Director of Airport Operations, Europe, Israel and Africa at United Airlines. “Penny is bringing more than 24 years of industry experience to her new role and will be instrumental in leading our team towards continued service excellence.”

These key leadership changes come as United this year marks the fifth anniversary of its Cape Town – New York/Newark service, and third anniversary of its Johannesburg - New York/Newark service and expands its presence on the second largest continent in the world, adding Marrakesh, Morocco to its network in Africa from 25 October 2024. United will be the first and only airline to operate nonstop flights from Marrakesh to the U.S. and next winter, will offer the most flights to the most destinations in Africa from metro New York.

 

United also operates routes from Cape Town, South Africa to New York/Newark and Washington D.C and connects Lagos, Nigeria and Accra, Ghana with Washington D.C.

  

  

The United Travel Experience

 

Window or aisle seat? No matter your preference,.....

United is making it easier for travellers to sit in a more preferred seat if one opens up before departure.

Fliers can now use a new feature in the United mobile app to request their preferred seat for free and automatically get moved if one opens up. In July alone, United switched 18K+ passengers to their preferred seat – nearly 40% of eligible passengers.

 

Here’s how it works:

Request your desired seat in the mobile app if your preferred seat type isn’t available at the time of booking your flight.

Select where you’d like to sit, including preferences for window or aisle seats, exit rows or bulkhead seats.

Get automatically assigned and notified about your new seat assignment if your preferred choice becomes available.

 

With up to 3 million users interacting with the United mobile app daily, United is continuing to bring useful features to its app, and this is just the latest new app feature that gives customers more options and makes travel a breeze. United is the first and only U.S. airline to offer the seat preference app feature.

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Ethiopian Airlines awards design consultancy contract for Ethiopia’s new global hub airport to a consortium led by Dar and Zaha Hadid Architects

Ethiopian Airlines Group has announced plans to build Africa’s largest airport in Abusera – a critical element of Ethiopian’s 15-year strategic plan to become one of the most competitive aviation groups in the world.

The airport’s location allows for progressive growth, empowering the airline to meet the International Air Transport Association’s forecasts of more than 200% growth over the next decade – growing beyond Bole International Airport, which offers no possibilities for significant expansion. Abusera’s lower altitude will elevate aircraft take-off performance, while an express rail link to Addis Ababa facilitates connectivity.

In its first phase scheduled for 2029, the airport will have capacity for 60 million passengers annually – almost three times Africa’s current busiest airport – creating thousands of jobs to serve Ethiopian’s expanding customer base and fleet. Ultimately, the airport will serve 110 million passengers annually – four times the capacity of Bole International Airport.

Ethiopian’s CEO Mesfin Tasew stated: “With its exceptional capacity and world-class facilities, this new airport promises to elevate African aviation.”

OXCCU celebrates opening of OX1 Plant...........A world first sustainable aviation fuel production facility at Oxford Airport

OXCCU, a leading carbon-to-value company converting carbon dioxide into fuels, chemicals and plastics, proudly announces the launch of its first official demonstration plant, OX1, at Oxford Airport. OXCCU, a climate tech spin-out company from the University of Oxford, is developing novel catalysts and reactor designs to convert carbon dioxide and hydrogen into hydrocarbons with high conversion and selectivity for use as fuels, chemicals and plastics. The company is headquartered in the UK, with operations at Begbroke Science Park, Oxford, and London Oxford Airport.

The OX1 plant represents a significant advancement in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. Through its novel catalyst and reactor design, the subject of over a decade of research at the University of Oxford, the plant will convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) directly to long-chain hydrocarbons with high conversion and selectivity for use as SAF, named OX•EFUEL™.

This FOAK facility, based at London Oxford Airport and designed and operated by OXCCU, will produce 1 kg (~1.2 litres) of liquid fuel per day and will start operations in September 2024. The plant will be the world’s first demonstration of the direct conversion of CO2 and H2 to jet fuel range hydrocarbons in a single step with minimal oxygenated byproducts using OXCCU’s novel catalyst. The plant is part of OXCCU’s strategic scale up journey as the first OXCCU plant out of the lab. It will provide the data key to the design, build and operations of the 160 kg (200 litres) per day OX2 plant, previously announced, which will operate at Saltend Chemical Park Hull in 2026. Commercial plants supplying the UK and elsewhere with PtL SAF will then follow.

