MANILA, Philippines, 21 November: As demand for travel between Manila and the West Coast of the USA continues to grow, Philippine Airlines (PAL) will expand its Manila–Los Angeles nonstop service from 14 to 18 flights weekly, starting 1 June 2026.
Currently, PAL’s Manila-Los Angeles flights operate twice daily using the Boeing 777 aircraft. By June next year, it will increase flights to three daily on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (PR122/PR123).
Photo credit: PAL.
Flight schedule Manila-Los Angeles
(PR122/PR123 four weekly Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays).
Flight schedule Los Angeles-Manila
(PR122/PR123 four weekly Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays).
“By increasing our capacity on this key route, we are opening doors for travellers to experience the world-class service and heartfelt hospitality unique to Philippine Airlines, while also supporting the dynamic economic relationship that drives opportunities between the Philippines and the US,” said PAL President Richard Nuttall.
The expanded service offers travellers seamless connections to PAL’s extensive domestic and regional network in Southeast and East Asia.
The increase of flights to Los Angeles marks a significant step in PAL’s North American expansion and coincides with the planned boost in Manila–Seattle services, which will grow from three to five times weekly effective 25 November 2025. These additions further bolster the airline’s daily flights to San Francisco and Guam, thrice-weekly service to New York, and five-times weekly flights to Honolulu.
Complementing the flag carrier’s existing daily Manila–Guam service is PAL’s soon-to-be-launched thrice-weekly Cebu–Guam nonstop flights starting 16 December 2025, which will establish the only direct air link between the two destinations.
BANGKOK, 20 November 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has announced the signing of Centara Life Osaka, marking the group’s second property in Japan and further strengthening its presence in one of Asia’s most dynamic hospitality markets.
Located in the heart of Osaka, the 300-key hotel is conveniently situated near multiple train and subway stations, just 450 metres from Centara Grand Hotel Osaka. Beyond supporting Centara’s long-term international expansion strategy, this proximity between the two Osaka properties enhances operational efficiency, guest experience synergies, and brand awareness in Osaka, Japan.
Rendering of Centara Life Osaka’s vibrant lobby, showcasing the brand’s colorful and stylish design ethos.
The property will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment before reopening under the Centara Life brand in Q2 2026. The total project value is estimated at JPY12.7 billion, comprising JPY5.3 billion in equity investment — jointly funded on a 50:50 basis by CENTEL (Central Plaza Hotel Public Company Limited) and Taisei Corporation — and approximately JPY7.4 billion in project financing.
One of Centara’s six distinctive brands, Centara Life offers a contemporary, lifestyle-driven hotel collection that combines modern design, elevated essentials, and seamless travel experiences. The brand delivers fresh and flexible stays that uplift everyday travel for all, blending comfort and convenience with Centara’s signature warm Thai-inspired hospitality. Centara Life Osaka will cater to both business and leisure travellers seeking modern amenities in a vibrant urban setting.
“We are delighted to strengthen our presence in Japan through this new signing, which marks the next step in our long-term collaboration with Taisei Corporation,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts Chief Executive Officer Thirayuth Chirathivat. “Following the success of Centara Grand Osaka, this new property offers another opportunity to share Centara’s distinctive hospitality in one of Asia’s most vibrant cities. Together with our valued partner, we aim to deliver a modern, lifestyle-focused experience while creating meaningful synergies between our two Osaka properties.”
About Centara Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 84 properties span all major Thai destinations, as well as the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, The Centara Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology.
KUALA LUMPUR, 20 November 2025: Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is advancing its digital transformation journey with a series of enhancements across its airlines and loyalty platforms to give passengers a faster, more intuitive connected way to travel.
Since early 2025, MAG has rolled out digital innovations that enhance its end-to-end travel ecosystem — from booking to boarding — driving greater efficiency, convenience, and personalisation. These efforts form part of a broader transformation to integrate technology across the customer journey, reflecting MAG’s vision to be a future-ready aviation and travel services group powered by innovation and Malaysian Hospitality.
Photo credit: MAG. Winning awards: (Left) ASOCIO Outstanding Digital Transformation Organisation Award 2025; (Right) Platinum for Best Customer Experience in Contact Centre at the Contact Centre Asia Pacific Awards 2025.
TravelReady: Digital document verification
Malaysia Airlines is the first airline in Southeast Asia to introduce the TravelReady feature, integrating digital passport and visa verification directly into its online and mobile check-in process. Travellers can now upload and validate their documents before arriving at the airport, streamlining check-in and ensuring a smoother start to their journey.
