Singapore: Singapore Airlines (SIA) has renewed its title sponsorship of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix for another four years, continuing its long-standing partnership with one of the most anticipated events in the F1 calendar.
The Airline has been the title sponsor of the event for 11 years, beginning with the 2014 edition of this iconic race. This latest extension will cover the event, which will continue to be called the FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX, from this year’s race, which is scheduled for 3 to 5 October 2025 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, through to the 2028 edition.
Renowned as one of F1’s premier events, the Singapore Grand Prix features drivers racing through the city streets against the spectacular backdrop of its night-time skyline. The event has bolstered Singapore’s reputation as a business and tourism hub, with numerous international events and meetings organized to coincide with the race, complementing SIA’s global network.
“The Singapore Grand Prix is an important event in Singapore’s sporting and tourism calendar. It has become iconic not just for showcasing our beautiful skyline, but also for highlighting Singapore’s position as a key global hub. This extension underscores Singapore Airlines’ long-standing commitment to supporting the development of sports and tourism in Singapore,” said Mr. Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer, Singapore Airlines.
Ms. Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer, Formula 1, said: “We are delighted that Singapore Airlines will continue as the Title Sponsor of the FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX. Singapore has become one of the most revered Grands Prix on the calendar, and it is through the hard work and dedication of partners such as Singapore Airlines that we can continue to deliver such a strong event. We look forward to continuing to work with them to further elevate this event for years to come.”
Doha, Qatar – Qatar Airways, the world’s best airline as voted by Skytrax in 2024, has extended of its partnership with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) until 2028, reaffirming its commitment to one of the most iconic football clubs in the world, ushering in a new era of collaboration.
This renewal strengthens the long-standing relationship between Qatar Airways and PSG, built on shared values of excellence, ambition, and innovation.
The announcement was made a few days following The Parisian’s victory over Manchester City F.C at the Parc des Princes Stadium in the UEFA Champions League – Europe’s premier football tournament where Qatar Airways also holds a strong presence as ‘Official Airline Partner’. Further cementing their alliance, the partnership will extend across the Qatar Airways Group, involving Qatar Duty Free and Hamad International Airport to create a comprehensive and engaging partnership ecosystem. The Qatar Airways logo will continue to feature on the “rouge & bleu” shirt, as well as all training apparel and warm-up jerseys at all domestic and international tournaments, including Ligue 1, and UEFA Competitions.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Paris Saint-Germain, a club that embodies the spirit of excellence and innovation. This collaboration is a testament to our shared vision of connecting and inspiring people around the world. Together, we will continue to redefine the boundaries of what is possible, both on the pitch and in the skies.”
Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, President of Paris Saint-Germain, said: “We are proud to extend our partnership with Qatar Airways, the world’s leading airline, through 2028. This collaboration, founded on excellence, creativity, and innovation, was exemplified by the groundbreaking in-flight press conference aboard a Qatar Airways flight to kick off 2025. Together, we will continue to set new benchmarks and create history in the years ahead.
Paris Saint-Germain is playing an important role in Qatar Airways’ extensive sponsorship portfolio and is connecting and engaging its brand with the club’s hundreds of millions of fans world-wide, whilst providing unique experiences to reward its Privilege Club members – which is the Official Frequent Flyer Programme of Paris Saint-Germain. Additionally, Qatar Airways Holidays will continue to offer official Paris Saint-Germain fan travel packages, bringing football enthusiasts from around the world to Paris, to enjoy the city and see some of the best players in football.
As an industry leader in advanced technology, Qatar Airways offers passengers complimentary gate-to-gate Wi-Fi, ensuring seamless connectivity throughout their journey. This unique partnership with Starlink also enables Paris Saint-Germain teams to stay connected throughout their travels with its global fanbase in real-time. This technology was in use on 2 January when the team hosted a first ever virtual press conference onboard their Qatar Airways flight 35,000 feet up in the skies, prior to securing the French Cup against Monaco – a special cup final that was staged in Doha.
The renewed partnership underscores a shared commitment to elevating fan engagement and delivering exceptional brand experiences. It introduces a range of exciting initiatives designed to bring fans and Privilege Club members closer to the action. These include innovative collaborations that seamlessly blend Paris Saint-Germain’s elegance with Qatar Airways’ world-class hospitality, exclusive offerings within the Club’s ecosystem, and unique lifestyle experiences that celebrate the synergy between the two iconic brands.
The extended partnership will continue to focus on creating global campaigns, and opportunities to engage with PSG supporters worldwide. With Qatar Airways’ award-winning service and PSG’s growing influence on the world stage, this collaboration will reach new heights in the coming years.
