BANGKOK, 3 July 2025: Australia’s Qantas Airways is set to become the Asia-Pacific launch operator of the latest generation single aisle A321XLR following the delivery of its first aircraft from the Airbus assembly line in Finkenwerder, Hamburg.
Reflecting the long-range capability of the A321XLR, the aircraft is flying from the Airbus facility to Sydney with just one crew rest stop in Bangkok.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, the Qantas A321XLR features a two-class layout with 20 seats in Business Class and 177 in the main cabin. Qantas will initially operate the A321XLR on domestic services across Australia, with the potential to open future new services on secondary routes to Asia.
Altogether, the Qantas Group has ordered 40 A321XLRs under its fleet modernisation programme, with 28 aircraft allocated to Qantas and 12 to low-cost subsidiary Jetstar. These are part of the airline’s outstanding orders with Airbus for 128 single aisle aircraft and 24 A350-1000 widebodies.
The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step of the A320neo Family, responding to market needs for more range and payload, creating even more flexibility and value for the airlines.
In typical airline service, it offers the longest range of any single aisle aircraft – up to 4,700 nautical miles – and brings a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of 30% compared with previous generation competitor aircraft. To date, Airbus has secured more than 500 orders for the type.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A321XLR aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft capable of flying with up to 100% SAF by 2030.
KUALA LUMPUR, 3 July 2025: Tourism Malaysia welcomed the launch of Juneyao Airlines’ direct flight from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), last week, marking a strategic milestone in enhancing connectivity between Malaysia and China.
Operating four times weekly, flight HO1353 uses an Airbus A320neo aircraft configured with 162 seats.
Samuel Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia, alongside key representatives from Juneyao Airlines, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and Pos Aviation.
This route is set to meet the growing demand for travel between the two dynamic cities, improving convenience for both business and leisure travellers. The establishment of this route also supports Malaysia’s efforts in capitalising on Shanghai’s reputation as a critical market for outbound travel and a global financial hub with expansive international connectivity, thus positioning Kuala Lumpur as a preferred Southeast Asian gateway for Chinese travellers.
The inaugural flight was welcomed last week by Samuel Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia, alongside key representatives from Juneyao Airlines, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and Pos Aviation.
Lee stated: “Tourism Malaysia remains committed to working closely with Chinese airlines and trade partners to ensure sustained growth and mutual benefit. This initiative aligns with national strategies to expand market outreach ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), which will focus on promoting cultural and sustainable tourism in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).
“The enhanced air connectivity with Shanghai also supports regional integration under the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) framework, further reinforcing Malaysia’s role as a key player in regional tourism development.”
From January to April 2025, Malaysia recorded 1.44 million visitor arrivals from China, a 37.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023 and 22.6% above pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
The recent extension of visa-free entry for Chinese nationals until 31 December 2026, coupled with enhanced flight access, is expected to drive visitor growth further and yield a significant economic impact across Malaysia’s tourism value chain.
SINGAPORE, 3 July 2025: Vietjet presents its 7/7 double-day promotion, offering discounted tickets with up to 77% off (excluding taxes and fees), applicable across the airline’s entire Vietnam domestic and international network.
With this promotion, Singapore travellers can enjoy discounted deals when flying to Vietnam to explore popular destinations such as Hanoi, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc. The airline also marks its continued international growth with the addition of two new routes from Hanoi to Chengdu and Xi’an, launching this week.
For one day only, from 0100 to 2400 (GMT+8) on 7 July 2025, guests booking Eco tickets at the airline’s website or mobile app using the promo code SUPERSALE77 will enjoy savings of up to 77% (excluding taxes and fees). The offer is valid for travel between 11 August 2025 and 28 March 2026 (terms and conditions apply), across all Vietjet’s routes.
