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ITA Airways starts Bangkok-Rome flights

BANGKOK, 20 November 2024: ITA Airways inaugurated its first direct flight to Thailand on 17 November, connecting Bangkok and Rome Fiumicino. 

ITA operates five weekly flights to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday using a 281-seat Airbus A330neo.

At the ribbon-cutting event in BKK airport: Emiliana Limosani, Chief Commercial Officer of ITA Airways and CEO Volare, Pierfrancesco Carino, Vice President of International Sales of ITA Airways, Benedetto Mencaroni Poiani, Regional Manager for Asia, Middle East, and Africa ITA Airways, Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, Deputy Governor for International Marketing Europe, America, Middle East and Africa of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), HE Paolo Dionisi, the Ambassador of Italy to Thailand.

The inaugural flight AZ758 from Rome Fiumicino landed at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) at 0825 (local time) on Sunday, 17 November. 

The new Rome-Bangkok connection is a milestone for the company, expanding its network to a strategic market. Bangkok serves as an important aviation hub for both leisure and business traffic.

ITA Airways Chief Commercial Officer and CEO of Volare Emiliana Limosani said: “This route represents a key milestone for us, marking our entry into the Thai market and further extending our reach in Asia alongside our connections to Tokyo, New Delhi, and Malè in the Maldives. As our eighth new destination this year, this route underscores our dedication to creating more travel opportunities for our customers, focusing on Thailand as a key market for both leisure and business travel”.

Flight schedule

Bangkok — Rome Fiumicino: Flights depart at 1215 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday and arrive in Rome at 1900. 

Rome Fiumicino — Bangkok: Flights depart at 1515 on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday and arrive in Bangkok at 0740. 

During the upcoming 2025 summer season (April to October the airline will reduce flights to three weekly. 

The A330 is configured in three classes: Business (30 reclining seats), premium (24 seats), and economy (237 seats). 

Batik adds Johor-Bangkok flights

KUALA LUMPUR, 20 November 2024: Batik Air will introduce a new direct service between Johor Bahru and Bangkok on 1 December 2024.

The daily flights will operate out of Senai International Airport (JHB) to Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), allowing travellers residing in southern Malaysia and even the northern districts in Singapore to fly directly to Thailand’s bustling capital.

The introduction of this route marks a significant milestone for Batik Air the airline said in a recent press statement. 

Batik Air Chief Executive Officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy stated that Bangkok has always been one of Asia’s most desirable destinations, particularly for Malaysians.

“This vibrant metropolis is a perfect addition to our growing list of destinations, and we are excited to offer our passengers from Southern Malaysia a direct connection to this captivating city,” he said.

In the third quarter of 2024, Bangkok welcomed over 568,216 visitors from Malaysia, with 342,859 arrivals through Don Mueang Airport (DMK), where Batik Air operates flights. This number is expected to rise as more travellers seek to experience the vibrant allure of Thailand’s capital, further boosted by the convenience of Batik Air’s new direct route from Southern Malaysia.

Flight schedule

Flight OD531 departs Johor Bahru (JHB) at 1215 and arrives at Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK) at 1350.
Flight OD530 departs Bangkok Don Mueang Airport at 1505 and arrives in Johor Bahru at 1835.

A B737-800s with 167 seats will fly the route with a flight time of two hours and 25 minutes.

The airline will compete head-on with AirAsia that offers 11 flights weekly on the route using an A320 with 180 seats. The average roundtrip fare on the route before Batik Air starts flights is USD140.

Emirates showcases A380 at Bahrain Airshow

DUBAI, UAE, 19 November 2024: The Emirates A380 welcomed more than 7,000 visitors across two days at last week’s Bahrain International Airshow.

The Bahrain International Airshow is a biennial airshow hosted at the Sakhir Air Base in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Established in 2010, the event is organised by the Civil Aviation Affairs of Bahrain in association with Farnborough International.

“Bahrain International Airshow offers the industry a platform for high-level corporate hospitality, unique access to military and civil delegations, and showcasing technological innovations to potential buyers around the world. The show returned from 13 to 15 November 2024” (Wikipedia).

The airline showcased its iconic flagship aircraft for trade and industry visitors, aviation aficionados, and the wider public for an up-close glimpse into the largest passenger aircraft in the world.

