Qatar Airways is finalizing a historic order for up to 200 widebody jets, positioning itself as a leader in long-haul aviation innovation. The Doha-based carrier, under CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, is set to announce the agreement within weeks, targeting a mix of next-generation Airbus and Boeing models to modernize its fleet and meet surging global travel demand.

The order, one of the largest in recent commercial aviation history, will include advanced fuel-efficient models like the Boeing 777X, Airbus A350-1000, and potentially the Airbus A330neo, as the airline aims to phase out older aircraft and secure delivery slots through 2040.

Building on Recent Fleet Milestones

The move follows Qatar Airways’ major commitment at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, where it expanded its Boeing 777X order by 20 aircraft, bringing its total to 94 jets (including freighters). These state-of-the-art planes will debut the airline’s upgraded Qsuite Next Gen business class, featuring convertible double beds, 4K privacy screens, and AI-powered cabin controls.

The airline has also invested heavily in engine technology, securing 40 additional GE9X units-the world’s largest and most efficient jet engines-to power its growing 777X fleet.

Operational Growth and Passenger Experience Enhancements

With passenger traffic climbing 9% year-over-year and European routes surging 14%, Qatar Airways is doubling down on customer-centric innovations. The carrier is rolling out SpaceX’s Starlink internet across its Boeing 777 fleet, offering passengers high-speed connectivity, while its Airbus A350s will receive the same upgrade starting this summer.

The airline’s current order backlog includes 50 Airbus A321neos for regional routes, 18 Airbus A350-1000s, and 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10s, alongside 12 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners set to join the fleet by 2028.

Sustainability and Market Leadership

The new aircraft order aligns with Qatar Airways’ pledge to reduce carbon emissions by 25% by 2030, leveraging the 777X’s 10% fuel savings over previous models and the A350’s lightweight composite design. CEO Al-Meer emphasized that the investment ensures passengers will enjoy “industry-leading comfort,” including potential new first-class suites on key routes, while maintaining operational flexibility.

The airline will also retain its Airbus A380 superjumbos for high-density markets, upgrading their entertainment systems to match newer aircraft standards.

Strategic Positioning in a Competitive Market

As Middle Eastern rivals like Emirates and Etihad modernize their fleets, Qatar Airways’ order reinforces its reputation for premium service and technological leadership. With one of the world’s youngest fleets (average age: five years) and plans to serve 53 million passengers in 2024, the airline is leveraging its Doha hub to capture post-pandemic travel growth.

The deal’s phased delivery approach-prioritizing 777X jets from late 2026-allows Qatar Airways to balance capacity growth with market demands, ensuring it remains at the forefront of global aviation trends.

Industry Implications

This landmark order signals Qatar Airways’ ambition to redefine long-haul travel, combining cutting-edge aircraft design with passenger-focused innovations. By securing early delivery slots for next-generation jets, the airline aims to set new benchmarks for luxury, efficiency, and operational reliability in the competitive Gulf aviation market.

Riyadh Air, the ambitious new Saudi Arabian carrier, has officially revealed the interior cabin designs for its upcoming Boeing 787-9 aircraft, setting a new benchmark in luxury and innovation for Middle Eastern aviation. The airline’s 290-seat widebody jets will feature a meticulously crafted four-class layout, designed to deliver exceptional comfort, privacy, and cutting-edge technology to passengers across all travel classes.

At the forefront is the exclusive “Business Elite” cabin, which boasts 10 private suites arranged in a spacious 1-2-1 configuration. These suites are equipped with Safran Unity seats that fully recline into flat beds and include sliding privacy doors and adjustable dividers, allowing travelers to customize their personal space.

Notably, the center two seats can be combined to form a double bed, catering especially to couples or those seeking extra room during long-haul flights.

In addition to the Business Elite suites, the business class section offers 24 seats also arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, featuring the same flat-bed seating to ensure maximum comfort. The premium economy cabin is thoughtfully designed with 39 seats in a 2-3-2 arrangement, incorporating privacy-enhancing head wings, ample storage options, and multiple USB-C charging ports to meet the needs of modern travelers.

Economy class comprises 223 seats in a 3-3-3 layout, each with a generous 31-inch seat pitch, adjustable six-way headrests, and USB-C ports, aiming to provide a comfortable journey even for budget-conscious flyers.

The cabin interiors reflect a sophisticated blend of modern aesthetics and cultural heritage, inspired by Riyadh’s rich history and landscape. The color scheme features deep purples, mocha gold tones, and veined stone textures, evoking the natural beauty and elegance of the Saudi capital. A distinctive “canopy twist” design element, inspired by traditional Arabic tents, adds a unique architectural flair to the cabin environment, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Riyadh Air has partnered with Panasonic Avionics to integrate the latest Modular Interactive in-flight entertainment system, offering passengers a highly personalized experience with real-time content updates. Screen sizes vary from 13.3 inches in economy to an impressive 32 inches in the Business Elite suites, all utilizing 4K OLED displays to ensure crystal-clear visuals.

