Turbulence Aware collates anonymised data about turbulence from flights operated by participating airlines. This real-time, accurate reporting in turn helps pilots and flight dispatchers minimise the effects of turbulence and plot the smoothest and most efficient flight paths.

Etihad will deploy the platform across its entire fleet of almost 100 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, which will automatically share reports with IATA’s programme.

The industry-wide programme will benefit from Etihad’s vast and growing network, which will provide broader flight data coverage, both in the region and across the five continents where Etihad flies. The quality of the data continues to improve as more airlines join the programme.

Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, interim chief operations and guest officer at Etihad Airways, said: “As part of our commitment to safety, we are pleased to join IATA’s Turbulence Aware programme and leverage our extensive network and fleet to support the industry in effectively managing turbulence. With real-time, accurate data, pilots can effectively navigate turbulence resulting in smoother journeys.”

Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA regional vice-president, Africa and Middle East, said: "Access to accurate and timely turbulence data is essential for enhancing flight safety and passenger comfort. We welcome Etihad Airways’ participation in Turbulence Aware, which strengthens the industry’s ability to mitigate the impact of turbulence in real time. Their contribution will further improve global coverage, ensuring flight crews have the information they need to make safer and more efficient operational decisions."

The airline said at the heart of the transformation is its fleet modernisation, driven by the introduction of the new generation widebody aircrafts that embody the airline’s commitment to safety, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

This year, Royal Air Maroc Cargo is focused on extending its footprint across Africa while targeting emerging opportunities in Asia and the Americas. With a global network of 82 destinations—including key hubs in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Europe, and the Middle East—the airline is uniquely positioned to connect high-growth markets with efficiency and agility.

The PAX widebody fleet play a pivotal role in this strategy, offering a larger network and increased range, fuel efficiency, and cargo capacity. These next-generation aircraft not only enhance Royal Air Maroc’s long-haul capabilities but also align with the airline’s vision for a lower-carbon, sustainable future. Alongside 30 narrowbodies and a dedicated B767 freighter, the widebody fleet strengthens the carrier’s ability to move both bulk and palletised cargo with exceptional flexibility.

“Our vision is to expand Royal Air Maroc Cargo’s global network, connect emerging and established markets, and strengthen Morocco’s position as a trade and logistics hub,” said Yassine Berrada, Vice-President Cargo at Royal Air Maroc. “With the introduction of the new generation widebodies, we are not only increasing our operational capacity but also reducing our environmental impact—helping us build a future that is innovative, responsible, and customer-focused.”

Royal Air Maroc Cargo's Casablanca hub is equipped with a state-of-the-art cargo terminal offering 200,000 tons of annual capacity and specialised areas for sensitive shipments, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, and high-value goods.

The airline continues to elevate its customer service through partnerships with digital platforms like cargo.one and Cargo.AI, ensuring 24/7 access to booking, scheduling, and real-time availability. Future enhancements include real-time tracking, automated documentation, and seamless digital communications, offering clients a transparent and streamlined experience from start to finish.

Sustainability

In addition to operating a fuel-efficient fleet, the airline supports IATA’s Eco Hub initiatives, has implemented solar photovoltaic systems at its facilities, and adopted biodegradable wrapping to minimise waste. The airline also plays a critical humanitarian role, delivering medical supplies and vaccines across the continent in partnership with AIRLINK and other global first aid organisations.

The airline will showcase its solutions including Sama’s AI booking, Qverse, Multi-Sensory Experience and Qsuite – Next Gen.

Additionally, the airline will unveil Sama’s new Arabic-speaking capabilities, bringing enhanced accessibility and cultural relevance to the world’s first AI-powered digital human cabin crew.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive officer, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We, at Qatar Airways, are delighted to participate in this year’s Arabian Travel Market to help shape the future of travel and connectivity. Our innovative approach to enhancing travel experiences is built on the spirit of collaboration, and we look forward to joining renowned industry leaders to advance our knowledge exchange.”

The Middle East is home to some of the world’s fastest growing and busiest airports. With regional air traffic volumes climbing, major expansion projects underway, and an increasing push for operational excellence, the pressure on airport operations is immense. Central to this complexity is communication or rather, the lack of seamless, secure, and real-time coordination across key stakeholders.

