AirAsia X executives visit KATA after opening the first sales office in Africa.

Bryan Obala

Kata_kenya

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) is delighted to announce a courtesy visit from the Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia X Mr. Benyamin Ismail and the Group Chief Commercial Officer of AirAsia Group Mr. Paul Carroll. The high-level delegation met with KATA board members to discuss the recent opening of AirAsia’s inaugural sales office in Africa, the upcoming inaugural flight to Nairobi on November 15, and the exciting opportunities available for travel agents to partner with the airline.

During the meeting, AirAsia executives expressed their enthusiasm for the African market and highlighted the potential for significant growth in the coming years. They emphasized the airline’s commitment to providing affordable fares and exceptional customer service, making it an attractive option for both leisure and business travelers.

KATA board of directors welcomed AirAsia’s expansion into Africa and expressed their support for the airline’s initiatives. They discussed the potential benefits of partnering with AirAsia, including increased revenue streams, access to new markets, and opportunities for professional development.

The meeting also focused on the support that travel agents can provide to AirAsia in promoting its services and attracting customers. KATA pledged its commitment to working closely with the airline to ensure a successful launch and ongoing partnership.

As AirAsia prepares for its inaugural flight to Nairobi, the airline’s presence in Africa is expected to have a significant impact on the continent’s tourism industry. With its affordable fares and extensive network, AirAsia is poised to become a major player in the African aviation market.

We see potential in this partnership and believe AirAsia‘s entry into the Kenyan market will create opportunities for our members, including new revenue streams and professional development, opening access to 150 underserved destinations and enhance connectivity. Air Asia will operate 4 flights a week and target 150,000 passengers annually.
Others present were Allenie Caccam Business Growth Head and Siew Lee Group Head of Sales and Distribution.

Ethiopian Airlines -Ethiopian Aviation University

Ethiopian Aviation University calls for international applicants for a cabin crew training program.

Our Basic Cabin Crew Training provides the perfect foundation, where training will be provided on airplane mock-up devices by expert instructors with an emphasis on safety and customer service. Get ready to take off for an exciting journey through the skies! Begin your aviation journey today!

Application Deadline: 31, October 2024

Apply Now: eau.edu.et

Email: etauinfo@ethiopianairlines.com | eaainfo@ethiopianairlines.com

Ethiopian Aviation Academy (EAA) is the largest and most modern aviation academy in Africa recognized as ICAO Regional Training Center of Excellence. To train aviation professionals from classrooms to full flight simulator training, EAA offers leading industry standard training for pilots, aircraft technicians, cabin attendants and ground services staff both for initial and recurrent students. The Leadership & Career Development Center is also training thousands in Management and Leadership Skills.

Our cabin crew training simulates real-time scenarios with training aircraft designed for emergency drills and service trainings. Our pilot training school uses light aircraft for its basic training with dedicated simulators. Full flight simulators of all fleets Ethiopian operates are available for flight training. Virtual Maintenance Trainers (VMTs) and various workshops feature our aircraft maintenance training. Beyond these, our academy develops standard training packages including e-learning and virtual classroom trainings. Trainee services include a trainee’s cafeteria, dormitories, an administration complex and a plush new auditorium. The academy plans to take in 4,000 students a year in its training programs.

In line with the rapid growth of Ethiopian Airlines Group, Ethiopian Aviation Academy has been upgraded to Ethiopian Aviation University, which will enable it to provide a broader range of educational programs and increase the level of expertise in the Aviation Industry. The University has been accredited by the Ethiopian Higher Education Relevance and Quality Agency (HERQA), to offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various aviation and hospitality fields.

Ethiopian Aviation University has been accredited by Ethiopian Higher Education Relevance and Quality Agency to offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various aviation and hospitality fields.

Currently, the University offers various aviation courses such as BSc in Aeronautical Engineering, Aviation Maintenance Engineering, Aviation Management & Operations, BA in Tourism & Hospitality Management, MSc in Data Science, MBA in Aviation Management. The University also offers Diploma and Certificate Programs in Aircraft Maintenance Technician, Pilot Training, Cabin Crew and Commercial Training, Leadership & Career Development, Catering Training in addition to ICAO and Online Courses.  Ethiopian also owns training facilities in other regional cities of the country including in Hawassa, Dire-Dawa, Bahir-Dar and Mekelle.

          Link to website https://corporate.ethiopianairlines.com/eaa

About Ethiopian

 Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is one of the fastest-growing airlines brand globally and the continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-eight years of successful operations, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and De Havilland Q400.

