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Surge in Golden Week holiday bookings

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 1 October 2024: On the eve of China’s National Day “golden week” holiday season, Fliggy, a leading online travel platform in the Alibaba Group, has released its 2024 National Day Holiday Travel Forecast, highlighting several key trends.

Long-distance travel dominates: Overseas travel bookings have surpassed last year’s numbers by a wide margin, with rental car and cruise reservations doubling as travellers seek unique experiences.

Photo: www.scmp.com/

Inbound travel trends: Train tickets for the holiday went on sale on 17 September, with some popular routes selling out quickly. Key routes include Shenzhen-Guangzhou, Chengdu-Chongqing, Shanghai-Hangzhou, Shanghai-Wuhan, and Shenzhen-Wuhan.

With ample time off and cooler weather anticipated, travellers are eager to explore farther destinations this holiday. Major cities remaining top choices for bookings include Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Nanjing, Chongqing, and Xi’an.

Emerging destinations are seeing a surge in interest, like Wulong in Chongqing, Nujiang in Yunnan, Meishan in Sichuan, Heihe in Heilongjiang, Shuozhou in Shanxi, Tumushuke in Xinjiang, Chengmai in Hainan, Chongzuo in Guangxi, and Tacheng in Xinjiang, thanks to their stunning scenery and affordable prices.

Outbound travel destinations: Popular outbound destinations include Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the United States. Countries experiencing the fastest growth in bookings include Chile, Croatia, Belgium, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, the UAE, and Sri Lanka.

Emphasis on unique experiences: This year’s travellers prioritise quality and variety, with average spending up by nearly 6% compared to last year, despite having one fewer official holiday days this year.

Popular activities include cultural tours, such as exhibitions and traditional costume photography, and outdoor pursuits like forest hikes, fishing, and sailing.

Cruise vacations and self-driving tours abroad are booming; overseas rental car bookings have surged by over 150%, while cruise reservations have skyrocketed by nearly 600% compared to last year.

Affordable travel options: Both inbound and outbound hotel and flight rates are lower than last year, with average hotel rates down by about 4.5% and flight prices seeing even more significant reductions.

For example, a direct flight from Shanghai to Haikou on 4 October starts at RMB213 (including taxes), while a flight from Hangzhou to Jeju Island on 5 October sells at RMB410 (including taxes).

KAL ramps up Southeast Asia flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 1 October 2024: Korean Air is expanding flights to popular Southeast Asian destinations, including Bali, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, to meet the growing demand during the upcoming winter season.

Starting from 20 October, Korean Air will increase flights on the Seoul Incheon-Bali route to twice daily service, up from the current 11 weekly flights. 

Photo credit: KAL.

The airline will deploy a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner for the winter schedule until 27 March 2025.

The airline will also double frequencies to twice daily on its Seoul Incheon-Nha Trang route from 27 October and Seoul Incheon-Phu Quoc route from 15 December.

In addition to Southeast Asia, Korean Air will increase frequencies on key North American and European routes. Starting 27 October, flights on the Seoul Incheon-Las Vegas route will increase to daily from five weekly flights. The Seoul Incheon-Vancouver route will increase to 11 weekly flights, followed by a twice-daily service starting 1 December. The airline will also increase its Seoul Incheon-Madrid service to four weekly flights, up from three, with departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

In Asia, the airline plans to enhance schedules on its Kagoshima and Taichung routes, increasing frequencies to a daily service throughout the winter season. Currently, the Seoul Incheon-Kagoshima route is served by three to five weekly flights, while the Seoul Incheon-Taichung route operates four times a week.

Korean Air’s international network capacity for the winter season is expected to reach 100% of pre-pandemic levels. The airline remains committed to adjusting schedules based on seasonal factors and market demand to provide passengers with optimized services.

MH launches daily flights to Danang

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 1 October 2024: Tourism Malaysia welcomed Malaysia Airlines’ inaugural flight MH749 from Danang, Vietnam, touched down at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) last week. 

Photo credit: Tourism Malaysia.

The national airline flies the route daily, and Tourism Malaysia described the service in a press statement as a significant milestone in expanding connectivity from second-tier Vietnamese cities to Malaysia.

