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Qatar Airways resumes flights to Malta,

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DOHA, Qatar, 7 July 2025: Qatar Airways resumed flights from Doha to Malta last Wednesday with four weekly direct flights between Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Malta International Airport (MLA). 

Flights are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using a 141-seat A320 on the Doha (DOH) – Malta (MLA) route with a flight time of five hours and five minutes.

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

Malta is home to Valletta, its capital city, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Mdina, its ancient capital with over 4,000 years of history. With 300 days of sun, the country invites travellers to explore its coasts, rich history, and cultural experiences.

Qatar Airways is the only airline in the Middle East with nonstop services to and from Malta. Fares on the direct route are approximately USD1,330 round-trip.

Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef welcomed the resumption of the Qatar Airways direct service between Doha and Malta, saying it signifies a strong recognition of Malta’s tourism potential. The new schedule will strengthen Malta’s connectivity with a variety of attractive and lucrative tourism source markets.


Qatar Airways flight to Malta (MLA)

Air France-KLM to increase stake in SAS

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SINGAPORE, 7 July 2025: Air France-KLM has announced that it will initiate proceedings to increase its stake in SAS from 19.9% currently to 60.5%, through a complete acquisition of the stakes held by Castlelake and Lind Invest.

The Group currently holds a 19.9% stake in the Scandinavian carrier. Since the summer of 2024, it has implemented commercial cooperation between SAS, Air France, and KLM in the form of extended codeshare and interline agreements, further strengthened by SAS joining the SkyTeam alliance.   

Photo credit: SAS

Provided all the necessary conditions are met, Air France-KLM would fully acquire the stakes held by Castlelake and Lind Invest, bringing its own stake to 60.5%. The Danish State would retain its 26.4% stake in SAS and its seats on the Board of Directors. 

The value of Air France-KLM’s contemplated investment in SAS would be determined at closing, based on SAS’s latest financial performance, including EBITDA and Net Debt. This transaction would be in line with the Group’s medium-term financial outlook. 

Subject to obtaining all necessary regulatory clearances and satisfying all conditions precedent, the ambition is to close in the second half of 2026.   

The acquisition of this majority stake would give Air France-KLM control of SAS, which would become a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group. This new step would enable Air France-KLM and SAS to fully unlock their synergy potential through comprehensive integration in all areas of business, including loyalty, and would extend beyond commercial activities. The Group would hold the majority of seats on the airline’s Board of Directors.

Air France-KLM’s interest in pursuing this transaction is driven by the significant improvement of SAS’s financial and operational performance, the success of the current commercial cooperation, as well as the Group’s confidence in the Scandinavian carrier’s long-term potential.  

AirAsia signs landmark order for A321XLRs

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KUALA LUMPUR, 7 July 2025: AirAsia Berhad, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capital A Berhad, signed a landmark agreement with Airbus valued at USD12.25 billion for 50 A321XLRs with rights for 20 A321XLRs. 

With this agreement, the airline takes a major step towards becoming the world’s first low-cost narrow-body network carrier, anchored by its multi-hub strategy. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery commencing in 2028 through 2032.

Photo Caption: Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes and Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft, Airbus, in Paris on Saturday.

Witnessed by Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the agreement was signed on Saturday in Paris between Capital CEO and Advisor & Steward of AirAsia Group, Tony Fernandes and Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Christian Scherer.

Fernandes commented: “We pioneered low-cost travel in Asia. Now, we are taking it to the next level. AirAsia is on a transformative journey to become the world’s first low-cost network carrier. This is about exponential growth, connecting geographies beyond ASEAN, and making flying even more democratic. We gave people in ASEAN the opportunity to explore Asia. Now we want the world to see ASEAN, and ASEAN to see the world. The A321XLR and A321LR are the game-changers enabling this vision, and we are proud to lead the charge in making our world smaller. We can’t wait to paint the skies even wider in red.”  

Scherer added: “We are pleased to confirm this agreement, as AirAsia Group begins its next development chapter. Having resumed its growth trajectory, which we salute and support, the airline is creating solid fleet efficiencies, allowing global network expansion. The A321XLR unlocks new opportunities for AirAsia to launch non-stop flights linking primary and secondary cities all around the globe.”

