KUWAIT: Kuwait Airways announced on Thursday the arrival of its second Airbus A321neo aircraft, as part of a deal that includes a total of nine aircraft of the same model. The new delivery marks a significant step in the airline’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational capacity and elevate service standards. Chairman of the Board of Directors Abdulmohsen Al-Faqan said in a press statement that the addition of the new aircraft will support the airline’s operational growth and contribute to improved passenger experiences. “The A321neo features cutting-edge technology and a modern entertainment system, providing travelers with a more comfortable and enjoyable journey,” he noted.

Business class seats on Kuwait Airways’ new Airbus A321neo aircraft. – KUNA photos

Economy class seats on Kuwait Airways’ new Airbus A321neo aircraft.

Al-Faqan emphasized that the acquisition is part of a broader phase aimed at advancing the company’s distinguished onboard services and reinforcing its status as a prominent regional and international airline. He reiterated Kuwait Airways’ commitment to adopting the latest advancements in commercial aviation in line with global standards, with a focus on safety, comfort, and customer satisfaction. The A321neo is one of nine aircraft Kuwait Airways has contracted with Airbus, with deliveries scheduled to continue over the coming years in accordance with the agreed timeline. The addition of these aircraft is expected to significantly boost the airline’s capabilities by integrating the newest models into its fleet.

The airline highlighted the A321neo’s high operational efficiency, capable of carrying 166 passengers—16 in business class and 150 in economy class—with a sleek, modern cabin design. The aircraft can also transport up to 9.5 tons of cargo, while offering a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption, a 5 percent decrease in airframe maintenance costs, and a 14 percent cut in overall operating costs.

Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with the most advanced in-flight entertainment systems in its class, including large, state-of-the-art screens and Bluetooth connectivity for headphones, ensuring an enhanced travel experience for all passengers. Established in 1953 as Kuwait National Airways Limited, Kuwait Airways launched its first flight on March 16, 1954. The government assumed full ownership of the airline in 1962.- KUNA

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Fire Force (KFF) announced Thursday the opening of registration for the “Bachelor of Fire Engineering Technology Officer” program at the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), which will run from August 5 to 18. Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Gharib, Director of the Public Relations and Media Department and official spokesperson of KFF, said in a statement to KUNA that the program is open to high school graduates from the science section for the academic year 2022-2023 and beyond, provided they have achieved a minimum average of 85 percent.

Applicants must also meet national test requirements in English and mathematics, in accordance with PAAET’s admission plan for the 2025-2026 academic year. Al-Gharib explained that applications will be submitted electronically via PAAET’s official website starting August 5. Interested students must log in and complete the designated application form.

He noted that the program reflects ongoing collaboration between KFF and PAAET to prepare academically and professionally qualified national cadres in the field of fire sciences. Al-Gharib emphasized the Fire Force’s commitment to supporting educational and career development pathways that build competencies capable of meeting the growing demands of safety and protection services in the country. He called on prospective applicants to adhere to all announced requirements and deadlines, and to ensure registration is completed through official channels. — KUNA

TUNIS: The 21st Arab Conference of Heads of Traffic Departments, chaired by Kuwait, concluded its two-day session Thursday at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers in Tunis with a set of recommendations aimed at enhancing traffic safety and cooperation across the Arab region. Among the key outcomes was a call to circulate the smart traffic awareness system — developed by the Fujairah Police General Command and winner of the 2024 Prince Naif Award for Arab Security in the pioneering security programs category — to member states for implementation and benefit.

Participants were also urged to actively engage in the Prince Naif Award for Arab Security competition across its three categories: pioneering security programs, security studies and security media creativity. The conference stressed the importance of strengthening coordination among traffic departments in Arab countries, and agreed to refer a proposal for the establishment of a unified Arab traffic analytical database to member states for further examination.

In addition, a Libyan proposal to unify the Arab awareness discourse on traffic safety was referred for consultation, while the General Secretariat was tasked with initiating discussions with the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) to explore avenues of cooperation involving ESCWA’s Arab Integrated Observatory for Traffic Safety, the General Secretariat and the Arab Office for Supporting Security Services Affairs. Delegates also reviewed best practices from several member states in traffic regulation and accident reduction. The General Secretariat was asked to circulate these experiences to facilitate knowledge sharing and to develop a consolidated vision from reports submitted by member states on their national efforts in this field. Moreover, the conference encouraged countries to utilize traffic awareness campaigns aligned with both Arab and international events. The recommendations will be submitted to the next session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers for final approval. Kuwait chaired the conference, with participation from heads and representatives of Arab traffic departments and the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences. The Kuwaiti delegation included Brigadier Munif Al-Mutairi, Colonel Yousef Al-Haddad and First Lieutenant Nawaf Al-Mutairi. — KUNA