To meet the soaring travel demand this summer, Vietjet has added over 600,000 additional seats across its growing network of more than 145 domestic and international routes. The airline connects travellers to top destinations in Vietnam, Australia, India, China, South Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
As part of its global expansion strategy, Vietjet launches two new direct routes this week from Hanoi, connecting to Chengdu on 1 July and Xi’an on 6 July. These new services strengthen Vietjet’s presence across Asia, enhancing access to major cultural and economic hubs while reinforcing the airline’s commitment to regional connectivity and international growth.
SINGAPORE, 3 July 2025: Ponant Explorations has launched its Fly, Stay & Cruise package for the 2026 Kimberley season, offering travellers an all-inclusive journey to one of Australia’s most awe-inspiring destinations.
Packaged with return economy flights from Australia and New Zealand’s major cities, premium accommodation with transfer on sale until 30 September 2025, the world-class Australia’s Iconic Kimberley small ship expedition is the most seamless way to discover the wild beauty of the Kimberley.
The Kimberley 2026 season features 16 departures between May and September aboard Ponant Explorer Le Jacques-Cartier and its Sistership Le Soléal.
Sailing between Broome and Darwin, guests are invited to indulge in Ponant’s signature style, where the onboard atmosphere evokes the feeling of a private yacht.
“The Kimberley region is unlike anywhere else on Earth,” said Ponant CEO Asia Pacific Deb Corbett. “Given its remote location, we understand that arranging travel can feel complex… From flights and hotel stays to an extraordinary small-ship expedition, every element is effortlessly connected.”
Extending the offer to the West Coast in 2026
In addition to their extensive Kimberley programme, two exclusive departures in July and August 2026, West Coast Odyssey will offer guests the opportunity to experience Australia’s west coast – a 10-night expedition voyage between Broome and Fremantle. Guests will explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shark Bay, celebrated for its rare marine species and ecological significance, and venture into a string of extraordinary parks including Jurien Bay Marine Park, Abrolhos Marine Park, Montebello Islands Marine Park, and Murujuga National Park on the Burrup Peninsula.
Starting price is USD13, 670 per person in a deluxe stateroom with private balcony. The package includes:
Return economy airfares from Australia and New Zealand’s major cities;
1-night hotel stay & transfer – before or after the sailing;
10-night Australia’s Iconic Kimberley or the 10-night West Coast Odyssey luxury expedition;
Daily expert-led shore excursions, lectures and Zodiac outings;
All onboard meals, drinks, including 24/7 room service and mini bar restocked daily.
The Fly, Stay & Cruise package is available to book until 30 September 2025.
DOHA, 3 July 2025: Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines celebrated the introduction of a codeshare daily service between Manila and Doha with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Hamad International Airport (DOH) on Monday.
Celebrating the occasion were Philippine Airlines’ President. Richard Nutall, and Philippine Airlines’ Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Atty Carlos Luis Fernandez, alongside executive delegates from Qatar Airways Group.
Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “Qatar Airways is proud to celebrate the start of codeshare flights with Philippine Airlines. This daily service marks the beginning of a strong partnership between our two airlines, paving the way for even closer ties between the Philippines and Qatar for the benefit of both business and leisure travel.”
The daily nonstop flights are operated by Philippine Airlines’ long-range Airbus A330-300 aircraft in a dual-class configuration, featuring 18 flat-bed seats in the business class cabin and 341 seats in the main economy class cabin.
The new partnership allows passengers flying from Manila to Doha to connect to Qatar’s global network of over 170 destinations via Hamad International Airport.
BANGKOK, 2 July 2025: BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels, has expanded its network in Indonesia with the opening of Best Western Setiabudhi Bandung, a stylish new hotel in the city of Bandung, West Java.
Strategically located on Jalan Dr Setiabudi, the hotel is surrounded by attractions, including Bandung city centre (only 2km away), The Great Asia Africa cultural park (4.5km), the floating market (7.7km), and Tangkuban Perahu (22km), the active volcano and popular tourist area, providing complete convenience for business and leisure travelers alike.
