Aviation

On May 6, airberlin started its new non-stop connection from Dusseldorf to Orlando. airberlin flight AB 7006 with Captain Peter Hackenberg and his 10 crew members took off right on time at 11 am from the Dusseldorf airport for the United States with 220 passengers on board.

Burger Federation, a casual dining concept, and Spizzico, a quick-service, contemporary bread and pizza bakery, are the two new restaurants opening in the North Node of Hamad International Airport (HIA).

The Latvian airline airBaltic on May 4, 2017, launched a direct route linking Riga and Geneva. The route offers convenient travel options for travellers from Switzerland and Baltic States.

On March 21, the UK and US governments announced a ban on laptops and tablets in all hand luggage on board direct flights from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.New Zealand is also considering similar restrictions and there is a speculation that the UK may be next to join the list of those banned countries.

Another direct flight will connect USA with Europe, when SAS starts its new route between Stockholm and Miami complements the departures from Copenhagen and Oslo. The new direct route to the USA will be added to the SAS winter timetable for 2017.

Italy’s flag carrier Alitalia started bankruptcy proceedings for the second time. Shareholders voted unanimously to file for insolvency administration. Etihad Airways said today it was disappointed that despite its significant investments in Alitalia, the Italian airline had today entered extraordinary administration.

Hawaiian Airlines revealed an updated brand identity and the freshly-painted livery of a Boeing 717 (N488HA), the first of its fleet of more than 50 aircraft that will feature the new design.

Oman Air, the National Carrier of Sultanate of Oman, is celebrating the latest in a string of prestigious wins, following the presentation to the airline of the ‘Best Arab Air Carrier supporting Arab Tourism’ award. The 2017 Arab Tourism Media Awards ceremony organised by the Arab Centre for Tourism Media was held at Roda Al Bustan Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Qatar Airways is offering transit passengers the opportunity to discover Doha with free luxury hotel stays and complimentary transit visas. The unique offer is part of a broader campaign called +Qatar which looks to encourage all transit passengers to consider adding Qatar to their itinerary.

Qantas Airways continues to enhance its services for Chinese travelers. “China is critical to our strategy in Asia. Together with our new direct Sydney – Beijing service, the deepening of this partnership reflects our commitment to the region, enabling our Asian customers to travel to and within Australia seamlessly,” said Qantas CEO Gareth Evans.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is to abolish its present two-persons-in-the-cockpit rule, with effect from 1 May. The action follows an extensive safety and security review which has concluded that the rule, which was introduced as a precautionary measure in 2015, does not enhance flight safety.

This year Finland celebrates its 100 years of independence and in honor for that Finavia rides Helsinki Airport passengers from terminal to the airplane on various Finland-themed buses.

Vietjet launched flights between Singapore and Hanoi. The first passengers of the route are welcomed with a special flash-mob performance at the heart of Changi airport.

Following yesterday’s news that Emirates goes all A380 to Spain, the carrier announced today that the carrier will provide an all-A380 service from Melbourne when it upgrades its third daily flight from the Australian city, EK408 and EK409, from a Boeing 777-300ER to an A380 operation.