SINGAPORE, 10 March 2025: The Air Astana Group fleet has grown to sixty aircraft following the arrival of a new Airbus A320neo in Almaty last week.
The full-service carrier Air Astana now has a fleet of 35 aircraft, and the low-cost carrier FlyArystan operates 25.
Photo credit: Air Astana.
Both carriers in the group have proliferated with an increasing number of the latest generation Airbus A321LR and Airbus A320neo aircraft at the forefront of Air Astana’s network expansion to destinations across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
FlyArystan continues to boost low-cost services throughout Kazakhstan and Central Asia, as well as an increasing number of longer-range flights to Georgia, China, and the Middle East.
“Expanding our fleet to 60 aircraft is a significant milestone for Air Astana Group and an important step towards accomplishing our strategic plans,” said Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana Group CEO Peter Foster. “We will continue to invest in modern aircraft and expand our route network, offering passengers even more opportunities for convenient and affordable travel both within the region and beyond”.
The Air Astana Group fleet should reach 80 aircraft by 2028.
KUALA LUMPUR, 10 March 2025: AirAsia will relocate its domestic services from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Airport) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA T2), effective 7 April 2025.
Consolidating all flights at the KLIA hub will optimise operations amidst growing demand and enhance the overall guest experience after experimenting with a second hub in Subbang since August 2024.
Photo credit: AirAsia.Tony Fernandes at Subang Airport Departure Hall after the airline established its Subang hub with flights to Sabah and Sarawak last August.
With passenger volumes between Kuala Lumpur and key destinations such as Kota Kinabalu and Kuching increasing significantly — +16% year-on-year — consolidating operations at KLIA T2 will allow the airline to accommodate rising traffic better.
Since resuming operations out of Subang in August last year, AirAsia has assessed passenger trends and operational needs. The conclusion is that KLIA T2 “offers the best platform to enhance efficiency and service quality.”
Subang Airport was touted as more convenient for city-bound travellers. Given the increasing demand for Kota Kinabalu and Kuching routes, consolidating services at KLIA T2 is the “optimal way forward,” according to the airline’s statement.
“While Subang Airport has provided valuable proximity and easier access for city dwellers, KLIA T2’s infrastructure supports connectivity and also offers the capacity required for continued growth and to mount more flights to serve the rising demand across East Malaysia routes.”
SINGAPORE, 10 March 2025: Airline scheduling databases indicate Vietnam Airlines plans to introduce two new routes to India serving Bengaluru and Hyderabad from the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, effective May 2025.
Online airline schedule data sources show the airline posting four weekly flights on the Hanoi – Bengaluru route starting 1 May. Using A321 aircraft, flights will depart Hanoi on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
On 7 May, the airline will introduce a Hanoi – Hyderabad route using an A321 for three weekly flights departing Hanoi on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
However, it’s mums the word from the airline that keeps the lid firmly shut on sales and hasn’t opened bookings for the two destinations on any of its inhouse channels, including its direct-sell socials.
Skyscanner saves the day with flights on sale for both routes.
Hanoi – Bengaluru route
The roundtrip fare on the Hanoi (HAN) – Bengaluru (BLR) route, scheduled to start on 1 May, is USD368 on Trip.com.
Flight VN983 departs Hanoi (HAN) at 1900 and arrives in Bengaluru (BLR) at 2200. Flight VN982 depart Bengaluru (BLR) at 2330 and arrives in Hanoi (HAN) at 0525 (plus a day).
Hanoi – Hyderabad route
The roundtrip fare on the Hanoi – Hyderabad route, which will start on 7 May, is USD366 via Trip.com.