Express booking and Apple Pay integration
Malaysia Airlines’ Express Booking simplifies the purchase process with one-click flight booking for returning customers. To make payment as effortless as possible, integration with Apple Pay provides a secure, convenient payment option for users booking flights on both the website and mobile app.
Real-Time Mobile App Notifications
Customers now receive timely alerts on boarding gate changes, flight status and baggage carousel information directly through the Malaysia Airlines mobile app, providing timely insights and reducing travel stress.
MAG’s Official Chatbot – Mavis
Mavis (Malaysia Airlines’ Virtual Interactive Service), available on the website, provides instant answers on Enrich privileges, in-flight offerings, and general queries. It can also escalate cases to live agents, generate check-in or booking links, share real-time flight updates, and deliver round-the-clock support, including weekends and public holidays.
Online redemption and check-in for oneworld flights
Enrich members can now redeem flights across the oneworld alliance directly through the Malaysia Airlines website, unlocking access to over 900 destinations worldwide on a single platform. The new Carrier Connect feature also enables online check-in for oneworld-operated flights, marking a key step toward a more connected alliance-wide digital experience.
MAG, Group Chief Digital & IT Officer Clarence Lee said: “Digital transformation is central to MAG’s strategy to deliver a modern, seamless travel experience. We are investing in technologies that simplify every touchpoint — from booking to post-travel — ensuring convenience, personalisation, and greater operational efficiency as a digitally empowered aviation group.”
Behind these customer-facing enhancements, MAG has strengthened its digital backbone with advanced tools, agile practices, and streamlined processes — all driven by its in-house digital team. A key milestone is the proprietary Online Check-in Product developed through the Digital Services Platform (DSP) for greater control, scalability, and responsiveness. Building on this, the recent DSP Booking cutover marks the first phase of MAG’s transition to its own internet booking engine — a significant step toward more seamless and innovative digital experiences.
Reaffirming its position as a digital leader in the aviation industry, MAG’s Digital Technology Office (DTO) was honoured in Taipei with the ASOCIO Outstanding Digital Transformation Organisation Award 2025 at the ASOCIO Digital Summit. The award ceremony, part of the Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organisation (ASOCIO)’s flagship event, recognised MAG DTO’s significant achievements in leveraging digital technology to drive fundamental business transformation.
Adding to these digital achievements, MAG is proud to have been awarded Platinum for Best Customer Experience in Contact Centre at the Contact Centre Asia Pacific Awards 2025 in Hong Kong. This regional recognition follows MAG’s Gold win at the Malaysia Industry Excellence Awards in 2024.
SINGAPORE, 20 November 2025: CO2 emissions per cruise day during 2024 were 14% lower than in the reference year 2018, and almost halfway to reaching the targeted reduction of 30% by 2030, Ponant Explorations Group reports in its latest Sustainability Report released this week.
The cruise line group attributes the reduction to several improvements made in recent years in fleet energy efficiency and the use of alternative energy sources.
Ponant Explorations Group’s 2024 Sustainability Report confirms that the group has continued on its path towards decarbonisation and reduced environmental impact while supporting scientific research and the development of local communities.
“Our 2024 Sustainability Report provides a clear picture of the progress we have made as well as the road ahead,” says Ponant Explorations Group’s Head of CSR and Sustainability Wassim Daoud. “We are continuing on our path towards decarbonisation and are taking concrete steps to reduce our environmental impact, support scientific research, and help local communities.”
Photo Credit Ponant Explorations Group.
Report takeaways
Decarbonisation: In 2024, CO2 emissions per cruise day were 14% lower than in the reference year 2018, almost half the target of reducing them by 30% by 2030. This reduction is the result of several improvements in fleet energy efficiency and the use of alternative energy sources made in recent years.
To achieve the ambitious goal of net-zero by 2050, the group has also embarked on a programme of breakthrough innovation in naval design and propulsion. Co-funded by the European Union’s Innovation Fund (Emissions Trading System), Swap2Zero is an ambitious R&D project that uses six major decarbonisation technology building blocks that will enable the first transoceanic vessel to achieve zero CO2 eq1 emissions.
Elimination of single-use plastics: Among the significant actions undertaken in recent years, the elimination of single-use plastics is now 100% operational, with 20 tonnes of plastic waste avoided in one year. This action is in tandem with the widespread use of onboard systems for producing drinking water from seawater.
