Latest news with #globalconnectivity
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM sign MoU to establish strategic cooperation and expand global connectivity
Partnership aims to enhance global connectivity for guests traveling between Riyadh, Paris, Amsterdam and beyond. Focus areas include network connectivity, codeshare cooperation, loyalty program rewards and seamless guest experience. Collaboration to explore joint opportunities in MRO, sustainability, digital transformation and cargo. New Delhi – Saudi Arabia's new national carrier, Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step forward in global connectivity for guests traveling between Riyadh, Paris, Amsterdam, and destinations far beyond. The MoU, signed at the 2025 IATA Annual General Meeting by Tony Douglas CEO Riyadh Air and Benjamin Smith CEO of Air France-KLM Group, sets the foundation for a dynamic partnership. Subject to regulatory approvals, the collaboration aims to gradually introduce a wide range of benefits for guests and to unlock new opportunities across Western Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Asia, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This strategic partnership will focus on strengthening network connectivity, with both partners working together to maximize future opportunities through Riyadh Air's hub in the capital of Saudi Arabia and Air France-KLM's Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol airport hubs. The recent launch of Air France's Paris Charles de Gaulle–Riyadh service, alongside KLM's established Amsterdam–Riyadh operations, reflects the shared commitment to expanding travel options for guests. Beyond route connectivity, Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM will collaborate to enhance the guest experience, exploring opportunities in reciprocal loyalty program rewards, operational support, and lounge access. The partnership also extends to areas such as Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), digital transformation, sustainability, and cargo services—ensuring a comprehensive approach to delivering value. Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, commented: ' We are dedicated to connecting Riyadh to the world, and partnering with Air France-KLM - a leader in global aviation, will accelerate bringing to life our vision to deliver exceptional experiences and the realization of our long-term vision: to redefine air travel through innovation, operational excellence, and guest-centric services. This partnership not only strengthens our international network but also reinforces confidence in our growth trajectory and our role in supporting Saudi Arabia's broader economic diversification goals under Vision 2030.' Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM Group, added: 'Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a key market for aviation. With our three brands, Air France, KLM and Transavia now serving the country, and with this new agreement with Riyadh Air, we aim to continue increasing our footprint in the region. We look forward to combining our networks and expertise with Riyadh Air, and to offer our mutual customers more choice and convenience. This cooperation is complementary to our SkyTeam partner in the region.' As Riyadh Air embarks on its journey to become a leading global carrier, this partnership with Air France-KLM underlines a bold commitment to excellence, innovation, and exceptional guest experience. About Riyadh Air Riyadh Air, a PIF company, is a world-class airline. Launched in March 2023, the airline will be a digitally led, full-service airline that adopts the best global sustainability and safety practices across its advanced fleet of aircraft. Riyadh Air will equip its aircraft with the most advanced, state-of-the-art features with innovative, best-in-class cabin interiors and experiences, including next generation digital in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity solutions. Riyadh Air will connect guests to over 100 destinations around the world by 2030 through offering an exceptional guest experience with an authentic, warm Saudi hospitality at its heart. Website: About Air France-KLM Group A global player with a strong European base, the Air France-KLM Group's main areas of business are passenger transport, cargo transport and aeronautical maintenance. Air France-KLM is a leading airline Group in terms of international traffic on departure from Europe. It offers its customers access to a worldwide network, covering over 320 destinations thanks to Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Transavia, mainly from its bases at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly and Amsterdam-Schiphol. Flying Blue is the loyalty programme of the Air France-KLM Group with more than 26 million members. Together with its partners Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic, Air France-KLM operates the largest transatlantic joint venture, with more than 375 daily flights. Air France-KLM is also a member of the SkyTeam, the alliance dedicated to providing passengers with a more seamless travel experience at every step of their journey 19 member airlines working together across an extensive global network. Recognized for 20 years as an industry leader in sustainable development, the Air France-KLM Group is determined to accelerate the transition to more sustainable aviation. Air France-KLM press office:– - @AirFranceKLM
Malay Mail
22-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Zahid: Over 100 new flight routes approved to prepare for Visit Malaysia 2026
