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Vietjet delivers dividend payout

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SINGAPORE, 29 April 2026: Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company presented the highlights of its 2026 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, earlier this week, promising a new development phase anchored in “global expansion, sustainable growth, and long-term value creation for shareholders, underscored by a 30% dividend payout on its 2025 results.

In 2025, Vietjet recorded positive business results, exceeding the set targets. The airline operated 135 aircraft, including 101 aircraft based in Vietnam, across 254 routes. It transported 28.2 million passengers on more than 153,000 flights.

Vietjet’s 2026 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders marks the beginning of a new phase of development, driven by a global vision, sustainable growth, and long-term shareholder value.

Strong 2025 Performance exceeds targets 

Vietjet reported consolidated revenue of VND82.093 trillion (SGD3.98 billion), while profit after tax reached VND2.123 trillion ( SGD102.90 million). This represented a 51.2% increase and achieved 120% of the company’s target. The airline also contributed VND10.537 trillion (SGD510.07 million) in direct and indirect taxes and fees.

At the AGM, shareholders approved a 30% dividend payout in shares, reflecting Vietjet’s continued commitment to delivering value to investors.

In 2025, Vietjet also placed orders for 100 Airbus A321neo aircraft, with 50 additional purchase options, and 20 Airbus A330neo wide-body aircraft. These orders position Vietjet among the airlines with the largest aircraft order books globally.

These figures reflect Vietjet’s efficient, safe and reliable operational capacity, growth momentum, and outstanding resilience amidst a volatile global aviation industry.

Global strategy — scaling up the ecosystem

Entering 2026, Vietjet remains committed to its strategy of “Fly the world – Reach new heights”, with a focus on expanding its international network and strengthening its aviation ecosystem.

The airline is targeting key long-haul markets, including Europe and the US, while developing a modern fleet comprising Airbus A321neo, Airbus A330neo and Boeing 737-8 aircraft. Vietjet is also deepening strategic partnerships with leading global aviation companies, including Rolls-Royce, CFM and Pratt & Whitney.

As part of its long-term development strategy, Vietjet is pioneering the establishment of an International Aviation Finance Centre, in collaboration with the Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City. The airline is also investing in its wide-body fleet and Business class cabins, which have been well received by customers, particularly on long-haul routes.

Vietjet Chairwoman, Dr Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo, affirmed the airline is committed to delivering value not only through the 2025 results, but through a future of disciplined, sustainable growth and expanding opportunities.

Vietjet’s Board of Directors and Independent Member Dr Philipp Rösler shared: “Vietjet has long prepared for the expansion of its flight network to Europe. With a model that combines cost-effective management and essential services, Vietjet will maintain its competitive cost advantage while providing a wonderful experience for passengers on long-haul flights.”

The airline is investing in a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul centre at Long Thanh, while also carrying out ground self-handling services at Vietnam’s two largest airports, Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat, to optimise operational costs.

Vietjet continues to develop the Vietjet Aviation Academy as part of its strategy to secure a pipeline of high-quality aviation talent. In 2025, the academy organised 15,198 courses for 162,100 trainees, representing increases of 53% and 30% respectively compared to 2024.

The airline is also diversifying ancillary products and services to grow revenue, while expanding financial and technological cooperation with global partners. These initiatives are designed to support disciplined, efficient and sustainable growth.

(Source: Vietjet)

Air Canada receives its first Airbus A321XLR

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SINGAPORE, 29 April 2026: Air Canada took delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR in Hamburg earlier this week, a next-generation single-aisle aircraft designed to fly longer routes efficiently and with greater passenger comfort. 

The arrival of this aircraft, leased from SMBC Aviation Capital, marks an important milestone in Air Canada’s fleet renewal and growth strategy, with a total of 30 A321XLR aircraft (15 to be leased, 15 to be acquired directly from Airbus SAS).

Photo credit: Air Canada.

“The Airbus A321XLR introduces a dynamic new component to Air Canada’s growth strategy, greatly expanding our flexibility to launch new international routes and improve our offering on existing markets. This game-changing aircraft will shortly be deployed across the Atlantic from Montréal and Toronto, while also becoming a staple on key North American transcontinental markets,” said Air Canada Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo, Mark Galardo.

“By combining transatlantic range with a significant reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions, the A321XLR will further empower Air Canada to unlock ambitious new routes with unprecedented efficiency. We are very proud to see our latest-designed aircraft take flight under the iconic maple leaf,” said Airbus Commercial Aircraft EVP Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry.

The A321XLR delivery is the latest step in Air Canada’s multi-year fleet modernisation programme, which focuses on customer experience, operational resilience, and fuel-efficiency improvements compared with older-generation aircraft. 