Unlike other firms working on Power-to-Liquid (PtL) fuels, OXCCU has reduced a traditionally multi-step process to a single step, avoiding the need to first convert CO2 to CO – a difficult to electrify and energy intensive first step. This innovative approach is key to reducing the cost of PtL SAF, which is currently the main barrier to PtL SAF adoption.

Key Highlights:

The OX1 plant at Oxford Airport is the first demonstration plant to convert CO2 and H2 into long-chain hydrocarbons through its one-step process, setting a new standard in SAF production.

OX•EFUEL™, produced through OXCCU’s patented single step process, offers a cost-effective and scalable solution to aviation fuel needs, with significantly lower capital and operational costs than other PtL SAF pathways.

This plant showcases British innovation at its best, developed through a decade of research at the University of Oxford and supported by significant industry and government investment.

Andrew Symes, CEO of OXCCU, said: “We’re beyond excited to launch the OX1 plant, located close to where OXCCU was born. The fuel we’ve already made in a single step from CO2 in the lab has created great excitement with its potential to massively reduce the cost of SAF, but the scale up is key, and this plant will generate the data and litres of fuel we need. Our mission is to enable future generations to fly without a climate impact, and to do that we need cost-effective PtL SAF. This launch marks a key step in achieving that goal.”

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Available to customers as OXEFUEL, OXCCU’s sustainable aviation fuel is created by combining captured carbon dioxide and renewably-sourced green hydrogen through a novel iron-based catalyst, resulting in a more cost-effective and decarbonized alternative to fossil-based Jet A fuel for commercial airlines. Modelling completed by independent researchers from Imperial College London, through Imperial Consultants, has shown OXCCU’s one-step process significantly reduces SAF cost due to higher selectivity yield in the jet fuel range and a 50% lower capital cost.  
OXCCU scores £2.8 Million UK Government grant to scale sustainable aviation fuel production in November 2023. They won a £2.8 million grant along with the University of Sheffield Translational Energy Research Centre (TERC) and Coryton. The capital will be used to demonstrate the world’s first direct carbon dioxide (CO2) hydrogenation process, turning CO2  directly into aviation fuel range hydrocarbons, also known as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
UK Government release aviation SAF plan to support growth of British aviation sector.
 ‘World’s First’ Sustainable Aviation Fuel Project to be Built at Saltend......

Slotting in – a history of airline slot allocations

Airport slot coordination is an intriguing science; the allocation of slots is highly competitive and the top slots are fiercely guarded. Artemis Aerospace investigates how airline slots are apportioned. 

As you follow a flight on Flightradar or gaze up at contrails crisscrossing a clear blue sky, have you ever wondered exactly how aircraft slots are organised? It may be that you thought it was a global free-for-all, and that any airline can decide to put on a flight from Heathrow to Sydney whenever they felt like it, and if they then change their mind and want to go from Gatwick to Melbourne there’s nothing to stop them from doing that. Well, you’d be wrong – each and every flight worldwide from a major airport has to stick to its allocated slot. 

An airport slot is simply permission to use the airport infrastructure such as the runway, gates and terminal building, on specific dates and at specific times to enable an aircraft to take off or land. Slots are issued under guidelines released biannually by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Worldwide Airports Slots Group after consultation with airlines and other stakeholders. Their intention is to provide fair access and the necessary coordination to all airlines and promote safety and effectiveness at the busiest airports. 

In the UK, slots are then allocated by the operator and airport-funded company Airport Coordination Ltd (ACL), which was the world’s first independent slot coordinator, and which assigns slots for winter and summer travel.

There are three levels of this coordination:

 

Level 1 – no coordination needed as the airport capability is usually adequate to meet demand.

Level 2 – coordination is mutually agreed with airlines as there is potential for congestion at peak times.

Level 3 – an airport where its ability to handle flights is considerably exceeded by demand on its services; all airlines and operators have slot allocations.

 

IATA holds a conference twice a year to decide on slots which is attended by over 400 representatives of airports and operators, all of whom are jockeying for slots which will enable them to grow their aviation business in the most advantageous way.

