DUBAI, UAE, 15 September 2025: Emirates won global recognition on Friday at the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO in Long Beach, California, winning two notable awards — the 2026 APEX Best Global Entertainment Award for its ice inflight entertainment system and a 2026 APEX World Class award for all aspects of the airline’s customer experience and brand.
Emirates’ ice wins the 2026 APEX Best Global Entertainment Award
From a selection of more than 600 airlines globally, Emirates scooped the 2026 APEX Best Global Entertainment award from one million verified passenger votes. Emirates ice has long been celebrated as the world’s most extensive media library in the sky, providing customers with more than 6,500 channels of diverse entertainment and information. Within its vast library, customers can choose from up to 2,000 movies, 650 TV shows, and 4,000 hours of music, podcasts, and audiobooks across 40 languages. Ice partners with all the best providers, including HBO Max, Disney+, Paramount+, Food Network, CBeebies, Discovery+, BBC, Bloomberg Originals, Shahid, BBC Earth, Animal Planet, HGTV, Nickelodeon and Spotify to provide trending and current content. Ice also offers five channels of live TV covering sports fixtures and news, as well as providing updates, news headlines, flight times and an in-flight airshow to follow the flight’s progress and see the world from 40,000 feet through external cameras.
Emirates is also rolling out the installation of a new Thales’ AVANT Up system for its 50-strong fleet of new Airbus A350 aircraft. At an investment of over USD350 million, the next-generation in-flight entertainment on the Emirates’ A350s offers a suite of ground-breaking and innovative features. The game-changing technology includes Optiq 4K QLED HDR displays, the capacity to host triple the amount of content, improved ‘live’ television options, innovative and user-friendly interfaces, and enhanced passenger connectivity.
Emirates receives 2026 APEX World Class award for 6th consecutive year.
Introduced in 2021, Emirates has once again received an APEX WORLD CLASS™award for its suite of products and services beloved by customers across the world, for the 6th consecutive year. Emirates was recognised and defined as world-class across all categories, including safety and well-being, sustainability, service and guest experience, food and beverage, brand integrity, hospitality, personalisation, comfort, connectivity and many more. The APEX World Class award is a top achievement, audited by industry professionals on real flights in real time.
The 2026 APEX World Class award is another testament to Emirates’ customer promise of ‘fly better’, and builds on multiple other accolades received in recent months. Emirates claimed the top spot as ‘Best Long Haul Airline’ at The Telegraph Travel Awards 2025. Recognised for its world-class products, exceptional services, and unmatched travel experiences, the airline was voted the best long-haul carrier in the world by 20,000 Telegraph Travel readers. Emirates continues to be the airline of choice for customers worldwide, and was also recognised as ‘2025’s Most Recommended Global Brand’ by YouGov, the only airline to be featured on the top 10 global list.
For more information on the airline and to book a flight, visit www.emirates.com.
KUCHING, 15 September 2025: Sarawak is attracting strong Interest from China for corporate meetings and incentives following its sales mission to the MICE Meeting Point in Beijing, China, which reached out to corporate and business event buyers.
Showcasing Sarawak’s distinctive value proposition for impact-driven corporate experiences, the promotion highlighted authentic cultural offerings, world-class meeting infrastructure, and a pioneering legacy impact strategy.
Jason Tan Chin Foo, Deputy CEO (right) and Adrian Goh, Business Development Manager for Corporate Meetings and Incentives (left) at MICE Meeting Point Beijing on 11 and 12 September 2025.
“The outcome of our mission was highly positive, with a strong wave of interest and multiple enquiries for collaboration. This is good news for Sarawak as we are in the midst of developing a new brand for corporate meetings and incentives, designed to showcase Sarawak as Asia’s preferred destination for meaningful and purpose-driven business events,” said BESarawak CEO Amelia Roziman.
“China is a high-potential market and we are pleased to see the high level of engagement and interest during the two-day business exchange,” said BESarawak Deputy CEO Jason Tan Chin Foo. “This is a promising step towards building stronger business relationships in China and curating products and services that suit the Chinese corporate meetings and incentive market.”
