The delegation met with His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group in the presence of Adnan Kazim, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer. The Jamaican delegation was led by The Honourable Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica to discuss ways to support the island’s tourism industry.  

The delegation explored opportunities to increase inbound tourism flows through enhanced connectivity from the UAE into Jamaica via the airline’s codeshare partners.

Microsoft has praised the airline's AI transformation, calling it a "prime example" of how technology drives strategic value. The integration of AI-powered solutions doubled customer satisfaction with Pegasus’ FlyBot virtual assistant as well as boosting employee satisfaction by 20% for the human resources virtual assistant. 

Ümit Şener, Data and Artificial Intelligence Specialist at Microsoft, said: “Our AI transformation project with Pegasus Airlines is a prime example of how technology drives strategic value in business processes. By implementing one of the best AI use cases both in Türkiye and globally, Pegasus has established a pioneering position in the aviation industry. As Microsoft, we are proud to be part of this transformative journey.” 

The success includes enhancements like real-time customer support through FlyBot and personalised travel recommendations via ChatGPT, along with AI-powered solutions improving employee workflows.

“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).

Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, director-general of the UAE Space Agency, said: “This agreement is a key milestone in the Arab space cooperation journey. It reflects the UAE's strategic vision, and its belief that space represents a promising gateway to achieving sustainable development, nurturing knowledge exchange, and developing innovative solutions to pressing challenges.”

Al Qubaisi added: “Our cooperation with Egypt confirms our commitment to investing in people, localising knowledge, building a competitive knowledge-based economy founded on innovation and leadership, and achieving a more prosperous future for our people.”

The agreement signed with the Egyptian Space Agency aims to support sustainable development efforts, empower national talents, and harness space technologies to serve communities. It also seeks to promote scientific research and the development of space applications for peaceful purposes, in line with the UAE's vision to establish its position as a trusted regional and international partner in the space sector.

The agreement sets out a long-term framework for cooperation in the field of civil space through the exchange of expertise, research, and technology, as well as the launch of joint projects that contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals of both countries.

The cooperation between the two parties covers various fields, including communication technologies, navigation and timing, Earth observation and remote sensing, space situational awareness, remote asset management, and research and development in emerging and advanced technologies. This agreement reflects the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its regional and international presence in the space sector and its keenness to expand its network of strategic partnerships with Arab countries. It reinforces shared interests, supports the development of national space systems, and contributes to leveraging science and technology to achieve a more sustainable and resilient future.

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.

Traffic was up 1.5% compared to the same period in 2024, despite a record-breaking Q1 last year. January alone saw the highest monthly traffic ever recorded at DXB - welcoming 8.5 million guests – an achievement made possible not just by infrastructure, but by the coordinated effort of thousands of people behind the scenes. 

India retained its position as DXB’s top destination country, with 3 million guests, followed by Saudi Arabia (1.9 million), the UK (1.5 million), Pakistan (1 million), the US (804,000), and Germany (738,000). At the city level, London led with 935,000 guests, followed by Riyadh (759,000), Jeddah (627,000), Mumbai (615,000), and New Delhi (564,000). Leisure travel also surged during the quarter, driven by a seasonal peak at the start of the year, Eid holidays, and spring break, with double-digit increases in traffic to destinations such as the Czech Republic (+30.6%), Vietnam (+28.6%), and Spain (+20.2%). 

Cargo volumes registered a minor contraction of 3.6% year-on-year during the first quarter, with DXB handling 517,000 tonnes of cargo.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “Our Q1 performance sets a strong foundation for the year ahead, not only in terms of guest numbers, but in the calibre of the people behind them. Delivering the busiest month in DXB’s history while maintaining exceptional service levels cross baggage, guest flow, and accessibility is no small feat. It requires precision, agility, and an extraordinary team effort. 

“What makes this possible is the collective effort of our oneDXB community, with each member playing a critical role across every touchpoint. This shared culture of collaboration and consistency is what elevates our performance and ensures we meet the growing expectations of our guests, every single day.”

