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Warning: AirAsia system upgrade 10/11 July

KUALA LUMPUR, 2 July 2024: AirAsia will schedule an upgrade of its reservation and passenger-processing systems for about eight hours from 1900 (GMT+8) on 10 July to 0300 (GMT+8) on 11 July.

In a travel advisory released last Friday, the airline advises guests to take the following steps to ensure a smooth travel experience:

Self Check-In 14 Days Ahead: All guests, including those with group bookings and connecting flights between 10 and 11 July 2024, are strongly encouraged to perform self-check-in on the AirAsia MOVE app (previously known as airasia Superapp), which is already available now or 14 days before their scheduled departure time.

Arrive Early: Guests, especially those with group bookings, reduced mobility, and special needs, should arrive at the airport at least three hours ahead of their scheduled departure time to clear all travel formalities. The system upgrade will impact counter and kiosk check-in and baggage drop services at all airports where AirAsia operates.

Use E-Boarding Pass: Download your e-Boarding Pass from the AirAsia MOVE app and save it on your digital wallet or mobile phone for a smoother boarding experience without reprinting it at the airport.

Update Contact Details: Affected guests travelling during the upgrade timeframe will be notified via email and SMS text messages. Ensure your contact details are up-to-date to receive the latest notifications about your AirAsia flight status.

AirAsia flight bookings, manage booking, check-in, Flight+Hotel booking, issuance and redemption of AirAsia Rewards points, payment gateway for existing bookings, and ancillary purchases, including online duty-free, will be unavailable.  

All other services on the AirAsia MOVE app (formerly known as the airasia Superapp) and airasia.com, such as non-AirAsia flight-related services, will not be affected.

AAPA hosts first turboprop operators conference

KUALA LUMPUR, 2 July 2024: The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) organised the first Asia Pacific Turboprop Safety Conference (APTSC) from 26 to 27 June 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

Over a hundred delegates, including representatives from some 20 turboprop operators based in Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Maldives, Nepal, Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand attended the event.

Themed ‘Empowering Resilient Growth’, the conference aimed to enhance aviation safety in air transportation, particularly in turboprop operations. This is consistent with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) continuous safety outreach objectives.

The event provided a valuable platform for stakeholders, including regulators, turboprop operators, equipment manufacturers, aviation safety organisations and airport operators, to exchange insights, best practices, and innovations in turboprop operations. Key topics ranging from safety culture and advancements in technology to regulatory frameworks were actively discussed, reinforcing the best approaches to aviation safety.

AAPA Director General Subhas Menon commented: “The conference highlights the unique role that turboprop operators play in improving connectivity to regions where accessibility is limited. Turboprops play a crucial role in bridging the transportation gaps in access to goods, services, tourism, and, ultimately, better livelihoods for remote communities in far-flung areas. The insights and collaboration fostered during this conference will go a long way to support safe and reliable turboprop operations.”

Ensuring the highest safety standards is paramount in the aviation sector, and this conference underscored AAPA’s commitment to continuous improvement and knowledge-sharing. The AAPA extends its appreciation to all participants and supporting partners of the conference, including ATR, Pratt & Whitney, L3 Harris, Gallagher Speciality, and CAE.

AAPA: Uptick in airline traffic recovery

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 July 2024: Preliminary May 2024 traffic figures released last week by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed solid expansion in both international air passenger demand and air cargo markets, in tandem with an acceleration in economic activity globally.

In May, the region’s airlines carried a combined total of 27.9 million international passengers, 23.9% more than in the same month last year. Traffic averaged 89.4% of 2019 levels. Measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), demand grew by 27.4% year-on-year, reflecting strength in long-haul travel markets. After accounting for a 26.4%

expansion in available seat capacity, the average international passenger load factor edged marginally higher by 0.6 percentage points to 79.0% for the month.

Driven by buoyant trade activity within the region and globally, Asian carriers saw international air cargo demand in freight tonne kilometres (FTK) register a solid 17.9% year-on-year growth in May. The average international freight load factor also climbed by 1.4 percentage points to 61.4%, following a 15.1% expansion in offered freight capacity.

AAPA Director General Subhas Menon commented on the results: “In the first five months of the year, Asia Pacific airlines carried a total of 144 million international passengers, reflecting a 44.8% increase compared to the previous corresponding period. International air cargo demand grew by 16.0% during the same period.”

He added: “The current pick-up in global economic activity, supported by business confidence levels and increased consumer spending improvements, has boosted demand for international travel and air cargo. As major players in the air cargo markets, Asia Pacific airlines have also benefitted from disruptions to ocean freight services.”

