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MH backs Manila’s Travel Madness event

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KUALA LUMPUR, 14 July 2025: Malaysia Airlines is the Official Airline Partner of the Travel Madness Expo (TME) 2025, one of the Philippines’ biggest travel and trade fairs, which convened from 11 to 13 July 2025 at Hall 1-4, SMX Convention Centre, Manila.

Malaysia Airlines offered visitors to the travel show a chance to check out the A330neo cabin layout, through Virtual Reality (VR), featuring the innovative Collins Aerospace Elevation Business Class seats and the award-winning Recaro CL3810 Economy seats. 

Malaysia Airlines rolls out travel deals at Travel Madness show.

In conjunction with TME, Malaysia Airlines offers return fares starting from PHP14,613 in economy class and from PHP45,080 in Business Class, available for bookings made until 21 July 2025, for travel from 8 July 2025 until 31 March 2026. 

This special deal is available exclusively via the Malaysia Airlines website and mobile app. Featured destinations include Kuala Lumpur, Paris, Auckland, Jakarta, and Singapore, inviting travellers to enjoy seamless connectivity across Malaysia Airlines’ expansive network, serving as the gateway to Asia and beyond.

To further enhance the travel experience, Malaysia Airlines continues to offer its Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme, inviting international passengers to double their adventure with a stopover in Malaysia. With this offer, travellers can enjoy a complimentary domestic return flight to one of seven exciting destinations—including Langkawi, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Kota Kinabalu — at no extra fare, just pay the taxes. Fully integrated into the international ticket fare, this initiative transforms every visit into a multi-destination experience, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Malaysia.

Travel Innovators Inc President and Chairperson of the 12th Travel Madness Expo, Paz Alberto, said: “TME has always been about connecting people to experiences that enrich their lives, and we’re thrilled to have Malaysia Airlines onboard once again as our Official Airline Partner. The airline also reinforces our shared mission of promoting travel that is accessible, seamless, and meaningful.”

Asia Pacific airlines gain 19.9% passenger growth

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KUALA LUMPUR, 14 July 2025: Asia Pacific carriers achieved USD7.3 billion in combined net profits in 2024, supported by strong growth in passenger traffic and a marked recovery in cargo volumes, based on preliminary financial performance figures released last week by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines.

Nevertheless, AAPA said in a press statement, “the region’s carriers faced a challenging operating environment due to ongoing supply chain constraints and rising operating costs.”

For the year 2024, robust growth in business and leisure travel, both within the region and globally, resulted in a 19.9% increase in systemwide passenger demand in revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms. Meanwhile, a surge in e-commerce activity and disruptions to maritime shipping contributed to a solid 13.9% increase in international air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), following two consecutive years in decline.

Asia Pacific airlines recorded a 7.7% increase in operating revenue, reaching a combined total of USD213.9 billion in 2024, compared to USD198.6 billion in 2023. Aggregated passenger revenue rose by 8.8% to USD170.4 billion, while cargo revenue climbed by 10.3% to USD23.2 billion. Robust traffic growth more than offset the impact of a 9.2% decline in passenger yields to 8.0 US cents per RPK, and a 3.2% decline in air cargo yields to 32.7 US cents per FTK.

Combined operating expenses rose by 8.4% to USD199.8 billion for the year, due mainly to a 10.1% increase in non-fuel expenditure to USD138.9 billion. Persistent supply chain challenges, including shortages of spare parts, aircraft delivery delays and aircraft groundings due to engine issues, drove up maintenance and leasing costs. Inflationary pressures also contributed to higher staff expenditure and airport charges.

Fuel expenditure, the single largest cost item, rose by 4.8% to USD60.8 billion, in tandem with an increase in flights operated. The increase was partly mitigated by a 13.4% decline in jet fuel prices to an average of USD98.1 per barrel in 2024. The share of fuel expenditure as a percentage of total operating costs averaged 30.5%, down from 31.5% in 2023.

Commenting on the financial results, AAPA Director General Subhas Menon said: “2024 was a year of remarkable resilience for Asia Pacific airlines, as carriers confronted multiple challenges while achieving strong growth in both passenger and cargo demand, along with record passenger load factors. However, airlines were not immune to cost pressures. The marked increase in operating expenses, particularly non-fuel costs, underscored the impact of supply chain constraints. Despite this, Asia Pacific airlines demonstrated their adaptability, delivering operating margins of 6.6% for the year, just 0.6 percentage points under the 7.2% in 2023.”

Looking ahead, Menon noted, “The region’s carriers continue to face considerable headwinds, including elevated operating costs and ongoing supply chain disruptions. Geopolitical tensions may lead to renewed volatility in oil and currency markets while air cargo markets may soften further, as uncertainties over trade negotiations dampen demand for air shipments.”