The Emirates A380 on display featured four classes and was one of the latest aircraft to be retrofitted with the newest generation cabins, including Premium Economy, alongside updates across First, Business, and Economy class cabins.

The airline has embarked on a multi-billion dollar retrofit programme to elevate the travel experience for its customers for years to come. As part of the programme, the airline rolled out Premium Economy with more spacious seating and thoughtful touches that makes routine travel an unforgettable experience. Visitors to the aircraft were also able to tour the Onboard Lounge, and the iconic Shower Spa in First Class.

Emirates has been serving Bahrain since 2000 and has carried close to 8 million passengers to and from Bahrain since its start. The airline currently operates 21 weekly flights on its Boeing 777 aircraft and connects travellers from the Kingdom to more than Emirates’ 140 global destinations via its hub in Dubai.

For bookings or more information on flights visit www.emirates.com

PTM stays in Bangkok for a second year

BANGKOK, 19 November 2024: Bangkok will host the Pacific Asia Travel Association’s annual PATA Travel Mart 2025 for the second consecutive year from 26 to 28 August 2025. 

It marks the first time the event has been hosted for consecutive years at the same destinations since the late 1990s when the show resided in Singapore for five years between 1998 and 2002.

Photo credit: PATA. PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid confirmed the decision to keep the PTM in Bangkok during last week’s PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024, held in Petchaburi province, Thailand.

The PTM was hosted in Bangkok from 27 to 29 August 2024 at the Thai capital’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre when attendance reached 900 buyers and sellers, according to a press statement released last week by the PATA CEO.

“The Asia Pacific region continues to be a global leader in tourism, both as a major destination and a source of outbound travel. With its rich cultural heritage, spirit of resilience, and innovative edge, Bangkok captures the essence of this vibrant region, making it an ideal setting for stakeholders to convene, collaborate, and celebrate the myriad opportunities and partnerships shaping the future of tourism,” he concluded.

For further information, contact [email protected], or visit www.pata.org/calendar/pata-travel-mart-2025 for updates.

Christmas and New Year with Pandaw

SINGAPORE, 19 November 2024: Pandaw is promoting six river cruises with sailing dates during the festive season of Christmas and New Year.

The sailings focus on river trips to Mekong Region destinations in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. An Indian cruise spotlights the heritage destinations on the mighty Ganges River, departing on the day after Christmas and featuring New Year celebrations on the iconic river.

It’s not too late to join Pandaw across our destinations for special Christmas and New Year sailings in 2024. With no single supplement, specially crafted festive menus and festive onboard entertainment.

To book, visit pandaw.com, contact us at [email protected] or speak to your local travel agent.

Six sailings during the festive season

Vietnam and Cambodia

Classic Mekong Upstream
21 Dec 2024 – 28 Dec 2024

https://www.pandaw.com/expeditions/classic-mekong?utm_source=pandaw&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=festive-nov-24

Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Upstream

24 Dec 2024 – 28 Dec 2024

https://www.pandaw.com/expeditions/siem-reap-phnom-penh?utm_source=pandaw&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=festive-nov-24

Saigon to Phnom Penh Upstream

21 Dec 2024 – 24 Dec 2024

https://www.pandaw.com/expeditions/saigon-phnom-penh-short-cruise?utm_source=pandaw&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=festive-nov-24

Classic Vietnam & Cambodia Tour Upstream

19 Dec 2024 – 30 Dec 2024

No Single Supplement only on the cruise portion 

https://www.pandaw.com/expeditions/classic-vietnam-cambodia-tour?utm_source=pandaw&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=festive-nov-24

India

Lower Ganges Upstream

26 December 2024 – 02 January 2025

https://www.pandaw.com/expeditions/the-lower-ganges-river?utm_source=pandaw&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=festive-nov-24

Laos

Laos Mekong Downstream

18 Dec 2024 – 28 Dec 2024

https://www.pandaw.com/expeditions/laos-mekong?utm_source=pandaw&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=festive-nov-24 


To book, visit pandaw.com, contact the sales team at [email protected] or speak to your local travel agent.

NCL launches new 2026 voyages

SINGAPORE, 19 November 2024: Norwegian Cruise Line introduced new sailings across 11 regions during its recent Black Friday sale, including Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas, and the Mexican Riviera, available from September 2026 to April 2027.

