Tag Archives: #airlines

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Riyadh Air places firm order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft

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Riyadh Air, the new premium international airline based in Saudi Arabia, has placed a firm order for 25 A350-1000 aircraft.

Riyadh Air, the new premium international airline based in Saudi Arabia, has placed a firm order for 25 A350-1000 aircraft. The agreement, which can potentially increase to 50 A350-1000 was signed at the Paris Air Show, with the ceremony attended by H.E Yasir Al-Rumayyan, The Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus and Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air.

Riyadh Air will become the first airline in Saudi Arabia  to operate the A350-1000. It also supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambition to reach 300 million air passengers annually by the end of the decade, positioning the country as a global aviation and tourism hub.

“This order marks a significant step forward in building a world-class airline that reflects the ambitions of Vision 2030. The A350-1000 will bring outstanding efficiency and comfort to our fleet, supporting our sustainability goals and enabling Riyadh Air to offer a premium experience while connecting Saudi Arabia to the world,” said Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air ”It’s a clear signal of our intent to shape the future of air travel and contribute meaningfully to the Kingdom’s fast-growing aviation ecosystem.”

“We are proud to extend our strategic partnership with Riyadh Air as it continues to build a pioneering carrier for the Kingdom. As the long-range leader, the A350-1000 will provide unrivalled efficiency, range and passenger comfort, making it the ideal choice to support the airline’s ambitious growth plans and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to enhance global connectivity and economic diversification”, said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft, setting new standards for intercontinental travel. It also offers the longest range capability of any commercial airliner in production today.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 is already capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be 100% SAF-capable by 2030.

At the end of May 2025, the A350 Family has won over 1,390 firm orders from more than 60 customers worldwide, with 657 aircraft in service on long, medium and short haul routes around the world.


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Etihad Airways Reports Record Financial Results

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The airline reported a Q1 profit of AED 685 million (£139 million), an increase of 30% year-on-year. As well as record breaking financial gains, the Emirati carrier also saw customer satisfaction levels reach an all-time high, with Q1 seeing a 20% improvement year-on-year.

The airline carried 5 million passengers during Q1, which is a 16% year-on-year increase. Carrying almost 20 million passengers in the past 12 months, Etihad is now the fastest growing airline in the region.

Regarding the record-breaking results, Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways said:

We are proud to deliver a record-breaking quarter – both in profitability and in guest satisfaction. Achieving our highest-ever Q1 profit of AED 685 million and our best-ever customer satisfaction scores reflects the strength of our business and the dedication of our people. We’re executing a clear strategy: grow sustainably, operate efficiently, and never lose focus on delivering remarkable experiences to our guests. From continued refinements to our onboard offering to improved airport services and the debut of our A321LR with a market-leading narrowbody product, we’re raising the bar in every part of the journey. Our network continues to expand with 16 new routes announced for 2025 and additional aircraft joining our fleet. As we grow, we remain disciplined.

Boosted by increased capacity, network expansion and increased flight frequencies, Etihad also saw passenger revenue increase by 16% to AED 5.5 billion (£1.12 billion). 

Bolstered by an advancement in its premium offerings, an expansion of First-Class to more routes and the addition of new ground and inflight services, the airline also reported record-high customer satisfaction levels.

Gains were reported across many key areas, including check-in, boarding, in-flight services and food and beverage offerings, demonstrating an improvement by the airline across the passenger journey.


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Emirates airline posts record annual profit, reflects Dubai’s growth as aviation hub

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DUBAI, May 8 (Reuters) – Emirates airline on Thursday reported a record full-year profit, bucking a broader global slowdown in air travel as it capitalized on Dubai’s growth as a hub for major routes.

The strong performance underscores the carrier’s continued rebound from the pandemic and its strategic advantage operating out of Dubai, an expanding long-haul hub, even as peers in the U.S. and Europe flag rising cost pressures and weaker bookings.

But escalating trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty are clouding the industry’s outlook for the rest of the year.

The Gulf carrier posted earnings of 19.1 billion dirhams ($5.2 billion) for the year ended March 31, compared with 17.2 billion dirhams a year earlier.

It carried 53.7 million passengers in the fiscal year, up 3% from a year earlier, while seat capacity climbed 4%.

Emirates plays a key role in positioning Dubai as a global aviation hub, and is part of the Emirates Group, which also owns ground-handling firm dnata and other aviation services.

Its parent Emirates Group reported a record annual profit before tax, up 18% from a year earlier, and said it would pay a 6 billion dirhams dividend to its owner, Dubai’s sovereign wealth fund.

