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The successful test flight at Shengle International Airport highlights Hohhot’s emergence as a key hub on the “Air Silk Road”

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Hohhot Shengle

HOHHOT,CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 December 2025 – On November 25, the calibration aircraft landed smoothly, marking the successful completion of the on-site verification test flight at Hohhot Shengle International Airport. This important milestone indicates that Inner Mongolia’s first 4F-class airport has moved from the construction phase to the final stages of preparation for its official opening.

As Inner Mongolia’s first 4F-class airport—the highest standard in civil aviation airfields—this airport is fully equipped to accommodate the world’s most advanced commercial aircraft.

Moreover, it functions as a regional aviation hub, a primary alternate landing site within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei airport cluster, a Class I international aviation port, and a key transportation node in China’s national “Belt and Road Initiative”. Its essential role is to connect domestic and international destinations while linking eastern and western regions.

“Where heaven and earth meet, all things communicate.” Thanks to its unique geographic location, Hohhot has long served as a vital transportation center. During the Northern Wei Dynasty, Shengle, the capital city, controlled the critical passage between the Central Plains, the grasslands, and the desert, fostering thriving commerce and travel. In the Tang Dynasty, Shengle also served as a major commercial route extending north from Baidouchuan to present-day Erenhot, Manzhouli, and further into Russia and Mongolia. During the Qing Dynasty, Guisui City was a key node on the Grassland Silk Road. From the late 17th to early 20th century, the 13,000-kilometer Tea Road began at Wuyi Mountain in Fujian Province in the south, passed through Hohhot in Inner Mongolia, continued north to Mongolia, and ultimately reached Russia. In modern times, Hohhot has emerged as a crucial transportation hub under the “Belt and Road Initiative,” linking the mainland of China with Russia, Mongolia, and the heart of Europe. For centuries, merchants from home and abroad have gathered here, fostering vibrant trade and rich cultural exchanges.

The echoes of history continue to resonate. This ancient route, once bustling with camel caravans and travelers, is now being revitalized with new significance for the modern era. Shengle International Airport is dedicated to becoming a key hub on the new “Air Silk Road,” serving as a vital gateway across North China and connecting Eurasia. It aims to make a unique and meaningful contribution to this important legacy.

From above, the airport’s terminal is designed to resemble a finely crafted saddle, reflecting the dynamic heritage of the horse-riding cultures in the region. The main facade of the terminal features a 600-meter-long eave inspired by the flowing khata scarf, offering a warm and inviting welcome to visitors from around the globe. The terminal’s skylights are thoughtfully crafted using spindle columns, cables, and inflatable membranes, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional Mongolian yurt. Looking upward, travelers can enjoy views of the expansive grassland sky and clouds, celebrating Inner Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage and sharing the distinctive beauty of grassland culture with the world.

Shengle Airport’s appeal extends beyond its striking design to its thoughtfully planned interior layout. More than just a transportation hub, it serves as a vital platform connecting the world. As a key node on the “Belt and Road” land corridor and the northern gateway of the China-Mongolia-Russia economic corridor, Hohhot is utilizing this state-of-the-art airport to accelerate its integration into the global network.

In the near term, Shengle International Airport aims to achieve an annual passenger capacity of 28 million, handle 320,000 tons of cargo and mail, and manage 244,000 aircraft movements by 2030. Looking further ahead to 2050, these figures are expected to grow to 65 million passengers, 800,000 tons of cargo and mail, and 511,000 aircraft movements.

To enhance the travel experience for international passengers, Shengle International Airport has proactively upgraded its communication infrastructure. Previously, the construction of civil communication facilities at Hohhot Shengle International Airport was successfully completed. To meet the demands of international travelers and business passengers, the regional communication system has implemented a “seamless access” plan in advance. All three major telecom operators share a jointly built network, ensuring passengers enjoy “uninterrupted” connectivity from arrival through boarding and departure.

Looking forward, Shengle Airport will continue to expand its international routes with exceptional performance. By 2025, Hohhot Airport will establish strong partnerships with Xi’an and Qingdao airports. Leveraging Qingdao Airport’s connections to Japan and South Korea, and Xi’an Airport’s access to Northwest China, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia, new transfer services will be launched connecting Hohhot via Xi’an or Qingdao to other domestic and international destinations.

