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Emirates takes a step toward adopting SAF

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 30 November 2023: Emirates became the world’s first airline to operate an A380 demonstration flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). 

Last week’s historic flight took off from Dubai International Airport (DXB) with one of four engines powered on 100% SAF, helping demonstrate its potential as a drop-in replacement that matches jet fuel’s technical and chemical requirements while being a more sustainable alternative. 

Demonstration flights like the one conducted to pave the way for future standardisation, qualification and adoption for 100% SAF flying as governments adopt broader strategies to support the production and scale-up of SAF. 

The A380 demonstration flight underlines the performance and compatibility of SAF, making it a safe and reliable fuel source, and contributes to the growing body of research carried out by the industry to evaluate the beneficial effects of 100% SAF on aircraft performance. SAF is currently capped at a 50% blend limit in engines for commercial flights.

The Emirates A380 demonstration flight comes as the aviation industry, international organisations, regulatory bodies, and high-level officials driving policy-related decisions met in Dubai for the Third International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3). 

This is the first time drop-in SAF has been used on an A380 aircraft, with the expectation of full compatibility across the aircraft’s existing systems.  

The 100% SAF was used in one Engine Alliance GP7200 engine, while conventional jet fuel was used in the other three engines. The PW980 auxiliary power unit (APU) from Pratt & Whitney Canada also ran on 100% SAF.

Emirates chief operating officer Adel Al Redha said: “Emirates is the first passenger airline in the world to operate an A380 with 100% drop-in SAF powering one of four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines. This is another proud moment for Emirates and our partners as we put words into action with the research into and the trialling of higher concentrations of SAF to eventually lead to industry adoption of 100% SAF flying.”  

Last month, the first Emirates flights operating with SAF provided by Shell Aviation took off from Dubai International Airport (DXB). Shell supplied 315,000 gallons of blended SAF for use at the airline’s hub in Dubai. 

Emirates is currently uplifting SAF in Norway and France, and the airline continues to seek opportunities to use SAF at various airports as supply becomes available. For flight and booking information visit www.emirates.com

Pandaw sails the Brahmaputra

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 30 November 2023: This week, RV Kindat Pandaw welcomed its first batch of travellers to India’s North Eastern Assam region for the start of a 7-night Mighty Brahmaputra cruise to launch India’s prime sailing season. 

Exploring this relatively untouched region in the shadow of the Himalayas by river is the only way to explore, and the eight-day adventure, starting and ending in the region’s main transportation hub, of Guwahati, offers a unique experience for those seeking a trip beyond the norm. 

New combo cruise of India’s famous rivers

A grand combo tour of India sails for 19 days along the glorious Ganges and mighty Brahmaputra rivers. Pandaw’s newest combo cruise invites you to experience the best of India’s waterways aboard timeless colonial river ships. 

A packed itinerary includes safaris at two of India’s largest national parks, home to tigers, elephants, a myriad of birdlife as well as the famous Indian one-horned rhino, plus exploration of the beautiful city of Guwahati, the famous Assam tea plantations and silk villages. 

Guests can add one of the pre and post-cruise packages to Dehli & the Golden Triangle to round off a truly ‘All India’ experience.

Limited cabins remain for early 2024 trips. Book your place today by visiting pandaw.com, or by contacting Pandaw at email: [email protected]

The Upper Ganges & Brahmaputra River
VARANASI / KOLKATA / GUWAHATI
19 nights
FROM USD9,287
Inclusive of flights and transfers between Kolkata and Guwahati.

For more details of the itinerary and cruise dates.

VistaJet takes the crown for private flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 30 November 2023: VistaJet, a global business aviation company, has been honoured by Robb Report Hong Kong as the ‘Best of the Best’ in the aviation category for 2023.

VistaJet also clinched the title of ‘Best AOC Charter Operator’ from the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) for the fifth year running*. 

‘Best of the Best’ by Robb Report Hong Kong is an annual print and digital compendium in which the best brands, products, services, places, and experiences are bestowed with the ultimate accolade, celebrating the marriage of remarkable craftsmanship, exceptional design, and impeccable quality.

The private aviation community votes for the AsBAA Icons of Aviation Awards to recognise best business practices.

By the end of September 2023, Vista’s total flight hours grew by over 22% globally across its leading VistaJet and XO brands. The Group’s strong growth included rapid expansion in Asia, which witnessed an impressive 68% growth rate in flight hours year-on-year. The VistaJet Programme membership delivered an increase of over 40% globally and 16% in Asia year-on-year. Add-on hours by existing Members grew 46% year-on-year for Vista and 13% in Asia as demand for private travel remains strong.

