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Emirates joins IATA’s Turbulence Aware Platform

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 5 June 2024: Emirates has joined the International Air Transport Association’s Turbulence Aware Platform, making it the first airline to integrate the IATA platform within the latest version of Lido mPilot, the mobile navigation solution from Lufthansa Systems.

Bringing these platforms together offers a wealth of data, combined with new technologies that make up-to-the-minute, highly accurate turbulence information and forecasts available for pilots. This equips them with the means to plot the best paths around affected areas for enhanced safety, efficient navigation, and optimisation of flight plans.

In conjunction with the IATA Turbulence Aware Platform, the airline has equipped more than 140 aircraft with the required onboard software to automatically share turbulence reports with all airlines contributing data to the platform. Over the next few years, all new aircraft joining the Emirates fleet, such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777-9, 777-8, and B787, will participate in the programme.

Emirates Airline Divisional Senior Vice President, Flight Operations Captain Hassan Alhammadi said: “Actively participating in IATA’s Turbulence Aware platform and equipping our pilots with a complement of the latest industry technologies such as the mobile navigation solution Lido mPilot from Lufthansa Systems is part of our commitment to ensure operational safety, efficiency, and customer comfort on every flight. We’re also proud to contribute data around turbulence through our Middle East network and extensive links across Africa, Asia, Australia, and other regions. It will help build sophisticated industry knowledge to effectively manage turbulence and evolving weather patterns with even more precision. This is only the beginning, and we are progressing with plans to integrate more cutting-edge technologies to elevate the flying experience further so our customers can enjoy smoother journeys.”

“Mitigating the adverse effects of turbulence is an industry-wide challenge, and obtaining accurate and live data is key to this endeavour. The cooperation between IATA Turbulence Aware, Emirates and Lufthansa Systems will further improve the quality and quantity of real-time data made available to the industry, allowing for smoother and safer air travel for all,” said IATA’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Products and Services Frederic Leger.

IATA’s Turbulence Aware is a global, real-time, detailed and objective information resource for pilots and aviation professionals to manage and mitigate the impact of turbulence on operations. Turbulence is the main cause of passenger and crew injuries, leading to higher fuel usage. The platform pools anonymised turbulence data from thousands of flights operated worldwide. The information generated from this data enables pilots and dispatchers to choose optimal flight paths, avoiding turbulence and flying at peak levels and altitudes to maximise fuel efficiency, ultimately reducing carbon emissions. To date, Turbulence Aware ensured a safer flight for over 700 million passengers, which will continue to rise as new airlines join the programme.

Lido mPilot is an all-in-one mobile navigational charting application from Lufthansa Systems, configured based on Emirates’ specific operational requirements. 

For flight information and to make bookings, visit www.emirates.com.

Flydubai celebrates 15th anniversary

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 5 June 2024: Flydubai celebrates its 15th anniversary, having carried more than 100 million passengers since its inaugural flight to Beirut on 1 June 2009.

Commenting flydubai chairman HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said:

Flydubai clocks 100 million passengers.

“Today, on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of flydubai, I would like to congratulate the team at flydubai on their success. Flydubai has been inspired by the success and ambition of Dubai, which has been and continues to be a key contributor to the airline’s success.”

From its home in Dubai, flydubai has created a network of more than 125 destinations served by 87 aircraft flying to Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and Southast Europe, the GCC and the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent, and Southeast Asia.

The low-cost airline has opened more than 90 new routes that did not previously have direct air links to Dubai or were not served by a UAE national carrier from Dubai.

It operates a single fleet type of 87 Boeing 737 aircraft: 29 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800, 55 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and three Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft.

IATA: IndiGo to host 81st IATA AGM in Delhi

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 5 June 2024: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that IndiGo will host the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit in Delhi, India, on 8-10 June 2025.

