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Changi Airport reports positive Q2 2024

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 30 July 2024: Singapore Changi Airport handled 16.5 million passenger movements from April to June 2024, an increase of 13.4% compared to a year ago. 

This was 98.2% of passenger movements for the same period in 2019. Aircraft movements, including landings and takeoffs, totalled 89,300 for the quarter, up 9.7% year-on-year and 94.5% compared to the second quarter of 2019.

Passenger traffic at Changi Airport continues to grow steadily during 2Q2024.

Changi Airport’s top five markets for the second quarter of 2024 were Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Australia, and India. China saw the highest growth among Changi’s top markets, with traffic doubling compared to last year and surpassing pre-Covid numbers. North Asia was the fastest-growing region for the period, registering a 40.8% increase year-on-year and exceeding pre-Covid levels.

From April to June 2024, Changi Airport registered 486,000 tonnes of airfreight throughput, surpassing the same period last year by 16%. Growth was registered across all cargo flows—exports, imports, and transhipments—led by strong cargo flows between Singapore and, China and the US. For this period, Changi’s top five air cargo markets[1] were Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, and the United States of America.

Changi Airport Group Executive Vice President for Air Hub and Cargo Development, Lim Ching Kiat said: “Changi Airport continues to expand its global network, adding more flights in the second quarter. Travellers can now explore more destinations with Changi’s connectivity to cities such as Broome, Brussels, Quanzhou and Vancouver, and enjoy more options to evergreen favourites like Tokyo and London. Together with our airline partners, we strive towards full travel recovery by the end of this year.”

As of 1 July, 94 airlines operate over 6,900 weekly flights at Changi Airport, connecting Singapore to 158 cities in 50 countries and territories worldwide.

Changi welcomes flights

New and reinstated services: Changi Airport welcomed Shandong Airlines, which started three weekly services between Jinan and Singapore on 19 April, and Air Japan, which commenced five weekly services between Tokyo Narita Airport and Singapore on 26 April.

On 1 May, Emirates extended one of its four daily Dubai-Singapore services to Phnom Penh. Scoot’s new Embraer E190-E2 made its inaugural flight from Changi to Krabi and Hat Yai on 7 May. It will offer passengers more options within Southeast Asia, including new-to-airline city links to Samui Island in South Thailand and Sibu. 

Singapore Airlines launched non-stop services between London Gatwick and Singapore on 22 June, adding five weekly flights to the existing 49 weekly services between Singapore and London Heathrow. Jetstar began twice-weekly seasonal flights to Broome in Western Australia on 25 June, enhancing Changi Airport’s position as the most connected international gateway to Australia.

Changi also resumed its link to Jieyang Chaoshan (China) with the launch of Spring Airlines’ four weekly services on 31 March and to Quanzhou (China) with the launch of Xiamen Airlines’ four weekly services on 24 June.

New restaurants and stores: In the second quarter, more than 20 new stores and F&B outlets opened or were refurbished at Changi’s four terminals. At Jewel Changi Airport, 15 new shops and restaurants were added to its line-up. 

 

Fare faker targets senior travellers

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 30 July 2024: Thai Airways International issued a warning on its social media accounts last week, saying fare deals targeting senior travellers posted on Facebook by “a professional” are fake.

The airline ran an image of the promotion denouncing it as “fake news”. Although it did not elaborate on the definition of “professional,” the inference was that a scammer was pretending to be a travel agent with the inside track on a TG fare discount for seniors (over 60 years old). The promotion’s small print pointed to a fake address airtravel6.live.

Someone pretending to be a travel professional tempts seniors with fake fare offers. TG warns: Don’t click the links.

The THAI social media team describes the hoax offer: “This is fake news from a professional offering cheap, affordable flights for seniors. It is spreading on social media in large numbers.”

THAI’s communications team advises travellers to check all information carefully.
“If you see such news, do not be deceived … warn friends around you. For the safety of your property and information, do not click on any links, add to Line account, transfer money, or agree to any transaction.”

The airline advises travellers to check out the fares and offers on its website directly or contact the airline’s call centre. So, what’s the bottom-line advice? Don’t trust social media travel offers, and don’t click on any social media fare deals unless you are absolutely sure the site you are about visit is safe.

We checked the senior fares offered by THAI and opened the link below to see what the airline offers us. Visit https://www.thaiairways.com/en_TH/book/offers/special_offers/senior-fare.page.