 Ethiopian is also pursuing multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world. Ethiopian has been champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for seven consecutive years among others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has been registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years.

For more at: www.ethiopianairlines.com

Contact us on nbores@ethiopianairlines.com/nbocto@ethiopianairlines.com

+254 701 223 493 , 0701 223 970, +254 723 786 649,

Bruce House, Ground Floor, Muindi Mbingu Street, P.O. Box 42901 – 00100,Nairobi, Kenya,

Travelport’s renewed distribution agreement with Delta Air Lines confirms NDC integration

LANGLEY UK – Travelport, a global technology company that powers travel bookings for hundreds of thousands of travel suppliers worldwide, announced it has signed a multi-year renewal agreement with Delta Air Lines, including NDC content. The top U.S. airline is collaborating with Travelport on the integration of its NDC solution into Travelport+ to support Delta’s selling and servicing transformation.

“We value our long-term partnership with Travelport and are pleased to extend our full content agreement, as well as make Delta’s NDC technology solution available to all of Travelport’s agency customers,” said Jeff Lobl, Managing Director, Distribution Strategy and Agency Sales Programs at Delta Air Lines. “Together, we aim to create value by ensuring customers are presented with the best options to fit their needs for a better, more personalized shopping experience.”

To help agencies solve challenges with comparing NDC offers alongside traditional content, Travelport recently debuted its Content Curation Layer (CCL). Travelport’s CCL uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning (ML) to sift through aggregated, multi-source content and return the right range of accurate, highly intuitive search results that are normalized and easier for agents and travelers to understand. CCL is the latest enhancement to the Travelport+ platform, simplifying the delivery of retail-ready content from partners like Delta and presenting tailored options to agency customers and the end-traveler.

“Our renewed agreement with Delta underscores our shared commitment to modernizing travel retail for agents and travelers with a seamless, personalized shopping and servicing experience,” said Damian Hickey, Global Head of Travel Partners at Travelport. “As we prepare for the future delivery of Delta’s NDC content, our ability to deliver multi-source content in a retail-ready way ensures that agents and travelers will be able to easily shop and compare all of Delta’s product offerings in one place.”

Source: Travel Daily News.  

To learn more, read Travelport’s full press release 

Travelport press release – Delta renewal NDC_FINAL (2)Download

Dubai Calendar unveils exciting line-up of events for October 2024

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai Calendar, the city’s official event listings platform, has unveiled a diverse range of events for October 2024, showcasing thrilling sports competitions, captivating live performances, and engaging community activities. October promises a month filled with unforgettable experiences for all, including shows by global music icons and thrilling athletic performances that will have everyone on the edge of their seat. From the legendary British band Kasabian to the Grammy Award winner Calvin Harris, and the dazzling performance of Cinderella on Ice, prepare for a month filled with excitement and entertainment like never before!

Below are Dubai Calendar’s top picks of upcoming events for October:

COMMUNITY

Global Village

Date: 16 October – 11 May

Location: Global Village

About: Global Village is reopening its gates for its 29th season. Featuring 26 pavilions with 3,500 displays from countries near and far, visitors can pick up traditional handicrafts and snacks from more than 200 eateries. Highlights include mesmerising fire-breathing performances, star-studded concerts, and exhilarating stunt shows, ensuring there is something exciting for everyone.

Gault and Millau Culinary Innovators

Date: 24 – 26 October

Location: ICD Brookfield Place

About: Prepare for an extraordinary culinary experience as Dubai’s talented chefs unite for Gault&Millau’s inaugural Culinary Innovators showcase. This unique event, a first of its kind in the UAE, brings together 12 of Dubai’s most acclaimed chefs for a spectacular three-night pop-up.

SPORTS

Dubai Basketball Club

Date: 22 September – 31 May

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: Grab your seats as Dubai’s new basketball team begins its 2024/5 season. Get courtside as Dubai Basketball takes on reigning ABA League champions Crvena Zvezda (Red Star) from Serbia. Led by renowned Head Coach Jurica Golemac, Dubai’s roster includes players from across the world, including the United States and the Philippines.

Dubai Muscle Show

Date: 25-27 October

Location: Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai

About: Join the latest edition of the Dubai Muscle Show, the Middle East’s leading fitness and bodybuilding platform. Highlights include the Dubai Muscle Classic with the FMG International’s first women’s contest, intense boxing and Muay Thai matches, and inspiring talks with bodybuilding legends.

