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Air India expands summer flights

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GURUGRAM, India, 17 February 2025: Air India will increase frequencies on key routes as part of its northern summer schedule effective 30 March 2025.

Photo credit: Air India.

Europe – UK

Delhi-London Heathrow:  The airline adds three weekly flights, increasing frequencies from 21 to 24 flights weekly operated by a mix of A350-900 and upgraded B787-9 aircraft. 
Amritsar-Birmingham: Flights increase from three to four weekly. 
Amritsar-London Gatwick: Flights increase from three to four weekly flights.
Ahmedabad-London Gatwick: Flights increase from three to five weekly flights. 

Europe

Delhi-Zurich: Flights increase from four to five weekly. 
Delhi-Vienna: Flights increase from three to four weekly.

Asia  

Delhi-Seoul (Incheon): Flights increase from four to five weekly.
Delhi-Hong Kong: Aircraft change from A321 to B787 Dreamliner for seven weekly flights.  

Africa

Delhi-Nairobi: Flights have increased from three to four weekly flights.

The modernisation of the airline’s narrowbody aircraft will be completed in mid-2025. At the same time, the first of the legacy widebodies, a Boeing 787, will commence retrofit of new seats and entertainment systems in April and re-enter service in October 2025. Thereafter, two to three B787s will be inducted monthly until all 27 legacy aircraft have been upgraded.   

Retrofit of the legacy Boeing 777 fleet with new seats and entertainment systems, originally due to commence in 2025, will begin in early 2026 due to production constraints at the selected seat supplier. However, Air India will refresh as many other elements of the B777 interiors as feasible during 2025, ahead of the completion date for the entire retrofit programme in 2026.

Due to the retrofit programme, which temporarily reduces the operational fleet, the airline will suspend its nonstop Mumbai-Melbourne service between 30 March and 13 September 2025 and the nonstop Kochi-London Gatwick route from 30 March 2025 until further notice. Air India will continue to operate 12 weekly flights to London Gatwick from Amritsar, Ahmedabad and Goa.

MATTA Fair introduces B2B Connect

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KUALA LUMPUR, 17 February 2025: Malaysia’s most prominent international travel show, The National MATTA Fair, will convene from 18 to 20 April 2025 for its 56th edition at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur.

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) organises the travel fair biannually in April and September.

MATTA President Nigel Wong

The MATTA Fair will feature a massive line-up of exhibitors from National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), State Tourism Organisations (STOs), travel agents, hotels, attractions and many more tourism products. Visitors can look forward to exploring a wider variety of travel packages from domestic and international travel gateways, airlines, hotels and travel agencies that can satisfy their travel desires.

In addition to the many great travel bargains, visitors can also look forward to the MATTA Tourism Talent Expo at Hall 4, Level 1, during the three-day fair. This career-centric fair will provide those in the tour and travel industries with an excellent opportunity to network with industry professionals and hear from speakers, including Aunty HR, a local influencer whose content is focused on Human Resources and Corporate Businesses, Dr Nisha Abu Bakar, a tourism expert and Kingston Khoo, a sustainability expert from UiTM.

To top it all off, MATTA announces its Outbound Business to Business (B2B) event, MATTA Connect. This event allows sellers from various countries to connect with local buyers to explore new international destinations and establish new business partnerships. MATTA Connect will convene on 17 April 2025 at MITEC, the day before the MATTA Fair opens.

“The upcoming MATTA Fair in April 2025 is expected to draw over 210,000 visitors and generate more than MY270 million in sales. With new initiatives, this edition of the MATTA Fair promises to be the best travel fair,” said MATTA. President Nigel Wong.

Admission to the MATTA Fair is free. The show opens from 1000 to 2100 on Friday to Sunday. MATTA encourages visitors to use the complimentary shuttle services from KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall to MITEC. Parking facilities are available at the South Entrance Basement in MITEC, MITI Basement, and MATRADE Open parking.Website: http://www.matta.org.my | https://www.mattafair.org.my

Be in Sabah 2025 27 to 28 February

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TTR WEEKLY
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KOTA KINABALU, 14 February 2025: Sabah is set to shine across the region as the highly anticipated BE in SABAH 2025 takes place from 27 to 28 February 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). 

This transformative forum promises to redefine the Business Events (BE) landscape while positioning Sabah as a premier destination for global business gatherings. Notably, BE refers to Business Events, a term internationally synonymous with Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 200 industry partners, along with key media representatives, gathered on 9 February  at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) for the official press conference of 𝐁𝐄 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐇 2025

Bringing together visionaries, industry leaders, and innovators from across the globe, BE in SABAH 2025 is designed to foster collaborative growth and drive sustainable development. With the theme 

“Empowering Asia Pacific Through Business Events,” the forum will tackle pressing challenges, unveil emerging opportunities, and cultivate strategic partnerships to propel the industry forward. BE in SABAH 2025 is set to be a game-changer, empowering the Asia Pacific region through innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. It offers delegates a unique opportunity to participate in a transformative journey that blends business excellence with the natural beauty and cultural richness of Sabah.

