Latest news with #KuwaitAirways'
Tourism Breaking News
8 hours ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Kuwait Airways launches 'Elite' Service
Post Views: 51 As part of Kuwait Airways' efforts to enhance the travel experience and provide a variety of services to its valued passengers, the company announced the launch of its Elite Service at Terminal 4 (T4), offering a comprehensive suite of services to its passengers, excluding flights to New York. Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan, stated, 'Kuwait Airways is pleased to launch one of its newest services, the Elite Service which includes a range of distinguished services to our valued passengers. The Elite Service begins with completing the passenger's travel procedures, which include baggage weighing from home and issuing their boarding passes, followed by transportation to the airport and meet-and-assist services at T4 passenger terminal. Al-Fagaan added, 'The Elite Service also includes facilitating the completion of passenger's travel procedures at Terminal 4, access to the Elite Lounge until departure time, and transportation to the aircraft when a passenger bridge is not available. Upon return, passengers are welcomed at Terminal 4, assisted through arrival procedures, and transported home by limousine.' Al-Fagaan continued by saying, 'Customers can book and request the Elite Service through the Kuwait Airways app or website between 72 and up to 48 hours prior to departure. Home check-in service will be completed 24 hours prior to the flight, after which the baggage will be delivered to Terminal 4 (T4) before departure.' Al-Fagaan emphasized that Kuwait Airways spares no effort in ensuring the comfort of its valued customers, highlighting the company's commitment to providing exceptional services and entertainment options that enhance the travel experience. He noted that these efforts are especially timely with the onset of the 2025 summer travel season, aiming to make every journey enjoyable and engaging. Al-Fagaan concluded by emphasizing on the company's aspirations for significant achievements this year, while continuing to focus on developing the entire operational system to achieve the highest standards of service quality in the period ahead. Kuwait Airways also announced the launch of a marketing campaign for its Family Offer, providing discounts of up to 30% on all destinations in economy class for groups of 3 to 9 passengers. Bookings are available from 26 June to 30 June 2025, for travel between 1 July to 30 November 2025. It is worth noting that Kuwait Airways operates a modern and diverse fleet comprising the latest type of aircraft from the world's leading manufacturers—Airbus and Boeing. The fleet is equipped with cutting-edge technology and advanced features that align with the highest international aviation standards, including state-of-the-art inflight entertainment systems and designed seating specifications to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. Kuwait Airways takes pride in employing some of the region's most skilled and experienced professionals across various technical specializations, reflecting the airline's commitment to operational excellence. In addition, Kuwait Airways strives to attain the highest levels of quality by assisting its valued customers and to develop the company's operational system in line with the latest improvements in the commercial air transport sector.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Inside Saddam Hussein's 1980s stolen private jet that's now used in TV shows
A Cotswold plane scrappage company has been the unlikely resting place of Saddam Hussein's stolen private jet - which is now being used in TV shows and movies, in part due to its excellent 80s interior If you're on the hunt for Saddam Hussein's private jet, you might not think to look in the Cotswolds. Yet, it's in this picturesque part of England where you'll find the former Iraqi dictator's personal aircraft. Air Salvage International, a plane scrappage firm based at Cotswold Airport, has been the custodian of the VIP-equipped Boeing 727 for nearly a decade. While most of the company's planes are dismantled and sold off, sometimes fetching up to £10 million per jet, managing director Mark Gregory can't bring himself to part with this particular flying not just its connection to Saddam (whose Iraqi Airways nicked Kuwait Airways' entire fleet during the 1990 invasion) that makes it special, but also its retro '80s interior. Originally owned by the Kuwaiti Royal family, the 189-seat jet was gutted of its standard uncomfortable airplane seats and decked out with an array of kitschy furniture that could fill a retirement home. Think plush velour seats with extendable