The next-generation A321XLRs will operate alongside AirAsia’s all-Airbus fleet of A320 Family and A330 aircraft, supporting its long-term strategy to deliver unmatched connectivity across Asia and beyond, while maintaining a low-cost model through improved route economics, enhanced aircraft utilisation and fleet efficiency. AirAsia Group aims to carry 150 million guests annually by 2030, reaching a cumulative total of 1.5 billion guests since inception.

The new fleet plays a pivotal role in this transformation. AirAsia’s multi-aircraft strategy enables the airline to match capacity with demand, reduce fuel consumption, and support a sustainable, cost-effective growth model in a highly competitive global landscape. The A321XLR also offers up to 20 per cent lower fuel burn per seat than the Airbus A321neo aircraft, significantly improving emissions performance and operating efficiency.

Norse schedules MAN-BKK flights

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BANGKOK, 7 July 2025: Norse Atlantic Airways confirms it will launch a new route between Manchester (UK) and Bangkok (BKK), Thailand, with flights commencing 26 November 2025. 

Operating a weekly service, every Wednesday from Manchester, the airline will offer the first direct flight to Bangkok from the northwest UK city. Using a Boeing Dreamliner configured with 338 seats the once weekly flight will tap a market estimated at 100,000 passengers who annually travel between Manchester and Bangkok, as well as another 100,000 passengers connecting with flights to and from other cities in the UK and Thailand.

Norse Atlantic Airways said in a press statement that the new route “marks a bold step in addressing the region’s largest underserved long-haul market.” 

Norse Atlantic Airways CEO Bjørn Tore Larsen added: “This route has been waiting to happen, and we’re proud to be the ones making it a reality. Manchester is a key gateway to the North of England, and Bangkok is a magnet for adventure, business, and culture. Connecting the two cities is a natural next step for Norse as we continue to disrupt and expand in the long-haul space.”

Norse’s entrance into the Manchester-Bangkok market offers a game-changing alternative to indirect, time-consuming connections and supports both inbound tourism to the UK and business or leisure travel to Thailand.

Flights are now available for booking on www.flynorse.com, with one weekly rotation during the winter season and potential for expansion based on demand.

New route details

The new service from Manchester (MAN) to Bangkok (BKK) will launch on Wednesday, 26 November 2025. 

Flight ZO891 will operate weekly, departing from Manchester (MAN) every Wednesday at 2040 and arriving in Bangkok (BKK) at 1805 local time plus a day (Thursday). Flight time: 11 hours and 30 minutes.

Flight ZO892 will depart Bangkok (BKK) at 2000 and arrive in Manchester (MAN) at 0215 (plus a day, Friday). Flight time: 13 hours and 15 minutes.

Return fares start at GBP259, including taxes. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has 338 seats, configured with 56 premium economy seats and 282 in economy class.

Emirates layers on more retrofitted aircraft 

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DUBAI, 4 July 2025: Emirates will be layering on more retrofitted Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s on its existing schedules to Shanghai and Zurich; expanding Milan, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires schedules; and upgrading its services to Shanghai and Singapore with A380 deployments.

Emirates’ latest schedule, capacity enhancements, and newly retrofitted aircraft deployments are in response to increased demand across the airline’s network, offering more customers the opportunity to enjoy the airline’s signature onboard experience, particularly its highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin.

The airline’s ambitious retrofit programme is progressing with remarkable momentum, as one aircraft undergoes a comprehensive nose-to-tail refresh every three weeks. Emirates’ engineering teams have retrofitted 60 aircraft since the start of the programme in November 2022.

Emirates’ latest schedule enhancements, all effective from 26 October, include:

  • Ramping up operations to Milan with the addition of a third daily flight, EK 101/102. The third daily flight will be served with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
  • Emirates’ linked services to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, EK247/248 will become daily flights.
  • After being served with a retrofitted Boeing 777 from 20 July, the airline will upgrade its services to Shanghai on the EK302/303 to the iconic Airbus A380, and the airline’s second daily flight to the city, EK 304/305, will be served with a retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft.
  • From this winter, the third daily flight between Dubai and Singapore will be served with the airline’s flagship A380 on the EK 314/315.

Emirates will upgrade its second daily Zurich flight, EK 85/86, from 1 February 2026 to an A380, replacing the current retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft.   Premium Economy will debut on Emirates flight EK87/88 with a newly retrofitted A380, also starting from 1 February 2026.

