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TransNusa flies to Penang

PENANG, 27 November 2025: TransNusa marked another significant milestone in its regional expansion strategy with the launch of its Jakarta–Penang service on Tuesday, further strengthening the airline’s presence in Southeast Asia.

The new service underscores TransNusa’s commitment to enhancing international connectivity while supporting rising travel demand between Indonesia and Malaysia.

Flights operate on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday using an A320.

Beginning 1 December, the airline will transition to daily flights, with plans to increase frequency in 2026 as part of its broader network growth roadmap.

TransNusa Group CEO Dato’ Bernard Francis said the launch of the Jakarta–Penang service is a strategic step aligned with the airline’s vision of expanding access to major regional hubs.

“Penang International Airport (PIA) is Malaysia’s second-busiest airport and provides access to more than 20 international and domestic destinations,” he said.

“It has become the strongest alternative to KLIA, offering robust long-term incentive structures that many secondary airports in the region do not yet provide. This made the Jakarta–Penang route not only viable but highly strategic for our network expansion.”

Penang becomes TransNusa’s third active route connecting Indonesia and Malaysia, following Jakarta–Kuala Lumpur. The airline’s growing presence in Malaysia reinforces its ambition to become a key player in the region’s travel segment.

With Visit Malaysia 2026 approaching, TransNusa continues to work with Tourism Malaysia to boost bilateral travel, including promotional activities, trade engagements, and connectivity support for industry stakeholders.

Flight details

TransNusa’s scheduled flight 8B633 departs Soekarno–Hatta International Airport at 0530 and arrives at Penang International Airport at 0900. The return service, 8B632, departs Penang at 0930 and lands in Jakarta at 1055.

Fares for TransNusa’s scheduled Penang–Jakarta route start from IDR1.199.000, MYR299, CNY520, USD75, AUD109, and SGD100.

(Source: TransNusa)

Etihad reports October 2025 traffic statistics

ABU DHABI, 27 November 2025: Etihad Airways carried 2 million passengers in October 2025, a 28% increase compared with the same month last year.

Year-to-date, the airline has now carried 18.1 million passengers, representing 19% growth over the first 10 months of 2024. The airline maintained an 88% passenger load factor in October and year-to-date, demonstrating effective capacity management alongside rapid expansion.

Photo credit: Etihad.

Etihad’s operating fleet reached 120 aircraft by month-end, with a network comprising over 100 destinations, of which 96 were operated in the month.

Etihad Airways, Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said: “October’s exceptional 28% passenger growth accelerates the momentum we built through the first nine months of the year. With our fleet reaching 120 aircraft and a network of more than 100 destinations, we’re seeing the full impact of our strategic expansion. As we enter the final stretch of 2025, our operational performance and sustained high load factors give us confidence in delivering a landmark year for Etihad.”

(Source: Etihad)

Cathay declares positive October traffic

HONG KONG, 27 November 2025: Cathay Group released its traffic figures for October 2025 on Wednesday, describing the performance as  a solid growth month for passengers and cargo 

Cathay Pacific and HK Express together carried more than 3.2 million passengers, 21% more than the previous month. Cathay Cargo carried over 150,000 tonnes of cargo in October, a 12% month-on-month increase.

Photo credit: Cathay Group.

Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau commented: “We are continuing to add more new destinations to our global network. In November, Cathay Pacific launched daily direct flights to Changsha and resumed Adelaide service with a thrice-weekly seasonal service, while HK Express will launch daily flights to Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) later in the month. As a Group, we will be operating around 330 return flights per week to the Chinese Mainland, close to 100 return flights per week to Oceania, and over 430 return flights per week to Southeast Asia during the winter peak season.”

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific carried 29% more passengers in October 2025 compared with October 2024, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 26%. In the first 10 months of 2025, passenger numbers increased by 27% compared with the same period in 2024.

She explained: “We saw strong travel demand during October. Early-month traffic was buoyed by multiple regional holidays, with the National Day ‘Golden Week’ and Mid-Autumn Festival driving significant leisure demand from the Chinese Mainland to Hong Kong and onward to global destinations. Later in the month, demand for our premium cabins was stimulated by major exhibitions in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland — including the Canton Fair, Electronics Fair and China Toy Fair — which attracted inbound traffic from various long-haul markets. The robust leisure and business travel demand contributed to a load factor of 86% across our network, the highest for October in recent years.

