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Qatar Airways creates history with the Largest Boeing Widebody Order 

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Qatar Airways  announced that the carrier has placed the largest aircraft order in its history with manufacturing partner Boeing.  As part of its strategic fleet growth plan, the landmark order includes up to 210 Boeing widebody jets – 160 firm and 50 option – which is the largest widebody order and the largest 787 Dreamliner order in the American aerospace company’s history.

Qatar Airways has also signed an agreement GE Aerospace for more than 400 engines, including 60 GE9X and 260 GEnx engines, with additional options and spares, to power its next-generation Boeing 777-9 and Boeing 787 aircraft – the largest widebody engine purchase in the history of GE Aerospace.

Qatar Airways’ Historic Boeing Widebody Order

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “We are happy to announce our agreement with Boeing and our partnership in the largest widebody aircraft order in Boeing’s history and the biggest aircraft order in our history. This is a critical next step for Qatar Airways on our path as we invest in the cleanest, youngest and most efficient fleet in global aviation.  This is so we can meet the strong demand in the airline as we seamlessly connect passengers to the world better than anyone.”

He continued: “After two consecutive years of record-breaking commercial performance and with this historic Boeing aircraft order – we’re not simply chasing scale; we’re building strength that will allow us to continue to deliver our unmatched products and customer experiences. We thank our partners at Boeing for answering the call and look forward to a future of continued smart growth together.”

The order includes:

130 787 Dreamliners, the long-range, ultra-efficient widebody airplane family that has delivered a 25% fuel-use improvement and superior comfort for passengers.

30 777-9s, the world’s largest twin-engine airplane that is designed to set new standards in efficiency by reducing fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces, while elevating the passenger flight experience.

Options for an additional 50 787 and 777X airplanes

Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, Stephanie Pope, said: “We are deeply honoured that Qatar Airways has placed this record-breaking order with Boeing, one that solidifies their future fleet with our market-leading widebody airplane family at its centre. Our team is looking forward to building 787s and 777s for Qatar Airways into the next decade as they connect more people and businesses around the world with unmatched efficiency and comfort.”

Qatar Airways currently operates more than 150 Boeing airplanes, including 777 and 787 passenger jets and 777 Freighters. With this new purchase, Qatar Airways will become the largest Dreamliner operator in the Middle East. 

Qatar Airways’ Largest Widebody Engine Deal in GE Aerospace History

The new GE Aerospace agreements solidify the company’s commitment to Qatar’s thriving aviation industry and build on the previous order for 188 GE9X engines, bringing the total to 248 engines. The addition of GEnx engines for the Boeing 787 fleet supplements their existing 124 engine order, further strengthening the national carrier’s commitment to efficiency and performance.  The two deals also include service agreements to cover the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the GEnx and GE9X engines.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Our latest agreement with GE Aerospace reflects our confidence in the performance of the GE9X and GEnx engines to power our fleet of Boeing 777-9 and 787 aircraft. These next-generation engines are critical components in our strategy to ensure our fleet remains modern and efficient. Qatar Airways has ambitious plans for the future, and we value our continued partnership with GE Aerospace and their commitment to supporting our operational needs.”

GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO, H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., said: “We are extremely honoured to deepen our relationship with Qatar Airways and grateful to them for placing their trust in us with our largest ever widebody engine deal. Our widebody engines – the GE9X and GEnx – are marvels of modern engineering, with the durability and reliability to power flight across the longest distances. We appreciate President Trump’s support for this historic agreement.”

Qatar Airways has one of the most modern fleets in the industry and these historic orders with Boeing and GE Aerospace will solidify that leadership for years to come.

 

 

 

 

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Celestial meets coastal: Princess Cruises unveils third solar eclipse voyage for 2026

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Princess Cruises has added a third voyage to its 2026 Total Solar Eclipse series with a new 14-day Mediterranean & Adriatic cruise aboard the Enchanted Princess, now open for booking. Departing roundtrip from Rome on August 4, 2026, the sailing will offer a rare blend of skywatching and coastal exploration, timed to coincide with the total solar eclipse on August 12.

