This marks a re-establishment of direct air connectivity between the two countries after a 12-year hiatus. The historic flight took place on April 26, with the return journey from Freetown on April 27, coinciding with Sierra Leone's Independence Day.

The inaugural flight carrying members of the United Kingdom’s Sierra Leonean diaspora, along with other international guests, restored a vital air link. The last time the two destinations were connected with direct flights was in 2012.

“It is a true honour to have operated the historic London Gatwick to Freetown flight on behalf of Air Sierra Leone. It took months of hard work to set this connection up, and we are looking forward to operating this much-needed route during the summer and winter season,” said Alastair Willson, CEO of Ascend Airways. 

Ascend Airways is a UK-registered airline, which has an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Type B Operating License from the UK CAA. In 2023, it was acquired by Ireland-headquartered Avia Solutions Group, which operates a fleet of 221 aircraft on 6 continents.

Ascend Airways will operate three weekly services for Air Sierra Leone commencing on June 16. This new route reconnects Sierra Leone with the UK, opening vital opportunities for tourism, business, and economic development between the two countries.

The partnership between Air Sierra Leone and the UK-registered Ascend Airways promises a high level of safety and adherence to strict regulations. All flights on this route will be operated utilising Ascend Airways-trained cockpit and cabin crew. Ascend Airways is also responsible for all maintenance procedures of the aircraft operating the Gatwick-Freetown flights.

This move builds on Air India’s recent shift to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (from Narita) on 31 March 2025, which reduced travel time to Tokyo Station to approximately 30 minutes. The daily flights, operated with Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, provide passengers with faster access to central Tokyo, as Haneda Airport is just 18 km from downtown Tokyo.

“Expanding our Delhi-Tokyo Haneda service to daily flights reflects Air India’s commitment to meeting the rising demand for travel between India and Japan,” said Nipun Aggarwal, chief commercial officer, Air India. “This daily service, combined with our deepened codeshare partnership with All Nippon Airways, makes it easier for our guests to explore Japan and connect conveniently to other destinations in the country beyond Tokyo.”

“Passenger demand grew by 3.3% year-on-year in March, a slight strengthening from the 2.7% growth reported for February. A capacity expansion of 5.3%, however, outpaced the demand expansion leading to a load factor decline from record highs to 80.7% systemwide. There remains a lot of speculation around the potential impacts of tariffs and other economic headwinds on travel. While the small decline in demand in North America needs to be watched carefully, March numbers continued to show a global pattern of growth for air travel. That means the challenges associated with accommodating more people who need to travel—specifically alleviating supply chain problems and ensuring sufficient airport and air traffic management capacity—remain urgent,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general.

Regional Breakdown - International Passenger Markets 

International RPK growth slowed to 4.9% in March year-on-year from the 5.9% reported for February and from the 12.5% reported in January. This slowdown since January reflects in large part the final normalisation of year-on-year demand comparisons post-COVID. Asia-Pacific was the strongest performer among regions with 9.9% growth. Load factors fell in every region, for a -1.7 ppt overall decline.  

African airlines saw a 3.3% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 3.5% year-on-year. The load factor was 70.1% (-0.2 ppt compared to March 2024).

Middle Eastern carriers saw a -1.0% year-on-year decline in demand. Capacity increased 2.8% year-on-year, and the load factor was 74.6% (-2.9 ppt compared to March 2024). The decline in demand is likely related to the timing of Ramadan which impacts travel patterns.

Asia-Pacific airlines reported a 9.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 11.6% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.1% (-1.3 ppt compared to March 2024).

European carriers had a 4.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 6.9% year-on-year, and the load factor was 78.2% (-1.5 ppt compared to March 2024).

North American carriers saw a -0.1% year-on-year fall in demand. Capacity increased 2.0% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.0% (-1.8 ppt compared to March 2024). While demand had a second consecutive month of year-on-year contraction, it is important to note that this is an improvement on the -1.5% decline reported for February.

