Category Airline, Organisations & Operators

Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, is celebrating a major milestone across India, as the airline welcomes five new heavyweight loyalty partners to its rapidly expanding programme. The partnership launch was celebrated last night at a glittering event in Mumbai, attended by partners, media and stars of Bollywood.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has announced the launch of the first-ever nonstop flights between the UAE and Calgary, creating a new strategic air link between the Middle East and Western Canada. Launching on 3 November 2026, the route marks another step in Etihad’s global expansion and supports Abu Dhabi’s long-term ambitions to drive international trade, tourism and investment.

Virgin Atlantic is boosting its long-haul flying from Manchester this summer with additional services to Orlando, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the airline’s home in the North. 

Following Aer Lingus’ decision to withdraw its long-haul flying from Manchester, Virgin Atlantic is increasing Manchester to Orlando capacity by 12% in peak Summer 2026 with additional flights. These changes ensure customers across the North of England can continue to benefit from direct, long-haul connectivity and will be on sale from Tuesday 3 February.

Boeing and Air India announced today the airline has ordered 30 more fuel-efficient 737 MAX jets, expanding its Boeing order book to nearly 200 airplanes across the company’s single-aisle and wide body airplane families.

Emirates has announced the expansion of its signature Chauffeur-Drive service in Japan, extending the premium ground experience to customers travelling from Narita International Airport from 1 February 2026 and Kansai International Airport from 1 March 2026. These destinations are added to the existing Chauffeur-Drive service available at Haneda Airport, reinforcing Emirates’ position as the only international airline offering this premium chauffeur-driven service in Japan.

Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries than any other in the world, has relaunched its flights to Tirana, the capital of Albania. Flag carrier’s Tirana flights will be operated with seven weekly frequencies, further strengthening air connectivity between Istanbul and the Balkans.

Emirates has announced leadership appointments across key global markets, advancing its commitment to developing a strong pipeline of Emirati talent to drive future growth.Effective 1 February, the following commercial management movements will take place:

Emirates Skywards has partnered with the UK’s favourite airline Jet2.com to offer members flight rewards to more than 75 destinations across the leading leisure airline’s network. The award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai continues to expand its portfolio in the UK to offer its four million members more opportunities, rewards and travel choices.

Emirates Airline has signed an agreement with Dubai Investments Park (DIP) to acquire land for a new purpose-built Cabin Crew Village. Representing a multi-billion-dirham investment, the development will feature a mixed-use and residential community designed to accommodate up to 12,000 cabin crew members.

Virgin Atlantic today announces its new leadership team, unveiled by Chief Executive Officer Corneel Koster, who took up his role on 1st January 2026.