SINGAPORE, 23 July 2026: Turkish Airlines carried 7.9 million passengers in May 2026, delivering an International load factor of 84% while domestic load factor reached 84.4%.
Available seat kilometres (ASK) increased by 2.5% to 23.2 billion during May 2026 from USD22.6 billion for the same period of 2025.
Photo credit: Turkish Airlines.
Cargo/Mail carried during May 2026 increased by 8.6% from May 2025, totalling 203.1 thousand tons.
January-May 2026 traffic results
Passengers increased by 7.3% to 36.4 million compared to the same period of 2025.
Total load factor recorded 83.6%. International load factor reached 83.5% and the domestic load factor 84.3%.
Available seat kilometres (ASK) increased by 6.5% to 112.1 billion from 105.3 billion for the same period of 2025.
Cargo/Mail carried during this period increased by 13.5% to 954.6 thousand tons from 840.7 thousand tons in the same period of 2025.
By the end of May 2026, the number of aircraft in the fleet reached 542.
Traffic results are consolidated and include Turkish Airlines’ main brand and AJet data.
LONDON, 23 July 2026: The average passport now provides visa-free access to 108 destinations worldwide — up from just 58 when the index was first launched in 2006, according to the 20th anniversary edition of the Henley Passport Index
It demonstrates how dramatically global mobility has expanded over the past two decades. Findings stand in stark contrast to the latest Global Peace Index, which also marks its 20th edition and paints its bleakest picture yet.
Photo credit: Henley & Partners.
According to the Institute for Economics & Peace, the world is experiencing the highest number of state-based conflicts since the Second World War, with global peacefulness declining for the 12th consecutive year.
Today, 119 of the 163 countries measured are less peaceful than they were in 2008, while 103 countries have been involved in an external conflict during the past five years — almost double the number recorded when the index began.
As millions of travellers prepare to cross borders for the peak Northern Hemisphere summer holiday season, the July 2026 Henley Passport Index — based on exclusive Timatic data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) — shows that international mobility continues to evolve despite an increasingly complex and conflicted geopolitical landscape.
Singapore retains its position as the world’s most powerful passport with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 destinations. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates is the biggest mover since January, climbing three places to join Japan and South Korea in second place with access to 188 destinations.
The UK has climbed one place to 6th since the start of the year after securing visa-free access to China and Malawi, while Canada has risen to 7th following similar gains. The US remains in 10th place and is now one of the few top-ranked passports whose citizens still require a visa to visit China.
UAE — the making of a mobility superpower
The UAE’s latest rise is particularly significant in this anniversary year, recording the greatest improvement of any passport in the index’s history, adding 153 visa-free destinations over 20 years and rising from the middle of the rankings to become one of the world’s most powerful passports — a striking example of how sustained diplomatic engagement and international cooperation can transform global mobility.
Henley & Partners Chairman and creator of the Henley Passport Index, Dr Christian H Kaelin, says the two historic datasets reveal a profound shift in global power.
“Twenty years of data show that passport power is one of the clearest expressions of a country’s geopolitical capital. It reflects far more than peace or prosperity alone. The world’s strongest passports belong to nations that other countries want as partners — for trade, investment, security, or cooperation. Mobility is ultimately a measure of the value other countries place on their relationship with you.”
The winners, the losers, and the growing gap
Over the past 20 years, global travel freedom has expanded dramatically. In 2006, the most powerful passports — held by citizens of the USA, Denmark, and Finland — provided visa-free access to 130 destinations. Today, Singapore sits at the top of the index with access to 192 destinations.
Yet the gap between the most and least mobile citizens has widened sharply. In 2006, Afghanistan ranked last with access to just 12 destinations, creating an 118-destination gap between the top and bottom of the index. Today, Afghanistan remains at the bottom with access to only 22 destinations, while Singapore’s score of 192 creates a record-breaking 170-destination global mobility gap.
Remarkably, Bolivia is the only passport in the world to have recorded a net loss in visa-free access over the past two decades, reducing its score by six destinations. Every other passport has become more powerful.
