Airlines mull direct flights between India and New Zealand

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March 21, 2025

MUMBAI, India, 21 March 2025: Star Alliance Partners Air New Zealand and Air India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 19 March to boost air connectivity between India and New Zealand.

The MoU signing ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, and other dignitaries at a Mumbai event.

*Photo credit Air India/Air New Zealand. Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon (centre), presided over the airlines’ signing ceremony in Mumbai.*

The MoU focused on a new codeshare partnership on 16 routes between India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, offering travellers more flight options between the two countries.

Customers will now be able to travel on Air India from the Indian cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai to connect in Sydney, Melbourne, or Singapore with Air New Zealand-operated flights to Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown.

The MoU will also see Air New Zealand and Air India explore introducing a direct service between India and New Zealand by the end of 2028, subject to new aircraft deliveries and approvals from relevant government regulators.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran emphasised the strategic significance of India as a future destination, highlighting its rapidly expanding tourism market and increasing travel demand.

“India represents a key growth market for Air New Zealand, and we are excited about the opportunity to enhance connectivity for travellers between our two countries. This codeshare agreement is an essential first step, offering more options for customers while we work to understand what a direct service could look like.

“Today’s event underscores the significance of the Indian travel market to New Zealand, not only for tourism but also for strengthening business and education ties. We are committed to working collaboratively to grow the market over the coming years, ensuring a strong foundation for a successful direct service by 2028,” said Foran.

Air India Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson said: “As part of Air India’s ongoing transformation, we have been expanding our global network using our aircraft and through new or expanded codeshare agreements with other airlines, chiefly our Star Alliance partners.

We are delighted to deepen our relationship with Air New Zealand, which follows the recent expansion of our codeshare partnerships with Lufthansa Group, Singapore Airlines, and All Nippon Airways. This partnership will help us develop traffic so that, in time to come, we may viably operate a nonstop service between India and New Zealand, which we and Air New Zealand have committed to explore together with the respective authorities.”

With India emerging as a growing tourism and business hub, this partnership reflects the airline’s commitment to delivering enhanced travel experiences while supporting trade, tourism, and economic growth.

Air New Zealand customers travelling between New Zealand and India benefit from strong connectivity options via Singapore Airlines, offering a smooth transit through Singapore. The prospect of a future direct route would further strengthen the relationship between the two countries, providing more efficient and accessible travel opportunities.

The MoU also outlines Tourism New Zealand’s commitment to growing inbound tourism from the Indian market. Tourism New Zealand’s research shows that 18 million people in New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai are actively considering travelling to New Zealand, making it a key emerging market. More than 80,000 international travellers arrived from India last year, 23% more than in 2019.

The long-term growth potential is significant, with India earmarked as one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets. Indian travellers want to explore New Zealand’s vibrant landscapes, film sets and rich cultural opportunities.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Rene de Monchy said: “It’s fantastic to see Air New Zealand and Air India working on stronger international connectivity between the two countries. We know improved aviation links have a crucial role in the growth of global tourism and will make it easier for Indian travellers to come and enjoy a holiday in New Zealand.”

(Source: Air New Zealand and Air India Communications)

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers introductory perks

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TTR WEEKLY

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March 20, 2025

BANGKOK 20 March 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is celebrating the upcoming launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives with an exclusive introductory offer.

Opening in April 2025, guests are invited to experience this tranquil island retreat with special privileges and premium benefits, including Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, upgrades, and more, for a limited time only.

Representing the final piece in Centara’s vision of offering extraordinary experiences across four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each catering to unique traveller preferences, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that perfectly complement the natural beauty of the surroundings. This private island sanctuary seamlessly blends Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian allure, inviting guests to indulge in world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars and experience rejuvenating wellness journeys at the serene Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this stunning property also signifies the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project set to redefine experiential travel in this breathtaking destination. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives blends sophisticated tranquillity with immersive experiences, catering to discerning travellers seeking a refined escape while also granting guests unprecedented access to the thrilling water attractions and vibrant facilities of neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.

