Monday, August 4, 2025
Home Blog Page 2

Scoot signals rise in solo travel

SINGAPORE, 1 August 2025: Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, tracks an upward trend in solo travel in the Singapore outbound travel market through its latest survey conducted by YouGov.

Based on 5,000 respondents across five countries in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, the Unpacking the Solo Travel Trend survey offers a window into the mindset of today’s self-directed explorer.

Photo credit: Scoot. Unpacking the Solo Travel Trend.

Once seen as a niche pursuit, solo travel among travellers from Singapore has increasingly become a common lifestyle choice, particularly for younger travellers.

Almost eight in 10 (79%) of the respondents from Singapore took multiple solo trips in the past year, and half among these travellers (49%) embarked on three or more solo trips in the past year. Millennials are at the forefront of this shift, making up 51% — and the largest cohort — of current and aspiring solo travellers, compared to 40% across APAC.

Solo vacations are highly recommended across the region by those who have embarked on such trips. In Singapore, 85% of respondents would recommend solo travel to others. 

55% of solo travellers from Singapore cite freedom and flexibility to plan their itineraries as their primary motivation, while 52% view solo travel as an opportunity to take a break and focus on themselves. 

Notably, 46% of the respondents value the independence of exploring new places at their own pace.

Across APAC, most respondents from Singapore cited solo travel as a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery (45%, compared to the regional average of 40%).

Scoot’s findings dovetail with the increased focus on mindfulness, health and wellness in recent years. 

The white paper highlights how travel, especially solo travel, has evolved from simply being a leisure activity to one that travellers increasingly seek for reflection and self-discovery.

“While the findings do not represent the end to group and family travel, the way we travel expresses our individuality and allows for self-discovery. Scoot’s white paper sheds light on the behaviour, motivations, preferences and expectations of an emerging segment of travellers today,” said Scoot Director of Marketing Communications & Loyalty, Agatha Yap.

Key priorities for solo travellers

Results revealed that solo travellers are highly intentional in their approach. An overwhelming majority (98%) shared that they engage in some form of planning for their trips. Aside from flight bookings, the main priorities for more than half of these travellers include accommodation selection (57%), safety considerations (51%),

and budget management (42%). They rely heavily on online review platforms, hotel websites and online travel agencies to help them make informed decisions about their flight and accommodation bookings. 

The white paper also reveals a strong preference for APAC destinations among respondents from Singapore, with nine in 10 planning trips within the region in the next 12 months. Japan (25%), China (22%), and Malaysia (22%) are the top three travel destinations in the year ahead.

Popular types of  solo trips

  • City breaks (short getaways to towns or cities) (39%). 
  • Shopping holidays (39%). 
  • Cultural and historical experiences (35%). 
  • Nature holidays (34%).
  • Reconnecting with loved ones (32%). 

For more information or to download the full white paper, visit https://www.flyscoot.com/flights/en/solo-travel.

LH presents positive outlook in HY2025 results

SINGAPORE, 1 August 2025: Lufthansa Group remains on course during its Q2 2025 to deliver a positive outlook for the whole year despite geopolitical crises and economic uncertainties, Deutsche Lufthansa AG Executive Board Chairman and CEO Carsten Spohr reports on Thursday.

“However, 2025 will remain a year of transformation for us, as delays in aircraft deliveries, certifications, and engine overhauls continue. The disproportionate burden on European airlines due to unilateral EU regulations also continues to put us at a disadvantage in global competition.

Photo credit Lufthansa Group.

“In this challenging environment, we were able to increase our operating result by almost a third in the second quarter and double the Lufthansa Group result. The basis for this economic success is and remains the regained operational stability of our airlines.”    

In the second quarter of 2025, the Lufthansa Group increased its revenue by 3% year-on-year to EUR10.3 billion (previous year: EUR10 billion. The Lufthansa Group generated an operating profit (Adjusted EBIT) of EUR871 million (prior year: EUR686 million). 