Sarawak recorded 28,815 visitors from China in the first five months of 2025. The destination had already demonstrated strong growth with arrivals nearly doubling from 39,243 in 2023 to 74,721 in 2024 – a superb 90.4% increase. With a target of 100,000 Chinese visitors set for 2025, Sarawak signalled strong confidence in the market’s vast potential and rising appeal as a destination.
MICE Meeting Point is a high-profile event platform designed explicitly for the Chinese MICE and business travel industry. It features a conference with insightful sessions from top-level industry leaders and experts, as well as B2B networking sessions at Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing.
About Business Events Sarawak BESarawak was established in 2006 by the Sarawak Government as a non-profit destination marketing organisation to promote Sarawak for national and international business events. Support and services include, but are not limited to, bidding services, developing business events of interest, delegate marketing, financial support and developing incentive itineraries. BESarawak is a member of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Union of International Associations (UIA), and Union des Foires Internationales (UFI) – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.
KOTA KINABALU, 15 September 2025: SWWICE 2025 has firmly positioned Sabah as a pioneer in sustainable holistic wellness tourism, harnessing its breathtaking natural landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage, and a community of visionary wellness practitioners.
The event unfolded over 10 days during June and July, creating a powerful catalyst for cross-border collaborations, global wellness certifications, and future-focused investments that are shaping Malaysia’s rising wellness economy.
With growing international recognition, Sabah is now poised to take centre stage in redefining the global wellness narrative, anchored in sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural authenticity.
SWWICE 2025 garnered the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia, Sabah Tourism Board, Sabah Convention Bureau, and the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), positioning Sabah as a premier wellness tourism destination.
Wellness journey continues
Discover the 10 Sustainable Wholistic Wellness Pillars in action at upcoming QiMag-supported events in Sabah:
17–19 October and 7–9 November 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
Learn more about AEI Wellness, QiMag, and future SWWICE initiatives at: www.swwice.com
Standouts — Sustainable Wholistic Wellness International Conference & Expo
The three-day SWWICE 2025 Conference, hosted at the Magellan Sutera Resort in late June, adopted the theme “Sustainable Wholistic Wellness Tourism,” welcoming over 250 participants from 15 countries, and showcased 26 distinguished speakers across fields such as integrative medicine, sustainable architecture, energy healing, and transformational leadership.
The Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, Sabah and Chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board, YB Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, opened the event that explored four topics:
Voice for Health – community-led wellness dialogue sessions;
Kadaiku – celebration of Sabahan cultural crafts;
Rakta Wellness – bio-resonance and holistic therapies;
North Borneo Herbs – promoting indigenous healing traditions.
Live therapy demos focused on frequency treatments, soul alignment, breathwork, and emotional clearing, reflecting the 10 Pillars of Sustainable Wholistic Wellness.
Borneo Excellence Wellness Tourism Gala Dinner
The Gala Dinner led by Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd CEO Thonny Chee was the launchpad for the non-profit Energy Medicine Practitioners Association Malaysia (EMPAM), plus recognition of EMPAM founding members and the Vital Energi Seal presentation to Alexander Geissler (Germany) for BioHotel Mattlihaüs.
SWWICE Wellness & Smart Lifestyle Expo
Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) was the venue of the Expo that featured 300 booths and energetic themed zones such as
SWWICE Wellness, Smart Lifestyle, Baby Festival & Life and business matching with GoGlobal Solutions
Total sales across the Expo exceeded MYR3.6 million, signalling strong regional interest in wellness-driven and health-tech solutions.
Additionally, over MYR300,000 in cash, vouchers, and products were given away as lucky draw prizes and exclusive gifts throughout the Expo.
SINGAPORE, 15 September 2025: Air Astana and Air India strengthen cooperation on key routes between Kazakhstan and India through a codeshare partnership covering Air Astana’s services between Almaty-Delhi and Almaty-Mumbai.
Under the agreement, Air India will place its ‘AI’ designator code on Air Astana-operated flights, allowing Air Astana to offer customers greater connectivity and convenience for travel between the two countries.
From left to right: Air India CEO Campbell Wilson and Air Astana Group CEO Peter Foster.