“It presents a valuable opportunity to attract more tourists while expanding Malaysia Airlines’ presence in Vietnam, adding to existing routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City,” Tourism Malaysia stated.

Vietnam is one of Tourism Malaysia’s target markets, apart from China, India, Indonesia and Australia.

This new direct flight underscores the strong collaboration between Malaysia Airlines and Tourism Malaysia, which supports the shared vision of Visit Malaysia 2026: to welcome 35.6 million international tourist arrivals and generate MYR147.1 billion in tourism revenue.

Flights are daily, but there are two departure times from Kuala Lumpur: 1200 (Tue, Thu and Sat) and 1200 (Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun). The airline deploys a Boeing 737-800 aircraft on the route with a capacity of 180 passengers.

Flight MH748 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0835 and arrives in Danang (DAD) at 1025. (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday).
Flight MH749 departs Danang at 1125 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 1530 (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday).

Flight MH748 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1200 and arrives in Danang (DAD) at 1340 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday).
Flight MH749 departs Danang at 1440  and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 1835 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday).

The route is competitive. AirAsia flies between Kuala Lumpur and Danang 14 times weekly, departing KUL at 0900 and 1335. Batik Air flies daily on the route, departing KUL at 1030. The average roundtrip fare on the route during 2024 is USD130, with peaks in February (USD152), June (USD208) and December USD161.

TG and Gulf Air extend codeshare deal

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 1 October 2024: Thai Airways International and Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national carrier, have extended their longstanding codeshare agreement to increase the number of destinations available to passengers.

THAI provides codeshare services in roundtrip flights from Bangkok to Cairo, Kuwait City, Amman, Casablanca, Athens, and Manchester operated by Gulf Air via connecting flights from Bahrain. 

Gulf Air offers its passengers seamless connectivity onboard codeshare roundtrip flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Hat Yai, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Denpasar, and Sydney. 

This latest development underscores THAI and Gulf Air’s commitment to strengthening their collaboration and enhancing customers’ travel options. THAI and Gulf Air already operate codeshare roundtrip flights on the Bangkok-Bahrain and Bahrain-Abu Dhabi routes. 

Gulf Air customers can book travel to additional cities in Thailand, such as Chiang Mai and Phuket, as well as international destinations, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Melbourne, which THAI serves from its Bangkok hub.

THAI passengers are now connected to Cairo, Kuwait City, Amman, Casablanca, Athens, Manchester, and other destinations in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa through Gulf Air’s Bahrain hub. 

AAPA airlines report strong August traffic

By
TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 1 October 2024: Preliminary August 2024 traffic figures released Monday by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) revealed robust growth in international air passenger demand, even as traffic volumes approached pre-pandemic levels.

Due to the region’s resilient economic growth, Asia Pacific airlines collectively carried 32.3 million international passengers in August, reflecting a 21.7% year-on-year increase compared to the same month last year. Traffic in the region had nearly resumed to pre-pandemic levels, at 96.1% of 2019 volumes. Demand in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) increased by 20.7% while available seat capacity expanded by 19.7% year-on-year, leading to a 0.7 percentage point increase in the average international passenger load factor to 83.2% for the month.

Despite signs of moderation in the broader manufacturing sector, the surge in e-commerce demand out of the major manufacturing hubs in the region drove air cargo volumes higher. As measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), international air cargo demand recorded a 12.2% year-on-year increase, outpacing the 10.4% expansion in offered freight capacity. As a result, the average international freight load factor rose by 0.9 percentage points to 59.6% for the month, marking the fourth consecutive monthly increase after more than two years in decline.

Commenting on the results, AAPA Director General Subhas Menon said: “During the first eight months of the year, the region’s carriers saw a 36% growth in the number of international passengers carried, reaching a total of 240 million, boosted by increased air connectivity and less restrictive visa policies.”

“During the same period, international air cargo demand surged by 15% year-on-year, driven by several key factors, including a thriving e-commerce sector. Disruptions in ocean freight logistics also encouraged modal shifts from sea to air, as businesses sought faster and more reliable transport alternatives.”

Looking ahead, Menon noted: “Supported by ongoing expansions in connectivity, travel demand is expected to remain healthy on routes within and across the regions. Similarly, the outlook for air cargo markets is positive, with businesses replenishing inventories for the year-end festive season.”