In addition to the A321XLR, Air Canada has announced orders for eight A350-1000s, with deliveries starting in 2030, and 14 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners. It also continues to take deliveries of the Canadian-built Airbus A220, with 23 aircraft remaining on its firm order of 65. Five Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on lease are scheduled for delivery in 2026.

(Source: Air Canada)

Macao hosts PTM 2027

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 27 April, 2026: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) confirms that its annual PATA Travel Mart 2027 will be organised in Macao, China, from 20 to 22 September 2027. 

The event will be hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO).

Photo credit: PATA.

“For the first time in a decade, the Association’s flagship travel mart will be organised in Macao, China,” said PATA CEO, Noor Ahmad Hamid. “We had the opportunity to experience the destination’s world-class hospitality in 2010 and 2017 during the first and second PATA Travel Marts held in Macao, and most recently in 2024 during the PATA Annual Summit. Furthermore, MGTO has also been a longstanding supporter of the PATA Gold Awards for more than 30 years.”

He added: “We look forward to jointly working with MGTO in preparation for the travel mart, as well as bringing our global network of leading exhibitors and buyers to the destination next year.”

PATA Travel Mart is one of Asia Pacific’s longest-standing international travel trade exhibitions. Structured as a three-day event, PTM 2027 will feature networking and contracting opportunities to help travel and tourism organisations gain access to influential decision-makers across the Asia Pacific. Buyers and exhibitors will expand their professional network and strengthen existing business partnerships to reinforce their foundation and ensure robust growth.

Alongside the main travel trade show, PTM 2027 will offer delegates access to a full-day insight forum on the latest tourism trends, the PATA Gold Awards 2027 celebration, and additional social functions across the three-day programme.

(Source: PATA)

Thai AirAsia slashes flights to Indian cities

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 29 April 2026: Thai AirAsia (FD) announced on Tuesday a capacity adjustment for Q2 2026 (May to June), which reduces overall seat capacity by an average of 30% to address the ongoing impact of skyrocketing global aviation fuel prices and the seasonal softening of mid-year travel demand. 

For domestic routes, the airline says it will optimise flight schedules to maintain the widest possible network for passengers and sustain its dual-hub operations at both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports. 

Photo credit: Thai AirAsia.

Internationally, adjustments will primarily impact the Indian market, where “elevated operating costs currently challenge our ability to offer the affordable fares our guests expect.”

Thai AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Phairat Pornpathananangoon noted: “We have continuously done our utmost to adapt and efficiently manage our costs in response to the prolonged spike in aviation fuel prices, coupled with the traditional mid-year travel slowdown.

“Aviation fuel constitutes our primary operating expense, and with jet fuel prices having surged more than threefold recently, we must rigorously optimise our operational plans by reducing frequencies and temporarily suspending several unviable routes. 

“For our domestic network, we are scaling back our flight schedules at Suvarnabhumi Airport, retaining only the direct services from Suvarnabhumi to Chiang Mai and Phuket during May and June,” he explained. 

On the international front, the airline has suspended and reduced frequencies primarily on Indian routes due to high operating costs that currently prevent sustainable, competitive pricing. 

“Meanwhile, operations across key markets, including China, East Asia, and ASEAN, remain steady. The airline maintains a highly agile strategy and closely monitors global conditions. Should fuel prices stabilise and travel demand accelerate, Thai AirAsia stands fully prepared to rapidly reinstate and scale up its flight operations to serve our passengers once again.”

(Source: Thai AirAsia)

Scoot adds two Indonesian destinations

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SINGAPORE, 29 April 2026: Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, has confirmed the launch of two new routes this May and June to Belitung and Pontianak in Indonesia from the airline’s base at Changi Airport, Singapore.

The airline will deploy the 112-seat Embraer E190-E2 aircraft on the two new routes.

Photo credit: Scoot. Embraer E190-E2 pioneers flights to new destinations.

Belitung stands on the eastern coast of Sumatra and is known for its distinct geological formations, rich biodiversity, and pristine coastlines. The island is also home to the Belitung Tarsier, a nocturnal primate subspecies found only on the island. 

From 3 May 2026, Scoot will launch two flights per week to Belitung.

Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan, sits directly on the equator and is home to the Equator Monument, where visitors can stand between the northern and southern hemispheres. This culturally rich riverside city, set along Indonesia’s longest river, the Kapuas River, also enjoys a reputation as a food haven with its wide variety of local specialities. 

From 29 June 2026, Scoot will operate three weekly flights to Pontianak.

One-way economy class fares start from SGD99 to Belitung, and SGD129 to Pontianak, inclusive of taxes.  

With the launch of services to Belitung and Pontianak, Scoot’s network will increase to 85 destinations across 18 countries and territories.

In addition to the new destinations, Scoot has also increased flights to meet travel demand, especially during the school holiday season. 

