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AAPA reports strong November performance

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KUALA LUMPUR, 8 January 2025: Preliminary November 2024 traffic figures released Monday by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed robust growth in international air passenger and cargo markets based on strong consumer and business demand.

The region’s airlines collectively carried 31 million international passengers in November, a 19.8% increase compared to the previous corresponding period. Underpinned by strength in long-haul travel markets, demand in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) grew by 21.7% year-on-year. The average international passenger load factor rose by a solid 2.7 percentage points to 82.0% for the month after accounting for a 17.6% expansion in available seat capacity.

In the air cargo segment, growth in shipment volumes was driven by sustained e-commerce demand and the front-loading of export orders ahead of anticipated US tariff hikes. International air cargo demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), increased by 10.5% year-on-year, slightly outpacing a 10.0% rise in offered freight capacity. Consequently, the average international freight load factor increased by 0.2 percentage points to 62.3% for the month.

AAPA  Director General Subhas Menon commented on the results: “Asia Pacific airlines have led growth in international travel markets this year, benefitting from strong demand for both business and leisure travel. Demand has now fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Overall, for the first eleven months of the year, the region’s carriers recorded a 31% increase in the number of international passengers carried to a combined total of 334 million.”

“Driven by increased demand going into the year-end holiday season, air cargo markets saw healthy growth in November, contributing to a strong 14% year-on-year increase for the first eleven months of 2024. Persistent operational challenges in maritime shipping and anticipated US tariff hikes further bolstered demand.”

Looking ahead, Menon said: “Based on current trends, 2024 is anticipated to conclude positively for both passenger and cargo markets. However, uncertainty about the global economy and supply chain disruptions challenges the region’s carriers. Asia Pacific airlines remain well-poised to navigate these challenges whilst maintaining the highest safety and service standards.”

Hotel Okura expands Thailand portfolio

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TOKYO, 8 January 2025: Hotel Okura, a leading Japanese hotel operator, has concluded a management agreement with Thailand’s Asset World Corporation (AWC) for two new hotels — Okura Resort Chiang Mai and The Okura Prestige Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel and Spa in Bangkok’s Thonglor district. 

Asset World Corporation CEO & President Wallapa Traisorat (centre left) and Hotel Okura President Toshihiro Ogita (centre right) at the signing ceremony

Both properties are slated to open in 2028, expanding Hotel Okura’s portfolio in Thailand to seven hotels with an additional 400 rooms. 

Hotel Okura has a long-standing relationship with AWC, a major operator of Thai real estate projects, which has gradually strengthened since the 2012 opening of The Okura Prestige Bangkok. Their most recent joint venture was the Okura Cruise, a Chao Phraya River dinner cruise ship introduced on 20 December 2024.

Okura Resort Chiang Mai, located in Thailand’s second-largest city, will be the first Okura-branded hotel in Northern Thailand. The will be situated on Chang Klan Road, a major tourist hub known for its night markets and local cuisine. It will feature 200 rooms, ranging from 40 to 120 sqm. Their design will blend ryokan-style elements such as tatami mats and open-air baths with influences replicated from Chiang Mai’s ancient Lanna culture.

The Okura Prestige Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel and Spa will offer Japanese-style wellness services and long-term stays in Thonglor, a trendy Bangkok district popular with Japanese expatriates and foreign residents. The property will provide long-term stays and a wellness programme combining traditional Japanese perspectives and modern wellness techniques. It will feature 200 rooms averaging 45 sqm in size.

The two hotels will operate as part of a larger framework agreement with AWC signed in May 2024 to expand Hotel Okura’s business in Thailand. By their planned opening in 2028, Okura Nikko Hotels expects to operate seven hotels and approximately 2,000 rooms in Thailand. 

NCL names Asia Pacific sales chief

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SINGAPORE, 8 January 2025: Norwegian Cruise Line has promoted Damian Borg to Senior Director of Sales Strategy & Operations for Asia Pacific since 1 January.