“We are thrilled to officially welcome guests to Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives this April,” said Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives Cluster General Manager Andrew Jansson.

“From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”

To celebrate the grand opening, Centara invites guests to take advantage of its Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Book until 30 June 2025 for stays between 1April and 15 October 2025 and enjoy the privilege of staying 4 nights while only paying for 3, or extend your escape with Stay 7, Pay 5. This offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary champagne and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, plus extra perks for CentaraThe1 members and more.

For more information about Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives or to make a reservation, visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cglm/introductoryoffer

About Centara
Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 90 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Turkey and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, The Centara Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com

Phuket’s property projects under pressure

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March 20, 2025

PHUKET, 20 March 2025: April signals Phuket’s tourism season is winding down, and Phuket property professionals are asking, “What’s next?”

C9 Hotelworks’ latest Phuket Property Trends and Data Insights report warns the “pressure is on for Thai-listed developers from Bangkok to demonstrate income growth, as the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) continues to decelerate.”

*Bill Barnett examines the latest property trends in this C9 Hotelworks Insights report.*

Top Bangkok-based groups currently active in the Phuket market include One Origin, Sansiri, AssetWise, Siamese Asset, Ananda, Land and Houses, Charn Issara, and others. These developers are focusing on two specific tiers of projects aimed at foreign buyers. The first is small, entry-level, mass-market condominiums, while the second targets the upper end of the market with luxury single-family homes.

Another emerging trend is the development of larger, mixed-use projects in inland areas of Phuket Island that are lifestyle-focused and cater to end-users or investors seeking recurring rental yields. A significant shift in the market is the rise of hybrid developments, where large-scale land is subdivided into micro-projects in collaboration with other developers.

One notable example is Ananda’s Mira Valley, which is partnering with Mono and the growing Punyisa brand. Together, they are populating this larger community with specialised developers who offer niche products but are attracted to the concept of a large integrated living complex. We expect to see more hybrid developments and more custom-built lots, signalling a departure from the many cookie-cutter mass housing projects currently available.

C9 Hotelworks has compiled rental data for 2024 from Thailand’s leading property portal, Fazwaz.com. With thousands of transactions analysed, here are the key highlights focusing on the rental segment:

In Bangkok, 89% of online rentals are long-term, and 94% are condominiums rather than houses. Demand for one-bedroom units makes up nearly half of the market, followed by two-bedroom units at 25%. The top three nationalities of renters are Thai, US, and UK.

Looking at the transaction market, average sales prices have shifted due to the resale of older, larger units with higher absolute prices, despite an influx of smaller, entry-level, lower-priced units.

In Phuket, the secondary market is growing, and single transaction prices have decreased by 20-25% due to a combination of resales and smaller, more affordable condominiums.

On the island, 54% of rentals are long-term, with a slightly higher proportion of houses than condominiums. One-bedroom units are in high demand for condominiums, while three-bedroom units are the most sought-after for dwellings. The top three nationalities of renters are Russian, UK, and US, with Thais emerging as a growing segment.
For more information, visit https://c9hotelworks.com/

Tripadvisor Group names new Viator lead team

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March 20, 2025

SINGAPORE, 20 March 2025: Tripadvisor Inc has announced leadership changes for Viator, a global travel experiences marketplace.

Pepijn Rijvers has been appointed President of Viator, effective 1 April 1, and Kristin Dorsett has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer.

Rijvers will report to Matt Goldberg, President and CEO of Tripadvisor Group, and Dorsett will report to Rijvers.

“Experiences are central to the group’s strategy, and Viator has strong momentum as the leader in this fast-growing category,” said Tripadvisor Group President and CEO Matt Goldberg. “Pepijn’s deep industry expertise, proven success in scaling marketplaces, and background across product, supply, marketing, and data make him the ideal leader to advance our group-wide experiences strategy. With Viator leading the way, we’ll continue strengthening our position in the category and delivering even greater value to travellers and partners.”