Menon added: “Nevertheless, persistent supply chain disruptions continue challenging the region’s carriers. Delays in aircraft deliveries, shortages of spare parts, and lack of skilled labour have heightened operational pressures, contributing to flight disruptions and further increasing costs. Faced with such external pressures, airlines carefully manage flight frequencies and schedules without compromising the industry’s excellent safety standards.”  

Empowering women in tourism

By
TTR WEEKLY
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LUANG PRABANG, Laos, 1 October 2024: The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC), and the Lao PDR Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism jointly organised a four-day digital skills training workshop from 24 to 27 September in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR.

Twenty-eight participants from the public and private sectors attended the event entitled, “Enhancing Digital Skills for Women in Tourism Communities in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam – The Training of Trainers.”

The face-to-face workshop addressed key issues such as digital marketing analysis and planning, promoting community-based tourism enterprises online, and developing digital skills training for community-based micro and small tourism businesses such as homestays, guest houses, restaurants, handicraft outlets, and local tour services.

Participants also visited community-based tourism enterprises, assessing their digital needs as real-life case studies.

The ‘training the trainers’ workshop also included sessions on effective resource utilisation, planning, budgeting, and setting goals for digital marketing.

ASEAN-Japan Centre Assistant Director Naoko Fujikawamsaid said digital skills are crucial for the worldwide marketing of tourism products. However, few women in the tourism sector had opportunities to develop their digital marketing skills.

“By empowering these women with the knowledge to connect their local tourism products to the global market, we are supporting their personal growth and nurturing the sustainable development of their communities”.

Lao PDR’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Director General of Tourism Development Phonemaly Inthaphome aid: “Women have the potential to lead and innovate in tourism. By enhancing their digital skills, we are not just investing in individual capabilities but investing in their communities’ future.”

MTCO  Executive Director Suvimol ‘Dee’ Thanasarakij noted that women comprised more than half of the tourism workforce in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. However, many were informal labourers with limited access to education and opportunities.

“Through this training, we aim to empower women in local tourism communities with the digital skills needed to strengthen their businesses and gain greater exposure to the global market,” she said.

Fujikawa added: “We believe these participants will become catalysts for change, passing on their knowledge and driving innovation in tourism across their regions.”

After the event, Thanasarakij concluded: “We hope this training will create a ripple effect, with participants passing on their knowledge and skills to others, fostering resilience and growth across the region.”

About Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office
The governments of Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam established the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) in 2006 as a tourism collaboration framework. The MTCO aims to develop and promote the Mekong Region as a single tourism destination.

Sabah increases China links via AirAsia

By
TTR WEEKLY
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KOTA KINABALU, 30 September 2024: Following the resumption of the direct flight from Kunming to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah is now connected to 10 major Chinese cities.

Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai welcomed the inaugural Kunming flight operated by AirAsia, last week.

The Kunming-Kota Kinabalu route has flights scheduled three times weekly, complementing other AirAsia direct routes to Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Shanghai, Beijing, and Ningbo. Additionally, Xiamen Air operates the Fuzhou-Kota Kinabalu route.

While China remains a significant market for Sabah, Joniston said the Sabah Tourism Board is pursuing new market opportunities.

“We are constantly discussing with our airline partners, particularly AirAsia, to establish Sabah as a key travel hub in Borneo,” said Joniston. “We want to explore new markets like Vietnam, India, and Central Asia and are planning to resume direct flights from Australia, among others. “With the Nusantara development underway, we must build a strong hub portfolio and capture every market that will lead to more exciting international routes”.

AirAsia is actively working to connect Sabah with more cities, including Shantou (China) and Kaohsiung (Taiwan), which is expected to launch in November. AirAsia has also begun promoting a new route from Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) to Kota Kinabalu, due to commence in December.

Other international routes operated by AirAsia include key Southeast Asian destinations such as Singapore, Manila, Jakarta, Bali, Manado, Taipei, and Seoul.

Other airlines serving international direct flights to Sabah are Air Busan (Busan-Kota Kinabalu), Scoot (Singapore-Kota Kinabalu), Shanghai Airlines (Shanghai-Kota Kinabalu), China Southern (Guangzhou-Kota Kinabalu), and Royal Brunei (Bandar Seri Begawan-Kota Kinabalu).