The improvement in earnings was mainly due to the 4% expansion of the flight programme in the passenger business, a positive result from the investment in ITA Airways of  EUR91 million, partly due to currency effects, and the doubling of the operating result of the logistics business segment compared to the previous year. 

As a result, the operating margin increased by 1.5 percentage points year-on-year in the second quarter. The Group net result was EUR1.01 billion, more than double the previous year’s figure (EUR469 million).  

Passenger traffic development

During HY 2025, more than 61 million passengers flew with the airlines of the Lufthansa Group, an increase of 2% compared with 2024. In the second quarter alone, the airlines welcomed around 37 million passengers (previous year: 35.9 million) on board. Despite a 4% increase in seat capacity, the load factor remained stable compared with last year at 82%.

The passenger airlines’ revenue per available seat kilometre (RASK) declined slightly by 0.9% in the second quarter compared with 2024 after adjusting for currency effects. This was primarily due to lower average prices in the European business as a result of intensifying competition. 

In contrast, average revenues from intercontinental traffic remained stable despite a market-wide expansion of capacity. Unit costs (CASK) excluding fuel and emissions expenses rose by 4.1% compared with the same quarter last year due to ongoing cost inflation, driven in particular by personnel and location costs.

Overall, revenue from passenger airlines rose by 3% to 8.2 billion euros in the second quarter (previous year: EUR8.0 billion). Adjusted EBIT increased to EUR690 million (prior year: EUR581 million). All airlines generated a positive result in the second quarter.

Revenue for the passenger airlines totalled EUR14.1 billion, representing growth of around 4% compared with the previous year. Adjusted EBIT improved to -EUR244 million (first half of 2024: -EUR337 million). The positive development is mainly attributable to lower fuel costs, higher income from investments, and the absence of financial strike-related expenses in the previous year. In contrast to the first half of 2024, network stability also improved significantly, resulting in a 106 million euros reduction in financial expenses due to flight irregularities.

The integration of ITA Airways, in which the Lufthansa Group holds a 41% percent stake in the first phase, is continuing to progress. The benefits for customers are already clearly noticeable. Since the beginning of July, the airlines of the Lufthansa Group and ITA Airways have harmonised the benefits for their respective status customers, such as mutual lounge access, priority boarding, and conditions for additional baggage.

Also, since July, flights from Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines can be combined with long-haul flights from ITA Airways in a single booking. This has been possible for short- and medium-haul flights since March.

Starting in September, ITA Airways guests will be able to store their travel profile electronically in the Lufthansa Group Travel ID and benefit from the associated digital customer services of the Lufthansa Group.

Outlook

Global demand for air travel remains strong. However, geopolitical crises and macroeconomic uncertainties, notably commodity price and exchange rate volatility, are affecting the accuracy of forecasts for the rest of the year. In addition, the tendency of many travellers to book at shorter notice is limiting visibility for the second half of the year.

Despite ongoing global uncertainties, the Lufthansa Group is reaffirming its forecast for the whole year and expects operating profit (Adjusted EBIT) to be significantly higher than last year (previous year: EUR1.6 billion) with capacity growth of around 4%.

For the full details, visit: Financial reports – Lufthansa Group Investor Relations.

Qatar boosts winter season flights

BANGKOK, 1 August 2025: Qatar Airways will introduce increased flights to over 15 global destinations for this year’s winter season, the airline reported on Thursday. 

The airline says it is “facilitating demand for its services for travellers from all around the globe, offering greater choice and connectivity through its Doha hub, the award-winning Hamad International Airport.”

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways spearheads its winter season expansion with flights to London from its Doha home base increasing to 10 daily.

Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “Qatar Airways is consistently witnessing a steady rise in demand for our five-star services to some of the most prominent destinations in the world, most notably for London, Dublin, Cape Town, and São Paulo. This winter, in partnership with Qatar Airways, Virgin Australia will launch flights from Melbourne to Doha, increasing capacity to three daily flights between the two cities. Qatar Airways will also restart services to Canberra, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing connectivity between Australia and the world.

“The latest increase in flight frequency is testament to our continual and unmatched enhancements of experiences for our passengers travelling through the Best Airport in the Middle East – our hub, Hamad International Airport.”

