Saudia concludes first phase of the Hajj Season with more than 500,000 pilgrims served

Jeddah, KSA: Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has successfully concluded the first phase of operations for its Hajj season 1445AH with more than 509,000 Hajj pilgrims served on 3,400 flights from over 150 destinations worldwide.

The last flight (SV5827) arrived on June 14 at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah from Riyadh, carrying 445 Hajj pilgrims.

During the arrival phase, which lasted 32 days, seamless cooperation between various government entities ensured a smooth experience for Hajj pilgrims. This integrated performance aligns with the directives of Saudi Arabia’s wise leadership to provide the highest quality services to pilgrims.

In total, Saudia transported 509,000 Hajj pilgrims on 3,400 flights from over 150 destinations worldwide during the arrival phase. The operation achieved an On-Time Performance rate of 88%. Pilgrims benefited from a range of enhanced services, including digital services and inflight entertainment programs with educational content on Hajj regulations and rituals in multiple languages.

Amer Alkhushail, Chief Executive Officer of Saudia Hajj and Umrah, said: “The operations during the arrival phase were excellent. The success of the process was due to a strategic plan that considered travel demand and fleet capacity, enabling smooth operational execution and high-quality service delivery. I would like to take the opportunity and extend my appreciation to the entire team in Saudia for their significant contributions in enhancing guest experience through providing high level air and on ground services.”

Etihad Airways launches international roadshow in major pilot recruitment drive

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, is recruiting hundreds more of pilots this year to support its expanding fleet and network, delivering on its ambitious global growth plans amid unprecedented upward trend in international travel.

Etihad announced it will embark on a worldwide roadshow to meet pilots who may wish to join the growing global airline, beginning in eight cities across Europe before expanding to other international cities.

Etihad is inviting pilots of all ranks and aircraft types to register their interest by attending one of the roadshows or signing up for more information online at careers.etihad.com.

As it builds its position as the airline everyone wants to fly, Etihad also welcomes the partners and family members of prospective pilots to the roadshows. Etihad will showcase Abu Dhabi as a fabulous destination to live and build a career, both for individuals and for families.

John Wright, Chief Operations and Guest Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “As we embark on this pilot recruitment roadshow, we’re proud to showcase everything that both Etihad and Abu Dhabi have to offer, and we are seeking pilots who share in our ambitions.

“We appreciate that pilots choose which airline to join for the length of their career, and as such we would like to highlight not only the career development and progression opportunities on offer at Etihad, but also the fantastic home and lifestyle that Abu Dhabi provides.”

Etihad is seeking pilots of all ranks and aircraft types from across the Etihad fleet including the Airbus A320, A350 and A380 as well as the Boeing 777 and 787, and Boeing 777 freighters. Pilots who do not yet fulfil the Etihad criteria but may wish to join Etihad in the future are also encouraged to attend the roadshow or register their interest online.

As one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, Etihad will double its fleet size by 2030 compared to 2022. This growth trajectory will offer pilots significant career progression and promotion opportunities, making Etihad a highly attractive employer for ambitious pilots looking to build a solid career.

Etihad’s diverse pilot community works alongside 142 nationalities who make up the Etihad family, all based out of its welcoming home in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. There has never been a more exciting time to join Etihad and enjoy living in the UAE.

Living in the UAE’s thriving capital offers crew a safe city with plenty of things to do for individuals as well as families. Pilots living in Abu Dhabi have access to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and can take part in watersports in the Arabian sea or outdoor pursuits in the desert. Abu Dhabi also offers an abundance of restaurants, bars and nightlife, meaning there will never be a dull moment. The metropolis of Dubai is also just a short drive away.

For families, Abu Dhabi offers a friendly community with excellent schools and an abundance of family-friendly activities.

Etihad’s pilots fly to more than 70 destinations across Australia, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America. The airline continues to grow its network and this June is commencing flights to Bali, Jaipur and Al Qassim, as well as a number of seasonal destinations including the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini, Nice in the French Riviera and the holiday resorts of Malaga in Spain and Antalya in Turkey.

