JEDDAH: British Airways (BA) has announced it will reduce its World Traveller (economy) airfares from Saudi Arabia to popular destinations in Europe and North America during Ramadan. Tickets can be purchased till Sept. 3, for travel up to March 31 and prices include taxes, fees and service charges. Return economy flights from Saudi Arabia to London Heathrow start from SR1,862. Fares to other major European destinations are available from SR2,317, while ticket prices to the United States and Canada start from SR3,196 and SR3,129 respectively. BA’s Middle East Area Commercial Manager Paolo De Renzis said: “This promotion provides our Saudi customers with a good opportunity to travel during the month of Ramadan.”

New director at Sheraton Dammam Hotel Spa

DAMMAM: Dr. Narendra Shetty, the third generation doctor in a family from southern Indian state of Karnataka practicing traditional system of medicine, joins Sheraton Spa as director. The Spa & Wellness Center at Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Towers claims to offer an authentic holistic approach to wellness. The 15,000-square-foot facility is located on the ground floor below the lobby level. The Spa offers total relaxation and rejuvenation with four bespoke areas — Spa treatments, hairdressing, thermal heat experience and gym. There is a separate facility for women with skin care and body treatments, and hair care. Prior to his current assignment, Dr. Shetty worked with Swissotel Hotels & Resorts in Turkey where he was instrumental in developing and marketing new Amrita Spa & Wellness.

Qatar Airways elected to IATA Environment Committee

DOHA: Qatar Airways has been elected as a member of the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Environment Committee (ENCOM), one of IATA’s six groups focusing on different industry-related issues. The Doha-based airline will sit alongside a select group of international carriers to advise relevant IATA bodies on environmental matters and act with other members as a focal point within IATA on environmental issues. Appointments to the committee are made in recognition of the airline’s achievements and contributions toward environmental sustainability.

Gulf Air frequent flyer program wins award

BAHRAIN: Gulf Air has won the ’Middle East’s Leading Airline Reward Program’ title at the recent World Travel Awards 2009. Ruth Birkin, director of Customer Services, Gulf Air, said: “The unique advantages and benefits Gulf Air’s Frequent Flyer Program (FFP) offers its customers have received a great deal of high praise and industry recognition over the years. The national carrier of Bahrain said it had made easier for its members to take advantage of the program with the addition of several new facilities to its online FFP site which allows our members to log onto their personal account and check their loyalty points and redeem their miles anytime, anywhere.”

Bahrain Air starts Iraq operations Friday

BAHRAIN: Bahrain Air is commencing direct commercial flights from Bahrain to Baghdad and Najaf international airports with a total of seven flights a week — two weekly flights to Baghdad International Airport, and five weekly flights to Najaf International Airport, starting from Aug. 28. Bahrain Air’s Managing Director Ibrahim A. Al-Hamer, said the announcement of Bahrain Air operations to Iraq followed an agreement between Bahrain and Iraq Civil Aviation Authorities. “The plan to introduce the new destinations is consistent with our goals and represents a dedication to the lucrative Iraqi market, and appreciation of its immense growth and potential. With flights to these two cities, we serve the increasing demand from traveling public and in particular from the Iraqi community residing in Bahrain and the other GCC countries or for those who are visiting their families, or for business or leisure.” The airline is set to start operations to Riyadh from Sept. 28, taking the total number of destinations to 19.