Etihad Airways has wrapped up 2025 with a remarkable achievement, securing more than 25 prestigious international awards across various categories including customer experience, safety, design, and innovation. This stellar performance highlights the airline's dedication to operational excellence and exceptional service as it continues to strengthen its position in the global aviation industry.

Key Milestones for Etihad in 2025

Etihad made history by becoming the first Gulf airline to earn the Seven-Star PLUS Safety Rating from Airline Ratings, marking a significant milestone as only the fourth airline globally to achieve this prestigious recognition. This honor underscores the airline's unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest levels of safety and operational excellence.

The airline’s stellar year was further highlighted by three major wins at the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony in Bahrain. Etihad took home titles for World’s Leading Airline Customer Experience, World’s Leading Airline Economy Class, and World’s Leading Airline Lounge Business Class, with the latter recognizing its Premium Lounge at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.

Regional and Global Recognition

In addition to its global accolades, Etihad dominated at the Middle East World Travel Awards, where it won five regional titles, including Middle East’s Leading Airline in Customer Experience and Middle East’s Leading Airline in Economy Class. The airline was also lauded for Inflight Entertainment, its Business Class Lounge, and its Cabin Crew, which exemplified the professionalism and exceptional service provided by Etihad’s team.

At the same time, APEX awarded Etihad with Five-Star Global Airline status for 2026, recognizing it as one of the world’s elite carriers. The AirHelp Score 2025 placed Etihad second globally with an impressive 8.07 out of 10, a nine-place jump from the previous year.

Investment in Excellence

Etihad’s dedication to enhancing the customer experience is further demonstrated through its billion-dollar investments in fleet upgrades and service improvements. In 2025, the airline introduced the Airbus A321LR, offering lie-flat seating and premium service on mid-range routes, and continued to operate its iconic A380 aircraft, featuring The Residence, the only three-room suite in commercial aviation.

Etihad’s commitment to sustainability also played a role in its success, with eco-friendly designs and the introduction of biodegradable items and sustainable packaging on board. These initiatives reflect the airline’s dedication to making travel more environmentally responsible while enhancing the overall guest experience.

Excellence in Design and Service

Etihad’s excellence extends beyond operations and safety to include outstanding onboard design and catering. At the Skytrax World Airline Awards, Etihad won Best First Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East, further cementing its reputation for culinary excellence at 40,000 feet. The PAX International Awards also honored the airline for its children’s amenity kit, which features Warner Bros. Superheroes designs.

The airline’s design-forward approach was recognized with the Design Airline of the Year award by The Design Air, celebrating Etihad’s innovative approach to cabin interiors and service offerings.

Operational and Cargo Excellence

Etihad’s commitment to operational and business excellence was also acknowledged at the Aviation Business Middle East Awards, where it received the Customer Experience Initiative of the Year award. Meanwhile, the airline’s cargo division earned two honors at the STAT Times International Awards for Air Cargo Excellence, including Logistics Middle East’s Air Cargo Operator of the Year.

Looking Ahead

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, expressed pride in the airline’s success, saying, "Winning over 25 international awards in a single year is extraordinary recognition of our entire Etihad family’s passion and commitment to excellence." He emphasized that these accolades reflect the airline’s ongoing growth, exceptional service, and the dedication of its team, which has driven Etihad to new heights in 2025.

Etihad’s success is a testament to the airline’s focus on providing unparalleled travel experiences, from the ground to the skies. As it moves forward into 2026, Etihad remains committed to raising the bar in aviation, continuing to bring the world to Abu Dhabi, and offering its guests world-class service and innovation.

2025 Awards Summary:

• Seven-Star PLUS Safety Rating – Airline Ratings

• World’s Leading Airline Customer Experience – World Travel Awards

• World’s Leading Airline Economy Class – World Travel Awards

• World’s Leading Airline Lounge Business Class – World Travel Awards

• Middle East’s Leading Airline Customer Experience – Middle East World Travel Awards

• Middle East’s Leading Airline Economy Class – Middle East World Travel Awards

• Five-Star Global Airline Status – APEX

• Second Place Globally, AirHelp Score 2025 – AirHelp

• 5th Safest Full-Service Airline in the World – Airline Ratings

• Aviation 100 MAE Airline of the Year 2025 – Airline Economics

• Best First Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East – Skytrax

• Best Cabin Crew – Business Traveller Middle East

• Best Economy Class – Business Traveller Middle East

• Best in Seat Comfort Award – APEX Future Travel Experience EMEA

• Design Airline of the Year Middle East – The Design Air

• Warner Bros. Superheroes Children's Amenity Kit – PAX International Awards

Turkish Airlines has signed a strategic agreement with CFM International to strengthen engine maintenance capabilities and support the expansion of its Boeing 737 MAX fleet.