“The Emirates Group has thrived and stayed resilient through geo-political and socio-economic challenges over the years,” Chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said in a statement.

DELIVERY DELAYS

Airlines worldwide have been grappling with aircraft delivery delays from both Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab and Airbus (AIR.PA)

, opens new tab, forcing them to postpone route expansions and capacity ramp-ups.

Still, Emirates airline managed to grow total passenger and cargo capacity by 4% in the year.

Emirates said it added 99 more aircraft to its retrofit programme as delivery of new jets has been delayed. It will now see 219 jets undergoing a full cabin refresh at a total investment of $5 billion.

“Emirates will strengthen our network connectivity with the expected delivery of 16 A350s and 4 Boeing 777 freighters in 2025-26, providing much-needed capacity to meet customer demand,” said Sheikh Ahmed.

As of March 31, Emirates had 314 aircraft pending delivery in its order book with a total fleet count of 260 units.

($1 = 3.6727 UAE dirham)


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UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey Showcase Cutting-Edge Aviation Innovations and Premium Services at ATM2025, Redefining Air Travel for the Future

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At ATM2025, airlines from UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey will unveil groundbreaking innovations and premium services, shaping the future of air travel.

Emirates – Official Airline for ATM2025
Stand ME1220, ME1230
Emirates, the official airline partner for ATM2025, will be prominently positioned in the Middle East Hall. The airline is set to impress with its next-generation offerings, particularly the much-anticipated Airbus A350 cabin experience. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore this cutting-edge aircraft and witness Emirates’ commitment to enhancing passenger comfort and luxury. Alongside the A350, Emirates will also showcase its iconic Airbus A380, featuring remarkable amenities such as the Onboard Lounge, Shower Spa, and the luxurious First Class suite on the Boeing 777. Emirates continues to define innovation in air travel, and ATM2025 will offer a rare opportunity to experience its latest advancements in aviation firsthand.

Etihad Airways – The National Airline of the UAE
Stand ME0520
Etihad Airways will feature its luxurious cabins across multiple aircraft, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Highlighting its premium offerings, the airline will spotlight its top-tier Residence, Business, and Economy classes. Known for its world-class service, Etihad will also showcase innovative products designed to elevate the travel experience. Visitors to their stand can expect to be impressed by the airline’s blend of modern luxury and traditional hospitality, as well as learn about their cutting-edge advancements in both product and service.

flydubai
Stand ME1020, ME1282
flydubai, the leading low-cost airline in the UAE, will be showcasing its expanding network and innovative services. Visitors can expect to see flydubai’s business suites, an embodiment of the airline’s commitment to providing enhanced comfort even in low-cost travel. Additionally, flydubai will share insights into their fleet expansion plans and the new aircraft that are set to join their operations in the near future. The airline’s focus on improving customer experience while offering affordable travel options makes it a standout at ATM2025.

Qatar Airways
Stand ME1420
Qatar Airways is set to unveil a game-changing innovation at ATM2025: the Arabic-speaking AI digital human cabin crew named Sama. This cutting-edge development aims to redefine the travel experience and make air travel more accessible. Qatar Airways is also expected to highlight its award-winning Qsuite business class, which continues to set the standard for luxury in the skies. With over 160 destinations worldwide, Qatar Airways will also showcase its extensive route network and state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment options. Voted World’s Leading Business Class Airline at the 2024 World Travel Awards, Qatar Airways is sure to be one of the highlights of the event.

Saudia (formerly Saudi Airlines)
Stand ME1930
Saudia will focus on its ambitious expansion plans at ATM2025, promoting its growing network and fleet of new aircraft. The airline is also committed to enhancing its passenger services, with a clear focus on business and tourism travel within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With a renewed emphasis on global connections and modernization, Saudia’s participation at ATM2025 highlights the airline’s pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape.

Flynas – KSA
Stand ME1835
Flynas, the Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier, will showcase its impressive network that spans over 70 destinations. Known for offering affordable travel options, Flynas is set to highlight its award-winning services and explore the potential for future fleet expansion. Visitors to Flynas’ stand can also expect to learn more about the airline’s new routes and plans for further enhancing customer service and accessibility.