There are more itineraries across Asia, including Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In summer 2026, Norwegian Jade will return to Asia for the first time since winter 2019/2020 for an expansive seven-month season, from 7 October 2026 through 10 April 2027.

Photo credit: NCL. Norwegian Jade.

The season will feature 16 open-jaw voyages between four seasonal homeports, including Incheon, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore, as well as two roundtrip voyages from Tokyo. 

Norwegian Jade will make its maiden calls to Muara, Brunei Darussalam; Kaoshiung, Taiwan; Jeju (Jeju Island), South Korea; Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia; and Coron, Philippines. 

Additionally, select sailings will include an overnight stay in Hong Kong as well as late departures from key ports in Japan and South Korea, such as Osaka, Kanazawa, and Busan, offering guests the opportunity to dive deeper into the local nature, cuisine, culture, and nightlife.

Cruises to Australia’s Wine Regions 

Norwegian Spirit will arrive in Sydney on 12 December 2026, following a repositioning sailing from Lautoka, Fiji. During her seasonal deployment to Australia and New Zealand, she will offer a collection of five consecutive roundtrip voyages from Sydney, including two specially curated 11-day cruises embarking on 12 December 2026 and 10 January  2027 to some of Australia’s top-rated wine regions. 

The voyages will feature calls in Hobart, Tasmania and Kangaroo Island, South Australia, along with overnight stays in Adelaide, South Australia and Melbourne, Victoria. These itineraries are designed to offer wine enthusiasts the chance to explore celebrated vineyards near each port of call, including the iconic valleys of Barossa, Derwent and Yarra.

Guests looking for a shorter getaway can opt for roundtrip four-day “taster” sailings from Sydney with a stop in Hobart, Tasmania. 

Cardamom tents up for tourist season

BOTUM SAKOR National Park, 19 November 2024: Cardamom Tented Camp, located in Cambodia’s Botum Sakor National Park, has expanded its eco-conscious accommodation offering with three premium river-view tents.

The three new tents feature larger balconies, offering guests riverside views and a unique opportunity to experience nature up close.

One of the new tents is set 70 metres apart at the end of a 220-metre walkway, providing an exclusive retreat perfect for couples seeking extra privacy. 

Each tent is perched on an elevated frame and features fan-cooled double or twin beds, hot water bathrooms, and spacious balconies designed for relaxation, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.

“The new riverfront tents offer an unparalleled connection to nature,” says Lodge Manager Allan Michaud. “The serene setting, coupled with opportunities for bird and wildlife spotting right from your balcony, will make these tents popular among guests looking for tranquillity and immersion in the wild.”

Surrounded by lowland mixed forests, the 12 tents at Cardamom Tented Camp circle a natural grassland glade. The camp is a key player in conservation, with profits from its accommodation, riverside restaurant, and eco-activities such as kayaking and guided hikes supporting 18 forest rangers. These rangers patrol the national park, drastically reducing illegal hunting and protecting wildlife such as Asian elephants, silver langurs, and smooth-coated otters.

Guests can engage in the camp’s conservation efforts or simply enjoy the peace and beauty of one of Cambodia’s most remote and untouched environments.

The award-winning camp is accessible only by boat. Its motto, “Your Stay Keeps the Forest Standing,” reflects the ecolodge’s commitment to preserving Botum Sakor National Park’s unique biodiversity.

About Cardamom Tented Camp
Cardamom Tented Camp is an ecolodge in the foothills of the Cardamom Mountains in Cambodia. The 12-unit camp, which includes a restaurant pavilion, staff dormitory, ecotourism equipment, and boat pier, uses solar power to run lodge amenities.   

Cardamom Tented Camp is a three-way initiative between Minor Group, YAANA Ventures, and Wildlife Alliance to ensure the land and its biodiversity do not fall into the hands of loggers, poachers, and sand dredging operations.

FCM Travel tops the transaction chart

SINGAPORE, 19 November 2024: FCM Travel, a large-scale business travel market specialist with over 90 countries worldwide, is now Flight Centre Travel Group’s (ASX:FLT) largest brand globally based on Total Transaction Value (TTV).