Increased flights during the winter season

The airline’s global connectivity is supported by 54 Boeing 777s equipped with ultra-high-speed Starlink on-board Wi-Fi that is free for all passengers. Qatar Airways is the first airline in the world to equip and operate over 50 widebody aircraft with Starlink, and the only carrier in the MENA region offering the service. Passengers in both Premium and Economy cabins enjoy free, gate-to-gate Wi-Fi speeds of up to 500 Mbps per aircraft. The airline is now equipping its Airbus A350 fleet, aiming to complete Starlink installation by 2026.

HK Express flies to Guiyang

HONG KONG, 1 August 2025: HK Express Airways (HK Express) launched direct flights between Hong Kong and Guiyang on Thursday, making it the only Hong Kong-based airline to offer direct connections to the capital of Guizhou Province. 

As HK Express’ sixth Chinese Mainland destination and the first in its expansion into Southwest China, this route will enhance regional connectivity, while supporting the cultural and tourism cooperation agreement between the HKSAR Government and Guizhou Province to deepen bilateral exchanges. 

Photo credit: HK Express.

Introduced with four flights weekly, travellers can now reach Guiyang, known as the “Summer Capital of China”, in just two hours, making it the ideal summer wellness retreat for Hong Kong residents.

HK Express, CEO Jeanette Mao said: “The launch of our Guiyang route is a significant milestone in our expansion across the Chinese Mainland. We are proud to offer a direct connection between Hong Kong and Guiyang, making it easier for travellers to experience the stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Guizhou. This new route not only improves travel convenience but also fosters stronger economic, tourism, and cultural ties between the two destinations.”

“Over the past year, we have doubled the Chinese Mainland destinations in our network, underscoring our commitment to growing in this dynamic market and supporting regional development. As a member of the Cathay Group, we remain focused on opening routes to more second- and third-tier cities while leveraging the Group’s extensive global network of over 100 destinations. With competitive fares and a variety of travel options, HK Express is dedicated to providing seamless connections between Mainland China and the world.”

HK Express flight schedule between Hong Kong and Guiyang (All times shown are local time):

The airline deploys an Airbus A320 with 180 seats for the four weekly flights. (Two early morning departures and two evening departures from Hong Kong). Flight time is two hours.

Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province, is celebrated as the “Summer Capital of China”, attracting visitors with its karst landscapes, ethnic minority cultures, and rich historical heritage. 

The new direct flights by HK Express provide travellers from Hong Kong and the GBA with a more convenient way to discover the wonders of Guizhou.

In Guiyang, visitors can explore natural wonders such as the Xiaoqikong Scenic Area and Huangguoshu Waterfall, where the tranquillity of the landscapes offers a refreshing escape for the body and mind. They can also interact with local ethnic communities, experiencing the unique charm of a region where natural beauty and cultural heritage come together. Food lovers will enjoy signature dishes like sour fish soup, adding a flavourful touch to their journey. 

Meanwhile, the hugely popular “Village Super League” football matches have become a major highlight, drawing visitors eager to experience the lively atmosphere firsthand.

Firefly transfers jet services to KUL

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 August 2025: Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) will relocate its regional airline Firefly’s jet operations from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) Terminal 1, effective 19 August 2025. 

In a statement released Thursday, the airline confirms it will continue to operate its turboprop services from SZB, ensuring ongoing connectivity to key regional destinations.

Photo credit: Firefly.

This strategic move is part of MAG’s long-term network optimisation plan to enhance operational efficiency and ensure sustainable operations for Firefly’s jet services. Relocating to KUL allows greater scalability for jet operations to operate and reflects MAG’s intent to strengthen network connectivity across the Group.