Dubai Active

Date: 25-27 October

Location: Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai

About: Start the Dubai Fitness Challenge with Dubai Active. Enjoy workouts with celebrity trainers, watch boxing and MMA, and explore more than 400 brands.

Cancer Awareness Cycle or Walk

Date: 26 October

Location: Meydan Cycle Track

About: Put your best foot forward for the latest edition of Cycle or Walk For Life and plan a family day out. This community event aims to bring people together to spread awareness about cancer while enjoying live entertainment by local bands, dance groups, motivational speakers, a kids’ zone and festive food stalls.

Plus500 City Half Marathon

Date: 27 October

Location: Gate Village, Dubai International Financial Centre

About: Experience stunning views at the Plus500 City Half Marathon racing through Downtown Dubai’s iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Emirates Towers. Choose between 21km, 10km, or 5km routes, and enjoy a scenic run with friends and family.

Dubai Fitness Challenge

Date: 26 October – 24 November

Location: Citywide

About: Get ready for the 2024 Dubai Fitness Challenge. Complete 30 minutes of daily activity for 30 days with free classes and events in yoga, cycling, high-intensity interval training, and more. Join the fun and get fit!

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Cinderella on Ice

Date: 4-6 October

Location: Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

About: Enjoy a dazzling performance of Cinderella on Ice with stunning skating and thrilling manoeuvres by the Imperial Ice Stars. Book your tickets now for this enchanting retelling of the classic tale.

Tamer Ashour and Elissa live

Date: 11 October

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: Get ready for a night of Arabic music as Lebanese sensation Elissa and Egyptian composer Tamer Ashour light up the stage at Coca-Cola Arena. Elissa, dubbed the ‘Queen of Emotions’, promises a captivating performance as she entertains fans with endless hits like Baddy Doub and Betghib Betrouh. Meanwhile, Ashour will mesmerise with favourites including Zikrayat Kaddab, Ekhtarna Leh, Thania Wahda, and Enta Ekhtart.

Umm Kulthum & The Golden Era

Date: 12-13 October

Location: Dubai Opera

About: Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring melodies of the late Egyptian singer, Umm Kulthum, in an unforgettable show at Dubai Opera. The evening promises to be a true spectacle where her celebrated performances will unfold on stage, enhanced by a live orchestra. Watch the digital and real worlds merge in an elevated ambience during this show.

Kasabian live

Date: 13 October

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: Get ready to rock with legendary British band Kasabian at Coca-Cola Arena. Watch them belt out their top songs such as Fire, Club Foot, and L.S.F.

L.A. Dance Project – Romeo & Juliet Suite

Date: 17-18 October

Location: Dubai Opera

About: Dance meets cinema and theatre in a captivating adaptation of Shakespeare’s iconic Romeo & Juliet. This innovative ballet brings the Bard’s tragic love story to life in a contemporary setting.

Eric Prydz HOLO live

Date: 18 October

Location: Expo City Arena

About: Swedish DJ Eric Prydz is bringing his sensational show HOLO to Dubai for the first time. This show will headline technological and musical innovation that merges music and 3D holographic projections for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Tyga live

Date: 19 October

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: It will be an evening filled with beats as globally-acclaimed rapper Tyga performs live at Coca-Cola Arena. The American star gained popularity for his repertoire of hits and celebrated collaborations with international names like Drake and Justin Bieber. Hear him belt out chart-topping singles like Taste, Swish, and The Motto.

Romesh Ranganathan live

Date: 25 October

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: Romesh Ranganathan’s 2022 show in Dubai was a sold-out success, so grab your tickets early for his upcoming performance. The stand-up comedy star gained popularity thanks to stints on numerous TV shows like The Apprentice: You’re Fired!, Play to the Whistle, and A League of Their Own.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor live

Date: 26 October

Location: Dubai Opera

About: Get ready for an evening that pops with Sophie Ellis-Bexter at Dubai Opera. The singer, songwriter and pop icon of the 2000s will perform her greatest hits including Murder on the Dance Floor and Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love).

KT Tunstall live

Date: 26 October

Location: The Tent, Bla Bla Dubai

About: Dubai fans have the chance to catch Scottish musician KT Tunstall live at Bla Bla Dubai. On the night, you can expect to hear her perform hits like Suddenly I See, Hold On, and 1000 Years.