“Looking ahead, bookings for the Christmas travel peak remain strong. We anticipate significant inbound traffic among those visiting friends and relatives from North America, the United Kingdom and other destinations in Europe.”

Cathay Cargo

Cathay Cargo carried 6% more cargo in October 2025 than in October 2024, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 8%. In the first 10 months of 2025, the total tonnage increased by 10% compared with the same period in 2024.

HK Express

HK Express carried more than 680,000 passengers in October 2025, an increase of 32% year on year, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) grew by 34%. In the first 10 months of 2025, passenger numbers increased by 31% compared with the same period in 2024.

Lavinia noted: “Boosted by strong demand during the National Day holiday, HK Express’s passenger volumes in October almost caught up with capacity growth, with overall load factor just slightly below that of October 2024. Looking ahead, while this trend is expected to continue as bookings remain encouraging, the airline will continue to closely monitor the travel demand to Japan and focus on stimulating demand across its network.”

(Source: Cathay Group)

Centara Hotels & Resorts and NUO forge alliance

BANGKOK, 26 November 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, and NUO International Hotel Management Co Ltd recently signed a strategic Letter of Agreement to collaborate on brand development and international expansion. 

This landmark partnership represents a powerful alliance between two leading hospitality brands and a meaningful exchange between “Chinese Service” and “Thai Hospitality,” aimed at delivering exceptional experiences to global travellers.

The signing ceremony, held at NUO Hotel Beijing, was attended by senior executives from both organisations, including Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts, Michael Henssler, Chief Operating Officer, alongside Jack Xia, Managing Director – Centara China, Tyrone Tang Ming, General Manager of NUO International, Mr. Andy Xu Jia, Deputy General Manager, and  Yuki Qu Jing, Vice President of Marketing.

The partnership introduces an innovative two-way brand licensing approach that leverages resource sharing and complementary strengths. NUO International will bring its heritage-rich brands, such as “Jianguo” and “Brilliant”, to Thailand and Southeast Asia. At the same time, Centara will introduce its acclaimed brands, including ‘Centara’ and ‘Centara Grand’, along with their signature Thai-style service, to mainland China. 

This cross-regional brand exchange will infuse both portfolios with cultural diversity and vitality, creating a model for integration and growth in the Asian hospitality sector.

Comprehensive collaboration 

To ensure seamless implementation and long-term success, both parties will collaborate across multiple dimensions, including brand licensing, joint marketing, operational management, and professional knowledge exchange. Key initiatives include:

Joint Marketing & Brand Building: Coordinated campaigns to enhance brand visibility and influence in target markets.

Operational Excellence & Talent Development: Establishing regular communication mechanisms and sharing best practices in hotel operations, service standards, quality management, and training.

 Looking ahead, NUO International and Centara will continue to explore new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation, reinforcing their commitment to innovation and quality.

New chapter in global hospitality

This alliance underscores NUO International’s mission to promote cultural exchange and deliver diverse, high-quality accommodation options to travellers worldwide. By showcasing Chinese hospitality on the global stage and embracing Thai warmth and charm, the partnership contributes to the sustainable growth of the international hotel industry.

For more information about Centara Hotels & Resorts, visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/.

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

Emirates and Air Canada extend partnership

DUBAI, 26 November 2025: Emirates and Air Canada have signalled a commitment to extend their strategic partnership, building on the success of a three-year-old agreement between two of the world’s leading airlines. 

Since launching their strategic partnership in 2022, the airlines have already served more than 550,000 customers, connecting travellers across 56 codeshare routes linking Canada, the US, Dubai and key destinations around the globe. The carriers have signed a memorandum of understanding to extend the reciprocal codeshare and loyalty partnership until 31 December 2032. 

The renewed agreement will deepen their cooperation, lead to enhanced services for customers and cargo shippers, and create the potential for new gateways within Canada in the codeshare network. 

“Air Canada’s partnership with Emirates has been highly successful, and we are proud to renew it early, expanding its scope and extending its duration through 2032. This agreement strengthens our international strategy by supporting our year-round, daily service between Toronto and Dubai and providing customers and shippers with seamless connections to destinations across the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. 

“Renewing this partnership is great news, not just for our customers – many of whom have family, cultural or business ties to these regions – but also for Canada, as it enhances our ability to connect the country to the world amid evolving trade and travel patterns,” said Air Canada  Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer and President, Cargo Mark Galardo.

 Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim noted: “Our strategic partnership with Air Canada has delivered exceptional results, and we are pleased to extend this collaboration through 2032. This agreement strengthens our passenger and cargo capabilities, enabling us to enhance customer experiences on codeshare flights while expanding network connectivity for travellers across both markets.

“Beyond passenger services, we recognise the vital role air connectivity plays in fostering economic growth. Since establishing our codeshare partnership in 2022, we have witnessed consistent trade expansion between the UAE and Canada. Through enhanced cargo cooperation, we remain committed to facilitating commerce and contributing to the continued prosperity of both economies. We believe this partnership will catalyse strengthening our footprint in Canada and unlocking new growth opportunities.”  

The enhanced partnership between Emirates and Air Canada is poised to strengthen tourism and trade between the two countries significantly. The collaboration will increase passenger choice and enable expanded cargo cooperation, facilitating bi-directional cargo flow between the Americas, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. Both airlines are also exploring a potential joint venture focused on cargo operations to support the efficient movement of commodities globally. 

The extended agreement will enhance the customer experience by improving priority benefits for eligible passengers and by coordinating operations between both airlines, including ensuring a seamless transition of operations to Dubai World Central – Maktoum International Airport (DWC) (expected after 2032). Since its inception, the partnership has grown consistently, with the codeshare network expanding to 56 routes connecting Emirates customers to 37 destinations across Canada and the US — Air Canada-operated services from Toronto to Minneapolis, Montréal to Calgary, and Vancouver to Los Angeles. Air Canada also places its code on 19 routes operated by Emirates to the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. In addition to flights under the codeshare agreement, Emirates and Air Canada’s interline partnership also provides customers with access to over 225 destinations worldwide. 

Since the initial agreement in November 2022, Air Canada relocated its Dubai operation to Dubai International’s flagship Terminal 3. The co-location of operations in one of the world’s premier terminals has significantly enhanced the connection experience. It provides eligible Air Canada customers access to Emirates’ signature Business Class Lounges and other hub facilities in Dubai before their flight. The two airlines also offer joint loyalty program benefits to frequent flyer members. Aeroplan Members can benefit from earning and redeeming points on all flights operated by Emirates — with access to more than 140 destinations across six continents — via the airline’s home and hub, Dubai. Emirates Skywards members can earn and redeem miles on all flights operated by Air Canada, accessing a network of more than 220 destinations worldwide. 

For more information on flights or to make a booking, visit: www.emirates.com

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates)

Lufthansa to fly 100th anniversary fleet

SINGAPORE, 26 November 2025: Lufthansa will celebrate a significant anniversary in 2026: 100 years since the founding of the first Lufthansa in 1926. 

To mark this special occasion, the crane airline is taking off with an “anniversary fleet” that combines tradition and innovation in an impressive new design. 

Photo credit: Lufthansa. 100th anniversary fleet paint job.

The most important sub-fleets of Lufthansa will receive their own special livery in the iconic 100-year look: the blue fuselage will be adorned with a white crane whose flight feathers merge into the aircraft’s wings. In addition to the crane, a “100” is integrated on the left side of the fuselage and the lettering “1926 / 2026” on the right side. A “100” will also be visible on the underside of the aircraft.

The anniversary fleet will be led by the brand-new Boeing 787-9 “Berlin,” registration D-ABPU, which is expected in Frankfurt in December. An Airbus A380, an Airbus A350-1000, an Airbus A350-900, an Airbus A320, and a Boeing 747-8 will also be painted in the anniversary livery.

The aircraft will gradually be given the new design, and the anniversary fleet is expected to be complete by Autumn 2026.

(Source: Lufthansa)

APG wins Air Peace GSA account

26 November 2025: APG has announced its appointment as the General Sales Agent (GSA) representing Air Peace in the UK market to promote sales and marketing activities for the Nigerian airline. 

Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline, operates an extensive domestic, regional and international network, connecting passengers across Nigeria, Africa, and significant global destinations. The airline currently operates a daily direct service from London Gatwick to Lagos, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing connectivity between Nigeria and the UK.

Photo credit: APG.

Building on its success, Air Peace has launched direct, non-stop services between Abuja and London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW) from 26 October 2025. 