 

As slots are limited and many are in great demand, some airlines used to acquire them in order to assert their dominance over a particular route, blocking competition but not actually using them themselves. This practice was banned by the introduction of a series of rules, the main one of which is the 80/20 ‘use it or lose it’ rule. This states that airlines must use at least 80% of their slot allocation per airport, and if they fail to do this the slot will be given to another airline. During major global crises such as the Covid pandemic, however, these rules were temporarily suspended.

 

United Airlines announces key leadership changes across its team in Africa

United Airlines has announced key leadership changes across its team in Africa, reflecting the importance of this region within the airline’s international route network and its commitment to driving growth and innovation across the continent, alongside its joint venture and alliance partners.

United is aligning its Sales Leadership Team across Africa, including South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Morocco, with the appointment of Amit Badiani as Head of Africa and Offline Sales, responsible for the overall leadership of United’s Africa business, as well as the expansion of Oluwatomi Bola-Sadipe’s role as Country Sales Manager for Nigeria, Ghana and now, South Africa.

In South Africa, Penny Alexandrou has been appointed as United’s General Manager, Johannesburg, responsible for United’s operations at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport.

 

“With over 19 years’ experience in the aviation industry, Badiani brings a wealth of expertise and strategic direction to our team as we build on our success in Africa,” said Thorsten Lettnin, Director of Sales, Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, Israel and India at United Airlines. “This will further build on our close partnerships with key trade and airline partners as we expand our presence in soon-to-be four online countries across Africa, including Morocco from October 2024.”

“Bola-Sadipe has over 15 years’ experience in the aviation business and is a highly respected and well-established leader with a proven track record in the industry,” said Lettnin. “In her new role, I know that Oluwatomi will continue her great success in sales efforts across Africa.”

 

“We are delighted to welcome Penny Alexandrou to our Johannesburg operations,” said Mark Clays, Regional Director of Airport Operations, Europe, Israel and Africa at United Airlines. “Penny is bringing more than 24 years of industry experience to her new role and will be instrumental in leading our team towards continued service excellence.”

These key leadership changes come as United this year marks the fifth anniversary of its Cape Town – New York/Newark service, and third anniversary of its Johannesburg - New York/Newark service and expands its presence on the second largest continent in the world, adding Marrakesh, Morocco to its network in Africa from 25 October 2024. United will be the first and only airline to operate nonstop flights from Marrakesh to the U.S. and next winter, will offer the most flights to the most destinations in Africa from metro New York.

 

United also operates routes from Cape Town, South Africa to New York/Newark and Washington D.C and connects Lagos, Nigeria and Accra, Ghana with Washington D.C.

  

  

The United Travel Experience

 

OXCCU celebrates opening of OX1 Plant...........A world first sustainable aviation fuel production facility at Oxford Airport

OXCCU, a leading carbon-to-value company converting carbon dioxide into fuels, chemicals and plastics, proudly announces the launch of its first official demonstration plant, OX1, at Oxford Airport. OXCCU, a climate tech spin-out company from the University of Oxford, is developing novel catalysts and reactor designs to convert carbon dioxide and hydrogen into hydrocarbons with high conversion and selectivity for use as fuels, chemicals and plastics. The company is headquartered in the UK, with operations at Begbroke Science Park, Oxford, and London Oxford Airport.

The OX1 plant represents a significant advancement in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. Through its novel catalyst and reactor design, the subject of over a decade of research at the University of Oxford, the plant will convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) directly to long-chain hydrocarbons with high conversion and selectivity for use as SAF, named OX•EFUEL™.

This FOAK facility, based at London Oxford Airport and designed and operated by OXCCU, will produce 1 kg (~1.2 litres) of liquid fuel per day and will start operations in September 2024. The plant will be the world’s first demonstration of the direct conversion of CO2 and H2 to jet fuel range hydrocarbons in a single step with minimal oxygenated byproducts using OXCCU’s novel catalyst. The plant is part of OXCCU’s strategic scale up journey as the first OXCCU plant out of the lab. It will provide the data key to the design, build and operations of the 160 kg (200 litres) per day OX2 plant, previously announced, which will operate at Saltend Chemical Park Hull in 2026. Commercial plants supplying the UK and elsewhere with PtL SAF will then follow.