This partnership marks another milestone in Qatar Airways’ portfolio of high-profile global sports partnerships, including the likes of FIFA, Formula 1®, UEFA, MotoGP, AFC, FC Internazionale Milano, Tennis Legend – Novak Djokovic, The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour, the IRONMAN Triathlon Series, the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), French Rugby Team – Section Paloise, The British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia 2025, The Brooklyn Nets NBA Team, and multiple other disciplines including Australian football, equestrian, kitesurfing, motor racing, squash, and tennis.
Muscat, Oman: SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost airline, has launched three products designed to enhance passengers’ travel experience.
Starting January 2025, SalamAir will offer Express Bag, Priority, and Online Check-In services, providing travelers with more flexibility and options to tailor their journeys to suit their individual needs. These services will be available for bookings made through all of SalamAir’s booking channels.
SalamAir says it’s focused on reinventing its approach to travel and is introducing a lower fare structure that provides passengers greater opportunities to save on travel costs. As part of this change, passengers can now save 1OMR from the cost of travel by checking in online.
“We believe in letting passengers choose what products they want when they fly,” said Adrian Hamilton-Manns, CEO of SalamAir. “Passengers should have the opportunity to reduce their cost of travel and only pay for what they want. Our first step on this path is to enable passengers to reduce their cost of travel by using online check-in. Passengers can choose to check-in at the airport if they wish, but there will be a charge applied to enable the airline to recover the cost of providing that service.”
In addition to this initiative, SalamAir is introducing two other innovative products:
Express Bag: Passengers can book this product to ensure their bag is among the first to arrive at their destination. This product provides our passengers with fast baggage delivery on arrival, allowing them to enjoy their travel without a long wait at a baggage belt.
Priority: Passengers can now choose to take an extra 10kg bag on the plane in addition to the 5kg hand baggage each passenger can carry for free. SalamAir’s priority product also includes priority boarding; passengers get to board the plane first, which guarantees they will have overhead space for their bags. Priority also offers a dedicated airport check-in area, making the airport experience easier.
“These new services are designed to provide our passengers with increased choice and flexibility,” said Hamilton-Manns. “From January, passengers can enjoy more personalization in their travel plans. SalamAir is committed to reducing the cost of travel while providing more options for our customers to tailor their travel needs to meet their personal requirements. With Express Bag, Priority, and Online Check-In, SalamAir has an expanded range of options to make every journey more enjoyable and lower cost.”
Istanbul, Türkiye: Turkish Airlines, which has held the title of flying to the most countries in the world since 2012, has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records™ as the record holder.
Turkiye’s national flag carrier has successfully achieved the Guinness World Records™ title for the “Most Countries Flown to by an Airline”.
The record certificate was presented at Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport following Turkish Airlines’ inaugural flight to Chile. The ceremony was attended by Turkish Airlines executives and Guinness World Records™ officials.
Based on Guinness World Records™ evaluation criteria, Turkish Airlines set the record with flights to 120 countries, reflecting only the active routes of the past 12 months. Nevertheless, including temporarily suspended routes and the inaugural flight to Chile, Turkish Airlines’ flight network now spans 131 countries.
Commenting on the record, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi stated, “We are delighted to be in Santiago, Chile, our newest route launched today, and to receive the Guinness World Records™ title for the Most Countries Flown to by an Airline. As the only airline to hold this distinction for over a decade, we proudly showcase the strength of our flight network and reinforce our mission to connect people, cultures, and destinations around the globe.”
Talal Omar, VP – MENA & Türkiye, Guinness World Records™, said: “Today, we mark a distinguished milestone for Turkish Airlines, whose steadfast commitment to connecting the world exemplifies vision and excellence in aviation. This remarkable achievement affirms its vital role in the global aviation landscape, reaching more international destinations than any other airline. We offer our congratulations to Turkish Airlines on this extraordinary accomplishment and declare them, with great distinction, Officially Amazing™.”
New flights to Santiago, Chile
As this developed, Turkish Airlines has expanded its reach in the Americas by launching flights to Santiago, the capital of Chile. With Santiago as its 26th destination in the Americas, this new route holds significant importance, as it increases the number of countries in the flag carrier’s network in the region to 10 and the world to 131.
Since December 19, Turkish Airlines has been operating four weekly flights from Istanbul to Santiago via São Paulo. This new route further reaffirms the flag carrier’s commitment to boost its presence in the Americas.