The long-term services agreement will cover the airline group's entire LEAP-1B engine fleet, including engines already ordered and delivered, spare engines, units installed on leased aircraft and potential future options. The combined total exceeds 600 engines operated by Turkish Airlines and its subsidiary, AJet.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed during a ceremony in Istanbul by Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Murat Şeker; Turkish Technic CEO and Board Member, Mikail Akbulut; and Safran CEO Olivier Andriès. Safran is one of the two parent companies of CFM International.

The agreement also includes a material services arrangement to support the development of an engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Türkiye.

Şeker said the partnership would help Turkish Airlines accommodate fleet and network growth while improving operational efficiency. He added that the expanded services agreement would provide the technical expertise and long-term support required to develop LEAP engine maintenance capabilities.

Akbulut said the agreement would enable Turkish Technic to undertake comprehensive LEAP engine maintenance. He also reaffirmed the company's commitment to investing in engine services alongside its existing aircraft and component maintenance operations.

Andriès described the MoU as another milestone in a relationship with Turkish Airlines that has lasted nearly four decades. He said the agreement reflected both companies' ambitions to support the airline's growth and fleet expansion, while promoting an open MRO ecosystem offering flexible, competitive services to improve operational performance and control costs.

GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp Jr. also welcomed the agreement, highlighting Turkish Airlines' extensive international network and its confidence in CFM engines. He said the partnership would build on the companies' established relationship as the airline expands its Istanbul operations and engine maintenance capabilities.

Turkish Airlines currently operates 96 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft powered by CFM56-7B engines and 79 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft equipped with LEAP-1B engines.

CFM said it had delivered more than 10,000 LEAP engines during the 10 years since the engine entered service, with the fleet accumulating over 100 million flight hours. The manufacturer continues to introduce upgrades, including a high-pressure turbine durability kit designed to extend time on wing and a reverse bleed system (RBS).

The agreement is expected to strengthen Turkish Airlines' long-standing relationship with CFM International and support the integration of newly ordered Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into its expanding fleet. The planned engine MRO facility will also enhance Turkish Technic's ability to provide comprehensive maintenance services.

Source: Turkish Airlines

Oman Air has entered into a codeshare agreement with Finland’s Finnair, expanding travel options for passengers flying between Oman, Europe and Australia.

The deal represents the airline’s first partnership of this nature since it officially joined the Oneworld global airline alliance in June 2025.

Under the agreement, passengers will be able to reach Helsinki via London Heathrow Airport, where Oman Air operates 11 weekly flights from its main hub in Muscat.

The partnership will also cover Finnair-operated services connecting Helsinki with Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Milan and Rome, providing passengers with additional options for travelling between major European cities and the Finnish capital.

The agreement extends beyond Europe to Australia, with connections to Melbourne available via Bangkok. Oman Air operates two daily flights to the Thai capital, creating further opportunities for passengers travelling between the Middle East and Australia.

Rohan Patel, Head of Partnerships and Alliances at Oman Air, described the agreement as a significant strategic move towards maximising the benefits of the airline’s Oneworld membership.

He said the partnership had helped Oman Air broaden its customers’ travel options, making it easier for them to reach Helsinki and connect with destinations across Finnair’s wider network.

Source: Oman News Agency

Jazeera Airways has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320neo in Kuwait, marking the start of a major fleet expansion programme as the airline celebrates 21 years of operations.

The aircraft is the first delivery under the carrier’s order for 26 Airbus aircraft. Chief Executive Officer Barathan Pasupathi accompanied the jet on its inaugural flight, J921, from Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France, to Kuwait.

A welcoming ceremony in Kuwait was attended by Jazeera Airways Vice Chairman Mohammad Almousa, representatives of the Kuwait Civil Aviation Authority and Ministry of Interior, as well as the airline’s management and employees.