Unlike other firms working on Power-to-Liquid (PtL) fuels, OXCCU has reduced a traditionally multi-step process to a single step, avoiding the need to first convert CO2 to CO – a difficult to electrify and energy intensive first step. This innovative approach is key to reducing the cost of PtL SAF, which is currently the main barrier to PtL SAF adoption.

Key Highlights:

The OX1 plant at Oxford Airport is the first demonstration plant to convert CO2 and H2 into long-chain hydrocarbons through its one-step process, setting a new standard in SAF production.

OX•EFUEL™, produced through OXCCU’s patented single step process, offers a cost-effective and scalable solution to aviation fuel needs, with significantly lower capital and operational costs than other PtL SAF pathways.

This plant showcases British innovation at its best, developed through a decade of research at the University of Oxford and supported by significant industry and government investment.

Andrew Symes, CEO of OXCCU, said: “We’re beyond excited to launch the OX1 plant, located close to where OXCCU was born. The fuel we’ve already made in a single step from CO2 in the lab has created great excitement with its potential to massively reduce the cost of SAF, but the scale up is key, and this plant will generate the data and litres of fuel we need. Our mission is to enable future generations to fly without a climate impact, and to do that we need cost-effective PtL SAF. This launch marks a key step in achieving that goal.”

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Available to customers as OXEFUEL, OXCCU’s sustainable aviation fuel is created by combining captured carbon dioxide and renewably-sourced green hydrogen through a novel iron-based catalyst, resulting in a more cost-effective and decarbonized alternative to fossil-based Jet A fuel for commercial airlines. Modelling completed by independent researchers from Imperial College London, through Imperial Consultants, has shown OXCCU’s one-step process significantly reduces SAF cost due to higher selectivity yield in the jet fuel range and a 50% lower capital cost.  
OXCCU scores £2.8 Million UK Government grant to scale sustainable aviation fuel production in November 2023. They won a £2.8 million grant along with the University of Sheffield Translational Energy Research Centre (TERC) and Coryton. The capital will be used to demonstrate the world’s first direct carbon dioxide (CO2) hydrogenation process, turning CO2  directly into aviation fuel range hydrocarbons, also known as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
UK Government release aviation SAF plan to support growth of British aviation sector.
 ‘World’s First’ Sustainable Aviation Fuel Project to be Built at Saltend......

Rocket Lab successfully completes latest launch with Capella Space

Rocket Lab USA, a global leader in launch services and space systems, today successfully launched its 52nd Electron rocket and deployed a single satellite to low Earth orbit for Capella Space (Capella).

The mission, named “A Sky Full of SARs” in a nod to the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capabilities of Capella’s spacecraft, lifted off at 01:18 AM New Zealand Standard Time on August 12th from Launch Complex 1, Rocket Lab’s private orbital launch site on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula. The mission deployed the next of Capella’s third-generation SAR Acadia satellites to a mid-inclination 615km low Earth orbit. In addition to the launch service, Rocket Lab provided a custom extended fairing on Electron to encompass the payload before Capella’s satellite was deployed to space from a Rocket Lab-produced separation system.

The mission was the fifth launch for Capella that’s taken place since Capella’s first mission on Electron in August 2020. That mission, called “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Optical”, launched from Launch Complex 1 to deploy the very first satellite in Capella’s SAR constellation. Subsequent successful missions include the “Stronger Together” mission launched for Capella from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 2 on Wallops Island, Virginia, in March 2023 and the “We Love The Nightlife” mission launched from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand just five months later in August 2023.

flydubai starts flights to Basel despite Boeing delays

The Dubai-based budget carrier flydubai has become the first national carrier from the UAE to operate direct flights from Dubai to EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL). The carrier now links the two airports with a four times a week, with services on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The inaugural flight touched down at Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg and was met with a traditional water cannon salute, last Wednesday, 7th August.  The budget airline has rapidly grown its network in Europe to 29 destinations including Budapest, Catania, Krakow, Milan-Bergamo, Prague, Salzburg and Zagreb.

