Air China, China’s flagship airline, has signed an agreement with Airbus to purchase 60 A320neo-family aircraft, in a deal valued at around $9.5 billion at list prices, according to a filing by the carrier.

The order, which also involves an Air China subsidiary, adds to a wave of Airbus-related buying activity in China this week, as airlines in the world’s second-largest aviation market continue to expand and modernise their fleets. Other carriers, including Spring Airlines and Juneyao Airlines, have also signalled plans to acquire additional Airbus jets.

Air China said the aircraft will be delivered in phases between 2028 and 2032, reflecting a long-term capacity and fleet renewal strategy as demand for domestic and regional travel continues to grow.

Airbus welcomed the announcement, saying it was pleased Air China had chosen to add more A320-family aircraft—one of the most widely used single-aisle jet series globally, popular for its operating efficiency and suitability for high-frequency routes.

An independent aviation analyst noted that the purchase aligns with a broader 2022 framework agreement between China Aviation Supplies Holding Company (CASC) and Airbus, which included commitments covering 132 A320-family aircraft and eight A350 widebody jets, with an estimated total value of about $17 billion at the time. Individual contracts under such framework deals can take time to finalise.

The latest Airbus order also comes as geopolitical tensions have complicated Boeing’s ability to secure new aircraft orders in China, giving Airbus stronger competitive momentum in the market.

Etihad Airways and Condor have strengthened their growing strategic partnership by signing a new frequent flyer agreement and announcing an additional route linking Bangkok with Abu Dhabi.

The announcements were made during the IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro and represent the latest phase of the cooperation agreement first unveiled in December 2025.

Bangkok will become the third destination in Condor's planned Abu Dhabi operation, joining the airline's upcoming daily services from Frankfurt and Berlin. The Berlin route will provide the only direct air connection between the German capital and the UAE.

Under the newly signed loyalty partnership, members of Etihad Guest will be able to redeem miles on flights operated by Condor, opening access to destinations across Europe, North America, the Caribbean and other regions served by the German carrier.

The partnership already includes an extensive codeshare arrangement and continues to expand into areas such as network development, loyalty programmes, commercial cooperation and operational initiatives aimed at improving the passenger experience.

By combining Condor's strong leisure travel presence in Germany with Etihad's expanding global network through Abu Dhabi, the two airlines are creating additional travel opportunities between Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australia while supporting tourism growth in Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer Arik De said the relationship has rapidly developed into a strategically important partnership that benefits both airlines and their customers. He noted that the addition of Bangkok further enhances connectivity between Europe, Asia and the Middle East while strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a global travel hub.

Condor Commercial Director and Executive Committee member Jens Boyd said the collaboration continues to deliver tangible benefits for travellers. He added that the new Bangkok route will expand travel options and improve connectivity across multiple regions.

Once operational, Condor's Abu Dhabi network from Frankfurt, Berlin and Bangkok will offer passengers convenient access to Etihad's extensive route network throughout the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australia, including destinations such as Zanzibar and Salalah.

The expanded cooperation is expected to complement Etihad's existing Germany services, strengthen links between Europe, the UAE and Asia, and support Abu Dhabi's broader tourism and economic development goals.

Source: ZAWYA

Oman Air has been named the winner of the 2026 APEX Best™ Award for Best Seat Comfort in the Middle East, reinforcing its reputation for delivering a premium onboard experience across the region.

The award was presented to Renata Rached, Vice President of Guest Experience, Loyalty and Brand, during the Future Travel Experience EMEA, Ancillary & Retailing 2026 event held in Dublin, Ireland, on 10 June.

This latest achievement represents Oman Air’s third recognition in the seat comfort category, following previous wins in 2022 and 2024. The carrier also earned APEX awards in 2025 for Best Food & Beverage and Best Cabin Service in the Middle East.

Commenting on the recognition, Rached said passenger feedback remains the most meaningful measure of an airline’s performance. She noted that Oman Air continues to focus on providing a travel experience that allows guests to feel comfortable and well-rested throughout their journey.

The APEX Best™ Awards are based on independently verified traveller reviews and recognise airlines for excellence in areas including seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage offerings, inflight entertainment, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

According to the airline, the award reflects ongoing investments in enhancing the passenger experience through spacious cabin designs, upgraded seating, modern interiors, premium amenities, and refined dining options, complemented by its customer-focused service standards.

