Emirates is strengthening its footprint in China with the launch of daily non-stop flights to Hangzhou, marking a strategic expansion into one of Eastern China's key economic hubs.

Starting July 30, subject to government approval, the Dubai-based airline will begin servicing Hangzhou daily, bringing its total number of gateways into mainland China to five. The new route adds to Emirates’ existing operations in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

With this latest addition, Emirates will operate 49 weekly flights to China — including double daily services to Beijing and Shanghai, and daily flights to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and now, Hangzhou.

The move comes as Emirates SkyCargo continues to report robust demand from China, currently transporting around 2,000 tons of cargo weekly. The airline confirms that all routes into the country are operating at full capacity, reflecting the strong rebound in freight movement even as passenger traffic has yet to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels.

Beyond cargo, the new Hangzhou service is expected to enhance connectivity for travelers heading to or from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. The flight schedule is designed to offer smooth two-way connections to 38 destinations in Europe, 22 in Africa, and 11 in the Middle East, including major cities such as Istanbul, Barcelona, Cairo, and Johannesburg.

Earlier this year, Emirates became the first Middle Eastern carrier to launch flights to Shenzhen, underlining its commitment to China’s vast and dynamic aviation market. Industry analysts say this latest expansion signals the airline’s confidence in the long-term potential of Chinese outbound travel — and its determination to be at the forefront of that growth.

Qatar Airways is reportedly preparing to place a substantial order for about 100 widebody aircraft from Boeing, with the possibility of securing options for an additional 100 jets, according to a detailed Bloomberg report. This significant purchase is expected to be officially announced during U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Middle East, underscoring the deal’s importance both commercially and politically.

The order will primarily feature Boeing’s newest widebody models, including the 777X and 787 Dreamliner, which are designed to enhance long-haul operational efficiency, passenger comfort, and overall fleet modernization.

The Boeing 777X, available in the 777-8 and 777-9 variants, offers seating capacities ranging from approximately 395 to 426 passengers in a typical two-class layout, with impressive ranges of up to 8,745 nautical miles for the 777-8 and 7,285 nautical miles for the 777-9. This aircraft incorporates cutting-edge technology such as advanced aerodynamics, composite wings with folding wingtips, and the latest GE9X engines, resulting in fuel savings and emissions reductions of around 10% compared to previous models.

Additionally, the 777X boasts a wider cabin with larger windows, higher ceilings, and improved cabin pressurization and humidity, all contributing to a more comfortable passenger experience.

Currently, Qatar Airways operates a fleet that includes 64 Boeing 777s and several 787 Dreamliners, both recognized for their spacious interiors, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, and premium business class offerings like the Qsuite. The 787 variants provide business class seats that convert into fully flat beds up to 80 inches long, personal entertainment screens, onboard Wi-Fi, and innovative features such as electronically dimmable windows.

The 777 series accommodates up to 42 business class seats and nearly 400 economy seats, delivering a high level of comfort and amenities for travelers.

This forthcoming order will allow Qatar Airways to phase out older 777s and Airbus A380s, supporting the airline’s ambitious plan to boost its annual passenger capacity from 50 million to 80 million within the next five to six years. By investing in the latest aircraft technology, Qatar Airways aims to maintain its status as a leader in long-haul travel with one of the most modern and efficient fleets worldwide.

If finalized, this deal would represent one of the largest widebody aircraft purchases in recent history and reinforce Boeing’s position in the competitive global aviation market.

Qatar Airways is ramping up its transcontinental reach, unveiling major expansions to its North and South American routes this summer. The airline will boost its service to Toronto, Canada and São Paulo, Brazil in response to surging demand for international travel.

Starting June 19, Toronto will see an increase to five weekly flights, with plans for daily service by winter. Just days later, on June 25, São Paulo frequencies will rise to 17 flights per week, enhancing the airline’s footprint in South America’s largest city.

Thierry Antinori, Qatar Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the strong passenger response since the carrier’s launch at Toronto Pearson Airport in December 2024. “We proudly announce the increase in flights to meet the growing demand for our award-winning travel experience,” Antinori said.

With Toronto emerging as a vital entry point for Canadian travelers, Qatar Airways’ expanded schedule aims to bolster connectivity to Doha and onward destinations, especially ahead of the busy winter season.

In the south, São Paulo’s status as a strategic hub for both business and leisure is being reinforced. “These expansions underscore our commitment to providing seamless global connectivity through Hamad International Airport,” Antinori noted, referencing the Doha-based hub recently crowned World’s Best Airport Shopping by Skytrax 2025.

Travelers will also benefit from continued access to 55 Latin American destinations through the airline’s partnership with LATAM Airlines, offering smooth onward journeys to cities like Buenos Aires, Lima, Santiago de Chile, and Rio de Janeiro.