The Enchanted Princess will position itself off the eastern coast of Spain for a prime view of the eclipse, where passengers can witness two minutes and 18 seconds of totality. The celestial event will be marked onboard with Princess eclipse viewing glasses, astronomy lectures, themed treats and drinks, stargazing sessions, solar system trivia, and more. Guests are also invited to bring their own telescopes and dress in eclipse-themed attire. The itinerary includes stops across some of Southern Europe’s most celebrated destinations, including Naples (for Capri and Pompeii), Kotor, Dubrovnik, Corfu, Messina, Palermo, Gibraltar, Alicante, and Barcelona. The cruise begins and ends in Civitavecchia, the port for Rome.

The new sailing joins two other eclipse-themed voyages in Princess Cruises’ lineup for 2026: the Sky Princess, departing from Southampton on August 8, and the Sun Princess, offering 7-, 14-, and 21-day itineraries from Barcelona and Athens.

Princess Cruises previously hosted an eclipse-viewing voyage in 2019 aboard the Sapphire Princess, where hundreds of guests and crew observed an annular eclipse from the upper deck during a Southeast Asia itinerary. The 2026 series builds on that success with enhanced programming and expanded routes, offering travelers another opportunity to witness a spectacular natural event at sea.

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Atiom’s new report details what GCC travellers consider important

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AI-driven behavioural platform Atiom presents a new report showing the elements most important to guests coming from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member nations.

This is the very first edition of the report produced specifically for the Middle East and North Africa, with particular attention to GCC members Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

As such, it offers readers a comprehensive look into the region’s hospitality sector, along with the factors influencing and driving its growth.

Likewise, it delves into what prompts travellers to leave positive reviews for hotels, enabling hospitality management firms to see areas for improvement and further development to boost their standing in the rankings.

Atiom chief executive Matthew Spriegel said of this particular edition of the Index: “It’s never been timelier for hospitality leaders in the Middle East and North Africa to consider what drives positive guest experiences as they gear up for a record summer season and growing regional traveler volumes, with markets like the UAE and Saudi Arabia forecast to receive over 60 million combined visitors in 2025. Guest expectations are evolving faster than ever, and in order to stay ahead, hospitality professionals must have a means to identify and measure the components of what makes a truly exceptional experience. By bringing rigor to professional growth, soft skill development, and engagement, properties and their service teams can create the kind of sustainable, repeatable, guest service that drives long-term loyalty.”

Changing the game in a dynamic region

The GCC edition of Atiom’s 2025 Hotel Service Index revealed that hotels garnering the highest scores are outperforming the competition, not just in terms of luxury but also service quality, personalisation, and guest recognition.

Among the properties listed in the report generated by the Hub71 startup are the Crowne Plaza Riyadh and Vida Emirates Hills.

The GCC edition also specifically listed the top ten hotels in the United Arab Emirates which are as follows:

  1. Vida Emirates Hills
  2. Conrad Dubai
  3. Radisson Blue Hotel, Ajman
  4. Al Khoury Courtyard Hotel
  5. Vida Dubai Marina & Yacht Club
  6. Rove Trade Centre
  7. Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Dubai
  8. Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai
  9. Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa
  10. The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton

The findings that matter

The Atiom Hotel Service Index 2025: GCC edition took note of three specific areas in the region’s hospitality sector.

Service trumps mere reputation

While many hotels, particularly those categorised as luxury establishments bank on the strength of prominent or legacy brand names, this did not assure them a place among the top rankings.

Hotels that did make the cut, however, were recognised for service excellence as proven by guest reviews lauding them for service and amenity quality.

Individual staff members matter

In establishments as large as hotels in the Middle East, it is easy for individual employees to be lost in the throng.

However, there were several cases within this year’s index wherein guest reviews cited the service of a single member of a hotel’s staff.

This may be construed as proof of the importance of every employee in a property’s operations and its eventual success.

Personalisation leads to better, more sincere reviews

While all-around service excellence drives the success of a property, making such service personal for guests takes it to a completely different level.

The report noted that guests who encountered personalised service at hotels were more likely to leave positive reviews as they felt that the property staff truly looked after their needs in the best manner possible.

