logo
Kuwait Airways partners with Rolls-Royce to enhance aircraft efficiency

Kuwait Airways partners with Rolls-Royce to enhance aircraft efficiency

Arab Times15-05-2025

LONDON, May 15: Kuwait Airways and Rolls-Royce PLC have agreed to strengthen efforts aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of the airline's aircraft engine system. The collaboration is part of Kuwait Airways' ongoing strategy to improve its operations and adapt to the evolving global aviation market, according to a statement from the airline's chairman, Abdulmohsen Al-Fagaan, following discussions between the two parties on Wednesday.
Al-Fagaan explained that the initiative aligns with Kuwait Airways' "strategic goals," which are strongly supported by the political leadership. He also emphasized that this agreement marks a significant step toward deepening the partnership between Kuwait Airways and Rolls-Royce, a leading UK-based engineering company.
The Kuwaiti national carrier has long focused on initiatives aimed at improving the quality of its fleet. Al-Fagaan added that these efforts will ultimately benefit the airline's passengers by ensuring greater convenience and comfort onboard.
Ewen McDonald, Chief Customer Officer at Rolls-Royce, praised the relationship between the two companies, describing Kuwait Airways as one of the firm's most trusted business partners. He noted that through joint initiatives, Kuwait Airways will strengthen its aircraft systems, leading to more durable and efficient operations.
The collaboration aims to enhance the airline's aircraft engine systems, improving both performance and reliability while also boosting operational efficiency across the fleet.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Kuwait's New Law Sets Deadline, Penalties for Unpaid Service Fees
Kuwait's New Law Sets Deadline, Penalties for Unpaid Service Fees

Arab Times

time15 hours ago

  • Arab Times

Kuwait's New Law Sets Deadline, Penalties for Unpaid Service Fees

KUWAIT CITY, June 8: In a move aimed at tightening fiscal discipline and ensuring the effective recovery of dues, the Kuwaiti government has issued Decree-Law No. 75 of 2025 concerning the collection of fees and financial costs for the use of public facilities and services. The law introduces a framework to govern the financial relationship between ministries, public institutions, and beneficiaries of state-provided services, reinforcing the principle that public utilities—ranging from electricity and water to telecommunications and transport—are not free but must be paid for under regulatory and administrative mandates. Core Provisions and Mechanisms Automatic Service Suspension and Installment Flexibility Under Article 1, if a debtor (whether an individual or a private legal entity) fails to pay dues within 30 days of notification, the concerned ministry or public body may temporarily suspend services. This suspension is lifted automatically through the government's digital systems once the outstanding amounts are paid. The law allows for installment-based repayments for those financially unable to settle the dues in one go, pending approval from the creditor. However, failure to adhere to the installment plan leads to its cancellation and the immediate initiation of debt recovery procedures. Mandatory Grievance Process Before Legal Action To prevent unnecessary litigation, Article 2 mandates that any individual disputing the suspension of services or the calculation of dues must first file a written grievance with the concerned authority. A response must be issued within 30 days. If no response is given, it is considered a rejection. Only after this process can a lawsuit be filed—within 30 days of either the rejection notice or the lapse of the response period, whichever comes first. Priority Lien on Debtor's Assets In a bold move to secure state revenues, Article 3 grants government creditors a statutory lien over all assets—movable and immovable—owned by the debtor. This gives the state legal priority in recovering its dues ahead of other creditors. Immediate Enforcement of Debt Recovery Article 4 elevates any official debt document or collection decision issued by a government entity to the status of an 'executive instrument.' This means the state can enforce collection directly without the need to go through lengthy court proceedings, following the procedures of Kuwait's Civil and Commercial Procedures Law. Ten-Year Statute of Limitations with Interruptions Article 5 introduces a 10-year statute of limitations for fee collection, starting from the due date or the end of the relevant fiscal year for annual fees. Crucially, this limitation can be interrupted by any official notice from the creditor that includes the outstanding amount and a request for payment, effectively restarting the clock on the limitation period. Judicial Fees Exempted Article 6 clearly states that the new law does not apply to judicial fees, which remain governed by Kuwait's Judicial Fees Law No. 17 of 1973. Rationale Behind the Legislation The explanatory note accompanying the law clarifies that the government's decision stems from widespread abuse of the existing system. Many beneficiaries of public services—including water, electricity, communications, and municipal services—have delayed or avoided payments, thereby burdening the state financially. This law is not meant to serve merely as a budgetary resource measure, but as a strategic tool for ensuring the efficient management of public utilities and discouraging negligence by debtors. It aims to restore the financial discipline required for a sustainable public service framework. Moreover, the government recognizes that some debts have accumulated to levels beyond immediate payment. By permitting structured payment plans, the law seeks to offer a balanced approach—enforcing payment obligations while recognizing genuine financial hardship. Implementation Timeline Article 7 mandates that ministers shall enforce the law within their jurisdictions, and it will come into effect three months from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Decree-Law No. 75 of 2025 marks a pivotal shift in Kuwait's approach to public service fee collection. By combining legal enforcement with digital automation, flexible repayment options, and judicial safeguards, the law positions the state to better protect public funds while promoting accountability among service users. It's a clear message that the era of unchecked fee evasion is coming to an end.

