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More choices on Mekong cruise dates

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 2 April 2024: Pandaw has released additional dates for its popular Laos Mekong River adventure to meet travel demand for the 2024/2025 sailing season. 

Pandaw’s 10-night expedition on the Upper Mekong sails from Chiang Khong on the Thai-Laos border through Laos, stopping in the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang before sailing towards Vientiane.

In an update posted online over the Easter holiday, the Southeast Asian and Indian river cruise specialist said it was applying a no-single-supplement policy and introducing discovery discounts for early bookers on the new sailing dates. 

Pandaw’s unique itinerary takes travellers to the very heart of life on the Upper Mekong, exploring charming villages of the various hill tribes that inhabit the region. It also includes a sustainable elephant experience at the Mekong Elephant Park and a three-night stay in the UNESCO Heritage city of Luang Prabang, which gives travellers ample time to explore the historical town and nearby attractions.  

Must-see attractions in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Here are must-see attractions you can explore during the Pandaw Cruise’s three-night stop-off in this riverside town.  

Temples: Luang Prabang is brimming with beautiful temples with unique architectural styles and history.

Wat Xieng Thong: Arguably the most significant temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Xieng Thong was built in the 16th century and features stunning gilded roofs and intricate mosaics.

Wat Mai Suwannapumaram: Also known as the Silver Temple, Wat Mai Suwannapumaram is famed for its gleaming silver exterior.

Wat Visoun: This 16th-century temple is known for its unusual octagonal shape and its collection of ancient Buddha statues.

Mount Phousi: Climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi for panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. At the summit, you’ll also find a Buddhist temple and a giant Buddha footprint. 

Pak Ou Caves: Take a boat trip up the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha images of all shapes and sizes. 

Kuang Si Waterfalls: Escape the city heat and cool off at the turquoise pools beneath the cascading Kuang Si Waterfalls. You can also hike to the top of the falls for stunning views. 

Royal Palace Museum: Learn about Laotian history and culture at the Royal Palace Museum, which was once the home of the Laotian kings. 

Alms-giving Ceremony: Witness the daily alms-giving ceremony, a unique and spiritual experience where hundreds of saffron-robed monks collect offerings from the local people.

Night Market: Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Luang Prabang Night Market, where you can find everything from souvenirs and handicrafts to delicious local food. 

These are just a few of the many must-see attractions in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang is an unforgettable destination with its rich history, beautiful temples, stunning natural scenery, and friendly people.

To book an Upper Mekong expedition with Pandaw for 2024/25, visit pandaw.com or email us at [email protected].

The Laos Mekong
VIENTIANE TO CHIANG KHONG
10 nights
FROM USD4,316 per person.

For more information on the Laos Mekong expedition.

To download Pandaw brochures, visit:
https://www.pandaw.com/brochures?utm_source=pandaw&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=new-laos-mekong-dates-and-offers

Exhibitors back ITB Asia for business boost

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE 2 April 2024: As preparations for ITB Asia 2024 are well underway, Messe Berlin Asia Pacific, the show organiser, welcomes top exhibitors and The Ascott Limited as the  Official Partner Hotel. 

The three-day event, scheduled from 23 to 25 October 2024, is a powerful platform for professionals in the travel industry, covering key verticals such as Leisure, Corporate Travel, MICE, and Travel Technology. Attendees can expect to connect with destination experts, industry suppliers, top-tier buyers, and thought leaders, all sharing insights and forging valuable connections.

“After a strong year, tourism is on track to return to pre-pandemic levels. The comeback of outbound travel in Asia was the growth driver in 2023. We are thrilled with the momentum building towards our 17th edition. The calibre of exhibitors, the depth of insights shared, and the opportunities for collaboration make ITB Asia the premier event for the travel industry in the APAC region. We’re confident that ITB Asia 2024 will surpass expectations and continue to be the pinnacle of business, networking and innovation”, stated Joyce Wang, Executive Director of Messe Berlin Asia Pacific, organiser of ITB Asia, MICE Show Asia, and Travel Tech Asia.

