Routes analyzes some of the services returning as well as new routes being launched. This week we look at the resumption of Finnair flights to China, OWG's debut services and KLM's adjustments in the Persian Gulf.
This week: Primera Air adds Washington Dulles from London Stansted, while Hainan Airlines will become the first Chinese airline to operate non-stop flights between China and Mexico.
daa International, a subsidiary of daa – the Irish airport management company – has been chosen to operate the new terminal at King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh. The multi-million euro contract will see daa International manage and operate the new Terminal 5 facility.
Saudi Arabia’s continued economic diversification, growth of the private sector and increasing popularity as a destination for the Middle East MICE industry is directly translating into increased demand for business travel within the region and Emirates Airline and Qatar Airways aim to be well-positioned to boost their positions in this market.
flynas will introduce a five times weekly link between King Khalid International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport from December 16, 2015, complementing the existing 13 weekly flights already offered by Etihad on the route, providing greater choice and flexibility for passengers travelling from Saudi Arabia, the UAE or beyond.
According to its latest schedule update, Saudia will place the 787-9 into passenger operation from February 1, 2016 with its first scheduled flight due to operate as ‘SV1020’ between Jeddah and Riyadh. The type will be used on various frequencies on this route as well as between Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, while links from both Jeddah (daily on the SV588/589 rotation until February 29, 2016) and Riyadh (various frequencies) to Dubai will commence the same day.
Al Qahtani Group (linked to Gulf Air) and Qatar Airways were both selected in late 2012 to bring new competition into the Saudi Arabian domestic market as part of a series of reforms. Both have been working with the local regulator to establish their respective businesses, Saudi Gulf Airlines and Al Maha Airways, but despite an initial suggestion these carriers would take-off by the end of 2013, we are still awaiting their arrival into the local skies.
