AVIATION

Due to substantial increase in arrivals:

SriLankan strengthens Middle East operations

SriLankan Airlines announced that it would strengthen its operations to the Middle East region during the recently concluded Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held in Dubai. “We see a substantial increase in arrivals from the Middle East region and as the national carrier we hope to facilitate tourism to Sri Lanka by strengthening our presence in the region. The commencement of direct flights to Dubai and Kuwait from May 1 was a step towards increasing capacity and connectivity from two of our major markets to Colombo,” said Nishantha Wickramasinghe, Chairman of Sri Lankan Airlines.

A media conference was also conducted in conjunction with Sri Lanka Tourism where the tourism strategic plan was highlighted to the international press during the ATM.

Emirates SkyCargo transports record horse shipment for Jubilee Pageant

Two Emirates SkyCargo special freighter charters have touched down in the UK, carrying a record cargo of over 100 horses.

The first shipment of 70 horses, which touched down on April 27, was the largest number ever transported by Emirates SkyCargo on a single freighter flight. The second flight arrived two days later carrying 42 horses.

The horses of the Royal Cavalry of Oman were flown from Muscat to Stansted on the carrier’s Boeing 777 freighter aircraft for the Diamond Jubilee Pageant.which takes place at Windsor Castle.

The Diamond Jubilee Pageant is a major event marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The event took place in the private grounds of Windsor Castle on the evenings of May 10, 11, 12 and 13. Over 550 horses and more than 1,000 dancers, musicians, and performers from around the world came together each night in a performance to pay tribute to 60 years of the Queen’s reign.

“With our Dubai hub now a major player in the world of horse racing, we have gained considerable experience in the care and transport of horses and fly hundreds across the globe every year,” said Hiran Perera, Emirates’ Senior Vice President - Cargo Planning and Freighters.

“We are honoured to have been chosen to bring the Royal Cavalry of Oman to the UK for this prestigious event,” he said. The horses were transported in custom-built IATA-certified horse stalls, which have been developed in consultation with veterinary experts, and each can carry up to three horses.

The interior of each freighter aircraft has a sensitive air conditioning system that can be continually adjusted, ensuring the comfort of the horses at all times.

A team of eight grooms, and a veterinary surgeon, accompanied the horses on each flight. The complete movement of the 112 horses from stable to stable using two Emirates 777F charters was organized by Equitrans Logistics LLC, the leading horse-shipping agent in the Gulf region.

The charter also marked the first ever UK touchdown for and Emirates SkyCargo Boeing 777F aircraft.

The carrier has four of the state-of-the-art freighters in service, with a further nine on order.

SIA seeks tie-ups in India, China

Singapore Airlines (SIA) said it is exploring partnerships in India and China as it looks to guard against increased competition and global economic uncertainty.

“There is always a constant look at how we can be nimble in response to changes in the market,” chief executive Goh Choon Phong told reporters a day after the group announced sharply lower profits for the fiscal year to March.

“Specifically for China and India we continue to be working closely with the airlines there, especially those that are in the same alliance,” the SIA chief executive said. “The discussions are always ongoing on how we can deepen cooperation. When and at what point we can make any announcements about changes in the way we work with them, we will announce them when it is ready,” Goh added. SIA, a member of the Star Alliance along with Air China, last year announced a long-term partnership with Virgin Australia aimed at boosting the carriers’ global reach by sharing flights and coordinating schedules. Members of their respective frequent flyer programmes are also able to earn and redeem miles on each other’s flights. Goh said it was too early to tell if tie-ups in India and China would be as extensive as that with Virgin Australia.

AFP

Etihad, Middle East’s leading airline for sixth year

Etihad Airways has again been named the Middle East’s Leading Airline for the sixth year in a row at a glittering black tie gala in Dubai recently.

The accolade was one of four awards won by the national airline of the United Arab Emirates.

Etihad Airways was also recognized for the Middle East’s Leading Airline First Class, Leading Airline Inflight Entertainment and Leading Cabin Staff.

The World Travel Awards (WTA), described by the Wall Street Journal as the “travel industry’s equivalent to the Oscars,” are voted for by passengers and travel agents from 160 countries.

“Winning a Word Travel Award is the highest commendation in the travel and tourism industry and this triumph serves as a testament to Etihad Airways’ hard work and commitment to excellence over the last 12 months,” said Graham Cooke, WTA Chairman and Founder.

“Etihad Airways has become a global super-brand in just eight years. The past year has been particularly fruitful, as it reported its first full-year profit and continued its global expansion,” he said.

Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan, said the airline was honoured to be recognized yet again by such an esteemed organization.

“I am proud to see Etihad Airways hold onto the coveted title of Middle East’s Leading Airline.