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Chris Bryant to give keynote address at ABTA’s Travel Matters conference

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Tourism Minister, Sir Chris Bryant MP, will be giving the keynote speech at ABTA’s Travel Matters conference in central London on Wednesday 11 June, to share his views on the future of tourism and the latest on his plans for the sector to be an integral part of the Government’s growth mission.

Now in its 15th year, Travel Matters is a must-attend event in the public affairs calendar which brings together politicians and industry leaders to discuss the biggest political and policy issues facing the travel sector.

Speakers at this year’s event will discuss the current policy and political landscape, including global geopolitics and economics and what these mean for the travel industry. And with the event taking place almost a year since the general election and while the UK and EU discuss their future relationship, speakers will also explore what businesses in travel and tourism need from the Government to succeed in these changing times.

Other speakers joining the Tourism Minister at the event include Dame Irene Hays, Owner of Hays Travel and member of the Government’s newly formed Visitor Economy Advisory Council. Dame Irene will be discussing the importance of the service economy and providing an industry perspective on travel beyond 2025.

Lord Kim Darroch KCMG, the former British Ambassador to the United States and former British Representative to the EU, will share his thoughts on the global political landscape and what the recent geopolitical upheaval means for travel.

The day’s agenda will also include a panel discussion reflecting on the industry’s current policy asks, including an examination of the travel sector’s hopes for UK-EU relations, with speakers including; Rob Griggs, the Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Airlines UK; Richard Toomer, the Executive Director of Tourism Alliance; Lauren Broughton, the Head of Public Affairs and PR at UKInbound; and ABTA’s Director of Public Affairs, Luke Petherbridge.

Luke Petherbridge, ABTA’s Director of Public Affairs, said: “I’m delighted that Sir Chris Bryant, Tourism Minister, will be delivering the keynote address at our Travel Matters event next month. With an updated tourism strategy in development, it’s a great time to hear from the Minister, as well as Dame Irene Hays, to get both government and industry perspectives on the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead for our industry.

“And, with major shifts in geopolitics, there are few people anywhere better placed than Lord Darroch to provide an expert view on what’s going on and what it all might mean for us in the UK travel industry.

“These three speakers are part of an excellent line-up of highly influential and widely respected figures, and I am very much looking forward to hearing the different perspectives everyone will bring to enrich our discussions at our 15th Travel Matters event.”

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Top tips for a smashing summer vacation to Manila, Boracay, and Cebu for ‘Gen Z’

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Cool off in style at Savoy Hotel Manila’s indoor pool

 

Whether you like vibe of the city, crave an island getaway, or discover hidden cultural gems, this guide has all the inspiration you need.

MANILA: For the city-loving foodie & lowkey staycay queen

  1. Eat your way on a Binondo Food Crawl

If you have a soft spot for food and culture, Binondo is the ultimate playground. As the world’s oldest Chinatown, it is bursting with stories, centuries-old churches, and a culinary scene that hits all the right notes.

Insider Tip: Just 15 minutes from Hotel Lucky Chinatown lies the historic Calle Escolta. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Calvo Museum, where you can explore a wide collection of vintage memorabilia and antiques and admission is absolutely free.

  1. Staycation Goals in the Newport Area

Sometimes, the best kind of vacation is the one where you do not need to pack your passport. Head over to Newport City for a stress-free staycation filled with everything you love—airport proximity, shopping, event spaces, and cafés just around the corner.

Insider Tip: Craving street food? Take the back entrance of Savoy Hotel Manila and head straight to 10th Street, where you’ll find a variety of unique and mouthwatering local street eats—perfect for a quick bite or a late-night foodie adventure in the heart of Manila.

BORACAY: For the sun chasers & tropical dreamers

  1. Take a Snap of the Different Beaches in Boracay

While White Beach is iconic, there is a whole other side to Boracay waiting to be explored. From the serene shores of Puka Beach to the postcard-perfect landscapes of Boracay Newcoast, this island is not just about parties and sunsets, it is also your gateway to hidden gems and tranquil spots where you can slow down and bask in tropical bliss.

Insider Tip: For a panoramic view of Boracay, make your way to Mount Luho, the island’s highest peak. The view is especially magical during sunrise and sunset, when the sky lights up in breathtaking colors.