Rijvers takes on the role of President of Viator as Tripadvisor Group sharpens its focus on experiences following a year of healthy growth and profitability at Viator.

“This category (experiences) is transforming – moving from a fragmented offline past to a seamless online future,” said Rijvers. “Viator is in a prime position to lead that shift, powered by an exceptional team, the world’s biggest and best collection of experiences, and the unique strengths of the Tripadvisor Group. I look forward to leveraging this momentum to cement our position as a global leader in the space.”

Before joining Viator, Rijvers spent over 12 years at Booking.com, where he played a key role in building and scaling the travel industry’s largest accommodations marketplace.

Kristin Dorsett has been promoted to the role of Viator’s Chief Operating Officer. A longtime Viator executive, she has led multiple parts of Viator’s supply and technology organisations. Most recently, as Chief Product Officer, she was responsible for the company’s product, engineering, and data functions, driving innovation and operational excellence across the platform. In this new role, Dorsett will focus on strategy execution and operational excellence across the broader Viator business.

Following years of strong growth, Viator reported USD840 million in revenue, approximately USD4.2 billion in gross bookings value, and full-year profitability in 2024.

Viator lists approximately 400,000 experiences worldwide, works with more than 65,000 operators, and powers the experiences storefronts of thousands of websites, including some of the biggest names in travel.

Where to enjoy savings on summer stays

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March 20, 2025

BANGKOK, 20 March 2025: Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its list of the most affordable destinations for summer travel in April and May 2025.

Phong Nha, Vietnam, tops the list with an average room rate of just THB950 per night, making it ideal for those seeking adventure and natural beauty this summer. Hat Yai, a town in southern Thailand, is the cheapest destination this summer, ranking third among Asia’s most affordable destinations.

Phong Nha is joined in the top three by Tirupati, India, and Hat Yai, Thailand, with average room rates of THB1,145 and THB1,345 per night, respectively. These destinations provide a mix of cultural, culinary, and scenic experiences, perfect for summer getaways. Hat Yai is the cheapest destination in Thailand for stays in April and May.

The Cheapest Summer Destinations ranking is based on average room rates in the twenty most popular destinations across nine Asian markets, offering Thai travellers a snapshot of affordable options this summer.

Phong Nha, Vietnam (THB950)

Known for its breathtaking caves and lush landscapes, Phong Nha is a haven for nature lovers. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to some of the world’s largest caves, or enjoy a tranquil boat ride along the Son River. The area also offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, and immersing in local culture.

Tirupati, India (THB1,145)

Tirupati is home to the famous Venkateswara Temple, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world, renowned for its Tirupati laddu, a unique sweet offering with deep cultural and religious significance. Beyond its spiritual appeal, the city offers a rich cultural experience with vibrant festivals, traditional music, and delicious South Indian cuisine. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions like the serene Talakona Waterfalls, the lush Sri Venkateswara National Park, and the historic Chandragiri Fort, adding both natural beauty and historical depth to their journey.

Hat Yai, Thailand (THB1,345)

Hat Yai ranked top in Agoda’s Cheapest Christmas Destinations and holds on to a podium place in the traditionally popular Summer months when Thailand celebrates Songkran and other holidays. The city is known for its many markets and tasty street food, and it also serves as a gateway to nearby beaches and islands, making it a versatile summer destination.

Padang, Indonesia (THB1,345)

Famous for its culinary heritage, Padang is a paradise for food enthusiasts, offering iconic dishes like Rendang and Sate Padang. Visitors can also explore its stunning beaches, such as Air Manis Beach, or take a short trip to the Mentawai Islands for surfing and snorkelling. The city’s rich history and cultural landmarks add to its charm.

Bacolod, Philippines (THB1,545)

Known as the “City of Smiles,” Bacolod offers a warm welcome and a laid-back vibe. Travellers can explore historical landmarks like The Ruins, a grand mansion from the early 1900s, or enjoy the city’s mouthwatering food scene, including its famous chicken inasal. Bacolod’s friendly locals and colourful festivals make it a delightful summer destination.

Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia (THB1,600)

Kuala Terengganu is a coastal gem that boasts beautiful beaches, traditional crafts, and lively markets. Visitors can explore the city’s iconic Crystal Mosque or ride to the nearby Redang Island for snorkelling and diving. The city’s rich cultural heritage, including its batik-making traditions, offers a unique experience for travellers.

Gimpo, South Korea (THB2,200)

Located near Seoul, Gimpo offers a quieter alternative with scenic parks and cultural sites. Visitors can look around the National Aviation Museum or explore the Gimpo Sculpture Park. The city’s beautiful natural scenery, including the Munsu Mountain and the Han River, makes it an excellent destination for a peaceful appreciation of South Korea’s springtime beauty and cherry blossoms.

Narita, Japan (THB2,390)

Beyond its Tokyo-servicing airport, Narita is a charming city with historic temples and picturesque gardens. Visitors can explore Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, a centuries-old Buddhist temple surrounded by tranquil grounds. Spring travellers can also enjoy cherry blossoms at Naritasan Park and sample local delicacies like unagi (grilled eel).

Pingtung, Taiwan (THB2,660)

Pingtung is a gateway to Taiwan’s southern beauty, offering beaches, night markets, and a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore Kenting National Park, known for its dramatic coastal scenery and outdoor activities. The city’s markets and local cuisine provide a taste of Taiwan’s unique flavours.

Lady Gaga sends hotels searches crazy

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TTR WEEKLY

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March 20, 2025

SINGAPORE, 20 March 2025: American pop star Lady Gaga is set to return to Singapore after 13 years to perform four shows in Singapore this May — her only Asian stop for her latest world tour.

The latest search data* from Booking.com, a global digital travel platform, revealed a 14% increase in accommodation searches for Singapore following the announcement of Lady Gaga’s tour stop in Singapore.

The data illustrated how concert tourism and the Lady Gaga effect is shaping global travel patterns and reinforcing Singapore’s reputation as a top-tier entertainment and lifestyle hub in the region as such one-in-a-lifetime experiences continue to attract fans across the world.

Key highlights

The increase in interest is mainly driven by travellers within the APAC region, except the UK, coming in 4th across all markets globally.

Visitors from Australia showed the largest increase in accommodation searches (around 14%) as compared to 2024.

This effect is not limited to international visitors. Singaporeans also contributed to a close to 10% increase in accommodation searches during this period.

Top 5 global markets that searched for Singapore as a destination during Lady Gaga’s world tour in Singapore (16-26 May 2025)

*Methodology: This is based on Singapore travel searches made on Booking.com between 10 to 14 March 2025, with check-in dates from 16 to 26 May 2025.

AirAsia axes five routes from Sabah

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March 20, 2025

KOTA KINABALU, 20 March 2025: AirAsia suspends four routes from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, to destinations in China, Taiwan, and Indonesia during the summer timetable.

The suspensions are evident in popular booking sites’ online flight schedule data on 30 March and during the first week of April and May.

Borneo Post Online earlier this week reported that Sabah’s Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew is asking the airline for an explanation. Air Asia committed itself to developing Sabah as a hub for regional direct flights to support the state’s efforts to expand international tourism to destinations on Borneo Island.

In addition to suspending the five international routes, Borneo Post Online reported that the low-cost airline will reduce flights between Kota Kinabalu and Hong Kong from 10 per week to daily, effective 30 March.

Five destinations dropped from the summer timetable

Kota Kinabalu–Ningbo, China: Suspends four weekly flights on 28 March.

Kota Kinabalu-Kaohsiung, Taiwan: Suspends four weekly flights on 6 April.

Kota Kinabalu–Manado, Indonesia: Suspends three weekly flights on 6 April.

Kota Kinabalu-Wuhan, China: Suspends daily flights on 6 April.

Kota Kinabalu–Kunming, China: Suspends three weekly flights on 5 May.