Before you can check the senior offers, which are limited to travel in Thailand, you have to show that you are 60 years or older. The offers should pop up first. Instead, you have first to insert travel dates and choose a destination. Then it tells you to show proof of age (membership card number?). It’s not a very user-friendly website to browse. It needs to improve if it wants seniors to spend time browsing its fare offers online, and there should be offers for regional travel not just domestic destinations. 

Scammers target the airline industry

Meanwhile, Andrea Feldman of BlueVoyant, an expert combating cyber fraud in the aviation industry, posted the following observations last week saying: “Fraudulent cyber attacks targeting the airline industry are a common issue largely seen on the underground, such as the deep and dark web.” 

According to RSA Security, airlines are the industry most affected by online fraud, accounting for 46% of fraudulent transactions.
“As a result, airlines face huge financial costs, with losses due to fraud estimated at 1.2% of global airline revenue.

“Over the past few years, BlueVoyant has observed a significant spike in threat actors targeting the aviation industry worldwide due to airlines’ increasing reliance on online booking and reservation platforms. 

“These online tools make it more convenient for customers to purchase airline tickets and have become an industry standard, but they have also made it easier for fraudsters to exploit vulnerabilities in online systems. The significant disruption and increase in remote work caused by the Covid-19 pandemic have also increased fraud in recent years.”

Analysing Fraud in the Underground Market

“Posts offering flight tickets or compromised accounts with frequent flyer miles or reward points at advantageous prices are very common in underground forums, chat platform groups, and even on social media.”

Discounted Tickets

“The method that threat actors commonly use to sell flight tickets at reduced prices typically involves using compromised credit cards to purchase the tickets. These posts are frequently seen in the underground market targeting airlines worldwide.”

(SOURCE: THAI news and additional observations from BlueVoyant)

 

Centara Maldives presents a grand opening offer

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 26 July 2024: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, proudly announces the grand opening of Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives on 1 November 2024. 

The latest addition to Centara’s family-focused Mirage properties, this stunning new underwater world-themed paradise invites guests to experience its unique blend of fun and adventure with the exclusive “Me & Centara” introductory offer, where children stay, play, and dine for free. Guests enjoy up to 25% off the best available room rates and various exciting introductory perks.

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives boasts an array of family-centric activities and facilities designed to entertain guests of all ages. Families will delight in the expansive outdoor water complex, which includes a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, kids’ pool, meandering lazy river, and water playground. Little ones have their own Kids’ Club and Game Room, while parents have access to the fully equipped fitness centre and rejuvenating SPA Cenvaree.

The resort also serves diverse dining options, including international all-day dining at The Sailhouse, fresh seafood and Italian at Acqua, modern Thai cuisine at Suan Bua, and Mediterranean mezzes designed for sharing at the overwater Mirage Beach Bar. Refreshing drinks are available poolside at Dolphin Bar, while Scoops ice cream parlour has the perfect sweet treats to end the day.

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives offers 145 spacious beach and overwater villas, each with modern amenities, a dining table, plush beds, and a private outdoor bathtub, jacuzzi, or pool for the ultimate relaxation. Families will appreciate the convenience of bunk beds in all Family room types, while private terraces, connecting rooms and wheelchair-accessible options are also available.

To celebrate its grand opening, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is offering guests up to 25% off the best available room rates, plus complimentary stays and meals for up to two children aged 15 and under. CentaraThe1 members will also enjoy an additional 15% discount. This exclusive ‘Me & Centara’ offer runs until 15 December 2024 for stays between 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025.

To take advantage of these special benefits and explore this exciting new resort, visit: https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/meandcentara.

 

Sarawak plants trees for a greener future

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TTR WEEKLY
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SIBU, Sarawak, 26 July 2024: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) reached a significant milestone by planting 2,000 seedlings of five tree species at Bukit Lima Nature Reserve. 

It was part of the broader ecoGreen Planet initiative, launched in June 2022 during the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) and Borneo Jazz Festival. The initiative highlighted Sarawak’s dedication to environmental awareness and sustainability, which aligns with Malaysia’s national reforestation goals through a holistic approach to responsible tourism.

The planting initiative fulfils a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) to plant 10,000 trees by 2027. This commitment supports STB’s mission of advocating sustainability and responsible tourism and contributes to festival carbon-offsetting efforts. ecoGreen Planet’s dedication to integrating sustainability into cultural events like RWMF enhances the region’s environmental footprint.

Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor commented: “Our goal is not just to offset carbon emissions but to create a lasting impact on our environment, ensuring a greener future for generations to come.”

She added: “This tree-planting activity is part of the 5-year greening programme through ecoGreen Planet, which supports Sarawak’s aspiration to plant 35 million trees, an effort that began on 27 May last year.” 

During the 2024 RWMF, STB introduced the Green Ruai, a space powered entirely by solar energy, showcasing green technologies and sustainable farming practices. This initiative highlighted STB’s leadership in eco-friendly event management and its comprehensive approach to responsible tourism.

The ecoGreen Planet reflected STB’s commitment to establishing RWMF as a sustainable festival through innovative, Responsible Tourism initiatives.  During this year’s RMWF, the Green Ruai was powered entirely by solar energy. The Green Ruai showcased cutting-edge green technologies and sustainable farming practices, emphasising STB leadership in eco-friendly event management. 

“By integrating sustainable practices into our festivals, we are setting a benchmark for responsible tourism in the region,” added Sharzede.

Supported by sponsorships and ticket sales proceeds, ecoGreen Planet played a pivotal role in Sarawak’s reforestation efforts, promoting biodiversity conservation and ecological balance. This initiative educated attendees on sustainable practices and highlighted Sarawak’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. 

The success of these initiatives illustrated the power of collective action in driving environmental resilience and sustainability thanks to festival-goers whose contributions and support made these reforestation efforts possible. Their participation and dedication were vital to achieving sustainability goals and preserving Sarawak’s natural heritage.

For further information on Sarawak’s greening initiatives, STB invites the public to visit the newly revamped website and pledge to support them at https://sarawakresponsibletourism.com. 

Travellers tap Fly Borneo Specials

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 26 July 2024: Malaysian domestic travel fans can take advantage of the latest Tourism Malaysia package, “Fly Borneo Specials Vol. 2 — More Adventure Awaits You!” which promotes interstate travel to Sabah, Sarawak, and Sabah’s Labuan islands via airline partners Firefly and MASwings.

Tourism Malaysia created the bargain travel packages in collaboration with Malaysia Aviation Group and Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Berhad (Bank Rakyat) to spur domestic travel to Borneo island destinations.

The “Fly Borneo Specials Vol. 2” brochure features 113 thematic packages curated by 61 tour operators from Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan. Package content varies to cater to travellers interested in natural landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, adventure activities, rich cultural experiences, and gastronomy.

All packages include airfares and ground tours at competitive prices. To make Borneo travel even more accessible, Malaysia Aviation Group offers a 40% discount on fares through Firefly and MASwings. Additionally, Bank Rakyat provides a 0% interest payment scheme for package purchases using its credit card and terminal, allowing travellers to enjoy their seamless dream Borneo vacations.

(SOURCE: Tourism Malaysia)

Vietjet and Airbus ink A330 contract

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TTR WEEKLY
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HO CHI MINH CITY, 26 July 2024: Vietjet and Airbus signed a contract earlier this week to purchase 20 new-generation widebody A330neo (A330-900) aircraft, valued at USD7.4 billion, during the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. 

Vietjet Chair Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and Airbus CEO of the Commercial Aircraft Business Christian Scherer witnessed the contract signing ceremony.

Vietjet Chair Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao (right centre) and Airbus CEO of the Commercial Aircraft Business Christian Scherer (left centre).

This represents one of the largest deals at this year’s airshow. The newly ordered aircraft will be deployed for Vietjet’s growing long-haul services and on routes with high regional demand. They are slated to replace Vietjet’s current fleet of A330-300 and support the airline’s strategic plan to expand its intercontinental flight network.

Vietjet’s Chair Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao remarked at the signing ceremony: “The new A330neo aircraft strategically enhances Vietjet’s fleet development, boosting the airline’s operational capacity to support its global expansion. Introducing advanced, fuel-efficient A330neo aircraft into Vietjet’s fleet is part of our sustainable development strategy and ESG goals, aiming for Net-Zero emissions by 2050. Passengers will soon enjoy safer, more comfortable, and modern long-haul flights. Airbus planes have enabled Vietjet to bring cost-effective flying opportunities to over 200 million passengers, including many first-time flyers, connecting peoples, nations, and continents, promoting economic development and cultural exchange.”

