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A splash of colour for MH A330s

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KUALA LUMPUR, 16 July 2024: Malaysia Airlines’ first A330neo recently rolled out of the Airbus paint shop in Toulouse, showcasing the airline’s signature Malaysia flag livery.

The completion of the painting phase marks a significant milestone in the aircraft’s production journey. Next, the aircraft will be equipped with its state-of-the-art Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and undergo performance tests in preparation for its first flight.

During this stage, all cabin systems will be tested including comprehensive air flow and conditioning checks, lighting, galleys, lavatories, seating, and in-flight entertainment systems.

Simultaneously, Airbus will conduct advanced general performance tests to ensure the aircraft meets all specifications and is ready for delivery. Malaysia Airlines is set to receive its first A330neo in Q3 this year.

The introduction of the A330neo is an important component of the Malaysia Aviation Group’s (MAG) fleet renewal strategy, initiated in 2022 by selecting 20 A330neo aircraft. The A330neo will serve routes across Asia, Oceania and the Middle East.

Air India launches baggage tracking feature

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GURUGRAM, 16 July 2024: Air India has rolled out an easy-to-use baggage tracking feature on its mobile app and website. 

Real-time baggage tracking information from its network airports and a scalable cloud application will keep passengers in touch with their baggage throughout the journey and significantly reduce concern about their checked-in bags. Air India is one of just a few airlines worldwide that provide this convenience directly to guests without any intervention from airline staff.

Designed and developed by Air India’s digital technology and design teams in collaboration with the airline’s airport operations department, the feature offers a convenient option for end-to-end baggage tracking with minimal data entry. 

Passengers can track their checked-in bags by scanning their baggage receipts’ barcodes. Alternatively, this information becomes automatically available in the ‘My Trips’ section of the mobile app soon after the bags are checked if the trip has been added there. The feature is also available under the Book & Manage section of the Air India website under the ‘Track Your Bags’ tab. 

Other important features  

• Real-time updates: Important details about checked-in bags, such as current location, transit status, and baggage arrival details, along with the local time of events, are provided easily. The status coverage includes all important baggage touchpoints where baggage tracking technology is available, such as check-in, security clearance, aircraft loading, transfers, and arrival in the baggage claim area.

• Tracking of code-share and interline flights: End-to-end baggage tracking will be available across multiple flight segments on Air India. In addition, if the journey includes segments from other airlines in interline or code-share connections belonging to the same reservation, then tracking from those segments is also provided.

• Comprehensive tracking: For guests with multiple checked-in bags, detailed tracking information for each bag is available on a user-friendly interface. Timely notification is also provided via the mobile app when the baggage is checked in. An enhanced range of notifications significant to the tracking experience, like baggage carousel information on arrival, are also in the pipeline.

“In our sustained efforts to enhance the guest experience by embracing innovative digital technology, we can now provide real-time baggage status to our guests,” said Air India Chief Digital and Technology Officer Satya Ramaswamy. “Our mobile app is the ideal platform for our guests to use this feature as it provides specific baggage-related information as part of the ‘My Trips’ segment. Guests can also add baggage tags easily by scanning with the mobile phone’s camera.”

Sabah presents latest bird route at UK fair

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KOTA KINABALU, 15 July 2024: Sabah introduced a new birding route during the prestigious Global Birdfair in Rutland, UK, showcasing the Malaysian state as an ideal birdwatching destination.

State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai led a team of experts and specialised travel content providers from Sabah to the bird fair event held from 12 to 14 July promoting rural areas.

Joniston (3rd right) studies the preview of the Sabah Birding Routes video with the Sabah Birdwatchers Association representatives.

Participating organisations under STB are the Sabah Birdwatchers Association, Borneo Nature Tours, Tabin Wildlife Resort, 1 Stop Borneo Wildlife, and Borneo Eco Tours.

“Birdwatching is a vital component of rural tourism in Sabah, and many rural areas are home to rare and endemic bird species, making them ideal destinations for birdwatching enthusiasts,” said Joniston.

“Birdwatching is increasingly growing in popularity among European tourists, with the UK alone having a birding community of more than a million enthusiasts.

“It is our goal to promote these rural destinations to enhance their visibility on the global stage, and participating in the Global Birdfair offered us a platform to showcase our unique bird species and their habitats to an international audience,” he concluded.

Formerly known as the British Birdwatching Fair, the event is one of the oldest and largest bird fairs, established in 1989. It attracts birdwatchers, clubs, tour guides, equipment suppliers, tour companies, and tourism boards worldwide. The event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19 but was revived in March 2022 and re-established as Global Birdfair.

Sabah Tourism Board first participated in the event in 2009 and returned to the fair in 2022 and 2023 following the Covid pause.

For more information on Sabah visit www.sabahtourism.com.  

