JEDDAH: Saudi and other holidaymakers in the region are looking for a winter break in the UK as the nation begins preparations to transform itself into a fairytale land full of vibrant lights, festive shopping, delectable dining and festive cheer. “December is a popular time for Middle East tourists to visit the UK, as there are so many wonderful events, sights to see. This time of year is the UK’s magical holiday season and both tourists and expatriates are now planning their schedules and booking flights in order to make the most of the upcoming seasonal activities and celebrations,” said Carol Maddison UAE Manager, VisitBritain. In London, the stunning Somerset House has been welcoming visitors from home and abroad for years with its magical ice-rink set in a spectacular neo-classical building in the heart of the capital. Also home to open-air concerts, film, and contemporary art exhibitions, the city’s favorite rink will see visitors skate their way into the night surrounded by fairylights. The Oxford Street is preparing to see thousands of shoppers and spectators. The annual Cardiff fun fair in the Welsh capital will add to the festivities.

JEDDAH: The Saudi Aviation Flight Academy (SAFA) recently took delivery of its first two training DA40 NG single-engine training aircraft from Diamond Aircraft Industries (DAI) on their arrival in the Kingdom. These trainers are the first batch of a total of 20 training aircraft and 12 technically advanced flight training devices (aka simulators) that Al-Thumamah Airport-based SAFA has agreed to purchase and will form the foundation for its advanced approach to pilot training. The equipment will play a key role in supporting SAFA’s objective to develop pilots who not only possess superior “stick and rudder” skills, but are immersed in a strong safety culture as well. The state-of-the-art curriculum has been developed using international experts with the ultimate goal of supporting the growth of aviation in the Kingdom. The Diamond DA40 NG is a four-seat, single engine aircraft primarily constructed from composite materials. Built in both Austria and Canada, the plane is manufactured by DAI, which was founded in 1981 as Hoffman Flugzeubau in Friesach, Austria. The academy is a joint venture between the Saudi Aviation Club and SAFA.

JEDDAH: Just days after reporting a 4.3 percent rise in September premium traffic and determined to keep demand high, the UK’s flagship carrier, British Airways (BA), has announced a reduction in fares on services to Europe and North America. The discount fares will be available until Oct. 31 and are valid for travel up until March 31 in Club World business class, World Traveller Plus premium economy and World Traveller economy cabins. With return trips to Europe including all taxes, fees and surcharges available for SR2,142 and to North America for SR3,542, the UK carrier aims to continue experiencing growth. Fares to Europe in premium economy also start from SR4,032 and business class from SR9,990 all-inclusive return. Paolo De Renzis, BA’s area commercial manager, Middle East, said: “British Airways is determined to consistently offer our regional customers value for money. The Middle East remains a key growth market for us so it is important that we can compete effectively on price. With the new Boeing 777-300 set to become a frequent feature on regional routes, we are committed to maintaining our high standard of both products and services.”

DAMMAM: nasair has signed agreements with several international airports to allow its passengers utilize their executive lounge facilities. According to Turki Al-Jawini, nasair sales director, the new service enables international passengers who buy their tickets through flynas.com to have the option of advance booking for the executive lounge service paid at less than 20-25 percent of the normal charges at those airports. The service allows travelers to use the executive lounges and enjoy all their legacy services. The service is aimed at the business and executive segment, which represents 37 percent of nasair’s passengers. To begin with, the deal covers 10 airports — Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Kuwait, Amman, Damascus, Beirut, Sharm El-Sheikh, Khartoum, Sanaa and Mumbai. “We are continuing our efforts to expand the service to all nasair destinations,” Al-Jawini added. The service is in keeping with its other Smart services like online check-in, seat selection, excess luggage payment and hotel booking. The carrier boasts youngest fleet, competitive fares, Smart services and on-time performance.