Flight VN985 departs Hanoi (HAN) at 1915 and arrives in Hyderabad (HYD) at 2215. Flight VN984 departs Hyderabad (HYD) at 2345 and arrives in Hanoi (HAN) at 0525 (plus a day)
VN flies to Beijing on 30 March
Meanwhile, Vietnam Airlines will launch a new direct route between Ho Chi Minh City and Beijing Daxing International Airport, starting 30 March 2025, offering five weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
VN516 Ho Chi Minh – Beijing Daxing 0045-0630 VN517 Beijing Daxing – Ho Chi Minh 0830-1225
SINGAPORE, 10 March 2025: Visit Maldives confirms that the country’s national airline, Maldivian, will establish direct flights from Male’s Valena International Airport (MLE) to Germany this October.
Describing it as an “exciting announcement” during last week’s ITB Berlin seminar, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) confirmed Maldivian will launch a direct route between the Maldives and Germany following the delivery of the airline’s second A330-200 aircraft.
MMPRC ( Visit Maldives) updated the travel trade during ITB Berlin last week.
MMPRC said the development would significantly boost tourism between the two countries. “The new route will provide greater convenience for German travellers with the growing demand for travel to the Maldives and strengthen cultural and economic ties between the Maldives and Germany.”
Condor, owned by Attestor, a British investment firm, and Lufthansa Group’s Discover, are already scheduling weekly direct flights between Frankfurt and the Maldives. If Frankfurt is the choice for Maldivian, the airline will need to conclude interline agreements with German carriers to cover connecting flights to and from other major cities in Germany and neighbouring countries. Flight details have yet to be posted, but the airline will likely introduce twice-weekly flights using an A330-200 with 270 seats due for delivery in October.
Munich International Airport is another option the airline might consider, as no competing airlines currently serve direct routes to the Maldives.
The airline’s first A330-200, delivered in January 2025, now serves flights to three cities in China: Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai. Each of the three cities has a single weekly flight scheduled — Shanghai on Monday, Chengdu on Wednesday, and Beijing on Thursday.
The Maldivian expansion announcement headlined the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) seminar “The Next Chapter of Maldives Tourism, held at ITB Berlin 2025 last week.
Representatives from the German and global travel trade community attended the seminar, which featured prominent speakers from the Maldives tourism sector. The speakers delivered insights on government initiatives, sustainable practices, and marketing strategies.
The Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, noted: “The government is committed to facilitating a conducive investment and operating environment for the tourism industry. We also recognise that our guests today differ from those who visited us decades ago. We need to harness developments in technology not just to improve efficiency but to build a tourism industry that is resilient, competitive, and future-proof.”
MMPRC’s CEO & Managing Director, Ibrahim Shiuree, discussed MMPRC’s marketing initiatives that align with national goals and the work undertaken by Visit Maldives to attract new types of travellers.
He stated, “The Maldives has been the World’s Leading Destination for five consecutive years, and our goal is to maintain and strengthen this position. With our dedication to innovation, sustainability, and cultural tourism, MMPRC will continue to elevate the Maldives globally.”
MMPRC fielded a delegation of 200 tourism stakeholders from 89 companies at ITB Berlin 2025, reinforcing its position as the most preferred holiday destination for German-speaking markets and global travellers.
BERLIN, 7 March 2025: Lufthansa City Center (LCC), a global travel agency franchiser based in Frankfurt, is expected to bring 45 travel agencies to Sabah for its Regional Meeting APAC (Asia-Pacific).
The agents from the Asia-Pacific region and Europe will gather for the meeting in May at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu. Registration is now open.
Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai with Lufthansa City Center (LCC) Managing Director Heiko Brix (2nd left) and Senior Business Development Manager Andrej Skraba (3rd right). Also pictured are STB Deputy Chairman Datuk Tan Kok Liang (right), the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary II Alesia Sion (left), and STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit (2nd right).
This is the first time Sabah has been chosen as the meeting venue, following an earlier site visit that left a strong impression.
On Tuesday, LCC Managing Director Heiko Brix and Senior Business Development Manager Andrej Skraba met with Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai at the International Tourism Exchange (ITB Berlin) to formally convey LCC’s decision to hold its APAC regional meeting in Kota Kinabalu.
Present were Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Deputy Chairman Datuk Tan Kok Liang, the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary II Alesia Sion and STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit.