“We look forward to gathering the aviation industry in Delhi, India’s gateway city, for the 81st IATA AGM in 2025. It’s been over four decades since the industry came together for an IATA AGM in Delhi. With record aircraft orders, impressive growth, and world-class infrastructure developments, India is firmly on the trajectory to become the world’s third-largest aviation market within this decade. With such bright prospects, it’s the perfect time for the IATA AGM to return to India and witness these exciting developments first-hand,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh

“IndiGo is proud to be the host airline for the 81st IATA AGM and looks forward to welcoming the global aviation community to Delhi in 2025. India, becoming the third-largest economy within the next few years and leading the fourth industrial revolution with the use of AI, is a nation on the move. India’s rise in the global aviation landscape over the last years has been nothing short of remarkable, said IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers

“IndiGo has been giving wings to the nation since 2006 and is increasingly also expanding internationally. Building on aviation as a force for good and India’s unique diversity, we are looking forward to engaging in meaningful dialogues aimed at sculpting the global aviation landscape around important topics such as safety, diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as sustainability while efficiently delivering the growing global demand for air travel,” said Elbers.

The decision to host the 81st IATA AGM in India was made at the 80th IATA AGM in Dubai. This will be the third time the IATA AGM has convened in Delhi, having previously visited India in 1958 and 1983.

Faster way to transfer to Delhi airport

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TTR WEEKLY
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GURUGRAM, India 5 June 2024: Air India collaborated with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Delhi International Airport (DIAL) to facilitate check-in for international travellers at two metro stations in Delhi – New Delhi and Shivaji Stadium. 

The Delhi Airport Check-in & Baggage Drop facility allows passengers to check in their baggage at the metro station, allowing the outstation travellers to explore the city baggage-free. Meanwhile, their baggage is securely loaded onto the aircraft through an advanced automated infrastructure created by DMRC & DIAL. 

A faster and hassle-free transfer to Delhi Airport Terminal 3.

Currently available for domestic journeys, this service will now be extended to international travellers and will remain operational at the two metro stations from 0700 to 2100. Check-in can be done between 12 hours and two hours prior to flight departure for domestic itineraries and between four hours and two hours for international schedules. 

“Our partnership with DMRC & DIAL stands as a testament to our commitment to offering passengers an enhanced and seamless travel experience. This initiative provides a cost-effective option for travellers from distant locations and helps control congestion at the airport, leading to a better experience for all our customers. Further to the technology interventions partnered and implemented by Air India & DIAL, such as DigiYatra, Self-Baggage Drop machines at airport terminals, this initiative will significantly enhance the convenience and satisfaction of our customers, said Air India Chief Customer Experience Officer Rajesh Dogra. 

Metro trains operate every 10 minutes, and it takes 19 minutes to reach the departure level at Delhi Airport Terminal 3, making each traveller’s journey faster and hassle-free.  

About Air India:
Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India pioneered India’s aviation sector. Since its first flight on 15 October 1932, Air India has built an extensive domestic network with nonstop flights to cities worldwide, including the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Far East, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Gulf. After 69 years as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022.

Austrian lifts Bangkok flights to 13 weekly

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 5 June 2024: Austrian Airlines increases frequencies between Bangkok and Vienna from daily to nine on 26 October and up to 13 flights weekly during the winter peak season from January to March 2025.

It marks a significant capacity increase of 86% as the airline heads for the busy peak months from November 2024 through to March 2025.

Austrian Airlines operates a fleet of Airbus A320s, Boeing 767s, and Boeing 777-200s on the route to Bangkok.  

Flight OS15 will depart Vienna at 2015 and arrive in Bangkok at 1220 (daily except Sunday).
Flight OS16 will depart Bangkok at 1400 and arrive in Vienna at 1935 (daily except Monday).

Flight OS025 will depart Vienna at 2015 and arrive in Bangkok at 1530 (daily).
Flight OS026 departs Bangkok at 2350 and arrives in Vienna at 0525 (daily).

Lufthansa Group Senior Director Sales – Southeast Asia and the Pacific Brendan Shashoua commented: “Since 1988, Austrian Airlines has been connecting Vienna, the capital of Austria, with the Thai metropolis of Bangkok. Thailand is an incredibly attractive destination for Europeans, and we are responding to strong demand by increasing our weekly frequencies from Vienna from 7 to 13 flights. Last year, we introduced the A380 – the world’s largest passenger aircraft – on flights from Bangkok to Munich and this latest news from Austrian Airlines reflects our strong commitment to the Thai market. Thanks to this investment, Thai passengers now have more options when choosing to travel to Europe with Lufthansa Group.”