Flights between Dubai and Basel will be operated a fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Passengers travelling in Business Class can look forward to comfortable seats and internationally-inspired menus while Economy Class passengers can enjoy seats designed to optimise space and comfort.

flydubai also features exceptional inflight entertainment with a full HD, 11.6-inch screen with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music and games. Passengers can enjoy complimentary seatback inflight entertainment in Business Class or purchase affordable inflight entertainment packages when travelling in Economy Class.

Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President of commercial operations and e-commerce at flydubai, said: “at flydubai, we are committed to opening up underserved destinations and creating free flows of trade and tourism and we are pleased to add Basel to our network in Europe. EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg serves Switzerland, France and Germany, making it an important hub for travel, trade and tourism in the tri-border region that will benefit our customers from the UAE and beyond.”

“We also look forward to welcoming more travellers from Europe to Dubai and beyond on the flydubai network. Through Dubai’s aviation hub, passengers travelling from Basel can enjoy convenient connections to holiday destinations including Kenya, the Maldives, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Thailand,” added Efendi.

Etihad Airways reports increase in profits to AED 851 million in first half 2024

The Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has published its half-year 2024 results, recording a 48 per cent increase in profit after tax achieving AED 851 million (U.S.$ 232 million), a significant increase from AED 575 million (U.S.$ 157 million) in H1 2023, highlighting the airline’s continued focus on growth coupled with optimising operational efficiencies.

Total revenue increased 21 per cent to AED 11.7 billion (U.S.$ 3.2 billion), from AED 9.6 billion (U.S.$ 2.6 billion) in H1 2023, mainly due to passenger revenue, which saw a 24 per cent year-on-year increase, reflecting strong demand fuelled by strategic network expansion and increased flight frequencies, consequently further improving connectivity.

There was also a notable 10 per cent increase in cargo revenue compared to the same period of 2023, primarily driven by higher demand and higher cargo capacity of the fleet.

Etihad carried 8.7 million passengers over the first half of the year, up 38 per cent year-on-year, which is approximately three-times higher than IATA’s reported average growth rate of 13 per cent for Middle Eastern carriers in the same period. The average passenger load factor stands at 85 per cent for H1 2024 and remains unchanged compared to the first half of last year.

Operational efficiencies continued to improve with decreasing unit cost from the same period last year, with CASK (cost per seat kilometre) and CASK ex-fuel reduced by 5 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively. At the same time, overall passenger experience improved, continuing the trend of increased customer satisfaction since consolidating operations in the new terminal.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, said: “We are pleased to report a strong first half of the 2024 financial year, with profit after tax 48 per cent higher than the net result reported in the same period of 2023. This reflects a robust performance in both passenger and cargo revenues, demonstrating the soundness of our strategy and growth path."

Big Day for Pattaya Airways

The 8th of August was a big day for Pattaya Airways,  after 9 months of relentless effort and dedication cumulated in the significant achievement of receiving an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, a testament to our unwavering capability and high standards in aviation. 

As a result of that announcement, Nat Boonyavichkanont, Chief Executive Officer of Pattaya Airways Co. held a number of meetings with influential people in the industry, including Francis Anthony, Group Head of Commercial Cargo at Teleport Commerce Malaysia Sdn Bhd.  Together they signed an Interline Agreement for air cargo transportation within the ASEAN region. This partnership aims to integrate the cargo transportation networks of both companies, enhancing efficiency and expanding business opportunities for air cargo services across ASEAN. The collaboration is expected to strengthen the operational capabilities of both companies in the future.

Boonyavichkanont also met with Jerome Brohier, Managing Director of ACE Global Logistics Solutions, and also signed an air cargo transportation partnership agreement. This agreement represents a strong collaboration between the two companies, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of air cargo systems. The partnership will leverage the resources and expertise of both parties to provide high-quality cargo services that effectively meet the needs of customers in the ASEAN region. 

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Ethiopian Airlines signs deal for design of 'biggest airport in Africa'

Ethiopia has signed an agreement for the design of a new four-runway airport that will be Africa's biggest when construction is completed in 2029, the head of state-owned Ethiopian Airlines said on Friday.

Located near the town of Bishoftu, around 45 km (28 miles) from the capital Addis Ababa, the airport will have capacity to handle 100 million passengers a year and provide parking for 270 aircraft, Ethiopian Airlines' CEO Mesfin Tasew told a news conference.

Dubai-based engineering and consulting firm Sidara will design the airport, the company's director of operations Tariq Al Qanni said.

