Tuesday, September 23, 2025
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Jiangxi Air makes KUL its first overseas destination

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 28 August 2025: Tourism Malaysia welcomed Jiangxi Air, a low-cost carrier jointly established by Xiamen Air and the Jiangxi Provincial Government, on the successful launch of its inaugural direct service between Nanchang and Kuala Lumpur on Monday.

The landmark flight RY6607 touched down at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), marking the historic arrival of the first-ever direct flight connecting Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi Province, with Malaysia’s bustling capital city. This milestone not only

Photo credit: Tourism Malaysia.

Enhances air connectivity while also strengthening tourism, trade, and investment linkages between Malaysia and China’s eastern region.

The inaugural ceremony was officiated by Chua Choon Hwa, Deputy Secretary General (Tourism) and YBhg Dato Normah Osman, Deputy Secretary General (Policy) of the Ministry of Transport. 

Distinguished guests included Samuel Lee, Deputy Director General (Promotion II), Tourism Malaysia. Also present were Dato Mohd Izani Ghani, Managing Director of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and Kang Zhiyang, General Manager of Jiangxi Air.

“This new air link is a testament to the strong and ever-growing tourism ties between Malaysia and China. It not only enhances connectivity but also supports our continuous efforts to position Malaysia as a premier travel destination in the region. We look forward

to welcoming more Chinese visitors to experience Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse offerings,” said YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia.

The Nanchang–Kuala Lumpur service represents a historic milestone as Jiangxi Air’s first-ever international scheduled route. Choosing Malaysia as its maiden overseas destination

reflects the airline’s strong confidence in Malaysia’s tourism appeal and underscores Malaysia’s role as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia.

Jiangxi Air will operate twice-weekly flights between Nanchang Changbei International Airport and KLIA Terminal 1, utilising its modern Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 175 seats.

From January to June 2025, Malaysia welcomed 2.17 million visitors from China, an impressive 35.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This remarkable growth highlights the rising demand for Malaysian destinations among Chinese travellers. The newly launched Nanchang–Kuala Lumpur route is expected further to accelerate arrivals, particularly from the Jiangxi region.

WTTC recruits CDR as a global member

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 28 August 2025: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) welcomes CDR, a global Talent Advisory firm specialising in luxury hospitality and destination real estate, as its newest global member.

Headquartered in London, CDR partners with organisations around the world to shape leadership and unlock potential across the Travel & Tourism sector.

CDR Founder & CEO Christina Reti. CDR Partners. 

With a strong belief that people are the most valuable asset in the hospitality industry, the firm blends strategic foresight, deep industry expertise, and a human-centric philosophy to connect visionary leaders with transformative opportunities.

To date, CDR has led over 400 C-suite and senior-level placements, spanning the hospitality, real estate, leisure, and luxury sectors. Its international footprint and trusted advisory role make CDR a key contributor to the evolving leadership landscape of the travel and tourism industry.

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “We are pleased to welcome CDR to our global Membership. People power travel and tourism, and the sector’s success hinges on strong, inclusive, and future-ready leadership. CDR’s work in nurturing talent and guiding organisations through transformation will be a valuable asset to our community as we collectively navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

CDR Founder & CEO Christina Reti said: “We are proud to join WTTC at a time when leadership has never mattered more. Nurturing both existing and emerging human capital is essential to shaping a more resilient, inclusive, and innovative global Travel & Tourism sector. We look forward to contributing our voice to this dialogue and collaborating with peers committed to excellence and transformation.”

With its commitment to people-driven change and a future-focused mindset, CDR is set to play an active role within WTTC’s global platform, advancing conversations around leadership, diversity, talent development, and organisational resilience.

Hotels face serious risks using ChatGPT

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TTR WEEKLY
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AMSTERDAM, 28 August 2025: Ireckonu, a leading provider of technology solutions for the hospitality industry, warns hotels about the growing risks associated with the improper use of artificial intelligence (AI) with guest data. 

Ireckonu CEO Jan Jaap van Roon emphasises that the rapid adoption of tools like ChatGPT can lead to serious privacy breaches if proper safeguards are not in place.

Photo credit: Ireckonu. Ireckonu

“We are seeing many hotels experimenting with generative AI without the necessary checks and balances. This is not only a legal risk but also a threat to the trust hotels have built with their guests over the years,” says van Roon.

The main risk lies in public AI models like ChatGPT, which are not designed to handle sensitive guest information. Uploading personal data — names, preferences, or booking histories — could expose it to external servers, often in jurisdictions with weaker privacy laws. In the worst-case scenario, this data could be stored or used to train future models, potentially resulting in heavy fines under regulations such as GDPR.

