Air Canada is continuing to strengthen its sixth-freedom strategy, a key driver behind the airline’s recent expansion into South America.

While geopolitical tensions dampened travel demand between Canada and the United States last year, the carrier saw solid momentum in its sixth-freedom markets. During a Feb. 13 earnings call, Chief Commercial Officer and President, Cargo, Mark Galardo said that enhancements to the airline’s schedule improved connectivity and helped lift sixth-freedom revenues by 10% in 2025 compared with 2024, reaching an all-time high.

To counter weaker U.S. transborder demand, Air Canada has been redirecting growth toward Latin America and the Caribbean. In mid-2025, the airline announced plans to increase winter seat capacity to the region by 16% year-over-year.

It has since confirmed the return of its Toronto–Quito route beginning in December 2026, after the service was suspended in March 2020. Flights to Lima and Rio de Janeiro will also resume earlier than in the previous winter season, advancing the restart by up to six weeks.

Galardo described Latin America and the Caribbean as a vast and diverse marketplace. He stressed that expansion into South America is not simply a shift away from U.S. flying. Instead, the strategy capitalizes on Canada’s geographic position to channel traffic between Europe and Latin America through the airline’s hubs.

Some transborder capacity has also been redeployed to the Caribbean, where performance has been encouraging. Galardo noted that load factors and yields have been positive across nearly all destinations in the region, with additional seats being absorbed effectively.

In 2025, Air Canada’s U.S. transborder revenue declined 10.4% year-over-year, reflecting a 9.6% reduction in capacity. Passenger traffic fell 12%, though yields improved by 1.9%. According to Galardo, the airline expects similar market conditions on these routes to continue for now.

Domestically, Air Canada plans roughly 5% capacity growth for the spring and summer seasons. However, demand trends remain strongest at its core hubs—Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver—where the balance between supply and demand is favorable. Competitive pressures are more evident in smaller Canadian markets, though the airline’s exposure there is limited.

On long-haul routes, corporate demand across the North Atlantic has been particularly strong. Galardo reported nearly a 30% increase in corporate travel to Europe and the Pacific, partly reflecting Canada’s efforts to diversify trade partnerships and global business ties.

The airline expects to receive 35 aircraft in 2026. Chief Financial Officer John Di Bert cautioned that capacity growth will be somewhat moderated because many aircraft deliveries are scheduled for the latter part of the year. Additional constraints include the transfer of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to Rouge and the retirement of older jets.

Air Canada’s first Airbus A321XLR is due to arrive early this year. The aircraft will initially operate seasonal service between Montreal and Palma de Mallorca, and will also be deployed on year-round Montreal–Toulouse and seasonal Montreal–Edinburgh routes. Galardo added that the A321XLR will play a broader role within North America, with plans to introduce a consistent year-round product on select routes to enhance the airline’s premium offering.

The carrier has also ordered eight Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with options for eight more. Di Bert said the new jets will replace the airline’s oldest Airbus A330-300s. According to fleet data, Air Canada currently operates 18 A330-300s, with two additional aircraft inactive.

For the full year 2025, Air Canada reported net income of C$644 million (US$474 million), down from C$1.7 billion a year earlier. Operating revenue rose slightly to C$22.3 billion, while expenses increased to C$21.4 billion. In the fourth quarter, the airline posted net income of C$296 million, reversing a C$644 million loss recorded in the same period of 2024. Quarterly revenue climbed to C$5.8 billion, and expenses declined to C$5.4 billion.

Emirates and Real Madrid CF have agreed to extend their partnership until 2031, continuing one of the most high-profile sponsorship relationships in global football and reinforcing a collaboration that will span nearly two decades.

The airline has been associated with the Spanish club since 2011, with the partnership elevated in 2013 when Emirates became the official jersey sponsor. Under the renewed agreement, Emirates will remain the Official Main Sponsor and Official Airline Partner for both the men’s and women’s teams.

Its branding will continue to feature prominently on match jerseys, training gear, and staff apparel across major competitions, including La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. The renewed deal also secures the distinction of being the longest-running jersey sponsorship in La Liga history.

Beyond kit sponsorship, the agreement includes expanded brand presence at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, access to club training facilities, and continued use of the Emirates Lounge, a premium hospitality space designed for guests, partners, and customers. The collaboration also extends to Real Madrid’s youth system, supporting player development at grassroots level.