From January to July this year, Sabah welcomed 262,070 visitors from China, achieving 70 percent of pre-pandemic arrival levels. Bruneians and South Koreans followed closely, with 124,521 and 106,573 arrivals, respectively, making them Sabah’s top three international tourist markets.

For more information on Sabah tourism, check out the website https://sabahtourism.com/.

A Cultural Feast: Thailand’s annual Vegetarian Festival 

By
Sawapat Pimchaichon
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BANGKOK, 30 September 2024: Thailand’s annual Vegetarian Festival, held in October, attracts locals and tourists by emphasising health and spirituality through diverse vegetarian dishes and rituals. 

The festival is a vital calendar event for those of Chinese ancestry but also appeals to a broader audience interested in adopting a healthy vegetarian diet. 

Photo: thesmartlocal.co.th

For those not engaged in spiritual rituals, the festival offers a chance to enjoy traditional and fusion vegetarian dishes. Additionally, it promotes sustainability by reducing the environmental impact of livestock farming, boosting demand for locally sourced ingredients, and fostering community engagement.

The festival is an annual tradition introduced by Chinese immigrants and is now one of Thailand’s most popular festivals. One legend goes back 400 years to China during the Manchu invasion, where followers dressed in white and abstained from meat to strengthen their resolve to resist the Manchus. Another legend connects the festival to the Taoist worship of the Nine Emperor Gods, observed from the first to the ninth day of the waxing moon in the ninth lunar month. During this time, participants avoid meat to purify both body and mind.

Today, the festival is celebrated in Thai Chinese communities across various provinces, with notable festivities in Bangkok’s Yaowarat  (Chinatown) and Phuket Island. Other provinces, such as Nakhon Sawan, Ranong, Songkhla, Chumphon, Narathiwat, and Phang Nga, also hold ceremonies at different shrines. This year, the festival will convene daily from 2 or 3 October to 11 October, depending on the venue.

Bangkok Vegetarian Festival: A Celebration of Community and Vegetarian Cuisine in Yaowarat.

In Bangkok, this year’s Vegetarian Festival at Yaowarat in Samphanthawong district will be held for 10 days, from 2 to 11 October, in honour of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua on the occasion of His Majesty’s sixth-cycle, or 72nd, birthday anniversary. The festival is a community-driven event that promotes health, mental strength, and family bonding, aligning with the city’s policy of fostering community activities and preserving cultural traditions for future generations.

Highlights of the event include processions to summon deities, an official opening ceremony on 3 October featuring the distribution of 1,110 dishes of auspicious fried noodles prepared by the Yaowarat Master Chefs, and a parade showcasing vibrant lion and dragon dances. Attendees can also enjoy a diverse array of delectable vegetarian dishes from over 100 vendors.

Exploring Cultural Richness and Rituals at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival will convene from 3 to 11 October at various districts throughout the island. Known as ‘Jia Chai,’ this festival was recognised by the Ministry of Culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2018, classified under Social Practice, Ritual, Tradition, and Festival of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The festival sees more than 40 shrines hosting traditional rituals, including the Kathu Shrine, Jui Tui Shrine, Bang Niew Shrine, Tha Ruea Shrine, and Sapam Shrine. Beyond observing a vegetarian diet to purify the body and mind, festival highlights include street processions to summon deities, ceremonial bridge-crossing, fire-walking rituals, and farewell ceremonies. With around 40,000 participants, the performance of these sacred rituals showcases Phuket’s cultural heritage and local identity, bringing the festival into the global spotlight.

Those travelling to Phuket during the festival can savour various vegetarian dishes, from famous street food vendors to Michelin-starred establishments. Vegetarian versions of Phuket’s local dishes, such as Loba Jeh, Hokkien Mee, Oh Tao Jeh, Mee Hoon Gaeng Pu Jeh, and Pad Sataw Jeh, are among the must-try dishes.

Connecting Tradition and Sustainability

Thailand’s Vegetarian Festival goes beyond a religious observance to purify the body and mind. Participating in the festival also connects with sustainability in several ways. During the nine-day event, participants adopt plant-based meals, reducing meat consumption and the environmental impact of livestock farming. The festival boosts demand for locally sourced produce, supporting farmers and lowering the carbon footprint from long-distance transport. It also preserves traditional practices passed down through generations while fostering a strong sense of community. Additionally, waste management is a focus, with the Phuket Vegetarian Festival recycling organic and plastic waste. Lanterns, flags, and decorations are reused, and participants reduce single-use plastics and embrace eco-friendly practices.

