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.

flydubai announces record-breaking profit of AED 2.1 billion in 2023

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: flydubai, the Dubai-based low-cost carrier, reaped a record-breaking profit of AED 2.1 billion (USD 572 million) in 2023, up 75% from 2022 with its total revenue reaching AED 11.2 billion (USD 3 billion) last year from only AED 9.1 billion in 2022.

The carrier’s strongest-ever performance was fueled by significant growth in passengers it carried during the period. More than 13.8 million passengers travelled via flydubai in 2023, up 31 percent compared to 2022 and a new record surpassing its 11 million pre-pandemic figures.

Commenting on the announcement of the airline’s Full-Year Results for 2023, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, said: “In its 15th year of operations, flydubai has emerged as one of the key players in the UAE’s aviation industry and a major contributor to Dubai’s economy. Its solid business model has enabled the carrier to grow exponentially even during challenging times, doubling its operating fleet and expanding its network since the pandemic.

“This remarkable achievement has been made possible due to the vision of the UAE’s leadership and the progressive policies of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum which are conducive to the success of the aviation industry and flydubai as a key contributor to the sector.

“The decision to accelerate its aircraft deliveries during the pandemic, preserve its workforce and move forward with its ambitious network expansion plans has proven to be the correct strategy for the carrier resulting in its strongest-ever performance.”

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said more than 108 million passengers have travelled via the airline since its inception.

“Building on the momentum from our previous strong performance, we continued to grow surpassing all pre-pandemic levels to achieve the most profitable year in the history of the airline. The confidence our leadership and key partners have in us has kept us steadfast in our commitment to connect more underserved markets to Dubai and to enable more passengers to travel conveniently more often. More than 108 million passengers have chosen flydubai since our first flight took off in 2009, proving the attractiveness of our offering and the city we carry in our name,” he said.

Closing cash and cash equivalents position: including pre-delivery payments for future aircraft deliveries, is AED 4.8 billion compared to AED 4.3 billion last year.

Fuel cost: continues to be the single highest operating cost for the airline accounting for 32% of total annual operating costs, due to elevated fuel prices. The airline continues to explore fuel hedging options and last year it hedged 12% of its fuel requirement.

Network expansion: flydubai launched 17 routes and ended 2023 with a network of 122 destinations in 52 countries including Ashgabat, Cairo Sphinx, Corfu (seasonal), Kabul, Milan, Mogadishu, Neom, Olbia (seasonal), Poznań, Shymkent and St. Petersburg. The launch of operations to Krabi and Pattaya in Thailand marked flydubai’s return to Southeast Asia.

Fleet size: flydubai took delivery of 13 new aircraft and ended 2023 with 84 aircraft: 29 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800, 52 Boeing 737 MAX 8, and 03 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft. Three Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft were returned to the lessors at the end of their lease term.

flydubai’s 737 MAX 8 aircraft is 14% more fuel efficient than its predecessor and has enabled the airline to reduce its average fuel burn per block hour by 1.3% year-on-year.

Ongoing challenges with the aircraft manufacturer’s delivery schedule have resulted in four fewer aircraft being delivered in 2023. To mitigate the delays in aircraft deliveries and to meet the surge in demand for travel and add capacity, particularly during peak travel periods, flydubai entered another Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) agreement with Smartwings for six wet-leased aircraft.

At the Dubai Airshow 2023, flydubai placed a USD 11 billion order for 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to be delivered from 2026. This marked the airline’s first wide-body order, diversifying its current fleet of all-Boeing 737 aircraft.

This year, Al Ghaith said the airline will continue with its growth trajectory, saying, “We are dedicated to supporting the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to solidify its position as one of the world’s top three cities for tourism and business over the next decade. We will continue with our strategic network development plans that will see more destinations join the flydubai network this year starting with the five new routes announced since the start of 2024 including Basel, Riga, Sochi, Tallinn and Vilnius.”

Turkish Airlines Expands Connectivity with Increased Flight Frequencies to Italy

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Turkish Airlines, one of the leading airlines in the world, announced a significant expansion in its flight frequencies to Italy, offering enhanced connectivity and convenience for travelers.

This strategic decision reflects Turkish Airlines’ commitment to meeting growing demand and expanding travel destinations for its passengers. By flying to 129 countries, the flag carrier offers 42.6 connection options to its passengers within its operational performance.

Turkish Airlines currently operates direct flights from Istanbul to eight cities in Italy, including Milano, Rome, Venice, Bologna, Naples, Bari, Catania, and Palermo.