Austrian Airlines, a member of both Star Alliance and Lufthansa Group, connects the world with Austria via its hub in Vienna. 

About Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines is Austria’s largest airline, operating a worldwide network from its Vienna hub. Since its founding in 1957, Austrian Airlines has transported over 305 million passengers and more than 6,000 employees. Austrian Airlines’ current fleet consists of 66 aircraft, including nine long-haul and 57 short and medium-haul) aircraft.

FTI Group files for insolvency

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TTR WEEKLY
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MUNICH, 5 June 2024: FTI Touristik GmbH, the parent company of the FTI Group, the third largest tour operator in Europe, filed an application for insolvency proceedings at the Munich Local Court on Monday. 

According to an FTI statement, only the tour operator brand FTI Touristik is directly affected by the insolvency filing. Subsequently, however, corresponding applications will also be filed for other Group companies. Windrose Finest Travel GmbH, with the luxury brand WINDROSE, will continue its business.

The separately registered DMC Meeting Point Asia remains active in serving FTI clients in Thailand.

The independent companies Euvia Travel GmbH and its travel shopping channel sonnenklar.TV as well as the franchise system of Touristik Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH (TVG) with its brands sonnenklar.TV Reisebüros, 5vorFlug Reisebüros and Flugbörse do not belong to the FTI Group.

After a lengthy and complex investor process, the entry of a consortium of investors was announced in April 2024. Since then, however, booking figures have fallen well short of expectations despite the positive news the FTI statement explained. In addition, numerous suppliers insisted on advance payment, which added to the company’s cash flow crisis. 

“As a result, there was an increased need for liquidity, which could no longer be bridged until the closing of the investor process. The filing for insolvency has therefore become necessary for legal reasons.”

Supporting travellers affected by the insolvency is now a top priority for the FTI GROUP through a support website has already been set up at www.fti-group.com/en/insolvency  as well as a support hotline at +49 (0) 89 / 710 45 14 98. All relevant information can be accessed here and German and English-speaking contact persons are available for individual questions. 

“We are currently working hard to ensure that trips that have already started can be completed as planned. Trips that have not yet begun will no longer be possible or only partially possible from 4 June 2024. In cooperation with the (provisional) insolvency administrator yet to be appointed.”

In Thailand, the group’s tour business was handled by Meeting Point Asia. Meeting Point International the group’s Destination Management Company commented on social media: “It saddens us to inform you that our mother company FTI Touristik GmbH has filed for bankruptcy on 3 June 2024.

“Our Meeting Point offices, being separate legal entities, remain active until further notice. As you can imagine, the situation is fluid. However, the well-being of your guests at the destination and near-term arrivals remains our top priority.”

About the FTI Group
FTI Group employs 11,000 staff who deliver holidays and its famous last-minute options to 120 destinations. The group earned EUR4.1 billion in consolidated sales during the fiscal year 2022-2023, making its numerous brands and subsidiaries the third largest tour operator in Europe.

(SOURCE: FTI Group)

Dusit boosts its development team

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK 4 June 2024: Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has strengthened its global development team with two key appointments to spearhead hotel development efforts for Dusit Hotels and Resorts across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. 

VP Development

In the Middle East, Rami Massoud has joined the company as Vice President of Development (EMEA) based in Dusit’s regional office in Dubai. 

Pornpim Hiranpradit and Rami Massoud.

Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, Massoud is an Egyptian national with over 25 years of experience in hotel development, real estate investment, and asset management. 

During his career, he worked for hotel brands such as Marriott, Starwood, and Four Seasons. He spearheaded projects for top developers, including Dubai Holding, Power Holding, and Shuaa Capital, across the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Most recently, he served as the Managing Director of Hotel Assets Acquisition Consultants. 

He is responsible for growing Dusit’s unique portfolio of Dusit Hotels and Resorts across key existing and emerging destinations in the EMEA region. 