Air Astana Group’s CEO Peter Foster commented: “We are delighted to have concluded a comprehensive codeshare agreement with Asia’s oldest airline…India is of key strategic importance to the Air Astana Group as we expand our flights from Kazakhstan to Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa. The codeshare will accelerate the increasingly strong business, tourist and student traffic flows between our two countries”.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson responded: “Our new codeshare partnership with Air Astana creates stronger air links to Kazakhstan, a fast-growing market with immense tourism potential. Beyond serving leisure travel demand, our partnership will also support trade and cultural exchanges between our two countries, while bringing a new destination in Central Asia closer to our customers.”
The new arrangement builds on an existing interline partnership between Air Astana and Air India that began earlier in 2025. Under this agreement, Air Astana customers have already enjoyed convenient connections via Delhi and Mumbai to 18 destinations across India, as well as nine international destinations served by Air India. At the same time, Air India passengers have gained access to Air Astana’s network through Almaty, connecting to key cities in Central Asia and China, including Astana (Kazakhstan), Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), Dushanbe (Tajikistan), and Urumqi (China).
HONG KONG, 15 September 2025: Hong Kong’s most significant annual cycling event, the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), is set to return on 30 November.
This year’s edition offers fresh activities and experiences for sports lovers to immerse in the city’s vibrant energy, focusing on professional races on new routes along city streets that will provide an iconic road-cycling experience against Hong Kong’s skyline, as well as a cycling-themed carnival with sports and entertainment experiences.
Photo credit: HKTB
Registration for the Hong Kong Cyclothon opened on 13 September.
HKTB Chairman Peter Lam commented: “The Hong Kong Cyclothon is a true highlight of our sporting calendar, offering locals and visitors an exceptional competitive cycling experience and showcasing the city’s ability to blend sport with tourism.”
50km and 32km rides open to 6,000 cyclists
This year’s event continues to place a strong emphasis on mass participation by hosting the most popular 50km ride, allowing cyclists to ride through four tunnels and over three bridges. There is also the 32km ride, which covers ‘two tunnels and two bridges’.
The City Cycling Challenge around the Greater Bay Area (Hong Kong) – Sun Hung Kai Properties Men’s and Women’s Open will feature new, more demanding routes to elevate the excitement of the competition. Looking ahead, the HKTB aims to expand the Hong Kong Cyclothon across the Greater Bay Area and work in partnership with neighbouring destinations to build a world-class tourism brand for the region.
HKTB to Host Cyclothon Carnival at West Kowloon
The sporting extravaganza extends to the West Kowloon Cultural District’s Art Park, where the HKTB will present an action-packed Cyclothon Carnival. From morning to dusk, the carnival will offer a dynamic mix of music and sports performances. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food booths, sports gear markets, interactive emerging sports experiences, face painting stalls, balloon art workshops, and other fun-filled activities.
PATTAYA, 15 September 2025: Leaving Bangkok behind, the road south to Pattaya is a journey familiar to many. But as you drive past the city centre and continue a little further down the coastline to Na Jomtien, a different environment emerges.
Here, the beaches are broader, the pace gentler, and the new Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa rises with confident elegance. It is Pattaya, but not as you know it.
The Sugar Palm design takes your eyes soaring skyward.
This striking resort, set along a golden stretch of sand, feels like a statement of intent. Marriott International and Asset World Corp (AWC) have come together to create something new: a resort that blends contemporary design, family-friendly leisure, and five-star style with an eco-conscious heart.
The most striking element of the resort is its architectural concept inspired by the sugar palm trees of the region. Step into the soaring lobby and you are surrounded by columns that twist upwards like towering palms, their canopies flaring into organic patterns that mimic fronds reaching for sunlight. It is a space that feels both dramatic and welcoming, a modern homage to nature that sets the tone for the rest of the resort.
Na Jomtien Beach.
Ownership and vision
The Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa is a flagship for AWC, one of Thailand’s most forward-looking real estate groups, and the first premium-branded Marriott resort in Pattaya. AWC has made sustainability a cornerstone of its projects, and this property follows suit, designed to meet LEED certification standards and reflecting a commitment to redefine Pattaya’s image.
The resort’s eco-inspired entrance is masterful.
For decades, Pattaya’s reputation was tied to nightlife and neon. This resort points in a different direction. Its focus is family, food, wellness, and experiences that reflect Thailand’s coastal beauty rather than overshadow it.
