Emirates has signed an interline agreement with Loong Air, strengthening its presence in China and offering passengers access to more cities beyond its existing gateways.

With immediate effect, Emirates customers can now connect to 22 destinations across China operated by Loong Air through Hangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. These cities cover key regions across East, Northeast, South, Central and Southwest China, making domestic travel more convenient for both leisure and business travellers.

Under the partnership, passengers can book multi-airline itineraries under a single fare. The agreement also ensures one seamless baggage policy and consistent fare conditions throughout the journey, making the travel experience smoother. The expanded network opens up access to important domestic hubs such as Zhengzhou, Changchun, Haikou, Xiangyang and Dazhou.

Tickets are available on www.emirates.com, Online Travel Agencies (OTA’s) and through all major GDS’ via travel agents. Customers booking through Emirates’ official website can also use online payment options including WeChat Pay and Alipay.

The agreement with Loong Air reflects Emirates’ continued commitment to the Chinese market. Last year, the airline introduced services to Shenzhen and Hangzhou and enhanced its onboard offering by deploying its Premium Economy on these routes. It also reinstated its A380 aircraft on Shanghai services.

Emirates has been operating in mainland China since 2004. The airline currently serves five major cities, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hangzhou with 49 weekly flights using a mix of A380s, A350s and Boeing 777s.

Along with Loong Air, Emirates has partnerships with Air China, China Southern Airlines and Sichuan Airlines. Through these collaborations, customers can access more than 110 points in China beyond Emirates’ own network via its five gateways.

Air Canada has announced the next phase of its fleet modernization strategy with a firm order for eight Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, along with rights to purchase eight additional units. Deliveries of the new widebody jets are expected to begin in the second half of 2030.

The addition of the A350-1000 marks a significant step in strengthening the airline’s long-haul capabilities. With enhanced range, payload capacity and improved operating economics, the aircraft is expected to unlock new opportunities across Air Canada’s international network while complementing its existing widebody fleet.

Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo at Air Canada, described the acquisition as a move that will reinforce the airline’s position as a leading global carrier. He noted that the aircraft’s performance and flexibility will support a diversified and resilient network strategy, connecting Canadian hubs more efficiently with global destinations.

John Di Bert, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, added that the investment supports Air Canada’s long-term cost efficiency objectives. The aircraft’s lighter composite materials and advanced engines are expected to deliver meaningful fuel-burn improvements compared to the previous generation aircraft they will replace. The airline aims to maintain capital investments at or below 12 per cent of revenues as part of its disciplined financial strategy.

Powered by the XWB97 engine from Rolls-Royce, the A350-1000 is estimated by Airbus to provide up to 25 per cent lower fuel consumption compared to earlier generation aircraft. The jet offers a potential range of approximately 9,000 nautical miles, enabling ultra-long-haul operations.

From a passenger perspective, Airbus states the A350-1000 features the quietest twin-aisle cabin in service. Designed to be pressurized to the equivalent of 6,000 feet, the cabin aims to reduce fatigue and jet lag. Air Canada’s aircraft will feature its next-generation cabin design, including upgraded in-flight entertainment screens, enhanced connectivity and new interior standards set to debut later this year.

The A350-1000 order builds on Air Canada’s broader fleet renewal programme. The airline is preparing to introduce 14 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners later this year and will soon take delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR. It also continues to receive Canadian-assembled Airbus A220 aircraft, with 23 remaining from its firm order of 65. Additionally, five leased Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are scheduled to enter service in 2026.

Together, these investments signal a new era in Air Canada’s long-haul growth strategy, focused on efficiency, sustainability and an enhanced customer experience.

Flowers wilt. Chocolates disappear. But the friendships that have survived bad haircuts, questionable exes and group chats that should never see daylight? Those deserve something bigger. This is Galentine’s with altitude, adrenaline, spa robes and shared stories you’ll retell for years. Here are five destinations, five moods and one unbreakable girl code.

Ras Al Khaimah: For the Friends Who Push You to New Heights

For the thrill-seekers in the group, Ras Al Khaimah is pure playground energy. Start at Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, where crisp air and sweeping views set the tone. Then comes the ultimate bonding test, the world’s longest zipline, where you’ll soar at speeds of nearly 120 km/h, screaming, laughing and questioning your life choices together.

After the adrenaline rush, refuel at 1484 by Puro, the UAE’s highest restaurant. Share plates, replay the zipline footage in slow motion and collectively agree that yes, you were incredibly brave.

Galentine’s takeaway: Trust is letting your best friend strap you into a harness and promising it’s safe.

Phulay Bay, Krabi: A Vow Renewal, But Make It Friendship

At Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, stillness becomes the shared language. Begin mornings with sunrise yoga overlooking the Andaman Sea. Spend afternoons drifting between spa rituals and barefoot beach picnics. Snorkel over coral gardens or simply exist in that rare, peaceful silence only true friendship allows.

As dusk falls, gather for a candlelit dinner by the ocean. No grand declarations required, just a quiet promise to keep choosing each other, no matter where life leads.

Galentine’s takeaway: Romance is optional. Loyalty is not.

Tokyo Skytree: Because You’ve Come Too Far to Stay Grounded

Some friendships are built on ambition and evolution. At Tokyo Skytree, ascend above the city and watch Tokyo stretch endlessly below. It’s the kind of place that invites reflection, on hostel dorm days, first jobs and every chaotic chapter in between.

Mark the moment with dinner at Sky Restaurant 634 (Musashi). Raise a toast to growth, grit and the women who have witnessed every version of you and stayed.

Galentine’s takeaway: Elevation hits differently when shared.

Kenya: The OG Crew and the Big Five

For the friends who’ve known you since before the glow-ups, Kenya offers something raw and unforgettable. Picture sunrise game drives in Maasai Mara, scanning the horizon for lions, wrapped in blankets and disbelief. In Amboseli National Park, elephants cross your path with Mount Kilimanjaro standing impossibly still behind them.

Mornings begin with strong Kenyan coffee. Afternoons dissolve into bush lunches and golden-hour sundowners. Safari strips away distractions, it’s just land, sky and the women who’ve seen every version of you.

Galentine’s takeaway: The real luxury isn’t the lodge. It’s the history you share.

Seychelles: Soft Life, Strong Friendships

For the beach-loving crew, Seychelles is pure soft life energy. Lounge on Anse Lazio or Anse Intendance, where powdery sand meets impossibly blue waters. Wander through Vallée de Mai beneath ancient palms and discover the iconic Coco de Mer.

Snorkel at Anse Source d'Argent, hop on a catamaran between islands and end the day with barefoot dinners under the stars. No emails. No rush. Just time, the rarest luxury of all.

Galentine’s takeaway: Some friendships don’t need adventure. They just need turquoise water and time.

The Twist

Galentine’s isn’t about replacing romance, it’s about honouring the friendships that often last the longest. These trips are affirmations: of bravery, of loyalty, of choosing each other again and again.

This year, skip the clichés. Book the flight. Plan the adventure. Order the extra dessert.

Because girl code? That’s forever.