Zahidi will be IATA’s ninth Director General and the first woman appointed to hold the position. She joins IATA from the World Economic Forum (WEF) where she is a Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board.

Willie Walsh, IATA’s current Director General, will conclude his duties on 31 July 2026. The IATA Board of Directors has appointed Sandrine Le Borgne, IATA’s Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Services, as Interim Director General for the intervening period. 

In a press statement released last week, the IATA Board said Zahidi’s outstanding experience at the World Economic Forum “will enhance and strengthen IATA as the voice of the world’s airlines.” 

Global air transport is a trillion-dollar industry that has and continues to change the world for the better. Her appointment comes at a moment of significant change in the international environment. Technology and geopolitics, among others, will reshape the industry in the future, and she brings the right skills to effectively articulate what the industry needs to continue connecting people and economies safely, efficiently and sustainably. 

“I am honoured to help advance IATA’s mission to represent, lead and serve the airline industry at this pivotal moment. Aviation is critical infrastructure for economic growth, trade, tourism, jobs, investment and opportunity. In a rapidly changing world, IATA’s role in bringing the industry together to collaborate through trusted standards, essential services and advocacy has never been more important.

I look forward to working closely with our member airlines, governments and the ecosystem of partners to build on IATA’s remarkable foundation, ensuring aviation continues to connect the world while embracing innovation, strengthening resilience and advancing sustainable growth. Together, we can expand the benefits of connectivity to more people and economies around the world. My top priority will be working with the IATA team and with the industry to build aviation’s future together,” said Zahidi.

(Source: IATA)

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The agreement was signed by HE Engr Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, and Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India.

The MoU sets out a phased approach to developing the partnership. Areas of cooperation include expanding the existing codeshare agreement, improving connectivity across both airlines’ networks, exploring terminal co-location and exploring further operational and commercial opportunities, including cooperation between their loyalty programmes.

The two parties will also assess opportunities to extend the partnership in the future to other airlines within their respective groups, including flyadeal and Air India Express.

Air India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Campbell Wilson said: “The relationship between India and Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen across multiple dimensions, creating significant opportunities for aviation to play an even greater role in connecting people, businesses, and the economies of the two nations. As carriers serving rapidly growing markets, Air India and Saudia are well positioned to deepen this relationship through closer collaboration. Together with Saudia, we look forward to exploring a range of new opportunities that will deliver greater value to our respective customers while supporting our long-term growth objectives.”

The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a framework for the continued development of the relationship between Saudia and Air India, creating opportunities to expand cooperation across multiple areas as both airlines continue to strengthen their international networks and respond to growing demand for travel between Saudi Arabia and India.

(Source: Air India)

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It marks the only full-service flights on the route to Vietnam’s popular holiday island close to the border with Cambodia.

An Airbus A321neo operates flights with 236 seats in an all-economy cabin. Flight time one hour and 40 minutes.

9G721 departs Phu Quoc at 1035 and arrives at Singapore Changi Airport at 1320 local time.
9G720 departs Singapore at 1420 local time and arrives in Phu Quoc at 1505.

The airline competes with Scoot and Viejet Airlines, both offering daily services between Singapore and Phu Quoc. The average round-trip fare on the route is USD310.

Across its network, the airline is developing its signature “Resort in the Sky” concept, which includes the Sun Executive Lounge and new-generation aircraft cabins, as well as the signature La Festa fragrance.

Privileges across Sun Group 

The experience continues after passengers land in Phu Quoc. Travellers flying from Singapore to Phu Quoc with Sun PhuQuoc Airways will receive a complimentary Sun World Hon Thom Cable Car ticket, access to the WOW Pass priority lane, and discounts of up to 30% on accommodation, dining, spa, entertainment and leisure experiences across the Sun Group.

The Singapore–Phu Quoc service marks Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ fourth international route, following the launch of services to Taipei, Seoul and Hong Kong. It further strengthens the airline’s presence across Asia’s major aviation and tourism hubs while improving access to one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing island destinations.