Despite a dynamic operating environment, business has been as usual across the Emirates network, and the airline continues to ramp up its operations to respond to demand this summer and the upcoming winter period.

Customers can enjoy the latest Emirates products onboard its retrofitted Boeing 777s and A380s with a better experience in the skies across every cabin class. The four-class Emirates Boeing 777 features 6 or 8 first-class suites, 38 or 40 business seats, 24 premium economy seats, and 256 economy seats. On a four-class Emirates A380, the premium economy cabin is located at the front of the main deck, with 56 seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration. Each seat offers generous pitch and width for working and relaxing, as well as customised features like in-seat charging points and a side cocktail table. 

Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores or via both online and offline travel agents.

Sarawak hosts the Eat Roam and Relish TV series

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KUCHING, 4 July 2025: ‘Eat Roam Relish: Sarawak, Malaysia’, the new six-part television series produced for the Sarawak Tourism Board and airing on SBS Food, SBS OnDemand and the Asian Food Network, is epic in scope, visually immersive and mouth-wateringly transportive.

This project marked the first long-form series for Benjamin O’Donnell, Producer and Director and Giovanni Pacialeo, Director and Cinematographer, founders of Delicious Film & Content. 

Building on their collective experience in the food filmmaking genre, they combined their expertise in narrative long-form content, advertising, and Tabletop production to shape this series.

To authentically capture the stunning colour, soul, and vibrancy of Sarawak’s food culture, O’Donnell and Pacialeo teamed up with a local crew, wading through rivers and climbing jungle mountains, all while toting their equipment.

O’Donnell said the project is a powerful example of how brand-funded content, when executed at the highest production standards, can deliver a compelling and entertaining ‘postcard’ for a region.

“The result is enduring; audiences all around the world will be able to experience the Sarawak region as they go on an experiential journey with Audra.

“We like to think of it as Chef’s Table smashed with Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy – it blurs the lines between documentary, presenter-led storytelling, and advertorial. 

“At its heart is Audra, who fully immersed herself in each moment, sharing with the audience her knowledge, personal insights and reflections,” said O’Donnell. 

Pacialeo, who was also the cinematographer on the series, said filming the show was a creatively rich experience.

“Capturing the landscape was considered with a cinematic approach. Each interconnecting visual was carefully designed to shape the show’s visual style. 

“As we scouted locations, a deeper understanding began to emerge. The landscape, people, colours and food are not separate elements but part of an interconnected whole. 

“Eat Roam Relish is true to its title. It’s an immersive experience that shines a light on the locals, ensuring their voices, stories and pride of place are given space to resonate on screen,” said Pacialeo.

WTFN and experienced figure in Australian food television (My Kitchen Rules, MasterChef Australia and Ready Steady Cook) and Senior Producer Astrid Sampson said: Eat Roam Relish captures Audra Morrice in her true element.

“The gastronomic feasts are complemented by the warmth of the people and the beautiful cinematography in this series; a blending that uncovers not only culinary secrets, but dishes that are bursting with flavour and guaranteed to delight viewers,” said Sampson.

Eat Roam Relish: Sarawak, Malaysia starring Audra Morrice aired on SBS Food, SBS OnDemand from 2100 AEST Wednesday 28 May, and will feature on the Asian Food Channel during August 2025.

More: https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-series/audras-eat-roam-relish

www.deliciouscontent.film

Centara takes home four global wins 

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BANGKOK 4 July 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts received four major accolades at the 2025 Trip.Best Awards by Trip.com, a globally trusted travel platform. 

These wins reaffirm Centara’s standing as a key player in the global hospitality industry, reflecting the group’s ongoing excellence in operational performance, guest engagement, and family-focused offerings.

This year, Centara received the following distinctions:

Together, these awards underscore Centara’s robust market presence and commitment to delivering meaningful, high-quality experiences across its global portfolio.

For more information about Centara Hotels & Resorts,  visit: https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/

Thomas Cook India and SOTC launch TravSure

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MUMBAI, 4 July 2025: Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel launch ‘TravSure’ – A pioneering, comprehensive, safe travel programme to assure customers in uncertain times.