“Nevertheless, air passenger demand is expected to remain relatively resilient, amidst continued growth in the region’s economies. In response, airlines are actively refining their business strategies, maintaining cost discipline while pursuing new revenue streams. At the same time, carriers are investing in fleet modernisation, digital innovation, and enhanced service offerings to deliver a high-quality travel experience.”

ITA Airways is increasing BKK flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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ROME, 14 July 2025: Italy’s Rome-based ITA Airways is increasing its direct flights to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport from the current three weekly to daily in December.

ITA Airways’ flight AZ758 from Rome (FCO) to Bangkok (BKK) currently operates using an Airbus A330-900neo configured with 281 seats, flying to the Thai capital three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. 

Flight schedule

Flight AZ758 departs Rome (FCO) at 1510 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 0810 on the following morning.
Flight AZ759 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 1215 and arrives in Rome (FCO) at 1855. ( Monday, Wednesday, Friday.)

Effective 27 October, the start of the winter timetable, the airline will increase flights to five weekly, departing Rome on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Departure times remain the same.

Then, based on the latest update on winter timetable schedules, the airline will increase its Bangkok flights to daily, effective 1 December.

The average roundtrip fare on the route currently stands at USD980, declining to around USD891 during the last quarter.

From December 2025 until March 2026, frequencies on ITA Airways’ Bangkok route will increase to daily, maintaining the same departure and arrival times. Flights will use an A330-900neo  configured with 28 business class seats, 28 premium economy and 225 in economy.

ITA Airways’ business class offers passengers fully reclining seats, QC Terme amenities kit, onboard wi-fi connection, and a Michelin-starred food menu. On the ground, it delivers priority desk check-in, special security check lanes, priority boarding, and lounge access.

The new summer menu designed by Chef Moreno Cedroni is available in Business Class on all intercontinental flights departing from Italy. 

Cedroni is the owner of the acclaimed two-Michelin-starred restaurant “Madonnina del Pescatore.” For ITA Airways, the chef has crafted four signature dishes that reflect his culinary philosophy, rooted in respect for the sea and the environment. 

Meanwhile, ITA Airways, with Lufthansa Group Airlines, launched mutual Premium Services on 1 July 2025.

Since the launch in March of the first ITA Airways services aligned with Lufthansa Group airlines’ offerings, customers can enjoy a smoother and more comfortable travel experience, benefiting from advantages such as reduced transit times, seamless access to codeshare flights with Lufthansa Group airlines, and access to 130 lounges worldwide.

Since 1 July, new Premium Services enhance the travel experience by offering Priority Check-in, a dedicated Transit Desk, Priority Boarding, Fast Track access, additional baggage allowance, and complimentary seat selection onboard, available with all airlines that are part of the Lufthansa Group.

These services will be available to Club Executive and Club Premium members of the Volare loyalty programme when flying with Lufthansa Group airlines. Simultaneously, Miles & More Hon Circle and Senator members will also enjoy these services on ITA Airways-operated flights.

Furthermore, Volare Club Plus members travelling on flights operated by Lufthansa Group airlines will have access to the following services: Priority Reservation Wait List, free additional baggage, Priority Check-in, and Priority Airport Waiting List. These same benefits will also be available to passengers with Frequent Traveller (FTL) status in the Miles & More loyalty programme.

“The new Premium Services aligned with Lufthansa Group airlines’ offering represents a consistent step forward towards a smoother and more comfortable travel experience for our clients, affirmed ITA Airways’ CEO and General Manager Joerg Eberhart. “These new features are the result of our close collaboration with the Group and further strengthen the collaboration we have been developing since the early stages of our partnership.”

Turkish expands network in Southeast Asia

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 14 July 2025: Turkish Airlines is increasing flights on the Istanbul-Bangkok route during the winter timetable that kicks in 27 October, while announcing that it will introduce a new service to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with a stop in the Thai capital effective 10 December.

Currently flying 17 round-trip services a week on the Istanbul-Bangkok route, the airline will increase frequencies to 21 flights per week on 27 October.*  

Starting 10 December, Turkish Airlines will introduce a new three-weekly service on the Istanbul (IST) – Bangkok (BKK) – Phnom Penh (PNH) route. This marks the first time Phnom Penh will be served by Turkish Airlines, making Cambodia the seventh country served by the airline in Southeast Asia. It will also increase round-trip flights to and through Bangkok to 24 weekly.