“As the airline flying to more countries than any other in the world, we continue to connect continents and cultures. The launch of our Santiago flights once again underscores our commitment to offering travellers unparalleled connectivity options. These flights will not only contribute to trade and tourism but also enhance cultural interaction between the two nations. We look forward to welcoming passengers onboard to experience our signature services and our world-renowned Turkish hospitality while discovering the captivating beauty of Chile, Türkiye and beyond,” said Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi.
Flight Schedule:
With its rich history, cultural centers, and breath-taking scenery of the Andes Mountains, Santiago stands out as an attractive destination for travelers from all around the world. This new route not only expands Turkish Airlines’ flight network but also strengthens the connections between Türkiye and Chile.
To make travel more comfortable, Turkish Airlines offers a wide range of privileged services for its guests. These include the Stopover Istanbul program, which provides free hotel accommodation for transit passengers with layovers of 20 hours or more, and the TourIstanbul program, which offers complimentary guided tours showcasing Istanbul’s historic landmarks for layovers lasting 6 to 24 hours.
This new route not only enhances accessibility to South America but also provides travelers with an unforgettable opportunity to discover Chile’s natural and cultural wonders.
Istanbul, Türkiye: Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries than any other, launched on 29 November its longest flight with the addition of Sydney, marking a monumental milestone as it expands to its second destination in Australia.
Türkiye’s national airline now reaches 351 destinations across six continents within its global network.
Flights between Istanbul and Sydney will be operated with the airline’s new, modern fleet of Airbus A350-900 aircraft which is designed for long haul comfort with 32 flatbed seats in business class, and 297 recliners for economy travellers.
Set to be operated four times a week via Kuala Lumpur, the flights will take 19 hours with its 9,300-mile flight path. The new route will not only bolster the ties between Türkiye and Australia, driving growth in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, but also provide Australian guests the flag carrier’s robust flight network, ensuring they can explore the world with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines.
Following the launch of Turkish Airlines’ first flight from Melbourne in March this year, Sydney becomes the second Australian city added to flag carrier’s ever-expanding network. The inaugural flight sets the stage for Turkish Airlines’ future plans to introduce direct, non-stop services from Sydney to Istanbul, revolutionising travel between the two iconic travel destinations.
On the arrival of the first aircraft in Sydney, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi stated: “This momentous occasion marks Turkish Airlines’ longest flight path in history, as we happily add our second Australian city to our flight network. The arrival of our first flight from Istanbul to Sydney represents our ongoing commitment to connect travellers across the globe, providing a seamless gateway between Europe and Australia with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines. Once we receive our aircraft capable of conducting the journey in a single leap, we look forward to further expanding our offering in the near future with Australia’s first non-stop flights to Istanbul.”
Minister for Jobs and Tourism, The Hon. John Graham commented, “Turkish Airlines’ arrival in Sydney is a landmark moment that offers a new high-quality option for local travellers to Europe and a boost in visitor numbers to Sydney. This exciting new route from Istanbul was made possible by a financial incentive from the Minns Government. We are backing our airports to increase capacity and bring more visitors to NSW, creating jobs and economic growth in our tourism destinations right across the state. Bringing more passengers into our airports is part of the Minns Government’s plan to boost jobs and growth in our statewide visitor economy.”
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton noted, “Turkish Airlines will bring added competition to the market, and with over 15,000 Turkish-born Australians residing in New South Wales and Türkiye consistently being a top choice for Australian travellers, we are confident this new route will see strong demand.”
ABU DHABI, UAE – Etihad Airways is set to double its routes to the African continent over the next year, further committing to serving its guests. The airline has announced three new African routes in the past two months, adding more destinations and frequencies to its services.
Currently, Etihad serves four African destinations: Johannesburg, South Africa; Cairo, Egypt; Mahe, Seychelles; and Casablanca, Morocco. On 15 December, the airline will resume flights to Nairobi, Kenya, and next year will launch new routes to Tunis, Tunisia; Algiers, Algeria; and Al Alamein, Egypt.
Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said: “As we prepare to return to Nairobi, Kenya next month, we are committed to growing our network in Africa and doubling our destinations over the next year. We are expanding our frequencies, including boosting both Johannesburg and Casablanca to daily services from next summer. This expansion will connect our guests across the continent with our growing network and bring them to our fantastic home in Abu Dhabi.
“Currently, we serve four cities with 39 frequencies a week. By next summer, this will increase to 50 frequencies a week to six cities, and by this time next year, we will reach 57 frequencies a week to eight cities.
“And we are not stopping there. We recently announced ten new global destinations, including Tunis and Algiers, and plan to announce at least ten more each year as we grow towards 2030. These will include new cities in Africa, and our goal is to make all of these flights daily. We are growing sustainably and offering our customers across Africa the flights and frequencies that make sense to them and fit with our global network.”