The strategic partnership between Sun Group and Changi Airports International further supports the new route. Under this partnership, Phu Quoc International Airport is being developed as a “destination airport”, to create a more seamless passenger journey from the airport to the island’s tourism, hospitality and entertainment experiences.

Following the launch of its Singapore service, Sun PhuQuoc Airways will commence flights to Bangkok on 8 August 2026. The airline is also progressing plans to expand its international network to Malaysia, India, Japan, Russia and Kazakhstan.

To support its growing network, Sun PhuQuoc Airways plans to expand its fleet to 32 aircraft in 2026 and introduce Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft from September 2026. These investments will provide the foundation for the airline to develop medium- and long-haul services, advance its “Rise to the World” strategy and contribute to positioning Phu Quoc as an emerging regional gateway for tourism and trade.

About Sun PhuQuoc Airways 
Sun PhuQuoc Airways is a full-service airline established to enhance connectivity to Phu Quoc and support the island’s development as a leading regional tourism destination. Backed by Sun Group’s integrated ecosystem across tourism, hospitality, entertainment and infrastructure, the airline offers passengers a seamless travel experience that combines quality onboard service with access to Phu Quoc’s world-class resort and lifestyle offerings. 

(Source: Sun PhuQuoc Airways).

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The survey conducted by India’s largest regional airline explored “what Indian travellers want most from regional airlines,” interviewed regional air passengers across major metros and regional hubs, including Mumbai, Pune, Kolhapur, Delhi, and NCR.

Among those surveyed, 37% identified as first-time or infrequent flyers, reflecting aviation’s widening reach into tier-2 and tier-3 cities. For these travellers, the leap into air travel often comes with apprehensions about navigating airports, security protocols, and the boarding process. In fact, 31% cited difficulty navigating airports as their top concern, followed by 26% who worried about security procedures, and 21% who felt uneasy about boarding. Yet, for the vast majority, these worries were eased by the warm and attentive support of airline staff, a testament to the industry’s growing focus on hospitality and personal care.

Other important considerations included convenient flight timings (53%), proximity to airports (47%), airline reputation (43%), and recommendations from friends or family (38%). These insights demonstrate that while cost remains critical, the overall experience and trust in the brand also play a significant role in shaping travel choices.

The survey also found that 77% of all passengers rated the welcome and assistance provided by airline staff as “excellent” or “good.” However, travellers were candid about opportunities for improvement.

 49% called for better on-time performance, 44% wanted enhanced cleanliness and comfort, and 38% hoped for even friendlier staff. Clear communication and efficient baggage handling were also highlighted as essential to a seamless journey.

Perhaps the most compelling takeaway is the overwhelming demand for greater regional connectivity. A remarkable 88% of respondents said it is “extremely” or “very important” that airlines connect smaller towns and cities to India’s major metros. This sentiment underscores the essential role regional airlines play as enablers of economic mobility, access to education, healthcare, and the strengthening of social and family ties.

Encouragingly, 73% of flyers said they would “definitely” or “probably” recommend regional airline travel to friends and family. When asked why they chose to fly over other forms of transportation, top responses included faster journey times (68%) and convenience (59%). And 82% of respondents said regional airlines deliver a sense of comfort and serve as a lifeline for small-town India.

Star Air CEO Captain Simran Singh Tiwana said: “This survey is a testament to the new era of regional aviation in India. Our mission goes beyond connecting cities; it’s about making air travel a source of comfort, opportunity, and pride for communities that were once off the aviation map. We are committed to delivering not only safe and reliable journeys but also memorable and welcoming experiences for every Indian flyer.”

As regional airlines continue to expand their footprint across the country, these findings provide a clear roadmap for the future, one that centres on comfort, connectivity, and the promise of a more inclusive and empowered India.

About Star Air
Star Air, the aviation arm of Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG), commenced commercial operations in 2019 with a mission to “Connect Real India” by making air travel affordable and convenient for the Indian populace. Star Air operates a fleet of eight aircraft — Embraer E175s and is looking to expand the fleet to 25 aircraft over the next 36 months.