As of March 31, 2024, Turkish Airlines will increase the number of round-trip flights from Istanbul to Bologna from 18 to 21 flights per week. Additionally, flights from Palermo will be raised from four to six flights per week, and Bari flights will be increased from five to seven flights per week. Furthermore, flights to Naples will also see an increase from 12 to 18 flights per week.

This expansion marks the introduction of a total of 13 new flights, symbolizing Turkish Airlines’
commitment to strengthening air connectivity between Istanbul and significant Italian cities.

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee at Turkish Airlines, commented: “We are so glad to increase flight frequency to Italy. This increase will offer more option to our passengers to discover the major cities of Italy. By adding new destination to our network and constantly renewing our services Turkish Airlines keeps to unite people, cultures, continents, countries and cities while providing unparalleled travel experiences. We look forward to welcoming more travelers on board from Italy with our new flight destinations.”

Turkish Airlines keeps carrying its unique service and unparalleled hospitality to every corner of the globe.

Pegasus Airlines setting up a technology innovation lab in Silicon Valley

Istanbul, Turkiye: Pegasus Airlines has begun steps to set up its technology innovation lab in California’s Silicon Valley in a bid to keep up with its digital transformation in line with its campaign “Your Digital Airline” launched in 2018.

The airline said having its tech innovation hub will enable it to monitor and assess on-site the latest technological advancements worldwide. This will strengthen its global competitiveness and fortify its firm commitment to technological innovation.

“Our investments in technology stand out as one of the key elements that set us apart. Since launching our digital transformation in 2018, we have been making significant investments. In line with our vision to become ‘Your Digital Airline’, we launched many initiatives to make the travel experience of our guests and the work experience for our employees easier, faster, and more efficient,” said Güliz Öztürk, CEO of Pegasus Airlines.

“Now, we are getting ready to take an exciting new step to further the sustainable development of this digitalization journey,” Öztürk continued: “We will continue to enhance and add value to our processes and our guests’ experiences by experimenting with different technologies. This big move will further increase our company’s global competitiveness.”

Barış Fındık, Chief Information Officer at Pegasus Airlines, underscored the airline’s commitment to providing the best digital experience for its guests and achieving the most efficient operational management in the aviation sector.

“At Pegasus, we are determined to become one of the world’s most technologically advanced airlines. In pursuit of this, we are taking significant strides to evaluate collaboration opportunities with start-ups, universities, and other players in the field of technology and aviation,” he said.

Etihad and Air Serbia launch new codeshare to expand connectivity in Europe

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Etihad Airways and Air Serbia have entered into a strategic bilateral codeshare, aimed at enhancing connectivity for customers of both airlines across a range of destinations.

Under this partnership, Etihad’s customers gain convenient access to 12 Southeast European destinations through Air Serbia’s Belgrade hub, with nine destinations being new to Etihad’s extended network.

The codeshare arrangement simplifies the travel experience for guests, allowing them to make a single booking and undergo a seamless check-in process, along with the added convenience of having their baggage effortlessly transferred to their final destination.

Air Serbia’s network becomes easily accessible to Etihad’s customers, who can connect to it from Etihad’s gateways in Athens, Milan, Rome, and Vienna.

Jurriaan Stelder, VP Alliances and Industry Affairs at Etihad, said: “This partnership further expands our codeshare network and provides our guests with convenient access to 12 of Air Serbia’s leisure and business destinations, including Belgrade, Bucharest, Budapest, Thessaloniki, Tirana, Skopje and Sofia.

“We also look forward to warmly welcoming Air Serbia customers travelling from Europe to Abu Dhabi, where they will have the opportunity to explore the inviting hospitality and rich culture of our home, including the stunning beaches, world-class cultural landmarks and theme parks, and the serene desert landscapes.”

Boško Rupić, Air Serbia General Manager of Commercial and Strategy, said: “By joining forces with Etihad we expand the reach of our services, offering our passengers a wider array of destinations and connectivity options.

“This translates into more choices, flexibility, and convenience for those who choose Air Serbia for their journeys. Passengers will now enjoy the ease of booking connecting flights and checking in once for their entire journey.”

Etihad Guest is the loyalty programme for both airlines and allows members to either earn or redeem Etihad Guest miles across the Etihad Airways and Air Serbia networks, as well as enjoy the benefits of tier status.

WIZZ AIR ABU DHABI celebrates record-breaking 2023

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the ultra-low-fare national airline of the UAE, announced its outstanding operational results for 2023—operating more than 15,000 flights, carrying three million passengers, with more than 1.5 million point-to-point passengers to Abu Dhabi.