Calvin Harris live

Date: 26 October

Location: Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience

About: Get a taste of Ibiza right here in Dubai as Grammy Award winner Calvin Harris marks the opening concert at Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience. Get ready to dance to hits like Summer, Feel So Close, and How Deep Is Your Love, while a special guest appearance by Tyson O’Brien makes it an unforgettable experience.

DJ Liu x Barasti

Date: 26 October

Location: Barasti Beach

About: It’s raining beats at Barasti as DJ Liu brings his epic set of deep house and future house music straight from Tomorrowland to Dubai. This electronic music star has been making waves in the international circuit and will now spin top tunes at the beachfront destination.

Dubai Calendar allows residents and tourists to discover all the events, festivals and experiences Dubai has to offer. For more information, please visit: www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-events-calendar.

-Ends-

About Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)

With the ultimate vision of making Dubai the world’s leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy and consolidate its position among the top three global cities over the next decade.

Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai’s diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle and outstanding quality of life, overall.

DET is the principal authority for planning, supervising, developing and marketing Dubai’s business and tourism sectors. It is also responsible for licensing and classifying all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. The DET portfolio includes Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), Dubai Business Licence Corporation (DBLC), Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), Dubai SME, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT).

About Dubai Calendar

Dubai Calendar, the official listings platform for events in the city, is managed by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an entity of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). A free resource online and via a dedicated mobile app, Dubai Calendar is the city’s go-to guide that allows residents and tourists to discover all the events, festivals and experiences Dubai has to offer, from arts, culture and education to food, sports and shopping. With more than 1,200 events per year, and new listings added every week, Dubai Calendar is an all-access pass to ‘what’s on’ in Dubai. For more information about events taking place across Dubai, please visit: www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-events-calendar.

Source:   Zawya.

Kenya introduces digital nomad work permit and visa-free travel to boost tourism

President William Ruto announced plans to attract digital nomads to Kenya during the 2024 Magical Kenya Travel Expo.

According to the Head of State, the newly implemented Digital Nomad Work Permit enables remote workers from all over the world to live and work in Kenya, enriching their lives with the country’s breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture.

The President was speaking at the Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, where he emphasised Kenya’s growing reputation as a top global tourism destination.

He stated that by creating a welcoming environment for digital nomads, the government hopes to establish Kenya as a hub for remote work while also boosting the tourism industry.

“Digital nomads can experience the wonders of Magical Kenya every day while contributing to local economies,” President Ruto stated.

“This initiative not only enhances our appeal as a destination but also fosters a vibrant ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship.”

President Ruto also announced a visa-free policy for visitors from select countries, allowing tourists and business travellers to explore Kenya without the hassle of visa applications.

This policy aligns with Kenya’s broader strategy to welcome people from around the world, encouraging tourism and cultural exchange.

Additionally, the President introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) specifically for transit passengers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

This allows travellers with layovers to step out of the airport and explore Kenya, enhancing their travel experience and encouraging longer stays in the country. T

The eTA caters to both transit and long-connection travellers, enabling them to immerse themselves in the local culture and attractions during their time in Nairobi.

These initiatives come amid a resurgence in Kenya’s tourism sector, which generated Ksh 352 billion in revenue in 2023 from over 2 million visitors.

With an ambitious goal of attracting 5 million tourists per year by 2027, the government understands the significance of appealing to a modern audience that values work-life balance and unique travel experiences.

The Magical Kenya Travel Expo, now in its 14th year, provides an important platform for connecting local businesses with international markets and fostering partnerships that promote long-term growth in the tourism industry.

The event highlights Kenya’s distinct offerings, emphasizing its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, which appeal to both digital nomads and travelers.

Source: Citizen

Qantas launches historic Airbus A380 flights to Johannesburg and expands African connections with Airlink Codeshare

Qantas has made history with the launch of its inaugural Airbus A380 flight (QF63) between Sydney and Johannesburg, marking the first time the Superjumbo (VH-OQH today) has operated between Australia and Africa. The new route will run up to six times per week, adding 130,000 seats annually and reintroducing First Class and an expanded Premium Economy offering. The A380 also features an upper deck lounge for First and Business passengers.

In addition to the capacity boost, Qantas has announced a codeshare partnership with Johannesburg-based Airlink, offering seamless connections to nine South African destinations, including Cape Town and Durban, with plans to expand further into southern Africa.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace highlighted the airline’s long history of flying to South Africa and emphasised the importance of the additional capacity and enhanced connectivity for tourism, business, and trade between the two continents. Fares for the new flights and codeshare connections are available for booking now, with travel beginning in late October 2024.

Source:   Aviation24