Style or security? How culture shapes gold buying habits in Kuwait
Style or security? How culture shapes gold buying habits in Kuwait

Kuwait Times

time4 days ago

  • Kuwait Times

Style or security? How culture shapes gold buying habits in Kuwait

Every community has its go-to gold, affected by tradition, resale value, aesthetics KUWAIT: As Eid approaches, it's easy to notice how different gold markets draw in people with different nationalities. According to local jewelers, one key factor drives these preferences: karat - the measure of gold's purity mixed with other metals. The availability of certain karats across shops not only impacts price, but also influences the jewelry's color, strength and the styles favored by each community. 'Each country tends to have its own distinct preference for gold karat,' said Ahmad Gad, a jeweler at Al-Mubarakiya Gold Souq, one of the most popular markets among diverse nationalities in Kuwait. He broke down the three most common karats in Kuwait and who typically prefers each: 'Indians usually go for the rich yellow of 22K gold. Arabs lean toward 21K for its shine. As for 18K, which has a softer glow, it's often chosen by people who like European styles — Filipinos, for example.' Ahmad Gad, a jeweler in Kuwait. A vendor shows a gold necklace to a customer at the gold exhibition. The Indian favorite Indian buyers are especially drawn to 22K gold, valuing both its high purity and cultural significance. 'For Indians, what matters most is purity. If it were practical, they'd choose 24K - but it's too soft for jewelry,' said Ayoub, an Indian gold salesman who has worked in Kuwait for seven years. Pure 24-karat gold, considered 100 percent gold, is typically reserved for bars and coins, as its softness makes it unsuitable for wearable, intricately designed jewelry. To increase durability, gold is alloyed with other metals, resulting in lower karats: 22K gold contains 91.7 percent pure gold, and is ideal for the ornate, heavily detailed pieces typical in Indian culture. 'Our classic Indian pieces can only be made with 22K,' said Naresh Kumar, a jeweler at Souq Al Wataniya in Kuwait City, which mainly serves Indian and Bengali customers. 'It's also the standard karat in India, so it's easier to resell there.' Gad added, 'Every community prefers gold that can be resold easily in their home country.' Smart investment Despite its cultural significance, 22K gold is less commonly stocked in Kuwait compared to 21K. You'll find 21K gold widely available in popular markets like Al-Mubarakiya, Hawally, Salmiya and Farwaniya. According to jewelers, 21K is the most sought-after karat among Arabs. With 87.5% purity, it offers a sweet spot between visual beauty and long-term value. '21K is ideal for those who want a beautiful ornament that also holds its value,' said Gad. 'It has a higher resale price compared to lower karats, especially if it's locally made Kuwaiti gold, free of decorative cloves.' Kuwait is known for its high-quality 21K gold, thanks in part to strong trade ties with the UAE, home to some of the Gulf's most skilled goldsmiths. This partnership enables Kuwait to import a wide variety of 21K designs in large quantities. Elegant, but less valuable By contrast, 18K gold is found in smaller quantities across Kuwait, mostly in the Salmiya Gold Souq, which caters largely to Filipino buyers. While 18K contains 75 percent pure gold and is often used for dainty, European-style pieces, jewelers say it carries the highest making charges and offers weaker resale value, making it less appealing to investment-focused shoppers. 'The lower the gold's karat, the harder it is to mold,' explained Kumar. 'Working with low karats like 18K takes more time and precision, which increases labor costs.' That added labor is reflected in the making charge — a markup applied to the price of gold per gram for craftsmanship, which doesn't contribute to the resale value. Still, 18K remains the go-to for many Filipino shoppers and others who prioritize aesthetics over return value. 'I prefer 18K because it's simpler and more elegant,' said Rachel, a Filipino customer. 'The higher-karat designs are too loud - too madame. Unlike 18K pieces which I can easily stack and wear daily without feeling it's too much. For many, gold is more than a fashion statement - it's financial security. 'Gold is the most affordable investment for me right now. Instead of wasting money, I buy gold. It's like my money is still there, just preserved in a different form,' said Nada Dawod, an Egyptian gold enthusiast. 'When I was younger, I loved 18K gold,' she said. 'But once I started buying gold with my own money, I switched to 21K. It has better resale value and comes with a lower making charge. Even if I like a design in 18K, I try to find a similar one in 21K.'