Connectivity is a key focus for Riyadh Air, with free high-speed Wi-Fi provided by Viasat available to all passengers enrolled in the airline’s loyalty program. This service enables uninterrupted streaming, browsing, and live television access throughout the flight, catering to the digital needs of today’s travelers. Riyadh Air recently secured its air operator’s certificate and is preparing to launch operations later this year.

The airline has ambitious expansion plans, intending to grow its fleet to over 130 aircraft, including a mix of Boeing 787-9s and Airbus A321neos, to serve both long-haul and regional routes.

CEO Tony Douglas highlighted that every detail of the cabin—from the ergonomic seat fabrics designed to reduce fatigue, to the state-of-the-art entertainment and connectivity systems—has been carefully curated to provide a “relaxing luxury” experience that sets Riyadh Air apart in a competitive market.

The airline aims to position itself as a digital-native carrier that seamlessly integrates advanced technology with authentic Saudi culture, offering passengers a premium travel experience that is both innovative and deeply rooted in the region’s heritage. With these new cabin designs, Riyadh Air is poised to become a leading player in global aviation, promising travelers an unparalleled blend of comfort, style, and technological sophistication.

flynas, the Middle East’s premier low-cost airline, has announced a significant expansion of its summer 2025 flight network by adding five exciting new international destinations: Geneva (Switzerland), Milan (Italy), Krakow (Poland), Rize (Turkey), and Casablanca (Morocco).

This strategic move increases flynas’s summer route portfolio to more than 20 cities worldwide, further cementing its position as a key player in global air travel and offering passengers enhanced connectivity across Europe, Africa, and Asia.

The airline will operate these new routes primarily from its main hubs in Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with flights commencing in June 2025. Additionally, flynas is introducing a new route from Jeddah to El Alamein, a popular resort city on Egypt’s North Coast, known for its pristine beaches and growing tourism appeal.

The Jeddah-El Alamein service will launch on June 21, with four weekly flights designed to meet rising demand for leisure travel to Egypt.

Specifically, the Riyadh-Rize route will begin on June 23 with three weekly flights, while the Jeddah-Rize route will start shortly after on June 27, also with three weekly flights. Rize, located on the northeastern coast of Turkey along the Black Sea, is gaining popularity for its lush landscapes and cultural heritage, making it an attractive new destination for Saudi travelers.

The Riyadh-Geneva route will operate three times per week starting June 24, providing direct access to Switzerland’s global financial hub and gateway to the Alps. Milan, Italy’s fashion and economic capital, will be served from Riyadh starting June 26 with three weekly flights, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

Notably, the Riyadh-Krakow route, launching on June 27, marks a milestone as flynas becomes the first Saudi airline to offer direct flights to Poland, opening new opportunities for cultural exchange and tourism.

These additions complement an already extensive summer schedule that includes popular destinations such as Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt, Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Vienna in Austria, Prague in the Czech Republic, Antalya and Istanbul in Turkey, Batumi in Georgia, Baku in Azerbaijan, Tbilisi in Georgia, and Salalah in Oman.

flynas currently operates 139 routes to over 70 destinations across 30 countries, with a robust schedule of more than 1,500 weekly flights. Since its founding in 2007, the airline has transported over 80 million passengers, reflecting its rapid growth and strong market presence.

This expansion is part of flynas’s ambitious long-term strategy to increase its network to 165 destinations by 2030, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy, boost tourism, and enhance international connectivity. The airline’s commitment to affordable, high-quality service continues to attract a growing base of travelers seeking convenient and cost-effective travel options.

Passengers interested in these new routes can easily book their tickets through flynas’s user-friendly website, mobile application, call center, or authorized travel agents. With this expanded network, flynas offers greater flexibility, more direct connections, and enhanced travel experiences for both leisure and business travelers during the busy summer season of 2025.

Qatar Airways will debut its revolutionary ‘Qsuite Next Gen’ business-class cabin at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2025, taking place from April 28 to May 1, as part of its mission to redefine luxury air travel.

The upgraded suite builds on the airline’s award-winning Qsuite design, introducing cutting-edge features such as modular Quad Suites with expandable social configurations, enabling groups of four to enjoy a collaborative lounge-like atmosphere in the sky. A standout innovation includes movable 4K OLED Panasonic Astrova screens—the first of their kind globally—which passengers can adjust to seamlessly connect adjacent suites, fostering both social interaction and workspace adaptability.