Airports in the region often struggle with fragmented communication systems. Ground crews, airport staff, control centres, and airlines typically rely on separate channels, leading to information silos. This lack of integration slows down decision-making, introduces delays, and creates avoidable operational friction. The result? A compromised passenger experience and higher operational costs due to inefficiencies.

Agnet Turnaround

Airbus’ Agnet Turnaround is built precisely to address these challenges. It offers a unified, secure communication platform that enables all parties, from apron workers to airline coordinators, to collaborate on a single, mission-critical system. Whether it’s updating flight statuses, monitoring ground operations, or responding to unexpected changes, Agnet Turnaround allows instant, secure, and reliable communication.

By breaking down communication silos, Agnet Turnaround enhances coordination between airports, ground handlers, control centres, and airlines. This improved collaboration reduces delays, minimises disruptions, and supports leaner, more agile operations. Agnet Turnaround users enjoy significant and quick financial benefits through the digitalisation of their operations, from resources management to invoicing capabilities, while increasing the productivity of operational teams. The platform’s automation capabilities, including real-time task assignments and automatic group creation based on flight numbers, streamline operations further and ensure that the right people get the right information at the right time.

Security is another cornerstone of the solution. Agnet Turnaround complies with the highest security standards, protecting sensitive operational data and ensuring that communication stays within trusted, authorised parties. This is particularly vital in a region like the Middle East, where airports are not only transportation hubs but also strategic national assets.

As airport ecosystems grow more complex, legacy systems simply cannot keep up. Airbus’ Agnet Turnaround brings clarity to the chaos enabling airports to operate with the efficiency, transparency, and speed demanded by today’s aviation landscape.

A Vision for Smarter Airports

“Agnet Turnaround represents a transformative approach to communication in airports, where seamless coordination and real-time collaboration are essential,” said Thibaut Faivre, Head of Sales and Programme Delivery for Public Safety and Security in the Middle East, Africa, and India at Airbus. “In today’s high-stakes environment, where every second counts and every delay has a cost, the ability to connect all operational actors on one secure platform is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. With Agnet Turnaround, we are enabling faster responses, reducing disruptions, and ultimately improving the passenger experience from tarmac to terminal.”

The Middle East in particular is poised to benefit. As regional hubs invest in mega-terminals and aim to become global benchmarks of efficiency and innovation, the underlying systems must evolve accordingly.

“Our airports are expanding rapidly both in physical size and operational complexity,” Faivre continues. “Agnet Turnaround is a forward-thinking solution that meets the growing demand for operational efficiency and sustainability in a rapidly evolving air transport industry. It equips airports with the tools to manage high volumes of air traffic with precision, security, and agility, all while maintaining a focus on the end-user experience.”

Emarat rewards customers with EmCoins for every purchase of products and services across all Emarat stations, to roll out a two-way points conversion in which members can convert Skywards Miles to EmCoins, and vice versa.

Dr. Nejib Ben Khedher, divisional senior vice president Emirates Skywards, said: We’re pleased to announce our first Skywards Everyday points conversion partner – EmCan by Emarat, a pioneering energy provider in the UAE. Our members can now convert EmCoins earned from purchases made at Emarat service stations into Skywards Miles; and convert Skywards Miles into EmCoins to unlock a new range of rewards across fuel, travel and lifestyle.”

Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, chief retail officer and senior vice president of marketing at Emarat, added: "At Emarat, we're committed to enhancing our customers' experiences by offering greater value and flexibility. We’re pleased to be the first Skywards Everyday points conversion partner, empowering EmCan members to convert their EmCoins into Skywards Miles and unlock a world of travel and lifestyle rewards. This collaboration reflects our dedication to innovation and customer-centric solutions that make everyday purchases more rewarding.”

IndiGo BluChip Members can now earn IndiGo BluChips every time they spend on Swiggy across Food, Instamart and Swiggy Dineout —making every transaction more rewarding. With no blackout dates and no expiry - IndiGo BluChips, can be redeemed anytime to book IndiGo flights. 