Americans slow to book summer travel amid discount hunting
Americans slow to book summer travel amid discount hunting

Kuwait Times

time4 days ago

  • Kuwait Times

Americans slow to book summer travel amid discount hunting

NEW YORK: This year's hottest summer travel trend? Waiting for deals. Americans are scaling back travel plans from flights to drives or waiting to book only if the price is right, a tell-tale sign of an industry slowdown that's got travel companies worried. Hotel summer bookings are either flat or falling from last year, and airline bookings are down even though airfares have also declined, as economic concerns fuel a pullback in spending. Travel companies including Delta Air Lines, Marriott International, and online travel agency Booking Holdings have withdrawn or revised their 2025 annual forecasts as US demand softens. Airbnb flagged shrinking booking windows as consumers take a 'wait-and-see' approach and book trips closer to their check-in dates. That has left companies with less visibility into the second half of the year. Delta said in early April it was premature to project the full year given macroeconomic uncertainty. United Airlines said there's a reasonable chance that bookings could weaken. 'It's very clear that consumers are waiting to make decisions, including for the summer,' Southwest Airlines CEO Robert Jordan said at the Bernstein Annual Strategic Decisions Conference in late May, adding that demand was stable but lower than expected in January. US summer flight bookings are down 10 percent year-over-year, according to Flighthub, an online travel agency, even though airfares have dropped. 'You can't keep an airline seat on the shelf in a warehouse. If you don't fill that seat tomorrow and the airplane flies, it's gone,' Steve Hafner, CEO of Kayak, a Booking Holdings unit, told Reuters. Average summer flight prices declined 7 percent, with flights to long-haul destinations like Sydney, Australia 23 percent cheaper year-over-year, according to Kayak. Hotel summer bookings in major US cities are flat-to-down year-over-year, according to data from CoStar. Average room rates are expected to rise roughly 1.3 percent in 2025, down from a 1.8 percent increase in 2024. 'Travel is certainly under some pressure because people are not feeling as comfy as they once did,' said Michael Chadwick, CEO of Fiscal Wisdom Wealth Management. Weaker dollar Travelers may start to find deals, such as a free third night for staying two nights, as hoteliers look to fill rooms, said Jan Freitag, national director of hospitality analytics at CoStar Group. That's what Jackie Lafferty is hoping for. Her summer plans have shifted from a possible family vacation in Hawaii or Florida to her home state of California instead. 'By the time we broke down the cost of the flights, the hotel and the rental car, it looked expensive, it felt unreasonable,' said Lafferty, a Los Angeles-based public relations director. The dollar's weakness has driven up the cost of overseas vacations. In March, American travelers surveyed by Deloitte had planned to increase budgets for their longest summer trip by 13 percent. By April, Deloitte's survey found Americans planned on spending about the same as last year. 'The dollar is just not going as far and I think people are starting to realize that,' said Chirag Panchal, CEO of the Ensuite Collection, a Dallas luxury travel concierge. The dollar has fallen about 10 percent since mid-January, when it was its strongest in more than two years. Panchal's clients, who had booked big trips to Europe last year, are either staying domestic or going to closer destinations like Canada or the Caribbean. 'We might go international at the end of the summer. If we do, it will be last-minute and spur of the moment based on cheaper flights,' said Rachel Cabeza, 28, an actor and fitness instructor based in New Jersey. For now, her only summer plan is a getaway to Martha's Vineyard in nearby Massachusetts. — Reuters

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store