The waning power of the Atlantic alliance
The composition of the world’s mobility elite has changed significantly since the Henley Passport Index was launched. In 2006, the US enjoyed first place and the UK ranked third. Twenty years later, the US sits in 10th place, and the UK ranks sixth, underscoring a longer-term shift in mobility power away from the traditional transatlantic leaders.
Asia has become far more prominent at the top of the index. Singapore, which ranked 8th in 2006, now holds first place, while Japan and South Korea share second place with the UAE.
Europe still dominates the upper ranks, but the balance has changed. The top 10 now includes 38 passports, compared with 26 in 2006, with more countries competing within a narrower bandwidth of high mobility. This reflects a broader trend: passport power has expanded globally, but relative advantage has become harder to maintain.
When peace predicts passport power
New analysis by Henley & Partners comparing the Henley Passport Index (HPI) and the Global Peace Index (GPI) over the past two decades reveals a strong positive relationship between peacefulness and passport power (Spearman rank correlation ρ = 0.65, p < 0.001). At both ends of the spectrum, the pattern is remarkably consistent. Many of the world’s most peaceful countries also hold the world’s strongest passports. Singapore ranks 8th on the GPI and 1st on the HPI, while Japan, Switzerland, Ireland, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Denmark, New Zealand, Canada, Czechia, and Malaysia all feature among the global leaders on both indexes.
The same pattern is evident at the opposite end of the rankings. Afghanistan, Syria, and Yemen sit among the world’s least peaceful nations and have the world’s weakest passports, illustrating the impact that conflict, instability, and state fragility have on international mobility.
When diplomacy and geopolitical power trump peace
The most revealing findings emerge from the exceptions. Countries whose passports significantly outperform what their peace rankings alone would predict include Israel (159th on GPI, 18th on HPI), the US (134th on GPI, 10th on HPI), France (99th on GPI, 4th on HPI), Ukraine (160th on GPI, 31st on HPI), the UAE (73rd on GPI, 2nd on HPI), South Korea (57th on GPI, 2nd on HPI), Brazil (124th on GPI, 16th on HPI), Mexico (139th on GPI, 22nd on HPI), and Russia (163rd on GPI, 47th on HPI). Their positions demonstrate that while peace provides the foundation for international mobility, diplomacy, geopolitical influence, economic strength, and regional integration can all have an even greater impact.
America and Israel are the clearest statistical outliers. Despite the USA sitting in the bottom fifth of the GPI rankings and Israel among the five least peaceful nations in the world, both continue to enjoy exceptionally powerful passports.
Their positions reflect decades of accumulated diplomatic capital, geopolitical influence, economic importance, and international confidence in the integrity of their institutions and travel documents. At a time when tensions with Iran and instability across the Middle East once again dominate headlines, their mobility strength illustrates that passport power is shaped by far more than peacefulness alone.
BERLIN, 23 July 2026: ITB exhibitors will tread unfamiliar ground at ITB Berlin 2027 as their longstanding venue, Hall 9, closes for long-term modernisation of the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.
ITB Berlin scheduled for 16 to 18 March 2027) is adapting its hall layout to allow for the construction of dock9, the new multi-purpose convention and event venue, on the site of the former Hall 9.
During the construction of dock9, the exhibition grounds will undergo forward-looking development, and the hall layout will be individually optimised.
Exhibitors from Halls 7.1c, 8.1, 9 and 10.1 will find a new home in the CityCube Berlin. The new layout creates theme-oriented clusters and short distances between halls.
The CityCube Berlin will be even more closely integrated into ITB Berlin, expanding the exhibition grounds with state-of-the-art, high-quality floor space. As an integral part of the new hall layout, it will play a pivotal and effective role in enhancing the trade show concept.
“The adapted hall layout is more than just a response to the construction of dock9. It allows us to align ITB Berlin even more closely with the requirements of our international exhibitors and trade visitors and make thematic focal points more visible“, said ITB Berlin Director Deborah Rothe.