Rooms and suites
With 289 rooms and suites, the property offers a wide range of accommodation. Deluxe rooms, starting at 33 square metres, are light-filled, with clean lines, private balconies, and well-planned layouts that balance work and relaxation. Bathrooms are contemporary, fitted with rain showers and sleek finishes, while plush bedding and soft linens ensure a restful night’s sleep.
For those seeking more space, suites stretch to nearly 90 square metres. These provide living areas, expansive terraces, and sea views that stretch across the Gulf of Thailand. Families will find the interconnecting room options practical, while couples can opt for higher-floor suites where sunsets are best enjoyed with a glass of wine.
Every detail feels thought-through, with a design ethos that is modern but softened by local touches, drawing inspiration from the sugar palm trees and coastal setting that surround the resort.
Meet the team: l-r Ekapoj (Dio) Yamlamai, Director of Operations, GM Michael Hogan and Rungkamol (Game) Kamolnithi, Cluster Director of Marcom & PR.
Culinary excellence
If there is one element that defines the Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa, it is food. Under the thoughtful guidance of General Manager Michael Hogan, a kind, softly spoken Australian with decades of experience in Asia, the resort has placed its culinary programme at the very heart of the guest experience. Hogan worked closely with the ownership and design teams to create not just a set of restaurants, but a food and beverage vision that sets a new benchmark for Pattaya.
The results are remarkable. Goji Kitchen & Bar, the resort’s all-day dining hub, is nothing short of extraordinary. Across more than forty years in travel and tourism, I have visited countless hotel buffets, yet the breakfast and dinner spreads here are amongst the best I have seen anywhere in Thailand. Every counter is alive with freshness and variety, offering a dazzling choice of Thai, Asian, and international dishes. The sense of abundance is matched by quality, and the execution is world-class.
The resort’s Italian credentials shine through two distinct venues. La Familiare – meaning “family” or “homely” in Italian – is a lively trattoria-style restaurant offering handmade pastas, freshly baked pizzas from the impressive pizza oven, and regional comfort dishes. It is the kind of place where families gather, laughter flows, and the atmosphere hums with energy. But for those seeking refinement, Executive Chef Marcello Piacentini raises the bar even further.
Executive Chef Marcello Piacentini and Pastry Chef Suparat ‘Ying’ Saenchai with the author.
Having honed his skills at the Ritz-Carlton in the Cayman Islands and Café del Mar in Malta, Marcello combines discipline with flair. His Italian fine dining restaurant is already becoming a destination in its own right. On my final evening before returning to Bangkok, I enjoyed one of the best Italian meals – a dinner that blended freshness, technique, and artistry in equal measure. It was the kind of experience that leaves you talking about individual dishes long after the plates have been cleared. And the service is a dream!
The sweet finish is equally impressive. The pastry kitchen for the resort is headed by Chef Ying and her talented team of eight, elevating the Goji buffet, the hotel’s bakery and all outlets. Their creations range from delicate pastries and decadent desserts to freshly baked breads, Thai specialities, and modern twists on classics. It is a showcase of skill, creativity, and presentation, supported by a beverage offering that includes shakes, coffees, and fresh juices. The result is a culinary programme that delivers not just sustenance, but surprise and delight, morning and night.
Leisure and wellness
With its variety of pools and leisure spaces, the resort is designed to keep both adults and children happily occupied. An infinity pool looks directly out to sea, a serene spot for couples or solo travellers. The family pool is lively, while the children’s splash zone and water slides add colour and excitement.
Families are truly at the heart of the design.
The children’s shaded pool and splash zone are alive with laughter each afternoon, while the children play, parents relax on shaded loungers or sip cocktails nearby. The kids’ club, bright and well-equipped, gives younger guests a world of their own, while La Familiare provides trattoria-style dining that makes everyone feel at home. For multi-generational travellers, the blend of fun, safety, and sophistication is ideal. Grandparents can enjoy the calm of the gardens or spa while children discover new adventures, and parents find the rare luxury of real downtime.
Wellness seekers are drawn to Quan Spa, where a menu of treatments seamlessly blends traditional Thai therapies with contemporary techniques. From herbal compress massages to soothing facials, the spa is a cocoon of calm. The 24-hour fitness centre caters to those who prefer treadmills to sun loungers, while couples will find quieter corners of the gardens ideal for peaceful moments together.
