Qatar Airways is expanding services across Saudi Arabia with new flights to Hail and additional frequencies to Jeddah and Riyadh.
The thrice-weekly flights to Hail will begin on January 5. Flights will depart Doha at 14h20 on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays and arrive in Hail at 16h30. The return flight will depart Hail at 17h30 and arrive in Doha at 19h25.
Qatar will also increase frequencies to Jeddah and Riyadh from six to seven daily flights.
EK invests in biometric technology at DXB
Emirates has invested AED85 million (R392,9 million) to install more than 200 biometrics-enabled cameras across Terminal 3 in Dubai International.
The cameras have been installed across Terminal 3’s check-in, immigration, boarding gates, lounges and on board its aircraft, allowing passengers to walk through areas where they used to have to pause and show documents.
Emirates customers can sign up for the biometric service on the Emirates app, at the self-service kiosks at the airport, or at check-in desks.
EY signs codeshare with Hong Kong Airlines
Etihad Airways signed a codeshare agreement with Hong Kong Airlines on November 4, which includes a reciprocal loyalty agreement.
Hong Kong Airlines flights between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi are now bookable as Etihad ‘EY’ services. Additionally, travellers can fly onward to Japanese destinations including Fukuoka, Hokkaido-Sapporo, Osaka, and Okinawa on Hong Kong Airlines-operated flights. This enables travellers to book one ticket for the entire journey, with a single check-in and bags transferred automatically.
Once the reciprocal loyalty programme is launched, members of Hong Kong Airlines’ Fortune Wings Club and Etihad Guest will be able to enjoy earn-and-redeem functionalities across both airlines’ full networks.
QF unveils Project Sunrise aircraft
Qantas has unveiled the aircraft it will use for Project Sunrise – the airline’s historic non-stop service between Australia and London and New York.
The A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) aircraft will allow Qantas to operate the world’s longest commercial flights, connecting Australia’s east coast to London and New York with 22-hour non-stop flights.
The aircraft has now been transferred to a new hangar where it will have engines and flight test instruments installed ahead of a test flights, commencing in 2026.
The A350-1000ULRs will have a 238-seat configuration compared with the 300-plus layout used by other A350-1000 operators. It will include a purpose-built Wellbeing Zone between Premium Economy and Economy cabins with integrated stretch handles, on-screen exercise programmes, a hydration station and a range of refreshments.
The first of 12 aircraft is scheduled for delivery in late 2026, with operations to begin in the first half of 2027.