Brix and Skraba admired Sabah’s natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse wildlife, calling it an ideal meeting destination. “We had several options, but after visiting Sabah for a site inspection, we were completely blown away,” they said.
They requested that STB give a presentation on Sabah’s attractions, particularly its nature and community tourism, during their regional meeting.
LCC also expressed their appreciation for the support given by Sabah Tourism in facilitating this event.
Joniston suggested that LCC, during their stay in Kota Kinabalu, evaluate the State Capital as a potential host for its General Assembly, which gathers over 500 LCC entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and global visionaries.
Tan, who is also the President of the Malaysian Tourism Federation and the Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations, was involved in efforts to bring the group to Sabah. “Sabah has so much to offer, and we look forward to working together to create meaningful opportunities for the tourism industry,” he said.
Founded in 1991, LCC operates as a global travel agency franchiser with a presence of around 600 locations in 110 countries. Its franchise model combines an international network with localised expertise, ensuring relevance across diverse markets.
Johnston led the Sabah Tourism Board delegation to the three-day ITB Berlin that convened from 4 to 6 March. For more information on Sabah, visit: https://sabahtourism.com
BERLIN, 7 MARCH 2025: Sarawak, Malaysia’s largest state on the island of Borneo successfully launched its latest tourism initiatives during ITB Berlin 2025 this week.
Sarawak’s presentation at its stand in Hall 26 was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, and witnessed by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, alongside industry leaders, tourism stakeholders, and the international media.
From left: Julinus Jeffery Jimit, Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Tourism Board; Desmond Jerukan, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak; Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board; Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister of Tourism Sarawak; Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia; Dato Dennis Ngau, Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board; Datuk Norhyati Mohd Ismail, Member of the Board of Directors, Sarawak Tourism Board; Saniah Abdul Kadir, Member of the Board of Directors, Sarawak Tourism Board; Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman, Sibu Resident; and Dr Victor Luna Amin, Principal Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak—during the book launch of The Intimate and Ultimate Guide to Kuching Gastronomy.
In his keynote address, Datuk Sebastian highlighted the state’s unique tourism offerings centred around its culture, adventure, nature, food, and festivals. “Sarawak, known as the Land of the Hornbills, offers an unforgettable experience where Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and festivals come together to create a journey like no other,” said Datuk Sebastian.
Sarawak’s vibrant cultural heritage, deeply rooted in the traditions of 34 Indigenous ethnic groups, is a cornerstone of its tourism appeal. Datuk Sebastian emphasised that the state’s cultural diversity is brought to life at the Borneo Cultures Museum, Malaysia’s largest museum and Southeast Asia’s second-largest. The museum offers immersive exhibits celebrating the art, traditions, and histories of Borneo and all ethnicities.
For those seeking adventure, Sarawak offers a wealth of opportunities to explore the state. It is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Gunung Mulu and Niah National Park, where visitors can explore stunning cave systems, including the world’s largest cave chamber and the longest cave system in Southeast Asia. Niah National Park, renowned for its archaeological significance, offers a glimpse into human history with its 65,000-year-old human remains. Sarawak’s rugged landscapes provide excellent conditions for 4WD expeditions, cycling, and diving into vibrant coral reefs and historical shipwrecks.
As an eco-tourism destination, Sarawak has 67 protected areas offering stunning landscapes and exceptional biodiversity. The state’s ancient rainforests, which are over 140 million years old, shelter wildlife such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs and over 530 species of birds, including eight species of hornbills, with the Rhinoceros Hornbill as the state’s emblem. Sarawak’s mangroves and wetlands are home to Irrawaddy dolphins, Silver Leaf monkeys, and saltwater crocodiles, making it a dream destination for eco-conscious travellers.