MAG, Group Managing Director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail said: “SZB will continue to play an important role in Firefly’s network through its turboprop operations, which provide essential connectivity across key domestic and regional routes. This decision reinforces our commitment to strengthening KUL as the main aviation hub, while continuing to offer accessible air travel options across the country.”​

Firefly will commence the jet services from KUL beginning 19 August 2025 with its first flight to Tawau (TWU), followed by a phased rollout to key domestic and regional destinations. Flights to Kuching (KCH) and Kota Kinabalu (BKI) will commence on 21 August; Singapore (SIN) on 22 August; Johor Bahru (JHB) on 23 August; Kota Bharu (KBR) and Terengganu (TGG) on 30 August; and Sibu (SBW) on 3 September. The airline will also increase its existing services from KUL to PEN from two (2) times weekly to six (6) times weekly beginning 23 August 2025, before rising to 10 times weekly in November 2025.

The routes will be operated by Firefly’s Boeing 737-800 aircraft, designed for both comfort and convenience. Travellers can enjoy complimentary 10kg checked baggage, a 7kg carry-on allowance, and in-flight refreshments – all included as part of the Firefly experience. In celebration of this milestone, Firefly is offering exclusive all-in, one-way promotional fares, with tickets now open for booking and fares starting from just MYR58.

(Source: MAG)

Emirates introduces new flights to Hangzhou

HANGZHOU, China, 1 August 2025: Emirates officially launched its daily non-stop service between Dubai (DXB) and Hangzhou (HGH) on 30 July 2025, making Hangzhou Emirates’ fifth destination in mainland China, alongside Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

Emirates now operates 49 weekly flights to mainland China.

EK310 departed Dubai at 0330 and arrived in Hangzhou at 1530 using a Boeing 777-300ER (three-class configuration with eight first-class suites, 42 business-class seats, and 304 economy seats.

A ceremonial water cannon salute marked the inauguration as flight EK310 landed at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. This expansion is part of Emirates’ broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the Chinese market. It aligns with initiatives like the Digital Silk Road and the Belt and Road Initiative.

Summer Schedule

EK310 departs Dubai at 0310 and arrives in Hangzhou at 15:30 (local time).
EK311 departs Hangzhou at 0010 and lands in Dubai at 0455 (local time).

Delivering a weekly capacity of 2,478 seats between Dubai and Hangzhou, the flights are strategically timed to provide convenient two-way connections for travellers to numerous destinations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, as well as Brazil and Argentina. This new route aims to boost trade, technology, and tourism ties between the UAE and China. Through interline and codeshare agreements with China Southern Airlines, Air China and Sichuan Airlines, Emirates provides enhanced connectivity to destinations beyond its network across China.

Hangzhou is a significant hub for innovation, e-commerce, and advanced manufacturing, making it a crucial route for both passenger and cargo operations. Emirates SkyCargo will leverage this for high-value and time-sensitive goods.

Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, commented on the airline’s latest expansion into the Chinese mainland: “The addition of a fifth gateway in our Chinese mainland network will not only enhance connectivity for travellers but also offer businesses efficient access to and from key East Asian markets. This expansion is part of our global growth strategy and positions Emirates as the preferred airline when linking the world to the Chinese mainland’s thriving economic corridors and beyond. We extend our gratitude to the local authorities for their valuable support of this strategic new route and look forward to collaborating closely towards our shared goals of enhanced global connectivity.”

Hangzhou attractions

The capital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, is known for its historical heritage — the UNESCO-listed West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda, the Imperial Street of the Southern Song Dynasty, and the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City.

Emirates flags new commercial appointments

DUBAI, UAE, 31 July 2025: Emirates is advancing strategic commercial team appointments designed to bolster its presence in key markets across West Asia, the Indian Ocean and Africa. 

The new appointments aim to build further the airline’s commercial and operational footprint in these regions whilst creating meaningful development opportunities for emerging UAE national talent to grow their expertise.

Effective 1 August, the following UAE National commercial leaders will take on new roles:

  • Jaber Mohamed, currently Country Manager for Bangladesh, will become Country Manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
  • Talal Al Gergawi, currently Country Manager for Zimbabwe, will become Country Manager for Bangladesh.
  • Salem Almana, currently Regional Manager for Pakistan, will become Country Manager for Ghana.
  • Omar Bushlaibi, currently Country Manager for Zambia, will assume interim responsibility for Zimbabwe, alongside his ongoing duties in Zambia.