With its latest boost in flight frequencies, Qatar Airways is positioning itself as a premier bridge between the Middle East and the Americas — just in time for a global summer of travel.

Saudi Arabia’s budget airline flynas is gearing up for a major market debut as it readies to go public with a 30% stake offering—up to 20% of which is open to retail investors. This IPO positions flynas as the next big name in the GCC aviation sector to join the stock market.

The institutional book-building process is slated to wrap up by May 18, while retail investors can subscribe starting May 28. The final allocation is scheduled for June 3, with the listing date on the Saudi Tadawul exchange to be announced soon.

As the Kingdom aims to diversify and strengthen its capital markets, flynas is riding a wave of regional aviation growth. In just the first nine months of 2024, the airline transported 10.9 million passengers across its 72-destination network, a reflection of its expanding footprint. It has also placed substantial aircraft orders—130 A320neos and 30 A330neos—to fuel future growth.

The airline’s financials are also climbing. Revenues reached SR434 million in 2024, up from SR401 million a year prior, contributing to a full-year revenue tally exceeding SR7.5 billion.

“This IPO offers investors the opportunity to participate in the growth journey of a high-value airline operating within one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets — the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the GCC,” said Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas.

With investor interest in regional aviation heating up, flynas is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the skies—and now, on the stock exchange.

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline by seat capacity, is set to launch a daily non-stop service between Dubai and Hangzhou from 30 July 2025, marking a significant expansion of its footprint in mainland China.

Hangzhou will become Emirates’ fifth gateway city in China, joining Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. The route will be operated with a three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, offering a weekly capacity of 2,478 seats across business, premium economy, and economy cabins.

The flight schedule is designed to facilitate seamless global connections: EK310 departs Dubai at 09:40 (GST) and arrives in Hangzhou at 22:00 (CST), while the return flight EK311 departs Hangzhou at 00:10 and arrives in Dubai at 04:55.

These timings allow passengers to connect efficiently through Dubai’s hub to 38 destinations in Europe, 22 in Africa, 11 in the Middle East, as well as cities in Brazil and Argentina, including Istanbul, Barcelona, Cairo, and Johannesburg.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted that the new route is a pivotal development in the airline’s operations in the Chinese mainland and East Asia.

Hangzhou’s status as a global hub for innovation, e-commerce, and advanced manufacturing makes it a strategic choice for Emirates, aligning with the airline’s broader growth strategy and its commitment to strengthening economic, technological, and cultural ties between the Middle East and China.

The launch of this daily service is expected to significantly boost tourism and business travel between the two regions. Hangzhou, known for its iconic West Lake, UNESCO heritage sites, and as the headquarters of major tech companies, attracts both leisure and business travelers. The new route not only increases passenger options but also enhances cargo connectivity, supporting the region’s fast-growing trade and logistics sectors.

With this expansion, Emirates now operates 49 weekly flights to mainland China, including double daily services to Beijing and Shanghai. The move is seen as a response to increasing demand for connectivity between the Middle East and China’s most dynamic cities, further cementing Dubai’s role as a global aviation hub and Hangzhou’s emergence as a key international gateway in Eastern China

Novoair, one of Bangladesh’s three private airlines, has temporarily suspended all flight operations as of May 2, 2025, in a bold move aimed at reshaping its future amid mounting financial and operational challenges.

The Dhaka-based carrier announced that the pause in service is part of a strategic initiative to sell off its current fleet of ATR 72-500 aircraft and attract new investment to stabilize its finances. The airline’s management emphasized that the suspension is not a shutdown but a temporary measure designed to support long-term restructuring.

The decision comes during a turbulent time for the regional airline, which has been navigating a slowdown in passenger bookings, rising operational costs, and a shifting domestic travel landscape. Industry sources report that two of Novoair’s aircraft were sold to Nepal’s Yeti Airlines in early 2024, and inspections by foreign buyers are currently underway for the remaining fleet.

Founded in 2013, Novoair has built a reputation for reliable domestic service, having transported over 7.5 million passengers across 100,000 flights. Yet, signs of strain have emerged over the past year. The airline’s only international route—to Kolkata—was suspended in September 2024 due to weak demand, and broader challenges such as improved highway infrastructure and the Padma Bridge have further squeezed domestic air travel demand.

Compounding the pressure are rising costs and the global difficulty of securing newer aircraft on lease, particularly for small regional carriers in competitive markets.

Despite the hurdles, Novoair remains focused on a future comeback. Officials say the airline is exploring options to modernize its fleet and revive international routes, with the aim of resuming operations once its financial footing is secure.

"This is a temporary pause, not an end," a Novoair spokesperson stated. “We are working diligently to return to the skies with a leaner, stronger operation.”

As Bangladesh’s aviation sector continues to evolve, Novoair’s strategic suspension underscores both the challenges and potential for growth faced by smaller carriers striving to adapt in a dynamic regional market.