Dusit recruits South Asia partners

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TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 30 September 2024: Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Paljor Global Corp Private Limited, a leading Nepalese investment firm and luxury carpet manufacturer, to seek opportunities to introduce Dusit’s diverse offerings in Nepal and throughout South Asia. 

Building on their successful collaboration at Dusit Princess Kathmandu — owned by Paljor Global Corp and managed by Dusit International — the partnership aims to leverage Paljor Global Corp’s strong presence in the South Asian market to identify and secure hotel projects for management by Dusit Hotels and Resorts, establish distribution channels for Dusit Foods, and collaborate on hospitality education initiatives through Dusit Hospitality Education.

(From left): John Lohr, Executive Director of External Affairs, Dusit Thani College; Siradej Donavanik, Vice President – Development (Global), Dusit International; Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International; Dorje Gyalsten Lama, Chairman, Paljor Global Corp Private Limited; Dolma Tsering Lama, Managing Director, Paljor Global Corp Private Limited; Manisa Mitpaibul, Managing Director, Dusit Foods.

Alongside Dusit Princess Kathmandu, Dusit International also operates the luxury Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel in Nepal. Both properties opened in July last year. In the hospitality sector, Paljor Global Corp also owns Hotel Tibet Pvt Ltd, Hotel Tibet International Pvt Ltd, and Yakety Yak Hostel, Kathmandu. 

To further Dusit’s presence in the country, Paljor Global Corp will leverage its network to find opportunities for Dusit’s established brand lineup that includes Dusit Thani (luxury), dusitD2 (lifestyle/midscale), Dusit Princess (midscale), Dusit Suites (upscale/long stay), and ASAI Hotels (affordable lifestyle), as well as recently launched brands Devarana – Dusit Retreats (wellness luxury), and Dusit Collection (bespoke luxury). Beyond Nepal, Paljor Global Corp will actively seek hotel projects for Dusit’s brands in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Bhutan, and northeast India.

Additionally, Paljor Global Corp aims to collaborate with Dusit’s hospitality education institutions, including Dusit Thani College, which offers a competency-based curriculum rooted in industry-driven learning, and The Food School, Thailand’s first multinational culinary school, to develop and launch a vocational education programme that will help to elevate the next generation of hospitality professionals and empower them to build successful and fulfilling careers.

Dusit and Paljor Global Corp will also seek opportunities for Dusit Gastro, a subsidiary of Dusit Foods, to bring its various products to the hotel, restaurant, café, and catering industry in Nepal. Dusit Gastro sources premium ingredients such as organic rice from small-scale farms in northeastern Thailand and offers high-quality ready-to-cook products, including curry pastes, par-baked pastries, and innovative frozen items. 

Leveraging the growing number of Nepalese tourists to Dusit’s home base of Thailand, Paljor Global Corp also aims to create travel packages that include stays at Dusit Hotels and Resorts and visits to local attractions. 

“This strategic partnership underscores Dusit’s commitment to South Asia and its ability to leverage strong local partnerships to drive growth and innovation in the hospitality industry,” said Dusit International Chief Operating Officer Gilles Cretallaz. “By joining forces with a trusted partner like Paljor Global Corp, we are confident in delivering exceptional hospitality experiences that resonate with the local market and contribute to the region’s economic development. Together, we will create lasting memories, inspire future generations, and bring food products to market that sustainably meet the needs of the industry.”

Paljor Global Corp Private Limited Chairman Dorje Gyalsten Lama said: “We are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with Dusit International and expand our shared vision across South Asia. By exploring opportunities for Dusit’s exceptional hospitality, education, and culinary offerings, we aim to enhance the lives of guests, students, and communities and set new benchmarks for service and sustainability in Nepal and the region. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to creating meaningful experiences that uplift lives and inspire future generations.”

Paljor Global Corp Private Limited Managing Director Dolma Tsering Lama said: “Together with Dusit Education and Dusit Foods, we aim to make a significant impact. This partnership is not just about expansion; it’s about enhancing lives through education and culinary excellence.”