Riyadh Air – Yet to Launch
Stand ME1820
Riyadh Air, which has not yet launched operations, is generating significant buzz as it prepares to make its debut. Positioned as an aviation disruptor, Riyadh Air aims to redefine digital and premium travel experiences with a strong focus on sustainability and customer experience. While still in its early stages, Riyadh Air is expected to showcase its modern fleet and provide a glimpse of what the future of air travel in Saudi Arabia will look like. Its anticipated commitment to innovation positions it as one of the most exciting new players in the aviation industry.

Turkish Airlines
Stand EU6350
Turkish Airlines will be highlighting its luxurious new Crystal Business Class Suites at ATM2025. Designed for enhanced privacy and comfort, these suites feature materials sourced from Turkey, bringing a touch of the country’s culture into the flying experience. The airline will also showcase its exclusive amenity kits, including the UNESCO amenity kit collection, a unique offering that celebrates Turkish heritage. Turkish Airlines’ stand will also promote the airline’s commitment to showcasing Turkish culture, making it a must-visit for those interested in cultural immersion and luxury air travel.

Other Airlines at ATM2025
Apart from these major players, numerous other airlines will be participating at ATM2025, some with independent stands, while others will be featured on their home country’s stand. These airlines represent a broad spectrum of the global aviation market, showcasing the diversity and innovation that continue to drive the industry forward. Whether through new aircraft, innovative services, or expanded route networks, these airlines are all united by a shared commitment to providing travelers with the best possible flying experience.

As one of the largest and most important travel trade shows in the region, ATM2025 offers a unique opportunity for industry leaders, airlines, and travel professionals to come together and shape the future of air travel. With a spotlight on luxury, innovation, and sustainable travel, this year’s event promises to be an exciting preview of what’s to come in the aviation sector.


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Qatar Airways Nears Boeing 777 Fleet-Wide Starlink Upgrade

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Qatar Airways, the world’s largest airline to offer Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet, is nearing completion of its ambitious Boeing 777 fleet-wide upgrade—solidifying its position as a global leader in in-flight connectivity. With just a few aircraft remaining, the airline is on the cusp of completing one of the fastest and most extensive Starlink installations in the aviation industry.

Building on this momentum, Qatar Airways is set to achieve another global first: beginning this month, the airline will start equipping its Airbus A350 fleet with Starlink Wi-Fi. This milestone makes Qatar Airways the first airline in the world to introduce this next-generation connectivity on the A350 aircraft type.

Following the successful rollout across the Boeing 777 fleet, the expansion to the A350 will allow even more passengers to enjoy complimentary, ultra-fast internet—perfect for streaming, gaming, and staying productive at 35,000 feet.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, commented:
“We are just a few aircraft away from completing a full fleet-wide upgrade of our Boeing 777s with Starlink connectivity—an industry-first for a widebody fleet of this scale. In April, we will become the first airline in the world to begin equipping the Airbus A350 with Starlink, taking another bold step in our journey of redefining connectivity in the skies. We affirm our continual efforts to enhance our onboard Wi-Fi experience, ensuring passengers enjoy greater comfort, convenience, and service.”

With more than 80 percent of its Boeing 777 fleet now Starlink-equipped, Qatar Airways has already operated over 6,000 flights globally with unmatched, gate-to-gate internet service—delivering the fastest in-flight connectivity available in the MENA region.

The decision to equip the Airbus A350, a next-generation aircraft used on many of the airline’s most prominent routes, reflects Qatar Airways’ ongoing commitment to enhancing the passenger experience through cutting-edge technology.

Installations are being carefully timed to ensure no disruption to operations, allowing the airline to maintain its renowned punctuality and service quality. As the World’s Best Airline (Skytrax 2024), Qatar Airways continues to lead the way in redefining how passengers stay connected in the skies—combining technological innovation with award-winning hospitality on every journey.


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Why Rolls-Royce operates a Boeing 747-200

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Rolls-Royce is renowned for producing some of the world’s most advanced aircraft engines, powering commercial, military, and business aviation. However, what many people might not know is that the company operates a Boeing 747-200, a legacy aircraft that plays a crucial role in the development and testing of new jet engine technology.

A Flying Testbed for Innovation

The Rolls-Royce Boeing 747-200, known as the Flying Testbed, is an essential platform for testing and validating the company’s latest engine designs. This aircraft allows engineers to assess performance, efficiency, and reliability in real-world flying conditions, which cannot be fully replicated in ground-based test facilities.

The 747-200 is particularly well suited to this role because of its four-engine configuration. Rolls-Royce can replace one of the original engines with a new test engine, allowing for direct comparison against the operational engines. This setup provides invaluable data while ensuring that the aircraft remains airworthy throughout the test programme.

