HONG KONG, 4 November 2024: HK Express Airways relaunched its Hong Kong-Hiroshima (HIJ) service on 1 November, restoring a vital link between these dynamic cities.
“As Hong Kong’s only low-cost carrier, HK Express delivers affordable travel options with comprehensive coverage across Japan, enabling passengers to explore multiple cities,” said HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao.
HK Express held an inauguration ceremony at Hiroshima Airport on 1 November.
“The continued popularity of Japanese destinations among travellers motivates us to strengthen our presence in the Japanese market. “Through collaborative efforts with our partners, we’ve successfully reinstated the Hiroshima route – one of three routes to Japan launched by HK Express this year – offering travellers direct access to the city’s attractions and nearby regions. The market response following the route launch has been remarkable. To accommodate the growing demand, we will boost frequency to four weekly flights starting from January 2025.”
“Hiroshima has garnered recognition across the globe. As part of the Cathay Group, HK Express is a vital link, connecting international travellers to Hiroshima through our group’s widespread network, bridging this remarkable city to a broader global audience.”
Flight schedule.
The airline launched direct flights between Hong Kong and Hiroshima (HIJ) on 1 November, scheduling three weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It plans to increase flights to four weekly in January.
The airline deploys an A320neo with 188 seats on the route. The average roundtrip fare in December is USD363. There are no competing airlines offering direct flights between Hong Kong and Hiroshima.
Flight UB822 departs Hong Kong (HKG) at 0915 and arrives in Hiroshima (HIJ) at 1330. Flight UB823 departs Hiroshima at 1440 and arrives in Hong Kong at 1800.
Hiroshima is located in the southwestern part of Honshu, facing the Seto Inland Sea. The Itsukushima Shrine and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – are world-renowned spots to visit. Local culinary delights are a must-try; travellers can also venture out to nearby cities such as Onomichi and Yamaguchi.
BANGKOK, Thailand, 1 November 2024: Centara won the Hotel & Resort Management of the Year Award at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024, presented to the hotel group at a recent ceremony in the Thai capital.
Tom Thrussell, Vice President of Brand and Marketing for Centara Hotels & Resorts (on the right), accepts the Hotel & Resort Management of the Year Award on behalf of the company’s leadership.
The awards honour critical players in the travel industry who consistently redefine standards and enhance the travel experience. This accolade reflects Centara’s commitment to excellence in hospitality and its ongoing mission to elevate customer experiences across its properties worldwide.
Centara: A cluster of 2024 awards
It’s been a record year for Centara Hotels & Resorts, clinching eight awards from the Institutional Investor’s 2024 Asia Pacific (ex-Japan) Executive Team rankings in August.
In June, four of the group’s properties in Samui and Hua Hin, (Thailand), the Maldives and Osaka, Japan, were honoured at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, reaffirming the group’s status as a leader in the luxury hospitality sector.
TTG Asia bestowed three awards on the hotel group in September at a ceremony held on the sidelines of the ITCMA show in Bangkok.
Smart Travel Asia awarded its Top Luxury Hotels (ASIA) accolade to reimagined Centara Reserve Samui earlier in October.
DUBAI UAE, 1 November 2024: Emirates has relaunched its daily service between Adelaide and Dubai, flying a Boeing 777-200LR between cities.
The reinstated service offers passengers over 4,200 weekly seats between Dubai and the South Australian capital.
The Boeing 777-200LR aircraft offers 302 seats across two cabins, 38 in business class set in a 2-2-2 configuration and 264 in economy class. This reinstatement will allow more than 220,400 passengers to travel between Dubai and Adelaide annually.
Emirates’ return will significantly impact South Australia’s economy and tourism industry. The South Australian Tourism Commission estimates that the tourism expenditure of daily direct non-stop Emirates flights generate more than USD62 million per year and creates more than 315 full-time equivalent tourism-related jobs for South Australians.