Borg’s expanded role will continue to support Ben Angell, Vice President and Managing Director NCL APAC across Asia, to focus on the fly/cruise market for NCL to key destinations including Europe, Alaska and Hawaii while also providing strategic guidance to the four country managers in the region namely Manoj Singh, Country Manager India, Takahiko Yajima, Country Head Japan, Crystal Wong, Director of Sales Greater China and South Korea and William Tay, Director of Sales Southeast Asia. 

Photo credit: NCL. Damian Borg, Senior Director of Sales Strategy & Operations for Asia.

This follows the recent promotion of Angela Middleton to Director of Field Sales AU/NZ. With Borg’s increased focus on Asia, Middleton will continue to work alongside him to lead the charge on growing AUNZ sales and trade partnerships.

MATTA mobilises support for VM2026 campaign

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KUALA LUMPUR, 8 January 2025: Tourism Malaysia has appointed the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) as a strategic partner for the highly anticipated Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. 

MATTA is one of several partners recruited to support the VM2026 campaign, which is led by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).

Malaysia’s Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim, launched the campaign logo, mascot and theme song at Sepang, Kuala Lumpur on 6 January 2025. 

The campaign’s main focus, “Advancing Malaysian Tourism Beyond 2026,” highlights Malaysia’s multicultural heritage and its aspiration to uplift the nation’s position as a premier global tourism destination. The VM 2026 campaign focuses on four vital elements: Eco-Tourism and Sustainability, Modern Attractions and Innovation, Cultural Heritage and Diversity together with Strengthening Collaborations and Partnerships.

The Prime Minister, in his speech, stated: “With our sights set on 35.6 million international tourists and MYR147.1 billion in revenue in 2026, we are committed to making Malaysia the top choice for travellers worldwide. Our focus remains clear in promoting sustainable tourism that benefits our environment and communities while providing meaningful and memorable experiences for our visitors.

As a strategic partner, MATTA will play a pivotal role in ensuring the campaign’s success through its extensive portfolio of B2B and B2C platforms, including flagship events such as the MATTA Fair and MATTA Travel Exchange (MTEX). These initiatives bring together key stakeholders, including Tourism Malaysia, State Tourism Organisations (STOs), and local communities, strengthening collaboration and driving awareness.

MATTA also plans to support the campaign through nationwide roadshows and targeted projects that highlight the unique attractions of each state, ensuring balanced visibility and engagement across the country. Additionally, MATTA advocates for sustainable tourism practices and eco-tourism development while addressing the industry’s evolving talent needs through its MATTA Academy, equipping the workforce with skills to meet global tourism demands.

MATTA President Nigel Wong remarked: “The success of Visit Malaysia 2026 hinges on a strong collaboration. We all must work together to promote Malaysia’s diverse cultural heritage and unique offerings, ensuring the world sees the true beauty of Malaysia Truly Asia. We aim to unlock Malaysia’s full tourism potential through collective efforts with Tourism Malaysia, STOs and other stakeholders.”

“As we move towards VM2026, we must leverage Malaysia’s well-established reputation as a safe, modern, friendly and welcoming destination. We must continue to build on our strength in showcasing the rich diversity from eco-tourism to vibrant multicultural events, culinary treasures, and scenic adventures. By capitalising on our strengths and expanding our efforts in collaboration with key partners, we can elevate Malaysia as a top global tourism destination,” Wong concluded. 

Malaysia kicks off VM2026 campaign

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SEPANG, Malaysia, 8 January: Malaysia launched the highly anticipated Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign on Monday in a spectacular event held at Hangar 6, MAB Engineering Complex. 

With an ambitious goal to welcome 35.6 million international visitors and generate RM147.1 billion in tourism receipts, VM2026 marks a significant chapter in Malaysia’s tourism journey. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, led by YB Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing, is committed to making VM2026 a memorable and impactful campaign.

Photo credit: Tourism Malaysia. Malaysia’s PM outlines VM2026 campaign goals at the official launch. 

Malaysia’s  Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim, officiated the event, unveiling the campaign’s logo, mascot, theme song, and aircraft livery.