Enhanced privacy and comfort take center stage with redesigned Companion Suites along window aisles, featuring taller, digitally controlled dividers and expanded lie-flat beds that convert into double beds for couples.

The suites also boast smart ergonomic enhancements, including increased dining space for multi-course meals and upgraded touchscreen controls for personalized ambient lighting, temperature, and privacy settings. A dedicated ‘Make My Bed’ button activates Qatar Airways’ signature turndown service, complete with luxe bedding and curated amenities, elevating the in-flight sleep experience.

Strategic innovation underpins the launch, aligning with ATM 2025’s theme of fostering global tourism connectivity. The Qsuite Next Gen will debut on Qatar Airways’ forthcoming Boeing B777-9 fleet by late 2025, emphasizing the airline’s investment in next-gen aviation technology.

Visitors to stand ME 1420 (halls 3–4) can explore the suite’s AI-driven customization options and sustainable material integrations, reflecting the carrier’s focus on eco-conscious luxury. The showcase underscores Qatar Airways’ ambition to set new benchmarks in premium travel, merging hyper-personalization with operational excellence to cater to evolving passenger demands.

SalamAir has revealed an ambitious plan to boost air travel between Muscat and Salalah during the 2025 Khareef season, a period known for drawing thousands of visitors to southern Oman’s lush landscapes and cool weather. The airline will introduce fixed fares for Omani citizens, setting prices at OMR 30 for one-way and OMR 48 for round-trip tickets.

This special offer will be valid for travel from June 30 to August 31, 2025, and can be accessed exclusively through SalamAir’s official website and mobile application. To take advantage of these rates, travelers must present a valid Omani identification card at check-in or boarding.

In addition to the fixed fares, SalamAir is ramping up its capacity on the Muscat-Salalah route by 50% compared to the previous year. This means the airline will operate up to four daily flights between the two cities at the peak of the Khareef season, ensuring that more seats are available to accommodate the expected spike in demand.

The increased frequency is part of SalamAir’s broader strategy to support domestic tourism and make travel more convenient and affordable for Omani nationals.

The airline’s CEO, Adrian Hamilton-Manns, highlighted that this initiative is a response to the growing popularity of Salalah during the monsoon season and aligns with SalamAir’s mission to enhance connectivity within Oman. SalamAir’s current fleet of 13 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft will be bolstered in July 2025 with the addition of two new planes, and the company has plans to expand its fleet to 25 aircraft by 2028 through further acquisitions.

Salalah, the jewel of Dhofar province, becomes a magnet for tourists during Khareef, thanks to its verdant hills, flowing waterfalls, and cool temperatures—a stark contrast to the rest of the Arabian Peninsula. With SalamAir’s expanded service and fixed pricing, more Omanis will have the opportunity to experience the region’s natural beauty without worrying about fluctuating travel costs or limited seat availability.

The airline’s efforts are expected to provide a significant boost to the local tourism sector and reinforce its role as a key player in Oman’s aviation industry.

Etihad Airways has expanded its modern fleet with the arrival of its sixth Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, which landed at Abu Dhabi International Airport on April 11 following a delivery flight from Toulouse, France. This latest addition, registered as A6-XWG, marks a significant milestone in Etihad’s ongoing fleet renewal and sustainability efforts.

The A350-1000 is renowned for its advanced fuel efficiency, emitting 25% less CO2 and producing a noise footprint 50% smaller than previous-generation wide-body aircraft, aligning with Etihad’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The aircraft features a spacious cabin with 371 seats, including 44 in business class, 45 in economy plus, and 282 in economy. Business class offers privacy-focused sliding doors, wireless charging, and state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment, while economy passengers benefit from ergonomic seating, device holders, and Bluetooth-compatible entertainment systems.

The A350-1000’s extended range and seating capacity provide Etihad with greater operational flexibility, particularly for its long-haul routes.

This summer, Etihad will deploy the new A350 on its route to Atlanta, marking the airline’s sixth destination in North America and part of a broader expansion that includes 16 new routes this year.

The aircraft joins Etihad’s existing widebody fleet, which includes the Airbus A380, Boeing 777-300ER, and Boeing 787 variants, helping the airline phase out older, less efficient planes and reduce operating costs.

Etihad’s first A350 was delivered in 2019, but the airline only began operating the type in 2022 after initial storage. Since then, the A350 has become a favorite among passengers and a key component of Etihad’s strategy to modernize its fleet with fuel-efficient, passenger-friendly aircraft.

The airline currently has 14 more A350-1000s on order, underscoring its confidence in the aircraft’s role in future growth and sustainability goals.