Etihad also enhances connectivity through its codeshare and interline partnerships with several African airlines, including Airlink South Africa, Air Seychelles, Royal Air Maroc, and EgyptAir. These partnerships allow Etihad to offer more convenient travel options and seamless connections for guests travelling to and from Africa.
As Etihad continues to expand its global network through its world-leading hub at Zayed International Airport, an increasing number of guests from African cities are taking advantage of the airline’s free stopover offer. In collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, travellers booking flights with Etihad can easily add a stopover and enjoy a complimentary hotel stay for one or two nights at a selection of premier hotels across the city.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Ethiopian Airlines, the largest carrier in Africa, is resuming its passenger services to Monrovia, Liberia, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening connections across the African continent.
Starting November 30, 2024, the airline will offer three weekly flights to Liberia’s capital, restoring a critical air link that will enhance connectivity in West Africa and contribute to the region’s economic development.
The airline said this service resumption is a testament to Ethiopian Airlines’ continued expansion within Africa, where it has long been a driving force in facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. By reintroducing flights to Monrovia, Ethiopian Airlines aims to support Liberia’s socio-economic growth while providing travelers with seamless connections to the rest of the world through the airline’s extensive global network.
Flight ET933 is scheduled to depart from Addis Ababa every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 AM, arriving in Monrovia at 01:50 PM. Conversely, flight ET932 will leave Monrovia every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 10:20 AM, with an arrival time in Addis Ababa at 08:40 PM. The schedule is designed to accommodate both business and leisure travelers, ensuring a smooth connection to the airline’s extensive global network. Ethiopian will deploy its ultra-modern aircraft on the route.
“Our resumption of flights to Monrovia underscores our dedication to bridging communities and fostering economic growth in West Africa,” said Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “With our modern fleet, we are committed to providing exceptional service, promoting tourism, and boosting trade throughout the region. We are dedicated to exceeding customer expectations by offering unparalleled services and exploring the rich tapestry of landscapes and cultures across continents.”
Monrovia, a city known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and natural beauty, will once again be easily accessible to travelers from across the globe. Travelers will have the opportunity to explore Liberia’s unique attractions, including its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and historical landmarks. Ethiopian Airlines looks forward to contributing to Liberia’s growth and development through this renewed air service.
Hong Kong, China: Cathay Pacific kicked off its non-stop passenger service between Hong Kong and Riyadh on 28 October 2024, offering customers from Hong Kong and across Asia-Pacific an exciting opportunity to explore the capital and financial center of Saudi Arabia, and experience the diverse cultural offerings of the Middle East.
The flights also connect more customers from the Middle East to Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and beyond.
The new service not only enhances Cathay Pacific’s network in this important region, but also deepens trade, business and cultural ties between the airline’s home city, Hong Kong, and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.
To mark this significant milestone, Cathay Pacific celebrated the launch of the route’s inaugural flight with a ceremony at Hong Kong International Airport, hosted by Cathay Group Chair Patrick Healy and Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau.
The launch ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR (HKSAR) Government Paul Chan Mo-po, who travelled to Riyadh to lead a delegation of over 100 financial, business and information technology leaders from Hong Kong. Also attending the ceremony were Consul General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Hong Kong Hamad Aljebreen,
Non-Official Member of the Executive Council Jeffrey Lam, Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Airport Authority Hong Kong Vivian Cheung, Chairman of the Financial Services Development Council Laurence Li, and Commissioner for Belt and Road Nicholas Ho.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said: “The relaunched Cathay service symbolises the growing ties between Hong Kong and Riyadh. I am confident it will accelerate business, cultural and people-to-people ties between our two cities and our two economies. As Hong Kong continues to expand its role in the Belt and Road Initiative, this connection will surely fast track the future success of both regions. It also aligns aptly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”
Cathay’s Patrick Healy said: “The inauguration of our Hong Kong-Riyadh route is another testament to Cathay’s commitment to strengthening Hong Kong’s global connectivity as an international aviation hub, and our continued support for the Central Government’s Belt and Road Initiative. The new service further expands our footprint in the Middle East — an important region in the world — while promoting opportunities for business, trade and tourism along the Belt and Road. With the commissioning of the Three-Runway System just weeks away, Hong Kong’s aviation industry is entering an exciting new era, and we look forward to playing our part as our home hub continues to go from strength to strength.”
Arriving at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport onboard the inaugural flight, Cathay’s Lavinia Lau was received by Riyadh Airports Company Chief Commercial Officer Abdulaziz Al-Asaker and representatives from the Saudi Air Connectivity Program.