The solution: Private and internal AI models

Ireckonu recommends using internal or private AI models, trained within the hotel’s own ecosystem. This approach enables hotels to leverage AI-driven personalisation and automation without compromising guest privacy or regulatory compliance.

“Hotels must invest in secure infrastructure, train their staff, and establish clear internal policies for AI use. Tools like Microsoft Copilot, securely integrated into internal systems, offer a much safer alternative than pasting data into public platforms,” adds van Roon.

Ireckonu urges hotel groups, technology providers, industry associations, and regulators to proactively establish clear global guidelines, set standards, and share best practices for the use of guest data with AI. 

“We cannot wait for a scandal to force change. The industry must lead by example and ensure accountability — from technology providers and from ourselves,” concludes the CEO. 

Founded in Amsterdam, Ireckonu provides middleware and Customer Data Platform (CDP) solutions that empower complex hotel groups with unified data, actionable insights, and seamless guest journeys. From boutique properties to global chains, Ireckonu enables personalised, efficient, and data-driven experiences worldwide. 

As the company continues to evolve, expanding its capabilities to enable and execute personalised marketing automation, it further enhances how hotels engage with guests at every touchpoint. Ireckonu currently employs over 75 professionals across Europe, North America, and Asia.

For more company information, check About Us – Ireckonu.

Jetstar resumes Osaka-Manila flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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OSAKA, 28 August 2025: Jetstar Japan will resume flights on the Osaka-Manila route, starting 5 November, with four weekly services using Airbus A320 aircraft.

The airline paused its services from Osaka to Manila in the Philippines almost six years ago.

Jetstar A321neo LR 34 set to fly between Australia and the Philippines.

One-way fares start from JPY11,490 with ticket sales and bookings opening on 26 August.

Flight schedule

GK81 departs Osaka/Kansai (KIX) at 2200 and arrives in Manila (MNL) at 0140 plus a day (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) starting 5 November. 
GK82 departs Manila (MNL) at 0240 and arrives in Osaka/Kansai (KIX) at 0725 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday),

Flights from Perth and Brisbane to the Philippines

Meanwhile, Jetstar schedules flights from Australia to the Philippines with two new direct routes from Brisbane and Perth, with flights available from AUD188.

From 27 November 2025, travellers can fly direct from Perth to the vibrant capital of Manila year-round, and seasonal flights from Brisbane to the tropical paradise of Cebu will start on 3 December 2025.

The new services will operate three times a week using Jetstar’s next-generation Airbus A321LR aircraft, part of the airline’s quieter and more fuel-efficient fleet.

Together, the routes will add more than 108,000 low-fare seats annually, opening up new holiday options for 

Jetstar Group CEO, Stephanie Tully, said: “The launch of low-fare direct flights to the Philippines is an exciting milestone, unlocking two amazing destinations for Aussie travellers.”

Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said: “We know Queenslanders love to experience new destinations and Cebu will deliver in spades with gorgeous islands and people, rich Spanish colonial history, and vibrant street food culture. It is a tropical getaway waiting to be discovered. 

“It also strengthens significant ties for Queensland’s large Filipino community, making it easier to connect with family, while boosting trade and business between the two regions. 

“This new route marks Brisbane Airport’s 34th direct international connection, which is the most ever, continuing our commitment to expanding travel opportunities and bringing the world closer to Queensland.”

Sale fares 

To celebrate the launch of these new flights to the Philippines, Jetstar is offering sale fares starting from just AUD188 (one-way) from Brisbane to Cebu and AUD199 (one-way) from Perth to Manila. Bookings are now open on the airline’s website. 

Southeast Asia Pickleball showdown

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 27 August 2025: Two straight weeks of pickleball action are on the horizon, with PPA Tour Asia bringing back-to-back Cups to the region. 

Malaysia and Vietnam are set to host the most prominent names and most hardcore fans, as pickleball continues to take over the continent’s courts. 

Double cups up for grabs at the Vietnam and Malaysia Pickleball contests.

The action starts with the Malaysia Cup (24 to 28 September 2025) at 9Pickle Setia Alam and Setia City Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, before moving straight into the Vietnam Cup (30 September- 4 October 2025) at Tien Son Sports Arena and Tuyen Son Sports Complex in Da Nang. 

With a USD150,000 professional prize pool at each stop and world-class venues waiting, the events have already locked in some serious star power.  