Plans to build the airport were first announced in 2018.  Mesfin said Bole Addis Ababa International Airport, the current main hub for Africa's biggest airline, will soon reach its capacity of serving 25 million passengers per year.

"It is a five-year project (that) will be finalised in 2029. It will be the biggest in Africa," Mesfin said.

"Phase one alone will cost at least $6 billion... The money will come through loans and there are already companies that already showed interest."

Ethiopian Airlines carried 17 million passengers in the 2023/2024 financial year, and expects to carry 20 million passengers in the financial year that started in July.

By Dawit Endeshaw

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Etihad Airways will begin flying its luxurious A380 between Abu Dhabi and Singapore from 1 February, 2025 adding more capacity to the popular route

Etihad increases frequencies to Thailand, offering convenient flights three times a day to Bangkok and 20 flights a week to holiday hotspot Phuket

Etihad Airways confirmed this week it will start flying its A380 double-decker to Singapore from 1 February 2025 and will awaken a sixth A380 into operation by the start of 2025.

The Asian-Pacific powerhouse becomes the fourth major city to enjoy the Etihad A380 experience in addition to London and New York, as well as Paris which will be served by the A380 from 1 November.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “We are thrilled to announce that our iconic A380 aircraft will begin serving the Singapore route early next year.

“This aircraft provides our business and leisure travellers with an exceptional flying experience and seamless connections to our Middle East, European, and North American networks. It highlights Etihad’s dedication to optimising travel to Abu Dhabi and beyond, ensuring more convenience and comfort for our guests.

“We will have our sixth A380 online next year as we build our capacity further to cater for the travel needs of our guests.”

The A380 brings a special touch to air travel. Economy passengers enjoy a warm welcome with comfortable seating arrangements, including 68 seats offering four inches more legroom and 337 Smart seats featuring Etihad’s innovative fixed-wing headrests and large pillows.

On the upper deck, Business Studios™ feature 70 private spots, complemented by The Lobby lounge area. Each Business Studio is equipped with premium amenities designed with Armani/Casa and Wi Fi connectivity, ensuring a productive and luxurious travel experience.

First Apartments are luxurious with nine private spaces, designer tableware, leather chairs, and a large ottoman-bed. First-class guests also receive personal amenities and can enjoy an exclusive shower room.

The Residence

At the pinnacle of comfort is The Residence, the world's only three-room suite in the sky. Accommodating up to two guests, The Residence features a private living room, bedroom, and ensuite bathroom, complete with a shower at 40,000 feet. A dedicated team of Etihad cabin crew ensures unparalleled service.

Guests in The Residence can indulge in a culinary journey with an à la carte menu, served on designer tableware in the private living room, or even opt for breakfast in bed. From gourmet cuisine to champagne and caviar, The Residence Signature High Tea offers a range of lavish options.

Singapore

Singapore may be small, but it’s brimming with attractions, making it the perfect spot for a city getaway. Positioned almost directly on the equator, this tropical city offers an exotic climate and a rich blend of cultures. Explore the vibrant temples and markets of Little India, discover the shops, eateries, and parks of Chinatown, and savour top-notch fish curry at one of the many bustling street food markets. Stroll down Orchard Road for the trendiest boutiques and cap off your day with a sunset drink on Marina Bay’s rooftop, where you’ll find the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool—an experience not to be missed.

Thailand

Etihad is boosting flights to Thailand to 41 per week from 27 October 2024.

Answering the call from customers, Etihad will fly three-times a day to bustling Bangkok, giving travellers even more flexibility and timing convenience when planning their trip.

Additionally, Etihad will fly to Phuket, Thailand's dazzling beach paradise, 20 times a week, offering more opportunity for visitors to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea at the many fabulous beaches of Karon, Patong and Kata, or explore the rich cultural heritage of the city.

As with Bangkok, services are conveniently timed to give guests optimum choice and maximise their stay.

The latest frequencies are now open for booking. Guests who book on etihad.com can take advantage of a complimentary stopover in Abu Dhabi, transforming one holiday into two and enjoying a free stay for up to two nights at their preferred hotel in the vibrant capital of the UAE.

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Etihad Guest get more miles

Etihad Guest