Located in the Sky Tower, Karachi Towers, on Abdul Sattar Edhi Avenue in Clifton, the 183-square-meter store offers immersive experiences grounded in technology, and best-in-class support from dedicated teams on the ground.

The store was officially inaugurated by Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations, who said: “The Emirates Travel Store is a place where travellers can discover all of our incredible products and services, and we’re proud to bring our immersive experiences to Karachi.  This innovative retail concept reflects Emirates’ dedication to enhancing every aspect of the customer journey, offering them a unique glimpse of the Emirates experience and more, and all of the exciting destinations on offer. This is coupled with personalised service and exceptional support from our teams.

“Karachi was one of Emirates’ first destinations when we launched our operations back in 1985 and choosing this location for our very first Emirates Travel Store in West Asia is testament to our commitment to Pakistan, which we serve with five gateways.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Pegasus has placed a firm order for the first 100 Boeing 737-10 aircraft for delivery from 2028, with 100 additional purchasing options, which can be converted into firm orders in the future. The total value of the contract for 200 Boeing 737-10 aircraft is approximately 36 billion USD, based on Boeing's publicly announced current list prices. 

Güliz Öztürk, CEO of Pegasus Airlines, said: "As a leading stakeholder in our country’s tourism sector, which creates net cash inflows and the highest added value for our country, and has shown record-breaking growth after the pandemic; we are working tirelessly to reach new record-highs and do our part for Türkiye to achieve the targeted 100 million visitors and 100 billion USD in revenue in tourism. We continue to invest in our fleet in line with our growth targets in Türkiye and globally, and to expand our network by launching new routes. Currently, with an average age of 4.5 years, we have the youngest fleet in Türkiye and rank among the airlines with the youngest fleets in the world. Within the scope of our agreement with Boeing, we have ordered a total of 200 Boeing 737-10 aircraft. The first 100 aircraft, for which we have placed firm orders, will begin joining our fleet starting in 2028. We will evaluate converting the remaining 100 aircraft options into firm orders in the coming years, based on market conditions and the needs of our fleet. Boeing aircraft have been an integral part of our operations since Pegasus entered the aviation industry in 1990.”

She added: “We are pleased to be expanding our fleet with the new Boeing 737-10 model aircraft. We are confident that our collaboration will create new opportunities for local manufacturing, technology transfer, R&D, training, and employment in the Turkish aviation industry.  When considered within the scope of Boeing’s National Aerospace Initiative launched with the Turkish government in 2017, our order will also open new doors and create production and export opportunities both for Turkish manufacturers and for the wider aviation industry.”

With Santiago as its 26th destination in the Americas, this new route holds significant importance, as it increases the number of countries in the flag carrier’s network in the region to 10 and the world to 131.

Starting today, Turkish Airlines will operate four weekly flights from Istanbul to Santiago via São Paulo. This new route further reaffirms the flag carrier’s commitment to boost its presence in the Americas.

Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi said: “As the airline flying to more countries than any other in the world, we continue to connect continents and cultures. The launch of our Santiago flights once again underscores our commitment to offering travellers unparalleled connectivity options. These flights will not only contribute to trade and tourism but also enhance cultural interaction between the two nations. We look forward to welcoming passengers onboard to experience our signature services and our world-renowned Turkish hospitality while discovering the captivating beauty of Chile, Türkiye and beyond.”

The daily average is projected at 274,000 guests, with Friday, December 20, anticipated to be the busiest day of the period, hosting nearly 296,000 guests. The weekend from December 20 to 22 will also see peak activity, with an estimated 880,000 guests passing through.

Essa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports, said: "Delivering the exceptional experience that DXB is known for during peak travel periods is always a challenge, but one we are well-prepared to meet with collaboration across the oneDXB family. This year, we are excited to welcome millions of guests while also creating moments of joy through festive activations. The Family Zone at Terminal 3 will transform into a winter wonderland featuring a unique fusion performance of carollers and beatboxers, a Magic Station offering gift-wrapping and photo opportunities, a Nutcracker marching band, and more. These activities are designed to surprise and delight, making every journey through DXB truly memorable."

The service, which launches on 7 January 2025, will operate one weekly flight, offering more than an additional 100 tonnes of cargo capacity to the market. Paris will become the 12th destination in Etihad Cargo's freighter network.

Operating via Abu Dhabi, the new freighter service will provide seamless main deck capacity connections to Ezhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Hanoi and Zhengzhou. The service will also integrate with an extensive road feeder trucking network within China, enabling broader market access. Additionally, customers will benefit from same-day connectivity across Etihad Cargo's widebody and narrowbody network, ensuring swift and reliable delivery for time-sensitive shipments. 