Additionally, capitalizing on Hohhot’s strategic location facing Russia and Mongolia and linking Northeast and Northwest China, transfer services will be introduced from Xi’an or Qingdao through Hohhot to various regional cities as well as Russia and Mongolia. These initiatives will create aerial bridges fostering economic exchange and cultural communication across regions.

As the morning sun brightens the northern frontier, Shengle International Airport stands out like a shining gem above the grasslands. This young and dynamic airport is not only Hohhot’s new gateway but also a crucial hub connecting China to the world. From here, Inner Mongolia’s high-quality development will gain fresh momentum, and China’s northern frontier will embrace broader opportunities for global engagement.

 

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Emirates and the Kenya Tourism Board sign partnership agreement to drive inbound tourism

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Emirates

Reinforcing the airline’s longstanding commitment in market, the partnership agreement supports Kenya’s ambition to be the most visited tourism destination in Africa by promoting the destination in key regions on the airline’s vast global network

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, September 18, 2026/APO Group/ –Emirates (www.Emirates.com) and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) have signed a partnership agreement at the 2026 Arabian Travel Market, to strengthen collaboration and support the growth of inbound tourism to Kenya. Already one of the most consistently in-demand destinations on the airline’s Africa network, the partnership will build on this strong demand and help unlock new opportunities for Kenya to attract visitors from emerging and established markets around the world.
 




 
 

The partnership agreement was signed by Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, Centre, and June Chepkemei, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Tourism Board, in the presence of Ambassador. (Professor.) Julius K. Bitok, CBS. Principal Secretary, State Department for Tourism, and Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Rashid Alardha, Vice President of Commercial Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, Emirates and Christophe Leloup, Emirates’ Country Manager in Kenya, along with other senior officials.

 

Adil Al Ghaith said, “Kenya has been an important market for Emirates for over three decades, and our commitment goes much deeper than operations and connections. We’ve consistently invested in our presence in the market, working closely with travel trade partners and tourism stakeholders to stimulate inbound travel, and contribute positively to the global perception of Kenya. Nairobi remains one of the top 5 busiest gateways for Emirates in Africa, with significant traffic coming from UK and Europe, as well as the US. This partnership solidifies that longstanding commitment, enhancing our collaboration with the Kenya Tourism Board and the full, thriving tourism ecosystem across Nairobi and Kenya.”

 

We are delighted to partner with Emirates to strengthen Kenya’s global tourism profile and showcase the remarkable experiences our destination offers to travellers around the world

June Chepkemei said, “We are delighted to partner with Emirates to strengthen Kenya’s global tourism profile and showcase the remarkable experiences our destination offers to travellers around the world. Emirates’ extensive international network and strong reach in both established and emerging markets will help us build on the growing demand for Kenya and unlock new opportunities to attract more visitors. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to promoting Kenya as a leading, diverse and unforgettable destination, while supporting the continued growth of inbound tourism and the many communities that benefit from it.”

 

Tourism is a key pillar in Kenya’s economy, creating thousands of employment opportunities and serving millions of tourists who visit the country each year. The Kenya Tourism Board has bold plans to establish Kenya as the most visited tourism destination in Africa, with a year-round calendar of diverse, sustainable and authentic experiences that appeal to a swathe of international visitors.

 

Under the framework of the partnership agreement, Emirates and KTB will explore joint initiatives to promote Kenya in key markets on the airline’s global network, showcasing the breadth of Kenya’s year-round tourism offering, and encourage more travellers to visit. The partners will also closely collaborate to develop programmes for trade partners and tour operators that educate and excite the industry, such as incentives, familiarisation trips and other marketing initiatives.

 

Last year, Emirates marked 30 years of operations to Nairobi and, during that tenure, has established deep-rooted ties with local communities and the travel trade ecosystem. Earlier this month, the airline’s tour operating arm, Emirates Holidays, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kenya Association of Travel Agents to stimulate outbound travel by equipping over 300 travel agencies with enhanced product and network insight and competitive promotional opportunities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

 




 

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Emirates Skywards doubles the Miles on Emirates and flydubai flights

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Emirates

The offer spans the extensive networks of both airlines and is available across all eligible cabins including Emirates’ increasingly popular Premium Economy experience, as well as Economy Class, Business Class and First Class

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, September 16, 2026/APO Group/ –Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates (www.Emirates.com) and flydubai, is giving members more reasons to plan their next getaway, with the chance to earn double Skywards Miles on eligible Emirates and flydubai flights across their global networks. From 15 to 30 September 2026, members must register for the offer (https://apo-opa.co/3Twl99S)and book an eligible Emirates or flydubai flight for travel until 30 November 2026 and then earn 100% bonus Skywards Miles on top of the Miles they would normally earn.