In addition to its natural beauty, Sarawak’s culinary scene is also a major highlight. As Malaysia’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, offering a rich food culture rooted in Indigenous traditions and sustainable practices. Famous dishes like Sarawak Laksa, dubbed “The Breakfast of the Gods” by the late Anthony Bourdain, and Kolo Mee, Malaysia’s national heritage food, showcase the region’s culinary prowess. Indigenous dishes like Umai (marinated raw fish) and Ayam Pansuh (chicken slow-cooked in bamboo) reflect the diverse heritage of Sarawak’s people.
The launch of The Intimate and Ultimate Guide to Kuching Gastronomy was showcased to further highlight Sarawak’s gastronomic appeal. This book, which received the Gourmand World Cookbook Award for Best Free Publication, explores the flavours and stories behind Sarawak’s culinary culture.
As part of Sarawak’s continued efforts to showcase its tourism offerings, a video was unveiled at ITB Berlin.
It offers a glimpse into the state’s stunning landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and unique experiences. The video invites travellers worldwide to discover Sarawak’s diverse attractions and immerse themselves in its authentic, sustainable tourism experiences.
In closing, Datuk Sebastian expressed Sarawak’s excitement about the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.
“Sarawak is ready to welcome the world to experience our pristine rainforests, vibrant cultural heritage, and exceptional gastronomy. We invite travellers to explore the heart of Borneo, where an unforgettable journey awaits,” he concluded.
Sarawak’s tourism performance in the European market has also been notable. In 2024, Sarawak welcomed 50,426 visitors from Europe, further demonstrating the region’s increasing interest in Sarawak’s unique tourism offerings.
Sarawak’s participation at ITB Berlin 2025 has further solidified its position as one of the key destinations in the global tourism market. With steady growth in European arrivals and a strong commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism, Sarawak is poised to continue attracting travellers who seek authentic and immersive experiences. For more information on Sarawak visit: https://www.sarawaktourism.com
KUALA LUMPUR, 7 March 2025: The Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) has won recognition as the recipient of Asia’s Premier Trade & Exhibition Hub Award 2025 in the MICE Category at the prestigious ASEAN Food & Travel Awards 2025.
The ceremony took place on 27 February at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, where industry leaders across the region gathered to honour outstanding contributions in the food, travel, and MICE industries.
The ASEAN Food & Travel Awards 2025 celebrate organisations demonstrating innovation, leadership, and exceptional service and setting new benchmarks for excellence in their respective fields.
Receiving the award on behalf of MITEC, Chief Executive Officer. Mala Dorasamy commented: “Recognition reflects our team’s relentless dedication to positioning MITEC as the venue of choice and the gateway to Southeast Asia for international trade and exhibitions.”
SINGAPORE, 7 March 2025: IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) announced on Wednesday that Bryan Chan has been appointed as its new Vice President of development for Southeast Asia and Korea.
He will oversee the strategic expansion of IHG’s brands across the region, build and strengthen stakeholder relationships, and lead a team of highly experienced developers based in the market.
Having joined IHG more than 10 years ago, Chan has worked in various increased leadership roles, moving from manager to senior director, and worked across many markets, including Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam. He has worked in IHG’s Windsor headquarters for a year on large-scale complex projects, including the landmark Novum partnership in Germany.
IHG has 137 opened hotels and 86 hotels in the pipeline* across South East Asia and Korea across 11 brands. It plans to introduce new brands, including Garner, IHG’s midscale conversion brand, to key markets in the next few years.
BERLIN 7 March 2025: Taking the train to catch a flight should be easier now that bookings with Lufthansa Express Rail include the City Ticket from Deutsche Bahn (DB).
Customers can also use the local public transport services on their journey. Lufthansa boarding passes are also valid for journeys by bus, tram, underground, and S-Bahn to and from the Express Rail station.
Lufthansa Express Rail: Ticket now also valid on public transport
All Lufthansa Express Rail destinations except Siegburg and Basel will receive the upgrade. Customers can use local public transport in 26 German cities before and after their airline journey. The City Ticket is valid once per direction on the day of validity for the journey to the Express Rail station or from there to the journey’s destination.