Sabah is emerging as a pivotal destination for global business events, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant cultural heritage that complements Europe’s well-established business event landscapes. This forum will highlight how the Asia Pacific region can reshape the future of business gatherings, creating a dynamic space for collaboration and innovation. Sabah stands at the intersection of nature, culture, and commerce, serving as a powerful platform to foster partnerships, unlock new opportunities, and redefine the business events industry by integrating Asia Pacific’s distinctive strengths with global perspectives.

With over 800 delegates expected, including 40% international participants from the Asia Pacific and beyond, BE in SABAH 2025 stands as a milestone in Sabah’s growing prominence in the global BE industry. Targeting key international markets such as Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other global business hubs, the event provides an exceptional platform for professionals to expand their reach, forge partnerships, and discover new business opportunities.

For more information, visit https://beinsabah.com.my/

Emirates and Air Peace sign interline pact

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DUBAI, UAE, 14 February 2025: Emirates has signed an interline agreement with West Africa’s largest airline, Air Peace, enhancing connectivity for passengers travelling to and from Nigeria. 

The partnership expands Emirates’ footprint to 13 new cities in Nigeria with frictionless single-ticket travel and simplified baggage throughput.

Travellers booked on flights from Dubai to Lagos can access more of Nigeria, with onward connections to Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna and Owerri. The interline agreement will also benefit corporate travellers, connecting to additional cities in Africa’s major economic hubs, including its capital city Abuja, Kano, Uyo, Port Harcourt and Warri, further supporting the strong bilateral trade relationship between Nigeria and the UAE.

Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said: “Emirates is a steadfast partner of Nigeria’s tourism, trade and aviation sectors. This partnership with Air Peace is the next step on this journey, bolstering our connectivity and introducing more travel options for travellers — corporate, leisure and those visiting friends and family to and from Nigeria.”

Air Peace Chief Operating Officer Oluwatoyin Olajide said: “We are excited about this strategic interline partnership between Air Peace and Emirates, which is a significant step towards enhancing global connectivity for Nigerian travellers. It aligns with our mission to provide seamless, world-class travel experiences while expanding our route network and international reach. This collaboration expands Air Peace’s international reach and offers Nigerians arriving from Dubai seamless access to key domestic destinations, including Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna, and Owerri. By improving ease of travel, we are boosting business, tourism, and trade opportunities, further strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and the UAE.”

Emirates’ Dubai-Lagos route is operated with a Boeing 777-300ER, offering the best experience in the sky. Passengers can dine on regionally inspired multi-course menus and a wide selection of premium beverages while enjoying over 6,500 channels of global entertainment, including 23 Nigerian movies, series and other content on ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system. As one of only two airlines operating First Class into Lagos, the partnership enables more travellers from Nigeria to experience Emirates’ unrivalled experience with luxurious touches defined by comfort and privacy.

Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline, provides seamless connections domestically and internationally using an aircraft fleet comprised of Airbus 320s, Boeing 737s, Boeing 777s, Dornier 328-300 Jets, Embraer 145s, and Embraer 195-E2s.

Emirates offers near-unrivalled global connectivity, further amplified by its extensive partnership network. In Africa, the airline’s footprint expands to over 223 regional points through 5 codeshare and 19 interline partners, providing better connection opportunities to both holiday destinations and emerging economic centres on the continent.

Customers can book travel on emirates.com, Emirates Retail Stores, the Emirates app, and preferred travel agencies.

Chef tags along for expedition cruise

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TTR WEEKLY
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NEW DELHI, 14 February 2025: In a pioneering initiative tailored to the preferences of Indian travellers, Albatros Expeditions offers Indian groups travel with their own Chef or Maharaj onboard option.

Having their own chef on board ensures a customised culinary experience while exploring the polar regions. 

Albatros Expeditions: ‘Chef on Board’ for Indian groups.

Announced through STIC Travel Group, the official marketing and sales representative of Albatros Expeditions in India, the initiative targets Indian travellers seeking comfort and personalised service on their expedition journeys.

“Indian travellers have always placed immense value on culinary experiences, and we are thrilled to facilitate this unparalleled offering through our exclusive partnership with Albatros Expeditions,” said STIC Travel Group CEO Isha Goyal. “The enthusiastic response we’ve been receiving reaffirms that bespoke experiences like these are the future of luxury expeditions.”  

With four decades of expedition cruising under its belt, Albatros Expeditions continues to redefine industry standards by combining adventure with personalised experiences. The exclusive Chef-on-Board option allows travellers to savour home-style meals or gourmet Indian cuisine while exploring some of the world’s most stunning and remote destinations.