In addition, Emirates will maintain and deepen its involvement in basketball through a separate multi-year extension, under which it will serve as the Official Main Sponsor of Real Madrid’s basketball team until 2031.

Boutros Boutros, Executive Vice President for Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand at Emirates, said the partnership reflects the airline’s long-standing engagement with football and its global fan base.

He highlighted that the collaboration has helped bring supporters closer to the sport through exclusive experiences and global fan engagement initiatives, while also strengthening Emirates’ presence in Spain.

Since launching its first flight to Madrid in 2010, Emirates has expanded its operations in the Spanish market, now operating five daily services across Madrid and Barcelona. The airline has also broadened its global connectivity via Dubai and introduced updated onboard products for passengers travelling to and from Spain.

Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez described the renewed agreement as a continuation of a strong and enduring relationship built over many successful years, noting the shared achievements between the two organisations.

Over the course of their partnership, Emirates and Real Madrid have collaborated on a range of marketing and fan engagement initiatives, including specially branded aircraft liveries, player-themed aircraft decals, matchday activations, and exclusive supporter experiences.

Emirates has also deployed dedicated aircraft for club-related charter operations, including Boeing 777 aircraft used for Spanish Super Cup travel between Madrid and Jeddah.

The airline maintains a broad portfolio of football sponsorships, which includes partnerships with Arsenal FC, AC Milan, Real Madrid CF, S.L. Benfica, and Olympique Lyonnais, along with a Platinum Partnership with FC Bayern Munich. It also serves as title sponsor of the Emirates FA Cup and supports the UAE Pro League.

Beyond football, Emirates’ global sponsorship strategy spans multiple sports, including tennis, rugby, basketball, sailing, cycling, golf, horse racing, cricket, and Australian Rules Football. The airline says its portfolio is designed to connect international audiences with major sporting events, clubs, and competitions worldwide.

Source: ZAWYA

Oman Air is considering a fresh aircraft acquisition programme aimed at replacing aging planes and supporting future network expansion, according to Chief Executive Officer Con Korfiatis.

Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Korfiatis said the airline is particularly interested in narrowbody aircraft equipped with lie-flat business-class seats. Such aircraft would allow the carrier to operate long-haul services more efficiently while serving premium travellers on routes including Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul.

Korfiatis noted that Oman Air has increasingly deployed narrowbody aircraft on longer international routes in recent years, marking a shift from its previous operating model.

“Something we’ve done in the last couple of years that we weren’t doing in the past is long-haul flights with narrowbody aircraft,” he said. “We see an opportunity to serve the market with this product.”

The CEO did not provide details on the number of aircraft under consideration or the timeline for any potential order.

Oman Air also played a significant role during the regional disruption caused by Iranian airstrikes following the US-Israeli conflict involving Iran. The airline, alongside authorities in Oman and Saudi Arabia, helped facilitate alternative travel arrangements for thousands of passengers seeking to leave the Gulf region.

According to Korfiatis, passenger volumes surged to four or five times normal levels during the crisis, creating unprecedented operational challenges for the airline and airport facilities.

“To have that many people come across the border for flights, it certainly operationally challenged us in ways we haven’t seen,” he said. “We’ve never seen our airport so full.”

The carrier introduced additional support measures, including bus transportation for travellers who arrived at border crossings without onward transport. In some cases, passengers were required to purchase tickets before entering Oman.

Korfiatis said many travellers who temporarily stayed in Oman while awaiting flights could return in the future, potentially supporting the airline’s long-term transformation strategy.

The expansion plans come as Oman Air reported its first profit in 15 years. In April, the airline announced an operating profit of RO3.2 million for 2025, marking a major milestone in its financial recovery.

“Oman Air’s turnaround marks a defining moment for the airline,” Korfiatis said during a media briefing.

He attributed the improved performance to tighter cost controls and a focus on sustainable growth. The airline reduced bank debt by RO27 million, the first decline since 2009, while lowering cost per seat by 6%.

Passenger traffic also strengthened significantly, with Oman Air carrying 5.8 million travellers in 2025, an 8% increase compared with the previous year. The airline recorded a load factor of 82%, while point-to-point traffic rose by 34%, reflecting growing demand across its network.