For more information, visit dusit-international.com.

Speakers line up for Aviation Future Week

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 30 September 2024: Emirates and the Museum of the Future have revealed details of the agenda and speaker lineup for the Aviation Future Week, which will take place from 15 to 17 October in Dubai.

Emirates Airline Deputy President and CEO Adel Al Redha said: “We have an incredible lineup of over 30 speakers and experts from across aviation and aerospace, airfreight and logistics, Maintenance, Overhaul & Repair (MRO); heavy hitters from different corners of the tech industry as well as academics, reflecting the broad range of topics that Aviation Future Week will cover. Participants can look forward to an agenda that promises to deliver insightful discussions, informative panel sessions, and interactive workshops, delving deep into topics that are at the top of their minds for the future of our industry.” 

His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer at Dubai Future Foundation, said: “Aviation Future Week serves as a pivotal platform to highlight the latest advancements and opportunities within the aviation sector.

His Excellency added: “Both Emirates and the Museum of the Future seek to host global discussions shaping this critical industry’s future. Moreover, this event aims to support the integration of advanced technologies in enhancing service efficiency and craft growth strategies for the aviation sector in both the short and the long term.”

Day 1

Aviation Future Week’s first day spotlights the passenger journey and addresses operational challenges amidst a backdrop of strong global demand. His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, will headline the opening, followed by a keynote by His Excellency Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade. Abdel Wahab Teffaha, Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO) Secretary General, will then touch on balancing traffic demand with innovative passenger solutions and elevated on-ground experiences.

The first panel will focus on optimising traffic demand in an environment of saturated airports and constrained supply chains. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of flydubai; Adel Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer Air Arabia and Wouter Van Wersch, Executive Vice President of Airbus International will kickstart the dialogue around their long-term vision for air traffic capacity.

Werner Vogels, Amazon’s Chief Technology Officer, will participate in a fireside chat to discuss the company’s approach to automation, biometrics and real-time data, aimed at creating seamless passenger journeys.

Airport leaders, including HE Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman Dubai Aviation City Corporation; Ayman AboAbah, CEO Riyadh Airports; Server Aydın, Chief Digital Services and Commercial Officer at iGA Istanbul Airport; Omar Binadai, Chief Technology and Infrastructure Officer at Dubai International and  Nicolas Vandable, Head of Airline Relations, Projects & Development, Director Smart Airport Programmes at Paris-CDG Airport will tackle the topic of airport infrastructure modernisation and the next wave of future technologies promising a frictionless on-ground experience.  

Participants will hear about the future of aircraft cabins and onboard connectivity and communications from CEOs at Recaro, Thales, Panasonic Avionics and Viasat.

Day 2

The second day of Aviation Future Week will delve into airfreight and logistics and MRO developments in the region. The day will begin with a fireside chat featuring His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, who will shed light on Dubai Future Foundation’s key role in driving the future of aviation and logistics in Dubai. This will be followed by a focus on the dynamic global landscape of freight and logistics and factors impacting demand, as well as digitisation, to be discussed with Nadeem Sultan, Senior Vice President Cargo Planning & Freighters at Emirates; Ram Menen, founding team member at Emirates SkyCargo and Hamdi Osman, Chairman and CEO Solitaire Group.

Confirmed speakers from Rolls Royce, GE Aerospace, Safran Cabin, Jamco and Joramco will also unpack efforts underway around sharpening the precision and effectiveness of MRO in the region through next generation technologies.

Day 3

The third and final day will navigate the nascent potential of Web3, AI and XR to drive workflow efficiencies and optimise service delivery for the industry. 

The first panel will explore customer feedback strategies using automation and utilising insights to make data-informed decisions with the aim of enhancing service levels. Senior executives leading digital and innovation teams at Avis Budget Group, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Airways and Vision-Box will share how they are scaling up their customer experience strategies. 

The final panel includes academics at Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as Microsoft Solutions, Whoop and Emirates’ HR leadership who will share their experiences and outline potential use-cases around combining the power of XR and Gen AI to streamline aviation workflows.

Spaces are limited to attend panel sessions. For more information about Aviation Future Week, including registration details, visit https://aviationfutureweek.ae/.
For information on the airline or to make a booking, visit www.emirates.com.

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