For events, weddings, or corporate gatherings, the resort will offer a variety of flexible meeting spaces. Each is equipped with the latest technology and tailored to everything from intimate ceremonies to larger conferences.
Sustainability and design
This “Sugar Palm Paradise” theme continues throughout the property, linking the interiors with the tropical gardens outside. The effect is to create a sense of flow: from lobby to lounge, from pool to pathways, every angle feels anchored in natural forms. It is a design that is more than decorative; it is a form of storytelling through architecture.
AWC’s commitment to sustainability is woven into this aesthetic. The resort is designed to meet LEED standards, incorporating energy-efficient systems, water-saving features, and eco-friendly materials. Landscaping has been carefully selected to blend seamlessly with the coastal environment, while the interiors showcase Thai craftsmanship interpreted in a modern idiom.
The result is an atmosphere that strikes a balance between scale and intimacy. Families can enjoy the vibrancy of water play and dining hubs, while couples find quiet corners in the gardens or spa. The towering sugar palm columns are not just a design flourish but a symbol: a reminder that Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa is rooted in the landscape it inhabits and seeks to honour.
A new chapter for Pattaya
The Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa is more than just another luxury hotel. It is part of a shift that is changing the city’s reputation, widening its appeal, and redefining what a Pattaya stay can be. With its balance of family fun, culinary excellence, sustainability, and five-star polish, it sets a new benchmark for Na Jomtien.
For Bangkok residents seeking a weekend escape or international travellers looking for a beach resort that offers more than nightlife, this property is a compelling choice. Pattaya is evolving, and this resort shows how bright that future can be.
About the author Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based travel writer and former hotelier. A regular contributor to international travel and tourism publications, he brings more than 40 years of hospitality experience to his writing.
KUCHING, 15 September 2025: AirAsia (AK) launched two direct routes to Pontianak, Indonesia, last Friday, connecting the province of West Kalimantan with Malaysian cities of Kuala Lumpur and Kuching.
It ensures the airline has the widest network between Malaysia and Indonesia, reinforcing its commitment to improving regional connectivity and promoting shared economic growth.
Photo credit: AirAsia.
On its return leg, flight AK1782 from Pontianak arrived at Kuching International Airport to a warm welcome with a celebratory reception featuring cultural performances to mark the milestone. Arriving guests from Pontianak were greeted by Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak YB Datuk Snowdan Lawan; Senior Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia, Jamilah Binti Abdul Halim; AirAsia Malaysia CEO Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra and Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Mdm Sharzede Salleh Askor, together with representatives from Malaysia Airports, government departments and key private hospitals in Kuching.
AirAsia Malaysia CEO Dato Captain Fareh Mazputra said: “Following the success of our recent route launches in Palembang and beyond, Indonesia remains one of our most important markets. We are proud to reconnect Pontianak with both Kuching and Kuala Lumpur.
These routes not only provide greater convenience for our guests but also open more opportunities for tourism and business between Malaysia and Indonesia. With our extensive network and affordable fares, AirAsia is committed to strengthening ties between neighbouring countries and driving regional growth.”
Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Salleh Askor said: “We are excited to see the reinstatement of direct air connectivity between Kuching and Pontianak, which has always been an important market for Sarawak. This route will not only make it more convenient for our neighbours in West Kalimantan to travel for leisure, medical, education and business purposes, but also further strengthen our role as the gateway to Borneo. With international arrivals to Sarawak continuing to grow steadily this year, this timely connectivity will help us attract more visitors from Pontianak and beyond, while showcasing our rich culture, pristine nature, and unique adventure offerings.
AirAsia Malaysia (AK) continues to strengthen its connectivity to Indonesia with flights to 18 destinations. From Kuala Lumpur, the airline currently serves Jakarta, Bali (Denpasar), Medan, Yogyakarta, Banda Aceh, Makassar, Padang, Pekanbaru, Balikpapan, Labuan Bajo, Lombok, Palembang, Semarang and Pontianak, with Banjarmasin set to commence on 20 October 2025. AirAsia connects Kuching to Pontianak, as well as Penang to Jakarta and Medan, further enhancing travel accessibility between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Flight Schedule between Kuching (KCH) and Pontianak (PNK):
Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Pontianak (PNK):
MUMBAI, 15 September 2025: SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company headquartered in Mumbai, India, has won the best Integrated Marketing Campaign award at the PATA Gold Awards 2025.