Best Western Setiabudhi Bandung features 63 rooms and suites, all designed in a modern minimalist style and fully equipped with modern amenities, including whirlpool baths in the junior suites. Every morning can start with fresh coffee at the café, with its elegant outdoor terrace, or a fulfilling breakfast at the restaurant, which serves a diverse menu of local specialities, pan-Asian dishes and international cuisine throughout the day. 24-hour room service is also available. Five meeting rooms create options for corporate and social gatherings, and when travellers are not working or exploring the wonders of Bandung, they can work out at the fitness centre.
“Indonesia is one of our key strategic markets, so we are delighted to welcome Best Western Setiabudhi Bandung to our fast-growing portfolio in the country,” said BWH Hotels Vice President – APAC, Olivier Berrivin. “Blessed with a cool climate and trendy café culture, Bandung blends the energy of a major city with a youthful, laid-back vibe. This makes it a desirable destination for local and international visitors, and I look forward to introducing all our international and domestic guests to this exceptional new hotel.”
Best Western Setiabudhi Bandung is BWH Hotels’ newest property in Indonesia and its second in Bandung, complementing Best Western Premier La Grande.
DUBAI, UAE, 2 July 2025: The Emirates Group’s annual flagship innovation and technology forum, ForsaTEK, wrapped up last week, bringing cutting-edge technology partnerships, dynamic startups, thought-provoking discussions, and emerging talent to the forefront.
The second edition of ForsaTEK expanded its reach this year to drive greater innovation engagement across the Group’s different departments and businesses, focusing on scaling successful trials to extract the full value of promising innovation and solutions. This year, the annual forum’s themes highlight how AI, robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT) will reshape aviation, in addition to the role human factors play in the successful adoption of technology.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group said: “Building on the success of the first two editions, ForsaTEK 2025 underpins the Emirates Group’s continued commitment to anchoring the next wave of innovations within our business, scaling up existing innovations, supporting startups, and creating a powerful testbed of partnerships that introduce fresh solutions and propel our digital future forward.”
Technology showcases and drives startup growth
This year, ForsaTEK featured over 40 in-house and partner showcases strategically organised across the innovation pipeline spectrum, from early-stage research and prototyping to proof-of-concept trials and fully launched initiatives being scaled up.
Fully launched initiatives included Transguard and Emirates Group Security’s advanced autonomous robotics to enhance urban safety and security; dnata Cargo’s autonomous drone system for inventory validation; dnata’s 3D prototyping and custom manufacturing of spare parts; Emirates Airport Services’ AI-enabled aircraft turnaround analysis and resource optimisation system, amongst other aviation and customer-centric innovations.
The Trial Zone included several accessibility initiatives, including Glidance’s groundbreaking self-guided mobility aid enabling safe, independent navigation for the visually impaired; the JeffCAN immersive media chair, blending sensory design and technology to support and engage neurodiverse passengers; the Airbus Accessible and Inclusive cabin featuring a Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) lavatory and personal wheelchair onboard. Maintenance and engineering trials featured an AI and computer vision platform for fast and accurate engine part detection and identification. Additionally, Apple Vision Pro-based augmented reality maintenance provided enhanced visualisation of brake, wheel, and APU assemblies. Drone-based aircraft inspections enable fast, safe, and accurate aircraft exterior inspections.
A pitch zone also featured 13 startups showcasing their ideas to a panel of VIPs, investors, and tech industry representatives. People and youth engagement areas within the Experience Zone were also activated to showcase innovation journeys and enhance visitor engagement.
At ForsaTEK 2025, the Emirates Group’s Afkar app was also launched. Afkar, which means ‘ideas’ in Arabic, is a company-wide digital platform that enables employees — wherever they work and whatever they do — to contribute to generating new ideas for implementation. The winning concept unveiled at this year’s event was the automation of visa validation for customers, removing yet another source of friction for passengers during their travel journeys.
For more information on the airline or to make a booking, visit www.emirates.com.
SINGAPORE, 2 July 2025: If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Japan, a July visit offers a compelling incentive — the world-famous Gion Matsuri festival, which takes place throughout the entire month in Kyoto.