“We are pleased to finalise this milestone order with one of Asia’s fastest-growing carriers,” said  Airbus Commercial Aircraft Executive Vice President Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry.

 “This is another vote of confidence in the latest generation Airbus widebody product line. It demonstrates the tremendous A330neo versatility for all business models and networks, from domestic and regional to long-haul routes. The award-winning Airspace cabin also enables airlines to provide the best flight experience for passengers, fully adaptable to each business model. This will be the perfect platform for Vietjet Air to fly more people, farther and at lower cost, while also reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.”

The A330neo features an award-winning Airspace cabin, setting new standards in comfort, space, and design and providing passengers with a unique flying experience. This includes a new lighting system, bigger overhead bins, and access to the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems. Powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330-900 can fly 7,200 nm /13,300 km nonstop.

 

CoStar monitors hotel pipeline status

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 26 July 2024: Hotel pipeline activity at the end of the second quarter showed a year-over-year increase in two regions, the Americas and Asia Pacific, according to June 2024 data from CoStar.

CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics for property markets.

June 2024 (% change in comparison with June 2023)

Europe

In construction: 165,858 rooms (-2.4%)
Final Planning: 93,241 rooms (-20.9%)
Planning: 160,651 rooms (+8.0%)
Total Under Contract: 419,750 rooms (-3.8%)

Among countries in the region, Germany (27,302) led in construction activity, closely followed by the UK (25,312). 

Asia Pacific

In construction: 503,770 rooms (+4.4%)
Final Planning: 91,282 rooms (-22.9%)
Planning: 323,931 rooms (+16.5%)
Total Under Contract: 918,983 rooms (+4.5%)

China leads the Asia Pacific region in total rooms under construction (319,012), followed by Vietnam (36,521).

Middle East & Africa

In construction: 109,005 rooms (-5.6%)
Final Planning: 33,040 rooms (-23.8%)
Planning: 83,020 rooms (+9.2%)
Total Under Contract: 225,065 rooms (-4.2%)

Most of the region’s pipeline activity is focused on the Middle East. Saudi Arabia (42,786) and the United Arab Emirates (18,933) have the most rooms in construction.

Americas

In construction: 208,718 rooms (+8.3%)
Final Planning: 299,153 rooms (+6.9%)
Planning: 385,945 rooms (+34.6%)
Total Under Contract: 893,816 rooms (+17.8%)

The US (157,713) has the most rooms in construction in the region. After the US, Mexico (13,301), Canada (8,686), and Brazil (5,948) have the highest number of rooms in construction.

For more information about the company visit www.costargroup.com. 

Qatar’s shopping list just got bigger

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 26 July 2024: Qatar Airways announced that the signing of a consequential order for Boeing 777X aircraft has been expanded to include 20 Boeing 777-9. 

This is in addition to its existing order of 40 Boeing 777-9 commercial aircraft, bringing the total to 94 commercial and cargo of Boeing 777X aircraft. The announcement also includes a commitment for 40 additional GE9X engines and spare engines, as well as a long-term services agreement.

During the Farnborough Airshow 2024, Qatar Airways showcased its Qsuite Next Gen Business Class cabins, which will be featured on the 20 additional Boeing 777-9 aircraft. The Qsuite Next Gen includes updated features such as movable monitors with Bluetooth connectivity, companion suits with window views, larger lie-flat and double beds, lockable drawers, a touchscreen Passenger Control Unit and more.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “Qatar Airways is proud to announce an expansion to the existing Boeing 777X aircraft order with an additional 20, totalling 94 Boeing 777X aircraft.”

Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, Stephanie Pope, added: “We are honored the airline added 20 more 777-9 jets to its large Boeing order book. We appreciate their confidence that Boeing’s market-leading widebody family will provide outstanding fuel efficiency and a superior passenger experience for its global operations.”

 

Globus hires regional marketing manager

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TTR WEEKLY
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Hallie Chua
Hallie Chua.

SINGAPORE, 26 July 2024: Globus family of brands (GFOB) — consisting of leading coach touring companies Globus and Cosmos and luxury river cruising operator Avalon Waterways — confirms the appointment of Hallie Chua in the newly created role of Regional Marketing Manager for Southeast Asia, signifying GFOB’s commitment to the region.  