Since early April, flights to Phuket have increased from 17 to 21weekly, and flights to Sibu from three to four weekly. From June 2026, flights to Bali and Jakarta will increase from 28 to 35 weekly. Also in June, services to Labuan Bajo will increase from two to three weekly, services to Lombok from four to 10 weekly, and services to Manado from six weekly to daily. 

In North Asia, frequencies to Okinawa increased from three to four times weekly since early April 2026. Similarly, frequencies to Changsha will increase from four to five times weekly. In Europe, frequencies to Vienna will increase from three to four times weekly from June 2026. 

Meanwhile, the airline continues its direct service from Singapore to Chiang Rai in far north Thailand, although frequencies reduce from four to three weekly as of 4 May 2026. Departure days from Singapore are Monday, Thursday and Friday. Effective from 3 May to 12 August, the airline has set its one-way starting fare at SGD72 (tax included). 

(Source: Scoot)

Thai AirAsia X reduces flights from DMK

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 29 April 2026: Thai AirAsia X (XJ) will reduce flights on its routes connecting Bangkok-Don Mueang (DMK) to Tokyo (NRT), Osaka (KIX), Almaty, Kazakhstan (ALA), and Delhi, India (DEL). 

It has also suspended services between Don Mueang and Shanghai (PVG), China, since 17 April 2026, and between Don Mueang and Riyadh (RUH), Saudi Arabia, from 14 April to 30 June 2026. 

Photo credit: AirAsia X.

This capacity adjustment is in response to the ongoing global situation stemming from the war in the Middle East that has led to a sharp escalation in aviation fuel prices.

Thai AirAsia X Chief Executive Officer Pattra Boosarawongse said in a press statement earlier this week: “We have had to make the difficult but necessary decision to reduce and temporarily suspend certain flights, particularly during the second quarter. This is a direct response to the prolonged surge in global aviation fuel prices and the broader operational impacts surrounding our Middle East routes.

“We apologise for any disruption these schedule adjustments may cause, especially on our highly popular direct routes to Japan. We want to assure our passengers that we have meticulously managed our schedule to maintain sufficient flight frequencies, guaranteeing that guests travelling during the upcoming consecutive holidays will reach their destinations smoothly.”

(Source: Thai AirAsia X)

Air Astana postpones return of Middle East flights

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 28 April 2026: Air Astana is extending the temporary suspension of flights to Dubai until 31 May due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Passengers affected by the cancellations are offered a full refund with no penalties or free rebooking in the same class of service for flights departing until 31 July inclusively. 

Photo credit: Air Astana.

They are also offered re-routing to other Air Astana flights with departures until 31 July, subject to payment of any fare difference and airport taxes. The penalty fee applied for previously rebooked tickets is non-refundable.

In a statement released over the weekend, Air Astana said it continues to monitor the situation in the region and will inform passengers of any further changes.

(Source: Air Astana)

Qatar reinstates Middle East flights

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Newsdesk
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DOHA, 28 April 2026: Qatar Airways has resumed flights between Doha and key destinations across the Middle East, reinstating daily services to the United Arab Emirates and Syria.

Effective since 23 April 2026, Qatar Airways reinstated daily flights to Dubai (DXB) and Sharjah (SHJ), with a daily service to Damascus (DAM) commencing on 1 May 2026.

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

Flight resumptions are part of a phased restoration of Qatar Airways’ global network, building on the airline’s mid-April announcement confirming the expansion of its flight schedule from 16 June 2026 to more than 150 destinations across six continents.

Qatar Airways advises passengers to check its official website or app regularly and to ensure their contact details are correct and up to date.

Passengers who had confirmed bookings with a travel date between 28 February and 15 September 2026 are eligible for the following:

Complimentary date changes to a new travel date up to 31 October 2026 when rebooking on flights operated by Qatar Airways, subject to availability and fare seasonality.

If your flight is impacted, you remain eligible for additional fee-free changes until 31 October 2026.

Refund of the unused ticket value. Refunds may take up to 28 working days to be processed.

(Source: Qatar Airways)

Jazeera Airways reopens flights from Kuwait

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Newsdesk
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KUWAIT, 28 April 2026: Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s low-cost carrier, confirmed over the weekend the resumption of direct flights from its dedicated Jazeera Terminal 5 (T5) at Kuwait International Airport starting Sunday, 26 April. 

This follows the official announcement by the Kuwait Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA) of the airport’s reopening.

Photo credit: Jazeera Airways.

Jazeera Airways Chief Executive Officer Barathan Pasupathi said: “Following the official announcement by the Kuwait DGCA, we are proud to once again take to the skies from our home at Terminal 5, Kuwait International Airport.

After more than 55 days of airspace closure, this moment marks not just the resumption of operations, but the reconnection of Kuwait to the world, a milestone everyone has been eagerly awaiting.”

