This morning, we woke up, drove to the airport, and got on a plane to somewhere tropical. Just kidding. But writing this airline wrap is sort of the same thing, right?

Qatar Airways Privilege Club named ‘Best Rewards Programme’ in the Middle East, Asia and Oceania Region by Flyer Talk Awards

Qatar Airways’ frequent flyer programme, Privilege Club, was named the 2018 winner of the ‘Best Rewards Programme’ for the Middle East, Asia and Oceania region at the seventh annual FlyerTalk Awards.FlyerTalk is a community of more than half a million businesses and leisure travellers dedicated to finding and sharing information regarding elite air and hotel packages and car rental programmes.

More than 100 rewards programmes worldwide competed for this year’s Best Programme award, and were evaluated on the basis of value, ease of redemption and customer service.

Qatar Airways Privilege Clubrecently unveiled a fully refreshed brand identity with redesigned membership packs, new online content and programme enhancements that will make members’ journeys even more memorable and seamless. Additional improvements as part of Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club rebrand include members’ ability toperform all their account activities online, including purchasing award tickets using Qmiles, nominating family members to join their membership account, updating personal profiles and requesting services including cabin upgrades, excess baggage, date changes, refunds and much more.

Emirates to launch a daily service to Edinburgh

Emirates, the largest international airline in the world, today announced it will start a daily service between Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, and Dubai, from 1 October 2018.

Edinburgh will become Emirates’ second destination in Scotland after Glasgow and its 8th in the United Kingdom after the airline starts its daily service to London Stansted in June. The new service will be operated by an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER in a three class cabin configuration, with 8 private suites in First Class, 42 lie flat seats in Business Class and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class.

The Scottish capital, with its Old Town and New Town both being UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is the second most visited city in the UK by tourists. It is famed for its rich history, cultural and architectural attractions, gourmet food scene, as well as international festivals and cultural events. It was also the first city in the world to be designated a UNESCO City of Literature, while last year it was named by the European Union as the top city of its size in Europe for culture and creativity.

Finnair launches Signature Chef cooperation for flights from Seoul to Helsinki

Finnair continues its Signature Chef program and is, for the first time, featuring a a signature menu designed by a Korean chef.

Finnair Corporate Sales Manager and Acting General Manager Australia, Sanna Ruuskanen said the new menu, created by acclaimed Korean Chef, Sung-Yeol Nam is now available in business class on Finnair’s flights from Seoul to Helsinki.

Seoul-based Chef Nam has created a menu which represents his food philosophy of traditional Korean food with a modern twist, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients.

In the first menu, available May to July 2018, Finnair customers can enjoy beef rolls with young greens as an appetiser, followed by a main course with seabass Jeon served with grilled spring onion and Romanesco sauce.

Qatar Airways recognised for its Outstanding Achievements at Luxury Network International Awards in Lebanon

Qatar Airways has been recognised for its outstanding achievements at the Luxury Network International Awards that took place at the Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand Hotel, Lebanon. The prestigious event was organised by the world’s leading luxury affinity marketing group, TheLuxury Network, in cooperation with CAEL (Contribution Appreciation to Embassies in Lebanon) and under the auspices of the Prime Minister of Lebanon, His Excellency Mr. Saad Hariri.

It was attended by Qatar’s Ambassador to Lebanon, H.E. Mr. Ali bin Hamad Al Marri, Hamad International Airport Vice President Commercial and Marketing, Mr. Abdulaziz Al Mass, Project Executive Director Hamad Port, Eng. Jassim Al-Shirawi, as well as other dignitaries and VIP guests including Arab and international businessmen and international brands.

During the awards ceremony, which was designed to support tourism, investment and the economy in Lebanon, Qatar’s Ambassador to Lebanon, H.E. Mr. Ali bin Hamad Al Marri was honoured for the achievements of the State of Qatar in Lebanon, including Qatar’s contribution to a number of development and reconstruction projects in Lebanon.

Emirates Group announces 2017-18 results

The Emirates Group yesterday announced its 30th consecutive year of profit and steady business expansion. Released in its 2017-18 Annual Report, the Emirates Group posted a profit of AED 4.1 billion (US$ 1.1 billion) for the financial year ended 31 March 2018, up 67 per cent from last year. The Group’s revenue reached AED 102.4 billion (US$ 27.9.billion), an increase of eight per cent over last year’s results, and the Group’s cash balance increased by 33 per cent to AED 25.4 billion (US$ 6.9 billion) supported by the bond issued in March and strong sales due to the early Easter holidays at the end of March.

In line with the overall profit, the Group declared a dividend of AED 2.0 billion (US$ 545 million) to the Investment Corporation of Dubai.

In 2017-18, the Group collectively invested AED 9.0 billion (US$ 2.5 billion) in new aircraft and equipment, the acquisition of companies, modern facilities, the latest technologies, and staff initiatives.

Emirates announced two significant commitments for new aircraft during the year: a US$ 15.1 billion agreement for 40 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners which will be delivered from 2022, and a US$ 16 billion agreement for 36 additional A380 aircraft, including 16 options.

Qatar Airways wins Awards in recognition of its outstanding on-board experience

Qatar Airways was once again recognised for its outstanding on-board experience at the TravelPlus Readers’ Awards ceremony, which took place recently at the Helmut Schmidt Auditorium, Hamburg.

The airline received two product awards: the Gold Award for its First and Business Class bedding set, and the TravelPlus Readers Award for its First and Business Class limited edition pink breast cancer awareness amenity kits.

TravelPlus is an independent industry event that celebrates the design excellence of the best onboard amenity kits including First and Business class kits, overnight kits, children’s goody bags, bedding and sleeper suits.

The Qatar Airways First and Business Class sleep collection consists of a quilted mattress, a plush quilted blanket, soft but firm pillow and a message pillow developed by the product development and design team.