The joint venture established between ADQ and Wizz Air Holdings PLC, enjoyed a record-breaking year, more than doubling both the number of operated flights and passengers carried, with a completion rate of 99.6%.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi continues to play a key role in supporting innovation, resilience and integration of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors to share the Emirate with the world and enrich lives.

The airline supports the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism’s target to reach 24 million visitors for 2023, and promote the Emirate as a year-round tourism destination that offers exciting, inspiring and restorative experiences that visitors can discover at their own pace. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is also supporting the development of the UAE’s tourism sector, in line with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, and further strengthening the position of the UAE as one of the best destinations in the world for tourism.

Wizz Air is constantly developing the UAE network and currently flies to a total of 40 destinations in 27 different countries from Abu Dhabi, sharing the love of travel to culturally rich destinations, including vibrant cities and hidden-gem resorts.

The airline has proudly introduced a new segment of travel in the UAE in line with the country’s socio-economic vision with recent exciting expansions into Central Asia, North Africa, the Middle East and Europe allowing for convenient, self-connecting travel across the wider Wizz Air network via the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The airline solidified its position as the second largest carrier in Abu Dhabi, and continues to deliver on its promise of making travel possible for everyone. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi says it is ready to accelerate and expand operations further in 2024.

In 2023, the ultra-low fare national airline added four new A321 aircraft, taking the total fleet to 12 aircraft, and increased its seat capacity by 135% to 3.7 million seats on sale. The airline has grown in headcount by 100% in 2023, supporting local jobs, invested in the latest technologically advanced aircraft and worked collaboratively with partners, regulators, and stakeholders to lead the charge towards more sustainable air travel.
“We are very proud of all our achievements in this record-breaking year and we are delighted to continue building upon on our incredible year-on-year growth. In 2023, we operated more than 15,000 flights, unlocked 3.7 million affordable travel opportunities and carried three million point-to-point passengers. We would like to thank our passengers that travelled with us and we reaffirm our commitment to connecting people to create great memories next year and beyond, at the lowest fares possible,” said Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi.

“Our phenomenal results this year reflect our commitment to delivering travel options that are more convenient and affordable for everyone and accelerating the growth of Abu Dhabi as one of the best destinations in the world for tourism. We are excited for 2024 and we look forward to seeing you on board our aircraft soon,” he added.

Strategically located in the UAE, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi provides ultra-low-fares and efficient travel options to Alexandria (Egypt), Almaty (Kazakhstan), Amman (Jordan), Ankara (Turkey), Aqaba (Jordan), Athens (Greece), Baku (Azerbaijan), Belgrade (Serbia), Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Cairo (Egypt) and Dammam (Saudi Arabia). As well as routes to Kuwait City (Kuwait), Kutaisi (Georgia), Larnaca (Cyprus), Male (Maldives), Madinah (Saudi Arabia), Muscat (Oman), Nur Sultan (Kazakhstan), Salalah (Oman), Santorini (Greece), Samarkand (Uzbekistan), Sarajevo (Bosnia), Sohag (Egypt), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), Turkistan (Kazakhstan), Tirana (Albania) and Yerevan (Armenia) among others.

Uzbekistan Airways digitalizes flight operations to drive efficiency and greater agility

TASHKENT–As part of its strategy to streamline flight operations by leveraging the latest technologies, Uzbekistan Airways has signed up to deploy SITA Mission Watch. The solution will drive greater agility and efficiency, including annual savings of over US$600,000 in weather-related incidence avoidance and 300 tons of fuel.

“We turned to SITA for their expertise in delivering reliable digital solutions for our industry. SITA Mission Watch will be a key operational tool for our flight dispatchers to support from a flight planning and safety perspective, including the ability to adapt when faced with disruptions like changing weather,” said Shukhrat Khudaykulov, CEO, Uzbekistan Airways.

SITA Mission Watch is a next-generation flight tracking tool used by dispatchers and operational teams. It aggregates and automates aircraft positions combined with real-time information such as weather. SITA Mission Watch’s best-in-class weather feed uniquely provides multi-source forecasts for greater reliability and accuracy, supporting flight planning and disruption management.

Increasing weather events are a primary cause of flight delays, costing the industry around US$1 billion annually. Delays also adversely impact passenger satisfaction and brand reputation. In response, airlines are leveraging the latest digital solutions that integrate different sources of operational information to adapt and better manage disruptions like weather hazards and be leaner and more agile.

Yann Cabaret, CEO, SITA FOR AIRCRAFT, said: “Inefficiencies – such as missed on-time performance due to weather disruptions – cost airlines money in fuel, compensation, repairs, etc. Our applications are designed to help airlines to stay ahead and improve aircraft safety and operational efficiency.”