“Our network strategy is delivering results, particularly in point-to-point traffic,” Korfiatis said.

Source: ZAWYA

Ethiopian Airlines has announced the introduction of a new direct passenger route linking Addis Ababa with Mauritius, scheduled to commence on 12 July 2026. The move is part of the carrier's broader strategy to strengthen connectivity across Africa and support economic and tourism growth throughout the region.

The new service will operate three times a week, offering direct connections between Ethiopia's capital and Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. Flights are scheduled on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Under the timetable, flight ET887 will depart Addis Ababa at 8:50 a.m. and arrive in Mauritius at 3:20 p.m. The return service, flight ET886, will leave Mauritius at 4:15 p.m. and land in Addis Ababa at 8:45 p.m.

Prior to the launch of the nonstop service, Ethiopian Airlines connected passengers to Mauritius through interline and codeshare arrangements via regional gateways such as Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Antananarivo. The direct route is expected to shorten travel times and provide more convenient access for passengers traveling between Mauritius and destinations served by the airline's extensive network.

The airline said the new connection is designed to facilitate tourism, business travel, and trade while strengthening economic ties between Mauritius and other African markets.

“We are delighted to launch this direct flight service to Mauritius, making it easier for Africans and other international tourists to visit this beautiful African island destination, while also enhancing business and trade opportunities,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew.

He added that expanding the airline's African network remains a key priority, supporting its long-term objective of improving connectivity among African nations and strengthening links between the continent and the rest of the world.

According to Ethiopian Airlines, the route reflects its ongoing commitment to expanding intra-African air links through its Addis Ababa hub. The carrier expects the service to provide smoother onward connections across its African and international network while contributing to increased tourism and commercial activity between Mauritius and other destinations across the continent.

Bookings for the new route are now available through Ethiopian Airlines' sales and reservation channels ahead of the July launch.

Source: ZAWYA

Etihad Airways is placing additional orders for widebody aircraft as the Middle Eastern carrier prepares for increased operational activity, expecting flight volumes to rise by around 8% by June 15 compared with the same period last year, according to Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves.

Speaking on the sidelines of a global meeting of airline executives held in Brazil on Saturday, Neves said the Abu Dhabi-based airline is acquiring widebody jets in double-digit numbers. However, he did not provide further details regarding the exact size of the order.

He noted that Etihad is in the process of restoring flight services following reductions implemented in March, when regional instability linked to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran contributed to higher fuel costs and operational adjustments.

Neves said the airline currently has no intention of reducing costs through further flight cuts, emphasizing that maintaining operational capacity is central to efficiency.

“The biggest cost we have is an empty plane,” he said. “So the way I cut cost is I don’t have empty planes.”

Source: ZAWYA

Jazeera Airways, the Kuwaiti low-cost carrier, has announced a seasonal fare promotion offering reductions of up to 30% on both one-way and return tickets across its international network.

The campaign runs from June 7 to June 13 and can be accessed using the promotional code J9SUMMER. Travel under the discounted fares is valid for journeys scheduled between June 15 and September 30.

According to the airline, the offer covers a wide selection of destinations across Europe, Türkiye, and other regions within its network, as part of efforts to tap into increased demand during the summer travel season.

A company representative said the promotion aligns with its broader seasonal campaign, “Don’t Just See the World. Feel It.” The initiative is designed to encourage passengers to engage more deeply with destinations by experiencing their culture, landmarks, and local atmosphere.

The spokesperson highlighted a range of featured destinations, including Prague, Tbilisi, Antalya, Salalah, London, Milan Bergamo, and Istanbul, describing them as key summer travel options for customers seeking diverse leisure experiences.

Destinations included in the offer span London Luton, Milan Bergamo, Prague, Budapest, Kraków, Sarajevo, Larnaca, and Tivat in Europe, alongside Turkish cities such as Istanbul (Sabiha Gökçen), Trabzon, and Antalya.

The airline stated that the promotion is part of its wider summer strategy to increase passenger volumes during the peak holiday period. It added that recent network expansion efforts continue to focus on leisure travelers as well as passengers visiting friends and relatives across the Gulf region and beyond.

Source: ZAWYA