Borneo Post Online quoted Liew saying Sabah’s tourism has shown remarkable recovery and growth in 2024, with 3.14 million visitors surpassing the ministry’s 3 million target.

“This surge in arrivals generated approximately MYR7.28 billion in tourism receipts, underscoring the sector’s vital contribution to Sabah’s economy.

“A significant factor contributing to this success has been our commitment to enhancing air connectivity. Partnerships with airlines such as AirAsia and Royal Brunei Airlines have created new avenues for travel, increasing both direct and transit arrivals. As we move forward, Sabah aims to attract 3.5 million tourists in 2025, with AirAsia alone committing to bringing 5 million passengers to Sabah through Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau airports,” she told Borneo Post Online.

Ethiopian starts new route to Hanoi

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March 20, 2025

SINGAPORE, 20 March 2025: Ethiopian Airlines has confirmed it will introduce a four-weekly service to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, starting 10 July 2025.

The new route will enhance Ethiopian Airlines’ global connectivity and provide more flight options for passengers travelling between Africa and destinations in Southeast Asia. The flight, which will use a Boeing 787-8 with 270 seats. The aircraft will make a transit stop in Dhaka, Bangladesh, then continue to Hanoi, Vietnam. (Dhaka is currently served by four flights weekly from Addis Ababa, increasing to five weekly services in July. The airline has fifth freedom rights on the route, allowing local passenger sales for travel between Dhaka and Hanoi.

The flight schedule is as follows:

“We are pleased to expand our presence in Southeast Asia and enhance air connectivity for our regional customers,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew. “This new route will create opportunities for stronger ties and collaborations between Vietnam and our extensive global network. We look forward to bringing our renowned service to Vietnam and growing our presence in this dynamic market.”

The press statement describes the new route as an “essential link between Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Airlines’ hub, and Hanoi, catering to business and leisure travellers, enhancing trade, tourism, and cultural exchange while providing a direct link between Africa and Southeast Asia.”

The airline already operates four-weekly direct flights between Addis Ababa and Singapore using a mix of Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft. It serves the Addis Ababa – Bangkok route with daily Dreamliner 787-9 aircraft with 315 seats.

Asian Trails: Blazing new trails in digital space

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March 19, 2025

BANGKOK, 19 March 2025: Founded on 9 September 1999, the Asian Trails Group has pioneered cutting-edge travel content and services in Asia for 25 years. To mark its silver anniversary in 2025, it is expanding its digital business in Asia.

One of the founding team members, Asian Trails’ product manager Surapon Vutivakinsakul, posted a Facebook reminisce last week about the ever-changing technology that has kept the company’s international tour operators and partners in the loop. It illustrates the fast-changing technology that shaped the destination management company’s endeavours to showcase travel content and services over the past 25 years — from analogue to digital space amidst a whirlwind of global challenges and disruptions.

*Photo credit: Facebook (Surapon Vutivakinsakul). “From the first print hardcopy in 1999 to CDs, DVDs, thumb drives, and the cloud.”*

Annual tariff: From print to cloud

“A journey through time with Asian Trails — adapting, evolving, and embracing changes. Each tariff reflects a different era, from the first print hardcopy in 1999 to CDs, DVDs, thumb drives, and the cloud. Grateful to have been part of this transformation and the journey it represents,” Surapon posted.

The journey continues with twists and turns in AI and cloud technology innovations. Last month, Asian Trails announced the launch of a “new eCommerce department aimed at taking operations to the next level in the digital space.”

This specialised unit was created in response to the rapid growth of the company’s eCommerce activities over the past two years.

Marc Albert, a Swiss-Thai national and former Managing Director of Asian Trails Thailand, has been named Group Managing Director of eCommerce & Sourcing for Asia. He will lead the group’s efforts to boost sales for partners and their global customers through the company’s innovative eConnect B2B portal and API (Application Programming Interface), which allows different software applications to communicate and exchange data).