Looking ahead, Menon believes “encouraging trends in passenger and cargo traffic bode well for Asian airlines this year, following strong traffic performance for 2023.

“However, profit margins remain under pressure, with operating costs impacted by the strong US Dollar and jet fuel prices averaging above the USD100 per barrel mark during the first five months of the year.”

(SOURCE: AAPA)

RWMF: Music with a sustainability tune

KUCHING, 1 July 2024: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2024 convened from 28 to 30 June, setting the tone for a transformative celebration under this year’s theme, ‘Evolution’.

In its 27th edition, RWMF transcends its role as a music festival, offering an immersive experience that blends responsible tourism, cultural celebration, and environmental stewardship.

Welcoming attendees from around the globe, RWMF 2024 featured 72 international musicians and 75 local musicians, combining for a total of 22 acts. These performers boast a collective fanbase of 12 million followers across platforms like Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, highlighting the festival’s extensive global reach.

The festival’s headliners left an indelible mark on the opening day. Grammy and Golden Globe Award winner Kitaro Live World Tour, renowned for his groundbreaking electronic-instrumental music, performed for the first time in Kuching and at RWMF. This entranced the residents of the Sarawak Cultural Village with ethereal sounds and captivating performances, enchanting the audience and setting a high bar for the festival.

The first day of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), which coincided with the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) closing ceremony, was a resounding success. It set a record for the highest number of attendees in the festival’s 27-year history.

Tickets for the three-day festival were sold out, surpassing last year’s records. “Last evening saw the highest attendance recorded for the first day of RWMF in its 27 years, with many attendees coming from international destinations Europe, Africa, and Australia, along with strong festival goers from ASEAN countries,” said Sarawak Tourism Board. CEO Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor.

“The Rainforest World Music Festival has always been a beacon of cultural celebration, a vibrant tapestry of diverse musical traditions, and a champion for the indigenous voice of the world. In this 27th edition, we are taking an important step forward. With the Evolution of RWMF, we are transforming the festival into a dynamic platform that advocates sustainable practices in tourism and conservation, paving the way for the next 25 years of this festival,” she added.

Supported by sponsors such as Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), TVS, Carlsberg, and others. RWMF 2024 is poised to surpass last year’s attendance, creating a platform for key opinion leaders, environmental advocates, and youth changemakers.

In line with the theme of ‘Evolution’, RWMF 2024 has made bold strides in sustainability and responsible tourism. The festival’s eco-friendly initiatives, eg. a ban on single-use plastics, and the provision of free shuttle buses to reduce carbon emissions, underscore its commitment to environmental stewardship. These efforts inspire positive change, fostering a more environmentally conscious future.

As the Rainforest World Music Festival 2024 unfolded over the weekend, it harmonised the celebration of world music and cultures with the goal of sustainability, ensuring a memorable and impactful experience for all.

For more information on the annual festival, visit https://rwmf.net/
For information on travel in Sarawak, visit www.sarawaktourism.com.

Agoda: Searches soar for Thai destinations

BANGKOK 1 July 2024: As the rainy season sets in there’s an uptick in searches for Thailand’s secondary cities, Agoda observes in its latest Thai travel market report.   

Based on accommodation searches, Agoda identifies so-called secondary cities in Thailand: Chanthaburi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nakhon Nayok Ratchaburi, and Chiang Rai.  

Chiang Rai’s main tourist season was cut short by forest fires. The smog was deemed a serious health hazard for the province’s elderly residents and children. However, the early onset of the rainy season revived domestic bookings, although hoteliers report that June to September performance metrics — average room rate, REVPAR and occupancy — are well below the pre-pandemic seasonal averages. Despite the serious lack of direct flights from gateway cities in Asia, of the five destinations, Chiang Rai gains the most interest from international travellers. In response, AirAsia (AK) is planning three-weekly direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Chiang Rai starting 2 November. The first international flights since the Covid pandemic.

Agoda’s assessment based on traveller interest shows secondary cities gained 23% growth in searches compared to 2023, highlighting improved popularity but not necessarily conversion to more paying guests. 

Nakhon Nayok, due to its relatively close proximity to Bangkok  gained the highest increase with double the number of searches. 

“This upward trend underscores the expanding appeal of these regions as travellers seek out unique and enriching experiences beyond the usual tourist hotspots,” Agoda argues.

Agoda Thailand Country Director Pierre Honne says: “The interest in Thailand’s secondary cities shows a desire to delve deeper into the country’s diverse offerings. Our collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to promote these destinations is indeed paying off, as we see with their growing popularity. Agoda is enthusiastic about assisting in TAT’s efforts to highlight Thailand’s secondary cities’ cultural, historical, and scenic treasures.”