Director of Development

Meanwhile, in Dusit’s home base of Thailand, Pornpim Hiranpradit has joined the company as Director of Development (Global) based in Bangkok. She is responsible for spearheading Dusit’s development efforts across Asia-Pacific and supporting Dusit’s regional development offices worldwide.

She brings extensive experience in real estate and hospitality, having worked for real estate brokerage and management firms in New York as well as in hotel operations in Thailand. Notably, she was part of the development team for One Bangkok, one of the largest mixed-use developments in Thailand, where she executed three hotels with over 750 rooms while working for Frasers Property Holdings.

In their new roles, Mr Massoud and Ms Hiranpradit will work closely with Mr Siradej Donavanik, Vice President – Development (Global), Dusit International, to drive sustainable global expansion of Dusit Hotels and Resorts and its various brands.

Dusit’s portfolio now includes 301 properties operating across 18 countries, including 57 properties operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and 244 luxury villas under Elite Havens, the leading provider of luxury villa rentals in Asia, which Dusit acquired in September 2018. 

Last year’s international expansion momentum was driven by openings such as the boutique Dusit Suites Athens, Greece, Dusit’s first hotel in Europe; the lifestyle-oriented ASAI Kyoto Shijo and luxurious Dusit Thani Kyoto, Dusit’s first properties in Japan; and the breathtaking Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel and contemporary Dusit Princess Kathmandu, Dusit’s first entries into Nepal. 

In 2023, Dusit also solidified its domestic presence with ASAI Bangkok Sathorn, the second property in the capital under Dusit’s affordable lifestyle brand; the upscale dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok, the first dusitD2-branded hotel in the city; and Dusit Princess Phatthalung, a beautiful resort in southern Thailand, bringing Dusit’s domestic property count to 18.

This year, Dusit plans to open up to 10 new Dusit Hotels and Resorts in existing destinations such as China, the Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan, as well as new markets such as India, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia. 

More than 60 Dusit Hotels and Resorts are in the pipeline. For more information, visit dusit-international.com

Centara World Masters Golf

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TTR WEEKLY
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Bangkok, Thailand 4 June 2024: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, announces the final opportunity to secure a spot at the 9th Centara World Masters Golf Championship. Scheduled for 9 – 15 June 2024, in the beautiful coastal town of Hua Hin, Thailand, Asia’s leading amateur golf tournament promises an unforgettable experience for golf enthusiasts.

Stay at the luxurious Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, with packages starting from THB58,500, including six nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast, four rounds of championship golf at top courses such as Pineapple Valley Golf Club Hua Hin, Springfield Royal Country Club, and Palm Hills Golf Resort and Country Club. 

Participants will enjoy a welcome dinner, a gala dinner prize presentation, golf carts and caddies, return airport transfers, and daily transfers between the hotel and golf courses. Additional perks include a chance to win prizes worth $30,000, a goodie bag with tournament souvenirs and local offers, and much more.

For those who prefer to watch, the Non-Golfer Package offers all the tournament functions plus two privately guided sightseeing tours with an English-speaking guide to explore local landmarks, including historic downtown Hua Hin and the Bridge over the River Kwai.

Time is running out to be part of this unparalleled experience, where exceptional hospitality and world-class golf meet. 
For reservations, visit: https://www.thailandworldmasters.com/

Blocked airline funds down 28%

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 4 June 2024: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported a 28% decrease in airline funds blocked from repatriation by governments. 

At the end of April, the total blocked funds stood at approximately USD1.8 billion, a reduction of USD708 million (28%) since December 2023.

However, IATA reiterated the call for governments to remove all barriers to airlines repatriating their revenues from ticket sales and other activities under international agreements and treaty obligations.

“The reduction in blocked funds is a positive development. The remaining $1.8 billion is significant and must be urgently addressed. The efficient repatriation of airline revenues is guaranteed in bilateral agreements. Even more importantly, it is a pre-requisite for airlines—who operate on thin margins — to be able to provide economically critical connectivity. No business can operate long-term without access to rightfully earned revenues,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.

The main driver of the reduction was a significant clearance of funds blocked in Nigeria. Egypt also approved the clearance of its significant accumulation of blocked funds. However, in both cases, airlines were adversely affected by the devaluation of the Egyptian Pound and the Nigerian Naira.

