Qatar Airways has won four titles at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2026, while retaining its 5-Star Airline rating in recognition of its premium services, passenger experience and onboard connectivity.

The airline received the following awards:

• World’s Best Business Class, for the 13th time
• Best Airline in the Middle East, for the 14th time
• World’s Best Business Class Lounge, for the eighth time
• World’s Best Onboard Wi-Fi, marking the first time the award has been presented

Qatar Airways said the accolades reflect its focus on premium service, onboard technology and operational standards across its international network.

Hamad Al-Khater, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, credited the airline’s 60,000 employees for the recognition, highlighting their contribution during a challenging year. He also congratulated the oneworld Alliance, which was named the World’s Best Airline Alliance for 2026.

The awards come ahead of Qatar Airways’ 30th anniversary next year, with the airline reaffirming its commitment to developing its products and services.

Qsuite retains business class recognition

Qatar Airways’ flagship Qsuite business class product was again recognised as the World’s Best Business Class. The cabin offers private suites designed for working, dining and relaxation, combining privacy with personalised comfort.

Its patented Quad Suite configuration allows four centre seats to be combined into a shared space. Adjustable privacy panels can be lowered, enabling passengers to work, dine or socialise together.

Regional leadership and premium lounges

Qatar Airways also secured the Best Airline in the Middle East title for the 14th time. The airline said it has expanded its regional services for the winter season, increasing daily flights across the Middle East by 14%.

The World’s Best Business Class Lounge award went to Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden, located at Hamad International Airport. Overlooking The ORCHARD, the lounge combines contemporary design with elements of nature, wellness and comfort.

First Skytrax award for onboard Wi-Fi

Qatar Airways became the first airline to receive Skytrax’s World’s Best Onboard Wi-Fi award. The recognition highlights the airline’s investment in inflight connectivity through its Starlink-equipped widebody fleet.

Qatar Airways operates the world’s first and largest widebody fleet equipped with Starlink. More than 25 million passengers have used the service across over 96,000 flights, according to the airline.

Qatar Airways said it would continue investing in premium products, technology and service as it works to strengthen global connectivity and shape the future of air travel.

Source: Qatar Airways

Jazeera Airways has entered into a strategic partnership with Trip.com Group to expand the Kuwaiti low-cost carrier’s international reach, strengthen advance bookings and contribute to the growth of Kuwait’s travel and tourism industry.

Under the agreement, Trip.com will leverage its global customer base, demand forecasting tools and multi-market technology to support Jazeera Airways’ network, with particular attention to new and demand-sensitive routes. The initiative will seek to improve the airline’s visibility, stimulate passenger demand and increase bookings across both origin and destination markets.

Jazeera Airways CEO Barathan Pasupathi said the partnership represents an important development in the airline’s distribution and growth strategy. He said access to Trip.com’s global demand ecosystem and AI-powered retailing capabilities would help improve network performance while enabling the airline to engage potential travellers more effectively.

CT Ooi, Chief Executive Officer of Flights at Trip.com Group, said the combination of Jazeera Airways’ network and local expertise with Trip.com’s international reach, demand intelligence and technology could help the airline access high-potential traveller segments in key global markets.

The partnership will also promote Kuwait as a stopover and tourism destination through curated content, flexible travel packages and regional storytelling. The companies said these initiatives are intended to support economic diversification and attract more international visitors.

Jazeera Airways will also gain access to Trip.com’s distribution and retailing technology, allowing it to target groups such as students, expatriates and travellers visiting friends and relatives. The technology will support fare bundling, ancillary product sales and upselling opportunities.

Additional exposure for Jazeera Airways will come through Trip.com’s media channels, joint campaigns and customer relationship management initiatives aimed at increasing awareness, engagement and bookings.

The companies expect the collaboration to strengthen Jazeera Airways’ international distribution network while contributing to Kuwait’s wider efforts to develop its aviation and tourism sectors.