Dock9 is a new multi-purpose conference and event centre being built on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds and replaces the existing Hall 9. From October 2026, Hall 9 will be demolished to make way for the new building. ITB Berlin is using this change to adapt its hall layout and organise the available space even more efficiently.
ITB Berlin 2027 is in contact with the exhibitors affected by the relocation plans. Through close coordination, individual and, wherever possible, suitable reallocation solutions are being developed. This process is purposely being carried out in stages, as exhibitor reallocation is still undergoing final coordination.
The final assignment of stand space will be completed later this year.
BANGKOK, 23 July 2026: Virgin Atlantic launches non-stop flights from London Heathrow to Phuket on 18 October 2026, soaring seasonally to Phuket three times a week, flying a Boeing 787-9.
It marks the introduction of the only direct route between London Heathrow and Phuket. In addition, Norse Atlantic confirmed direct thrice-weekly flights are scheduled from its London Gatwick hub to the Southern Thailand holiday island, starting 4 December 2026 through to 31 March 2026. Round-trip fares start at UKP326.
The Slate Phuket’s Consultant Events, David Barrett, shared observations on the travel market between the UK and Phuket on his Facebook page this week: “The most significant development comes from a substantial strengthening of direct air connectivity between Britain and Thailand.”
Based on the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Strategic Directions for the UK market, he noted: “Norse Atlantic Airways expands its Thailand operations with direct services from both London Gatwick and Manchester to Phuket while Virgin Atlantic will launch the first ever non-stop Heathrow to Phuket service this October.
“The timing could hardly be better. Phuket continues to evolve beyond a traditional beach destination into a gateway for Southern Thailand, offering convenient access to Phang Nga, Krabi, Khao Lak and the growing collection of premium resorts across Thailand’s Andaman coast.”
In its press statement announcing the seasonal route, Virgin Atlantic said it was “delighted to be launching new services between London Heathrow and Phuket for Winter 2026.”
The three-times-a-week service will operate seasonally from 18 October 2026, capturing the growing demand for winter escapes. As the only direct route from London Heathrow to Phuket, UK residents can book package holidays with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, with prices starting from UKP999 per person.
Beyond its beaches, Phuket boasts a rich culinary scene and cultural attractions ranging from the majestic Golden Buddha at Wat Khao Rang to the twisting streets of old Phuket town, offering a mix of sun, culture and adventure. Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers more than 20 accommodation options in Phuket and over 80 throughout Thailand, including the destinations of Khao Lak, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Noi / Koh Yao Yai, Hua Hin, Samui, Pattaya and Thailand’s capital, Bangkok.
A partnership with Bangkok Airways, as well as land and sea transfers, allows connectivity for those travellers looking to explore beyond Phuket, with numerous flight options to Bangkok, Koh Samui, Krabi and beyond.
Virgin Atlantic flies the route three times weekly (Wed, Fri, Sun from London Heathrow and Thurs, Sat and Mon from Phuket) using a Boeing Dreamliner-9 configured with 31 upper class seats, 35 premium, 192 economy.
Flight schedule
VS214 departs London (LNR) at 1200 and arrives in Phuket (HKT) at 0710 plus a day. VS215 departs Phuket (HKT) at 0920 and arrives in London (LNR) at 1600.
HONG KONG, 23 July 2026: The Cathay Group released its traffic figures this week for June 2026 and presented an update on its first-half 2026 financial performance
Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “The Cathay Group continued our growth momentum in June, although jet fuel prices remained elevated. Cathay Pacific and HK Express carried a combined total of more than 3.1 million passengers, while Cathay Cargo carried around 145,000 tonnes of cargo, both representing an increase of 9% year on year.
Photo credit: Cathay Group.
“Meanwhile, we continue to enhance connectivity for our customers, with HK Express having recently launched direct daily flights to Wuxi, further expanding the Group’s network in the Chinese Mainland.”