In a focused endeavour aimed at bringing back confidence in travel amidst global uncertainty, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading travel services company, and its group company SOTC Travel, have launched ‘TravSure’. 

A first-of-its-kind, safe travel programme reiterates Thomas Cook and SOTC’s customer-first commitment – and delivers a stress-free journey with comprehensive support and financial protection.

Emergencies result in significant disruptions to travel plans, with cascading challenges for customers, including cancellations, charges, and rescheduling. Recognising the multiple pain points that arise during emergencies, TravSure has been designed to provide customers with 24/7 assistance and support through a dedicated representative. Importantly, the program protects travellers from financial burdens by covering costs that arise during such unforeseen events.

With traditional travel insurance policies typically excluding war/war-like and force majeure scenarios, Thomas Cook & SOTC’s travel policies underscore TravSure as a bold industry-first initiative, designed to fill that critical gap and financially safeguard their international group tour customers.

The programme offers protection against travel emergencies, including flight suspensions, trip curtailments due to war or war-like situations, political unrest, riots, and airspace closures. TravSure aims to empower customers: travel with confidence, knowing you are protected at every step.

TravSure pledge

Free rescheduling and refund in emergencies for unused services.

Applicable across Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s international group holidays.

Additional Trip Protection

Covers costs for flight rescheduling due to war and war-like disruptions, for flights booked by Thomas Cook India/ SOTC Travel.

Hotel stays at the destination/ during transit due to unforeseen emergency situations.

Coverage limit up to USD1500 per person for air and land expenses on International group travel.

24×7 Customer Support

Dedicated resource offering real-time support for emergencies, changes or queries.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Rajeev Kale said: “With TravSure, we have taken yet another pioneering step to ensure that our travellers feel protected and supported – at every stage of their journey.

In today’s uncertain travel landscape, assurance is the need of the hour, and TravSure aims to provide comprehensive protection and round-the-clock dedicated support, safety and assurance for our international group tour customers. TravSure is more than just a service – it is a bold step forward in empowering our customers to explore the world with confidence, knowing that they’re backed by the strength of Thomas Cook’s TravSure – every step of the way.”

SOTC Travel President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SD Nandakumar noted: “At SOTC, we understand that today’s Indian traveller is both eager to explore, yet mindful of uncertainties. Our TravSure initiative has been thoughtfully designed to support this mindset. By offering robust protection and assurance, TravSure empowers our customers to plan their dream holidays without the fear of financial setbacks. It is a significant step in reinforcing trust and redefining travel confidence — ensuring our travellers feel secure, supported and free to focus on the joy of discovery.”

Meliá Hotels embarks on path to luxury in Asia

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SINGAPORE, 4 July 2025: Meliá Hotels International (MHI) is spotlighting its accelerated expansion in the region at this week’s ILTM Asia Pacific, pledging that one in every three future hotel openings will fall in the luxury segment, led by the debut of landmark properties such as Paradisus Bali, its first all-inclusive luxury resort in Asia.

Strategic growth backed by strong results

Recognised as the most sustainable hotel company in Europe by S&P Global and ranked second globally by TIME Magazine and Statista, MHI is expanding its global luxury footprint while redefining destination-led hospitality in Asia.

In 2024, MHI reported a consolidated revenue increase of +6,4%, and increased net profit by +24.5% versus the previous year. Average revenue per available room (RevPAR) improved by +10.7% (almost doubling the industry’s average) driven by strong rate growth and recovery across leisure and corporate travel markets. 

MHI’s luxury and premium brands currently represent 65% of its portfolio, supported by its strategy to sign 30 new hotels annually, favouring asset-light, high-value partnerships. The Company now faces a positive semester, following a strong Q1 in which it increased RevPAR by 6.5% and its consolidated profit by 94% compared to the same period in 2024. 

Expanding luxury footprint in Asia-Pacific 

In 2025 and beyond, MHI is strengthening its presence in Asia-Pacific (APAC) through the debut of its Paradisus by Meliá and The Meliá Collection luxury brands. 

Opening in December 2025, Paradisus Bali will be the group’s first all-inclusive resort in Asia. Moving beyond the concept of all-inclusive, Paradisus Bali’s Destination-Inclusive programme prioritises guest immersion in the destination, while emphasising holistic well-being. Daily exclusive experiences will be available, both inside and outside the property, with each designed to help guests discover the beauty, rich culture, and natural wonders of Bali. Guests can explore locally rooted wellness rituals, refined dining across eight restaurants and twelve venues, and immersive experiences for both adults and families.