Date City Hotel Name Hotel Address
29 June Larnaca, Cyprus Radisson Blu Beach Resort Atlantidon 2, Larnaca 6058, Cyprus
1 July Sofia,
Bulgaria
Hyatt Regency Sofia Sofia Center, Vasil Levski Blvd Square, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
3 July Tirana, Albania Tirana Marriott Hotel Sheshi Italia, Tiranë 1001, Albania
5 July Bucharest. Romania The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection Strada Doamnei 2, București 030053, Romania
7 July Cluj-Napoca, Romania DoubleTree by Hilton Cluj – City Plaza Strada Sindicatelor 9-13, Cluj-Napoca 400029, Romania
9 July Budapest,
Hungary
Hilton Budapest Budapest, Hess András tér 1-3, 1014 Hungary
11 July Warsaw, Poland Radisson Collection Warsaw Grzybowska 24, 00-132 Warszawa, Poland
13 July Vilnius, Lithuania Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva, Vilnius Konstitucijos pr. 20, Vilnius, 09308 Vilniaus m. sav., Lithuania

Thai Airways will fly again daily between Bangkok and Brussels by December

Brussels, Belgium: Thai Airways will again offer daily direct flights between Brussels Airport and Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, by 01 December 2024.

Thai Airways took a four-year hiatus flying direct to Belgium’s capital following the COVID-19 pandemic. A Star Alliance member, Thai Airways strengthens Brussels Airport’s role as a European hub. Thailand remains an important tourist destination that is now once again directly accessible to Belgian passengers.

“It is great news to welcome Thai Airways back to Brussels Airport. This daily direct connection to Bangkok strengthens our position as a European hub and offers our passengers even more travel options to Asia. For Thai passengers too, our airport offers an ideal gateway to the rest of Europe. We look forward to a great collaboration,” said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport.

Thai Airways will immediately start with a daily flight to Bangkok. The route will be served with a Boeing 787-8, one of the most efficient aircraft on the market both in terms of emissions and noise.

For Brussels Airport, this offers an important addition to its intercontinental network as a major destination, both for tourism and for business travel.

As a Star Alliance airline, Thai Airways is also strengthening its Star Alliance hub at Brussels Airport with home carrier Brussels Airlines. This will reconnect Thai Airways directly to the heart of Europe, with all its European and international institutions and the network offered by their Star Alliance partners at Brussels Airport to the rest of Europe and beyond.

Etihad Airways celebrates its talented team and announces global cabin crew hiring

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: This World Cabin Crew Day, Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is embarking on a global recruitment campaign seeking remarkable people to join its cabin crew team, to work together for a purpose, creating extraordinary experiences for valued guests.

Supporting Etihad’s ambitious growth plans, the airline has already recruited more than 1,000 cabin crew this year and is preparing to welcome around 1,000 more by the end of the year. Etihad is looking for passionate individuals to deliver its world-renowned hospitality, while enjoying the perks of travel and adventure that a career in aviation offers.

Earlier in May, the World Travel Awards Middle East edition named Etihad’s team as the ‘Leading Cabin Crew 2024’, while the Business Traveller ME Awards also awarded Etihad with the ‘Best Cabin Crew 2024’ accolade.

Etihad celebrated World Cabin Crew Day with festivities, gifts and prizes for the crew at the Crew Briefing Centre, the state-of-the-art crew check-in facility.

Etihad’s diverse cabin crew is made up of people from 112 nationalities, all based in the cosmopolitan emirate of Abu Dhabi. As well as a competitive salary, cabin crew are provided with fully-furnished modern accommodation, medical insurance, allowances, and have access to discounts on dining, shopping, leisure activities, car hire and more.

Cabin crew also enjoy fantastic travel benefits and have access to a wide range of destinations.

Etihad offers excellent career progression with 31 percent of cabin crew members promoted within the past 12 months. A number were also promoted to positions in the corporate division located at the airline’s headquarters, to pursue careers in marketing, guest experience, network operations, aviation training and finance.

Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer, Etihad, said: “This World Cabin Crew Day, we celebrate and recognize the contribution that our Cabin Crew make to our airline’s success. As Etihad continues to grow, we are looking for exceptional individuals to join our team who share our ambition to become the airline that everyone wants to fly.