Demand for Lufthansa Express Rail has risen steadily in recent years. In 2024 alone, around 500,000 passengers used the service to arrive and depart at Frankfurt Airport. Lufthansa and DB further enhance their intermodal offering by integrating the City Ticket.
Lufthansa Express Rail is part of a cooperation between Lufthansa and DB that has been going on for over 20 years. With just one booking step, customers can purchase a combined ticket for train and flight and use it to conveniently use the train as a feeder to Frankfurt Airport from 26 German cities. This means that more than twice as many cities in Germany are connected by Lufthansa Express Rail than Lufthansa currently connects by plane. DB and Lufthansa offer over 240 ICE connections daily with a Lufthansa flight number (codeshare number).
Lufthansa Express Rail is a service designed to seamlessly integrate train and air travel, primarily focusing on connections to and from Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Here’s a breakdown of how it works for travellers:
Key Features and Benefits
Combined Booking: Lufthansa allows travellers to book their train and flight tickets together in a single transaction, simplifying the travel process. Integrated Travel: The service provides a smooth transition between train and plane, with optimised transfer times at Frankfurt Airport. Transfer Guarantee: A significant advantage is the transfer guarantee. If either the train or flight is delayed, Lufthansa will rebook passengers onto the next available connection. Check-in Convenience: Travellers can check in for both their train and flight online or via mobile, starting 30 hours before their flight departs and up to 15 minutes before their train departs. Boarding Pass as Ticket: The Lufthansa boarding pass is also the train ticket. City-Ticket Inclusion: Recently, Lufthansa has expanded its cooperation with Deutsche Bahn (DB). Now, Lufthansa Express Rail bookings include the DB City-Ticket in 26 German cities. This allows customers to use local public transportation to and from the Express Rail train station.
BERLIN, 7 March 2025: The ITB brand will break into the lucrative Americas exhibition market with a new travel trade show ‘ITB Americas’ hosted in Mexico, 10 to 12 November 2026,
ITB Americas will celebrate its debut as a B2B tourism trade show in Guadalajara, Mexico, Messe Berlin announced at a press conference at ITB Berlin earlier this week.
(From left to right) Vicente Salas Hesselbach (Managing Director, ITB Americas), Gustavo Staufert (Generaldirektor, Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau), Michelle Fridman Hirsch (Generalsekretärin des Bundesstaates Jalisco), Mario Tobias (Geschäftsführer der Messe Berlin), Virginia Messina (Senior Vice President für Advocacy und Kommunikation, WTTC), Francisco José (Botschafter Mexikos), David Ruetz (Senior Vice President, Messe Berlin)
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the Mexican ambassador in Berlin and representatives of the State of Jalisco seals the deal.
“From Canada to Argentina: ITB Americas is the only travel trade show that covers North, Central and South America and the Caribbean as well as all travel industry segments,” Messe Berlin said in the launch press statement.
The planned distribution of exhibitors is 80% from the Americas and 20% from the rest of the world, with participants ranging from startups to global market leaders.
“Mexico is described as an ideal location for ITB Americas convening in. In addition, the venue for the new event – Mexico’s second-largest city, Guadalajara, in Jalisco State – offers excellent connectivity and the country’s most state-of-the-art exhibition and convention centre.”
An ITB Americas Conference component will feature high-profile speakers addressing the latest industry trends, while specific networking formats will focus on buying and sales. With this new event, ITB is expanding its brand family, which, in addition to Berlin, is successfully represented worldwide through trade shows in Shanghai, Singapore, and Mumbai.
“The launch of ITB Americas represents a continuation of our successful international strategy,” said Messe Berlin CEO Mario Tobias. “Having previously focused on Asia, it is now ‘ITB goes West’ for us. Whether for hiking in the Rocky Mountains, cruises in the Caribbean, exploring the Atacama Desert in South America or the Mayan culture in Central America, the Americas are not only among the most diverse regions for travel but also an important source market, with countries such as the USA, Canada, Mexico and Brazil.”
