Emirates closed out 2025 with a busy year of expansion, product upgrades, and new initiatives across both passenger and cargo-adjacent services. The Dubai-based airline said it carried 55.6 million customers on nearly 180,580 flights over the year, while also placing orders for 73 new aircraft as it continues to scale its long-term fleet plans.

Marking its 40th year of operations, Emirates framed 2025 as a year focused not just on milestones, but on sharpening what it calls the future of “fly better”—from new aircraft introductions and cabin upgrades to connectivity and accessibility improvements.

A350 enters service and network grows

A major fleet headline was the entry of the Emirates Airbus A350 into commercial service, starting with its inaugural journey to Edinburgh in early January 2025. Emirates said its A350 footprint expanded through the year, with multiple aircraft now flying to a growing list of cities, and Montreal set to join the A350 network from February 2026.

Asia expansion: new mainland China routes

Emirates also highlighted its push deeper into Asia, launching new Chinese mainland destinations Shenzhen and Hangzhou with daily non-stop services, alongside added connectivity to Da Nang (Vietnam) and Siem Reap (Cambodia) via Bangkok.

Premium Economy rollout accelerates

Premium Economy remained a key passenger product focus in 2025. Emirates expanded the cabin across its network by deploying next-generation aircraft and retrofitted A380s and Boeing 777s, with the airline saying close to 70 cities are now served by aircraft featuring its latest cabin interiors—around 40% of the passenger fleet.

Starlink Wi-Fi rollout announced for 232 widebodies

On the technology side, Emirates announced plans to roll out Starlink connectivity across 232 Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft, aiming for fast, low-latency internet for customers across cabins. The programme begins with the 777 fleet and is expected to include A380 installations from early 2026.

New logistics play: Emirates Courier Express

Beyond passenger operations, Emirates pointed to Emirates Courier Express, which it says is designed to move packages more directly by using its passenger network rather than routing shipments through multiple hubs. The airline reported it has handled 50,000+ packages so far, with an average delivery time of around three days across its lane pairs, and further expansion planned in 2026.

Skywards at 25 and a larger accessibility drive

Emirates also marked the 25th anniversary of Emirates Skywards, saying the programme has 37 million members globally. Separately, the airline highlighted accessibility initiatives, including becoming the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™ and launching an online hub designed to support travellers with different accessibility needs.

Continued investment in premium service

To strengthen its premium positioning, Emirates pointed to service and ground upgrades—such as its dedicated Emirates First check-in concept at Dubai International Airport and expanded hospitality training through its Centre of Hospitality Excellence. The carrier also noted it ended the year with multiple industry accolades for customer experience and onboard products.

Riyadh Air and Saudia have announced the implementation of the first phase of their Strategic Cooperation Agreement, marking a major step in strengthening connectivity under Saudi Arabia’s National Aviation Strategy.

The partnership builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2023 and enables the two airlines to expand travel options for domestic and international passengers.

As part of the first phase, Riyadh Air has established a connection with Saudia’s Passenger Service System (PSS), allowing the carriers to implement their codeshare across their respective technology platforms.

Under the RX-SV codeshare, Riyadh Air will place its “RX” designator on selected Saudia-operated flights from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport to six domestic destinations: Abha, Al Qassim, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina and Tabuk.

The agreement will give Riyadh Air passengers access to additional destinations worldwide through convenient connections in Riyadh. For example, travelers from Dammam can connect via Riyadh to Madrid on a single ticket, while passengers flying from Kuala Lumpur can connect through Riyadh to Medina.

By using Saudia’s frequent services between Riyadh and the six codeshare destinations, Riyadh Air will offer passengers more convenient connections aligned with the arrival and departure schedules of its flights at Riyadh.

Both airlines operate within the King Khalid International Airport Terminal 1-4 complex, enabling passengers to benefit from streamlined connections, single-ticket journeys and through-checked baggage to their final destinations.

The first phase represents a significant step toward deeper cooperation between Saudi Arabia’s two national carriers and supports the Kingdom’s broader ambitions to expand its global aviation network.

Source: aaco.org

SalamAir has announced the establishment of Salalah’s first-ever airline base, marking a major step in the airline’s expansion and strengthening direct international connectivity from Oman’s Dhofar Governorate.

The new Salalah-based operation will initially serve three international destinations: Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Chattogram in Bangladesh and Calicut in India. Bookings opened on August 26, with flights scheduled to begin from the end of October as part of SalamAir’s Winter 2026 schedule.

The base follows SalamAir’s expanded operations during the 2026 Khareef season, when the airline increased capacity on the Muscat-Salalah route to as many as 15 daily flights during peak periods.

The airline also introduced special domestic fares for Omani nationals, with one-way tickets starting from OMR 9.99, supporting affordable travel between Muscat and Salalah.

The new base is expected to extend SalamAir’s role beyond the Khareef season by supporting year-round travel demand among residents and expatriate communities in Dhofar while offering more direct access to key regional and international destinations.

Operations from Salalah will be supported by SalamAir’s Airbus A320neo and A321neo fleet. The airline currently operates 18 aircraft, providing additional flexibility to support growing demand across its network.

During the winter season, SalamAir will also operate charter flights linking Salalah with Astana and Almaty in Kazakhstan, supporting inbound tourism from Central Asia.

The Salalah base forms part of SalamAir’s wider strategy to expand its network from key airports across Oman, develop underserved markets and stimulate new travel demand while supporting the growth of the Sultanate’s aviation and tourism sectors.

Source: ZAWYA