Latin American airlines saw a 7.7% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 12.1% year-on-year. The load factor was 80.9% (-3.3 ppt compared to March 2024).

The launch follows the successful arrival of China Eastern’s inaugural MU237 flight from Shanghai to Abu Dhabi on 28 April, which was celebrated with a welcome ceremony at Zayed International Airport. The service starts with four weekly frequencies and will increase to a daily frequency starting 12 September 2025, further boosting connectivity between the UAE and China.

The two airlines have also signed a new agreement between their respective loyalty programmes. Starting 1 June 2025, members of Etihad Guest and Eastern Miles programmes can earn and redeem miles across both airlines' global networks — unlocking greater value and seamless travel experiences for loyalty members.

The Etihad Airways – China Eastern Airlines JV, initially announced in June 2024, now becomes operational, offering seamless connectivity and a stronger combined network. This JV signifies the long-standing ties between the UAE and China by offering expanded travel options and seamless travel experiences for passengers travelling between major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi’an, and Kunming, and key cities in the UAE and across the Middle East and Africa regions.

Arik De, chief revenue and commercial officer of Etihad Airways, said: "The official launch of our Joint Venture with China Eastern is a major leap forward—not just for our two airlines, but for the future of both the UAE and China. By combining our networks and aligning our loyalty programmes, we’re not only expanding choice and connectivity for our guests, but also setting the foundation for a new era of cooperation, innovation, and shared success across our markets."

Wan Qingchao, executive vice president of China Eastern, stated: "The launch of the Shanghai-Abu Dhabi route and the implementation of the joint business cooperation with Etihad Airways are key achievements in advancing our shared vision under the Belt and Road Initiative. Backed by a modern Zayed International Airport, we will further enhance our transit capabilities and improve travel convenience for passengers."      

The partnership is the first Joint Venture between a Middle Eastern airline and a Chinese airline, setting a precedent for future bilateral aviation agreements. Both airlines will continue to align in areas including codeshare flights, joint marketing initiatives, and customer experience enhancements.

The new China Eastern flight currently operates four times weekly (Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays), with a one-way flight duration of approximately 9 hours and 20 minutes.

Both airlines said they had a ‘shared goal’ of offering more convenient schedules and improved services to the traveling public.

Emirates and PAL agreed to consider the possibility of a reciprocal code sharing agreement on flights between the Philippines and Dubai, and on select routes beyond the gateways of each partner airline.

A code sharing partnership could potentially give travellers better connectivity to new and exciting destinations beyond each airline’s own network, with the convenience of a single ticket, one competitive fare and one baggage policy for their entire journey.

Both carriers will also explore opportunities to enhance their cargo interline cooperation; exchange best practices in ground handling, catering, maintenance and technical trainings; and organise joint familiarisation trips for key media and trade stakeholders.

The bridge will connect Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, leveraging Zhengzhou and Riyadh as key interconnected hubs.

The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration, encompassing route development, including launching and scaling cargo flights between Zhengzhou and Riyadh, It also includes a dual hub strategy, positioning Zhengzhou and Riyadh as strategic hubs to interconnect Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, optimizing cargo flow and reducing transit times.

The collaboration will also focus on cargo and logistics innovation, enhancing digital cargo operations, cross-border e-commerce, and sustainability initiatives to drive efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The partnership will also support airport economic zone cooperation, facilitating the integration of bonded logistics, free trade zones, and airside industries to drive trade growth and attract investment. Key aspects also include regulatory alignment, technical and financial cooperation, and exploring investment opportunities in high-tech and aviation-related sectors in Zhengzhou.

Loay Mashabi, CEO and managing director of Saudia Cargo, said: "This MoU with CHAGC marks a significant step in Saudia Cargo's strategic expansion and our commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030. By establishing a strong air logistics bridge between Zhengzhou and Riyadh, we will unlock new opportunities for trade, facilitate the growth of e-commerce, and strengthen our position as a leading global cargo carrier. We are confident that this partnership will drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and deliver exceptional value to our customers."