In addition, Cathay hosted an evening cocktail reception on 29 October at The St. Regis Riyadh, celebrating the route launch with its partners and stakeholders in the Saudi Arabia capital. Attended by over 100 distinguished guests, including Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, Vice President Commercial of the Saudi Air Connectivity Program Rashed Alshammari, and Chief Partnership and Executive Affairs Officer of the Saudi Tourism Authority Abdullah Alhagbani, the event provided an opportunity for cultural exchange and to connect representatives and stakeholders from both Hong Kong and Riyadh.
Hosting the event, Cathay’s Lavinia Lau said: “This is truly an exciting occasion for all of us at Cathay Pacific. We are committed to making our home city a leading international aviation hub that connects people to the most amazing cities around the globe. Riyadh, as the capital and financial centre of Saudi Arabia, is a fantastic addition to our network.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, and SriLankan Airlines have agreed on an interline agreement commencing from 09 September 2024, introducing more travel opportunities between the UAE, Sri Lanka and beyond on select routes on the carriers’ networks.
This interline agreement will offer flydubai passengers access to 16 destinations on SriLankan’s robust network spanning Southern and East Asia, the Middle East and Australia – including Melbourne, Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo.
In addition, it will enable passengers travelling with SriLankan Airlines to seamlessly connect via Dubai’s aviation hub to more than 30 destinations that flydubai operates to in Africa, Central Asia, Central and Southeast Europe as well as the Middle East. This includes unique holiday destinations such as Bucharest, Krakow, Mombasa, Naples, Tashkent and Zanzibar.
Commenting on the interline agreement, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “We’re excited about our new interline agreement with SriLankan Airlines that will further strengthen trade and tourism relations between the UAE and Sri Lanka. Since the start of operations to Sri Lanka in 2010, we have seen consistent demand for travel between our two countries over the years. Dubai remains an important thriving aviation hub and through these interline agreements, this will open up new horizons for our passengers, giving them more options to explore the world with ease.”
SriLankan Airlines and flydubai reiterated their commitment to delivering convenient and reliable travel options for their valued customers.
“We are excited to partner with flydubai to provide our passengers seamless connections and greater convenience. This partnership reinforces our strategy to broaden our network and global reach, presenting customers with more travel choices and flexibility. We look forward to collaborating with flydubai and welcoming their passengers aboard our flights to experience an authentic SriLankan journey,” said Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines.
Passengers travelling with flydubai can look forward to a more personalized experience in Business Class featuring internationally-inspired menus, hours of immersive entertainment and comfortable seats while passengers in Economy Class can enjoy optimized space and comfort.
flydubai flies to more than 125 destinations in 55 countries across Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and Southeast Europe, the GCC and the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent as well as Southeast Asia. The carrier has opened more than 90 new routes that did not previously have direct air links to Dubai and is served by a young and efficient fleet of 88 Boeing 737 aircraft.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Ethiopian Airlines is launching a daily flight service to Port Sudan in Sudan, from October 15, 2024, a strategic expansion to enhance connectivity across the African continent and beyond to foster regional socio-economic growth and facilitate trade and tourism.
The airline said the new route will provide seamless travel options for passengers traveling between Ethiopia and Sudan, as well as connecting travelers from across the vast Ethiopian Airlines network to this significant Red Sea port city.
Ethiopian says this underscores its dedication to serving the evolving needs of the African market and contributing to the continent’s economic development. By connecting Port Sudan to its extensive global network, Ethiopian Airlines aims to unlock new opportunities for businesses, travelers, and communities, promoting cross-border collaboration and cultural exchange.
The inaugural flight, ET350, will depart from Addis Ababa at 11 am and arrive in Port Sudan at 12:15 pm. The return flight, ET 351, will leave Port Sudan at 14:15 pm, arriving back in Addis Ababa at 17:30 pm. Both flights will be operated by the state-of-the-art Boeing 737 Max aircraft, ensuring a comfortable and reliable journey.
“We are pleased to connect our Sudanese brothers and sisters from Port Sudan to Addis Ababa, and to the rest of the world using our extensive global network,” said Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “By introducing daily flights to Port Sudan, we are bridging cultures and economies. This expansion is a testament to our unwavering dedication to serve our continent and its people, driving progress and prosperity through the skies.”
With the inclusion of Port Sudan, Ethiopian Airlines expands its network to 66 destinations within Africa. The inauguration of this new route emphasizes Ethiopian Airlines’ dedication to broadening its presence throughout Africa, while simultaneously enhancing connectivity for both business and leisure travelers. Port Sudan, a city strategically situated along the Red Sea, acts as an essential center for commerce and
economics in the region.
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