Mactan Newtown Beach from above = coastal perfection

  1. Try Exhilarating Water Activities

If your idea of fun includes a little thrill, then Boracay’s lineup of water activities is your summer dream come true. Hop on a banana boat, go parasailing for sky-high views, or take an ATV ride along scenic trails. It is the kind of high-energy adventure that will have you grinning through your goggles and filling your phone with GoPro-worthy content.

Insider Tip: Just a short boat ride from the main island, Ariel’s Point is the ultimate adventure hotspot. Spend the day cliff diving from various heights, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or playing beach volleyball. It is the perfect escape for thrill-seekers.

CEBU: For the adventurers & island hoppers

  1. Explore Cebu’s Historical Gems

Beyond the beaches and bites, Cebu is home to some of the country’s most iconic heritage sites and Mactan is your gateway to the landmarks that echo the stories of the Spanish colonial era. Step into the past with a visit to Magellan’s Cross, wander the walls of Fort San Pedro, and take in the spiritual beauty of Basilica del Santo Niño.

Insider Tip: Jump on a boat and head to Olango Island, which is a must-visit for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Recognized as one of the world’s seven most important flyways for migratory birds, the island serves as a seasonal haven for species traveling from Siberia, Northern China, and Japan. With 97 bird species recorded, Olango offers a truly unique wildlife experience. Beyond birdwatching, the island is also home to three incredible dive sites, where you can explore a rich and diverse marine ecosystem beneath the waves.

 

Spend the summer with your barkada in Boracay Newcoast

  1. Taste Authentic Cebuano Food

One word: lechon. But it does not stop there. Cebu’s food scene is all about bold flavors, from juicy grilled seafood to sutukil—a mix of sugba (grill), tula (soup), and kinilaw (ceviche). Every meal is a feast, and every bite tells a story. Go ahead, live your foodie fantasy and eat like a true local.

Insider Tip: Long before The Mactan Newtown became the vibrant township, several towering trees had already taken root in the area. Some of them still stand tall by the beach, bearing silent witness to years of change and growth. These trees offer a cooling shade along beachfronts.

  1. Get Wet & Wild with Water Adventures

Cebu is a certified playground for water babies. From snorkeling and diving with vibrant marine life to jet skiing across the waves, every moment in the water is a chance to make a memory. Mactan Island is where it all begins. 

Insider Tip: Beyond the vibrant Sinulog Festival in January, Cebu also celebrates the sweet and sunny Mango Festival every May. A tribute to one of the province’s most iconic and delicious fruits. This lively event showcases Cebu’s rich agricultural heritage while honoring one of Cebu’s greatest products.

 

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Etihad welcomed 1.7 million guests during April 2025, up 21% vis-à-vis 2024

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Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has released its traffic statistics for April 2025, demonstrating continued strong growth and performance.

The airline welcomed 1.7 million guests during the month, up 21% compared to the same period last year, as Etihad’s upward trajectory continued. The airline recorded a passenger load factor of 89% in April, a significant improvement from 84% in April 2024, while maintaining its expanded capacity and increased operating fleet size.

 

Apr-24 Apr-25 2024 YTD 2025 YTD
Passengers 1.4 million 1.7 million 5.7 million 6.7 million
Passenger load factor 84% 89% 86% 87%
Operating fleet size([1]) 89 99
Passenger destinations 68 72

Year-to-date, Etihad has welcomed 6.7 million passengers, 1 million more than the same period in 2024, keeping the airline firmly on track to exceed 21 million passengers in 2025.

Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways CEO, said: “April was another exceptionally strong month for Etihad, with impressive passenger growth of 21% compared to the same period last year. With almost 7 million guests flown in the first four months alone, we’re building strong momentum toward another record-breaking year.”

“”Our April load factor of 89% shows customers continue to choose Etihad for our quality of service, network, and overall value. We’re now on track to carry more than 21 million guests in 2025 – more than ever before in our history”.

“As we move forward into the busy summer season, we remain focused on our growth strategy while maintaining the exceptional travel experience that our guests have come to expect from Etihad.”