Celebrating excellence and innovation in travel marketing, the PATA Gold Awards recognise outstanding campaigns that shape traveller engagement and industry growth. This accolade marks a significant achievement for the Company, highlighting its leadership in the Indian market and its exceptional tourism promotions through creative storytelling and impactful brand experiences.
SOTC’s award-winning campaign, Saare Jahan Se Achha India Humara, was launched last year, as a tribute to the country’s diversity, heritage and soulful charm. Designed to inspire Indians to rediscover the country’s spectacular locales and experiences, the campaign inspired national pride and connection through evocative narratives and a distinctive postage stamp visual theme. It has successfully positioned SOTC Travel as the go-to brand for premium domestic travel while engaging with younger, experience-driven travellers.
The campaign featured curated travel categories celebrating India’s multifaceted identity—ranging from the verdant forests and rich traditions to iconic monuments and coastal escapades, fostering deeper emotional engagement among SOTC’s customers.
SOTC Travel President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours SD Nandakumar said: “We are honoured to receive the Best Integrated Marketing Campaign award at the PATA Gold Awards 2025. ‘Saare Jahan Se Achha India Humara’ reflects our passion for India – and we’ve done well in showcasing India’s unparalleled diversity and stories through travel. As a homegrown, made-in-India brand with a legacy of over 75 years, we truly believe that no one understands the Indian traveller better than SOTC. PATA’s recognition is a tribute to our dedicated team and a reaffirmation of our commitment to inspire Indians to explore and cherish their own country.”
21n78e Creative Labs CEO & Founder, Sudhir Nair, added: “We are elated to see ‘Saare Jahan Se Achha India Humara’ earn this prestigious recognition. India is in the spotlight on a global stage, and our strategy was to celebrate India’s vibrant diversity through a contemporary lens. Reimagining the classic postage stamp as a nostalgic yet modern tribute to India’s myriad landscapes, cultures and traditions. By weaving compelling stories with this evocative visual theme, we sought to spark pride and wanderlust, inviting today’s Indian travellers to rediscover the beauty of their homeland.”
KUALA LUMPUR, 15 September 2025: Tourism Malaysia welcomed China Eastern Airlines on its successful launch of flights last week, connecting Taiyuan, China, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, with a transit stop in Wuhan.
As one of China’s major cities rich in cultural heritage and economic potential, Taiyuan’s connection to Kuala Lumpur is expected to encourage greater visitor flows and boost Malaysia’s visibility as a preferred destination in Asia.
Samuel Lee, Deputy Director General (Promotion Il) of Tourism Malaysia, alongside Xiang, General Manager of China Eastern Airlines (Malaysia Branch), joined representatives from MAHB, Tourism Malaysia, and the China Eastern Airlines cabin crew at KLIA to celebrate the arrival of the inaugural flight from Taiyuan.
A new chapter in regional connectivity unfolded last Thursday as Flight MU859 touched down at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 at approximately 0430 (Malaysia time), marking the inaugural arrival from Taiyuan, famously known as the “Dragon City” (Lóngchéng.
This historic flight symbolises a pivotal milestone in enhancing air links between Malaysia and northern China, laying the foundation for deeper bilateral cooperation in tourism alongside trade exchange.
“The introduction of this new air connectivity marks a significant step forward in strengthening the dynamic alongside growing tourism ties between Malaysia and China. Beyond enhancing travel convenience, it also underscores our continued commitment to positioning Malaysia as a premier travel destination within the region. We look forward to welcoming a greater number of Chinese visitors to explore Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and the diverse, memorable experiences our country proudly offers,” said Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director General (Promotion II) Lee Thai Hung.
China Eastern Airlines is set to operate the new route four times weekly, with a scheduled transit stop at Wuhan Tianhe International Airport. The service utilises Boeing 737-800 aircraft, configured with 175 seats, to enhance air connectivity between Malaysia and the northern provinces of China.
From January to June 2025, Malaysia welcomed an impressive 2.2 million visitor arrivals from China, marking a notable 35.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This remarkable growth comes at a time of renewed global travel confidence and reflects the strengthening appeal of Malaysia as a preferred destination among Chinese travellers. Thus, Malaysia continues to warmly welcome Chinese visitors, offering seamless travel experiences and a rich tapestry of attractions from vibrant cities and culinary adventures to serene islands and heritage-rich towns.
