JEDDAH: King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) has added new connections to its flight schedule, providing travelers with more choices to Middle East destinations. As part of the expansion plans currently being implemented by KAIA in partnership with General Authority of Civil Aviation, the airport’s runways are receiving three new airlines opening new horizons for economic, social and tourism opportunities between Jeddah and three Middle Eastern destinations: Felix Airways to and from Aden in Yemen, RAK Airways to and from Ras Al-Khaima in the UAE and Royal Falcon Airlines to and from Amman. KAIA Director General Mazin Khashoggi, said: “This step introduces more options for travelers and is in line with our ongoing program of updating and upgrading the airport’s facilities and services to fulfill the public’s needs and expectations. We look forward to signing agreements with more Middle Eastern and international airlines in order to enhance KAIA’s position as our country’s major entry and exit point.” KAIA already connects the Kingdom with 46 different destinations in the Middle East, and almost 100 destinations around the world.

JEDDAH: Air Arabia (PJSC), claimed to be the first and largest LCC in the Middle East and North Africa, has taken delivery of the first of forty-four A320 aircraft ordered in 2007 and 2008. The airline, which celebrates its seventh anniversary this month, received the new aircraft during a signing ceremony that took place on Oct. 22, at the Airbus facility in Hamburg, Germany. The delivery of the 44 aircraft order will take place between 2010 and 2016, and will more than double the size of Air Arabia’s existing fleet of 23 aircraft, in line with its aim to increase its total operating fleet to over 50 aircraft by 2016. “Our aim to become one of the world’s leading airlines in terms of profit margin, innovation, reputation, and operational excellence has taken a step closer to reality with today’s delivery of our first of 44 Airbus A320 aircraft. As we receive more aircraft in the months to come, we will expand our network to further expand our operations in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa,” said Air Arabia Chairman Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani. “We have chosen to invest in the Airbus A320 line due to its outstanding record.”

DOHA: Qatar Airways hosted an aviation safety event for the first time in Qatar in mid-October. The focus was to promote safety in the Gulf and the wider aviation community. Speakers included those from Qatar Airways, Doha International Airport and Boeing. On Day One, the Gulf Flight Safety Committee (GFSC) discussed safety topics specific to the Gulf region and exchange best practices. Representatives from airlines, manufacturers, regulators, air traffic service providers, business jet operators and cargo freight forwarders attended the event. On Day Two, the Top Level Safety Team meeting focused on the Middle East Aviation Safety Roadmap. The roadmap is a hands-on, active working strategy, which promotes higher aviation safety initiatives, and is part of the International Civil Aviation Organization umbrella. Senior aviation delegates from across the Middle East discussed matters related to establishing uniform measures to aviation safety procedures. Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said: “We were the first airline in the world to earn the International Operational Safety Audit in 2003, and most recently, we renewed it with 100 percent compliance in 2009.”

DUBAI: Emirates is offering competitively priced packages for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011. The tournament, which takes place in Doha from Jan. 7 to 29, will see 16 of Asia’s top national teams compete for the AFC Asian Cup 2011 including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as well as Korea, Japan and Australia, who played in the FIFA 2010 World Cup tournament. “Qatar is set to host the AFC Asian Cup 2011, with new facilities and world-class stadiums, and this will no doubt be a tournament to remember. To enable fans to attend these exciting matches, combined with a stay in Doha, we have put together packages to suit all budgets,” said Russell Sheldon, senior vice president of network passenger sales development, Emirates Airline. “The packages have been designed so that football fans living in the UAE and the rest of the Gulf region can fly to Doha, watch their favorite team play, and fly back the next morning,” Packages can be purchased through travel agents and Emirates offices worldwide, and include a choice of hotels, as well as a match ticket. Participating hotels in Doha are La Villa Palace, Ayana Golden Coast Hotel, Movenpick Hotel and Ritz Carlton Hotel.