The VM2026 logo symbolises Malaysia’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, and global appeal and serves as a visual reminder of the country’s readiness to welcome tourists worldwide. The logo was creatively unveiled on Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, and AirAsia aircraft. This marks the first time that these airlines will proudly display the logo as part of their aircraft designs, symbolising a united front in promoting tourism and generating excitement for the transformative year ahead.

The event also premiered the official VM2026 theme song, titled Surreal Experiences, which captures the essence of Malaysia’s unique offerings. This song will be a key component of the campaign to attract global attention and engage visitors with Malaysia’s enchanting experiences.

In addition, the Malayan Sun Bear, a proud endangered species and a symbol of Malaysia’s commitment to wildlife conservation, has been adopted as the official icon for the campaign. Designed in a lovable, animated style, the Malayan Sun Bear aims to appeal to all ages, evoking a sense of joy and further enhancing Malaysia’s image as a welcoming destination for tourists.

Key representatives from various ministries attended the event, reflecting the national importance of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. As part of Malaysia’s broader National Agenda, VM2026 aims to increase tourism revenue, strengthen Malaysia’s global tourism competitiveness, and ultimately position the sector as one of the largest contributors to the country’s GDP. With Malaysia’s strong potential as a world-class tourist destination, VM2026 is set to not only boost tourism but also create jobs and enhance the country’s global image, bringing prosperity to communities, enriching local cultures, and fostering growth in sectors beyond tourism – including hospitality, transport, retail, and food industries.

The event also featured the exchange of Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with key strategic partners, including Malaysia Aviation Group, AirAsia, Batik Air, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Huawei, Mastercard, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), and The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH). These partnerships aim to enhance connectivity, expand marketing campaigns, and deliver exceptional visitor experiences through innovative technologies, seamless travel experiences, and exclusive promotional offers.

As part of the build-up to VM2026, the Malaysia Sarong Music Run (MSMR) 2025 will be held on 8 February 2025 at the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur. This unique cultural and fitness event, endorsed by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is expected to attract over 20,000 participants.

A celebration of Malaysia’s heritage while promoting a healthy lifestyle, MSMR 2025 is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture and will feature collaborations with Locco, known for the Keretapi Sarong, showcasing Malaysia’s multicultural harmony.

About Visit Malaysia Year 2026

Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) is a national initiative launched by the Government of Malaysia to drive the country’s tourism sector toward greater economic impact. Aiming to attract millions of visitors, VM2026 will feature a series of events, promotions, and developments that celebrate Malaysia’s culture, heritage, and tourism offerings. The initiative is set to strengthen Malaysia’s global tourism competitiveness and make tourism a key contributor to the national economy.

Emirates A350 flies to Edinburgh

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI UAE, 7 January 2025: Emirates marked a significant milestone last week as its first Airbus A350 entered commercial service, operating its inaugural flight from Dubai to Edinburgh. 

The aircraft, featuring Emirates’ latest cabin products, is the first of 65 A350s to join the airline’s fleet over the coming years.

Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim, said: “This marks a pivotal moment in Emirates’ journey as we introduce the A350 into service. Our first Airbus A350 making its maiden journey to Edinburgh also underscores the strategic importance of the UK within our global network. The Emirates A350 offers the best of our latest inflight products, with new features and enhancements in every cabin. As we expand our A350 fleet, we’re not just adding new aircraft – we’re setting new standards for global air travel.”

A closer look at the A350

Emirates’ A350 showcases the latest in cabin innovation and has been designed to maximise customer comfort. Standout features include a newly-designed, more comfortable Economy Class cabin; upgraded Business Class and Premium Economy cabins; the best image quality on any aircraft with 4K and 4K HDR ultra-responsive touchscreens; extra-high ceilings with wider aisles in all classes; and faster Wi-Fi with uninterrupted global connectivity across all A350 destinations.

The most fuel-efficient large widebody aircraft in commercial service today, the A350 also offers the quietest twin-aisle cabin of any aircraft. Emirates has configured its A350 to provide three spacious cabin classes, accommodating 312 passengers in 32 next-generation Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 generously pitched Economy Class seats.

In the coming months, customers can look forward to experiencing the Emirates A350 on flights to eight more global destinations: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kuwait, Bahrain, Colombo, Lyon, Muscat, and Bologna.