The Aircraft’s History

The Rolls-Royce Boeing 747-200, registered N747RR, originally entered service as a passenger aircraft with British Airways in 1980. After decades of commercial service, it was repurposed as a dedicated testbed and extensively modified to meet Rolls-Royce’s unique requirements.

The aircraft features an adapted pylon that allows engineers to mount and test engines of different sizes, from smaller business jet engines to the largest turbofans, such as the Trent XWB or the UltraFan. Inside, the cabin has been stripped of its traditional passenger seating and refitted with high-tech instrumentation, data recording systems, and workstations for engineers to monitor engine performance in real time.

Why Use a 747?

There are several reasons why Rolls-Royce chose a Boeing 747-200 for its testing programme:

  1. Versatility – The aircraft’s four-engine design allows it to safely carry and test a new engine while operating with three proven engines.
  2. Size and Power – The 747’s large airframe provides ample space for mounting and testing even the largest jet engines.
  3. Long Flight Range – As a long-haul aircraft, the 747-200 enables Rolls-Royce to conduct tests over extended durations, collecting data on performance in various conditions.
  4. Reliability – The Boeing 747 has a proven track record as a stable and reliable platform, making it ideal for such an important role.

Advancing the Future of Aviation

The Flying Testbed has played a vital role in developing some of Rolls-Royce’s most advanced engines, including the Trent 1000, Trent XWB, and Pearl series. Looking ahead, it will be instrumental in testing next-generation technologies such as the UltraFan, a highly efficient engine designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

By operating the Boeing 747-200 as a test platform, Rolls-Royce ensures that its engines meet the highest standards of performance, efficiency, and safety before they enter commercial service. While the aircraft itself may be an older model, its role remains cutting-edge, helping to shape the future of aviation.


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HAECO and Emirates agree new 777 landing gear MRO partnership

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Aircraft engineering and MRO services provider HAECO has announced a new partnership with Emirates to provide specialised landing gear repair and overhaul services for the airline’s Boeing 777 fleet.

The agreement represents HAECO’s debut in providing landing gear support for Emirates, with the first induction scheduled for 2025.

The new long-term agreement is expected to strengthen the long-standing partnership and facilitate future collaborative opportunities between Emirates and HAECO.

Part of the HAECO Group Component Services division, HAECO Landing Gear Services holds authorised capabilities for the Boeing 737, 747, 757, 767, 777, and 787, as well as the Airbus A320 and Embraer E190/E195.

With its specialised facility in Xiamen, the company can provide a comprehensive range of in-house inspection, repair, maintenance, modification, overhaul, and leasing services, offering cost-effective and reliable landing gear solutions to major airlines worldwide.

HAECO Landing Gear Services is a joint venture between HAECO, HAECO Xiamen, Xiamen Aviation Industry, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines and Japan Airlines.


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Airbus shuts down Beluga fleet amid rising challenges

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In a bold move marking the international aviation industry, Airbus has announced the termination of its Airbus Beluga Transport subsidiary, marking the end of service of the iconic Beluga aircraft. This decision has led to the suspension of all flights and the loss of 75 jobs. Thus, the termination of the unique whale-like shape aircraft’ s operations has changed the aviation landscape.

Unique whale-like shape and considerable challenges

Airbus has suspended all flight operations of its subsidiary Airbus Beluga and will shut down the unit returning the A300-600ST Belugas to the AOC of Airbus Transport International (ATI). The last flights took place on January 17, 2025. It was also operated  by F-GSTB  from Bordeaux Mérignac to Toulouse Blagnac.

The Airbus Beluga, which is popular for its big volume capacity and unique whale-like shape has been a vital addition to the  Airbus fleet since its appearance in 1995. Initially, it was designed to transfer large aircraft parts between manufacturing sites across Europe.  Particularly, it was wide enough to transfer two full-size super-puma helicopters.  It also started replacing its first generation of planes with the more advanced version Beluga XLs based on the A330 in 2019. In 2022, the latter repurposed the previous jets launching AiBT with four planes offering to transport oversized cargo for customers in aerospace, energy, aid sectors and military.

However,  the company has faced significant obstacles in managing the Beluga fleet. The Airbus company stated that there has been a significant shift in particular areas towards using maritime transport despite the increasing  demand for global air freight. Nonetheless, that was not the main reason for shutting the unique Airbus Beluga Transport business. Specifically, a spokesperson stated:

“AiBT is not ending operations because of changes in the air freight market. The main challenge was the significant operational difficulties” since the plane demanded specially trained teams and loading equipment.

