Aviation

Emirates increases flights to Saudi Arabia

Jeddah and Riyadh will benefit from the increased services, with a total of 1722 additional seats, in each direction, per week between Emirates hub in Dubai and the Kingdom, up almost 12 percent from the current 15,140 seats per week.

The added capacity will result in an extra four weekly services to Jeddah and three weekly flights to Riyadh. The new services to Jeddah will come into effect from 1st June and to Riyadh from 1st August.

Emirates has ambitious growth plans in Saudi Arabia and these added frequencies are an integral part of our long term strategy, said Ahmed Khoory, Emirates Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Gulf, Middle East and Iran. The domestic growth within Saudi Arabia is staggering.

Over 31 percent of all construction projects within the Middle East are in progress within the Kingdom and this 12 percent capacity increase, will enable Emirates to capitalise on this growth, whilst supporting the country's burgeoning economic development.

The new service from Jeddah will operate each Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, increasing the current service from 14 to 18 flights per week. EK801 will depart Dubai at 0155 arriving in Jeddah at 0340. The return journey from Jeddah, EK802 will depart at 0515 arriving in Dubai at 0855. The service will be operated by an A330, offering Emirates First Class, Business Class and Economy Class.

Riyadhâ's current double daily service will be boosted to 17 weekly flights with the additional frequency operating each Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. EK819 will depart Dubai at 0655 arriving in Riyadh at 0750. The return journey from Riyadh, EK820 will depart at 0920 arriving in Dubai at 1205.

The service will be operated by an A340, offering Emirates First Class, Business Class and Economy Class.

When travelling with Emirates, passengers in all classes will enjoy Emirates superior in-flight service including world-class meals prepared by Emirates chefs and the multi-award winning inflight entertainment system, ice.

Since Emirates began flying to Saudi Arabia in 1989 the airline has not only expanded its operations commercially but has also invested in the country's passion for sport through the sponsorship of the Zain Saudi Professional League, in 2011.

In addition to Jeddah and Riyadh Emirates operates a daily service to Medinah Al Munawarrah and Dammam.

AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines unwind cooperation deal

Budget flyer AirAsia and state-owned Malaysia Airlines Wednesday unwound a cooperation agreement following months of pressure from the powerful employees union of the struggling national carrier.

Both sides said in separate statements they were reversing a share swap agreement but would continue to cooperate to save costs in joint procurement, aircraft component maintenance, support and repair services.

"We are very excited with this latest development that we can now have a clear focus on developing the... Asian low cost carrier market which has enormous growth potential," AirAsia chief executive Tony Fernandes said.

AFP