Emirates recruits cabin crew

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SINGAPORE, 15 July 2024: Emirates will organise a recruitment drive in Singapore on 16 July for candidates to join its multinational cabin crew team. 

With fleet expansion plans in the works, Emirates aims to recruit 5,000 cabin crew members worldwide, boosting its cabin crew team by 25%.

The Dubai-based airline seeks individuals passionate about delivering simple yet personalised and impeccable hospitality while creating memorable moments for its customers. The ideal candidate will lead confidently and take control when managing aircraft services, security, and safety procedures. All Emirates crew will receive world-class training at the airline’s state-of-the-art facility in Dubai.  

The upcoming invite-only recruitment drive will take place on Tuesday, 16 July 2024. Interested candidates must apply via the Emirates Group Career website for an opportunity to be shortlisted and invited. Emirates will continue to hold recruitment events in Singapore throughout the year.

Recruitment drive

In 2024, Emirates’ recruitment team will host open days and assessments in more than 460 cities across six continents, reflecting the span of the airline’s network and the diversity of its cabin crew team while flying the flag for living and working in dynamic Dubai.

In 2023, Emirates hired a staggering 8,000 cabin crew and held recruitment events in 353 cities as the airline ramped up its services post-pandemic. In August 2023, the airline’s cabin crew numbers crossed the 20,000 milestone and are now 22,000 strong.

Fleet and network expansion

The new cabin crew recruitment drive comes as Emirates begins to take delivery of its eagerly anticipated A350s later this year and the Boeing 777-Xs in 2025. The airline has 65 A350s and a mix of 205 777-9s and 777-8s in its order book. The new aircraft will expand the airline’s reach and provide flexibility to add new routes to its network.

Training and life skills

All new cabin crew recruits undergo an intense seven-and-a-half weeks of training in delivering the highest standards of hospitality, safety, and service that Emirates’ customers have come to expect over the years. 

Trained in Emirates’ state-of-the-art facility in Dubai, cabin crew learn invaluable transferable skills that include a knack for communication, initiative, and leadership qualities. They develop the ability to work effectively in a multicultural team, focusing on staying mentally strong and calm under pressure. They become bastions of hospitality and exceptional service and ambassadors of an iconic brand. Cabin crew also have access to the latest training programmes and LinkedIn courses.

Cabin crew community

Emirates’ multicultural cabin crew team hails from more than 140 nationalities, including over 75 members from Singapore. Cabin crew experience excellent career progression, including upgrading to higher cabin classes and becoming cabin supervisors, pursers, or trainers. Today, the airline has 1,180 pursers who have climbed the career ladder after completing exacting training and assessments. The crew also have the opportunity to apply for internal vacancies throughout the Emirates Group.

For information on flights and to make bookings visit: www.emirates.com. 

International Jazz Day heads for Abu Dhabi

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TTR WEEKLY
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ABU DHABI, 15 July 2024: Abu Dhabi has been selected as the International Jazz Day Host City to lead the global celebration “honouring the sound of artistic freedom on 30 April 2025. 

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock announced last week that “International Jazz Day heads to Abu Dhabi in 2025, infusing new energy and basking in the mélange of cultures. The celebration in this cosmopolitan city will embody the power of jazz to unite and delight in our shared humanity.”

“In Abu Dhabi, a renowned group of international artists will join us to share their musical vision, build bridges through the power of music, and create harmony in our diverse world,” said UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock.

Presented in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the celebration will be anchored around its cultural heritage, defined as a tapestry of Arab and Emirati culture. Classical instruments like Oud, Qanoon, and Ney will introduce global audiences to ‘Arabic Jazz’. As the 2025 Global Host City, Abu Dhabi, the UNESCO Creative City of Music, will showcase the interplay of local musical traditions and jazz dating back decades.

“We are honoured that Abu Dhabi has been selected as the Global Host for the 2025 edition of International Jazz Day. This recognition underscores our city’s thriving music scene and unwavering commitment to cultural diversity and artistic excellence”, said DCT Abu Dhabi Chairman Mohamed Al Mubarak.

“As a UNESCO Creative City of Music, Abu Dhabi has long been a beacon of musical innovation, where traditional Arabian melodies blend seamlessly with global genres, creating a vibrant and unique cultural tapestry. Hosting International Jazz Day reaffirms our dedication to the arts and provides a global stage to showcase our dynamic music scene. Our city consistently celebrates and nurtures musical talent from around the world.”

Established by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2011 and recognised by the United Nations General Assembly, International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide every 30 April. The day pays tribute to jazz, its capacity to bring people together, and its power to promote dialogue, freedom of expression, respect for human rights, and diversity.

