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Emirates Unveils Airbus A350-900 in Dubai

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Emirates Airbus A350-900

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

One of the leading airline operators, Emirates Airline, has officially unveiled its first Airbus A350-900 at an exclusive event showcase in Dubai attended by aerospace partners, government officials and dignitaries, members of the media, as well as aviation enthusiasts.

The Emirates A350 features three spacious cabin classes, accommodating 312 passengers in 32 next-generation Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats and 259 generously pitched Economy Class seats.

The latest onboard products reflect the airline’s commitment to delivering a premium passenger experience while optimising operational efficiency. The Emirates A350 is the first new aircraft type to join Emirates’ fleet since 2008.

Apart from its newly delivered A350, Emirates operates two other aircraft types around the world to 140 destinations – the widebody Boeing 777 aircraft and the iconic ‘double decker’ Airbus A380 aircraft.

The A350’s introduction will enable Emirates to expand into new destinations globally, including mid-sized airports unsuited for larger aircraft. The Emirates A350 will be delivered in two versions – one for regional routes and one for ultra long-haul routes.

The Emirates A350 takes technology to another level. Customers can now adjust their electric window blinds at the touch of a button.

The aerBlade dual blind system will feature in Business and Premium Economy Class offering two shaded options, and the aerBlade single blind systems will make a debut in Economy Class, with all blinds showing the Emirates Ghaf tree motif when closed.

Business Class on the Emirates A350 will feature 32 luxurious leather ‘S Lounge seats’, inspired by the Mercedes S Class for an exceptional travel experience. The A350 aircraft will feature brand new additions of wireless charging on the side cocktail table in Business Class, and in-seat lighting controls with 5 streams of light. The 1-2-1 seat configuration in the A350 Business Class ensures a very private, exclusive experience.

Speaking at the event, the chairman of Emirates Airline, Mr Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said, “Today is an exciting milestone for Emirates as we showcase our first A350 and usher in a new era for our fleet and network growth.

“This aircraft sets the stage for Emirates to spread its wings farther by offering added range, efficiency and flexibility to our network, enabling us to meet customer demand in new markets and unlock new opportunities in the cities that we serve.

“Onboard, our updated interiors and seating configurations will help us deliver a more elevated and comfortable experience to travellers across every cabin class.

“The 65 Emirates A350s joining our fleet in the coming years fit into the airline’s broader plans to support our visionary leadership’s Dubai’s D33 Strategy, which will transform the city into a pivotal hub in the global economy by expanding its connectivity and reach.”

Travel/Tourism

Mutfwang Renews Support for Strom Infrastructure’s Revamp of Hill Station Resort

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Hill Station Resort

The Governor of Plateau State, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, has assured full government support for the N8.5 billion Hill Station Resort revitalization project, embarked on by Hillside Hospitality Limited, an investee company of Strom Infrastructure Investments and Management Limited. The renewed commitment came during a high-level stakeholder engagement meeting aimed at accelerating the historic resort’s transformation.

Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, in Jos, Plateau State, on Monday, Mr Samuel Jatau, Governor Mutfwang emphasized the project’s significance to Plateau’s development agenda.

“The people of Plateau are diligent, hardworking, and committed. We will support and patronise this development to ensure its success,” he said.

The ambitious project, set to commence construction in March 2025, represents a strategic partnership between the Plateau State Government and Hillside Hospitality Limited. Following the signing of the Heads of Terms Agreement in July 2024, the initiative aims to restore the 1938 structure while introducing modern amenities and luxury facilities.

Speaking on the project’s vision, the Director of Hillside Hospitality Limited, Mr Kolapo Joseph, described the Hill Station project as a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to transform hospitality and tourism in Plateau State.

“This project is about more than just revitalisation, it is a dedicated effort to honour Hill Station’s rich heritage while introducing world-class hospitality standards.

“Our vision is to create a destination that seamlessly integrates luxury, culture, and nature, ensuring an exceptional experience for visitors in the heart of Jos.

“We recognise that Plateau State holds immense potential as a hospitality hub, and we are committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure this transformation drives economic growth, generates employment, and instils a renewed sense of pride in the community.

“Through collaboration and strategic investment, we aim to develop Hill Station Resort into a landmark destination that reflects the very best of Nigerian tourism,” he stated.

Mr Joseph expressed gratitude for the continued support from the Plateau State Government and private sector partners, adding: “This is not just an investment in infrastructure; it is an investment in Plateau’s future. We are creating a resort that will attract business and leisure travelers alike, unlocking new opportunities for the local economy while preserving the unique identity of this historic site.

“With the right partnerships, we will position Plateau State as a premier global tourism destination, one that showcases its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to the world.”

In his remarks, another Director of Hillside Hospitality, Mr Hakeem Condotti, highlighted Strom Infrastructure’s deep connection to Plateau State through its involvement with NESCO Nigeria.

“This investment demonstrates our commitment to preserving and enhancing historical landmarks while driving economic growth in the region,” he said.