The demand for ultra-long-range travel to and from Asia has significantly propelled this growth. This has been serviced by the Vista Members’ fleet of more than 360 aircraft covering all categories, from short-range aircraft to its flagship Global 7500, the largest and longest-range business jet in the world, able to fly 17 hours nonstop.

* The last AsBAA Icons of Aviation Awards took place in 2019. The event was placed on hold between 2020 and 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Air Arabia opens route to Phuket

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 30 November 2023: Air Arabia, a low-cost airline based in Sharjah, UAE, will launch a new route to Phuket, Thailand, starting 15 December.

The nonstop flights will connect Sharjah International Airport with Phuket International Airport four times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday), providing travellers with even more convenient and affordable options to explore one of Southeast Asia’s most famous island destinations.

Photo credit: Air Arabia.

Air Arabia Group chief executive officer Adel Al Ali stated: “We are glad to introduce Phuket as the latest addition to our growing network, which will further expand our footprint in the Thai market. This new route reflects our commitment to provide our customers with diverse travel options.”

Air Arabia operates a fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 neo-LR aircraft. It already flies to Bangkok from its home base, Sharjah. Flight time is six hours and 24 minutes. The cheapest deal on a one-way fare from Sharjah to Phuket is USD390.

Schedule Sharjah – Phuket

Aqua Expeditions lines up 2024 river cruises

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 30 November 2023: Specialised river cruising is back and better than ever before, having seen a huge 118% increase in popularity since 2019, with expedition-style cruises increasing by 131%, according to 2022 Virtuoso/YouGov Brand and Travel Trends Research data.

Aqua Expeditions drops its hat into the ring, offering competitively priced luxury voyages during 2024 on Southeast Asia’s Mekong River (Cambodia and Vietnam) onboard Aqua Mekong and exploring the Peruvian Amazon onboard river ships Aqua Nera and Aria Amazon.

Photo credit: Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Mekong: Mekong River, Cambodia & Vietnam

Navigating the lower stretches of Southeast Asia’s longest river passing through Cambodia and Vietnam, the 205-foot Aqua Mekong showcases  20 suites. It deploys skiffs to take guests on day trips led by expert local guides to landmarks, temples, and villages where tradition, spirituality and craftsmanship reside on the banks of the Mekong River. Cruise prices start at USD4,230 per person for three nights.

Aqua Nera: Amazon River, Peru

The 205-foot Aqua Nera draws inspiration from the Peruvian Amazon’s mystical black water lagoons and features 20 onboard suites. Exploring the depths of the Peruvian Amazon, expert naturalist guides conduct small group excursions, rewarding guests with up-close wildlife encounters in the world’s most biodiverse rainforest. Cruise prices start at USD 4,335 per person for three nights.

Aria Amazon: Amazon River, Peru

Aria Amazon is custom-built to explore the Peruvian Amazon and the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, featuring 16 suites. Excursions are conducted in small groups by highly experienced crew and naturalist guides. Cruise prices start at USD2,640 per person for three nights.

Aqua Expeditions highlights its 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio and small group expert-guided activities and excursions, with a maximum of 16 to 40 guests per ship.

AirAsia celebrates with a birthday discount

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 30 November 2023: Celebrating 22 years of connecting people, AirAsia offers fares with 22% discounts* on all flights for bookings made by midnight on 3 December 2023.

Travellers are eligible for the 22% discounts for all seats on all flights to destinations such as Penang, Bali, Krabi, Phu Quoc, Shanghai, Amritsar, New Delhi, Busan, Gold Coast, Trivandrum (starting 21 February 2024). 

In addition, Malaysians can enjoy visa-free entry to China starting 1 December following China’s recent announcement. They can fly from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Kota Kinabalu to Guangzhou, Kunming, Shenzhen and Beijing.

Airline code: AK, FD, QZ, Z2, XJ and D7
Booking deadline: 3 December 2023
Travel period: 8 January – 30 September 2024

MCB records robust recovery

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TTR WEEKLY
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MELBOURNE, 29 November 2023: Melbourne Convention Bureau announced strong results for the 2022/2023 financial year Monday, reporting a 74% increase in economic contribution from secured business events compared to the previous year. 

Economic contribution for the state reached AUD354 million through the successful acquisition of 197 future events, anticipated to attract over 100,500 visitors and occupy over 196,000 room nights across Victoria.

Standout events like the World Chambers Congress 2025 and the inaugural APAC Offshore Wind and Green Hydrogen Summit 2023 are examples of the city’s ability to draw influential events.

Corporate meetings and incentive events also played a crucial role, contributing AUD77 million in economic impact for the state from the 58 groups secured. Notable among these is the Amway China Leadership Seminar 2025, which is expected to bring over 10,000 delegates from China to Melbourne. As one of the largest delegations from China to visit Melbourne, this mega incentive group is a major coup for the state.