Explore the historic city as the streets fill with local food, parades of lanterns, and the processions of traditional, beautiful floats.
With the above in mind, JR Pass has put together the ultimate guide to Gion Matsuri, enabling you to experience the festival in the most authentic and memorable way possible.
Three mega festivals
Gion Matsuri is one of the three greatest festivals in Japan, alongside Tenjin Matsuri and Kanda Matsuri, with its origins tracing back to 869, when Kyoto was still the capital. Spanning across the entire month of July, the most stunning feature of the event is the procession of Yamahokos on 17 July, followed by the second, smaller procession on 24 July.
Despite its name, many of the main festivities of Gion Matsuri don’t actually take place in the Gion district; instead, they take place on the other side of the Kamo River.
The floats
There are a total of 34 floats used throughout the festival, with 23 being demonstrated at the Early Festival Yamahoko Junko (17 July), and the remaining 11 being shown at the Latter Festival Yamahoko Junko (24 July). The floats journey along a three-kilometre route across the Shijo, Kawaramachi and Oike streets, with stunning viewpoints available along the roads.
The floats themselves are divided into two categories: 23 Yama floats and 10 Hoko floats. The hoko floats are particularly impressive as they can be as tall as 25 feet and weigh up to 12 tons! Each float is associated with a historical or mythological tale. Knowing even one or two can deepen your appreciation, and locals are often happy to share these stories if you ask.
Though lesser known, there are also three portable shrines (mikoshi) that are paraded on the night of the 17th, carrying deities of Yasaka Jinja to Otabisho in downtown Kyoto, where they will remain until the 24th.
The shrines represent the physical transfer of the deities from Yasaka Shrine to the Otabisho (temporary resting place) in downtown Kyoto. The mikoshi procession is the sacred heart of Gion Matsuri, enacting the movement of divine spirits into the city to bless and protect it. It’s less known to tourists, but to locals and worshippers, it’s the most spiritually meaningful part of the festival.
Traditions
Alongside the floats, the festival has also maintained its tradition of selecting a young boy to ride atop the Naginata hoko, the first float in the parade. This boy is selected as a sacred messenger to the gods, first sitting on the float on 13 July and being unable to touch the ground until the parade ends on 17 July.
Yoiyama (Night Parties)
Each of the two parades is preceded by three nights of celebration (14th, 15th, 16th – 21st, 22nd, 23rd), during which the general public can visit the floats, which are parked up in various locations throughout the city. The public can even enter some of the floats!
On these nights, the streets are packed with various food and drink vendors, allowing visitors and locals alike the chance to try the stunning home dishes of Kyoto. Look for Kyoto-style okonomiyaki, yatsuhashi sweets, or locally made kakigori (shaved ice). Many stalls are run by families from Kyoto and only operate during festivals.
You can also purchase chimaki (good luck charms). These good luck charms aren’t just souvenirs; they’re tied to specific floats and meant to ward off misfortune. Buying one directly from the float’s neighbourhood team supports local traditions and lets you engage with the community.
Furthermore, if you want to truly soak up the Japanese festival traditions, many locals welcome tourists to wear Yukatas, which have become a hallmark in Japan’s festivities. For a truly local experience, rent one and learn the basics of how to wear it respectfully (left-over-right, and a pair of getas). Some even include small accessories, such as folding fans (sensu) or drawstring bags (kinchaku).
Avoiding the crowds
As one of Japan’s most famous festivals, it’s no surprise that the event draws many people, leading to significant and often overwhelming crowds. While the parade itself is packed no matter what, there are steps you can take to avoid the largest crowds.
If you’re hoping to avoid the busiest times, consider visiting the floats in the afternoon. Most of the heavy traffic (especially teens and working adults) tends to arrive in the evening hours when the lanterns are lit and the festival atmosphere peaks.
If you want to escape the crowd entirely, take a walk to the nearby Maruyama Park. There, not only will you find fewer people, but also a stunning location to relax, enjoy a quiet snack, and decompress from the day’s festivities.