The airline serves the Abuja–Heathrow route with three weekly flights on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and the Abuja-Gatwick route with three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

These new routes underscore Air Peace’s ongoing commitment to expanding international access for Nigerian travellers and strengthening the country’s aviation links with key global markets. The airline will deploy its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on these long-haul routes, configured with 312 seats (26 business-class suites and 286 economy-class seats).

APG Network, President Richard Burgess said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Air Peace at this exciting stage of their expansion. Our extensive knowledge of the UK market and established industry relationships will allow us to elevate Air Peace’s position and support growth in this key market.”

Air Peace, Executive Director Nnenna  Onyema added: “Expanding into the UK market represents a significant milestone for Air Peace. Partnering with APG, a trusted leader in aviation representation, will strengthen our presence and service offering in this vital market, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for our passengers.

About Air Peace 
Air Peace is a Nigerian private airline with a fleet of over 30 aircraft, including Boeing 777-200ERs, Boeing 737s, and Embraer jets.

(Source: APG)

Tripadvisor spotlights winter travel options

SINGAPORE, 26 November 2025: Tripadvisor, a leading travel guidance platform, has released its annual Winter Travel Index, revealing robust winter travel demand — 60% of travellers are planning trips, and 45% indicating they’re travelling more this winter than last year. 

The comprehensive report shows a diverse mix of cold urban destinations and warm-weather escapes leading winter travel preferences.

Most travellers (83%) are organising one to two trips this season, with more than half (54%) committing to extended stays of five nights or more. 

However, cost remains the primary consideration for travellers planning winter trips this season. Yet, despite economic uncertainties, they continue to show strong confidence in their plans and maintain optimistic spending expectations, with more than half of travellers (52%) planning to spend more this year.

The data reveals a split in winter destination preferences, with travellers seeking both cold urban experiences and warm-weather beach escapes. 

Globally, major cold-weather cities like New York City and London rank among the top destinations alongside warm-weather favourites like Cancun, Mexico and Bangkok, Thailand. 

Travellers are prioritising itineraries full of activities and experiences, with 93% agreeing that experiences are an essential part of their travel budget and 84% prioritising planned activities during trips. 

Cultural sightseeing emerges as the dominant travel preference at 38%, followed by nature sightseeing (37%), shopping (31%) and road trips (28%).

Popular destinations for international travellers:

London, UK

Bangkok, Thailand

Cancun, Mexico

Paris, France

International growth leaders:

Prague, Czech Republic

Shanghai, China

Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Nha Trang, Vietnam

Winter experience trends and activities

Activities and experiences remain central to winter travel planning, with 93% agreeing that experiences are an essential part of their travel budget and 84% prioritising planned activities during trips.

Generational travel behaviours

Age significantly influences travel patterns and priorities. Gen Z and Millennials show greater enthusiasm for activities, with 47% of Gen Z and 48% of Millennials prioritising activities while travelling, compared to 40% of Gen X and 32% of baby boomers. Younger travellers also plan more ambitious itineraries, with nearly one-third visiting three or more cities during their biggest winter trip.

Travel motivations vary by generation, with relaxation more critical to boomers (51%) and Gen X (51%) than Gen Z (37%). Conversely, meeting new people appeals to 24% of Gen Z travellers, compared with only 11% of boomers, highlighting different social priorities across age groups.

Holiday Season Impact

Seasonal factors drive 86% of winter travel decisions, with distinct regional preferences. The emphasis on family connections and cultural experiences reflects unique winter holiday traditions, with travellers increasingly prioritising meaningful connections and memory-making with loved ones during the season.

Methodology
A Tripadvisor Consumer Sentiment Survey, based on data from an online survey of over 6,123 consumers, conducted in partnership with Morning Consult, was conducted between 22 and 29 September 2025 across six countries, including the US, the UK, Australia, Japan, India, and France.

(Source: Tripadvisor)

Vietjet’s new route links HCMC and Manila

MANILA, Philippines, 26 November 2025: Just in time for the festive holiday season, Vietjet has launched its newest direct route linking Manila in the Philippines to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

It marks Vietjet’s first-ever service to the Philippines’ capital, offering five weekly flights that should boost tourism, cultural, and economic ties between the two countries.

Vietjet’s Commercial Director Ha Nang Viet and Miss Cosmo Philippines 2025 Chelsea Fernandez welcome passengers on Vietjet’s inaugural flight at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

To celebrate the new milestone and usher in the year-end travel season, Vietjet is offering its ‘Thank Yourself’ promotion across its entire network, including the new Manila–Ho Chi Minh service, for bookings made by midnight on 30 November 2025.