(Source: Star Air)

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The agreement further strengthens the partnership between Airbus and flynas and supports the airline’s continued expansion across domestic, regional and long-haul markets.

The latest order increases flynas’ total commitment for the A330neo to 20 aircraft and brings its total commitment for the A321neo to 56 aircraft. With these additions, flynas continues to expand its all-Airbus fleet, bringing its total firm commitment to Airbus aircraft to 235.

Flynas currently operates a fleet of 67 Airbus aircraft, comprising two A330-300s, four A320ceos and 61 A320neos. The airline continues to expand its network in response to growing demand for air travel in Saudi Arabia and beyond, supporting the Kingdom’s aviation growth ambitions.

 Flynas Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Bander Almohanna noted that increasing flynas’ confirmed Airbus orders to 235 aircraft out of a total orderbook of 280 aircraft will further strengthen the airline’s operational and expansion capabilities as Saudi Arabia looks forward to hosting Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.

(Source: Flynas)

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The agreement was announced during the Farnborough Air Show by Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings, Inc., Richard Nuttall, President of Philippine Airlines, together with Lars Wagner, CEO of the  Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of the Airbus Commercial Aircraft business.

Once finalised, the new contract will double the airline’s total orders for the A350-1000 to 18 aircraft, of which the first two have been delivered this year. Designated as the carrier’s new flagship, the A350-1000 will enable PAL to develop its long-haul network further, primarily linking Manila with destinations in North America. These include non-stop services in both directions linking Manila with cities on the East Coast of the US and Canada.

PAL has specified a three-class configuration for its A350-1000 fleet, accommodating 382 passengers. The layout includes 42 suites in Business Class with privacy doors and fully flat beds, 24 seats in a spacious separate Premium Economy cabin and 316 seats in Economy Class. All cabins feature the latest in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity.

Philippine Airlines operates various Airbus types on its full-service network. In addition to the A350, PAL flies A330-300s to the Middle East, Australia and various points in Asia. The carrier also operates a fleet of A320 and A321 single-aisle aircraft on domestic and regional services.

At the end of June 2026, the  A350 Family had won 1,595 firm orders from 68 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

(Source: Airbus)

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“More flights are good for travellers. Greater competition makes air travel more accessible and affordable for Filipinos,” said the Department of Tourism in a statement. “We want our airlines to grow and succeed.

At the same time, we welcome more airlines and more routes because a bigger market benefits everyone — travellers, airlines, airports, tourism enterprises and the economy.”

Beyond tourism and business exchanges, the new route is expected to make homecomings easier for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the Filipino-American community, while also opening another gateway for American travellers to explore the Philippines.

The DOT will continue working with international and Philippine carriers to expand connectivity, open new markets, and make it easier for more people to experience the Philippines. 

Delta will become the only US airline running direct, nonstop flights between LAX and Manila (joining Philippine Airlines, which already operates the route).

Route and launch details

Start Date: 28 March 2027

Frequency: Three times weekly (28 March- 6 June  2027)

Expands to daily service starting 7 June, 2027

Onboard experience and aircraft

(Source: DOTP plus additional reporting)

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The agreement, which includes two A320neo and two A321neo aircraft, was included in Airbus’ end-of-June order book as an undisclosed order.

Registered in June 2025, the airline aims to expand a wide route network and build a brand that represents Tajikistan on the global aviation stage. 

The A320neo aircraft will feature 176 seats and the A321neo will feature 196 seats in a dual-class layout. These new aircraft will help the airline launch services to regional and global markets.

 “The signing of our first contract with Airbus marks a milestone not only for Shohin Airlines, but also for the entire civil aviation sector of Tajikistan. The A320neo Family aircraft will form the backbone of our airline’s modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable fleet. We are committed to providing our passengers with the highest standards of safety, comfort, and service quality while expanding Tajikistan’s international air connectivity. We are confident that our partnership with Airbus will provide a solid foundation for Shohin Airlines’ long-term growth and the successful implementation of our strategy to build a world-class airline,” said Shohin Airlines Chief Executive Officer Zafar Ahmadzoda.