The revitalized resort, scheduled for commissioning in the fourth quarter of 2025, will feature state-of-the-art conference facilities, premium accommodations, and leisure amenities, positioning Jos as a premier destination for business and leisure travel.

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Emirates, Air Peace Seal Interline Deal for Frictionless Single-Ticket Travel

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Emirates Air Peace Seal Interline Deal

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Two major airlines operating in the Nigerian airspace, Emirates and Air Peace, have signed an interline agreement to allow passengers enjoy frictionless single-ticket travel and simplified baggage throughput.

This deal will enable passengers flying from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Nigeria enjoy onward connections to Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna and Owerri, Abuja, Kano, Uyo, Port Harcourt and Warri.

Emirates operates the Dubai-Lagos route with a Boeing 777-300ER and some of its passengers continue their journeys to the above cities through other airlines, but with this interline agreement, when they land in Lagos, Air Peace will move them to the other cities with ease,

“Emirates is a steadfast partner of Nigeria’s tourism, trade and aviation sectors. This partnership with Air Peace is the next step on this journey, bolstering our connectivity and introducing more travel options for corporate leisure, and travellers visiting friends and family to and from Nigeria.

“We look forward to deepening our strategic partnership with Air Peace in the future to enhance the benefits for our mutual customers,” the Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer for Emirates, Adnan Kazim, said.

Also commenting, the Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Ms Oluwatoyin Olajide, said, “We are excited about this strategic interline partnership between Air Peace and Emirates, which is a significant step towards enhancing global connectivity for Nigerian travellers.

“It aligns with our mission to provide seamless, world-class travel experiences while expanding our route network and international reach.

“This collaboration not only expands Air Peace’s international reach but also offers Nigerians arriving from Dubai seamless access to key domestic destinations, including Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna, and Owerri.

“By improving ease of travel, we are boosting business, tourism, and trade opportunities, further strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and the UAE.

“This partnership also reinforces Nigeria’s aviation sector by enhancing connectivity, efficiency and positioning our country as a critical hub for regional and global travel. At Air Peace, we remain committed to providing greater connectivity, convenience, and world-class service for our passengers.”

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Spanish Withdrawal to Fuel Demand for Greek Golden Visas

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Greek Golden Visas

The latest forecast from Astons, suggests that the number of applicants looking to secure a Greek Golden Visa in 2024 is set to increase for the fourth consecutive year.

Astons has analysed data around the number of Greek Golden Visa applications submitted on an annual basis between 2019 and November 2024, before forecasting what 2024’s annual application total is set to be once December’s numbers are accounted for.

The analysis reveals that 2024 finished on a high when it comes to demand for Greek Golden Visas.

By November, the estimated total number of applications stood at 8,059, with Aston’s analysis revealing that 995 were submitted in October alone, 914 submitted in November, and a forecasted total of 778 submitted in December.

2024’s enormous demand for Greek Golden Visas was driven by investors looking to get in ahead of significant changes implemented to the scheme which increased the minimum investment threshold to €800,000 across the entire Athenian Riviera, Thessaloniki, and all major islands.

This isn’t the first time that changes to the Greek Golden Visa programme have resulted in surging levels of demand.

In 2023, Greece raised the threshold for real estate investment from €250,000 to €500,000 in the most attractive and developed regions of the country, including all of central Athens. However, in the Athenian Riviera, certain areas retained a threshold of €250,000, such as the Piraeus region.

As a result of this change, 2022 saw an annual increase of 118.5% in the number of Golden Visa applications, followed by a further +94.8% increase in 2023.

Who is driving demand for Greek Golden Visas?

The high demand for Greek Golden Visas over the past two years in particular is being driven by wealthy US citizens looking to spread their risks and opportunities beyond the borders of North America, with demand being particularly influenced by the increased investment thresholds implemented in 2024.

Astons estimates that Greece is the focus of at least 50% of all Golden Visa applications by US citizens, with investors drawn to the country by the lifestyle offering, not to mention the attractive minimum investment contribution – for which investors get five years of residency for the whole family with a right to renew at the end of that term.

Furthermore, Greece currently has one of Europe’s most lucrative property markets and best performing economies.

Citizenship, residence permit, and real estate investment expert for Astons, Alena Lesina, commented:

“Looking ahead to 2025, we believe that demand for Greek golden visas will remain robust despite the recent changes made. This is because it is still possible to purchase real estate and obtain a residency permit for as little as €250,000, even in the very heart of Athens, provided that the property in question is converted from commercial use to residential. As such, we’re seeing a lot of developers now buying old hotels and office buildings and transforming them into modern residential complexes, complete with stunning swimming pools and terraces.

Another reason to expect further growth in demand for Greek visas in 2025 is the fact that Spain is about to close its own Golden Visa programme which was itself hugely popular. With Spain no longer available to expats, it’s reasonable to expect that Greece, with its similar lifestyle offering and even more affordable accessibility, will become the focus of their attention.”

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