Etihad welcomes 2024 with more destinations in India

Abu Dhabi, UAE— Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has kicked off 2024 by introducing two new services. Daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Kozhikode (CCJ) and Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) in the Kerala region of India commenced on New Year’s Day.

These non-stop services to each destination bring the total number of Indian gateways served by Etihad to 10, underscoring the airline’s commitment to providing easy access to its expanding global network for guests travelling to and from the Subcontinent.

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad, said: “We have established a fantastic group of non-stop routes between India and Abu Dhabi, providing customers with easier access to our growing network without transiting through one of the main Indian hub airports.

“Seamless and practical connections at Abu Dhabi ensure that our guests can easily access destinations across the GCC, Europe – including our four daily services to London – and North America. Moreover, they have the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic stopover in Abu Dhabi as an integral part of their journey.”

The introduction of this service enhances accessibility to the picturesque countryside and beaches that Kerala is renowned for, creating increased inbound tourism to the region. Additionally, it streamlines travel for professionals visiting the burgeoning business hubs in the area.

In 2023, the airline reintroduced services to Kolkata, a vital Indian gateway connecting Eastern India to global destinations. Furthermore, the airline has increased the frequencies of flights to Mumbai and Delhi, two of its most popular routes, from two per day to an impressive four flights per day.

For 2024 Etihad has already announced new flights to Boston, USA starting on 31 March, to Nairobi, Kenya on 01 May, and its exciting summer schedule includes an inaugural non-stop service to Nice, France and direct flights to the Greek isles of Mykonos and Santorini.

Etihad Airways Celebrates UAE’s 52nd Union Day with Remarkable Musical Performance by Talented Staff

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, proudly commemorates the UAE’s 52nd Union Day with a captivating musical tribute.

In a cinematic video, Etihad showcases the diverse talents of its personnel, including pilots, engineers, and cabin crew, as they skillfully perform the UAE national anthem on various musical instruments. The filming captures these skilled individuals at iconic locations, from the Etihad Airways Head Office to the iconic Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

The instrumental performance showcases a talented ensemble featuring Pilot Hamad Altaee on the piano; Marlon Leiva, a cabin crew member, displaying his drumming skills; Engineer Samia Mahfoudh skillfully playing the Korg; Pilot Khalifa Almansoori playing the Bagpipes; Joseph Michael, a cabin crew member, on the Bass Guitar; Osama Elmaghreby, another cabin crew member, playing the Violin, and Sepideh Jalilvand, a cabin manager, presenting her musical skills on the Hand Pan.

Dr Nadia Bastaki, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer for Etihad Airways, said: ” In celebrating UAE’s 52nd Union Day, our dedicated people at Etihad exemplify the spirit of unity and talent. Their remarkable instrumental performance not only pays homage to our rich Emirati identity but also reflects the harmony that defines our airline. It is a testament to the diverse skills and shared commitment of our team, making this occasion truly special for our passengers and reinforcing Etihad’s role as a symbol of national pride.”

To honour the rich heritage of the UAE, the “Al-Sadu” theme permeates various touchpoints throughout the travel experience, from the Etihad lounges at Terminal A in Abu Dhabi International Airport to selected Etihad flights. Travellers passing through the recently inaugurated three-floor Etihad lounge will be greeted with chocolates adorned with “Al-Sadu” toppers, along with access to a diverse range of facilities and dining options, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience.

“Al-Sadu” is a traditional Emirati weaving technique, distinguished by its vibrant colours and geometric patterns. This craft, passed down through generations, stands as a symbol of the UAE’s rich heritage.

On board flights on 2 December, Etihad will distribute an exclusive and uniquely designed bookmark inspired by the “Al-Sadu” craft to all guests across all cabins on inbound and outbound flights. This authentic collectible serves as a giveaway that beautifully represents Emirati culture.

For Etihad guests travelling in December, a special E-BOX offering of in-flight entertainment content awaits, featuring compelling stories about the UAE. “Qesat Makan,” produced by Abu Dhabi TV, highlights historic areas such as Dalma Island and the Meliha area. Additionally, a selection of videos from ‘Abu Dhabi Stories,’ a platform that captures the essence of Abu Dhabi by the Abu Dhabi Media Office, includes “Faces from Abu Dhabi,” showcasing inspiring experiences from members of Abu Dhabi’s community, and the “Spotlight” series, which highlights Abu Dhabi’s landmarks.

Etihad Airways has expanded its operations and market presence this year by adding 12 new destinations. The airline’s future plans aim to attract millions of travellers to the UAE, promising substantial economic growth.