The global movement has reached over 2 billion people on all continents through education programmes, performances, community outreach and online platforms. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is the leading nonprofit organisation that plans, promotes, and produces International Jazz Day each year.

To learn more about International Jazz Day and register for events on the official website, visit www.jazzday.com  or www.unesco.org/en/international-jazz-day. 

About the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz
The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz preserves and expands jazz as a global art form to unite people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities. The Institute is a nonprofit education organisation with a mission to offer the world’s most promising young musicians college-level training by internationally acclaimed jazz masters and to present public school music education programmes for young people. More information: www.hancockinstitute.org .

(SOURCE: Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz)

India waives visa fee for Thai tourists

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BANGKOK, 15 July 2024: India offers Thai travellers a fee exemption when applying for a 30-day e-Tourist visa with single or double entry on the country’s e-Tourist visa portal. 

The visa fee exemption applies until 31 December 2024, saving Thai travellers around THB2,900 per application. It represents a considerable saving for a Thai family planning a holiday in India. 

Photo credit: ACP International Co Ltd.

India’s visa fees for foreign visitors vary depending on nationality and take into account the reciprocal fees country by country. 
Under this new arrangement, approved by India’s Ministry of External Affairs for Thai citizens, the e-Tourist visa will be issued without any visa fee. Thai tourists can visit India for up to 30 days with double entry without paying any visa fees. e-Tourist visas must still be applied for in advance through the following website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.

Philippines and Korea sign flight MoU

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MANILA, 15 July 2024: The Philippines Department of Transport has signed an agreement with its counterparts in Korea to expand international air services between the two countries.

The two-day consultation talks between the Philippine and Korean delegations resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improve air services by updating the capacity entitlements. 

Photo credit: DOT Philippines.

For seven years since the last MOU was signed in 2017, the designated airlines of the Philippines and Korea can operate up to 20,000 weekly seats each from Manila to points in Korea and vice versa.

The MoU liberalises the use of third and fourth freedom traffic, raising the total airline capacity to 30,000 seats weekly on the main roundtrip route of Manila – Incheon. It also ensures there are no seat limits on flights from Manila to all other cities in Korea. Flights from other cities outside Manila to all points in Korea will remain open and without seat limits under the new MOU.

The Manila – Incheon (ICN) route is served by six airlines that offer daily and multiple daily frequencies. They are Philippines AirAsia (daily), Philippine Airlines (two to three daily), Asiana Airlines (two daily), Korean Air (three daily), Jeju Air (daily), and Cebu Pacific (two daily). The average roundtrip fare on the route from January to July is USD170.

Korea has been the top source market for the Philippines since before the Covid-19 pandemic, with incoming Korean tourists already at 682,362 for the months of January to May 2024, the Philippines Department of Tourism reported recently. The increase in seat capacity from 20,000 to 30,000 seats a week between Manila and Seoul will encourage airlines to increase flights.

Air France-KLM codeshare with SAS

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SINGAPORE, 15 July 2024: Air France-KLM and SAS have signed codeshare and interline agreements, effective 1 September, that allow Air France and KLM customers to access 33 destinations in Northern Europe in addition to flights from SAS hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm.

SAS customers get access to 33 European destinations in addition to Air France and KLM’s hubs in Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol. 

From 1 September 2024, members of Flying Blue and EuroBonus, the respective loyalty programmes of Air France-KLM and SAS, will be able to earn and use Miles/Points on all flights.

The interline agreement covers the European Air France, KLM and SAS routes. Air France, KLM, and SAS customers can earn and use Miles/Points through the loyalty programs Flying Blue and EuroBonus.

The agreements come into force on 1 September 2024, when SAS officially becomes a member of the SkyTeam alliance, of which Air France-KLM is one of the founders.

The codeshare agreement will cover a large number of European destinations. Air France and KLM customers get access to 33 destinations in Northern Europe in addition to SAS’ hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm. SAS customers get access to 33 European destinations in addition to Air France and KLM’s hubs in Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol. Additional intercontinental destinations will be added to the agreement shortly.

Members of Flying Blue and EuroBonus, the respective loyalty programs of Air France-KLM and SAS, will be able to earn and use Miles/Points on all flights operated from 1 September 2024. Eligible EuroBonus members will also benefit from SkyTeam services and benefits, including SkyPriority and lounge access.

“These agreements mark an important step towards close commercial cooperation between Air France, KLM and SAS,” said  Air France-KLM Chief Commercial Officer Angus Clarke. “By connecting our route network and hubs, our customers will benefit from a wide range of European destinations and high-quality services. We look forward to further developing this relationship and to strengthening our position in the Scandinavian region.”

“We are proud to start codeshare flights with our future SkyTeam partner, Air France-KLM, improving our connections and bringing greater benefits to our loyal customers. The cooperation with Air France-KLM holds great opportunities. It will not only attract new passengers to SAS but also increase SAS’s global visibility and accessibility.