“We’re looking for the world’s best, who will embrace our passion for growing the airline and share our commitment to providing warm hospitality and a truly remarkable experience for our guests. There has never been a better time to enjoy the spirit of Abu Dhabi and all that this fantastic emirate has to offer.”

Living in the UAE’s thriving capital offers crew a safe city with plenty of things to do. From enjoying some of the world’s most beautiful beaches to watersports in the Arabian sea or outdoor pursuits in the desert, to an abundance of restaurants, bars and nightlife, there will never be a dull moment. The metropolis of Dubai is also just a short drive away.

Etihad’s cabin crew fly across the world to more than 70 destinations across Australia, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America. The airline continues to grow its network and this June will commence flights to Bali and Jaipur as well as a number of seasonal destinations including the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini, Nice in the French Riviera and the holiday resorts of Malaga in Spain and Antalya in Turkey.

Cabin crew will have the opportunity to work across the airline’s state-of-the-art, modern fleet including the superjumbo Airbus A380s which connect Abu Dhabi with London, New York and from 1 November Paris, as well as Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777s, Airbus A350s and Airbus A320 and A321 family.

Interested candidates are invited to attend an Open Day, or register their interest and apply online at careers.etihad.com. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an assessment, either in person or virtually.

Etihad offers a unique opportunity for candidates located anywhere in the world to take part in a virtual recruitment process, helping Etihad to reach the best talent wherever they are located. Candidates can choose their interview date and time to suit their time zone and their schedule.

Prior experience is not essential as successful candidates will benefit from extensive training at Etihad Aviation Training’s Zayed Campus located adjacent to the airline’s headquarters.

Lufthansa Cargo continues to rely on the cargo handling services of Vienna Airport

Vienna, Austria: Lufthansa Cargo has extended its contract with Vienna Airport for cargo handling services until the end of 2028. The cargo airline is one of the most important customers of the airport’s own cargo handling services and the Vienna Airport Pharma Handling Center.

Vienna Airport is the most punctual hub in the Lufthansa network and impresses with its efficient and high-quality services.

Lufthansa Cargo has been relying on the cargo handling services of the Austrian capital’s airport since 2010. In addition to general cargo and mail, temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments and hazardous goods in particular are routed via Vienna. The cargo airline currently connects Vienna Airport with over 1,000 flights per week to 127 destinations in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America.

Lufthansa Cargo therefore utilizes the cargo space of Austrian Airlines. The location is also used as a hub for a comprehensive network of road feeder services, primarily to the CEE region.

“Vienna Airport offers a high level of quality not only in passenger and baggage services, but also in cargo handling. We are therefore pleased that we can gain the trust of Lufthansa Cargo and continue our good cooperation for the next five years. With efficient handling processes, fast turnaround times and a broad range of services, we are well positioned in the cargo sector and see high growth potential, especially with our Pharma Handling Center,” explains Julian Jäger, Joint CEO and COO of Vienna Airport.

“Vienna Airport is an efficient east-west hub with fast turnaround times. This makes it one of our most important hubs in Europe. The handling service includes 24/7 customer service, monitoring, and weekly quality checks. Thanks to this reliable and close cooperation, we can offer our customers fast and easy access to the freight markets, primarily in Southeast Asia. The airport’s Pharma Handling Center also provides ideal conditions for our growing tonnages in the pharmaceutical sector,” says Theresa Schlederer, Director Austria at Lufthansa Cargo AG.

At Vienna Airport, Lufthansa Cargo benefits from a modern infrastructure, very short distances, and fast customs clearance times, which significantly shortens handling times. Within the Lufthansa network, Vienna Airport is therefore both the most punctual hub and the hub with the fastest handling and transit times. Warehouses and truck ramps provide fast and direct access to Vienna Airport’s dense road feeder network, which enables 23 countries to be reached in just 36 hours.

“With a tonnage share of almost 40 percent in 2023, Lufthansa Cargo is Vienna Airport’s largest customer. The contract extension is therefore of great importance and, together with the top results for handling speed and efficiency, is a confirmation of our quality and a clear signal to the market. We are very grateful for the trust placed in us and will continue to do our utmost to further develop our services with a focus on our customers,” says Michael Zach, Head of Handling Services at Flughafen Wien AG.