Treating waste: The group is also committed to reducing and treating all waste, 100% of which is now sorted on board. Meticulous collaborative work is being carried out with stakeholders at each port of call to achieve the target of recovering 50% of waste by 2026.
Since 2021, the Ponant Foundation has supported the international Blue Nature Alliance programme, which aims to develop marine protected areas worldwide. The Blue Nature Alliance is a global partnership founded and led by Conservation International. Since January 2022, the foundation has supported biodiversity conservation projects, particularly in New Caledonia, where it has led mangrove restoration initiatives, raised awareness, and empowered local communities to take the lead in these efforts.
DUBAI, UAE, 20 November 2025: Emirates announced orders at the Dubai Airshow 2025 for 65 additional Boeing 777 9 aircraft worth USD38 billion at list prices.
This takes the airline’s total orderbook with Boeing to 315 widebody aircraft, comprising 270 Boeing 777Xs, 10 Boeing 777 freighters, and 35 Boeing 787s. Its order book with GE Aerospace for GE9X engines increases to 540 units, including the 130 additional units signed at the show.
Emirates’ latest agreement with Boeing also provides strong backing for Boeing’s feasibility study to develop the 777-10, a larger variant of its 777X family, with the airline signing up for options to convert its latest 777-9 order into the 777-10 or the 777-8.
Emirates Airline and Group, Chairman and Chief Executive, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “Emirates is already the world’s largest Boeing 777 operator and we are expanding our commitment to the programme today with additional orders worth USD 38 billion for 65 Boeing 777-9s, and 130 GE9X engines. This is a long-term commitment and testament to our partnership with Boeing and GE, and to US aerospace.
“Each of our aircraft on order has been carefully factored into Emirates’ expansion plan, which is aligned to Dubai’s growth plans. Flying a young and modern fleet with innovative cabin products has always been a cornerstone of Emirates’ strategy, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with Boeing to receive delivery of our first 777-9s from Q2 of 2027, and to equip our latest aircraft with state-of-the-art, industry-leading onboard products.”
Commenting on the 777-10 study, HH Sheikh Ahmed noted: “Emirates has been open about the fact that we are keen for manufacturers to build larger capacity aircraft, which are more efficient to operate, especially with projected air traffic growth and increasing constraints at airports. We fully support Boeing’s feasibility study to develop the 777-10 and have options to convert our latest 777-9 order to the 777-10 or the 777-8.”
Over its 40-year history, Emirates has operated every model in the Boeing 777 family and today flies the largest 777 fleet in the world, powered by GE90 engines. Emirates’ 119 Boeing 777-300ERs, 10 Boeing 777-200LRs, and 11 Boeing 777 freighters connect Dubai to over 140 cities and facilitate trade, commerce and tourism traffic across six continents.
Emirates will be expecting Boeing aircraft deliveries through 2038, a long-term commitment and partnership that will engage the skills and craftsmanship of many thousands of workers who manufacture and assemble the 777X and GE9X engines at locations throughout the US.
Emirates aircraft fleet and orderbook
For more information on flights and to make a booking, visit: www.emirates.com.
MELBOURNE, 20 November 2025: Baines’ Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary, has reopened following a complete rebuild that pays tribute to the 19th-century explorer-artist whose watercolours first captured southern Africa’s wilderness for the world.
The six-suite property in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, A&K Sanctuary’s smallest and most intimate, combines sustainability-focused design with meticulous craftsmanship to create what designers describe as a “living gallery” where the delta itself becomes the artwork.
Photo credit: AKTG. The six-suite property in Botswana’s Okavango Delta.
Perched on the floodplains of the Boro River at the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve, the rebuilt lodge draws inspiration from Thomas Baines’ artistic legacy. Working in partnership with Luxury Frontiers, the design team has created spaces that frame views of the wetland with such intention that the landscape reads like a series of paintings.
Architecture as a gallery
The lodge operates under a concept designers describe as an “African pavilion gallery.” Open-plan spaces defined by columns rather than walls create fluid transitions between indoors and outdoors. Raised on stilts and linked by wooden walkways, the six suites and communal areas have a distinctly nautical feel, transplanted into the reedy, wildlife-rich water-world of the delta.
Explore the delta
The lodge’s Explorer’s Lounge is equipped with spotting scopes, interactive maps and a library, whilst Leica binoculars are provided at check-in for wildlife viewing from private decks. A swimming pool extends the watery theme, with sweeping delta views from sun loungers.