 




  

The offer spans the extensive networks of both airlines and is available across all eligible cabins including Emirates’ increasingly popular Premium Economy experience, as well as Economy Class, Business Class and First Class. On flydubai, members can earn double Miles when travelling in Economy Class or Business Class.

Double the Miles, more possibilities

Whether planning an autumn city break, visiting friends and family, travelling for business or escaping for a well-earned holiday, members can boost their Skywards Miles balance simply by registering, booking and flying during the promotional period. The bonus Miles can bring members closer to their next reward, with Skywards Miles redeemable on an extensive range of flight and lifestyle rewards.

To take advantage of the offer, Emirates Skywards members need to register (https://apo-opa.co/3Twl99S) between 15 and 30 September 2026 and book an eligible Emirates or flydubai ticket during the same period. Travel must be completed between 15 September and 30 November 2026. Customers who are not yet members can also join Emirates Skywards (https://apo-opa.co/4xpWbqo) during the promotional period, register for the offer and start earning towards future rewards.

Explore the world with Emirates and flydubai

Together, Emirates and flydubai offer customers extensive connectivity from Dubai to destinations across six continents, giving Skywards members even more opportunities to earn and spend Miles as they travel.

The double Miles offer applies to eligible Emirates ‘Special,’ ‘Saver,’ ‘Flex’ and ‘Flex Plus’ fares across Economy Class, Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class. On flydubai, eligible ‘Lite,’ ‘Value’ and ‘Flex’ Economy Class fares and Business Class fares are included.

Members can register for the offer (https://apo-opa.co/3Twl99S) through Emirates or flydubai digital channels. Tickets can be purchased through eligible online and offline sales channels, including travel agents.

Emirates Skywards members can spend Miles on flight rewards and upgrades with Emirates and flydubai, as well as a wide range of rewards with the programme’s global partners.

The offer is available for registration and booking from 15 September until 30 September 2026, for eligible travel completed by 30 November 2026. Terms and conditions apply.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

 




 

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Emirates enters winter season with strong booking momentum as network and product investments accelerate

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This expanding product footprint gives customers significantly more opportunities to experience Emirates’ latest cabins

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, September 14, 2026/APO Group/ —

  • Summer performance above expectations: Emirates carried over 8.6 million passengers between July and August; arrivals into Dubai on Emirates in the second half of August alone was up 7% on the same period in 2025
  • Fleet and network: 104 aircraft retrofitted to date; Premium Economy now available on 137 aircraft. 18 aircraft delivered since January, with six more A350s arriving before year-end, Helsinki joining the network on 1 October
  • Product investments: Launch this year of the industry’s first U-dream headrest for Economy Class and Premium Economy seats with privacy dividers, and new generation Emirates Lounge
  • Pan-African momentum: South Africa, Egypt and Ghana rank among the markets where winter demand is already tracking ahead of last year, with new A350 deployments to Uganda and South Africa reinforcing Emirates’ growing footprint across the continent

Emirates (www.Emirates.com) has closed the summer season ahead of expectations and enters winter with strong booking momentum across a broadening range of markets, as the airline continues to invest in its fleet and industry-leading products, in its global network, and in offering customers greater booking flexibility and comprehensive travel cover.

 




  

Between July and August, Emirates carried more than 8.6 million passengers, maintaining healthy seat load factors across its network. The airline is currently operating at around 93% of its pre-disruption capacity, with demand continuing to build as the winter travel season approaches.

Bookings for winter, beginning in late October, are tracking positively despite a broader shift where customers are making travel decisions closer to departure. South Africa, Brazil, India, Portugal, Egypt, Ghana, Colombia, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are among the markets where demand is currently tracking ahead of last year, alongside Nepal through Emirates’ partnership with flydubai.

In Africa specifically, South Africa, Egypt and Ghana are leading this positive trend, reflecting sustained demand for Emirates’ network and product investments across the continent.

The UAE also remains a strong outbound market, while demand for premium travel on Emirates continues to grow.