Delta increases starting pay to $19 an hour, provides pay raises to employees worldwide

Atlanta, Georgia: Following a payout of $1.4 billion in profit sharing bonuses, Delta is investing in frontline employees by raising the minimum starting wage to $19 an hour and providing employees across the company with a 5% pay raise.

In an internal memo, CEO Ed Bastian announced the raise comes as Delta continues to invest in industry-leading total compensation to reward operational excellence and customer care.

With this investment, which will take effect on Jun 1, 2024, Delta continues to lead with industry-leading total compensation for industry-leading performance in all work groups. Including this 2024 raise, Delta has made cumulative investments of 20-25% in compensation in each of our largest frontline workgroups since 2022.

“Delta’s leading position comes thanks to a simple concept that dates back nearly a century – invest in our people first, and they will deliver great service and experiences for our customers,” Bastian said in a memo to all employees. “That’s exactly what you do, and it always sets us apart.”

Sharing success is a foundational component of Delta’s values-driven business model and a core aspect of the company’s culture. Delta created its profit-sharing structure after the turbulent period the airline industry underwent in the early 2000s, as leaders worked to boost employee morale and cultivate a workplace of gratitude and teamwork.   

The pay increases complement profit-sharing, which has paid out over $11 billion to employees since the program’s inception in 2007. Like profit-sharing, wage increases remain an important part of Delta’s efforts to reward the people who make Delta America’s most awarded airline. In the last 15 years, Delta has provided 12 base pay increases that add up to an average of 85% increase in base pay. 

Delta continues to lead the industry in profit sharing and total compensation, with this year’s total greater than the pool of all U.S. peer airlines combined.  And in the first quarter of 2024, Delta is already tracking ahead of last year – accruing $125 million for profit sharing.
Profit sharing and competitive base pay are just the beginning of Delta’s employee financial wellness commitment. Delta also matches up to 6% plus a fixed contribution of 3% to 401(k) retirement savings; pays up to $100 monthly shared rewards for achieving operational goals; offers free financial coaching with the ability to earn $1,000 for emergency savings; and much more. 

Etihad’s A380 Loves New York

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Etihad Airways flight EY1 from Abu Dhabi to New York arrived at JFK Airport on Monday, 22 April, heralding the start of the airline’s A380 double-decker service featuring The Residence, the legendary, sumptuous three-room suite in the sky.

After a celebratory send-off in Abu Dhabi, Etihad pilots waved the US and UAE flags from the cockpit after the super-jumbo arrived on its stand in New York.

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce our A380 experience to New York, confident that our guests will relish the exceptional onboard journey. Whether travelling in Economy, Business, First Class, or our luxurious three-room suite, The Residence, passengers can expect unparalleled service from our award-winning crew.

“We want to ensure guests arrive in the Big Apple feeling refreshed and at ease. This commitment is crucial for all our travellers, not least our corporate clients who rely on us for business travel, and we have timed our A380 services, so customers arrive in New York or Abu Dhabi in time to make good use of the business day, or for their onward connections.

“Introducing the A380 to the popular New York route aligns with our strategy to meet increasing customer demand and expand our network. It comes just three weeks after we launched our new route to Boston, our fourth US gateway, underlining our commitment to serving and growing the North American market.”

The addition of the A380 significantly boosts Etihad’s capacity in the vital US market, providing seamless and convenient connections to the broader Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.

The increase in capacity will also make it easier to attract a greater number of visitors eager to explore the dynamic attractions of Abu Dhabi and savour the premium leisure experience on offer from Etihad.

One of Etihad’s two daily flights to New York will be serviced by the A380, while the other will be operated by a 787-9, offering First, Business, and Economy cabins.

Welcome onboard

Every guest in Etihad’s A380 is treated to a unique and elevated experience. For those in Economy, a dedicated welcome area sets the tone. The cabin boasts 68 extra legroom seats with an additional 4 inches of space, along with 337 Economy Smart seats featuring Etihad’s signature fixed-wing headrests and large pillows for maximum comfort.