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific carried 12% more passengers in June 2026 compared with June 2025, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 6%. In the first six months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 17% compared with the same period for 2025.
Lau said: “The start of June has historically been a softer period for passenger travel demand, but this year load factors remained elevated, amplified by increased traffic through Hong Kong due to the Middle East situation. This was further supported by the mid-month Dragon Boat Festival long weekend, which drove healthy outbound demand from Hong Kong to various short-haul destinations, followed by inbound student traffic from long-haul markets in the latter half of the month. Demand in our premium cabins also remained robust, driven by strong corporate and premium leisure travel.
“The outlook for the summer peak remains encouraging, particularly across our long-haul network. Meanwhile, demand from Hong Kong to short-haul destinations continues to be robust, with the Chinese Mainland and other destinations in Northeast Asia being particularly popular.”
Cathay Cargo
Cathay Cargo carried 9% more cargo in June 2026 than in June 2025, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 1%. In the first six months of 2026, the total tonnage increased by 9% compared with the same period for 2025.
“Cargo tonnage recorded a solid year-on-year increase in June. During the month, we saw strong cargo flows from the Chinese Mainland into Southeast Asia alongside steady demand within Southeast Asia. Shipments into the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong remained resilient. At the same time, our specialist solutions continued to perform well, with semiconductor and pharmaceutical shipments supporting growth in Cathay Expert and Cathay Pharma respectively. Cathay Priority also saw strong demand into Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and the Americas, reflecting shippers’ need for time-definite solutions to replenish inventory.”
HK Express
HK Express carried more than 560,000 passengers in June 2026, a decrease of 4% year on year, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) decreased by 7%. In the first six months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 10% compared with the same period for 2025.
Lau said: “As with previous years, June is typically a period of softer travel demand for HK Express. That said, a few regions sustained solid performance during the month, with the Chinese Mainland, the Philippines and Thailand all recording passenger load factors above 85% — a double-digit percentage point increase compared with June the previous year. HK Express saw a reduction in year-on-year capacity in June 2026 due to the consolidation of a small number of flights to mitigate part of its increased fuel costs, as was announced in April 2026. Turning to the summer travel peak, bookings for July are ahead of last year.”
First-half 2026 financial performance
The group is expected to record a consolidated profit attributable to shareholders of approximately HKD6.0 to HKD6.5 billion for the six months ended 30 June 2026 (First-Half 2026), which includes a gain on deemed partial disposal of associates of approximately HKD1.4 billion arising from the dilution of the group’s equity interest in Air China Limited, as disclosed in the company’s May 2026 Traffic Figures announcement dated 23 June 2026. This compares with a profit attributable to shareholders of around HKD3.7 billion for the six months ended 30 June 2025.
The group’s first-half 2026 results were also positively impacted by continued solid demand for Cathay Pacific and Cathay Cargo, improved performance from HK Express, and stronger contributions from associates.
NEW DELHI, 23 July 2026: Air India has been recognised with the ‘Airline Strategy Award for Digital Leadership’ conferred by FlightGlobal, a UK-based global platform of news and data for aviation and aerospace industries.
The award recognises Air India’s digital transformation since its return to the Tata Group.
The award was received by Air India’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, and its Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Satya Ramaswamy, at an event organised in London.
The award for Digital Leadership acknowledged the impactful progress made by Air India in its digital transformation since the takeover by the Tata Group in 2022. The airline had embarked on a technology-powered reinvention, embracing emerging digital and AI solutions to drive a significant transformation of the company and turning a structural weakness into a strength.
Air India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, said: “The recognition is a testament to the progress Air India has made since its return to the Tata Group and reaffirms the commitment of Air Indians driving our transformation journey.”
BANGKOK, 23 July 2023: Thailand has won the bid to host the 2030 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (IEEE ICRA 2030), marking the first time the world’s premier conference on robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation will be held in the country.
The successful bid was jointly led by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (RAS) Thailand Chapter, and the IEEE Thailand Section.
Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) in Bangkok.