The optimistic sentiment in the industry is also reflected at ITB Asia’s show floor. Confirmed exhibitors at ITB Asia and MICE Show Asia include global companies showcasing their latest tourism products and innovations, such as Banyan Tree, Brand USA, Business Events Perth, BWH Hotels, Czech Tourism Authority, Eva Airways, Explorer Kenya Tours and Travel, Far East Hospitality, Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg (BER), Frasers Hospitality, Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, Lufthansa City Center, Malta Tourism Authority, Mandai Wildlife Group, Marina Bay Sands Pte Ltd, Meliá Hotels International, ONYX Hospitality Group, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Pattaya Variety, Penang Global Tourism, Premium Travel Mongolia, Sarawak Tourism Board, Sentosa Development Corporation, Seoul Tourism Organization, Singapore Tourism Board, Skyscanner, The Ascott Limited, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, Trip.com, Visit Berlin, Visit Finland, Worldwide Hotels Pte Ltd and Wyndham Hotel Asia Pacific.

In partnership with The Ascott Limited as the Official Partner Hotel, attendees can look forward to an insightful Opening Keynote to kickstart the three-day conference programme. Attendees can also expect an evening of networking with fellow industry players at their Official Evening Function.

Travel Tech Asia is the most important travel technology marketplace. Taking place parallel with the 3-in-1 show, the event will feature leading brands and startups, including Korea Tourism Organization, SiteMinder, Smartryde, STAAH, SUNRATE, and TBO Holidays, among others, unveiling the latest technologies and emerging trends shaping the future of travel.

ITB Asia’s Buyer Elite Programme, in partnership with esteemed organisations such as American Express, Association of the Indonesian Tours & Travel Agencies (ASITA), ASTINDO, EVINTRA, Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA), Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), United Federation of Travel Agents Association (UFTAA), and Vietnam Society of Travel Agents (VISTA), facilitates meaningful collaborations between service providers and global buyers, ensuring mutually beneficial partnerships.

For exhibitors, the Early Bird Rate for booth space registration ends in just two days. Exhibitors may register before 31 March 2024 at www.itb-asia.com/exhibiting to secure a space.
Trade visitors are invited to join the event with an all-access pass, granting entry to all three shows—ITB Asia, MICE Show Asia, and Travel Tech Asia. They can take advantage of the Early Bird rate available until 22 September 2024 by registering at www.itb-asia.com/visit-register.

Vistara boosts Dreamliner fleet

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 2 April 2024: Vistara took delivery last week of its last Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, making it the 70th aircraft in the India-based fleet. 

It marked the culmination of the order signed in 2018, which included 56 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing.

Photo credit: Vistara. Dreamliner delivery.

It included Airbus A321s, the first in Asia to be fitted with lie-flat seats. Vistara aircraft offer Live TV onboard and now complimentary Wi-Fi for Club Vistara members. As aircraft joined the fleet, the airline expanded services from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore hubs to international destinations across Asia, the Middle East and Europe.  

“All this was also possible because of the efforts and continuous support from all of our customers, partners, and staff,” said Vistara Chief Executive Officer Vinod Kannan. “As we go into the next phase of our journey, we continue to take our customers on a journey that will be even more exciting in the coming days.”

About Vistara (TATA SIA Airlines Limited) 
TATA SIA Airlines Limited, known by the brand name Vistara, is a 51:49 joint venture between Tata Sons Private Limited and Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA). Vistara brings together Tata’s and SIA’s legendary hospitality and renowned service excellence to offer India’s finest full-service flying experience. Vistara commenced its commercial operations on 9 January 2015, and today, it connects destinations across India and worldwide. The airline currently has a fleet of 70 aircraft, including 53 Airbus A320neo, 10 Airbus A321, and 7 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

AITEX and Tourism Investment Asia share podium

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 2 April 2024: Tourism Investment Asia (TIA) confirmed this week it is collaborating with the Asia Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (AITEX 2024) to host a one-day event on 25 August 2024 at the Sunway Resort Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.  

AITEX 2024, now in its second edition, will take place at the Sunway Resort Hotel’s convention facilities from 23 to 25 August, with exhibitors from 30 countries attending. The show is organised by the Malaysia Tourism Agency Association, which also established Tourism Investment Asia (TIA). 

Photo credit: AITEX 2024. World Islamic Tourism & Trade Awards are a highlight of the show.

AITEX also hosts the World Islamic Tourism & Trade Awards to honour organisations and individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and promotion of Islamic tourism.

This strategic partnership between Tourism Investment Asia and Asia Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo will highlight the vast potential for halal tourism investment across Asia, providing industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders a platform to explore lucrative opportunities in this rapidly growing sector.