DXB also recorded 111,000 flight movements in Q1, up 1.9% over the same period last year, with an average of 215 guests per flight. Despite the continued growth in guest volumes, DXB sustained high levels of operational efficiency. More than 21 million bags were processed in Q1, with the rate of mishandled baggage reduced to fewer than 1.95 bags per 1,000 guests, translating to a success rate of 99.8%. 

Meanwhile, the use of real-time monitoring systems and biometric passport control helped ensure that more than 95% of guests experienced minimal wait times across key airport touchpoints. Accessibility enhancements, including dedicated services for People of Determination and guests with hidden disabilities, further demonstrate DXB’s commitment to inclusive, guest-centric travel. 

In Q1, Dubai Airports was recognised with the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, and in March, DXB was also named the world’s busiest international airport by Airports Council International (ACI) for the 11th consecutive year.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive officer at Flydubai, said: “We are pleased to have been recognised once again at this year’s Business Traveller Middle East Awards. These achievements are a testament to our strong business model and highlight the progress we’ve made in expanding our network and fostering stronger connectivity with the markets we serve from our home. Supporting Dubai’s vision as a global aviation hub has always been at the heart of what we do, and we remain dedicated to opening up new opportunities for trade and tourism across our growing network.”

At the centre of the experience is Sama, the world’s first AI digital human cabin crew — now equipped to understand Arabic dialects and respond fluently in Modern Standard Arabic, allowing travellers across the Arab world to interact with her naturally.

 

Offering a digital experience built around familiarity and cultural nuance, the Arabic-speaking version of Sama is now available across Qatar Airways’ digital platforms, including the airline’s award-winning mobile application and its immersive web experience, QVerse. This newly introduced feature reaffirms Qatar Airways’ commitment to serving passengers with a personalised and regionally relevant approach.

 

The ORCHARD in the QVerse also made its debut at ATM 2025 with a hyper-realistic virtual recreation of the iconic indoor garden at Hamad International Airport. Visitors walked beneath the trees, explored the tranquil space, and experienced the calm, nature-inspired environment that awaits them at the multi-award-winning airport. The fully immersive experience allowed attendees to preview part of their journey in vivid detail, making the unfamiliar feel familiar — long before their departure.

 

Qatar Airways also showcased Qsuite Next Gen, the latest iteration of its award-winning patented Qsuite business class.

 

Complementing the Qsuite Next Gen was the airline’s multi-sensory pod — an enclosed experience that engaged guests through visuals, audio, scent, and motion, bringing the Qsuite atmosphere to life in a fully immersive format.

 

Qatar Airways Group chief executive officer, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We, at Qatar Airways, are proud to return to ATM with industry innovations that reflect the diversity and spirit of our region. Sama, the industry’s first AI powered cabin crew can now connect with millions of Arabic speaking passengers through various dialects — offering travellers across the Arab world a more intuitive and personal way to communicate with us. The ORCHARD in VR, Qsuite Next Gen, and our multi-sensory pod are all part of how Qatar Airways is shaping a future of travel that is not only digital, but also deeply human.

 

“Our focus on fostering a thriving future for the travel industry also extends to our new B2B partnerships with the Visit Maldives and Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism to promote leading global leisure destinations.”

 

On the sidelines of ATM Dubai 2025, Qatar Airways signed new MoUs with Visit Maldives and Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism to boost visitor arrivals via the multiple-award-winning Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, and explore new opportunities for tourism promotion through various leisure channels in key markets.

In line with the airline’s growth strategy and this year’s ATM theme, Qatar Airways also confirmed increased flights to several key destinations for the peak summer season:

Dar Es Salaam and Kilimanjaro

Entebbe

Tokyo Narita

Maputo–Durban

Larnaca

Trabzon

Sharjah

Manchester

Madrid

Lisbon

London Heathrow

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."