Emirates’ Executive Vice President of passenger Sales and Country Management, Nabil Sultan, said: “Australia remains a priority market for Emirates and one that we have been deeply committed to for nearly three decades. The return of our Adelaide service reinforces our commitment to expanding our Australia network, which now offers 70 weekly services across five Australian cities.”
Flight schedule
Flight EK440 departs Dubai at 0200 and arrives in Adelaide at 2050. Flight EK441 takes off from Adelaide at 2240 and arrives in Dubai at 0520.
Emirates now operates 70 weekly services from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, connecting passengers with over 140 destinations. On 1 December, Emirates will reinstate its second daily service to Perth, offering 77 weekly flights from Australia. With the ability to transport 68,000 passengers per week to and from Australia, Emirates will return to its pre-pandemic capacity. For more information on Emirates or to book a flight, visit the website www.emirates.com.
BANGKOK, 1 November 2024: The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Visa signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) last week titled ‘Reshaping Thailand’s Tourism with Innovation and Advanced Data Analytics’.
It’s part of a broader initiative to grow Thailand’s appeal as a premier destination for international tourists during the Thailand Grand Tourism Year 2025.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool commented: “TAT is committed to advancing our tourism marketing efforts through a 360-degree partnership approach, integrating all sectors both domestically and internationally. This MOU with Visa represents a collaborative effort to enhance tourism through financial innovation, enabling visitors to travel and manage their financial transactions seamlessly.”
Using Visa’s data analytics, TAT aims to develop targeted tourism campaigns and significantly expand digital payment acceptance points, ensuring greater convenience in tourists’ spending.
TAT is confident that this collaboration with Visa will be crucial in boosting tourism capacity and increasing spending among international visitors, particularly from 23 key markets, which account for over 80% of total foreign arrivals and revenue.
Visa Thailand Country Manager Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa added: “We are excited to deepen our valued partnership with TAT, leveraging our global expertise in payments innovation and data analytics. As global travel surges, international visitors increasingly demand a seamless, cashless payment experience akin to those in their home countries. This collaboration bolsters local businesses, unlocks new opportunities for tourism stakeholders, and drives sustainable economic growth for Thailand.
Standouts in the TAT-Visa partnership
The MOU establishes a collaborative framework focused on four main initiatives:
Strategic Marketing Programmes: TAT and Visa will collaborate on implementing the “Five Musts” programme, which includes Must Taste, Must Try, Must Buy, Must Seek, and Must See. This programme will showcase Thailand’s top restaurants, attractions, and unique experiences to enhance tourist engagement and satisfaction.
Visa Expansion and STAR Project: The partnership aims to expand Visa’s acceptance in key provinces to improve the tourism infrastructure. This initiative will offer tourists a convenient and secure payment experience, fostering local business support and community development.
Collaborative Communication and Campaigns: Through co-promoted campaigns, TAT and Visa will join forces to boost awareness and attract global tourists.
Data Analytics and Consulting: Visa’s data analytics capabilities will be crucial in shaping tourism campaigns such as the Winter Sale, Summer Sale, and Thailand Grand Sale. By analysing spending patterns, both organisations aim to refine marketing strategies and drive tourist engagement throughout the year.
This TAT-Visa partnership underscores shared commitment between both partners to redefining Thailand’s tourism landscape through innovation, enhancing the kingdom’s position as a world-class travel destination.
SEOUL, 1 November 2024: Lufthansa German Airlines celebrates its 40th anniversary of flights from South Korea to Germany and offers four weeks of special fares to major European cities, including Frankfurt, where it has operated for the last 40 years.
The offers are also bookable for those who depart from eight cities in Korea with Lufthansa Rail & Air.
Lufthansa has been flying between Seoul and Frankfurt without suspension for four decades. In addition to a Frankfurt service, it connects Korea with Europe and beyond daily with a sister Lufthansa Seoul-Munich flight.