AITEX 2024 Chairman Dato Dr Mohd Khalid Harun emphasised the significance of the event, saying it was an invaluable opportunity for Asia investors, underscoring the immense potential and importance of halal tourism as a key driver of economic growth.

AITEX 2024 is a one-day event that opens opportunities for Islamic Tourism Investment opportunities in the tourism sector, from hospitality and travel services to halal food and lifestyle products.

Participants will network with Industry Leaders and engage with prominent figures in the halal tourism industry, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors, to forge valuable connections and partnerships that can fuel business growth.

AITEX 2024 will be hosted from 23 to 25 August at the Sunway Resort Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. For more information and registration details, visit www.aitex.my. 

About Tourism Investment Asia (TIA)
Tourism Investment Asia (TIA), established by the Malaysia Tourism Agency Association, is a platform dedicated to facilitating investment initiatives, promoting sustainable practices, and driving innovation within the tourism sector across Asia.

Priority Pass names award winners

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 2 April 2024: The Priority Pass, operated by Collinson, announces the newly established Priority Pass Excellence Awards winners. 

The awards comprise three categories, celebrating the full breadth and capabilities of the Priority Pass global network: the long-standing Lounge of the Year awards and two new categories, Pioneer of the Year and All-Star of the Year.

From the launch of outstanding new services that enhance the journey and more sustainable initiatives to gourmet cuisines and apéritifs that make for an indulgent pre-takeoff ritual, the winners of the awards exemplify an unwavering commitment to delivering the best airport experience.

LOUNGE OF THE YEAR 

The highest-rated lounges across the Priority Pass global network, based on 379,966 member ratings and reviews across a wide range of criteria, including quality of facilities, customer service, food and beverage selection and overall satisfaction.

Overall Global Winner
Vienna Lounge, Terminal 1, Vienna Airport, Austria.
Since refurbishing in 2022, the Vienna Lounge has offered various amenities for solo travellers, families, and business travellers.  

Asia Pacific Winner
Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong.
Opened in October 2022, this year’s Lounge of the Year APAC winner, Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, is a 12,000 sqft lounge at Hong Kong International Airport. 

Middle East 
Winner: Petra Lounge, Amman Queen Alia International Airport, Jordan.
Highly Commended: Primeclass Lounge, Muscat International Airport, Oman.

PIONEER OF THE YEAR 
Nominated by Priority Pass partners, these winners champion unique and innovative services and solutions that help to improve the overall traveller experience.  
The Coral Finest Business Class Lounge (Cocoon), International Concourse C, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand.

ALL-STAR OF THE YEAR 
Nominated by Priority Pass partners, these stand-out lounges and experienced employees demonstrate an unwavering commitment to customer service excellence daily.  

Asia Pacific
Phatsalawan Narapornkitirat, Miracle Lounge, Domestic Concourse D, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand.

Middle East and Africa
Ghulam Sarwar, The Lounge, Sharjah International, United Arab Emirates.

“The winners of this year’s Priority Pass Excellence Awards have proven that they truly elevate every customer journey into something special,” said Collinson International CEO Christopher Evans.  

(SOURCE: Collinson International)

Accor expands its Asian footprint

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 2 April 2024: The Premium, Midscale & Economy division of Accor confirms the signing of six significant projects in the first quarter of 2024, reinforcing its commitment to growth in key Asian markets. 

Recent signings 

Thailand
Pullman Living Bangkok Sukhumvit 16 and Pullman Residences Bangkok Sukhumvit 16 comprises a 200-room hotel and 225 residences. 

Novotel Living Bangkok Don Muang is an 80-key hotel with 112-key serviced apartments spread across 19 floors. It will offer amenities, such as restaurants, bars, an executive club floor, a swimming pool, a spa, and a fitness centre. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2026.

Mövenpick Vung Tau (Vietnam).

Indonesia 
Novotel Tangerang BSD City, located in the BSD City Central Business District in Greater Jakarta, is close to the Indonesia Convention Exhibition BSD City and shopping centres, including AEON Mall and The Breeze.

Boasting 285 rooms, the property will appeal to business and leisure guests. Entertainment offerings include an all-day dining restaurant, lounge, gym, spa, pool bar, and swimming pool. 

South Korea 
Ibis Styles Ambassador Jeonju City Centre will become Accor’s first hotel in Jeonju, a city in western South Korea. The 81-room property will undergo a soft refurbishment during the first half of 2024 and should reopen later this year.  