New service Bangkok – Phnom Penh

TK52 will depart Istanbul (IST) at 2205 and make a transit stop in Bangkok (BKK) at 1115. The flight will depart Bangkok at 1310, arriving in Phnom Penh (PNH) at 1440.
TK53 will depart Phnom Penh (PNH) at 1915 and arrive in Bangkok (BKK) at 2045. After a transit stop in Bangkok, TK53 will depart Bangkok (BKK) at 2140 and arrive in Istanbul (IST) at 0455.

The three weekly flights to Bangkok and Phnom Penh will depart Istanbul on Monday, Friday and Sunday using a Boeing 777-300ER configured with 353 seats.

Turkish Airlines’ new Istanbul-Bangkok-Phnom Penh route exemplifies a “fifth-freedom” strategy, providing local sales in Bangkok and Phnom Penh while developing Bangkok as a gateway to expand its reach into secondary Southeast Asian markets. 

Last June, the airline signed a Joint Business Agreement with Thai Airways International that signalled the green light for the two airlines to fly a combined 42 frequencies on the Istanbul – Bangkok route.   

The initial phase of the JBA will focus on enhancing codeshare flights and aligning schedules between Istanbul and Bangkok, effective by the end of the year.

The partnership aims to provide seamless travel experiences, expand connectivity between Turkey and Southeast Asia, offer more flight options, and foster tourism and trade between the two regions. It also allows both airlines to leverage their respective networks (Turkish Airlines’ global reach and THAI’s strong regional presence in Asia).

The agreement introduces a revenue-sharing framework, aligning their commercial strategies on the Istanbul-Bangkok route to optimise efficiency and maximise passenger volumes.

Currently, direct flights from Istanbul to Bangkok are operated by both Turkish Airlines and Thai Airways (daily), with Turkish Airlines offering 17 flights weekly (TK68, TK58, TK64).

Istanbul – Bangkok

TK68 departs Istanbul (IST) at 0140 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 1505 (daily).
TK58 departs Istanbul (IST) at 1530 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 0420 (daily).
TK64 departs Istanbul (IST) at 1945 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 0840 (Monday, Friday, Sunday).

*TK64 flights increase from three weekly to daily, effective from 27 October, giving Turkish Airlines a total of 21 flights weekly between Istanbul and Bangkok.

Bangkok – Istanbul

TK69 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 2315 and arrives in Istanbul (IST) at 0610 (daily).
TK59 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 0550 and arrives in Istanbul (IST)  at 1230 (daily).
TK65 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 1010 and arrives in Istanbul (IST) at 1645 (Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday).

Beyond Thailand, Turkish Airlines intends to ultimately expand its network in Southeast Asia with new routes or increased frequencies to cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Manila.

Politically incorrect tourism webinars launch in Thailand

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 10 July 2025: A new series of Travel & Tourism webinars, designed to broaden the focus of industry discourse to cover ‘politically incorrect’ subjects, has been launched in Thailand.

The first one is set for 18 July on the topic of “What Next for Thai Tourism? – Life After 65”.

The webinars have been conceptualised and designed by Imtiaz Muqbil, Executive Editor of Travel Impact Newswire, one of the longest-serving travel trade journalists and a respected historian of Asia Pacific tourism. 

He describes a ‘politically incorrect’ webinar as one which “goes beyond the traditional comfort zones, steers clear of mumbo-jumbo sloganeering, and promotes an honest, intellectually-stimulating, respectful and productive discussion of issues that matter. Nothing, repeat nothing, is off the table,” Muqbil says.

He calls the current crop of industry forums “an insult to the intelligence of participants,” claiming the topics all steer clear of anything even remotely controversial for fear of upsetting the organisers and/or sponsors. 

“The speakers all end up saying the same thing. The questions are whetted and routed via moderators or through apps where they can be selectively chosen. Does that contribute to a productive, interactive session? I don’t think so.”

Muqbil argues that Thailand is the best launchpad for such a project, considering it ended the first half of 2025 with visitor arrivals of 16.7 million, a 4.6% decrease from the first half of 2024. 

“What was once the leading tourism destination in Asia is now one of the worst-performing. A desperate industry is working overtime to crank up the numbers. However, it is only treating the symptoms. The root causes run much deeper and have been building up for years, mainly because they were kept off the table.”

Unfortunately, he says, the Thai tourism industry is still failing to ask itself some critical ‘politically incorrect’ questions, such as:

  • Is it repeating all its past mistakes?
  • As an ageing destination, what “health & wellness” therapies are required?
  • Is the Tourism Authority of Thailand on the right track?
  • Is the industry leadership ready and up to the mark?

He adds, “I go to dozens of industry forums where the same old line-up of visionary, thought-leaders who rehash the same old textbook solutions.