 

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Travel tech firm Vibe powers up a new Australian leisure travel platform

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Untitled design – 1

Global travel technology provider Vibe announced the successful launch of a new leisure travel platform for one of Australia’s largest privately owned travel agency groups today, 14th May.

This innovative new platform is currently live and was developed by Vibe in collaboration with the Hunter Travel Group (HTG) which is based in Newcastle, New South Wales.

This new development blends together local market insight with world-class technology.

Vibe’s chief commercial officer Martin Eade said of the collaboration: “It’s been a pleasure working alongside the HTG team. Their clear vision, particularly around their tour product, allowed us to pair the right technology with the right goals. The result is a compelling, user-focused platform that sets a new benchmark for leisure travel in Australia. Our work with RACQ Travel further proves the power of this collaboration.”

HTC chief executive Brett Dann added: “Partnering with Vibe has taken our digital strategy to the next level. The platform is scalable, future-ready, and most importantly, built to meet the evolving needs of our clients and members across Australia.”

This successful launch marks another milestone in Vibe’s mission to support ambitious travel businesses with technology that drives growth, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

What does it do?

Designed to enhance the travel booking experience for Australians, the new platform delivers a sleek, modern user journey while showcasing a curated collection of tours and experiences powered by Vibe’s seamless integration with Tour Atlas.

HTG’s new digital presence reflects its deep understanding of what Australian travellers want: ease, inspiration, and value.

All these have come together in a single platform through Vibe’s flexible, scalable tech solutions.

On top of this latest development, Vibe has also delivered a new travel platform for HTG-operated Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ), one of Australia’s most trusted membership organisations. 

The site offers RACQ members an intuitive, benefit-rich booking experience, starting with member verification and unlocking member only exclusive discounts.

Other brands under the HTG portfolio of brands, including the Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania (RACT ) and the Travel & Cruise Travel Centre, are set for a digital makeover too, using the same innovative product delivery platform.

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Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas to make its Singapore debut

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Royal Caribbean announced that its Navigator of the Seas will be calling Singapore its home through a new set of itineraries that will make their debut in October of next year.

From October 2026 to February 2027, the Navigator of the Seas will offer the ultimate combination of short getaways and longer holidays for travellers of all ages. 

As of press time, the line-up features a range of three- to 12-night voyages making their way to Southeast and East Asia’s most beloved destinations, offering extensive experiences in inspiring locations.

Made for Asian travellers

Royal Caribbean International vice-president and managing director for APAC Chad Grospe said: “With Navigator of the Seas, we are bringing an adventure-packed holiday experience tailored to Asian travelers, especially families and large groups. From thrilling activities to world-class entertainment and dining, there’s something for everyone from every generation to enjoy together. We’re committed to delivering unforgettable vacations with industry-first innovations, ensuring our guests all around the world can create lasting memories.”

From October 2026 onwards, travellers can pack their bags for unforgettable journeys across the region, with a combination of short trips ranging from three to five nights. 

Explore the heritage-rich town of Penang, Malaysia while indulging in delectable local street flavours, unwind on the idyllic beaches of Phuket, Thailand, and enjoy a stopover at the scenic island of Langkawi, Malaysia. 

For those seeking a longer escape, a one-of-a-kind ten-night journey will take holidaymakers to the jewels of Thailand and Vietnam, including the history-rich Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant beach town of Da Nang, and an overnight stay in the buzzing metropolis of Bangkok.

In February 2027, the adventure reaches new heights as Navigator will embark on 11- and 12-night holidays from Singapore and Tokyo. 

These sailings will visit remarkable destinations across East Asia including Tokyo; Japan, Hong Kong, and Taipei, Taiwan, making them perfect for families looking to combine cultural exploration with Royal Caribbean’s signature thrills.

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Minor Hotels reports resilience in its financials for Q1-2025

The post Minor Hotels reports resilience in its financials for Q1-2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Minor Hotels released its financial report for the quarter that ended on 31st March today, 14th May.

The Thai hospitality firm reported a resilient start to 2025, shrugging off seasonal softness and currency volatility to post a four percent year-on-year increase in core revenue, as well as a seven percent jump in core EBITDA.