Philippines
Pullman Mactan Cebu Hotel & Residences marks a significant milestone in mixed-use lifestyle real estate in the Philippines. Scheduled to open in 2028, this ambitious project will boast 200 guest rooms and suites alongside 900 branded residences. It’s the largest Pullman project worldwide.

Vietnam 
Mövenpick Vung Tau, located along the shores of the port city’s beach, will open in 2027. The taxi transfer to Vung Tau Airport will take one hour. The hotel will feature 433 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge and bar, a speciality restaurant, and a spacious ballroom.

Trip.com wins spot on Fortune Asia list

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 2 April 2024: Trip.com Group has been named among the Fortune Asia Future 30, a list of 30 companies headquartered in Asia that have demonstrated remarkable innovation, paving the way for robust growth over the next five years.

“We are honoured to be recognised by Fortune Asia Future 30 as we continue to strive to be a leading player in the Asian and global markets,” said Trip.com Group CEO Jane Sun. Through innovations in technology and business strategy, we prioritise unlocking new value for our partners and providing our users with the best and most seamless travel experience possible.”

Fortune Asia Future 30 Award Ceremony at the Fortune Innovation Forum 2024 in Hong Kong: Clay Chandler, Chair, Fortune Innovation Forum and Executive Editor, Asia, Fortune; Eddy Yip, Product & Marketing Director, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Territory Manager, Hong Kong, Trip.com; Fang Ruan, Managing Director & Senior Partner, BCG.

To identify the Asia Future 30, Fortune and the BCG Henderson Institute examined around 700 publicly traded companies across the Asia-Pacific region with at least $10 billion in market value at the end of 2022 or $10 billion in revenue through 2022.

Companies were assessed on their market potential and capacity to deliver, weighted by a machine learning algorithm for their ability to predict growth over the following five years. The four categories were strategy, technology and investment, people, and structure.

Now approaching its 25th anniversary, Trip.com Group reported an impressive performance in 2023, with a 122% increase in full-year net revenue compared to the previous year and a 25% increase compared to 2019, showing its adaptability amidst challenges posed by the pandemic.

As today’s travellers are increasingly drawn to unique experiences rather than mere sightseeing, Trip.com Group has diversified its offerings to meet the rising demand. The sought-after “Hotel Rooms Plus X” offering combines hotel stays with experiences such as afternoon tea and spa treatments, among others, to elevate the entire experience. Moreover, the company continues to redefine travel experiences through innovative formats and exclusive events, from popular live stream shows such as “Super World Trip BOSS Live” in Phuket ahead of Songkran to a sunrise experience at the Empire State Observatory in New York City during the Chinese New Year.

Sustainability has been part of Trip.com Group’s strategy as industry players and travellers grow more conscious of how travel impacts the environment. Since introducing the low-carbon hotel standard initiative in China in 2023, more than 2,000 hotels have been recognised as low-carbon hotels, and more than 3 million guests have made reservations, reducing about 2,750 tons of carbon emissions. 

AirAsia revives Penang-East Malaysia routes

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 2 April 2024: AirAsia resumed services between Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu on Sunday, saying the revived air links highlighted the airline’s strong commitment to the East Malaysia market.

The airline and Tourism Malaysia Sarawak director, Nurul Ain Mohammed Yunus, welcomed flight AK5432 from Penang to Kuching with more than 80% load, signifying a promising potential for future growth between these routes. The aircraft was also greeted with a celebratory water salute upon its arrival.

The airline is scheduling daily flights from Penang to Kuching in Sarawak and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia.

Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group Bo Lingam said: “We are proud to strengthen our connectivity in Malaysia and boost our East Malaysian hubs. As a homegrown airline, resuming links to Penang reflects our commitment to catering to the increasing demand for travel between Penang and East Malaysia while further supporting economic growth and tourism development. We look forward to welcoming more guests on board as we continue to expand our domestic network.”

Tourism Malaysia Sarawak director Nurul Ain Mohammed Yunus said: “By bolstering connectivity between these routes, we anticipate a substantial positive impact on Sarawak’s tourism growth. Leveraging on the diverse travellers from Penang, we aim to showcase Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and unique experiences. This renewed connectivity opens up exciting opportunities to attract more visitors and further enhance Sarawak’s position as a premier tourism destination in Malaysia.”