Chairman Zhang Mingchao from China Henan Aviation Group (CHAGC), added: "Saudi Arabia offers extensive cooperation potential in aviation and the low-altitude economy. With China Henan Aviation Group's progressively integrated aviation industrial chain, we can develop diverse collaborative models. Building on Saudia Cargo's Zhengzhou-Riyadh all-cargo route launch, our newly signed 'Dual Hub' Strategic MOU opens comprehensive strategic cooperation. China Henan Aviation Group will strengthen collaboration with Saudia Cargo to enhance the Zhengzhou-Riyadh 'Air Silk Road' under both nations' civil aviation authorities' guidance. This will strengthen air route support for bilateral trade also advance cooperation in flight simulation systems, aviation training, aircraft leasing and etc."

Starting from 16 June 2025, Philippine Airlines will offer daily nonstop flights between Manila and Doha. Qatar Airways will codeshare on the seven weekly flights operated by Philippine Airlines in the first phase of this strategic cooperation.

Qatar Airways chief commercial officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “At Qatar Airways, we continue to explore opportunities that strengthen our connectivity across the world, and our latest partnership with Philippine Airlines is a testament to this commitment. This strategic cooperation also aims to deepen the socio-economic ties between the Qatari and Filipino communities. We are proud of the new codeshare flights and look forward to delivering increased benefits to global travellers.”

Based on 2023 figures, this includes:    

USD 21.1 billion of economic activity which is equal to 5.3% of Egypt’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (including wider supply chain, employee spending, and tourism activities)

1.4 million jobs (across the supply chain and including tourism), of which 32,800 are directly employed by airlines

338,600 tonnes of air cargo handled

“Aviation is a key contributor to Egypt’s economy. Directly and through its well-developed tourism industry, aviation supports nearly 1.4 million jobs. And over 5% of Egypt’s GDP has close links to aviation. Importantly, the Egyptian government is using the aviation sector as a strategic enabler for its economic and social development. I was encouraged by the Minister of Civil Aviation’s reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to continued close collaboration with IATA in order to further expand aviation’s benefits to Egypt—guided by global standards and best practices across all areas of aviation, including safety, sustainability, cost-efficiency, skills development, and more,” said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s regional vice-president for Africa and Middle East.

Key Priorities for Egypt

To continue maximising the benefits of aviation, IATA highlights three key priorities for Egypt:

Cost-Efficiency: As Egypt strategically invests in airport infrastructure (Cairo International, Borg El Arab and Sphinx International), IATA urges the government to collaborate with airline users and adhere to global best practices. Such collaboration will avoid unnecessary financial burdens on airlines and passengers.

Sustainability: IATA is encouraged by Egypt’s collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to create the capacity to produce 120,000 tonnes of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) annually. This supports Egypt’s Vision 2030 and aligns with the global goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in aviation by 2050. It is an encouraging step which will help place Egypt and its aviation sector on the patch to achieving its common goal of decarbonising aviation.

Capacity-Building: A strong and skilled aviation workforce is critical to growing aviation’s benefits. From technical operations to digital transformation and sustainable practices, a future-ready workforce will strengthen safety, efficiency, and long-term resilience.

The MoU was signed at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, reflecting a step forward in strengthening cooperation between the two carriers.

Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan, said: “Kuwait Airways is pleased to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Emirates Airline, one of the largest and leading airlines in the regional and global aviation industry and to develop commercial agreements and bilateral partnerships between the two parties. We also welcome Emirates as an important strategic partner for Kuwait Airways, as this agreement will support commercial operations to and from the State of Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.”

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ deputy president chief commercial officer Emirates Airline said: “We are pleased to partner with Kuwait Airways and hope to develop our interline agreement to give Kuwait Airways customers enhanced choices and convenient schedules to Dubai, and beyond to other cities in our extensive network. We look forward to enhancing customer benefits together with Kuwait Airways as we strengthen our relationship in the coming months.”

RAM will operate two weekly flights using Boeing 737 aircraft.