“We look forward to a successful and long-term collaboration”, said SAS Chief Commercial Officer Paul Verhagen.

Air France and KLM have jumped to 200 weekly flights between their hubs in Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol and SAS’ hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm.

SAS flies 44 times a week to Paris-Charles de Gaulle from Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm and 65 times to Amsterdam Schiphol.

Traveloka: A sales anchor for Disney Cruises

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SINGAPORE, 15 July  2024: Traveloka, Southeast Asia’s leading travel platform, has announced that the company will be one of the Disney Cruise Line travel distributors across Southeast Asia when the cruises start in 2025.

“Disney Cruise Line will be available to all Traveloka users regionally, including those in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia”, Traveloka confirmed following a question from TTRW on the scope of its sales territory.   

“The partnership aims to expand Disney Cruise Line’s presence in the Southeast Asian market while enhancing Traveloka’s travel offerings, driving engagement, and promoting Singapore as a vibrant travel destination to users from the mentioned regional countries.” 

When Disney Adventure opens for bookings, Traveloka will offer a variety of packages to cater to different segments via the Traveloka app and social media channels. Disney Adventure will start voyages in late 2025, homeporting in Singapore. The voyage will feature Disney-themed dining options and onboard activities, promising an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Traveloka president Caesar Indra said: “The launch of the first Disney Cruise Line’s fleet in Asia presents an exciting new opportunity for travel enthusiasts to experience a world of adventure. We encourage customers from Thailand to follow our social media and register their interest in our app to get the latest updates on Disney Adventure. Whether it’s a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or an adventurous escape, Traveloka is committed to providing enhanced benefits and fulfilling holiday dreams. This launch marks a significant milestone in our mission to enrich our customers’ travel journeys. When Disney Adventure opens up for sale, Traveloka will offer a variety of packages, including Fly-Cruise, Singapore vacation anchoring Disney Adventure, and many more, to cater to different segments and customers’ needs.” 

The launch of the Disney Cruise Line on Traveloka further strengthens the company’s commitment to promoting Singapore’s diverse experiences and attractions. Beyond the cruise, travellers can enjoy the full Lion City experience by leveraging Traveloka’s deals for iconic attractions such as the S.E.A. Aquarium, home to over 100,000 marine creatures, Gardens By the Bay, Singapore Bird Paradise and Singapore Zoo’s interactive exhibits.

TAT tags 2025 ‘Thailand Grand Tourism Year’

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BANGKOK, 15 July 2024: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set its 2025 revenue target at THB3.4 trillion, representing a 7.5% increase over the 2024 forecast, reports the country’s national news bureau. 

Tourism performance targets for 2025 were presented a last week’s TAT Marketing Action Plan meeting that also concluded with a plan to make 2025 the “Thailand Grand Tourism Year” part of the broader “Ignite Thailand” scheme.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool outlined details on her Facebook page confirming TAT’s budget for the fiscal year October 2024 to September 2025 would amount to around THB6.23 billion. The agency targets tourism revenue to grow by from 5 to 7.5% during 2025, with foreign tourist arrivals reaching 40 million and domestic trips projected at 220 million. Tourist arrivals during 2024 should reach 36.9 million, while domestic trips could reach 200 million. 

The National News Bureau of Thailand (NNT) stated in its news report that the average spending per foreign tourist is estimated at THB57,180, while domestic tourists spend around THB4,000 per trip.

Visa-free stay 60 days

Easier visa rules will apply, allowing visitors from 93 countries to visit Thailand for 60 days without applying for a visa. 

Thailand’s Ministry of Interior, Secretary to the Minister of Interior, and spokesperson Traisulee Traisoranakul confirmed on 12 July the updated visa measures that will allow nationals from 93 countries to visit Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa. Previously, the visa-free concession was open to 57 nationalities for a 30-day stay.

She confirmed other updates, such as an increase in countries eligible for Visa on Arrival (VOA) at immigration checkpoints from the previous 19 to 31 countries.

In addition, foreigners can stay in Thailand for tourism purposes and engage in “remote work as a special case” under a new visa category, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). It also includes highly skilled individuals, freelancers, remote workers, or those who wish to stay to learn Thai boxing and martial arts, take cooking classes, participate in sports training, receive medical treatments, attend training courses, attend seminars, or attend art and music exhibitions. The DTV visa allows a visitor to stay for up to 180 days at a time and has a five-year validity. The changes in visa rules are expected to be published in the Royal Gazette on 15 July.

For more background information, see the TTRW report of 4 June 2024.
https://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2024/06/thailands-new-visa-rules-coming-soon/.

(SOURCE: NNT and Khaosod English Online)

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