Almousa said the decision to accept the aircraft on schedule was deliberate, despite Kuwait’s airport having been closed for two months during the year. He noted that the aircraft is owned by Jazeera Airways, financed by Kuwaiti banks and expected to consume around 20% less fuel per seat than the previous generation.

He credited the airline’s employees with maintaining operations through what he described as its most difficult year since its first flight in 2005, adding that the delivery reflected confidence in Kuwait and the airline’s workforce.

Pasupathi described the arrival as a significant milestone, highlighting the company’s commitment to long-term growth, operational resilience and the development of Kuwait’s aviation market.

He said the aircraft acquisition represented more than an addition to the fleet, reflecting the airline’s ambition to strengthen its competitive position through modern aircraft, an improved passenger experience and an expanding route network.

New Aircraft Targets Efficiency and Passenger Comfort

The A320neo incorporates Airbus technology designed to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and lower noise levels compared with previous-generation aircraft.

Passenger features include lightweight, ergonomically designed RECARO seats and larger overhead baggage compartments, providing additional cabin storage and making boarding more convenient.

Jazeera Airways expects the aircraft to support operational efficiency while improving the onboard experience for passengers.

Fleet and Network Expansion Plans

The airline aims to increase its fleet to 50 aircraft by 2030 and expand its network to 100 destinations. Its plans include strengthening existing routes, adding capacity and developing further connections across its markets.

The latest delivery follows a period of significant regional aviation disruption earlier in the year, during which the airline worked to maintain and restore operations.

Jazeera Airways said its broader development strategy focuses on fleet growth, network expansion, digital innovation and continued investment in its workforce and infrastructure.

Pasupathi said each new aircraft would create additional opportunities to connect people, communities and markets. He added that further deliveries would support product improvements and a wider network.

The airline currently operates across more than 50 destinations in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa. It said the new aircraft reinforces its focus on a modern and efficient fleet, accessible air travel and sustainable growth, while contributing to the development of Kuwait’s aviation sector.

Source: TradeArabia

Qatar Airways has reduced its daily flight frequency to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as disruptions continue to affect its services to the Kingdom.

The airline said flights to and from Jeddah International Airport (JED) have been cut from seven daily services to four.

Meanwhile, flights connecting Doha with Riyadh (RUH) and Dammam (DMM) remain suspended through October 24, 2026, inclusive.

Qatar Airways has advised passengers to contact the airline within 48 hours of their scheduled departure to confirm the latest flight arrangements, warning that schedules remain subject to change.

Travellers can also visit the airline’s official website or use its mobile app to manage bookings and access updated flight information.

Source: The Peninsula

Air India has launched a company-wide cost-cutting initiative as financial losses, airspace restrictions and high jet fuel prices add pressure to its turnaround efforts, according to an internal memo from CEO Tewolde Gebremariam to employees.

The airline has established a dedicated cross-functional team to identify savings across its operations and introduced stricter controls on spending approvals. The initiative also includes an employee programme designed to reward ideas that reduce costs or generate additional revenue.

The measures come as Air India seeks to return to profitability and rebuild confidence in its safety standards. The carrier reported a loss of more than $2 billion in the fiscal year ended March and has faced regulatory scrutiny following a fatal crash in June 2025 that killed 260 people.

In August, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters that the airline was seeking approximately $1.5 billion in fresh equity funding from its owners, Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.

Operational Challenges Add to Financial Pressure

Air India has faced a series of operational difficulties, including safety and compliance shortcomings. These have included operating aircraft without valid certifications, while Pakistan's airspace ban and conflict-related disruptions in the Middle East have forced longer flight routes, cancellations and reductions in international services.

The airline's fleet modernisation programme has also encountered obstacles. Shortages of seats and other components have delayed cabin upgrades, while Air India is seeking to defer deliveries of hundreds of aircraft on order to manage expenditure.

These challenges confront Gebremariam as he attempts to overhaul the carrier, which has not reported a profit since returning to private ownership in 2022.

In his memo, the CEO called on employees to make cost-conscious decisions and strengthen accountability throughout the organisation. The new initiative is intended to encourage staff at all levels to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and increase revenue.

The cost-control measures form part of Air India's broader effort to manage financial pressures while addressing operational challenges and advancing its long-term turnaround plans.

Source: Reuters