Strong summer demand

Emirates services to and from West Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the Americas and Africa all recorded seat load factors well above 75% during the summer, with particularly strong performance on routes to and from Indonesia, Côte d’Ivoire and across the UK.

Côte d’Ivoire’s strong summer performance underscores continued demand for Emirates across West Africa.

Demand for Premium Economy grew across the network, with the Americas recording the strongest growth in demand for this cabin.

Dubai also continued to attract strong inbound traffic. In late August alone, more than half a million customers arrived in Dubai on Emirates flights, up 7% on the same period last year. Travellers included residents returning ahead of the new school year, new residents relocating to Dubai to live and work, and visitors choosing the city for a late-summer break.

Over the summer, customers had more reasons to choose Emirates. The airline boosted its flexibility proposition with one free date change anywhere across the network, and unlimited free date changes to Dubai. It also reduced refund fees on Dubai journeys and introduced Comprehensive Travel Cover, a first-of-its-kind policy which includes medical cover protecting against conflict and airspace disruption, backed by airline-managed accommodation, ground support and rebooking where needed.

Fleet upgrades and product investments gather pace

Since January 2026, the airline has welcomed 18 aircraft – 11 new A350s and seven Boeing 777 freighters – with another six A350s scheduled to arrive before the end of December.

To date, 104 aircraft have completed Emirates’ retrofit programme, including 53 Boeing 777s and 51 A380s. This brings the number of aircraft offering Premium Economy and Emirates’ latest cabin products to 137. By the end of December, that number will have risen to 155 aircraft.

This expanding product footprint gives customers significantly more opportunities to experience Emirates’ latest cabins. Premium Economy is now available on services to 90 destinations, with another 6 destinations set to receive the product before the end of this year, including Paris, Delhi, Stockholm, and others.

Connectivity is also being upgraded. Close to 50 Emirates aircraft are now fitted with Starlink, with installations progressing alongside the retrofit programme to bring high-speed inflight internet to more customers.

This year, Emirates also launched the innovative U-dream headrests onboard its A350 Economy Class, the industry’s first Premium Economy seat with privacy dividers, and its next generation signature lounges – with new facilities already welcoming guests in Munich, Frankfurt and Manchester.

More destinations, frequencies and connectivity

Emirates’ network will continue to expand heading into winter, with new destinations, additional frequencies and more of its latest aircraft deployed across key markets.

Helsinki joins the Emirates network on 1 October, launching with the A350. The aircraft currently serves 30 destinations from Dubai, increasing to 36 by year-end.

Emirates is also adding capacity on several routes to meet demand. Accra will receive three additional weekly services, while Tokyo Narita, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi will receive second daily services, and one of the airline’s daily Delhi services will be upgraded to an A380.

The additional Accra frequency reflects growing demand across West Africa and reinforces Emirates’ commitment to strengthening connectivity to the region.

The Emirates A350 will be deployed to Larnaca, Malta, Nairobi and Hamburg from late October, followed by Mauritius in November. Retrofitted Boeing 777s will be introduced to Stockholm in October and Frankfurt in November, extending Emirates’ latest onboard products to more markets.

Emirates is also strengthening its African footprint, with new A350 deployments to Uganda and South Africa this year, alongside an upcoming A380 introduction on the Paris route.

Beyond its own network, Emirates’ 168 codeshare, interline and intermodal partnerships give customers access to an additional 1,750 cities. On an average day, more than 13,000 Emirates customers connect to their destinations on services operated by partner airlines.

The Emirates and flydubai partnership has become one of the defining features of the Dubai hub experience. Today, both carriers provide access to more than 214 unique destinations in over 100 countries, generating more than 4,600 connection opportunities through Dubai.

Emirates customers can reach over 100 flydubai destinations, while flydubai passengers can access more than 140 Emirates destinations. Kathmandu, Zanzibar, Krabi and Belgrade rank among the most popular flydubai destinations for Emirates customers.

Since the partnership launched in 2017, the two airlines have carried more than 28 million passengers across their integrated network.

Alongside Emirates’ Helsinki launch in a few weeks, flydubai added Chittagong in Bangladesh in April 2026, Benghazi in Libya in June, followed by Aleppo in Syria and Bangkok (Don Mueang Airport) in July. Further expansion in September includes Pokhara in Nepal.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

 




 

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