Large-scale conventions made a strong return by hosting the Rotary International Convention 2023. Throughout the year, 187 events were held, injecting AUD385 million into Victoria’s visitor economy.

Centara wins investor relations award

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 29 November 2023: Gun Srisompong, (second from right) Chief Financial Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts, proudly accepts the ‘Outstanding Investor Relations Award’ on behalf of Central Plaza Hotel PLC (SET: CENTEL) at the SET Awards 2023, marking the group’s fourth win.

Presented by Manpong Senanarong (left), Senior Executive Vice President, Head of Issuer and listing Division at The Stock Exchange of Thailand, and Santi Wiriyarangsarit (right), Editor-in-Chief of Money & Banking Magazine, this distinguished accolade reaffirms CENTEL’s commitment to exceptional investor relations and Centara’s dedication to the well-being of its employees, guests, and investors as Thailand’s leading hotel operator.

Gun Srisompong, Chief Financial Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts

Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com  

ABOUT CENTARA

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 95 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, Centara Boutique Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centra by Centara and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. The group’s newest Centara Reserve brand was unveiled in 2020 as an experiential luxury collection, inviting guests to discover a new era of story-driven hospitality, starting with Centara Reserve Samui.

CX is on track to declare a profit

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

HONG KONG, 29 November 2023: Cathay Pacific has released its traffic figures for October 2023, showing the airline and its subsidiary HK Express surpassed the milestone of operating more than 9,000 passenger flight sectors in a month for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

Cathay Pacific carried 1,684,700 passengers in October 2023, an increase of 320.2% compared with October 2022. The month’s revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) increased 225.8% year-on-year. Passenger load factor increased by 11.1 percentage points to 84.7%, while available seat kilometres (ASKs) increased by 183.1% year-on-year. In the first 10 months of 2023, the number of passengers carried increased by 887.4% against a 461.5% increase in ASKs and a 608.7% increase in RPKs, compared to the same period for 2022.

Travel

Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau commented: “Our travel business continued to see good demand in October, though the overall passenger mix was different from previous months. The elevated levels of student traffic seen in September subsided as the new school year started. However, we saw an increase in business travel as people attended exhibitions and conventions in Hong Kong and trade fairs in nearby Guangzhou, encouraging passenger volumes in the premium cabins. The Chung Yeung Festival long weekend in Hong Kong also drove good leisure travel demand to various regional destinations.

“October also saw the eagerly anticipated resumption of our Chicago service, bringing the number of destinations we serve in the United States to five. We are very encouraged by the response from our customers and saw strong demand for travel from the United States to Hong Kong and onward destinations, especially the Chinese Mainland.”

Outlook

“As a group comprising Cathay Pacific and HK Express, we are on track to achieving our 2023 rebuild target set out late last year. In December 2023, we expect to operate 70% of our pre-pandemic passenger flights, covering about 80 destinations. Regarding satisfying post-pandemic travel demand, our priority has first been facilitating Hong Kong people travelling from and visitors coming to Hong Kong. In those two directions, we project that we will return to 95% of pre-pandemic passenger numbers by the end of 2023. We will add more transit traffic via the Hong Kong hub as we rebuild.

“In 2024, we shall continue to work towards fully rebuilding our flights, and the strong performance of the airline and subsidiaries continued in the first half.

“Concerning the consolidated group result, we expect that the second-half profit in 2023 will surpass the result from the first half and that the group will achieve a consolidated profit for the year overall, which will be our first profitable year since 2019.”

Caribbean Princess sets maiden voyage dates

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 29 November 2023: Princess Cruises begins a one-year countdown as Caribbean Princess prepares to embark on its first-ever voyage from Port Canaveral, establishing a new homeport in the heart of Central Florida. 

Caribbean Princess will cast off on 27 November 2024 for its maiden journey from Port Canaveral to Turks & Caicos, offering a four-day Thanksgiving getaway cruise, as Princess Cruises brings the magic of “The Love Boat” to this convenient new departure point.

On sale now, the November 2024 through April 2025 season features 20 cruise departures to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, ranging from four to eight days.

They include:

  • Thanksgiving four-day getaway voyage to Turks & Caicos (27 November 2024).
  • Eastern Caribbean six-day cruises to Nassau, Grand Turk and either Amber Cove or San Juan, with sailing dates in December 2024 and January to March 2025.
  • Eastern Caribbean eight-day cruises with St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan and Grand Turk (sailing dates December 2024 to March  2025).
  • Western Caribbean eight-day voyages to Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize City and Roatan for Mahogany Bay (sailing dates from December 2024 to March 2025).
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