Source: QCAA

Airlink has announced the introduction of direct flights between Cape Town and Mauritius, with the new service scheduled to commence on 2 October 2026.

The airline will operate the route twice a week, marking its first-ever service to Mauritius and further expanding its regional network. Tickets for the new connection are now available for booking.

Flights will be operated using Airlink's Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, providing passengers with a nonstop link between South Africa’s legislative capital and the Indian Ocean island nation.

The new route is expected to strengthen Cape Town’s role as a key gateway for regional travel. Mauritius continues to attract international visitors with its renowned beach resorts, golf destinations, and visa-on-arrival access for travellers from more than 140 countries.

Beyond tourism, Mauritius is also recognised as a significant business and investment hub. Its economy is supported by sectors such as financial services, information technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism.

Airlink Chief Executive Officer de Villiers Engelbrecht said the introduction of the service would offer travellers a more efficient alternative by eliminating the need to connect through Johannesburg.

According to Engelbrecht, the airline’s Embraer E195-E2 fleet enables the launch of the direct route while supporting growing demand from both leisure and corporate travellers. He added that Cape Town serves as an important origin and transit point for passengers travelling to Mauritius.

Cape Town remains Airlink’s second-largest hub, providing access to the carrier’s domestic and regional network, as well as onward connections through its international airline partners.

Source: ZAWYA

Etihad Airways has announced a partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) to offer complimentary medical travel insurance for international visitors arriving in the UAE on Etihad-operated flights.

The scheme will be delivered in collaboration with The National Insurance Company – Daman, part of PureHealth, and will apply to eligible passengers traveling to Abu Dhabi from July through December 2026.

Under the programme, visitors will automatically receive medical insurance coverage when booking qualifying Etihad tickets. No separate application will be required. The cover will remain valid for up to 15 days within the UAE.

Eligibility extends to international travellers whose journey originates and is purchased outside the UAE on Etihad-operated services. Passengers participating in Etihad’s complimentary stopover programme in Abu Dhabi will also be covered for the duration of their stay, subject to terms and conditions.

The initiative is designed to enhance the overall visitor experience and support growing demand for Abu Dhabi as a global tourism destination, offering added assurance alongside travel services.

Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said the partnership reflects rising global interest in the emirate’s cultural, tourism and entertainment offerings. He added that the initiative aims to strengthen the end-to-end visitor experience and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a welcoming destination.

Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said the airline aims to make both travel to and stay in Abu Dhabi as seamless as possible. He noted that providing medical insurance with eligible tickets allows visitors to focus on their experience in the UAE.

Khaled Ateeq Aldhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of Daman, said the initiative integrates healthcare protection directly into the travel journey. He highlighted Daman’s long-standing role in the UAE’s healthcare sector and its extensive medical provider network supporting visitors.

The partners said the programme reflects a shared effort to enhance travel confidence and deliver a more comprehensive visitor offering for international tourists choosing Abu Dhabi.

Source: ZAWYA

Emirates is working on a new travel insurance offering aimed at protecting passengers from being stranded abroad due to conflict-related disruptions, according to airline President Tim Clark.

The Dubai-based carrier is collaborating with insurance providers to create an affordable coverage plan that would guarantee travelers can complete their journeys or return home if flights are affected by airspace closures, cancellations, or regional security events.

Speaking to the Financial Times, Clark said the initiative is intended to address growing concerns among passengers about travel uncertainty and encourage confidence in flying to or through Dubai, where air traffic has been impacted by ongoing regional tensions.

Under the proposed insurance scheme, Emirates would arrange alternative travel options for affected customers, including seats on competing airlines when necessary, ensuring passengers are able to reach their destinations or return home.

Clark noted that one of the main worries among travelers is the possibility of becoming stranded overseas during periods of disruption. He said the airline is working closely with insurers to develop a solution that offers greater peace of mind.

The Emirates president also indicated that the airline would consider it a satisfactory outcome to break even during the current financial year if instability in the region continues. Emirates reported a profit of $6.3 billion for the year ending in March, though Clark estimated earnings could have approached $7 billion had operations not faced earlier disruptions.

As services continue to recover, Emirates has restored approximately 80% of its pre-conflict flight operations. Aircraft are currently operating with average load factors of around 75%, while some routes from London are seeing demand close to full capacity despite travel advisories and insurance-related concerns affecting certain passengers.

Source: ZAWYA