This year, Swiss International Air Lines, part of Lufthansa Group, added a new service on the Seoul-Zurich route.
Lufthansa Group Airlines General Manager Korea Leandro Tonidandel observed that over the past 40 years, this European airline was the first to introduce and operate the latest and largest aircraft, including the A380, B747-8 and A350, on its Korean routes.
Lufthansa recently launched Lufthansa Rail & Air, offering travellers the option to connect Seoul with Europe by combining KTX trains and Lufthansa international flights in eight cities in Korea, including Busan.
The airline opened a Lufthansa check-in counter at Seoul Station City Airport Terminal earlier this year to provide convenience for train passengers and those travelling from Seoul to Incheon International Airport.
GURUGRAM, India, 1 November 2024: Air India has received the Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which is designated as CAR 21 approval.
The designation enables Air India to independently make design changes in-house and more efficiently implement modifications to its aircraft interiors.
Approval was handed over to Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Air India by DC Sharma, Director General, DGCA on 25 October 2024 in the presence of other senior officials of Air India and DGCA, the civil aviation regulator.
Air India is the first airline in India to attain this level of authorisation, accelerating its ability to execute restoration tasks for continuous improvement of its fleet.
DGCA Director General DC Sharma handed over the approval to Air India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Campbell Wilson on 25 October 2024 in the presence of other senior officials of Air India and DGCA, the civil aviation regulator.
Air India had earlier collaborated with Tata Technologies, a global engineering and product development digital services company, to enhance aircraft interiors in its fleet aligned with the CAR 21 approval for aircraft modifications. The DOA is a transformative step towards enhancing Air India’s in-house capabilities, which have been bolstered by decisions to set up its own engineering, maintenance, and training facilities. This will enhance operational efficiency and make the airline more self-reliant.
Wilson commented: “India’s aviation sector is on a growth trajectory and Air India is playing a leading role in it. The approval reaffirms our capabilities to maintain our fleet and commitment to enhance customer experience of our aircraft interiors. Collaborating with Tata Technologies will help us meet customer expectations, aligning with our broader operational excellence and self-reliance goals.”
Tata Technologies Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Warren Harris, speaking on the collaboration with Air India, said: “Our partnership with Air India represents a significant step forward in redefining air travel experiences through innovation and strategic engineering. By leveraging our global aerospace expertise, we are committed to delivering next-generation aircraft interiors that meet the highest standards of functionality and safety and enhance customer satisfaction. This collaboration is a testament to our dedication to engineering a better world and supporting the advancement of the Indian aviation sector.”
The partnership will streamline Air India’s operations by integrating innovative digital thread solutions and smart Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services. This will improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and ensure that Air India’s fleet remains fit to fly, further enhancing passenger safety, comfort and operational reliability.
HONG KONG, 1 November 2024: HK Express Airways has upgraded its “Air + Ferry Pass” to “HK Express Intermodal Pass” in collaboration with Chu Kong Passenger Transport Company Limited (CKS) and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Shuttle Bus (Hong Kong).
Travellers can now purchase both ferry and flight tickets to expedite a swift transfer from Zhuhai Port to Hong Kong International Airport, where they can connect with HK Express flights to major Asian cities.
Photo credit: HK Express.
The upgrade makes travel easier and more convenient, as passengers can complete flight check-in via the upstream check-in service. This allows them to obtain boarding passes at the Zhuhai Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) and check through baggage to the final destination before taking a quick 45-minute ride to the Hong Kong International Airport.
With no further immigration, customs clearance, or boarding procedures, passengers can enjoy a seamless arrival at the airport terminal to board HK Express flights to their destinations.
As luggage has been checked through to the final destination ahead of time, travellers with the HK Express Intermodal Pass will automatically be exempted from the Hong Kong Air Passenger Departure Tax charge. They will also not incur additional checked baggage fees for ferry or shuttle transfers. If a connecting flight, ferry, or cross-border bus is missed, automatic rebooking will be guaranteed over the next available service**.