The latter three organisations, together with the Thailand Medical Robotics and AI Association, will co-host the conference from 13 to 17 June 2030 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) in Bangkok.
Recognised as the world’s flagship conference on robotics, AI, and automation, IEEE ICRA 2030 is expected to attract approximately 10,000 delegates, including 8,000 international participants, bringing together leading researchers, innovators, industry executives, investors, and policymakers from around the world.
The bid victory was officially announced at a press conference held on 21 July at The St Regis Bangkok Hotel.
TCEB Director of the Conventions Department Jittanun Techasarin said securing IEEE ICRA 2030 reflects TCEB’s strategic approach to positioning international business events as platforms that drive economic growth, innovation, investment, and cross-sector collaboration in high-value industries.
IEEE ICRA 2030 represents a major milestone in TCEB’s long-term bidding strategy.
“Between late 2026 and 2029, before IEEE ICRA 2030, the IEEE Thailand Section will host five international conferences related to advanced technologies, all supported by TCEB. Winning the bid for IEEE ICRA 2030 reinforces our strategy of attracting world-class events in high-value sectors such as robotics, automation, and advanced technologies,” said Jittanun.
IEEE ICRA is internationally recognised for bringing together academia, industry, and government on a single collaborative platform.
Thailand’s successful bid demonstrates the country’s growing reputation as a regional manufacturing and innovation hub for the automotive, electronics, robotics, and automation industries. The achievement reflects strong government policies supporting AI, robotics, and future industries, together with a robust research ecosystem comprising universities, laboratories, and specialised robotics research centres.
IEEE ICRA 2030 is projected to generate more than THB1.06 billion in direct economic activity, contribute approximately THB590.6 million in value added to the Thai economy, create around 745 jobs, and generate an estimated THB36.4 million in government tax revenue.
BANGKOK, 22 July 2026: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, proudly celebrates a remarkable series of international recognitions achieved across its four distinctive island resorts in the Maldives during the first half of 2026, reaffirming its commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality and meaningful guest experiences. Recognised by globally respected travel publications and leading review platforms, each accolade reflects the unique identity of the individual resorts while highlighting the strength and diversity of Centara’s Maldives portfolio.
From refined island retreats and immersive family escapes to world-class marine experiences and romantic adults-only getaways, these recognitions celebrate the experiences that continue to inspire and resonate with travellers from around the world.
Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, nestled in the breathtaking South Ari Atoll, has earned three prestigious international accolades during the past quarter, further strengthening its reputation as one of the Maldives’ most distinctive island retreats. The resort was named one of the Best House Reefs in the Maldives at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, recognising its extraordinary marine environment within the South Ari Marine Protected Area, home to vibrant coral ecosystems and year-round whale shark encounters.
Further enhancing its global recognition, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection was honoured with the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Award 2026, placing it among the top one per cent of hospitality listings worldwide. This distinguished recognition celebrates properties that consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences and receive outstanding traveller reviews over the past twelve months. The resort also received the Booking.com Traveller Review Award 2026, achieving an impressive guest review score of 9.2, reflecting guests’ continued appreciation for its immersive island experiences, attentive hospitality, and exceptional natural surroundings.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, an elegant island retreat in the heart of North Malé Atoll, has received the Booking.com Traveller Review Award 2026, achieving an outstanding guest review score of 9.1. Having welcomed its first guests recently, this recognition reflects the resort’s commitment to delivering exceptional service, elegant all-villa and residence accommodation, elevated culinary experiences, and thoughtfully curated stays. Redefining barefoot island hospitality in the Maldives, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers a refined approach to contemporary island living, where understated elegance, personalised service, and authentic Maldivian surroundings come together to create memorable guest journeys.