Neetan Chopra, chief digital and information officer, IndiGo said: “At IndiGo, we are driven by a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences. This partnership takes our IndiGo BluChip program a notch higher, seamlessly integrating it into our customers' daily lives. From ordering dinner to shopping for essentials or booking a table at a city's restaurant, our loyal customers can now indulge in exclusive benefits that follow them wherever they go. By earning rewards on every meal, grocery order, and dining experience, our users can fast-track their journey to their next adventure. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to making travel more rewarding, enjoyable, and seamlessly integrated into our customers' lifestyles.”

Phani Kishan, chief growth officer and co-founder at Swiggy, said: “Swiggy is driven by the mission to provide unparalleled convenience, whether it’s through food, quick commerce, or unique experiences. Partnering with a trusted brand like IndiGo is a natural extension of that commitment. By integrating the IndiGo BluChip Program with Swiggy’s offerings, we’re making travel and everyday experiences more rewarding for millions of users.”

The operation was officially initiated by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. From the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, Minister Uraloğlu gave the first command to Turkish Airlines pilots, enabling the simultaneous takeoff of three scheduled flights. This moment marked not only a milestone for iGA Istanbul Airport but also a turning point in the history of global aviation.

With this new system — expected to make a significant contribution to the Turkish economy — iGA Istanbul Airport now has the capacity for simultaneous takeoff and landing operations on three independent runways. As a result, the airport’s hourly air traffic capacity has increased from 120 to 148 aircraft movements. This operational transformation not only optimises traffic management in Istanbul but also across European airspace, making it faster, safer, and more efficient. The additional 28 aircraft movements per hour mean shorter waiting times for airlines, fewer delays for passengers, and reduced carbon emissions for the environment.

Paving the Way to 200 Million Passengers

This innovative system plays a crucial role in supporting iGA Istanbul Airport’s vision of accommodating 200 million passengers target. As a global transfer hub, the airport will now be able to manage its intense passenger and cargo traffic even more efficiently. It also ensures long-term sustainability by preparing the airport for future traffic volumes. A key component of this system, the Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) system, enhances the predictability of air traffic movements, improves slot allocation, and ensures more efficient runway usage.

Mehmet Kalyoncu, Board Member of iGA Istanbul Airport said: “I am proud to state that as of today we are officially launching triple independent runway operations at iGA Istanbul Airport, setting a precedent in Europe and once again elevating Türkiye to the top in the field of aviation. This is not only a technical achievement for us, but also a strategic milestone. We have taken a significant step toward our goal of becoming one of the leading centres equipped with advanced technologies in global aviation. Today, we are commissioning the triple independent runway operations, a key pillar of this ecosystem. With this system, we are increasing our hourly air traffic capacity from 120 to 148 aircraft movements. This means not only Istanbul, but also Europe’s airspace will become more efficient. Istanbul is no longer just a destination—it is now a global air transport hub.”

500 Controllers, 4,500 Hours of Training

The transformation process at İGA Istanbul Airport began in 2022. In close cooperation with the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMI), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Turkish Airlines, Eurocontrol, and other international authorities, a comprehensive safety analysis and airspace design process was carried out. During this period, a total of 500 air traffic controllers underwent 4,500 hours of training based on specially developed operational scenarios for the new system.

The new operational structure is supported by cutting-edge solutions such as advanced radar systems, full A-CDM integration, improved slot management, and digitally optimised taxi times.

In addition, close coordination with Eurocontrol ensures seamless integration with European airspace, reduces delays, and optimises traffic flow. Air traffic control teams use the latest radar systems, navigation tools, and predictive analytics to ensure smooth operations. Real-time data enables controllers to make quick, informed decisions, while predictive tools help visualise flight patterns and prevent potential runway conflicts — a critical advantage, especially during peak travel periods.

This collaboration underscores Dubai’s commitment to achieving excellence in digital transformation and maintaining the highest standards of security and resilience across its key sectors.

By deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven threat intelligence, automation for faster response, and Machine Learning (ML) to predict and mitigate emerging risks, dans is proactively strengthening its defences against evolving cybersecurity attacks. These initiatives align with Dubai’s vision for a secure, resilient, and digitally advanced future.