PUTRAJAYA, May 22 — A total of 103 new flight routes, 29 increased flight frequencies and five chartered flights have been approved from various major countries in an effort to boost global connectivity in preparation for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the matter was disclosed during the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Tourism and Culture (JKPK), which he chaired here today.. The JKPK chairman said the meeting viewed that a comprehensive campaign approach up to the international level must be implemented with the full support of the government in preparation for VM2026. Among the outlined strategies include creating demand by empowering the Malaysia Truly Asia and Cuti-Cuti Malaysia brands, joint promotions with airlines and tour operators, as well as market segmentation approaches to attract high-profile visitors from around the world. 'The government is committed to driving the tourism sector as a key catalyst for the country's economic growth in line with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI, particularly the thrust of Rebuilding the Economy. 'This sector not only contributes to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but also creates job opportunities and enhances the country's competitiveness in the global market,' Ahmad Zahid said in a statement today. He said the meeting was informed of seven iconic programmes that will be organised as major attractions for VM2026, namely the Malaysia Mega Sale, Malaysia Cultural Festival, Global Meet, World Tourism Day & Conference, Official Launch of VM2026, VM2026 Year-End Sale, and the VM2026 Countdown Celebration. In addition, he said the meeting was also briefed on the Sustainable Tourism Programme through the Greening Protocol Initiative. 'Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Selangor government will spearhead the implementation of the Greening Protocol, which encompasses low-carbon technology, green mobility, and the empowerment of urban green spaces. This aligns with the goal of positioning Malaysia as a world-class sustainable tourism destination,' he said. To ensure the sector remains competitive, Ahmad Zahid urged all ministries and agencies to join forces with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) in driving the sector as a national agenda. 'The success of the nation's tourism can only be achieved through coordinated policies and collective, inclusive implementation,' he said. Ahmad Zahid also called on all frontliners, especially at international entry points, to demonstrate friendliness and professionalism as the country's mini ambassadors in welcoming tourists. 'I am confident that with the joint commitment of all parties, we can make Malaysia a top global tourism destination by VM2026,' he said. — Bernama
Bloomberg
20-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Airline Leaders on the Future of Aviation & Connectivity
Engr. Badr Mohammad Al-Meer, Group CEO, Qatar Airways Group; Jayne Hrdlicka, Former CEO, Virgin Australia; and Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director, Malaysia Aviation Group discuss how new airline partnerships are reshaping global connectivity in Asia-Pacific and beyond with Bloomberg's Joumanna Bercetche at the 2025 Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg. (Source: Bloomberg)
Hospitality Net
12-05-2025
- Hospitality Net
Next-Gen Navigators: Empowering Youth as Champions of Purposeful Travel
We live in extraordinary times. Never before has humanity had such seamless access to the world. Today, 80% of global youth (ages 15–24) own a smartphone and are more globally connected than any previous generation. With one click, they can board a virtual flight to another continent – or a real one. Just a few generations ago, international travel was a privilege for diplomats and the wealthy elite. For many of our parents, a single overseas trip marked a milestone; for our grandparents, it was almost unimaginable. Today, travel is an expectation. We book a flight from Paris to Johannesburg simply because we felt restless on a Friday night. We chase '100 Destinations Before You Die' bucket lists, collect passport stamps like trophies, and share our journeys on social media. But with great access comes great responsibility. And the time has come to move from passive tourism to purposeful travel. Why Youth Matter Globally, young people account for over 23% of all international travellers, and their numbers are only rising. According to the UN Tourism, youth travel generates over $300 billion annually. They're adventurous, tech-savvy, culturally curious - and crucially, more open to values-based travel. This is a powerful force waiting to be activated for good. If elected Secretary-General, I pledge to centre my strategy on one fundamental belief: Youth are not just tourists; they are stewards, storytellers, and changemakers. The best place to start this journey is through education. The Global Youth Tourism Initiative (GYTI) To bring this belief to life, I propose a Global Youth Tourism Initiative (GYTI) - a flagship platform to educate, engage, empower, and inspire young travellers to become heroes of responsible tourism. 1. Educate Develop global tourism literacy curricula with other UN agencies like UNESCO and UNEP, integrating modules on travel ethics, climate impact, cultural preservation, and digital storytelling. with other UN agencies like UNESCO and UNEP, integrating modules on travel ethics, climate impact, cultural preservation, and digital storytelling. Introduce Tourism Labs in Schools - experiential programs simulating real-world tourism challenges and encouraging innovation. 