footrests, state-of-the-art JVC TVs embedded into mahogany walls, and glass vases brimming with plastic roses, all sitting next to unopened bottles of champagne. Do you have an idea for an interesting place we can cover? Email webtravel@ Before the Iraqi forces swooped in and commandeered the Kuwaiti fleet, Emir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and other wealthy royals used the opulent plane for their global travels. Where there is now a patch of carpet overrun by mould, the Emir once sat on a specially built throne, using radio equipment to issue orders to his staff from 30,000 feet above. Following the Western invasion of Iraq and Saddam's execution, the private jet changed ownership multiple times until it was sold to Air Salvage International by Jersey-based Strong Aviation on 29 June 2016. Now at 45 years old, the aircraft's value is virtually nil and its flying days are over - despite Mark maintaining it in full working order and taking it for a spin on the runway every ten days. These days, it sees most action as a film set for TV programmes and films, including McDonald and Dodds, Casualty, The Lazarus Project, Hijack with Idris Elba, Star Wars, Mission: Impossible, and Doctor Who. Next time you watch a dramatic plane crash or runway scene on screen, keep an eye out for some suspiciously Gloucestershire-like countryside in the background. Or even Mark's arms. When he's not making money from old planes or drumming away in his office by the runway, the ponytailed scrap tycoon can be partially seen on the big screen, "piloting" the Boeing 727 in its latest cinematic adventure. Air Salvage International first began 30 years ago. Armed with redundancy money in the early '90s, Mark bought his first plane and spent six months breaking it down into sellable bits. More than 1,400 aircraft later, the business is thriving and employs dozens of people to cope with the growing demand from the ever-expanding aviation industry. And there are big bucks at stake. The equivalent of a commercial jet's MOT costs around £1 million, which is why many plane owners decide to send their ageing aircraft to Mark instead. Sometimes as much as £12 million can be salvaged from them, either in reusable parts or recyclable materials.
Kuwait Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait Airways receives second A321neo aircraft from Airbus
Kuwait Airways receives second A321neo aircraft from Airbus Carrier strengthens fleet with advanced, fuel-efficient aircraft KUWAIT: Kuwait Airways announced on Thursday the arrival of its second Airbus A321neo aircraft, as part of a deal that includes a total of nine aircraft of the same model. The new delivery marks a significant step in the airline's ongoing efforts to enhance operational capacity and elevate service standards. Chairman of the Board of Directors Abdulmohsen Al-Faqan said in a press statement that the addition of the new aircraft will support the airline's operational growth and contribute to improved passenger experiences. 'The A321neo features cutting-edge technology and a modern entertainment system, providing travelers with a more comfortable and enjoyable journey,' he noted. Business class seats on Kuwait Airways' new Airbus A321neo aircraft. – KUNA photos Economy class seats on Kuwait Airways' new Airbus A321neo aircraft. Al-Faqan emphasized that the acquisition is part of a broader phase aimed at advancing the company's distinguished onboard services and reinforcing its status as a prominent regional and international airline. He reiterated Kuwait Airways' commitment to adopting the latest advancements in commercial aviation in line with global standards, with a focus on safety, comfort, and customer satisfaction. The A321neo is one of nine aircraft Kuwait Airways has contracted with Airbus, with deliveries scheduled to continue over the coming years in accordance with the agreed timeline. The addition of these aircraft is expected to significantly boost the airline's capabilities by integrating the newest models into its fleet. The airline highlighted the A321neo's high operational efficiency, capable of carrying 166 passengers—16 in business class and 150 in economy class—with a sleek, modern cabin design. The aircraft can also transport up to 9.5 tons of cargo, while offering a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption, a 5 percent decrease in airframe maintenance costs, and a 14 percent cut in overall operating costs. Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with the most advanced in-flight entertainment systems in its class, including large, state-of-the-art screens and Bluetooth connectivity for headphones, ensuring an enhanced travel experience for all passengers. Established in 1953 as Kuwait National Airways Limited, Kuwait Airways launched its first flight on March 16, 1954. The government assumed full ownership of the airline in 1962.- KUNA