GoPro joins TAT’s ocean health campaign

BANGKOK, 1 July 2024: The Tourism Authority of Thailand and GoPro, a versatile action camera platform, teamed up to promote ocean health and climate stability during the GoPro World Ocean Day 2024 event, held from 20 to 23 June at Ko Tao, Surat Thani.

The strategic partnership brought together local dive enthusiasts and GoPro advocates from across APAC, all dedicated to fostering ocean conservation in alignment with Thailand’s commitment to sustainable tourism and marine ecosystem conservation.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said: “We believe that compelling storytelling can drive positive change in daily behaviours to protect our oceans. Actions such as reducing plastic use, supporting sustainable practices, and engaging in beach cleanups are pivotal in preserving our marine environment for future generations.”

The four-day event featured enriching activities such as GoPro Workshops, where participants learned to capture breathtaking underwater footage, showcasing the beauty and delicacy of marine ecosystems. The #SeaGlass workshop also empowered attendees to repurpose marine debris and create beautiful treasures, emphasising responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.

The excitement continues with the GoPro Asia Best Challenge (GoProABC), inviting adventurers, content creators, and storytellers from across Asia to share their favourite unedited GoPro footage. Submissions are accepted until 31 July 2024, at 2359, via GoPro.com/ABC. Winners will be notified through the GoPro Awards portal and announced in August.

GoPro Vice President of Global Marketing and Communications Rick Loughery said: “Our goal with the GoPro World Ocean Day event in Thailand is to inspire responsible travel and ocean conservation. By empowering divers to document and share their underwater experiences, we aim to cultivate a global community committed to safeguarding marine resources. Participants explored Ko Tao’s pristine waters using HERO12 Black cameras, capturing Thailand’s oceanic beauty and promoting sustainable travel.”

GoPro and PADI collaborated to launch Thailand’s inaugural PADI Instructor course in Ko Tao as part of this initiative. Upon completion, these instructors will qualify to offer the GoPro PADI Distinctive Specialty Course to all PADI divers.

PADI Worldwide Vice President of Growth and Marketing Lisa Nicklin said: “We developed this course with GoPro to equip scuba divers with skills to capture and share meaningful underwater adventures. Learning to dive is transformative, and learning to document and share content with a GoPro inspires others to do the same, raising awareness and driving action to protect our shared ocean.”

Cambodia switches to online arrival cards

PHNOM PENH, 1 July 2024: Cambodia introduces an online e-arrival form today 1 July for all visitors to pre-register before arriving in the country.

First reported by Khmer Times, last week, the new requirement is mandatory for all travellers. They can pre-register up to seven days before they arrive in the country or complete the procedure on tablets provided by authorities in the immigration hall. 

Travellers are advised to complete the Cambodia e-Arrival form in advance of their arrival to cut queues and waiting time at immigration counters.

The form is online and requires travellers to provide passport information and the details of where they will be staying in the country. They will have to upload a photo to the online form.

The digital Cambodia e-Arrival form is available at https://www.arrival.gov.kh/ and has around 10 fields to fill out, including an optional field for details of social media, such as WhatsApp.

The fields include passport date of birth, gender, and occupation, as well as details of a contact address and an email address in Cambodia or the home address.

Once you have completed the online form, the online service generates a QR code on your smartphone app. You are advised to take a screenshot or print out the page via the QR code. Registering your arrival through the app or via the website browser is free.

Singapore and Malaysia were the first countries in Southeast Asia to introduce pre-arrival online registration forms after the Covid pandemic to speed up immigration checks that are now fully automated. It does away with the physical printed arrivals cards that airlines previously distributed to passengers during the flight.

SWISS names new CEO

SINGAPORE, 1 July 2024: Swiss International Air Lines has named Jens Fehlinger as the new CEO effective 1 October 2024, replacing Dieter Vranckx, who will become a member of the Lufthansa Group Executive Board as of today, 1 July 2024.

Fehlinger started his professional career at the Lufthansa Group in 2006, where he held various management positions. Among other assignments, he was in charge of strategy and business development at Lufthansa Airlines and the operational performance management for Lufthansa Group. 

During the Covid pandemic, he was responsible for the Group’s crisis management office and subsequently headed the ReNew restructuring project. In recent years, Fehlinger has been Co-Managing Director of Lufthansa Cityline and, at the same time, established as Managing Director of the new airline Lufthansa City Airlines. 

Fehlinger holds a commercial pilot’s license for the Airbus A320 and is currently an active pilot for Lufthansa Cityline. He has a graduate degree (Dipl.-Ing.) in Aviation Systems Engineering and Management from the University of Bremen, Germany, and a master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Traffic and Transport from the Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany. 