2. Engage Create a UN Youth Tourism Corps : Young ambassadors trained to run workshops, peer-learning circles, and awareness campaigns in their communities. : Young ambassadors trained to run workshops, peer-learning circles, and awareness campaigns in their communities. Partner with platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Meta to amplify stories of youth who've made a difference through tourism - turning their reels into real change. 3. Empower Launch the Youth Tourism Changemakers Fellowship , offering mentorship, seed funding, and policy incubation support for tourism-based social enterprises. , offering mentorship, seed funding, and policy incubation support for tourism-based social enterprises. Collaborate with the private sector—such as Travel Sustainable initiative or Intrepid Travel's youth expeditions—to give youth real-world exposure. 4. Inspire Develop a My Travel for Good storytelling platform where young people share journeys that changed them and how they're paying it forward. storytelling platform where young people share journeys that changed them and how they're paying it forward. Host an annual Youth Tourism Hero Awards at UN Tourism summits, celebrating those who exemplify values-driven travel. Cross-Industry and UN Collaborations UNICEF's U-Report platform shows the power of youth-led data in shaping policies. We can adapt this model to co-create travel policy feedback loops. UNESCO's Creative Cities Network and UN Habitat's Urban Youth Fund offer templates on how to localize global youth initiatives with creative and sustainable outcomes. Partner with the fashion, film, and gaming industries all of which shape youth identity to build campaigns around ethical travel fashion, cinematic cultural storytelling, and travel-based virtual gaming worlds with impact missions. Strategic Priorities for a Youth-Centred Tourism Future Build Youth Tourism Leadership Launch a Global Youth Tourism Leadership Program Establish Regional Tourism Youth Hubs that integrate local wisdom with global perspective. Integrate Responsible Travel Education Embed travel ethics modules in national curricula Create open-source digital courses on sustainability and cultural diplomacy. Facilitate Youth Mobility Advocate for Youth Travel Visas and more equitable visa access for travelers from the Global South. Scale up youth exchange programs, twinning cities and schools for real cultural immersion. A Vision of Youth as Heroes of Tomorrow's Tourism This is not just a policy platform - it is a global movement. A movement to reimagine travel as a force for peace, understanding, and regeneration. A movement where young people don't just explore the world, they heal it, protect it, and tell its stories with heart and honour. If elected, I commit to making this vision real. Because the future of tourism isn't just about where we go, it's about who we become when we get there.
Emirates 24/7
08-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Maktoum bin Mohammed meets Chairman of Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation Council
H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, today met at his office in Dubai with Karl Hofstetter, Chairman of the Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation Council. Discussions during the meeting focused on the UAE's commitment to fostering partnerships with global players in the travel, tourism, and service sectors to advance global connectivity, facilitate seamless travel, and transform the visitor experience. The meeting also highlighted the UAE's integrated approach of combining world-class infrastructure, business-enabling regulations, and a vibrant investment environment to reinforce its position as a leading global hub for travel and tourism as well as the services industry. Discussions explored opportunities for collaboration between Dubai and the foundation across key areas, including travel facilitation, tourism services, and technological innovation. It was noted that partnerships with international industry leaders play an important role in advancing Dubai's vision for enhancing global mobility and streamlining travel worldwide. Such alliances also support the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to establish the city as one of the world's top three destinations for business and leisure by 2033. The meeting also discussed the Foundation's philanthropic initiatives, which closely align with Dubai and the UAE's commitment to advancing global good and supporting communities across the world. Founded in 1957 and based in Stans, Switzerland, the Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation supports the long-term stability of companies emerging from the former Kuoni Group. It is a key shareholder in VFS Global, a leading outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions, and the Hotelbeds Group. It also owns 100% of Kuoni Travel Holding Ltd and Kuoni Travel IP Ltd, which oversee its travel businesses and protect its global brand assets. The foundation combines strategic investments with a commitment to charitable initiatives focused on environmental protection, cultural understanding, and supporting disadvantaged children in tourism regions. The meeting was attended by Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET); and Essa Kazim, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