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, nestled in North Malé Atoll, has been recognised among the Best Resorts for Families at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026. Inspired by an underwater world of discovery, the resort has quickly established itself as one of the Maldives’ leading family destinations, offering spacious family-focused villas, one of the country’s most engaging water complexes featuring a lazy river, waterslides, and splash zones, alongside the signature Candy Spa, Kids’ Club, E-Zone, and thoughtfully designed experiences created to bring families together.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, nestled in North Malé Atoll, has once again been recognised with the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2026, celebrating its continued commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for travellers from around the world. Reserved exclusively for adults, the resort is renowned for its tranquil overwater villas, exceptional dining experiences, vibrant house reef, and idyllic location just a short speedboat journey from Velana International Airport. Combining effortless island living with refined experiences, Centara Ras Fushi remains a sought-after escape for couples, honeymooners and friends seeking tranquillity and connection.
Francesco Pompilio, Cluster General Manager of Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, shared: “These recognitions are especially meaningful as they celebrate the authentic experiences our guests cherish and the dedication of our colleagues who bring them to life every day. From the remarkable marine environment surrounding Machchafushi Island to the serene adults-only setting of Centara Ras Fushi, each resort offers a distinctive expression of Maldivian hospitality. We are proud to see these unique offerings recognised by our guests and by internationally respected travel organisations.”
Jorge Fernandez, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, shared: “These recognitions affirm our belief that today’s travellers are seeking experiences with purpose, authenticity, and individuality. Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives was created to redefine refined barefoot hospitality through personalised service, intuitive luxury, and thoughtfully curated experiences. At the same time, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives has introduced a new benchmark for family travel by combining imaginative recreation with meaningful connections across generations. To see both resorts recognised so early in their journey is a testament to the strength of their distinct positioning and our team’s unwavering commitment to delivering experiences that genuinely resonate with our guests.”
These latest accolades further strengthen Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ position as one of the destination’s most celebrated hospitality portfolios, where every resort offers a unique perspective of the Maldives while sharing a common commitment to exceptional service, authentic experiences, and heartfelt Thai-inspired hospitality.
About Centara Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 92 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Nepal, Oman, Qatar and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, The Centara Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology.
BANGKOK, 22 July 2026: Boeing has issued one of the most ambitious forecasts in aviation history. By 2045, the company expects a USD4.9 trillion global aviation services market, more than 43,600 new commercial aircraft entering service and demand for over 2.4 million new aviation professionals.
These are not simply impressive statistics. They represent one of the largest expansions ever projected for the global travel and tourism industry. For a sector that was fighting for survival only a few years ago, the scale of the anticipated recovery is remarkable.
According to Boeing’s latest Commercial Services Market Outlook, global passenger traffic is expected to double over the next two decades, while the world’s commercial fleet will grow by almost 80% to more than 50,000 aircraft. Around half of all new deliveries will replace ageing aircraft, with the remainder supporting future growth.
Yet the real story extends well beyond aircraft production. Every new aircraft requires pilots, cabin crew, engineers, maintenance facilities, spare parts, digital support systems and sophisticated logistics.
Boeing estimates the industry will need 674,000 new pilots, 728,000 maintenance technicians and more than one million cabin crew members by 2045.
Around two-thirds of these positions will simply replace retiring professionals, while the remaining third will support industry expansion. This highlights aviation’s greatest challenge.
The industry is not only growing; it must also replace decades of accumulated expertise while preparing a new generation for increasingly sophisticated aircraft and operating environments.
Technology will certainly help. Artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance, digital aircraft monitoring and immersive training will all become increasingly important. However, no technology can replace sound judgement, professional experience and rigorous training. Aviation has always been, and will remain, a people business. That reality, I believe, is especially important for tourism.
Hotels, resorts and attractions may be the visible face of travel, but aviation remains its essential foundation. Every additional aircraft creates demand far beyond the airline itself, supporting airports, engineering companies, hospitality businesses, convention centres, tour operators and thousands of small enterprises throughout the tourism economy.
For Southeast Asia, the opportunities are substantial. Boeing forecasts the region will require approximately 258,000 additional aviation professionals over the next twenty years, reflecting its position among the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.