Kuwait Times
22-06-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
New routes, bigger fleet key for Kuwait's aviation ambitions
KUWAIT: Kuwait needs to modernize its national airline fleet and open new flight routes to boost efficiency and cement its role as a regional aviation hub, officials said Saturday night. At the one-day 'Future of Aviation in Kuwait' conference, Acting Director General of Civil Aviation Duaij Al-Otaibi emphasized that financial resources and qualified national expertise are in place to not only keep pace with global aviation developments, but to achieve excellence in the sector. 'The coming phase requires intensive efforts to develop the aviation sector at the levels of infrastructure, fleet, and logistics,' Al-Otaibi said, stressing that Kuwait's location between East and West, combined with local talent and financial capability, provides a solid foundation to transform the country into a regional aviation hub. Al-Otaibi underscored the urgency of modernizing Kuwait Airways' fleet and expanding its destinations to match the sector's rapid growth. 'We need to upgrade the national carrier's fleet and enhance Kuwait Airways' network with more aircraft and routes. This will raise operational efficiency and expand destination reach,' he said. Kuwait has injected nearly $5 billion into aviation infrastructure development, including Terminal 2 (T2), a new runway, control towers, ground services, and advanced meteorological and air navigation systems. The T2 terminal—designed to accommodate over 25 million passengers annually—is expected to launch operations by end of 2026, aiming to attract international airlines and relieve current travel bottlenecks. 'Expanding destinations toward East Asia—Japan, Indonesia, Korea, China, and Australia—and the West—South America, Los Angeles, Florida, and South Africa—is critical,' Al-Otaibi said. 'We must match global developments to remain competitive.' Muhannad Al-Ayyar Duaij Al-Otaibi 'Future is bright' The conference comes at a time when travelers are facing increasing challenges due to the withdrawal of major European carriers from Kuwait, which has led to higher fares, long layovers, and fewer direct connections. Kuwait Times reported last month that the situation has disrupted holiday plans for many, especially during peak seasons like Eid, and contributed to a growing reliance on regional transit hubs in Doha and Dubai. A local frequent flyer, Talal Al-Fadhli, described recent travel options as exhausting: 'Some flights have layovers of over six to eight hours. Even budget airlines are unusually expensive,' he said in an interview. Travel agent Mohamed Moustafa told Kuwait Times that the completion of T2 is set to improve the situation. 'Once T2 is operational, we'll see lower ticket prices and more passenger traffic. That will uplift the entire tourism and aviation sector,' he previously told Kuwait Times. Speaking at the conference, Captain Muhannad Al-Ayyar, Chairman of the Kuwait Society of Pilots and Aviation Engineers, echoed calls to expand operations: 'The future of aviation in Kuwait is bright—if invested in with a strategic vision that strengthens Kuwait's regional standing in both passenger and cargo transport.' Al-Ayyar emphasized the need to grow the fleet and add routes, recognizing its importance in reducing reliance on foreign airlines. 'Expanding our route network is essential, especially with more Kuwaitis and residents depending on non-Kuwaiti carriers,' he said. The conference also spotlighted progress on major projects such as the Air Cargo City, which is expected to significantly boost Kuwait's role in global logistics, especially with the rise of e-commerce. This aligns with the government's 'New Kuwait Vision' to diversify the economy. 'If fully optimized, the aviation and port sectors could contribute over 30 percent to Kuwait's GDP and create up to 80,000 jobs over the next five years,' Al-Otaibi projected. — Agencies
Arab Times
21-06-2025
- Arab Times
First Repatriation Flight From Iran Arrives In Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, June 21: Kuwait Airways' evacuation flight carrying 334 Kuwaiti citizens stranded in Iran arrived at dawn today. A diplomatic source told Arab Times / Al Seyassah that this flight is part of the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry's emergency plan to repatriate its citizens. The evacuees first traveled overland from Mashhad, Iran, to Ashgabat International Airport in Turkmenistan, from where they were flown to Kuwait International Airport. Additional evacuation flights are expected to continue in the coming hours and days.