Emirates Group announces record AED10.1 bn half-year net profit for 2023-24

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates—After posting a record performance last year, the Emirates Group announced it made its best-ever six-month financial result for 2023-2024 with a net profit of AED 10.1 billion (USD 2.7 billion), surpassing its record half-year profit of AED 4.2 billion (US$ 1.2 billion) last year by 138%.

The Group also reported an EBITDA of AED 20.6 billion (US$ 5.6 billion), a significant improvement from AED 15.3 billion (US$ 4.2 billion) during the same period last year, illustrating its strong operating profitability.

Group revenue was AED 67.3 billion (US$ 18.3 billion) for the first six months of 2023-24, up 20% from AED 56.3 billion (US$ 15.3 billion) last year. This was driven by strong demand for air transport across the world, which has been on an upward trajectory since the last pandemic travel restrictions were lifted.

The Group closed the first half year of 2023-24 with a solid cash position of AED 42.7 billion (US$ 11.6 billion) on 30 September 2023, compared to AED 42.5 billion (US$ 11.6 billion) on 31 March 2023. The Group has been able to tap on its own strong cash reserves to support business needs, including debt payments. So far, Emirates has repaid AED 9.2 billion of its COVID-19 related loans. The Group also paid AED 4.5 billion in dividend to its owner, as declared at the end of its 2022-23 financial year.

His Highness (HH) Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said: “We are seeing the fruition of our plans to return stronger and better from the dark days of the pandemic. The Group has surpassed previous records to report our best-ever half-year performance. Our profit for the first six months of 2023-24 has nearly matched our record full-year profit in 2022-23. This is a tremendous achievement that speaks to the talent and commitment within the organisation, the strength of our business model, and the power of Dubai’s vision and policies that have enabled the creation of a strong, resilient, and progressive aviation sector.

“For the second half of 2023-24, we expect customer demand across our business divisions to remain healthy and we will stay agile in how we deploy our resources in this dynamic marketplace. At the same time, we are keeping a close watch on headwinds such as rising fuel prices, the strengthening US dollar, inflationary costs, and geo-politics,” he added.

To support increased operations and business activities, the Emirates Group’s employee base, compared to 31 March 2023, grew 6% to an overall count of 108,996 on 30 September 2023. Both Emirates and dnata have ongoing recruitment drives to support their future requirements.

Emirates airline
By 30 September, the airline was operating passenger and cargo services to 144 airports, utilizing its entire Boeing 777 fleet and 104 A380s.

In the first half of 2023-24, Emirates launched a new global brand advertising campaign featuring Hollywood actor Penelope Cruz; and introduced initiatives to enhance customer travel experience including a new city check-in facility at Dubai International Financial Centre, free onboard wi-fi for Emirates Skywards members, and a new meal pre-ordering capability for customers to select their meal options in advance of travel.

Emirates carried 26.1 million passengers between 1 April and 30 September 2023, up 31% from the same period last year.

Emirates Skycargo uplifted 1,035,000 tonnes in the first six months of the year, an 11% increase compared to the same period last year despite an overall softening in the global cargo market. This reflects the cargo division’s ability to meet customer demand with specialised products, and the excellent network options on offer with its freighter and bellyhold cargo operations.

Emirates revenue, including other operating income, of AED 59.5 billion (US$ 16.2 billion) was up 19% compared with the AED 50.1 billion (US$ 13.7 billion) recorded in the same period last year. The airline’s record performance is attributable to the strong passenger demand for international travel across markets and Emirates’ ability to activate capacity to match demand; and offer customers great value and services.

dnata
In the first half of 2023-24, dnata’s catering and airport services won significant new contracts and grew existing customers across its international operations.

Highlights in the first half of 2023-24 include: the acquisition of an additional 29% stake in Imagine Cruising, bringing to 81.4% its shareholding in UK’s leading cruise and stay holiday distributors; the implementation of AI-powered solutions to enhance dnata’s cargo handling operations and capabilities in Singapore; and the switch to a biofuel blend for road transport vehicles in the UAE used by dnata Logistics, Arabian Adventures, Alpha Flight Services, and City Sightseeing to reduce emissions and address rising customer expectations for transport options with lower environmental footprint.

dnata’s revenue, including other operating income, of AED 9.3 billion (US$ 2.5 billion) increased by 27% compared to AED 7.3 billion (US$ 2.0 billion) generated in the same period last year.

Overall profit for dnata is AED 709 million (US$ 193 million), compared to same period last year’s AED 236 million (US$ 64 million).