Based out of Singapore, Hallie will be responsible for all of GFOB’s marketing activities across Southeast Asia. With over a decade of experience in the travel sector, Chua is an expert marketer, having previously worked across brands, including global cruise company Genting Hong Kong and travel agency Nam Ho Travel. In her new role at GFOB, Hallie will implement trade and consumer marketing strategies to strengthen Globus, Cosmos and Avalon’s position in the region. 

Globus family of brands Head of Marketing Asia Pacific Chris Fundell said he is delighted to have Hallie join the company as it expands its presence.  

“We have every confidence Hallie will be key to driving growth across our portfolio in Southeast Asia. She’s hit the ground running in her first few weeks, leading strategy across her markets and connecting with our distribution offices through the region and trade partners. Growth in Southeast Asia is a key pillar of our long-term strategy, and Hallie, with her wealth of experience, incredible relationships, and market expertise, is the ideal person to lead the charge,” said Fundell.

Speaking of her appointment, Chua shared her excitement about working with GFOB’s portfolio of innovative brands.
“Globus family of brands is a leader in the touring and cruising industry, and I’m thrilled to be joining such a reputable company in an exciting growth period. I’m looking forward to representing GFOB at future industry events – it will be great to connect further with local consumers and trade to drive elevated brand awareness in the region,” said Chua.

 

Singapore tops passport power index

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 26 July 2024: Singapore breaks away from the peloton of six countries that have shared the top spot on the Henley Passport Index in recent years, reclaiming its title as the world’s most powerful passport in the latest ranking published earlier this week. 

The city-state also sets a new record score, with its citizens now enjoying access to 195 travel destinations out of 227 around the world visa-free. France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain drop to joint-second place, each with visa-free access to 192 destinations, and an unprecedented seven-nation cohort, each with access to 191 destinations without a prior visa — Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden — now sit in third place on the ranking, which is based on exclusive and official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

IMAGE: SIM DING EN.

The UK ranks fourth with Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland despite its visa-free destination score falling to 190. On the other hand, the US continues its decade-long slide down the index, dropping to the 8th spot, with access to just 186 destinations visa-free. 

Former passport powerhouses the UK and the US jointly held first place on the index 10 years ago in 2014. Afghanistan remains firmly entrenched as the world’s weakest passport, losing access to yet another destination over the past six months. Its citizens now have access to only 26 countries visa-free—the lowest score ever recorded in the history of the 19-year-old index.

Commenting in the July 2024 edition of the Henley Global Mobility Report, Henley & Partners chairman and the inventor of the passport index concept Christian H Kaelin said: “The general trend over the past two decades has been towards greater travel freedom, with the global average number of destinations travellers can access visa-free nearly doubling from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024. However, the global mobility gap between those at the top and bottom of the index is now wider than ever, with top-ranked Singapore able to access a record-breaking 169 more destinations visa-free than Afghanistan”.

Biggest climbers and fallers

The UAE makes it into the Top 10 for the first time, having added an impressive 152 destinations since the index’s inception in 2006 to achieve its current visa-free score of 185 and rising a remarkable 53 places from 62nd to 9th position in the process. 

Henley & Partners CEO, Juerg Steffen, says the country’s meteoric ascent “results from deliberate and concerted efforts by the Emirati government to position the UAE as a global hub for business, tourism, and investment. Our research has consistently shown a strong correlation between a country’s visa-free score and its economic prosperity. Nations with higher visa-free scores enjoy greater GDP per capita, increased foreign direct investment, and more robust international trade relationships”.

Interestingly, China and Ukraine are among the top 10 countries that have climbed the highest in the ranking over the past decade. Since 2014, China has jumped up 24 places from 83rd to 59th (with access to 85 destinations visa-free), while Ukraine has advanced by 23 spots, from 53rd to 30th, with its nationals able to visit 148 destinations without a prior visa. 

Conversely, Russia has fallen seven places over the past ten years, from 38th to 45th position (with visa-free access to just 116 destinations).  

The biggest faller over the last decade is Venezuela, which has plunged 17 places from 25th to 42nd on the Henley Passport Index. The country is due to hold decisive presidential elections on 28 July that could change the fate of more than seven million Venezuelans who have fled their country over the past decade amid an economic and political crisis brought about by a crash in the oil price combined with chronic government corruption and mismanagement.

Yemen has tumbled 15 places to 100th on the ranking, while Nigeria and Syria have fallen 13 places to 92nd and 102nd, respectively. Bangladesh is the fifth-biggest faller, dropping 11 places from 86th to 97th position over the past 10 years.

 

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