Seamless connectivity between five GBA Cities
The upgraded HK Express Intermodal Pass covers the existing six operational ports and extends to Zhuhai Port, fully connecting the five major cities in the GBA: Zhuhai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhongshan, and Dongguan.
In a press statement on the upgrade and rebranding of the pass, HK Express says, “It is offering travellers seamless cross-border travel experiences from the Hong Kong International Airport to its extensive network across Asia.”
It establishes the airport as the go-to transit hub between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area cities.
The HK Express Intermodal Pass can be purchased*** through the official HK Express website, mobile app, or WeChat mini app.
Upgraded HK Express Intermodal Pass Network
*Estimated travel time, excluding immigration checks and peak hour congestion. Passengers are advised to arrive at the Zhuhai Port terminal 90 minutes before departure for check-in and to allow ample time during holidays.
**Applicable to unforeseen circumstances only (e.g. operational delay or flight cancellation from HK Express or CKS only)***Journeys involving Zhuhai (Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge) can only be purchased via the HK Express WeChat mini app.
SINGAPORE, 1 November 2024: Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended services to and from Iran and Lebanon until further notice, while flights to Jordan and Iraq will operate only during daylight hours.
In a statement released earlier this week, the airline said: “We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary. For updated travel schedules, visit qatarairways.com or contact the airline’s call centre at +974 41445555. Passenger safety and security remains our highest priority.”
Travel alerts temporarily suspend flights to some Middle East destinations.
Numerous airlines operating from home bases in the Middle East have announced the temporary suspension or reduction of flights to daylight operation to and from Jordan, Iraq, Iran and Lebanon, citing the “current situation” in the Middle East.
Emirates has cancelled flights to Beirut until 30 November and to Baghdad until 14 November.
Lufthansa Group has extended the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv until 25 November, while its low-cost carrier Eurowings has suspended them until 30 November. Flights to Tehran are cancelled until 31 January 2025 and to Beirut until 28 February 2025.
BANGKOK, 1 November 2024: British Airways touched down in Bangkok this week after pausing its Thailand flights in 2020.
The aircraft departed London Gatwick at 2115 local time on Monday, October 28, and landed at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport the following day at 1610 local time.
BA arrives at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport.
Flights will operate three times a week (Monday, Thursday and Saturday) from London Gatwick, increasing to five times per week in January and February 2025 and then reducing to four flights weekly in March 2025.
The airline has assigned a Boeing 777 to the route with 269 seats (four first class, 42 business class, 42 in premium economy and 181 economy).
Flight schedule
Flight BA2231 departs London Gatwick (LGW) at 2115 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 1610 plus a day. Flight BA2230 departs Bangkok at 2255 and arrives in London Gatwick at 0530, plus a day.
Customers have a choice of three cabins: World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), and Club World (business class). Return fares start from UKP718.
The airline also resumed its codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways, which connects customers to five-holiday destinations in Thailand and neighbouring Cambodia from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Customers can travel to Samui and Phuket islands in South Thailand, Chiang Mai in North Thailand, and Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Cambodia.
British Airways Chief Planning and Strategy Officer Neil Chernoff said: “We know that Bangkok has been a highly anticipated route restart for our customers, so we are thrilled to see it firmly back on our global route map.
“Not only does Bangkok itself have so much to offer our leisure customers, but it is also a gateway to some of the most beautiful parts of Southeast Asia, and we are proud to make these more accessible to the UK market.”
British Airways has confirmed it will resume daily flights to Kuala Lumpur from London Heathrow on 1 April 2025. A shortage of engine parts for its Boeing 787 aircraft stalled the start-up of the Kuala Lumpur services, which were originally scheduled to commence this week.
Next month, the airline will launch flights to Tromsø, Norway, from London Heathrow and Ivalo, Lapland, from London Gatwick.
