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Air India upgrades cabin experience

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Newsdesk
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DELHI, 18 February 2026: Air India will deploy aircraft with new, retrofitted, or upgraded cabin interiors on additional international routes as part of its northern summer timetable 2026, which begins late March and runs through to the end of October 2026.

The changes to Air India’s schedule and product deployment on select international routes are as follows. 

Photo credit: Air India. Business Class on Air India’s B777-300 ERs

Between February and March 2026

Effective 14 February, Air India’s Delhi-Tokyo (Haneda) operates with B787-9 aircraft, featuring a three-class cabin configuration, introducing Premium Economy on the route. This deployment adds 2408 seats between Delhi and Tokyo (Haneda) every month.

Starting 1 March, Delhi-Toronto frequency increases from seven weekly to 10 weekly.

Starting 29 March, Delhi-Seoul (Incheon) frequency increases from five to six weekly, and the newly launched Delhi-Shanghai flights increase from four to five weekly, adding 2048 seats per month on each route.

From 1 July 2026

Mumbai-London (Heathrow) flights will operate with a combination of Air India’s new B787-9 and retrofitted legacy B787-8 aircraft, both featuring all-new cabin interiors. These flights will replace the currently deployed B777-300ER on the route, which already features upgraded cabin interiors.

Delhi-Melbourne daily flights will operate on Air India’s B777-300ER, featuring upgraded cabin interiors and the introduction of First Class on the route. The aircraft features eight First Class suites, 40 fully flat beds in Business Class, and 280 seats in Economy Class, adding nearly 4,000 seats per month between Delhi and Melbourne.

From 1 August 2026

Bengaluru-London (Heathrow) flights will operate with the airline’s retrofitted B787-8 aircraft, featuring new cabin interiors, thus introducing Premium Economy on the route. With this, all Air India flights to and from London (Heathrow) will be serviced by aircraft featuring new cabin interiors.

Seven weekly flights on the Delhi-Toronto route will operate with Air India’s new B787-9 aircraft, featuring an all-new three-class cabin and the introduction of Premium Economy. The remaining three weekly flights will continue to operate with Air India’s legacy B777-300ER. More than 50% of Air India’s North America flights will be operated with new or upgraded cabin interiors.

Air India’s flights to Birmingham from Amritsar and Delhi, and to London (Gatwick) from Ahmedabad and Amritsar, will be operated with the legacy B777-300ER, replacing the currently deployed B787-8 and introducing First Class on these routes.

New and retrofitted B787s

Air India began retrofitting its legacy B787-8 aircraft last year, with 26 aircraft to be refitted with brand-new cabin interiors custom-styled for Air India and repainted in the airline’s new livery. The first two of these retrofitted aircraft are expected to return to service in the coming weeks, with several more to be retrofitted progressively throughout 2026.

Additionally, Air India expects deliveries of three new, line-fit (or made-for-Air India) B787-9 and two line-fit A350-1000 aircraft in 2026.

(Source: Air India)

HKIA sets date to open T2 passenger facilities

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Newsdesk
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HONG KONG, 18 February 2026: Hong Kong International Airport will open new passenger departure facilities at Terminal 2 on 27 May 2026.

The announcement was made by Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) Chairman Fred Lam and Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan during the Chinese New Year celebrations at HKIA on Monday.

Photo credit: AAHK. Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) chairman, Fred Lam.

The passenger facilities of the expanded T2 are commissioned in phases to mirror passenger traffic demand trends. Launching the T2 departure facilities in May will enable HKIA to meet the anticipated surge in passengers during the summer peak season, providing a new and more convenient travel experience.

Seamlessly connected to the Airport Express platform and Terminal 1, the expanded T2 will offer next-generation smart check-in facilities. T2 is designed to be a trendy space for leisure travellers, served by approximately 15 airlines that primarily operate short-haul and regional routes. The airlines will move to T2 in phases.

AAHK has been working closely with relevant government departments, airlines, passenger handling agents and other stakeholders to prepare for the commissioning of T2’s departure facilities, with a robust, comprehensive programme of familiarisation activities, training sessions, drills, and exercises already underway.