Buoyed by robust leisure and business demand, Minor Hotels cut its first-quarter core loss to THB 493 million, marking an improvement of 57 percent from 2024. 

The sharp turnaround underscores both the earning power of the group’s diverse global portfolio and its disciplined cost controls.

System-wide occupancy across Minor’s global portfolio of more than 560 properties edged up one point to 64 percent while average daily rate (ADR) rose three percent year-on-year, lifting global RevPAR by five percent.  

Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier remarked: “Delivering such a strong first-quarter performance in what is traditionally our toughest season shows the power of our trusted brands and the agility of our people. We will keep building momentum through ‘asset right’ expansion and sharper distribution while maintaining strict discipline on operating and capital costs, with a clear focus on further debt reduction to strengthen our balance sheet.”

Performance by market

Thailand continued to outperform, with owned hotels in the country recording a ten percent RevPAR increase as international arrivals accelerated, flight connectivity improved and global exposure thanks to the third season of HBO’s The White Lotus which was filmed across four Minor resorts thereby boosting brand visibility.

Europe also exceeded expectations despite its traditional low season, with owned hotels in the region delivering eight percent RevPAR growth, led by strong trading in Spain, Italy, and the Benelux region, underscoring demand resilience across the continent.

Strategic pricing and stronger direct-booking initiatives, notably the debut of the new Minor Hotels masterbrand in March, combined to sharpen top-line momentum.

Total system sales for the entire portfolio held steady in the first quarter at THB 40.5 billion and rose three percent on a like-for-like basis once foreign-exchange effects and recent openings or exits were stripped out.

Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East and Africa saw a combined two percent uplift in system sales, with the Maldives and Sri Lanka helping to offset pockets of softness elsewhere in those regions.

Hotels owned by Minor but operated by third parties grew like-for-like system sales by six percent, buoyed by robust demand in Africa and Thai resorts, while the mixed-use division which includes Anantara Vacation Club, The Wolseley Hospitality Group, residential, spa, and retail businesses expanded system sales by 16 percent.

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Saudi Arabia’s flynas raises $1.1 billion in landmark IPO, marking Gulf aviation’s first listing in nearly 20 years

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Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airline flynas has raised approximately SAR4.1 billion (USD1.1 billion) in a heavily oversubscribed initial public offering (IPO) beginning of this week, in what marks the first Gulf airline listing in nearly two decades. The offering saw 51.26 million shares — representing a 30% stake in the carrier — snapped up within minutes of the books opening on the Tadāwul Stock Exchange.

Shares were priced between SAR76 and SAR80 (USD20.30–21.33), implying a total market capitalization of between SAR13 billion and SAR13.7 billion (USD3.47–3.65 billion) at listing. Of the shares sold, 10.2% are newly issued, while the remainder were offered by existing shareholders including Kingdom Holding Company, led by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, and National Flight Services Co. Proceeds from the newly issued shares will be directed toward fleet expansion and network growth — core to the airline’s Vision 2030-aligned ambitions. Existing shareholder proceeds will return to the sellers.

“This IPO is a strategic step that will accelerate the execution of our growth ambitions and solidify our position as the leading low-cost carrier for short and medium-haul flights across the Middle East and North Africa by 2030,” said CEO Bander Almohanna.

Founded in 2007 as nasair, flynas currently operates a 71-strong all-Airbus fleet, including A320-200s, A320neo jets, and A330-300s, serving 74 airports across 34 countries. The carrier has a robust order book of 153 aircraft as it prepares for a wider regional push, including underserved international markets. In 2024, flynas reported a net profit of SAR434 million (USD115.7 million).

“Our ambitious fleet expansion, including the addition of wide-body aircraft, will further support our growth across all key segments,” Almohanna added. “We remain focused on strengthening our market share on key domestic routes while strategically expanding our international footprint.”

The flynas IPO arrives at a time of growing investor appetite for aviation in the Middle East, as regional carriers capitalize on surging demand post-COVID and governments push for air connectivity as a key economic pillar. It also sets the stage for a wave of aviation listings, with Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways expected to pursue its own USD1 billion IPO later this year.

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