There’s a 100% discount on the Eco-class base fare* (travellers pay only taxes and airline fees) for travel between 5 January and 27 May 2026, when applying the promo code THANKME at www.vietjetair.com or the “Vietjet Air” mobile app.

Complimentary 20kg checked baggage also applies to Eco passengers on flights between Manila and Ho Chi Minh City from 5 to 28 January and from 4 to 28 May 2026.

Free eSIM (500MB of high-speed data, valid for 31 days) for international passengers to Vietnam with bookings made by December 31, 2025, or while supplies last. Select the eSIM option when purchasing tickets on Vietjet’s website or app.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s southern commercial hub, is known for its dynamic mix of history and modern life. From Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral to Ben Thanh Market and the city’s famous street-food scene, Filipino travellers can look forward to a vibrant urban escape filled with culture, flavours, and unforgettable experiences. As Vietnam’s premier international gateway, Ho Chi Minh City also offers seamless onward connections to the country’s top destinations—such as Hanoi, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Hue—as well as to other major cities across the Asia-Pacific region through Vietjet’s extensive network.

(*) Excluding public holidays and peak periods

New route information

(Source: Vietjet)

PATA Destination Marketing Forum convenes in Chiang Rai

BANGKOK, 24 November 2025: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), in collaboration with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), unveils the full programme for the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2025 (PDMF 2025). 

The event will convene at The Heritage Chiang Rai Hotel & Convention in Chiang Rai, Thailand, from 1 to 3 December. 

Photo credit: PATA.

The conference, a key part of the forum, will be officiated by Napintorn Srisunpang, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s office of the Kingdom of Thailand.

“A destination that treasures its heritage while confidently embracing innovation holds the key to enduring success,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “We are deeply grateful to our hosts, partners, and especially the warm and resilient people of Chiang Rai for showcasing this spirit so beautifully. 

“PATA is delighted to bring the world to Chiang Rai, and the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2025 has been thoughtfully designed to reflect this balance, offering experiences and insights that inspire tourism leaders to shape their destinations with cultural pride and a forward-looking vision.”

Under the theme ‘Steeped in Tradition, Rooted in Wellness: Weaving the Meaningful Narrative of Travel,’ the forum will cover topics including wellness, hyper-local travel, cultural heritage, technology, and destination reinvention. 

Speaker lineup

The PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2025 programme in brief

The forum begins on Monday, 1 December, with a special event, ‘Chiang Rai WOW Market & Famous Food Festival’ at the Chiang Rai Rajabhat University. Organised by Chiang Rai Province, the festival spans seven zones and showcases 100 booths of Chiang Rai’s unique local products and famous dishes, along with cultural activities and performances.

On the second day of the event, participants join one of three destination experience routes curated by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organisation) (DASTA). The three technical tours are (1) Creative City of Design for Sustainability, (2) Cave, Coffee and Contemporary Culture, and (3) History, Locality and Artisans. 

Each tour highlights landmarks, local cultures, and artistry across Chiang Rai — from traditional coffee brewing activities and Akha tribal performances at Pha Mee Community in Mae Sai to cultural experiences at the Chiang Saen Historical City Tourism Information Centre. 

The day concludes at Singha Park, one of Chiang Rai’s key attractions, where the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will host a Welcome Dinner.

The conference will be held on 3 December, the final day of the event. Thailand’s Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s office, Napintorn Srisunpang, will formally officiate at the conference’s opening.

The main programme includes the following presentation, panel discussion, and workshop sessions: Traditions Replanted: The Transformation of A Destination; Wellness, Taking A Holistic Approach to Travel; Networking Break; Attracting the International by Focusing on the Hyper-local; Hyper-local Experiences Workshop; A Destination from the Artists’ Perspective; From Creative Economy to Future MICE Setting; Creative Cities & Cultural Networks: Shaping Stories, Strengthening Communities; Content with Purpose: Transforming MICE Events into UGC Destination Showcases; Tech with A Soul; and A New Paradigm for Regenerative Destinations. 

The day concludes with a farewell reception hosted by Chiang Rai Province under the theme “The Taste of Wellness, Experience WOW Market”.

For more information about the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2025, visit www.pata.org/pata-destination-marketing-forum-2025