Progress in Nigeria

At its peak in June 2023, Nigeria’s blocked funds amounted to USD850 million, significantly affecting airline operations and finances. Carriers faced difficulties in repatriating revenues in US dollars, and the high volume of blocked funds led some airlines to reduce their operations and one carrier to temporarily cease operations to Nigeria, which severely impacted the country’s aviation industry. However, as of April 2024, 98% of these funds have been cleared. The remaining $19 million is due to the Central Bank’s ongoing verification of outstanding forward claims filed by the commercial banks.

“We commend the new Nigerian government and the Central Bank of Nigeria for their efforts to resolve this issue. Individual Nigerians and the economy will all benefit from reliable air connectivity, for which access to revenues is critical. We are on the right path and urge the government to clear the residual USD19 million and continue prioritising aviation,” said Walsh.

Eight countries are responsible for 87% of blocked funds.

Eight countries account for 87% of the total blocked funds, amounting to $1.6 billion.

Pakistan and Bangladesh

The situation has become severe in Pakistan and Bangladesh with airlines unable to repatriate USD731 million (USD411 million in Pakistan and USD320 million in Bangladesh) of revenues earned in these markets.

“Pakistan and Bangladesh must release the USD731 million in blocked funds immediately to ensure airlines can continue providing essential air connectivity. In Bangladesh, the solution is in the hands of the Central Bank, which must prioritise aviation’s access to foreign exchange in line with international treaty obligations. The solution in Pakistan is finding efficient alternatives to the system of audit and tax exemption certificates, which cause long processing delays,” said Walsh.

Passenger demand up 11% in April

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 4 June 2024: Passenger demand was up 11% in April, according to the International Air Transport Association’s latest data.

Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), was up 11% compared to April 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 9.6% year-on-year. The April load factor was 82.4% (+1ppt compared to April 2023).

International demand rose 15.8% compared to April 2023; capacity was up 14.8% year-on-year, and the load factor improved to 82.2% (+0.7ppt on April 2023).

Domestic demand rose 4.0% compared to April 2023; capacity was up 2.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 82.6% (+1.5ppt compared to April 2023).

“Passenger demand has been growing for 36 consecutive months. As we enter the peak northern summer travel season, there is every reason to feel optimistic for a strong summer, with airlines offering a wide range of travel options. 

“97% of passengers asked in our recent survey said they were satisfied with their last flight. Every part of the travel value chain needs to be focused on maintaining that,” said  IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.

The IATA Passenger Survey also revealed that 88% of the respondents agreed that ‘air travel makes my life better’. “That’s an important motivation as our members gather for the IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Dubai next week. This strong endorsement of the power of air connectivity to transform lives and boost economies brings with it a challenge that will also be on the minds of all attending. It is critically important that we achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 so that people can continue to rely on all the benefits of air travel,” said Walsh.

Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets

All regions showed strong growth for international passenger markets in April 2024 compared to April 2023. The load factor increased to a two-year high, and capacity increases were well-matched to demand.

Asia-Pacific airlines continue to lead the way, with a 32.1% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 29.3% year-on-year, and the load factor rose to 83.7% (+1.7ppt compared to April 2023). Traffic flows from the Middle East and Africa to Asia are notably strong.

European carriers saw a 10.1% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 10.0% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.3% (up just 0.1ppt compared to April 2023). International routes from Europe have surpassed pre-COVID levels to all regions except Africa. 

Middle Eastern airlines saw a 14.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 9.9% year-on-year, and the load factor increased +3.0ppt to 79.3% compared to April 2023.

North American carriers saw a 6.5% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 10.3% year-on-year, and the load factor fell to 81.0% (-2.9ppt compared to April 2023).

Latin American airlines saw a 14.5% year-on-year increase in demand, and capacity climbed 13.5% year-on-year. The load factor rose to 84.1% (+0.7ppt compared to April 2023), the region’s highest.

African airlines saw a 15.5% year-on-year increase in demand, a 10.4% increase in capacity, and a 73.0% load factor (+3.2ppt compared to April 2023).

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