Game drives in the early morning and late afternoon explore one of Africa’s most biodiverse habitats. The Okavango Delta’s wildlife populations are extraordinary: Elephants move through the channels in significant numbers, whilst lions, leopards and wild dogs hold territories across the concession. When seasonal floods transform the landscape between May and September, the 5,800-square-mile patchwork of waterways attracts concentrations of resident and migratory birdlife.
When water levels permit, traditional mokoro canoe excursions and motorised boat trips offer different perspectives on the delta’s wetland ecology. Scenic helicopter flights reveal the vast scale from above.
Baines’ Lodge is now accepting bookings. Minimum guest age is 16. The property can be experienced as part of A&K’s signature journeys: A&K Sanctuary Safari — Victoria Falls to the Okavango Delta, or Safari Odyssey Across Southern Africa.
About AKTG (Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group) AKTG is a global lifestyle and travel company encompassing premier travel brands, including Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal, Cox & Kings, and Ecoventura, as well as strategic investments in other travel companies.
About Abercrombie & Kent Abercrombie & Kent pioneered luxury adventure travel with its first African safaris in 1962.
About A&K Sanctuary A&K Sanctuary, part of the A&K Travel Group family, owns and operates luxury safari camps and lodges across Eastern and Southern Africa, as well as riverboats in Egypt and Peru.
BANGKOK, 20 November 2025: Asia Pacific airlines will require 19,560 new aircraft over the next 20 years, representing 46% of the global requirement of 42,520 new aircraft, according to Airbus’s latest regional market forecast.
Airbus Asia-Pacific, President Anand Stanley presented the update during the recent Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines’ (AAPA) Annual Assembly of Presidents in Bangkok, underscoring the region’s continued growth and importance in the global aviation market.
Photo credit: Airbus.
The Asia-Pacific forecast, which includes China and India, reflects the region’s continued fleet expansion, driven by rising passenger traffic. The region’s annual growth of 4.4% has outpaced the global average of 3.6%.
The region will continue to drive global demand for widebody types such as the A330neo and A350 Family, requiring around 3,500 aircraft. This represents 43% of global demand in the larger size categories. Meanwhile, the forecast anticipates the need for 16,100 single-aisle aircraft, such as the A220 and A320neo Family, to support the region’s short- to medium-haul routes.
Airbus estimates that nearly 68% of the aircraft deliveries will support fleet expansion, while 32% will replace older models, significantly contributing to decarbonisation efforts. The next generation of Airbus widebody aircraft offers an immediate 25% improvement in fuel efficiency and a corresponding reduction in carbon emissions.
The A350 has established itself as the leader for long-range operations out of the region, with some 315 A350s already in service in Asia and the Pacific. The aircraft operate from the region on some of the longest flights in the world, including nonstop service from Singapore to New York.
At the same time, the A330ceo replacement cycle is underway, with around 550 A330ceos currently operating in the region. The A330neo is positioned as the natural replacement, offering a seamless transition for airlines, with commonality in pilot training and technical operations between the two models.
SINGAPORE, 20 November 2025: The International Air Transport Association (IATA), together with the governments of Japan, Malaysia and leading industry stakeholders, issued a joint statement at the recent COP30, urging governments and the international community to reaffirm the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s leadership and accelerate coordinated climate action for aviation to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Specifically, the signatories highlight the need for global solutions, emphasising that ICAO remains the exclusive forum for addressing international aviation emissions. The signatories cautioned against fragmented or unilateral measures, stressing that only a unified approach could deliver effective climate results for the sector.
Photo credit: IATA
The signatories also stress the role of robust global carbon markets in scaling up climate finance opportunities, which is high on the COP agenda and central to the Baku to Belem Roadmap.
“Aviation is a catalyst for global connectivity and economic development. To achieve net zero emissions by 2050, governments must reaffirm ICAO’s role as the single global authority, fully implement CORSIA, and operationalise Article 6 to unlock climate finance for developing nations,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.
“Fragmented taxes and levies will not cut emissions—they risk diverting funds from actual emission-reduction investments, which is a critical climate consideration, and will only weaken connectivity and harm those who depend on it most.”
Key points from the joint statement
ICAO’s central role: The statement reaffirms ICAO’s authority, established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol, as the sole body for regulating international aviation emissions. The signatories urge all States to uphold ICAO’s leadership and avoid duplicating mechanisms across international processes.