Thailand is well placed to benefit. Its strategic location, mature tourism industry and established aviation infrastructure provide strong foundations for future growth. However, success cannot be taken for granted. Airports require continued investment, engineering capabilities must expand, training institutions need greater capacity and regulatory systems must continue evolving alongside rapidly changing technology. Aircraft can be ordered. Skilled professionals cannot.
Thailand Seaplanes
Against this backdrop, renewed interest in commercial seaplane operations has generated considerable discussion. Siam Seaplane’s plans to introduce scheduled amphibious aircraft services are both imaginative and potentially valuable for Thailand’s premium tourism sector.
What it may look like (image generated by AI).
The concept offers attractive possibilities, particularly for connecting luxury coastal resorts and island destinations while creating distinctive visitor experiences. However, seaplanes should be viewed in perspective.
They represent a specialised niche rather than a transformational change to Thailand’s aviation landscape. Thailand already supports executive helicopters and private jet operations, and seaplanes are likely to occupy a similar premium market.
History also provides a useful reminder. Previous initiatives, including Yellow Bird, demonstrated both the appeal and the commercial challenges of operating seaplanes in Thailand. Beyond acquiring aircraft, operators require specialised water aerodromes, environmental approvals, marine traffic coordination, maintenance facilities, trained crews, insurance support and a clear regulatory framework.
Perhaps most importantly, sufficient passenger demand must exist to justify the significant investment.
The Maldives has demonstrated how successful seaplane tourism can become under the right geographic conditions. Thailand, however, already benefits from an extensive network of airports, highways and ferry services, reducing the number of routes where seaplanes offer a clear commercial advantage.
None of this diminishes the value of innovation. Premium tourism continues to evolve, and niche aviation services may well find profitable opportunities. The challenge will be matching ambition with commercial reality.
Aviation’s future
Ultimately, Boeing’s extraordinary forecast is about far more than aircraft. It is about people. It is about skills. And importantly, it is about the infrastructure that keeps global tourism moving.
Whether through major international airlines or innovative niche operators, the future of aviation will depend not simply on technological advances but on sustained investment in training, maintenance, safety and smart regulation.
For Thailand, the opportunity is considerable. If the country continues investing in its aviation workforce while encouraging carefully planned innovation, it can strengthen its position as one of Asia’s leading aviation and tourism hubs.
The skies ahead certainly look busy. Ensuring there are enough skilled people to keep those aircraft flying safely may prove the industry’s greatest achievement.
About the author Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based media executive, travel writer and former hotel executive specialising in Asian tourism. A former Director of Skål International and Past President of Skål Asia, he has lived in Thailand since 1991 and has spent more than four decades working across the region’s hospitality and aviation industries.
FARNBOROUGH, UK, 22 July 2026: Boeing and Philippine Airlines have agreed on an order for up to 20 787 Dreamliner jets that, once finalised, will deliver 15 787-10 aircraft, with an opportunity to purchase five more.
“This investment manifests our confidence in the future of Philippine Airlines and the continued growth of air travel.
The Philippine flag carrier will grow its regional network with the 787-10, placing its largest-ever widebody order.
The Boeing 787-10 will strengthen our medium and long-haul fleet, allowing us to provide an even better travel experience for our customers while improving operational efficiency and supporting our long-term sustainability goals,” said PAL Holdings Inc President and Chief Operating Officer Lucio C Tan III.
“As Asia’s first and longest-serving airline, we proudly celebrated our 85th anniversary earlier this year. An equally meaningful milestone that we celebrate this year is 80 years of partnership between Philippine Airlines and Boeing.”
The 787-10 will complement PAL’s fleet of 10 777 jets by expanding operational flexibility across the airline’s medium- and long-haul route network.
“Philippine Airlines’ selection of the 787 Dreamliner marks an important step forward in our partnership, one that spans 80 years,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope.
As the largest variant of the 787 family, the 787-10 can fly 300-375 passengers up to 13,890 km (7,500 nautical miles), enabling PAL to meet rising travel demand.