“Garbage in, then leads to garbage out. Travel & Tourism deserves better. It is no longer an economic lifeline but a source of national security. As the industry is constantly talking about change, its discussion forums must mature and change, too.”

The 18 July session will include a carefully researched analysis of visitor arrivals over the first six months from 75 source markets, which Muqbil says provides clear indicators of where future marketing opportunities lie. A discussion of the ‘politically incorrect’ topics will follow, exploring some underlying, long-term solutions.
In conclusion, he affirms that the webinar’s core strength lies in its independence and sponsorship-free nature. 

Participants will need to support the webinars by paying a fee to help cover the costs of research, organisation and analysis.

Click here for registration and more details: 

https://www.travel-impact-newswire.com/2025/07/what-next-for-thai-tourism-life-after-65-sign-up-for-thailands-first-politically-incorrect-webinar/ 

NCL appoints chief marketing officer

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 10 July 2025: Norwegian Cruise Line has appointed Kiran Smith as Chief Marketing Officer, succeeding Adam Malone, who will transition into the newly created role of Senior Vice President of Guest Experience. 

Both will report to NCL President David J Herrera and serve as members of the Brand senior leadership team.  

Kiran Smith

With decades of experience elevating public and private companies and bringing them to the next stage of their growth potential, Smith will lead the marketing team in building a unified approach to executing data-driven strategies designed to put the guest at the centre. Insight-driven storytelling will be at the core of strengthening the brand, increasing guest engagement, driving sustained performance and attracting new cruise audiences.

Norwegian Cruise Line has a strong pipeline of ships on order, with seven new builds being added to the fleet through 2036, resulting in an overall 50% increase in capacity growth. 

Additionally, last April, the cruise line announced plans to expand the guest experience on its 5.6-acre private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, with a new multi-ship pier; an expansive area for guests to soak up the warm Bahamian sun, complete with an oversized heated pool.

(Source: NCL)

ACI ranks the world’s busiest airports

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TTR WEEKLY
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MONTREAL, Canada, July 10, 2025: Airports Council International (ACI) World has released the 2025 Edition of its World Airport Traffic Dataset, confirming the world’s busiest airports in 2024 across three major categories: passenger traffic, air cargo volumes, and aircraft movements.

Built from over 2,800 airports across 185 countries and territories, the dataset provides a comprehensive snapshot of global air transport demand and activity over the past year.

Passenger Traffic Highlights

Global passenger traffic hit a new high in 2024, surpassing 9.4 billion travellers, up 8.4% from 2023 and 2.7% above pre-pandemic levels (2019).
The top 20 airports alone processed 1.54 billion passengers, capturing 16% of global traffic.

Among notable shifts

Shanghai Pudong (PVG) climbed 11 positions to rank 10th globally.
Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) sustained its comeback, holding 12th place after ranking 57th in 2022.
The US contributed six airports to the top 20, dominated mainly by domestic traffic, except for JFK, where international passengers made up 56%.

Cargo traffic highlights

Air cargo rebounded with close to 127 million metric tonnes handled in 2024 — up 9.9% year-over-year and 4.1% over 2019.
The top 20 cargo hubs moved 52.2 million tonnes, up 9% from 2023 and 10.8% above pre-pandemic levels.

Key growth drivers

Maritime route volatility, led shippers to seek more reliable and faster alternatives via air.

E-commerce acceleration is driven by consumer demand for faster fulfilment across borders.

Falling jet fuel costs lowered operating expenses and improved air freight competitiveness.

Biggest mover: Dubai International (DXB), jumping from 17th to 11th in the rankings.

Aircraft movement highlights

Aircraft movements topped 100.6 million globally in 2024— an increase of 3.9% year-over-year, reaching 96.8% of 2019 levels.

The top 20 airports saw 11.08 million movements, up 5.4% year-over-year.

Shanghai Pudong (PVG) again showed strong momentum, rising 10 places to become the 8th busiest airport by movements.

ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci said: “These rankings reflect the scale of global aviation and the resilience of the industry that continues to grow, despite the complex global environment. In these times of constant change and uncertainty, reliable data like this is necessary to help airports navigate through the increasing headwinds. Our mission is to empower airports with data and intelligence like this report, as well as with the tools, support and advocacy they need to thrive in this dynamic environment.”

Cunard brand gains T+L readers’ attention

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SINGAPORE, 10 July 2025: Luxury cruise line Cunard has been named the #2 Best Large-Ship Ocean Cruise Line in Travel + Leisure’s prestigious 2025 World’s Best Awards.* (Disney Cruise Line moved up from second place in 2024 to take the top spot this year).