On the upper deck, the Business Studios™ provide an exclusive haven with 70 private spaces, ensuring a stress-free journey. The upper deck also houses The Lobby, a serviced lounge and bar area between the First and Business cabins. Collaborating with Armani/Casa, Etihad brings sophistication to the Business experience, offering premium ceramics, glassware, cutlery, and fabrics. Comprehensive Wi-Fi connection and extra levels of comfort and convenience make it easy for business travellers to remain productive and in touch.

First Apartments take luxury to new heights with nine private spaces, each equipped with designer tableware, a spacious leather lounge chair, and a separate ottoman that transforms into an 80” lie-flat bed. First-class guests can enjoy personal vanity units and access to the exclusive First-class shower room.

The Residence

At the pinnacle of luxury 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.

Emirates adds SAF on flights from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Dubai, UAE: Emirates has commenced the activation of its fuel agreement with Neste this month at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Over 2 million gallons of blended SAF will be supplied into the fuelling system at Schiphol Airport over the course of 2024.

The airline will track the delivery of SAF into the fuelling systems and environmental benefits using standard industry accounting methodologies. Emirates’ partnership with Neste, announced late last year, represents one of the largest volumes of SAF that the airline has purchased to date.

Once fully supplied into Amsterdam Schiphol’s fuelling system, the blended SAF will have been comprised of over 700,000 gallons of neat SAF. The airline is also working with Neste to supply SAF into the fuelling systems at Singapore Changi Airport in the next few months.

“Collaborating with committed partners like Neste is one of the practical steps we are taking to reduce our emissions, and it’s an all-important milestone in our own sustainability journey as an airline. Strong partnerships like this, especially at major air transport hubs such as Amsterdam, lay the foundation for how we can work with partners and airports to increase access to and availability of SAF across our network,” said Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer, Emirates.

Alexander Kueper, Vice President Renewable Aviation, Neste, commented: “We are proud to support Emirates in their sustainability journey. SAF is an available solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from air travel and it is exciting that Emirates have started using our Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. It is also a great example of how we are working together with partners to accelerate SAF usage and are looking forward to the next steps of our cooperation.”

SAF used as part of this agreement can be safely dropped into existing jet engines and airport fuelling infrastructure, and in neat form reduces lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80%* compared to using conventional jet fuel.

Emirates’ first flight powered by SAF blended with jet fuel took place in 2017 from Chicago. The airline currently operates flights from Paris, Lyon and Oslo with SAF. In October of last year, Emirates, with the support of partners, also integrated SAF into Dubai Airport fuelling systems, allocating the SAF to a number of flights, including a flight to Sydney.

Earlier this year, the airline became the first international carrier to join the Solent Cluster in the UK, an initiative focused on low carbon investments with the potential to create a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) plant that can produce up to 200,000 tonnes (200 kt) per year if operational by 2032.

Emirates also actively contributes to a number of industry and UAE government working groups and is in continuous discussion with a range of stakeholders to help scale the production and supply of SAF. The airline, along with the UAE GCAA has actively played a part in developing the UAE’s power-to-liquid (PtL) fuels roadmap, driven by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the World Economic Forum, in addition to contributing to the UAE’s National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap which aims to transform the UAE into a regional hub for alternative aviation fuels with the ambition to produce 700 million litres of SAF by 2030.

Joining entities across aviation, government, regulatory, academic, fuel production and the manufacturer value chain, Emirates is a founding participant of the UAE research consortium Air-CRAFT, focused on developing, producing, and scaling sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technologies for the industry.

Manchester City and Etihad Airways announce launch of community football projects across India

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Manchester City and global partner Etihad Airways are flying towards a better future for young people in India, with the announcement of a brand-new community football initiative in cities across the country.

The joint initiative will see Manchester City work in collaboration with Etihad Airways, Club charity City in the Community and non-governmental partner organisation (NGO) Magic Bus India Foundation, to deliver health and life skills training for local young people through football.

The project will launch this April in three cities from the airline’s network: New Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore, with more locations to follow.

This marks the latest in a series of impactful community collaborations between Manchester City and Etihad since the launch of the Official Partnership between the two organisations in 2009, including global and regional summits in Manchester and Abu Dhabi, which upskill young leaders in community football coaching and leadership.