Connecting Scotland to the world

The Emirates A350’s arrival in Edinburgh follows the airline’s resumption of services to Scotland’s capital in November 2024. The airline operates 14 weekly flights to Scotland, including an A380 service to Glasgow – offering customers enhanced connectivity to more than 140 destinations across its extensive global network.

Emirates’ A350 flight EK23 departs Dubai at 1450 local time and arrives in Edinburgh at 1905 local time. The return flight EK24 departs Edinburgh at 2040 and arrives in Dubai at 0805 local time the following day. 

Business Class customers onboard the inaugural A350 flight from Edinburgh to Dubai enjoyed the special delicacies of Scotland with the airline’s specially curated menu featuring dishes like rich broccoli and Lanark Blue cheese soup made with Lanark Blue cheese produced in Ogcastle, Lanarkshire, a Scottish smoked salmon dome, paired with caviar, dill, cranberries, and a citrus dressing; tender seared Angus beef fillet from Aberdeen; Balmoral chicken served with traditional tatties and neeps; and a delicious cranachan cheesecake topped with raspberry coulis.

Economy Class passengers also enjoyed a refreshing potato champ salad with Scottish smoked salmon, cheddar cheese with Nairn’s oat biscuits and Walker’s shortbread biscuits.

Customers can book tickets on emirates.com, or visit the Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents.

Langkawi hosts ASEAN Summit 2025

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TTR WEEKLY
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LANGKAWI, 7 January 2025: Malaysia’s popular holiday island Langkawi will host the ASEAN Summit 2025 this month, attracting 1,000 delegates to three conferences for leaders of the ASEAN 10-nation bloc.

The Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) Board of Directors co-chairman, Datuk Zamzuri Abdul Aziz, presented details of the three ASEAN events that will convene at the island’s international convention centre, reported by the New Strait Times. 

LADA Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Haslina Binti Abdul Hamid (centre) launched the Visit Kedah Year 2025 campaign last week, welcoming tourists on New Year’s Day.

The ASEAN Sumit agenda starts with the ASEAN+3 Meeting (Financial Track) scheduled from 14 to 15 January on Langkawi Island. Representatives from three East Asian countries, China, South Korea and Japan, will join delegations from the 10-member countries of ASEAN.

Two other meetings — the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat from 18 to 19 January and the Special Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Energy from 21 to 23 January — will conclude the summit agenda.

Meanwhile, LADA Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Haslina Binti Abdul Hamid launched the Visit Kedah Year 2025 campaign last week, spotlighting 132 calendar events in the year, including the 21st Langkawi International Regatta scheduled from 13 to 16 February at the island’s Royal Langkawi Yacht Club and the 17th Lima (Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition) from 20 to 24 May 2025

Visit Kedah Year 2025 will headline arts, culture, sports, promotions, community, and geoparks, key elements of  Langkawi’s identity.

New Straits Times quoted Dato’ Haslina saying that of the 132 planned events, 36 are dedicated to sports and culture, 17 to international promotions, 10 to domestic promotions, and 26 to community programmes.

“In addition, there are 24 investment mission programmes and 19 geopark events, all aimed at achieving the target of 3.5 million tourist arrivals by year-end,” she told NST.

Langkawi played a key role in the Visit Kedah Year 2025 initiative, hosting a welcome reception for the travellers arriving at the island’s airport and ferry cruise ship terminal. LADA was joined in the celebratory welcome by Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Airports, Malaysia Marine Department and Langkawi Port officials.

LADA said it was committed to making Langkawi the destination of choice throughout the Visit Kedah Year 2025 campaign as a forerunner to the nationwide Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign launch.

Air India Express expands Bangkok routes

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 7 January 2025: Expanding its wings in Southeast Asia, Air India Express commenced services recently from Bangkok with four weekly flights to Surat in Gujarat. 

This new route marks a significant step in the airline’s presence in the region following its successful operations in Singapore.

A celebratory event was recently held at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok to mark Air India Express’s arrival in Thailand’s capital.