The new Paris freighter route will support Etihad Cargo's specialised products, meeting growing demand across multiple industries. It will provide more capacity for general cargo to destinations like Riyadh, Jakarta, and Manila, secure transport for pharmaceuticals under PharmaLife to Mumbai, Jakarta, Seoul and Sydney, and improved access for perishables through FreshForward to Kuala Lumpur, Dubai and Sharjah. The route will also facilitate efficient solutions for live animal shipments with LiveAnimals and SkyStables, automotive shipments with FlightValet and cultural cargo with FlyCulture, offering reliable and flexible services tailored to diverse customer needs. 

Stanislas Brun, vice president of cargo at Etihad Cargo, commented: "Adding Paris to Etihad Cargo's freighter network is a strategic milestone. This route expands Etihad Cargo's European footprint and also supports the growing demand for Etihad Cargo's specialised products across sectors, including pharmaceuticals and perishables. With the launch of the Paris service, Etihad Cargo continues to deliver tailored solutions and strengthen connectivity for partners and customers worldwide."

EFTA also announced the launch of an Advanced Diploma in Pilot Licensing Training (Aeroplane) on the back of the academy’s recognition as an Accredited Training Provider (ATP) by the UAE National Qualifications Centre (NQC).

The graduation ceremony was headlined by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group, the Group’s senior leadership team, graduates, their families and friends, and the academy’s faculty and cadets. 

HH Sheikh Ahmed congratulated and presented certificates to the cadet graduates. He said: “Our Emirates Flight Training Academy was built on a vision and a solid strategy, and its journey so far has been nothing short of inspiring, even thrilling. The recognition by the NQC validates our commitment and our robust investments in our academy that is future-fit for the next generation. 

“EFTA plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of pilots, not just for the industry in the UAE but for world aviation, creating a steady and talented pilot pipeline. It’s incredible that we are training, developing and empowering young adults to drive the future of aviation – right here in Dubai. I’m confident our graduates will make their mark in shaping the future of our industry. Congratulations to the class of 2024!”

After months of rigorous training on the ground and in the skies, 85 bright and talented cadets are now fully equipped to take on every aviator challenge. The cohort includes 67 UAE National and 18 international cadets. Since EFTA’s launch, 271 cadets have been transformed from school leavers to professional pilots. 

Capt Abdulla Al Hammadi, Divisional Vice President Emirates Flight Training Academy said: “Today, we’ve witnessed not just a graduation ceremony, but the fulfilment of many collective dreams. After countless hours of hard work, challenges and accomplishments, our cadets have proven they are ready to conquer the skies. They’ve come far – both personally and professionally – and EFTA is proud to see them step into a world full of opportunities with their new and richly deserved wings. Congratulations to our graduates."

President of ExecuJet MRO Services, Graeme Duckworth, says this is the first time ExecuJet MRO Services has become an ASC for Safan Power Units. The impetus for the move was the entry-into-service of Dassault’s new large-cabin, long-range Falcon 6X, he says.

ExecuJet MRO Services’ workscope on Safran APUs includes: line maintenance, component removal and replacement, trouble-shooting as well as removal and replacement of the auxiliary power unit if required.

It has invested in tooling and spare parts for the Safran APU (model SPU150) and sent five engineers to Safran’s facility in Toulouse for specialised training.

Located in Abu Dhabi, the project will be supported by a robust order pipeline from existing and potential customers in high-potential markets worldwide.

Speaking at the official signing ceremony at the Spanish Ministry for Defence in Madrid, H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Chairman of EDGE, said: “The establishment of PULSE marks a transformative milestone in advancing the global defence landscape by delivering state-of- the-art radar systems. This joint venture between EDGE and Indra addresses critical capability gaps, showcasing the power of innovation and technology transfer to enhance operational excellence and global security. It reflects our dedication to building meaningful partnerships that drive progress and foster stability across key regions.”

Marc Murtra, Chairman of Indra, stated: "This agreement, in partnership with EDGE, will provide next-generation radar systems. It will include advanced research infrastructure, laboratories, and testing facilities, all based in the United Arab Emirates. This is an important step that will enable Indra to expand its global footprint and develop our valued relationship with EDGE."

The new company will focus on engineering, developing, manufacturing, integrating, and maintaining existing and future radar systems and their components, as well as marketing them in high-potential markets, thus opening up numerous international business opportunities.

The agreement will allow the creation of two companies. The first will be 50.01% owned by Indra and 49.99% by EDGE, and will focus on the development, design, integration, sales and maintenance of state-of-the-art radars. The second one, 50.01% owned by EDGE, and 49.99% by Indra, will be responsible for the manufacturing of these radars in a new state-of- the-art factory in Abu Dhabi.