The latest rotations are part of Emirates’ commercial outstation managers programme, designed to offer UAE Nationals unique opportunities to diversify their leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of local markets within the airline’s network. The programme also helps Emirati managers further expand their networks by engaging with local industry and government stakeholders, fostering new partnerships and strengthening existing relationships.

Emirates is committed to the UAE’s ‘Emiratisation’ strategy and continues to create opportunities for UAE Nationals to progress their careers and actively contribute to the organisation’s growth ambitions, while allowing them to play essential roles in advancing the UAE’s aviation industry and economy.

For more information on the airline and to make a booking, visit www.emirates.com.

Ponant trashes plastic on its ships

default

SINGAPORE, 31 July 2025: While the cruise industry continues to move toward reducing reliance on single-use plastics, Ponant Explorations’ Green Globe Certified fleet is taking measurable action through its ambitious ‘Zero Plastic’ initiative and broader sustainability commitments.

As of April 2025, the entire fleet, including MS Paul Gauguin, is equipped with Nordaq filtration systems, a self-serve water fountain that enables water to be bottled on board in recyclable glass containers for use in both staterooms and restaurants, effectively eliminating the need for the use of plastic water bottles.

Such efforts have led to the avoidance of more than 820,000 plastic water bottles, representing 20 tonnes of plastic waste compared to 2019 usage. On ships equipped with Nordaq systems, this has translated to a more than 90% reduction in single-use plastic, with remaining usage due to transition periods and rare operational exceptions in remote regions. 

Extending beyond water, the Zero Plastic initiative has seen all plastic straws, cups, laundry bags, and single-serve food packaging phased out, resulting in the weight of single-use plastic decreasing from 0.63 kg per guest per operation in 2020 to just 0.006 kg in 2024. Each guest is provided with a reusable water bottle to support both convenience and environmental awareness during their journey, which they can then take home as a souvenir. 

Ponant Explorations is also a proud signatory of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative since 2021, led by the UNWTO, reflecting its long-term commitment to sustainable tourism and the transition to circular plastic economies.

“As the travel industry evolves, initiatives like these are setting a new benchmark for responsible cruising,” Ponant CEO Asia Pacific Deb Corbett said. 

“This approach alone saves nearly one million plastic bottles each year, which is the equivalent of more than 20 tonnes of plastic. Ponant Explorations proves that it’s possible to choose a more sustainable way to see the world without compromising on the comfort or experience of luxury on each voyage,” she concluded.  

MH increases flights to Trivandrum

KUALA LUMPUR, 31 July 2025: Following robust load factors and sustained demand on its Kuala Lumpur – Trivandrum route, Malaysia Airlines will further strengthen its connectivity with South India by increasing frequencies to the city. 

Beginning 12 September 2025, the airline will introduce a fifth weekly service, with daily operations scheduled to commence from 1 December 2025. Tickets for the additional flight are open for bookings through all Malaysia Airlines’ official channels and appointed travel partners.

The fifth frequency (MH204) will depart from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) every Friday using a Boeing 737-800 with 162 seats. Currently, the airline flies four times weekly on the route — MH116 departing 2130 on Thursday and Sunday, and MH204 departing 2300 on Tuesday and Saturday.

The increase in frequency marks a significant step forward, reflecting the route’s impressive growth since its launch in November 2023, which began with twice-weekly flights before increasing to four times weekly in April 2024. Operating through its central hub in Kuala Lumpur, the airline continues to strengthen its role as the gateway to Asia and beyond.

Malaysia Airlines currently operates 77 weekly flights across ten key cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, and Trivandrum. With the new additions, this number will increase to 80 weekly flights by December 2025.

International travellers flying through Malaysia can also take advantage of Malaysia Airlines’ Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme, which offers a domestic flight to one of seven domestic destinations within Malaysia with zero base fare. This value-added offering allows international travellers to explore more of Malaysia’s unique culture, nature, and heritage—all within a single itinerary.