“We are excited to bring our inaugural PPA Tour Asia Cups to Malaysia and Vietnam in collaboration with our hosts Bold D Court and Manage, and Americas & Asia Connect Company, respectively. Attracting the globe’s best pickleball athletes to the region, fans will be able to watch players from the region challenge the best of the best as the sport continues to grow rapidly across Asia,” said UPA Asia Managing Director Kimberly Koh.

Amateur action will be a key part of both tournaments. Players of all ages and divisions will compete alongside the pros, with gold medals and bragging rights up for grabs across both weeks.

About PPA Tour Asia
PPA Tour Asia features a three-tier tournament structure — Slam, Cup and Open events — ensuring all regions and levels of competition experience the premier pickleball tour. Points earned at these events count towards the PPA Tour Asia Rankings, as players chase the prestigious No.1 crown – the ultimate recognition for dominance in Asian professional pickleball.

About UPA Asia
UPA Asia, operating the PPA Tour Asia, is the premier professional and amateur pickleball tour in Asia, dedicated to expanding the sport’s highest level across the region. By forging strategic partnerships and delivering exceptional tournament experiences, it positions pickleball as a leading sport in Asia.

PPA Tour Asia: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn

(Source: PPA Tour Asia by UPA Asia)

Etihad increases July passenger traffic

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TTR WEEKLY
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ABU DHABI, 27 August 2025: Etihad Airways has released its traffic statistics for July 2025, reporting continued growth in passenger volumes and network expansion.

In July, Etihad carried 2 million passengers, a 19% increase compared to July 2024, when the airline flew 1.7 million passengers. The passenger load factor rose to 90%, up from 89% in the same month last year, reflecting strong demand and efficient capacity management.

Photo credit: Etihad. Fleet expansion continues with the arrival of Etihad’s first A321LR.

Etihad’s operating fleet now stands at 111 aircraft, supporting a growing network of 81 passenger destinations, up from 76 a year earlier. These figures underscore the airline’s ongoing investment in fleet and route development.

Etihad welcomed 12.2 million passengers year-to-date, a 17% increase over the same period in 2024. The average passenger load factor for 2025 so far is 88%, compared to 86% in the previous year. The airline’s rolling 12-month total has reached 20.3 million passengers, further solidifying its position among the region’s fastest-growing carriers.

Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves commented: “Our fleet expansion continues with the notable arrival of our first A321LR. July was a record month, with five new aircraft joining Etihad, including two Boeing 787s, an Airbus A350-1000, an A320, alongside the inaugural A321LR. These additions reflect our commitment to growth and boosting capacity across our global network.”

July performance highlights

Note: (1) Including short-term aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (“ACMI”) leases. Operating fleet includes freighters.

The All Indonesia kicks off at three gateways

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TTR WEEKLY
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BALI, 27 August 2025: Indonesia has introduced a unified digital portal, named “All Indonesia”, to streamline immigration, customs, and health procedures into a single form, replacing multiple separate processes like SATUSEHAT (health declaration) and e-CD (customs declaration) online forms, the Bali Hotels Association reports this week.

The nationwide rollout started on 18 August 2025 and is expected to be completed by October 2025, gradually replacing the old paper forms. The system is currently available for arrivals at airports in Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya.

Photo credit: All Indonesia portal.

In a statement advising travellers heading for Bali, the association clarifies the process that is now required at all international border entry points.

Travellers fill out this form within 3 days (ideally 72 hours) before arrival.

The process takes about 2.5 minutes to complete. 

Upon submission, a QR code is generated and sent via email, which must be presented to immigration/customs upon arrival.

All travellers visiting Indonesia must complete the new All Indonesia Arrival Card.

It’s a mandatory digital entry declaration covering immigration, customs and health declarations, but does not replace visa requirements. 

More information on the All Indonesia arrival form is available here. 

Source: The Welcome Back To Bali Team
www.welcomebacktobali.com

Japan’s ZIPAIR steps up Bangkok flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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TOKYO, 27 August 2025: ZIPAIR Tokyo, a Japanese low-cost airline, confirmed it is adding flights on three popular routes from its home base at Tokyo Narita to Bangkok, Vancouver and Houston.

On the Tokyo Narita – Bangkok (BKK) route, the airline will increase flights from daily to 10 flights per week, starting with the switch to the winter timetable on 27 October, deploying a Boeing 787-8.

Photo credit: ZIPAIR.

Tokyo – Bangkok flight schedule

ZG055 departs Tokyo Narita (NRT) at 1505 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 1945. (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday).
ZG056 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 2215 and arrives in Tokyo Narita (NRT) at 0635 plus a day.  

ZG051 departs Tokyo Narita (NRT) at 1700 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 2140 (daily).
ZG052 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 2310 and arrives in Tokyo Narita (NRT) at 0730 plus a day (daily).