With 485 rooms and suites alongside seven private villas, Paradisus Bali also features The Reserve, an adults-only sanctuary offering exclusive privileges, and Family Concierge, a programme designed to deliver elevated experiences for family travellers.

The Meliá Collection, a curated collection of independent hotels with endless charm and a distinct homey feel, will make its Asia debut in 2026. Meliá Ba Vi Mountain Retreat is nestled in the serene Vietnamese highlands, surrounded by lush greenery and misty mountain views. In Laos, Grand Luang Prabang captures colonial charm with its elegant architecture and sweeping views of the Mekong River. Further north, the Meliá Collection Arxan will offer a peaceful escape in the forested mountains of Inner Mongolia, designed as a secluded sanctuary that embraces nature and local heritage.

Gran Melia: Bringing Spanish culinary excellence to Asia 

MHI is also making its mark in the region through elevated gastronomy. In Vietnam, Villa Le Corail, A Gran Meliá Hotel, offers a blend of Mediterranean elegance and Vietnamese coastal charm on the shores of Nha Trang. The resort’s signature restaurant, Hispania, brings Spanish culinary traditions to life using fresh local ingredients — a concept originally developed by renowned Spanish chef Marcos Morán. The Nha Trang kitchen is led by Chef Azizskandar Awang, and the restaurant has already earned acclaim, including a spot on Tatler Best 100 Restaurants 2025 and recognition from Robb Report as one of Asia’s top 25 dining destinations.

In Indonesia, ERRE & Urrechu Jakarta — Asia’s first Basque fire-grilled fine dining concept by Chef Iñigo Urrechu — brings Northern Spain’s culinary heritage to Gran Meliá Jakarta, further reinforcing the group’s reputation for exceptional F&B offerings.

“Asia Pacific is one of the most dynamic and promising regions for luxury travel,” said MHI Regional Managing Director, Asia-Pacific Ignacio Martin.

“As traveller preferences evolve and demand for high-end, culturally resonant experiences grows, Meliá is uniquely positioned to lead. With every new opening, we aim to blend the soul of Spanish hospitality with the richness of local culture – creating not just exceptional hotels, but flagship destinations that reflect the future of luxury in Asia.”

Philippine Airlines takes off to Danang

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MANILA, 4 July 2025: Philippine Airlines launched its new Manila – Danang direct flights on Tuesday, 1 July, with Flight PR585 departing Manila at 1110.   

The Philippine flag carrier begins the service with three weekly flights linking  Manila, the Philippines’ capital, with the coastal city of Danang in central Vietnam.

From left: New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) Terminal 1 Manager Arnel Atis, Department of Tourism Chief of Staff and Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation Coordination & Resource Generation Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Ambassador of Vietnam to the Philippines Lai Thai Binh, PAL President Richard Nuttall, PAL Executive Vice President / Chief Operating Officer Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez, and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Senior Asst. Gen. Manager Lourdes Reyes.

Philippines’ national airline said it plans to increase to four weekly flights by November 2025. The early morning departure from Manila ensures passengers can enjoy a full day in Danang, making the most of their trip from the moment they arrive.

Various local officials and aviation stakeholders celebrated the inaugural flight with a send-off ceremony at Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

“We at Philippine Airlines are proud to celebrate our inaugural service linking Manila and Danang,” said PAL President Richard Nuttall. “As we welcome Danang to our global network, PAL now serves three destinations in Vietnam, more than in any other ASEAN country, and that speaks of the solid bond of friendship that unites the Filipino and Vietnamese people. We look forward to flying travellers to the gateway of central Vietnam.”

Danang is gaining popularity as a prime holiday destination due to its diverse tourism offerings, thriving food and café scene, cultural experiences, scenic views, and easy access to UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Currently, PAL operates 24 weekly nonstop flights to cities in Vietnam — Danang, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), and Hanoi, including three weekly flights that directly connect Cebu with Ho Chi Minh City.  

For the Danang flights, PAL is deploying Airbus A321 jetliners that accommodate up to 199 passengers, offering both business class and economy class service options.

Flight schedule for the new Manila-Danang service

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