Source: TradeArabia

Qatar Airways has won four titles at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2026, while retaining its 5-Star Airline rating in recognition of its premium services, passenger experience and onboard connectivity.

The airline received the following awards:

• World’s Best Business Class, for the 13th time
• Best Airline in the Middle East, for the 14th time
• World’s Best Business Class Lounge, for the eighth time
• World’s Best Onboard Wi-Fi, marking the first time the award has been presented

Qatar Airways said the accolades reflect its focus on premium service, onboard technology and operational standards across its international network.

Hamad Al-Khater, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, credited the airline’s 60,000 employees for the recognition, highlighting their contribution during a challenging year. He also congratulated the oneworld Alliance, which was named the World’s Best Airline Alliance for 2026.

The awards come ahead of Qatar Airways’ 30th anniversary next year, with the airline reaffirming its commitment to developing its products and services.

Qsuite retains business class recognition

Qatar Airways’ flagship Qsuite business class product was again recognised as the World’s Best Business Class. The cabin offers private suites designed for working, dining and relaxation, combining privacy with personalised comfort.

Its patented Quad Suite configuration allows four centre seats to be combined into a shared space. Adjustable privacy panels can be lowered, enabling passengers to work, dine or socialise together.

Regional leadership and premium lounges

Qatar Airways also secured the Best Airline in the Middle East title for the 14th time. The airline said it has expanded its regional services for the winter season, increasing daily flights across the Middle East by 14%.

The World’s Best Business Class Lounge award went to Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden, located at Hamad International Airport. Overlooking The ORCHARD, the lounge combines contemporary design with elements of nature, wellness and comfort.

First Skytrax award for onboard Wi-Fi

Qatar Airways became the first airline to receive Skytrax’s World’s Best Onboard Wi-Fi award. The recognition highlights the airline’s investment in inflight connectivity through its Starlink-equipped widebody fleet.

Qatar Airways operates the world’s first and largest widebody fleet equipped with Starlink. More than 25 million passengers have used the service across over 96,000 flights, according to the airline.

Qatar Airways said it would continue investing in premium products, technology and service as it works to strengthen global connectivity and shape the future of air travel.

Source: Qatar Airways

Korean Air has finalized an order for 103 Boeing aircraft valued at $36.2 billion at list prices, completing a deal first announced in 2025, the airline and US aircraft manufacturer said Wednesday.

The order comprises 20 Boeing 777-9 passenger aircraft, 25 787-10s, 50 737-10s and eight 777-8 Freighters. The deal covers both wide-body and single-aisle aircraft, including freighters.

Only the 787 is currently certified for commercial operations among the aircraft types included in the order, while Boeing is continuing development of the 777-8 Freighter.

Aviation advisory and intelligence firm IBA estimates the aircraft order has a current market value of around $12.6 billion after accounting for discounts.

Korean Air said the overall package is worth $44.8 billion when additional agreements are included. These comprise an $8.6 billion purchase of 21 spare engines from GE Aerospace and CFM International, along with a 15-year engine maintenance agreement covering 28 aircraft.

The airline said the investment will support long-term fleet expansion following its integration with Asiana Airlines. The introduction of newer aircraft is also expected to improve fuel efficiency as Korean Air modernises its fleet.

The aircraft purchase represents the largest order in Korean Air’s history. The plan was first announced during South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s visit to Washington last year.

Korean Air CEO Cho Won-tae has previously said the new aircraft would allow the airline to expand its network to more destinations in the United States and Latin America. Around 80% of the aircraft are expected to replace existing planes in the carrier’s fleet.

Cho described the completion of the agreements as a significant milestone and said the investment reflected the close relationship between South Korea and the United States. Boeing said the agreement resulted from bilateral trade discussions.

Source: Reuters

British Airways will resume services to Tanzania in May 2027, launching seasonal flights to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar as the airline expands its international summer network.

The return comes 13 years after British Airways ended its Dar es Salaam-London service and will restore a direct connection between the UK and Tanzania, targeting demand for safari and beach holidays.