The Coach Hall at T2 commenced operations on 23 September 2025 as the first phase launch of the new terminal. The Coach Hall provides 41 parking bays for tour buses, cross-boundary coaches, limousines, crew and resident coaches, as well as ticketing counters for cross-boundary transport connecting with more than 110 destinations in the Greater Bay Area.

(Source: AAHK)

SAS launches new routes in Asia

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 18 February 2026: SAS is expanding its intercontinental offering for the winter timetable 2026/27 with three new long-haul routes from Copenhagen to Dubai, Phuket, and Krabi. 

The additions strengthen the airline’s winter portfolio, responding to growing demand for travel to the Middle East and Asia while further reinforcing Copenhagen’s role as a global hub for Scandinavia and Northern Europe.

Photo credit: SAS. Routes to Dubai, UAE, and Thailand are ready to launch during the winter timetable — Dubai’s skyline.

The return to Dubai — the airline’s first operation to the UAE since 2011 — marks a significant milestone in the airline’s long-haul development. 

Dubai is one of the world’s most dynamic cities and a prominent international centre for business, tourism, and innovation. Its world-class resorts, cultural scene, and year-round warm climate make it a compelling destination for both leisure and business travellers.

Thailand also receives a major boost, with more than 75% additional capacity compared with last winter. With the introduction of Phuket and Krabi, SAS becomes the only airline offering scheduled, nonstop commercial services from Scandinavia to three destinations in Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi.

The routes have been carefully scheduled to offer convenient timings to and from Dubai and maximise connecting opportunities from Europe to Phuket and Krabi.

“Dubai represents an important market for SAS, and at the same time, we are proud to introduce Phuket and Krabi to our long-haul network,” says SAS Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Paul Verhagen. “Re-establishing our presence in Dubai allows us to offer our customers direct access to one of the world’s most exciting cities, while the addition of Phuket and Krabi provides nonstop connections to Thailand’s most sought-after holiday destinations. 

“Together, these routes strengthen Copenhagen as a global hub for Scandinavia and Northern Europe and expand the choices available to our customers for both business and leisure travel.”

A350 operations increase

The airline will deploy A350 aircraft to increase capacity on key routes across Asia, the Middle East, and North America. The winter expansion is supported by the addition of two new Airbus A350 aircraft, enabling a 34% increase in A350 operations across the network. This added capacity enables SAS to scale its long-haul presence significantly.

Capacity will increase across key destinations, with 70% more seats to Boston, 20% more to San Francisco, and 10% more to Chicago. 

In Asia, SAS will further strengthen its long-haul presence through coordinated increases in frequency and seat capacity, including more than 50% growth to Seoul (ICN), 40% to Tokyo Haneda (HND), and 15% o Bangkok (BKK), alongside the new nonstop connections to Phuket and Krabi.

(Source: SAS)

Minor expands in the Adriatic

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 17 February 2026: Minor Hotels has announced the signing of a management agreement with MK Group for two new additions to its portfolio on Europe’s Adriatic coast. 

Since 12 February 2026, Minor Hotels has managed the two properties that are scheduled to reopen for the 2026 season in late March. 

Palace Hotel Portoroz.

Following extensive refurbishment programmes, the resorts will relaunch in Q1 2027 under the group’s luxury Anantara and Minor Reserve Collection flags. 

The hotels add two new countries to Minor Hotels’ global portfolio, marking the group’s debut in Croatia and Slovenia.

Debuting in the Slovenian resort town of Portorož, the 184-key Hotel Palace Portorož offers beach access and a dedicated events area, delivering a balanced experience for both leisure and business guests. Following the refurbishment, the property will relaunch in Q1 2027 as Hotel Palace Portoroz, Minor Reserve Collection Slovenia.

Located less than a 30-minute drive from Portorož, Adriatic Istria Resort will mark Minor Hotels’ entry into Croatia. Set in Savudrija on the Istrian peninsula, the 186‑key property features three restaurants and four bars, as well as a dedicated MICE area, supporting growing demand for corporate retreats and events.