As a recognised leader in the IDC (International Data Corporation) MarketScape for Managed Security Services (MSS) and Managed Detection and Response (MDR), Help AG delivers industry-leading cybersecurity solutions powered by cutting-edge technologies. Central to this collaboration is Help AG’s comprehensive AI-powered Cloud Security Operations Center (Cloud SOC) platform, which combines advanced threat intelligence and automation to enhance visibility, control, and resilience across dans’ operations.

Ibrahim Ahli, chief executive officer of dans, said: “Our mission to provide safe and reliable air navigation services requires the highest standards of cybersecurity. Partnering with Help AG confirms our commitment in integrating advanced technologies such as AI and ML to predict and address threats before they impact operations. This collaboration reflects our proactive approach to securing critical infrastructure and supports Dubai’s reputation as a leader in technological innovation.”

Stephan Berner, chief executive officer of Help AG, said: “dans’ commitment to investing in AI and automation-driven cybersecurity is a testament to their forward-looking vision. By working together, we are ensuring a robust and adaptive security framework that not only safeguards operations but also enhances efficiency and resilience.”

The flag carrier of India will see Astrova line fit on 34 of its new widebody aircraft currently on order: six Airbus A350-1000s, 14 A350-900s and 14 Boeing 787-9s. 

Panasonic Avionics will transform Air India’s in-flight experience by offering its passengers a fully immersive experience through the Astrova solution, providing industry-leading 4K OLED HDR10+ displays with accurate colour reproduction, infinite contrast ratios and perfect blacks. High-fidelity sound with Spatial Audio will also be delivered to any wired headset or to the passengers’ own wireless headphones using Panasonic Avionics’ Bluetooth technology. 

Air India passengers flying on aircraft installed with Astrova IFE will have access to 67W of USB-C direct power at their seat, offering fast charging facilities throughout the entire flight duration for their mobile phones, tablets, compatible laptops, and other personal electronic devices. The advanced features of the Astrova IFE solution also include LED lighting designed to enhance the passenger experience by adjusting the cabin ambience for optimal comfort.

To ensure the highest performance levels of its IFE system across its widebody fleet, Air India has chosen Panasonic Technical Services (PTS) to provide support to its in-service aircraft fitted with Panasonic Avionics’ IFE systems.

Nipun Aggarwal, chief commercial officer, Air India said: “We are happy to continue our relationship with Panasonic Avionics which will contribute to elevating the travel experience of our passengers. The integration of the Astrova IFE solution and cutting-edge digital services on some of our aircraft marks an exciting step forward in redefining our inflight offerings for years to come.” 

Hernan Abbes, vice president of Global Sales at Panasonic Avionics, said: “We are honored that Air India has chosen to continue their collaboration with Panasonic Avionics as we support their ambitious digital transformation journey. Our Astrova IFE solution is designed to provide an immersive and unparalleled inflight experience for their passengers, while redefining the ownership experience with its modular design, enabling Air India to fully embrace digitalisation, develop bespoke interactive features, and achieve significant operational cost savings."

MI, the industry’s first interactive authoring platform, is the latest solution from Panasonic Avionics and represents the company’s vision to revolutionise the in-flight experience and create a new digital “seat back” channel for airlines that moves at the same pace as other airline guest touchpoints. 

Andrew Mohr, vice president of digital solutions at Panasonic Avionics, said: “We are honoured that Riyadh Air has chosen Modular Interactive for their Astrova IFE launch, and we are very excited to work with them to significantly increase guest digital engagement. Working side-by-side with the other two airline digital channels – web and mobile – we believe that MI will help Riyadh Air create a seamless, personalised guest experience across the entire travel journey – from pre-flight, to flight, to landing and beyond. Ultimately, we are confident this will deliver increased business value outcomes including loyalty, ancillary revenue, and operational efficiencies.” 

Anton Vidgen, vice president, guest experience at Riyadh Air, said: “As the world’s first digitally native airline set to fly in 2025, we aim to integrate modern technology and traditional Saudi hospitality with sustainability at the core. Panasonic’s MI solution will provide our guests with a differentiated and personalised experience and will allow us to quickly and easily update our IFE in response to evolving guest preferences and behaviours.”