“Welcoming a new customer to the Airbus family is always a proud moment, and we are honoured Shohin Airlines has chosen Airbus to power their historic launch,” said Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business Benoît de Saint-Exupéry. “We look forward to supporting Shohin Airlines’ vision to connect Tajikistan to the world. This agreement marks the beginning of a strong partnership, ensuring the airline sets a new regional standard for fleet optimisation, operational excellence, and passenger experience right from its start.”

(Source: Airbus)

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The award recognises Air India’s digital transformation since its return to the Tata Group.

The award was received by Air India’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, and its Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Satya Ramaswamy, at an event organised in London.

The award for Digital Leadership acknowledged the impactful progress made by Air India in its digital transformation since the takeover by the Tata Group in 2022. The airline had embarked on a technology-powered reinvention, embracing emerging digital and AI solutions to drive a significant transformation of the company and turning a structural weakness into a strength.

 Air India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, said: “The recognition is a testament to the progress Air India has made since its return to the Tata Group and reaffirms the commitment of Air Indians driving our transformation journey.”

(Source: Air India)

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As economic and global conditions evolve, they are making smarter choices on where they go, how much they spend and when they book.

According to AirAsia MOVE’s insights from forward bookings for travel between 1 July and 31 December 2026, travellers are increasingly prioritising value, convenience and thoughtful planning over volume alone.

The findings indicate that travellers are moving away from spontaneous decision-making towards more intentional travel in 2026, prioritising destinations that offer greater value, shorter travel times and meaningful experiences without compromising affordability.

Travellers are spending smarter, not less

One of the clearest shifts is not whether people are travelling, but how they are allocating their travel budgets. Average flight spending for the second half of 2026 is currently around 35% higher than the average hotel spend. The data suggests that travellers remain willing to invest in reaching their preferred destinations, while becoming more selective about where they stay.

Rather than choosing premium luxury accommodation, travellers are increasingly opting for hotels that provide the right balance of comfort, convenience and affordability.

This is reflected across the more than one million hotels available on MOVE worldwide, where 76% of bookings are for three- and four-star properties, demonstrating a clear preference for quality accommodation that delivers greater value.

Payday is when travellers turn plans into bookings

MOVE’s booking intelligence shows that nearly 40% of flight bookings are made for travel taking place between the 25th and 5th of each month, closely aligning with salary cycles across many ASEAN markets.

The pattern suggests that while travellers often begin researching and planning earlier, many choose to make the trip closer to the payday period, reflecting a more disciplined approach to discretionary spending.

As affordability becomes increasingly important, financial planning is becoming an integral part of the travel decision-making process.

Convenience is driving destination choices

Travellers continue to favour destinations that are easier and quicker to reach.

While domestic travel remains resilient across the region, international demand continues to be concentrated on destinations within four hours’ flying time, where travellers can maximise both their time and travel budgets.

Bookings for international flights under four hours increased by 14% in the second half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. The trend reflects growing demand for destinations that offer convenience, accessibility and strong overall value, making shorter regional getaways increasingly attractive.

International travel is expected to strengthen in H2

Travellers are also planning holidays earlier, with a growing proportion of bookings now being made more than 120 days before departure. The trend points to renewed confidence in longer-term travel planning after a period characterised by shorter booking windows.

Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines are expected to remain among the strongest destination markets during the remainder of the year, reflecting continued demand for regional travel supported by strong connectivity and competitive value.

Millennials and Gen Z continue to power travel demand

Millennials remain the largest travelling generation on MOVE, accounting for 43% of all bookings, followed by Gen Z at 23%. Together, they represent almost two-thirds of bookings across the platform, reinforcing that younger travellers continue to shape the region’s travel economy.

(Source: AirAsia Move)

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