The initiative will be delivered by local NGO Magic Bus India Foundation who have partnered with the club on various initiatives since 2016, including an Etihad supported programme in Kolkata, engaging 2,000 young people with health and hygiene education through football.

To kick-start the impact, Etihad will fly coaches from City in the Community, the Club’s official charity, to India to deliver world-class football and leadership training to Young Leaders championing the projects. The trainees will then put their skills into practice, as part of their commitment to using football to uplift the health of young people in their cities.

Tom Pitchon, Director of City Football Group’s global foundation, said: “We are proud to work with Etihad Airways to uplift the health and life skills of young people across India through the power of football.

“Etihad are a long-standing supporter of our community football impact, and it’s great to have them on board, helping us create real impact for young people around the world.”

Akhil Anumolu, Senior Vice President eCommerce, Digital, Marketing and Loyalty at Etihad Airways: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Etihad to work hand-in-hand with our partners at City Football Group to support the local community in India. Over the coming years, we’re committed to growing this programme across more locations in India, and we hope the unique power of football will have a lasting impact on the young people who take part and their wider community.”

Jayant Rastogi, Global CEO, Magic Bus India Foundation, said: “Through the spirit of football, we are on a transformative journey with Manchester City, and Etihad Airways to enhance the life skills of young people across India. Together, we aim to create a lasting impact by empowering them through the universal language of ‘Sports for Development’. This initiative symbolizes our shared commitment to fostering positive change and building a better future for the Young Leaders and communities we touch.”

FAI Air Ambulance achieves accreditation for its Dubai medical escort service

Dubai, UAE: FAI rent-a-jet GmbH’s Air Ambulance Division announced it has received its Commercial Airline Medical Escort (CAME) accreditation from the European Aeromedical Institute (EURAMI) for its Dubai-based medical escort service.

FAI is the first private company in the GCC with EURAMI CAME accreditation and the only European fixed-wing operator to receive both the CAME accreditation and the EURAMI-approved provider accreditation in the GCC. The CAME certification accredits aero-medical providers performing patient transfers, like FAI, to transport patients seated in the cabin or on a designated stretcher.

To qualify for CAME accreditation, operators must demonstrate sufficient operational experience of at least 100 completed missions; that they have dedicated qualified personnel and infrastructure suitable for CAME operations and suitable equipment to perform safe medical transportation on commercial flights. Additionally, providers must be compliant with at least 90% of the EURAMI CAME Standards including: Business Organisation and Ethics; Safety and Quality; Operations and Medical and Logistics.

“This is a fabulous endorsement for FAI and its medical escort service which underlines our unwavering attention to quality, safety and service excellence in our air medical operations. Our Dubai-based medical escort service is hugely popular with our largest Middle Eastern clients and we look forward to continuing to welcome patients and all who fly with us throughout 2024 and beyond,” said Barbara Baumgartner, Managing Director, FAI rent-a-jet DMCC branch.

FAI rent-a-jet is one of the world’s largest air ambulance jet operators. Its air ambulance operations boast a diverse and state-of-the-art 10-strong fleet of Bombardier aircraft (Learjet 60, Challenger 604s and Global Express aircraft), equipped with advanced medical technology to handle a wide range of air ambulance missions.

This diversity allows FAI to tailor its services to the unique needs of each patient, ensuring the highest level of care during transport which may include some of the most critical and challenging cases in the industry. FAI Air ambulance is supported by more than 250 full-time staff plus 50 part-time physicians, nurses and paramedics. The company also specializes in air support in hostile areas for the world´s largest NGO.

In November 2023, FAI Aviation Group was named Air Ambulance Company of the Year at the Middle East Aviation Awards and Barbara Baumgartner was named Aviation Business Innovative Leader.

FAI was named International Travel & Health Insurance Journal´s (ITIJ) Air Ambulance Company of the Year in 2021, 2020 and 2012. In December 2022, coinciding with MEBAA 2022 in Dubai, FAI was awarded “20 years of Aviation Excellence in the Middle East” by MEA Business at the Aviation Innovation Awards.