Senior officials from the Government of Thailand, the Embassy of India, the airport authority, the travel trade community, and representatives from Air India and Air India Express attended the event.

Surat, famously known as the Diamond City of India, benefits from four weekly flights, strengthening ties between the textile and diamond trade sectors and the Thai market. 

The airline has since commenced direct flights from Bangkok to three other Indian cities. It offers tri-weekly flights to Lucknow, the cultural capital of Uttar Pradesh, renowned for its rich heritage, thriving handicraft industries, and warm hospitality.

The airline’s tri-weekly flights to Pune, Maharashtra’s educational and IT hub, facilitate travel for students, professionals, and tourists who want to explore the region’s historical landmarks and vibrant lifestyle. 

Additionally, four weekly flights are scheduled to Amritsar, the spiritual heart of Punjab and home to the iconic Golden Temple. The new route caters to the significant travel demand for religious tourism and cross-border trade.

Reservations and ticketing are managed by TamGP CO., Ltd, the airline’s newly appointed representative agent in Thailand.

Flyers can also book on Air India Express’s website, airindiaexpress.com, its mobile app, and other major booking channels.

Commenting on the introduction of Bangkok to its network, Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh said: “We are delighted to add Bangkok to our growing network in Southeast Asia and connect it to four Indian cities — Amritsar, Lucknow, Pune, and Surat.

These direct flights will make travel more accessible for Thai travellers to explore the diversity of Indian culture, complemented by an exceptional travel experience and warm Indian hospitality offered by us.”

From Amritsar: Air India Express operates 20 weekly flights from Amritsar, connecting directly to four destinations – Bangkok in Thailand, Dubai and Sharjah in UAE, and Bengaluru in the Indian state of Karnataka.

From Lucknow: Air India Express operates 86 weekly flights from Lucknow connecting directly to six Indian cities — Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune — and Bangkok in Thailand. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to 18 Indian cities from Lucknow.

From Pune: Air India Express operates 83 weekly flights from Pune connecting directly to nine Indian cities — Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mangaluru and Bangkok in Thailand. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to 19 domestic destinations from Pune.

From Surat: Air India Express operates 40 weekly flights from Surat, connecting directly to eight destinations — Bangkok in Thailand, Dubai and Sharjah in UAE, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kolkata in India.

Thai AirAsia top for on-time performance

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 7 January 2025: Thai AirAsia (FD) retains its status as the most on-time airline in Thailand, reaffirming its fifth place among Cirium’s top 10 on-time airlines in Asia Pacific. 

With an On-Time Performance (OTP) rate of 77.46%, it was the only Thailand-based airline to gain a place in the top 10 chart.

Thai AirAsia CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya commented on the carrier’s ability to rank high in the global OTP ranking by Cirium, saying it reflected Thai AirAsia’s commitment to operational excellence. 

“Throughout 2024, Thai AirAsia has focused on being the best on-time airline as part of our goal of instilling confidence and punctuality wherever we fly,” Santisuk said.

Cirium is a globally trusted aviation analytics body that presents quantifiable data and employs cutting-edge analytics to support industries from airlines and tourism to aircraft manufacturing and financial services. The institute’s in-depth data is collected from the review of approximately 3 million flights each month.

HK Express wins award for fast expansion

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HONG KONG, 7 January 2025: HK Express Airways closed 2024 with a 40% year-on-year traffic increase, totalling 6 million passengers. 

Due to its rapid growth, the airline garnered industry recognition, winning the World’s “Fastest Growing Airline of 2024” title from OAG, a leading data platform for the global travel industry. (1)

HK Express management team greeted the six-millionth passenger at the boarding gate.

“This year has been significant for HK Express as our team meticulously expanded our network of destinations, fleet and team,” said HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao. “Not only have we surpassed six million passengers in a single year, but the industry has also recognised us as the fastest-growing airline globally. 

On 31 December 2024, the six-millionth passenger received six return flight tickets. The HK Express management team greeted the lucky passenger at the gate (flight UO668 from Hong Kong to Fukuoka).

[1] The rankings of data retrieved from OAG are based on the number of flights.

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