SWISS Chief Commercial Officer Heike Birlenbach will act as interim CEO until Fehlinger takes over this October.

Air Astana scoops up Skytrax awards

SINGAPORE, 1 July 2024: The Air Astana Group has been recognised with top honours at the prestigious 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held last week at the iconic Fairmont Windsor Park (UK).

Air Astana was named the Best Airline in Central Asia & CIS for the 12th time and received the Best Airline Staff Service in Central Asia & CIS award for the eighth time. Additionally, FlyArystan, Air Astana’s 100% owned low-cost carrier, won the Best Low-Cost Carrier in Central Asia & CIS award for the second time. Skytrax, the international air transport rating organisation, hosts the awards event.

Air Astana Group CEO Peter Foster said: “We are honoured to be recognised once again for our excellence in the region. These awards underscore our entire team’s dedication at Air Astana and FlyArystan in maintaining the highest standards and providing the best experience for our customers on every flight. Receiving these prestigious honours highlights our unwavering commitment to excellence in every aspect of our service.”

Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted said: “It is a great accomplishment for Air Astana to be named the Best Airline in Central Asia & CIS for the twelfth time. Also, taking the top place for Best Airline Staff Service in Central Asia & CIS is a testament to the high standards being achieved by Air Astana. Additionally, it is a fantastic achievement for FlyArystan to win the award as the Best Low-Cost Airline in Central Asia & CIS for the second consecutive year, and it should be a source of great pride for the FlyArystan management and staff.”

About the Awards
The Skytrax World Airline Awards, established in 1999, are independent and impartial. They provide a global customer satisfaction study. Travelers worldwide vote in the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey, often called “the Oscars of the aviation industry.” Skytrax covers all survey and awards event costs, with no entry or registration fees for airlines and no charges for using award logos and results.

The 2023/2024 online survey ran in six languages from September 2023 to May 2024, with over 21.42 million eligible entries from more than 100 nationalities. The results featured over 350 airlines, ensuring a broad and diverse assessment.

About Air Astana Group
Air Astana Group is the largest airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus regions in terms of revenue and fleet size. The Group operates a fleet of 51 aircraft split between Air Astana, its full-service airline that operated its inaugural flight in 2002, and FlyArystan, its low-cost airline established in 2019. The Group provides scheduled, point-to-point and transit, short-haul and long-haul air travel and cargo on domestic, regional and international routes across Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Far East, the Middle East, India and Europe.

BWH expands Surestay brand in Thailand

BANGKOK, 1 July 2024: BWH Hotels, the global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels, has reaffirmed its position as one of Bangkok’s leading international hotel operators with the launch of SureStay by Best Western Bangkok Ramintra, an urban oasis in an up-and-coming part of Thailand’s vibrant capital city.

Located on the main Ratchada-Ramintra Road in the city’s Khan Na Yao district, this modern hotel is easily accessible – just a short drive from both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports and just a few minutes away from the city’s MRT subway network at Nopparat Station.

Guests are offered a choice of 80 bright, loft-style rooms, all equipped with modern features and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. On the fourth floor, guestrooms have direct access to the glistening outdoor pool – a concept that adds a unique touch to this hotel in the city.

Every morning, guests can start with breakfast at the onsite restaurant, serving light daytime bites and evening meals. A coffee shop will serve all-day refreshments and in-room dining is also available. Visitors can maintain their fitness routine in the gym, and corporate travellers can use a meeting room, which is fully equipped for business events and training sessions for up to 30 delegates.

“We are delighted to introduce yet another hotel to our ever-expanding portfolio in Bangkok. As the world’s most-visited city, the Thai capital is a key business and leisure market with rising demand for internationally recognised hospitality brands. This conversion is the latest example of how owners entrust BWH Hotels to elevate their assets to new levels of success. We look forward to welcoming our guests to this rapidly emerging part of the city at SureStay by Best Western Bangkok Ramintra,” said BWH Hotels Vice President – APAC Olivier Berrivin.

With the addition of SureStay by Best Western Bangkok Ramintra, BWH Hotels now offers 12 hotels in Bangkok, encompassing seven of its industry-leading brands: Best Western, Best Western Plus, Vīb, SureStay by Best Western, SureStay Plus by Best Western, SureStay Collection by Best Western, and WorldHotels Elite. This new opening also brings BWH Hotels’ nationwide portfolio in Thailand to 20 properties, including city hotels, beachfront resorts and upcountry retreats.

To book your stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, please visit bestwesternasia.com.