Strengthening CORSIA: The signatories call on all governments to strengthen implementation of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), approved by all 193 ICAO Member States and a cornerstone for achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In CORSIA’s First Phase (2024-26), airlines are expected to purchase upwards of 200 million credits, generating USD 4–5 billion in revenue. This will increase sharply over the coming years, as the scheme is expected to offset nearly 2 billion credits through 2035. This climate finance will directly support high-quality, independently verified emission-reduction projects — particularly in developing countries — significantly advancing the objectives of the Paris Agreement and promoting sustainable development, technology transfer, and job creation.
Urgent implementation of Article 6: The statement calls on all host countries to operationalise Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, issue Letters of Authorisation (LoAs), and enable the release of CORSIA-Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs). These steps are essential to mobilise international climate finance and support sustainable development.
Taxes and levies are not climate solutions: The signatories caution that taxes and levies, notably ticket taxes such as those proposed by emerging coalitions, are not effective climate instruments and risk negatively affecting investment in real emission-reduction projects. Such measures can impair connectivity and disproportionately harm developing economies and Small Island States.
DUBAI, 20 November 2025: Etihad Airways confirms a significant expansion of its Airbus widebody fleet by placing a firm order for six A330-900s, becoming the latest A330neo customer.
In addition, the airline has disclosed an order for seven additional A350-1000s (total 27) and three A350F (total 10).
Photo credit: Etihad
The agreement was signed earlier this week at the Dubai Airshow, where Etihad Airways also announced the commitment of nine A330-900s on lease from Avolon.
“These aircraft strengthen our operations across medium-haul, long-haul, and cargo. The A330neo brings the right combination of efficiency and flexibility for our regional and mid-range growth, while the A350-1000 continues to deliver exceptional performance on our long-haul network. The A350F freighter adds significant capability to our cargo division as global demand continues to expand. Our partnership with Airbus continues to play an important role in shaping our future fleet, and we are proud to be building one of the world’s most modern and efficient widebody operations,” said Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves.
“Etihad Airways’ continued investment in our latest-generation widebody aircraft is a testament to the strength of our partnership and the shared vision we have for the future of aviation in the UAE and beyond,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “The combination of the A350 Family and A330neo will deliver unmatched efficiency and flexibility to Etihad’s operations, supporting its future development.”
The A350 is the world’s most modern widebody aircraft, designed to fly up to 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 kilometres non-stop. The aircraft features state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics, delivering unmatched efficiency and comfort. Its latest-generation Rolls-Royce engines and use of lightweight materials provide a 25% advantage in fuel burn, operating costs, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions compared to previous-generation competitor aircraft.
The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers. The A350F is also the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027. The assembly of the test aircraft in Toulouse is currently underway.
Powered by the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo is designed to fly up to 8,100 nautical miles / 15,000 kilometres non-stop and to reduce fuel burn, CO2 emissions, and operating costs by 25% compared to previous-generation competitor aircraft. The A330neo features the award-winning Airspace cabin, which offers passengers a unique flying experience.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330neo and the A350 Family can operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims to have its aircraft capable of up to 100% SAF by 2030.
SINGAPORE, 20 November 2025: Hainan Airlines will commence twice-weekly flights from Qionghai in Hainan province to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, effective 7 December 2025, following the successful reintroduction of flights from Haikou, the province’s capital, last May.
The airline will deploy a 179-seat Boeing 737-800 on the Qionghai-Kuala Lumpur route, flying twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays. Round-trip fares start at USD221.
Photo credit: Hainan Airlines. Hainan Airlines unveiled its new A330 series aircraft in the Hainan Free Trade Port on 2 November.
Qionghai is a county-level city located in the eastern part of Hainan Province, China, a large tropical island province situated in the southernmost part of the country, in the South China Sea.
Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for Hainanese travellers, but Qionghai is also the ancestral home of many overseas Chinese, particularly those living in Southeast Asia, making it a meaningful destination for Malaysians of Hainanese descent keen to reconnect with their ancestral heritage.
Flight schedule Qionghai-Kuala Lumpur
Scheduled for launch on 7 December 2025. Flight time: Three hours and 10 minutes.
HU497 departs Qionghai (BAR) at 1640 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2010. HU498 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1215 and arrives in Qionghai (BAR) at 1525.
Meanwhile, Hainan Airlines also operates a direct route from Haikou (HAK) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and will increase frequencies from five to six weekly, effective 1 December. (Additional flight on Mondays). Currently, flights depart Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Flight schedule Haikou-Kuala Lumpur
HU755 departs Haikou (HAK) at 1640 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2010. HU756 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2115 and arrives in Haikou (HAK) at 0040.