Vietnam’s bloggers check out Sabah attractions

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TTR WEEKLY
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KOTA KINABALU, 1 April 2024: Tourism Malaysia Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Sabah Tourism Board and Malaysia Aviation Group welcomeed media representatives and travel bloggers from Vietnam to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, for the ‘Feel Sabah’ Media Familiarisation Trip, 25 to 30 March 2024.

The six-day, five-night itinerary introduced the Malaysian state’s iconic destinations, such as the luxurious Gayana Marine Resort, the pristine Sepanggar Island and the majestic Kiulu River. They also experienced the Our Land Eco Farm, Ranau Highlands, Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, the Sabah Tea Cottage, Mari-Mari Cultural Village, and the Klias Wetlands in Beaufort.

The “Feel Sabah” FAM Trip served as a gateway to introduce unique tourist destinations and showcase Malaysia’s captivating diversity and cultural richness while fostering a deeper connection between Tourism Malaysia, esteemed Vietnamese media outlets, and influential travel bloggers such as Tran Dang Dang Khoa and Tran Viet Phuong.

The collaboration fostered opportunities for further cooperation and strengthened the connection between the two nations. It aimed to significantly increase Vietnamese tourists’ arrivals in Malaysia, thus solidifying its position as a premier travel destination for Vietnamese travellers.

Tourism Malaysia Vietnam director Nor Hayati Zainuddin stated: “We are delighted to partner with Vietnamese media and travel bloggers to unveil Sabah’s remarkable biodiversity, natural wonders, and rich cultural tapestry as we gear up for Visit Malaysia 2026.”

She noted: “This trip aligns perfectly with the growing Vietnamese travel trend towards sustainable, nature-focused, and culturally immersive destinations. We hope this unforgettable experience inspires countless Vietnamese travellers to visit Malaysia in the future as Sabah welcomed over 1,600 Vietnamese arrivals in 2023.”

For more information on Sabah, visit www.sabahtourism.com. 

www.tourism.gov.my

Emirates tanks up with SAF

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI UAE, 1 April 2024: Emirates has activated its fuel agreement with Neste at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport that will deliver over 2 million gallons of blended SAF into the fuelling system at Schiphol Airport over the course of 2024.

The airline will track the delivery of SAF into the fuelling systems and environmental benefits using standard industry accounting methodologies. Emirates’ partnership with Neste, announced late last year, represents one of the largest volumes of SAF that the airline has purchased to date.

Once fully supplied into Amsterdam Schiphol’s fuelling system, the blended SAF will have over 700,000 gallons of neat SAF. The airline is also working with Neste to supply SAF into the fuelling systems at Singapore Changi Airport in the next few months.

Emirates deputy president and chief operations officer Adel Al Redha, said: “Collaborating with committed partners like Neste is one of the practical steps we are taking to reduce our emissions, and it’s an all-important milestone in our own sustainability journey as an airline. Strong partnerships like this, especially at major air transport hubs such as Amsterdam, lay the foundation for working with partners and airports to increase SAF access and availability across our network.”

SAF used in this agreement can be safely dropped into existing jet engines and airport fuelling infrastructure. In neat form, it reduces lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80%* compared to conventional jet fuel.  

Emirates’ first flight powered by SAF blended with jet fuel took place in 2017 from Chicago. The airline currently operates flights from Paris, Lyon and Oslo with SAF. In October of last year, Emirates, with the support of partners, also integrated SAF into Dubai Airport fuelling systems, allocating the SAF to several flights, including a flight to Sydney.

Earlier this year, the airline became the first international carrier to join the Solent Cluster in the UK, an initiative focused on low-carbon investments with the potential to create a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) plant that can produce up to 200,000 tonnes (200 kt) per year if operational by 2032.

Emirates also actively contributes to industry and UAE government working groups and continuously discusses with various stakeholders to help scale the production and supply of SAF. The airline, along with the UAE GCAA has actively played a part in developing the UAE’s power-to-liquid (PtL) fuels roadmap, driven by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the World Economic Forum, in addition to contributing to the UAE’s National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap which aims to transform the UAE into a regional hub for alternative aviation fuels with the ambition to produce 700 million litres of SAF by 2030.

Joining entities across aviation, government, regulatory, academic, fuel production, and the manufacturer value chain, Emirates is a founding participant of the UAE research consortium Air-CRAFT, which is focused on developing, producing, and scaling sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technologies for the industry.

For more information on flights and to make bookings visit www.emirates.com. 

*When used in neat form (i.e. unblended) and calculated with established life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, such as CORSIA methodology

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