The return to Kuwait marks a significant milestone after a period of operational disruption, during which Jazeera Airways successfully maintained essential connectivity for Kuwait through its dual-base operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This involved setting up operations at Qaisumah and Dammam Airports, with more than 500 employees deployed from Kuwait, 14 of 23 aircraft, and various other operational equipment moved to the two bases.

Jazeera also set up a departure and arrivals hall in Mishref to facilitate check-in, baggage handling and other services related to the overland transportation from Kuwait to the two airports in Saudi Arabia.

T5 will operate for limited hours in accordance with the directive from the Kuwait DGCA.

Bookings are now open for direct flights from Kuwait to Amman, Beirut, Mumbai, Cairo, Kochi, Damascus, Delhi, Dubai and Istanbul for the first week.

Jazeera will continue to operate some flights via Dammam until the airport is fully open and serves all flights.

The airline’s CEO noted: “Through Project Barakah, we kept Kuwait connected via the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with dual bases in Qaisumah and Dammam, and we are extremely grateful to the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) for all their collaboration and cooperation.”

(Source: Jazeera)

Phu Quoc sets its sights on aviation hub status

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 28 April 2026: Vietnam’s Phu Quoc International Airport is set to become a next-generation, fully self-service aviation hub ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2027 Forum, which is due to convene in Phu Quoc in November 2027. 

Sun Group, one of Vietnam’s largest private conglomerates, has partnered with SITA to lead this transformation. To support Vietnam’s rapidly growing air travel demand, the parties have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a framework for broader collaboration across Sun Group’s future airport developments in Vietnam.

Photo credit: SITA.

Phu Quoc International Airport is projected to handle 24 million passengers annually once the new Terminal 2 opens, with long-term capacity designed to scale to 50 million. The development comes at a pivotal moment and will place Phu Quoc in the global spotlight as a rising destination in the Asia Pacific region.

Under the Phu Quoc project, SITA will deploy an end-to-end suite of airport technologies across the new terminal, delivering a fully self-service passenger experience. Travellers will be able to check in, select seats, print boarding passes and bag tags, drop their luggage, and board their flights through automated touchpoints.

The new terminal will feature SITA Flex Hybrid, supporting 204 common-use workstations for passenger processing. To secure operational resilience, SITA Local Departure Control System (DCS) will be deployed as a backup.

Passengers will use 150 SITA Smart Path kiosks for check-in, seat selection, boarding pass printing, and tagging of check-in bags; 100 SITA Smart Path Bag Drop (Scan & Go) units for self-service baggage drop; and 38 dual-lane SITA Smart Path Gates for automated boarding. All systems are seamlessly coordinated through the SITA Smart Path Hub biometric technology.

Real-time baggage tracking and reconciliation will be delivered through SITA Bag Manager Lite, supporting four baggage workstations and 20 handheld terminals. Airport operations will be powered by SITA Airport Operational Database (AODB), while passenger information will be managed by SITA AirportVision Evolved, covering 397 displays. Overall, airport operations will be overseen by SITA Airport Management, which will support 10 operational workstations.

The project, which began development in March 2026, is scheduled to open in July 2027.

“We are pleased to partner with SITA on this strategic collaboration to support the transformation of our airport portfolio. As we continue to invest in world-class aviation infrastructure, SITA’s proven expertise and end-to-end technology capabilities will play a key role in helping us deliver smarter, more efficient, and seamless passenger experiences,” said Sun Group. President Nguyen Chi Thanh.

The partnership extends beyond a single terminal. Sun Group has designated SITA as a key strategic technology partner for its broader airport transformation initiative in Vietnam. The operating model established at Phu Quoc will serve as a template for future developments, including Phan Thiet Airport and planned projects in Con Dao and Rach Gia. Over the next five years, Sun Group aims to expand its airport footprint to at least five locations across Vietnam, with each targeting the five-star Skytrax standard.

“Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the region, and this partnership with Sun Group marks a key milestone in supporting that growth with future-ready infrastructure. By bringing together SITA’s end-to-end airport technologies, we are delivering smarter, more efficient, and scalable airport operations,” added SITA President, Asia Pacific, Sumesh Patel. “As Phu Quoc evolves into a key aviation hub ahead of APEC 2027, we are proud to support Sun Group’s vision of delivering world-class passenger experiences while strengthening connectivity across Vietnam.”

Phu Quoc International Airport will be operated in partnership with Singapore’s Changi Airports International, bringing internationally recognised standards to what is fast becoming a major leisure destination. 

The airport upgrade forms part of a broader effort to integrate aviation with Sun Group’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem on the island, which includes luxury resorts, entertainment destinations, and Sun Phu Quoc Airways, launched in November 2025.

SITA and Sun Group have worked together since 2019, when SITA first delivered airport technology solutions at Van Don Airport. This new agreement deepens that relationship and reflects a shared commitment to advancing air travel infrastructure in Vietnam.

(Source: SITA)

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