AVIATION-

#1- Etihad Cargo boosts China capacity: Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Cargo has boosted its main deck capacity by 18% to address growing customer demand in China, according to a statement. Etihad Airway’s cargo arm will now operate a planned total of 18 flights to and from China in 2025 — up from 11 flights in 2024. The airline will also add three additional weekly freighter flights to Shenzhen and will wet-lease a 747-F carrier to support its bolstered freight operations.

Europe’s also on the cards: Etihad Cargo plans to add two additional weekly flights to London Stansted Airport in effort to boost Abu Dhabi’s links to Europe. “By strengthening its presence in China and increasing links to Europe, Etihad Cargo is providing additional capacity to facilitate the movement of goods across international markets,” Chief Cargo Officer Stanislas Brun said.

#2- Flights between the UAE and Syria are set to resume, with coordination currently underway, the General Civil Aviation Authority said, according to state news agency Wam. Most countries had suspended flights to Syria, but many have resumed them after the ouster of former president Bashar Al Assad. A Syrian Airlines flight to Sharjah was the first to take off from Damascus International Airport in January. This comes following Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa’s visit to the UAE, where he aimed to boost ties in a meeting with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

#3- Saudi airlines vie for national non-scheduled air carrier license: Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (Gaca) launched a tender to offer a national air charter service license, according to a statement (pdf). The deadline for submitting proposals is 21 May, with bids set to be opened the following day.

LAST MILE-

Aramex + Shipsy collaborate to streamline operations: UAE-based last-mile logistics provider Aramex has inked a Master Services Agreement (MSA) with leading software platform Shipsy to integrate AI to boost supply chain efficiency, according to a statement. The pair aim to minimize costs and emissions by using Shipsy’s AI-powered logistics management platform to interlink and monitor supply chains, Chief Digital and Technology Officer Francoise Russo said.

ROADS-

UAE has a 2030 Roads and Transport Plan: UAE’s Roads and Transportation Authority (RTA) rolled out its 2030 Roads and Transport Plan, outlining a four-pillar framework to enhance roads and public transportation, improve transport policy, and launch smart traffic systems, according to its press release. The strategy expands on the previously approved AED16 bn infrastructure investment plan for 2024-2027.

The plan’s first pillar will focus on developing road infrastructure through 39 projects that aim to improve key corridors, according to the press release. These upgrades include enhancing Latifa bint Hamdan Street, Hessa Street, Al Meydan Street, Al Mustaqbal Street, and the Trade Center Roundabout. Further improvements are planned for Al Wasl, Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Al Qudra, Al Fay, and Al Safa Roads, with a particular focus on the stretch between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Wasl Road.

REMEMBER- The RTA inked a AED 6 bnagreement with Dubai Holding last month to expand internal roads and access points across the emirate. The move looks to cut down travel time and boost the capacity of key entryways to communities and residential areas by 30-70%.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING THIS MORNING-

  • Ethiopian Airlines flies to Sharjah: Ethiopian Airlines is set to launch four new weekly passenger services to Sharjah effective 1 June 2025. (Statement)
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