Indian travel firms pivot to festival tourism

MUMBAI, 31 July 2025: Data from Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its group company SOTC Travel highlights a significant shift in Indian travel preferences pivoting to festival and cultural event tourism. 

As outlined in the India Holiday Report, nearly 75% of respondents expressed a strong interest in experience-led holidays, reflecting a broader trend where travel is no longer confined to specific seasons but is now driven by year-round events and festivals.

Travellers are actively seeking opportunities to participate in festivals and carnivals, viewing them as gateways to authentic cultural engagement and memorable experiences. To tap into this growing demand, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have curated a diverse portfolio of festival-led holidays, spanning from the most celebrated festivals to lesser-known hidden gems in India and around the world, aligning their offerings with the increasing consumer desire for experiential and event-based travel.

The famous La Tomatina in Spain (Aug 2025) turns Buñol into a tomato-splattered playground, where travellers can also explore Valencia’s rich culinary scene with dishes like paella and tapas. Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany (Sept 2025) serves up Bavarian beer gardens, folk parades and hearty cuisine.

The Boryeong Mud Festival in South Korea (July – Aug 2025) invites visitors to indulge in playful mud sports, beach parties and music concerts. 

Mombasa Carnival in Kenya (Nov 2025) features vibrant coastal parades, music and Swahili cuisine. In Brazil, the iconic Rio Carnival (Feb 2026) dazzles with samba, parades, and parties. Mardi Gras in 

New Orleans, US (Feb 2026) adds jazz, masquerades and Creole flavours. The Venice Carnival, Italy (Feb/March 2026), enchants with masked balls and gondola rides. 

Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan (Feb 2026) features giant ice sculptures and snow fun, while Moomba Festival in Victoria, Australia (March 2026) offers river sports, street food and live shows. 

In Malaysia, Chinese New Year (Feb–March 2026) delights with lion dances, fireworks, and festive treats. 

The Lantern Festival in Hoi An, Vietnam (March 2026) lights up the ancient town with floating lanterns and riverside charm. 

Songkran in Thailand (April 2026) caps it off with joyful water fights, temple visits, and Thai street food.

Indian festivals

The Onam Festival in Kerala (Sept 2025) offers grand boat races and traditional feasts (sadhya). Rann Utsav in Gujarat (Oct 2025 – March 2026) brings the white desert alive with folk performances, tent stays, camel rides and local crafts. 

In Rajasthan, the Pushkar Mela (Nov 2025) blends spiritual rituals with camel trading and rural games. 

Hornbill Festival, Nagaland (Dec 2025) offers tribal dances, crafts and indigenous food. Brahmaputra Beach Festival, Assam (Jan 2026) combines adventure sports and riverside celebrations. Goa Carnival (Feb 2026) offers a fun experience with parades, floats and seafood shacks. 

Jaisalmer Desert Festival (Feb 2026) brings camel parades and folk shows to Rajasthan’s dunes.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Rajeev Kale said: “Festivals and carnivals have a fascinating way of bringing a destination to life – they serve as vibrant expressions of culture, history, and community. Today’s new-age Indian traveller is seeking more than just sightseeing; they crave authentic, immersive experiences that connect them with local traditions and celebrations. Our portfolio on festival and carnival tourism reflects a broader movement towards travel that is enriching and truly memorable.

“We are excited by the demand that we are witnessing – and this is across segments – from Young India’s Millennials & GenZ, couples, multi-generational families to Corporate MICE.”

SOTC Travel President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tour, S D Nandakumar added: “At SOTC Travel, we actively embrace evolving consumer trends to craft unforgettable, high-impact experiences that inspire and excite. 

“We are witnessing a growing travel demand centred around the world’s most iconic celebrations – from the fun of La Tomatina Festival to the energy of Rio Carnival, or the vibrancy of Rann Utsav in Rajasthan. Notably, this demand extends beyond India’s metros to our regional Tier 2 and 3 travellers. 

“By curating these festival-led journeys, we’re offering more than just holidays – we’re opening doors to stories, memories and once-in-a-lifetime moments that travellers carry with them long after they return.”