STIC Travel Group has been the exclusive representative of Albatros Expeditions for over two years, successfully bringing polar expeditions to Indian travellers. Building on this success, the partnership is now expanding to include sales of Greenland land-based products and flight ticketing services for the new route between Copenhagen and Kangerlussuaq, operated by Albatros Arctic Circle, in collaboration with Air Greenland.  

“After two years of close collaboration, we are deepening our successful partnership with STIC Travel Group. Their expertise and reach in India have already resulted in a few hundred Indian travellers embarking on our polar expeditions in a short span,” said Albatros Expeditions Sales Director Anders Ellemann Kristensen. “We are confident that this new expansion into Greenland will further open up Arctic adventures to Indian travellers seeking extraordinary experiences.” 

STIC and Albatros will jointly exhibit at the South Asia Travel and Trade Exhibition (SATTE) in New Delhi from 19 to 21 February 2025 to further engage with industry partners and customers.

Tura Turizm joins WTTC

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE 14 February 2025: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) welcomes Tura Turizm Holding as its newest regional member, bringing to the table Turkish market expertise for the global organisation’s membership.

Established in 1966 and headquartered in Istanbul, Tura Turizm has evolved from a specialist tour operator focusing on national travel into a diversified enterprise offering leisure, MICE travel, and convention services worldwide.

It is also the exclusive tour operator for 24 cruise lines in Türkiye, further establishing its reputation and influence as an important regional leader.

WTTC serves as the voice of the global Travel & Tourism industry, connecting business leaders to drive sustainable growth, deliver impactful insights, and collaborate with policymakers to foster industry-wide advancement.

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “We are thrilled to welcome Tura Turizm as a regional member. Tura Turizm has been at the forefront of tourism innovation for many years, making it a valuable addition to our global community.

“We look forward to working closely with them to drive meaningful progress and sustainable growth in the Travel & Tourism industry.”

Tura Turizm Holding CEO Leyla Oner said: “As a pioneering influence in Turkish and international tourism for over five decades, Tura Turizm is proud to join the prestigious World Travel & Tourism Council as a regional member, reflecting our common commitment to shaping sustainable tourism practices and delivering innovative, authentic travel experiences that meet the evolving expectations of today’s global travellers.”

About Tura Turizm
Founded in 1966 in Istanbul, Tura Turizm has steadily evolved over the decades to become one of Turkey’s foremost inbound tour operators. With over 58 years of expertise in the travel industry, the company has served more than 3 million customers. Tura Turizm collaborates with clients from 30 countries, including prominent tour operators, travel agents, and prestigious cruise lines. Tura Turizm stands out in cruise operations, partnering with 23 renowned cruise lines to provide unparalleled services.

Oceania Cruises hires SVP sales

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 14 February 2025: Oceania Cruises has appointed Brennan Quesnele as the brand’s new Senior Vice President of Sales, effective 24 February 2025. 

Quesnele will report directly to Oceania Cruises President Frank A Del Rio.

Brennan Quesnele Oceania Cruises Senior Vice President of Sales.

Quesnele joins Oceania Cruises from its sister brand, Norwegian Cruise Line, where he held the role of Vice President of Strategic and National Accounts since July 2022. Before Norwegian Cruise Line, Quesnele served in various executive leadership roles within the sales, marketing, and product areas at Flight Centre Travel Group.

Quesnele will oversee the execution of Oceania Cruises’ sales strategies and partner relationships around the globe and will be charged with maximising growth opportunities across all trade partner sales channels as the brand heads into a period of unprecedented growth. Field Sales, Strategic Accounts, and International Sales heads — Tricia Wolf, Scott Kluesner, and Jason Worth — will report to Quesnele.

“I’m delighted to welcome Brennan to the Oceania Cruises family. He’s a fiercely passionate champion of travel advisors and brings the perfect blend of vision, strategy, and relationship management to our sales organisation. I’m confident Brennan will make a tremendous impact as we welcome three new ships over the next four years,” stated Del Rio.

Hong Kong Airlines adds Sydney flights

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HONG KONG, 14 February 2025: Hong Kong Airlines will introduce daily direct flights from Hong Kong to Sydney, Australia, on 20 June 2025. This will be the airline’s second Australian destination after starting a service to the Gold Coast on 17 January.

Commenting on the Sydney flights, the airline’s Chairman Yan Bo stated: “This is an important milestone for Hong Kong Airlines. In the past, we only operated flights to the Gold Coast and Cairns in Australia, offering passengers access to popular tourist hotspots in Queensland. 

Jeff Sun, President of Hong Kong Airlines, presented a souvenir to Scott Charlton, CEO of Sydney Airport.