Flights to North America

Flights on the Tokyo Narita – Houston route will increase from three to four flights weekly 

On the Tokyo Narita – Vancouver route,  flights will increase from three to five flights weekly.

Fares on the three routes

AirAsia dumps Bali-Cairns service

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TTR WEEKLY
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JAKARTA, 27 August 2025: AirAsia Indonesia confirms the suspension of its Bali (DPS) – Cairns (CNS) route, effective 19 September 2025, citing the decision was “part of its demand-driven network optimisation strategy, focused on maintaining value-driven travel options.”

Photo credit: Cairns Airport. Off the Indonesia AirAsia grid for now.
https://www.cairnsairport.com.au/

AirAsia Indonesia CEO Captain Achmad Sadikin Abdurachman said: “This decision follows a thorough analysis of demand trends and route performance, ensuring that we focus our resources on the most sustainable and high-demand operations. We are committed to optimising our network in Australia to meet evolving travel needs. We understand the impact on our guests and have proactively reached out to offer flexible options, including full refunds, a credit account, or free flight change to an earlier travel date before the suspension date of 19 September 2025, on the same route within the AirAsia network, at no extra charge and subject to seat availability.”

AirAsia Indonesia said in a press statement that it remains focused on sustainable growth by strengthening key routes such as Bali–Perth, Bali–Darwin and the recently launched Bali–Adelaide. More flights on popular routes and new destinations are under review. They will be announced in due course as the airline charts its international growth strategy, leveraging Bali’s position as an island hub connecting to AirAsia’s broader network covering over 130 destinations.

Refund and credit options

AirAsia has stated that affected passengers have been contacted directly via email and SMS and offered several options:

  • A full refund;
  • A credit account for future travel with AirAsia, valid for two years;
  • A free flight change to an earlier date on the same route, before the suspension date of 19 September, 2025.

Impact on the route 

This move comes just a year after the three-times-weekly service was launched. With AirAsia’s departure, Jetstar remains the only airline operating a direct service between Denpasar and Cairns, with up to four flights per week.

MATTA Fair welcomes MAG as its premier sponsor

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 27 August 2025: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents names Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) as the Official Airline Partner and Premier Sponsor for the 57th National MATTA Fair, 5-7 September 2025, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur.

MAG is a long-standing and valued Premier Sponsor of the MATTA Fair. For this edition of the popular national travel show, MAG will reimagine its 72 booths into a futuristic travel showcase, bringing to life its vision of becoming one of the top 10 global airlines by 2030. 

From left: MATTA Vice President Air Transport Dr Fazil Khan, MATTA president Nigel Wong, MAG Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines Dersenish Aresandiran and MAG Head of Airlines Global Sales Syazwan Ahmad Sabri.

Visitors can expect an interactive and immersive experience, spotlighting the airline’s AI-driven technology, future-forward products, and digital innovations that will redefine the way Malaysians travel at the dedicated MAG Arena.

“Travel is about the connection of places and of the people themselves. With the support of MAG, we have a partner that understands the importance of safeguarding these connections for now and the future generations,” said MATTA president Nigel Wong.

During the MATTA Fair, the MAG Arena, located at the International Hall, Level 3, will feature interactive product showcases, exclusive giveaways, and welcome well-known sports personalities from both global and local arenas.

In celebration of this partnership, MAG will also be the premier sponsor of the crowd favourite — MATTA Fair’s Buyers’ Contest — offering visitors the chance to win the journey of a lifetime. The Grand Prize is a round-trip Business Class ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Paris. At the same time, runners-up will enjoy equally enviable adventures with a round-trip Business Class ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Narita and a round-trip Economy Class ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Auckland, and many more prizes to be won by lucky customers.

MAG Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines Dersenish Aresandiran said: “We are honoured to continue our role as the Official Airline Partner and Premier Sponsor for MATTA Fair 2025…Through Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, MASwings, Amal, and our other subsidiaries, we connect people and places seamlessly, offering travellers both the richness of Malaysia and the opportunities of the wider world. We look forward to welcoming visitors to MATTA Fair with our signature Malaysian Hospitality, while supporting Visit Malaysia 2026 and inspiring people to explore, connect, and experience Malaysia.”

To ensure a smooth visitor experience, MATTA Fair offers free admission and is open from 1000 to 2100 from Friday to Sunday. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the complimentary shuttle services from KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall to MITEC. For those driving, parking facilities are available at the South Entrance basement in MITEC, MITI basement, MATRADE open parking and The MET basement.

For the latest updates, visit mattafair.org.my.

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