Airbus decision for the Beluga business

The fleet’s manufacturer did not disclose the reasons behind the operator’s termination. Though, he mentioned the main cause was the economic factor. The medium and long-term future of the aircraft also remains uncertain.  The extend to which ATI will be operating the Beluga depends on the future planning. Notably, the company’s spokesperson mentioned:

We confirm that the decision has been taken to terminate the Airbus Beluga Transport business for outsized cargo missions. All flights operated by the BelugaST fleet are suspended as of now. The closure project has just started and it is too early to predict a completion date. One of our main priorities during this time is to support our employees during the social process

As Airbus closes this chapter of its fleet one wonders: How will the shut down of the iconic Beluga influence the global aviation sector?


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ATR Aircraft Now Certified for Starlink High-Speed Internet

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ATR, the global leader in regional aircraft manufacturing, has achieved a significant milestone with the certification of Starlink high-speed internet for its ATR 72 aircraft by EASA.

This development brings a new level of connectivity to regional air travel, ensuring passengers can enjoy a seamless internet experience akin to their home networks while in the skies.

The Starlink system, engineered by SpaceX, leverages a low-Earth orbit satellite constellation to provide broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, gaming, video calls, and more. This revolutionary technology has been successfully tested on ATR’s 72-600 aircraft, paving the way for its retrofit availability on ATR 72-500 and 72-600 models through a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) developed by PMV Engineering.

Air New Zealand Takes the Lead

Air New Zealand is set to be the launch customer for Starlink-equipped ATR aircraft, with plans to introduce the service on its domestic routes in 2025. According to Nikhil Ravishankar, Chief Digital Officer at Air New Zealand, “maintaining seamless internet connectivity will transform the travel experience for customers.” This innovative move aligns with the airline’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance passenger satisfaction.

Enhanced Travel and Safety Features

In addition to providing passengers with unmatched internet connectivity, the system offers benefits for flight operations. Pilots will gain access to real-time aviation weather services, enabling safer and more informed decision-making during flights. The compact antenna design, optimized for the ATR’s aerodynamic profile, ensures minimal impact on the aircraft’s performance.

Global Impact on Regional Air Travel

The introduction of Starlink on ATR aircraft is expected to generate strong interest across global markets, including Europe, the United States, Asia-Pacific, and Japan, where the demand for in-flight connectivity continues to rise. As part of its HighLine collection, ATR also offers complementary high-end cabin solutions, including USB sockets at every seat and in-flight entertainment systems, creating a fully connected cabin experience.

Collaboration Driving Innovation

This achievement highlights ATR’s dedication to meeting evolving passenger expectations while staying ahead of industry trends. Daniel Cuchet, Senior Vice-President Engineering at ATR, emphasized the company’s vision of excellence and innovation: “Starlink opens up a new era for ATR, offering unparalleled levels of comfort and passenger experience in the regional market.”

As ATR operators worldwide prepare to adopt this transformative technology, the future of regional air travel promises to be more connected and convenient than ever.


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Saudi Arabia’s flyadeal to order ten A330neo

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Saudi low-cost carrier flyadeal (F3, Jeddah International) will soon place an order for ten A330-900N aircraft, according to Reuters. As previously reported in ch-aviation, the airline had decided to place a widebody order but was undecided about the type. Aside from a single wet-leased A330-200, flyadeal has exclusively relied on Airbus narrowbodies to date.

flyadeal is expected to place the order within weeks, which will also include options for another ten A330s. If placed, the order represents another blow for Boeing, whose B787-9 type was under consideration but reportedly ultimately dropped.

In September 2024, Ibrahim Al Omar, director general of Saudia Group, which operates Saudia (SV, Jeddah International) and flyadeal, discussed expansion plans and said the group hoped to have 300 aircraft at its two carriers by 2032. Aside from the A330-200, wet leased from Jordan Aviation, flyadeal currently operates eleven A320-200s and twenty-five A320-200Ns. According to the data, it also has orders for eighteen A320-200N and thirty-nine A321-200N.

Meanwhile, local low-cost competitor flynas (XY, Riyadh) signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus in July 2024 for fifteen A330neo and 75 incremental A320neo family aircraft. The MOU also included options for 15 more A330neo and 55 more A320neo aircraft.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals include increasing the number of airline passengers moving through the country to 300 million annually, including 100 million inbound tourists, and expanding connectivity to over 250 destinations from Saudi Arabia’s 29 commercial airports.