Haroun, a spokesperson from JR Pass, provides insight into the best practices for visiting the Gion Matsuri festival.
“Gion Matsuri is one of the most popular festivals in Japan, so planning is key. We recommend booking accommodation near the Shijo and Karasuma districts, as they’re within easy walking distance of most major events.
“It’s also essential to prepare for large crowds and hot summer weather. Arriving early will help you secure a good viewing spot for the parades. Don’t forget to stay hydrated, bring snacks, and take regular breaks in the shade.
“To experience the festival like a local, consider wearing a yukata. Many residents dress in traditional summer attire to celebrate. Visit the yatai food stalls, try regional specialities, and stop by the neighbourhood floats to purchase chimaki, the protective charms tied to each community.
“Finally, don’t forget to visit the rest of Kyoto while you’re there! Although the festival itself is beautiful, it’s also a good opportunity to explore everything else the city has to offer.”
Image credits: Shutterstock. For more information on travel to the festival visit: https://www.jrpass.com/.
SINGAPORE, 2 July 2025: Total demand measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), improved by 5% in May, compared with May 2024, reports the International Air Transport Association in its latest data released on Monday
IATA’s data for May also showed total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 5% year-on-year. The May load factor was 83.4% (-0.1 ppt compared to May 2024).
International demand rose 6.7% compared to May 2024. Capacity was up 6.4% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.2% (+0.2 ppt compared to May 2024). This is a record load factor on international flights for May.
Domestic demand increased 2.1% compared to May 2024. Capacity was up 2.8% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.7% (-0.5 ppt compared to May 2024).
“Air travel demand growth was uneven in May. Globally, the industry reported a 5% growth, with the Asia-Pacific region leading the way at 9.4%. The outlier was North America, which reported a 0.5% decline, led by a 1.7% fall in the US domestic market. Severe disruptions in the Middle East in late June remind us that geopolitical instability remains a challenge in some regions, as airlines maintain safe operations with minimal passenger inconvenience.
“The impact of such instability on oil prices — which remained low throughout May — is also a critical factor to monitor. Importantly, consumer confidence appears to be strong with forward bookings for the peak Northern summer travel season, giving good reason for optimism,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.
Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets
International RPK growth reached 6.7% in May year-on-year, with growth in all regions but a mixed picture on load factors, which increased only by 0.2 ppt. Traffic expansion on most key international routes to the Americas slowed in May, except for the Transatlantic route, which saw a modest 2.5% year-over-year increase.
Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 13.3% year-on-year increase indemand. Capacity increased 10.6% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.0% (+2.0 ppt compared to May 2024).
European carriers had a 4.1% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 4.8% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.0% (-0.6 ppt compared to May 2024).
North American carriers saw a 1.4% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 1.7% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.8% (-0.3 ppt compared to May 2024).
Middle Eastern carriers saw a 6.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 6.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 80.9% (-0.1 ppt compared to May 2024).
Latin American airlines saw an 8.8% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 11.0% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.6% (-1.7 ppt compared to May 2024).
African airlines saw a 9.5% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 6.2% year-on-year. The load factor was 74.9% (+2.2 ppt compared to May 2024). Africa-Asia is the fastest-growing international corridor, with a 15.9% expansion.
DOHA, 2 July 2025: Qatar Airways has resumed flights to Iraq and Syria and returned to a full flight schedule to Lebanon and Jordan effective from 30 June, following the lifting of airspace restrictions in the region.
Photo credit: Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways has resumed operations to five destinations in Iraq:
13 weekly flights to Baghdad International Airport (BGW)
Starting 06 July, the airline will resume its daily service to Damascus. The service will be complemented by a double daily schedule that will begin on 15 July.
Beginning on 1 July, Qatar Airways resumed its full schedule to Lebanon’s Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) and Jordan’s Queen Alia International Airport (AMM):
21 weekly flights to Beirut.
Qatar Airways will increase its operations to Beirut from 14 to 21 weekly flights with an additional third frequency.