The resort is also home to the premier golf course of the Adriatic, with the picturesque 18-hole, par 72 Golf Adriatic PGA National Croatia course running from the hotel alongside the coastline.

The property will undergo an extensive refurbishment and will relaunch as Anantara Adriatic Istria Resort in early 2027. 

The two hotels are owned by MK Group, a company that has held a leading position in the Adriatic region’s economy for more than four decades, with businesses across tourism, real estate, renewable energy, agriculture, and the food industry. MK Group operates in Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Montenegro.

(Source: Minor Hotels)

BWH Hotel opens Best Western Matter Tiwanon Hotel

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Your Stories
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BANGKOK, 17 February 2026: BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality enterprise comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels, has reinforced its commitment to providing world-class hospitality across Bangkok’s dynamic and diverse districts with the opening of Best Western Matter Tiwanon Hotel. 

Set in Nonthaburi, just north of the Thai capital, the hotel offers easy access to key attractions and transport links. It is also conveniently located near IMPACT Arena & Convention Centre, the Chaeng Wattana Government Complex, World Medical Hospital, Central Plaza Chaeng Wattana retail mall, and Ko Kret, the heritage-rich island famed for its traditional pottery. This contemporary hotel is perfectly positioned for every traveller. Downtown Bangkok is easily accessible via the MRT Pink Line and elevated expressways, and Don Mueang International Airport is only a short drive away.

Blending the renowned international standards of Best Western with local design elements, 68 rooms and suites at Best Western Matter Tiwanon Hotel offer guests a relaxing stay in modern, well-appointed rooms, where guests can dine at the hotel’s restaurant, which specializes in authentic Thai and international cuisines, grab light bites and cool refreshments in the lobby café, and stay in shape at the well-equipped fitness center. A choice of versatile meeting rooms offers an ideal venue for intimate events, from training sessions to strategy meetings.

Members of Best Western Rewards, the award-winning loyalty programme that’s free to join, can enjoy exclusive benefits and points that never expire. These points can be redeemed for exciting rewards such as free room nights, airline miles, and gift cards.

“Nonthaburi is one of Bangkok’s most vibrant neighbouring provinces, yet it is often overlooked by travellers to the Thai capital. Whether guests plan to watch international performances at IMPACT Arena, attend major global conferences, shop, or explore Thailand’s rich cultural heritage at Ko Kret, this area offers truly rewarding experiences. By bringing our world-renowned hospitality standards to this compelling destination, we aim to help even more people explore the many wonders of Bangkok,” said BWH Hotels Vice President – APAC Olivier Berrivin.

To book a stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, visit bestwesternasia.com and worldhotels.com. 

(Source: Your Stories — BWH Hotels, WorldHotels)

China’s affluent outbound travellers

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Newsdesk
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HONG KONG, 17 February, 2026: China’s outbound travel market is projected to exceed 225 million trips in 2026, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and moving beyond recovery into a structurally different phase of growth.

According to “Powering 2026 Affluent China Outbound Travel: What Comes Next for Brands,” jointly developed by EternityX and MoonFox, more than 90% of affluent Chinese consumers plan to travel overseas this year. 

Powering 2026: An Outlook of China’s Affluent Outbound Travellers.

Between January and August 2025, Mainland Chinese travellers recorded 220 million cross-border trips, up 15.4% year on year, while outbound air passenger volume rose more than 20%. Visa-free access now spans 158 countries, accelerating long-haul intent and reducing friction.

The data points to a deeper transformation. China’s outbound market is not merely returning. It is upgrading in duration, segmentation, and revenue density.

From volume recovery to value capture

Safety and infrastructure are now baseline expectations rather than differentiators. Nearly half of affluent travellers cite safety as a decisive factor in destination choice, while price sensitivity has declined among higher income tiers.

Holiday peaks are expected to intensify in 2026, yet the more significant shift lies in spending structure. High-net-worth individuals now spend more than 16 days on long-haul trips, with per-capita budgets frequently exceeding CNY100,000. Mid-haul demand is broadening into the high-income segment, while short-haul continues to anchor overall volume.