“Now, we extend our reach to Sydney, enabling us to serve a broader range of international travellers. It is also a testament to the efforts of the two governments to support more bilateral air traffic rights. We are committed to providing passengers with high-quality services and competitive prices, ensuring they have more diverse and convenient options for their travel plans.”  

Hong Kong Airlines President Mr Jeff Sun commented: “The three-runway system at Hong Kong International Airport has increased the capacity for additional flights… This new service will promote tourism economic and cultural ties between Hong Kong and Australia. Sydney and Hong Kong have a rich shared history in aviation, and we are proud to be a part of this new chapter. Not only will it bring convenience to travellers, but it will also serve as a bridge connecting with our extensive mainland Chinese network.”

The new Sydney service will be operated by A330-300 aircraft, featuring business and economy class cabins. 

Hong Kong Airlines serves more than 30 destinations worldwide. Since the beginning of the year, the carrier has successfully resumed flights to the Gold Coast and Vancouver, officially returning to the long-haul market and actively transforming into a fully-fledged international airline.

Hong Kong Airlines flight schedule between Hong Kong and Sydney is as follows (All times local):

Ethiopian expands Indian network

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 14 February 2025: Ethiopian Airlines will launch a new thrice-weekly passenger service to Hyderabad, India, starting from 16 June 2025. 

The new route expands its global network and enhances connectivity between Africa and Asia.

The new flight will commence with three mid-day departures from the airline’s home base, Addis Ababa, to Hyderabad and morning arrivals on the return leg using a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Flights depart Addis Ababa on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Flight schedule

ET682 will depart Addis Ababa (ADD) at 1610 and arrive in Hyderabad (HYD) at 0040 plus a day.
ET683 will depart Hyderabad (HYD) at 0155 and arrive in Addis Ababa (ADD) at 0555. (Tue, Thu and Sat).

Ethiopian Airlines offers over 50 weekly dedicated passenger and cargo flights to five Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Chennai. With the opening of this new passenger route to Hyderabad, Ethiopian will solidify its presence in India and enhance flight alternatives for passengers travelling between and outside the region.

Meanwhile, the airline has confirmed it will increase flights on the Addis Ababa – Singapore – Kuala Lumpur route from four to five services weekly, effective 4 July, using a Boeing 787-8.

Saudia embarks on global expansion

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JEDDAH, 14 February 2025: Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, will expand its global flight network, adding 11 new destinations during 2025, the airline reported earlier this week.

This strategic growth, fueled by a 16% increase in passenger traffic during 2024, reflects the airline’s commitment to connecting the world and meeting increasing global travel demand. Bali, Indonesia, is the single new destination in Asia, part of a broader expansion that will add destinations in Europe and the Middle East.

Photo credit: Saudia. The airline updated its Facebook cover photo. And it’s thumbs up to 11 new destinations this year.

The additions to Saudia’s network are Vienna (Austria), Venice (Italy), Larnaca (Cyprus), Athens and Heraklion (Greece), Nice (France), Malaga (Spain), Bali (Indonesia), Antalya (Turkey), El Alamein (Egypt), and Salalah (Oman). These destinations join Saudia’s network of over 100 destinations across four continents.

Saudia operates a fleet of 147 Boeing and Airbus aircraft and will deliver 118 new aircraft in the coming years, further enhancing its operational capacity.

With daily operations exceeding 530 flights, Saudia’s ongoing international development plan aims to increase its global market share and strengthen connectivity between the Kingdom and the world. 

Saudia will add 11 new destinations in 2025

Antalya

Where history meets the Mediterranean, Antalya, the jewel of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, is a city with ancient ruins and stunning beaches.

El Alamein

El Alamein, located along Egypt’s northern coast, is a destination where pristine beaches meet echoes of the past.

Larnaca

The heart of Cyprus, where past and present unite, Larnaca is one of Cyprus’s most enchanting coastal cities, blends a rich history with a laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle.

Malaga

Malaga is a historic city in Spain located in the Costa del Sol region. It is famed for its cultural landmarks and prominent archaeological museums.

Nice

It is located on the French Riviera, the southeastern coast of France, on the Mediterranean Sea, at the foot of the French Alps.

Vienna

Vienna, Austria’s capital, is a timeless masterpiece where history and innovation intertwine.

Athens

Athens, the capital of Greece, is renowned for its historical and cultural landmarks.

Bali

Bali, Indonesia’s most beloved island, is a paradise of lush jungles, terraced rice fields, and pristine beaches.

Heraklion

Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is a gateway to ancient legends and breathtaking landscapes.

Salalah

Salalah, Oman’s lush southern gem, is a city where desert dunes give way to waterfalls, green valleys, and misty mountains. 

Venice 

Venice, the floating city of Italy, is a masterpiece of art, architecture, and history.

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