KUALA LUMPUR, 31 October 2024: After nearly thirty years of loyalty to Malaysia Airlines (MAS), it pains me to say that our national carrier, once a symbol of pride and prestige, is rapidly losing its appeal, says frequent flyer Prof Hj Said Bani CM Din.
As a frequent traveller since my 30s and 40s — flying MAS monthly for work worldwide — my commitment to our national airline has remained steadfast. Even in the face of criticism, I stood by MAS, altering flights and routes just to support it.
Saving grace: The airline’s cabin crew wins praise and awards. Photo credit: Malaysia Airlines.
Today, in my late 50s, I still travel monthly to Sarawak and take an annual overseas trip to Mecca. However, I now find myself questioning whether my loyalty is justified.
MH fares are off the charts
Sarawak is a gem waiting to be discovered, with immense tourism potential. However, with current airfares, especially on MAS, many potential travellers are priced out, severely hampering the state’s tourism growth. The recent fares to Kuching are, to put it plainly, shocking. Last-minute bookings are sometimes unavoidable, but I was appalled to be charged nearly MYR4,700 for a return business ticket to Kuching.
Even my staff, flying economy, paid close to MYR3,000 for the same route. Planning ahead doesn’t seem to help much either; even when booked a month in advance, return tickets are close to MYR3,000 for business and over MYR1,300 for economy. This level of pricing is absurd, especially for a domestic route. I believe, as many do, that with premium fares should come a premium experience.
Business lounge setbacks
Unfortunately, MAS no longer delivers on this. The business lounge, once a place to relax before flights, has deteriorated. As I write this on 30 October, the restrooms in the lounge are still under renovation — a situation I encountered throughout September as well.
The dining experience in the lounge has lost its lustre. Recently, while attempting to enjoy a simple nasi lemak, I was served boiled eggs still in their shells. When I requested help to remove the shells, the staff responded, ” We don’t do that,” which was both disappointing and telling of how far standards have dropped.
Inflight falls short
Onboard, the situation doesn’t improve. In business class, we now deal with seats that don’t recline properly. The food, an essential part of any long-haul experience, has worsened. On two recent occasions, the in-flight meals were barely edible.
The lack of comfort in facilities and amenities makes each flight less enjoyable than the last. Even my annual long-haul flights to Mecca on MAS, which I look forward to each year, have not been immune to these setbacks. Travelling such distances should bring an experience that feels seamless and comfortable, but MAS has started to fall short, even here.
Digital frustration
Adding to this is the cumbersome process of booking tickets online. With ticket sales exclusively digital, resolving booking issues becomes frustratingly difficult. Customer service, once a proud element of MAS’s offering, is increasingly subpar, with representatives often unable to assist adequately.
Cabin crew the saving grace
As many loyal customers like myself would agree, the only saving grace is the cabin crew. Their friendliness and dedication are a testament to the heart and spirit MAS was once known for—they are MAS’s real assets.
If MAS continues along this trajectory, it will lose the loyalty of not only long-standing customers like myself but also the new generation of travellers. Competing airlines like Emirates and Saudi Airlines are waiting in the wings, ready to welcome disillusioned MAS customers with open arms.
Losing competitive edge
As I reluctantly contemplate flying with them, I realise how close MAS is to losing its competitive edge. I hope that MAS’s management and its owners take heed of these issues and recognise the urgent need for improvement. This isn’t just about ticket prices or outdated lounges; it’s about restoring pride in our national airline and ensuring it represents Malaysia as it once did—with quality, excellence, and care.
MAS has a legacy worth fighting for, but only if the commitment to improvement is genuine. For the sake of all who continue to fly MAS out of loyalty and pride, I urge the airline’s leadership to act swiftly and decisively to bring MAS back to its roots as a serious and reliable airline worthy of our national identity.
Prof Hj Said Bani CM Din A Loyal (but Concerned) MAS Traveller