The announcement comes as FLT revealed its FY25 profit guidance at its Annual General Meeting. 

FCM Travel, celebrating its 20th birthday this year, generated 31% of FLT’s fiscal year 2024 TTV, compared to around 20% in FY19. New business wins, and the onboarding of key multinational customers were the main drivers.

In FY24, the top industries that booked corporate travel from FCM Travel were manufacturing, technology, government, finance and banking, and education.

“As the alternative in business travel, FCM prides itself on being the most adaptable, responsive, and innovative travel management company in the market – we have made huge strides over the last two decades to set ourselves apart in the industry,” said FCM Travel Asia Managing Director Bertrand Saillet,

“What we’ve seen in recent times is that corporate travel is anything but discretionary; it’s very much seen as a necessity for businesses to survive and thrive while also being a key facet to winning new business, retaining staff, and growing.

“Our continued investment in our talented teams, services, and technology has only amplified our mission to offer travel buyers the capability, visibility, and flexibility to manage their business travel in the way they want – and ensure travellers are cared for along every step of their journey. 

“A prime example of this is the recent launch of our global corporate-specific AI Centre of Excellence that’s revolutionising customer service, empowering our agents through smart automation, and is a key driver as we remain on track to deliver our Productive Operations project.” 

Saillet concluded the breadth of offerings under the FCM Travel umbrella, namely its Meetings and Events (M&E) and consulting arms, delivered a complete suite to customers.

Oman Air plans flights to Singapore

SINGAPORE, 19 November 2024: Oman Air plans to resume daily flights from Muscat to Singapore in September 2025. It last flew to Singapore in May 2017.

Preliminary filings posted on website timetables and online route news indicate the Middle East airline intends to launch a daily flight using a Boeing Dreamliner 787-9 aircraft. The airline has not confirmed the route on its website and ‘socials’, so the flight schedule is tentative.

Flight Filing

Flight WY861 will depart Muscat (MCT) at 2135, arriving in Singapore (SIN) at 0810 plus a day.
Flight WY862 will depart Singapore at 0925, arriving in Muscat at 1210

Meanwhile, the airline confirmed in a Facebook post that it would add two direct flights from Muscat to Mumbai, India, on 17 December, giving it 12 flights weekly between Oman’s capital, Muscat and Mumbai, the financial capital of India.

Thai AirAsia X sets up Delhi flights

BANGKOK, 19 November 2024: Thai AirAsia X (XJ) is expanding to India, with new direct flights from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport to the Capital of Delhi scheduled to launch on 15 December.

Twice-weekly flights on Wednesday and Sunday are already open for bookings, with fares starting at THB3,290 per trip. Bookings must be confirmed by 24 November to gain the lead-in fare with travel valid from 15 December 2024 to 26 March 2025 via AirAsia MOVE.

Thai AirAsia X CEO Tassapon Bijleveld explained: “Thai AirAsia X is initiating services to India with flights to Delhi, the core centre of culture, trade, and economics and home to many tourism highlights of India, such as India Gate and Red Fort. 

“Thai AirAsia X believes that bridging Thailand and India will promote strong relations and increase the ease of travel between the two countries. Operating out of Don Mueang Airport, arrivals on the route will have access to Thailand’s largest hub of domestic travel and beyond on the AirAsia Group network spanning over 130 destinations.”

Flights will increase to four weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday effective 15 January 2025. The service will draw more Indian visitors to Thailand, who can book connecting services through the airline’s  ‘Fly Thru’ service to domestic destinations such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, and Hat Yai.

AirAsia operates 13 routes between its Thailand home base at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok and India, including the addition of the Delhi service,

Don Mueang-Delhi will be served by A Thai AirAsia X 285-377 seat Airbus A330 on the four-hour flight, 

Flight schedule

Flight XJ230 departs Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK) at 1245 and arrives in Delhi (DEL) at 1550.
Flight XJ231 departs Delhi at 1705 and arrives in Bangkok Don Mueang Airport at 2250.

Delhi is a historic metropolis in India that includes the country’s capital city of New Delhi. The territory is filled with exquisitely designed mosques and masjids that stand among important attractions such as India Gate, the Red Fort, the world’s largest Hindu temple Akshardham, and the timelessly beautiful marble of Bahai temple.