Keeping the Myanmar team busy

Asian Trails’ cloud-based system landscape has enabled its teams to perform their tasks remotely. For example, its Myanmar team, currently not involved in mainstream travel operations due to the ongoing political conflict, has been trained in loading data for experiences, accommodation, and transfers on behalf of all Asian Trails country offices without redundancies or pay cuts.

For the full story on the Asian Trails eCommerce initiative, read Advancing Asian Trails’ eCommerce.

Air Astana declares 2024 results

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March 19, 2025

ALMATY, Kazakhstan, 19 March 2025: Air Astana JSC and its subsidiary FlyArystan have announced results for Q4 2024 and the full year ending December 2024.

Based on its medium-term guidance, the airline group expects to deliver growth in 2025. This is underpinned by continued passenger growth on existing routes in nearby megamarkets, including China, India and the Gulf. The group remains ideally positioned to benefit from increased air travel in its underserved extended-home market, the world’s fastest-growing aviation region, according to IATA forecasts.

Q4 Highlights

Improvement across all key metrics with RASK growth successfully offsetting CASK

• Total revenue and other income, excluding non-recurring items, increased 14.3% to USD 312.1 million (Q4 2023: USD273 million).

• Adjusted EBITDAR excluding non-recurring items grew faster than capacity, increasing 39.6% to USD71.2 million (Q4 2023: USD51 million). Adjusted EBITDAR margin excluding non-recurring items improved to 22.8% (Q4 2023: 18.7%).

• ASK up 5.8% to 4.7 billion (Q42023: 4.5 billion).

• RPK increased 9.2% to 3.9 billion (Q42023: 3.5 billion).

• RASK growth ahead of CASK due to proactive capacity management, continuing the positive quarter-on-quarter trend to successfully offset cost inflation and protect yield.

• Group passengers carried up 6.9% to 2.2 million (Q42023: 2 million), with a 2.6pp improvement in average load factor to 81.7% (Q4 2023: 79.1%).

FY2024 Highlights

Proactive capacity management largely mitigated industry-wide cost pressures and delivered strong growth across both operating brands

• Total revenue and other income, excluding non-recurring items, increased 12.4% to USD1,308 million (FY2023: USD1,164 million).

• Adjusted EBITDAR excluding non-recurring items grew 16.1% to USD338.6 million (FY2023: USD291.6 million) with adjusted EBITDAR margin excluding non-recurring items of 25.9% (FY2023: 25.1%).

• ASK up 9.2% to 19.3 billion (FY 2023: 17.7 billion).

• RPK increased 10.1% to 16.1 billion (FY 2023: 14.6 billion).

• Progressive improvement in yield throughout the year, with capacity allocated to higher margin routes, mainly mitigating the impact of industry-wide cost inflation with higher unit revenues.

The RASK-CASK index differential improved progressively over the quarters and turned positive in Q4, resulting in an almost aligned RASK-CASK growth for the year.

• Group passenger growth of 11.2% to 9.0 million (FY2023: 8.1 million), with a 0.7pp improvement in average load factor to 83.5% (FY2023: 82.8%).

Air Astana Group CEO Peter Foster commented: “We achieved strong growth in our first year as a public company, fulfilling our promises set out at IPO despite the capacity and cost challenges impacting the wider industry.

“The Group added nearly a million passengers in 2024 with an increasing load factor, driven by growing demand for air travel across Kazakhstan, our extended home market and nearby megamarkets. By allocating capacity to higher-margin routes in Asia and the Gulf, we improved RASK by 2.6%, which largely offset the rise in unit costs.

“This resulted in a 12.4% increase in revenue to USD1.3 billion and a 16.1% improvement in adjusted EBITDAR to USD338.6 million, ahead of ASK growth of 9.2%.”

Airlines mull direct flights between India and New Zealand

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers introductory perks

Phuket’s property projects under pressure

Tripadvisor Group names new Viator lead team

Where to enjoy savings on summer stays

Lady Gaga sends hotels searches crazy

AirAsia axes five routes from Sabah

Ethiopian starts new route to Hanoi

Asian Trails: Blazing new trails in digital space

Air Astana declares 2024 results

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