China’s outbound market comprises three structurally distinct affluent tiers, each defined by distinct travel patterns, booking cycles, spending priorities, and media ecosystems. For destinations and global brands, this segmentation determines channel allocation, pricing strategy, and margin resilience.

Media behaviour signals market maturity

Middle-income travellers are platform-driven. Social media shapes discovery, and OTAs dominate conversion within compressed booking windows.

High-income travellers operate across layered validation systems, combining social inspiration with OTA and brand verification. Planning cycles are longer, particularly for mid-haul travel.

High-net-worth individuals follow a clear trust hierarchy. Official sources, expert commentary, and curated networks outweigh mass influencers—direct communication and premium service assurance drive conversion.

China’s outbound traveller no longer moves through a single marketing funnel. It moves through three distinct influence ecosystems.

EternityX CEO and founder Charlene Ree comments: “China’s outbound recovery is no longer cyclical. It is structural. When a market surpasses 225 million outbound trips and more than 90% of affluent consumers are planning overseas travel, the conversation shifts from volume recovery to value capture.”

Ree adds: “High Net Worth travellers staying beyond 16 days and deploying six-figure budgets are not incremental demand. They are reshaping revenue density for destinations and premium brands. This is a capital allocation question. Growth will not come from scaling reach. It will come from precision. Brands that pivot from broad acquisition to segmented, trust-led engagement will capture disproportionate share of wallet in the next cycle”. 

The 2026 imperative

Short-haul volume remains anchored by digitally fluent mid-income travellers. High-income households drive mid-haul expansion. High-net-worth individuals underwrite long-haul profitability.

China’s outbound market has matured into a tiered revenue ecosystem. The brands that succeed will treat segmentation not as a marketing tactic, but as a strategic growth framework.

To download the report, visit: https://share-na2.hsforms.com/1b7Vks7XZSwWh7Ykxh127fQcc7go 

About EternityX
EternityX Marketing Technology equips brands and businesses to master the Chinese audience through the power of three—PilotX, NaviX, and MediaX. These cutting-edge, AI–driven solutions provide data–driven insights and precise targeting that help brands connect with profitable audiences in key markets and beyond, powering cross–border marketing campaigns for over 500 brands. 

(Source: EternityX)

ITB China spotlights Georgia

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Newsdesk
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SHANGHAI, 17 February 2026: Georgia has been appointed the Official Partner Destination of ITB China 2026, which will convene from 26 to 28 May 2026 in Shanghai.

At a signing ceremony and press conference held in Tbilisi last week, the announcement highlights Georgia’s continued commitment to the Chinese outbound travel market and the further strengthening of tourism cooperation between Georgia and China.

Photo credit: ITB China. Georgian National Tourism Administration head, Maia Omiadze.

ITB China will work closely with the Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA) on destination promotion, industry exchange, and business matchmaking.

The official signing ceremony and press conference were jointly attended by the Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA) and the ITB China organiser, Messe Berlin (China). The event brought together 35 local tourism organisations and companies, including hotel groups, destination management companies (DMCs), travel agencies, and OTA platforms.

Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili, commented: “Becoming the Partner Destination of ITB China 2026 is a significant milestone for Georgia’s tourism development. 

This partnership reflects Georgia’s strategic commitment to strengthening tourism cooperation with China, expanding business opportunities for our tourism industry, and further positioning Georgia as a diverse, high-quality, and welcoming destination for Chinese travellers.”

Since the introduction of the mutual visa-free travel policy between China and Georgia, awareness of Georgia among Chinese travellers has continued to rise, firmly placing the destination in the outbound travel consideration set. In parallel, discussions and destination-related content about Georgia on Chinese social media and travel platforms have gained momentum, further strengthening market recognition.

China’s outbound travel to Georgia has grown strongly in recent years. In 2024, Georgia welcomed 88,583 visitors from China, marking an 83.4% year-on-year increase. This momentum continued in 2025, with arrivals rising to 127,895, up 44,4% year-on-year, positioning China among Georgia’s fastest-growing international source markets.

About ITB China
ITB China 2026 will take place from 26 to 28 May in the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre. 