The new routes are part of the airline’s expanded summer 2027 schedule, which also includes additional services to destinations across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

British Airways will operate three weekly flights from London Gatwick, with each service scheduled to arrive first at Kilimanjaro International Airport before continuing to Zanzibar. Flights are due to begin on May 29, 2027, and operate until October 31, covering the UK school holiday period and Tanzania’s peak safari season.

The expansion comes as airlines and tour operators continue to adjust international networks following disruptions linked to the six-month-old US-Iran war and instability affecting travel through the Middle East. The extent to which those developments directly influenced British Airways’ decision to return to Tanzania, however, remains a matter of market interpretation.

Sean Mendis, a Blantyre-based air transport consultant, said package holiday operators were looking for alternative destinations for travellers who might previously have chosen Middle Eastern resorts.

British Airways’ choice of Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar gives it access to two distinct tourism markets, combining safari, mountain and wildlife experiences with Indian Ocean beach holidays.

Kilimanjaro International Airport provides access to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, home to attractions including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park.

The Serengeti is known internationally for the annual Great Migration, while the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s major wildlife destinations. Mount Kilimanjaro, the continent’s highest mountain, also attracts climbers and adventure travellers.

Zanzibar offers a contrasting tourism experience, with its beaches, marine activities, cultural attractions and historic sites.

Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said the airline was pleased to introduce services to the two Tanzanian destinations, describing them as offering complementary tourism experiences.

He said the expanded network would give customers greater choice and flexibility while strengthening London’s links with international destinations.

The new services also reflect British Airways’ use of seasonal scheduling, allowing the airline to align capacity with periods of stronger tourism demand rather than initially operating the routes year-round.

Source: The East African

flydubai has partnered with Egnatia Aviation and Skyborne Airline Academy to expand its pilot training capabilities and strengthen its Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme.

Under the agreement, both training providers will deliver flight instruction for the programme’s first batches of cadets. The initiative will provide trainees with a structured pathway to obtain a Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) before joining flydubai’s flight operations as first officers.

flydubai Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith said the partnership would support the airline’s investment in developing the next generation of aviation professionals and building the pilot capacity required for its long-term growth.

He said working with Egnatia and Skyborne would strengthen the Ab Initio programme and help prepare cadets for a smooth transition into flight operations.

The partnership forms part of flydubai’s long-term strategy to establish a sustainable pipeline of qualified pilots as the airline expands its fleet and network over the coming decade.

By combining flydubai’s training facilities with the expertise of the two flight training organisations, the programme is also intended to support Dubai’s position as an international centre for aviation training and talent development.

Captain Ahmad Bin Huzaim, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations & Crew Training at flydubai, said the programme aims to attract international aviation talent while further developing Dubai’s role as a global training hub.

He said the partnership will give trainees access to experienced instructors and training facilities in Europe and the United States, supporting a training programme aligned with the standards applied across flydubai’s flight operations.

Egnatia Aviation Chief Executive Officer George Zografakis said the partnership would allow the company to contribute to the development of a new generation of pilots while supporting flydubai’s growth.

Egnatia provides pilot training ranging from Private Pilot Licences to advanced professional qualifications. Its programmes are approved by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and are designed to meet international aviation standards.

Skyborne Chief Executive Officer Lee Woodward said the academy would bring its training expertise to an international group of flydubai cadets through the new programme. Trainees from Australia, North America, New Zealand and South Africa will be able to participate.

Skyborne is certified by the UAE GCAA and provides commercial pilot training focused on technical knowledge, discipline and the skills required to operate in an international airline environment.

flydubai’s 38,000-square-foot Flight Training Centre remains central to the airline’s pilot development strategy. The facility features four Boeing 737 Full-Flight Simulators, allowing cadets to use advanced simulation technology from the early stages of training and progress toward line training on flydubai’s operational fleet.

Source: ZAWYA