Tourism Malaysia remains committed to working closely with international carriers, airport authorities, and industry stakeholders to strengthen Malaysia’s connectivity and global tourism presence. This initiative is also timely in supporting Malaysia’s ramp-up efforts for the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
DUBAI, UAE, 12 September 2025: Emirates Skywards has officially unlocked flight rewards for Premium Economy travel — a move welcomed by its more than 35 million members worldwide.
The award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai is now offering members a chance to redeem Skywards Miles on Classic Rewards and Upgrade Rewards on all Emirates’ Premium Economy cabins. The highly anticipated offering underscores Skywards’ commitment to redefine the loyalty experience and always offer members more rewards, benefits, and greater travel options.
Emirates Skywards Divisional Senior Vice President Dr Nejib Ben Khedher said: “We’re thrilled to announce the introduction of flight rewards on Emirates’ highly coveted Premium Economy cabin. This has been in development for some time and comes following the huge success, positive feedback, and strong demand by members to utilise Miles on Premium Economy – especially on popular long-haul destinations such as London, Sydney, Melbourne, and New York. The offer will initially be available exclusively to our Skywards members, with plans to extend to other airline partners in the future.
“We are confident this enhancement will further enrich the travel experience, staying true to our brand promise of always flying customers better. We look forward to more of our members now having the opportunity to experience Emirates’ newest, luxurious cabin with a service that rivals many airlines’ Business Class.”
Starting from 7,000 Skywards Miles
Members can now redeem Skywards Miles to purchase a full flight ticket on the Emirates Premium Economy cabin, starting from 15,000 Miles (one-way).
Passengers can also request an upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy starting from 7,020 Miles (one-way). Upgrade requests can be booked prior to a flight and will also be offered at the Emirates’ check-in counter, subject to availability.
The loyalty programme has also recently rolled out Classic Rewards on all flydubai flights starting at 5,000 Miles, in addition to revised Cash+Miles rates. Skywards Miles redemptions continue to be a popular loyalty offering with close to 500,000 flight tickets purchased with Classic Rewards, Cash Miles, and Upgrade Rewards over the summer period (June to August 2025) to popular destinations such as London, Paris, New York and Bangkok.
Fly better with Emirates’ Premium Economy
Emirates is the only airline in the region to offer Premium Economy, with a signature experience unmatched in the industry. The airline’s newest cabin has been recognised by multiple global recognitions, including ‘Best Premium Economy’ by AirlineRatings.com and Airline Excellence Awards 2024.
Emirates Skywards members travelling in Premium Economy can look forward to dedicated check-in desks at the airport; luxurious cream-coloured leather seats with a generous pitch of up to 40 inches, calf rests, and footrests for additional comfort; generous meals and a premium wine selection; and the airline’s latest upgraded inflight entertainment system, ice, with a 13.3 inch screen – one of the largest in its class – to watch more than 6,500 channels of music, movies, TV, news and more.
Click here to tour the Emirates Premium Economy cabin, which is currently available on flights to more than 66 cities worldwide.
Emirates’ USD5 billion retrofit programme
As part of its multi-billion-dollar investment to fully refurbish 219 of its aircraft, Emirates has so far rolled out 67 fully refurbished aircraft (32 A380s and 35 Boeing 777s) with new cabin interiors, including the Premium Economy cabin. The airline also welcomed 9 A350 aircraft featuring Premium Economy, with 56 more units to join its fleet.
By March 2026, the airline will serve 68 cities with aircraft fitted with its Premium Economy product, offering close to 2 million Premium Economy seats in its network each year, and a doubling of that capacity to 4 million seats per year by the end of 2026.
Emirates Airbus A380: 56 Premium Economy seats are located at the front of the main deck, and seats are laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration.
Emirates Boeing 777: Up to 24 Premium Economy seats are laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration.
Emirates Airbus A350: Up to 28 Premium Economy seats are located at the front of the aircraft, and seats are laid out in a 2-3-2 configuration.
Customers can book tickets on emirates.com, or visit the Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents.