The Cunard cruise brand celebrates 185 years, and this summer, the newly refreshed Queen Elizabeth continues a successful maiden season sailing to Alaska from Seattle. This October, the ship will mark another historic milestone for Cunard — Queen Elizabeth’s first Caribbean season and the brand’s first time homeporting in Miami.

Photo credit: Carnival Corporation. Queen Mary 2, the world’s only ocean liner, continues Cunard’s legacy of iconic ocean travel.

Each year, Travel + Leisure honours the top destinations, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, and more through its World’s Best Awards, determined by the publication’s readers. The annual survey celebrates the places and companies that consistently exceed travellers’ expectations across key areas such as service, cuisine, destinations, entertainment and onboard ambience.

More information about the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, including the full list of 2025 winners, can be found at: Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025 

*The Full List (large ship ocean cruise lines)

1. Disney Cruise Line
Reader Score: 88.33

2. Cunard
Reader Score: 85.04

3. Holland America Line
Reader Score: 83.62

4. Celebrity Cruises
Reader Score: 82.60

5. MSC Cruises
Reader Score: 80.71

Langham hires Downing for Bangkok project

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 10 July 2025: Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) has named Nick Downing as General Manager of The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok. 

The appointment is the first of a series of key hires the group is making ahead of the riverside retreat’s opening in late 2026.

Nick Downing, General Manager, The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok.

Downing brings more than three decades of luxury hospitality experience from across Southeast Asia, Australia and the Indian Ocean. He most recently served as general manager of The Siam in Bangkok.

His previous leadership roles span both corporate and on-property positions, including posts at Minor Hotel Group, where he managed a cluster of 12 hotels; W Retreat Koh Samui, which he successfully repositioned; and Per Aquum Hotels & Resorts, where he steered key development projects and the seamless opening of the renowned Huvafen Fushi resort.

Downing will report to Sherona Shng, LHG’s Regional Vice President of Operations, Asia.

Located in Bangkok’s Bang Rak District, The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok is being developed by Rabbit Holdings, a subsidiary of BTS Group. The 78-key hotel will occupy a striking site along the Chao Phraya River and incorporate the city’s historic Custom House building, an architectural treasure that is being restored as part of the project.

Signature features at the property will include an outpost of The Langham, Hong Kong’s three-Michelin-star Cantonese restaurant, T’ang Court. 

ACI World opposes air travel tax

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 10 July 2025: ACI World has expressed serious concerns regarding the decision by France, Kenya, Barbados, Spain, Somalia, Benin, Sierra Leone, and Antigua & Barbuda to launch a coalition ahead of COP30, focused on introducing a new tax on air transport.

The proposed tax would focus on premium flyers as a means to fund development, climate mitigation, and public health initiatives.

Changi Airport Singapore. Changi Airport is the world’s fourth busiest international air hub. Photo credit: Fact Sheet: Changi Airport Terminal 5 – Singapore

ACI World cautions that, while well-intentioned, such a tax risks undermining the air transport sector’s critical role in driving economic development, global connectivity, and progress toward sustainability.

“We fully support the global pursuit of sustainable development and climate resilience,” said ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci.

“However, targeting aviation with additional taxes is likely to undermine the very connectivity and economic growth that support these goals. The aviation sector must be empowered — not penalised—if we want to achieve long-term global progress.”

Aviation taxation threatens air connectivity 

Taxation on aviation has proven to hinder air connectivity and negatively impact regional economic growth. The economic benefits lost due to these taxes can be twice as large as the revenue governments collect from them. ACI research on the Taxation of International Air Transport and Airports estimates that the removal of the USD90 billion in taxes paid by aviation users would create 5.2 million jobs and USD180 billion in global GDP.

New taxes, such as the one proposed, also risk impacting regions that are particularly dependent on air connectivity for trade, tourism, and broader development.

Moreover, the eight States announced plans to invest “all or parts of the proceeds into resilient investments and fair transitions.” However, there is a significant risk that these funds will be diverted to other uses rather than serving their intended purpose.

New taxes risk undermining net-zero trajectory

The coalition of eight States announced it would work towards a “better contribution of the aviation sector to fair transitions and resilience.” However, the global aviation sector already is following an ambitious, coordinated plan to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, through the leadership of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), including the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)—the international market-based system specifically designed to address aviation emissions.

Call for fairer global solutions

ACI World joins ICAO, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), and others in cautioning against measures that extract value from aviation without reinvestment in its sustainable future. A globally fragmented approach—such as a tax imposed by a “coalition of the willing” — could distort competition, undermine environmental integrity, and disproportionately impact developing economies that rely on air transport for growth.

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