Shanghai welcomes medical tourism

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Newsdesk
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SHANGHAI, 17 February 2026: With the implementation of 144-hour visa-free transit across multiple cities in China, international visitors now enjoy significantly greater convenience, and it is driving interest in medical tourism in Shanghai.

Recently, an intriguing trend has emerged. Foreign nationals arriving in Shanghai for business or tourism are now incorporating “health management” or “convenient medical access” into their packed itineraries, blurring the lines between “leisure travel to China” and “medical travel in China”. 

Photo credit: Parkway Shanghai Hospital.

Parkway MediCentre Xintiandi, located in the heart of downtown Shanghai, and Parkway Shanghai Hospital, situated near the Hongqiao transportation hub, are increasingly favoured by international patients for their high-quality, internationally aligned healthcare services, strategic locations, and seamless communication.

Having been rooted in Shanghai for over two decades, Parkway has witnessed and contributed to the “golden era” of the city’s — and the nation’s — opening-up. To date, Parkway has served nearly 500,000 patients in 77 countries and regions. It has been designated an official medical examination provider by several embassies, including those of the UK, Canada, and New Zealand. 

As one of the first international high-quality healthcare providers to enter China, Parkway continues to optimise its service network in Shanghai. Through a three-tiered service system—integrating a comprehensive hospital, medical centres, and community clinics across Huangpu, Changning, Minhang, and Pudong—Parkway ensures citywide coverage and efficient linkage to the Yangtze River Delta healthcare ecosystem, continuously enhancing the accessibility and coordination of regional medical services.

As a comprehensive medical institution, Parkway Shanghai Hospital derives its core strength from a highly experienced medical team, complemented by its proximity to Hongqiao International Airport. The hospital offers multidisciplinary outpatient services staffed by full-time seasoned physicians. Also, it leverages an extensive network of high-quality medical resources, including collaborations with nearly 300 clinically experienced experts from Shanghai’s Class A Tertiary hospitals. 

(Source: Parkway Shanghai Hospital)

Aeroflot boosts Nha Trang flights

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Newsdesk
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MOSCOW, 17 February 2026: Starting on 7 March, Aeroflot will increase flights from Moscow to Nha Trang, Vietnam, from seven to nine per week.

Two flights per day from Moscow (VKO) will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with return flights from Nha Trang on Thursdays and Sundays. On other days of the week, a single daily flight will serve the route.

Photo credit: VNAT. Nha Trang.

A 316-seat Airbus A350 aircraft in a three-class layout — Economy, Comfort, and Business — will serve the route. Flight time is 10 hours and 45 minutes.

Under the current schedule, Aeroflot operates flights to Nha Trang from Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk, and Vladivostok. The airline opened direct flights to the popular Vietnamese resort for the first time in its history in March 2025.

The high season in Nha Trang lasts from February to August.

Sales are through Aeroflot’s website only, as most Western booking channels block the airline and flag searches with a warning: “destination restricted.” 

In 2025, Aeroflot carried 29.5 million passengers (55.3 million if other Aeroflot Group airlines are included).

(Source: Aeroflot)

Air Astana resumes flights to Baku

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 17 February 2026: Astana will resume direct flights from Almaty to Baku this March, increasing the number of flights to Azerbaijan’s capital to four weekly by May 2026.

From 15 March 2026, flights on the Almaty-Baku-Almaty route will operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays. 

Photo credit: Air Astana.

From April, the frequency will increase to three weekly, and from May to four weekly: on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. The new schedule offers daytime departures and arrivals, making travel planning more convenient.

The airline is also increasing flights on the Atyrau-Baku-Atyrau route to three weekly flights from 18 March. Initially, flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, and from April on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

The flight time is three hours and 35 minutes from Almaty and one hour and 25 minutes from Atyrau. The cost of economy-class round-trip tickets, including fees/taxes, starts at USD 320 for flights from Almaty and USD 198 for flights from Atyrau. Tickets are now available for booking on the official website, via the Air Astana mobile app, and through accredited travel agencies.

(Source: Air Astana)

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