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Bringing the best to MATTA Fair 3 to 5 April

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KUALA LUMPUR, 13 February 2026: With 57 editions under its belt and still going strong, the MATTA Fair will be back making headlines from 3 to 5 April for its 58th presentation at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur.

MATTA is bringing back the best of the fair, from strong industry participation and trusted partners and exhibitors, to exciting contests and sustainability-focused initiatives. The 58th edition of the MATTA Fair spans across 40,820 square metres across 10 halls, bringing over 2,000 booths from 307 participating companies. The exhibitor participation rate is expected to grow further in the coming weeks.

Photo credit: MATTA.

“MATTA is here to instil trust amongst our visitors. Over the years, we have strengthened that trust between our members and the travelling public. Every exhibitor at MATTA Fair is a licensed, credible industry player, including tour and travel operators, hoteliers, and travel-related service providers. This is so visitors can plan their holidays with peace of mind,” said MATTA President and Organising Chairman of the MATTA Fair Nigel Wong.

Line-up of sponsors for this edition:

1. RHB Bank Berhad as the Exclusive Platinum Sponsor

2. Malaysia Aviation Group as the Official Airline Partner & Premier Sponsor,

3. Visit Malaysia 2026 as the Strategic Partner.

MATTA will announce the International Favourite Destination as well as Malaysia’s Favourite Destination shortly.

In line with MATTA’s ongoing commitment towards responsible and sustainable travel, the MATTA Eco & Sustainable Tourism Initiative (MESTI) makes its continuous mark during the MATTA Fair in April 2026. This time, the MESTI pavilion will feature more than 45 sustainable exhibitors showcasing eco-conscious products and offerings.

MATTA Fair April 2026 is also proud to bring its much-anticipated contests, and this April will be no different. Visitors can look forward to the popular Buyers’ Contest, where every MYR100 spent at the fair qualifies them for a chance to win exciting travel prizes. The fair will also feature the Ride & Reels Contest, encouraging visitors to capture and share their journey to MATTA Fair via the free shuttle service, with attractive tech prizes up for grabs.

To ensure a smooth visitor experience, MATTA Fair offers free admission and is open from 1000 to 2100 from Friday to Sunday. 

Visitors are encouraged to use the complimentary shuttle service from KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall to MITEC. For those driving, parking facilities are available at the South Entrance basement in MITEC, MITI basement, MATRADE open parking and The MET basement. 

For the latest updates, visit mattafair.org.my or follow MATTA on Facebook, X and TikTok, @mattafair.official and Telegram @MATTA_Fair.

(Source: MATTA)

EGYPTAIR flies its first A350-900

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SINGAPORE, 13 February 2026: EGYPTAIR has taken delivery of its first of 16 Airbus A350‑900 on order, becoming the launch operator for the aircraft type in North Africa. 

The A350 will support the airline’s long‑haul fleet modernisation and network expansion, introducing new direct routes from its Cairo hub to key destinations on the US West Coast and in North Asia. 

Photo credit: Airbus. EGYPTAIR welcomes A350-900.

The airline currently operates an Airbus fleet of eight A320neos, seven A321neos and 11 A330 Family aircraft, including five A330-200P2F.

The A350-900 aircraft features a two-class configuration, comprising 30 business-class suites with direct aisle access and 310 economy-class seats. The latest-generation Airspace cabin is designed to improve the long-haul experience for both passengers and crew through enhanced ergonomics and greater comfort.

​The A350 can fly up to 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 km non-stop, setting new standards for intercontinental travel. Its latest-generation Rolls-Royce engines and use of lightweight materials deliver a 25% advantage in fuel burn, operating costs, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions compared to previous-generation competitor aircraft.

It is already able to operate on up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), while Airbus is targeting all of its aircraft to be 100% SAF-capable by 2030.

By the end of January 2026, the A350 family of aircraft had secured more than 1,500 orders from 67 customers worldwide.

(Source: Airbus)

Meliá debuts in the Maldives

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SINGAPORE, 13 February 2026: Meliá Hotels & Resorts expands its global footprint with the opening of Meliá Whale Lagoon Maldives, a five-star, all-inclusive resort. 

Located in the South Ari Atoll, the resort features 100 private oceanfront villas. Highlights include the Water Villas, suspended above the Indian Ocean and offering uninterrupted horizon views; and the Sunset Suite Villas, with private pools and spaces, offering breathtaking sunset views. 

Photo credit: Fox Communications. Meliá Whale Lagoon Maldives.

For those who prefer to stay closer to the shore, the Beach Villas allow guests to step out of their villa and feel the white sand beneath their feet from the very first moment.

Following arrival at Malé International Airport, guests join a scenic 30-minute seaplane transfer to reach the resort, located at the gateway to one of the world’s most fascinating marine sanctuaries: the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), renowned for year-round sightings of whale sharks and manta rays. 

Back on land, the resort features four restaurants and bars combining Mediterranean and international cuisine, two infinity pools, and a spa. An extensive entertainment programme caters to all ages, featuring live music, open-air cinema under the stars, cooking classes, and activities for younger guests.

(Source: Meliá Hotels & Resorts)

Norse concludes delivery of leased aircraft to IndiGo

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SINGAPORE, 13 February 2026: Norse Atlantic confirms the completion of its transition to a more resilient and balanced business model by combining long-term ACMI* charter operations with a high-grade route network of city pairs. 

The ACMI milestone was marked by the delivery of the sixth and final Boeing 787-9 aircraft under a long-term ACMI agreement with IndiGo, India’s largest low-cost airline. The aircraft was delivered as planned on 29 January and is already in commercial operation.

Photo credit: Norse Atlantic.

With that delivery, 50% of Norse’s Boeing 787 fleet is secured under long-term commercial contracts, providing stable, predictable cash flow with no exposure to fuel price volatility or short-term demand swings. This significantly reduces Norse’s overall risk profile at a time when the long-haul market is exposed to uneven demand and fuel price fluctuations.

“Completing this transition materially strengthens Norse’s financial and strategic position,” said Norse Atlantic CEO Eivind Roald. “Long-term ACMI operations provide predictable revenues and shield the company from fuel price risk and ongoing market volatility, while our own network allows us to capture upside in selected long-haul leisure markets. This balanced model gives Norse greater stability, flexibility, and resilience in the operating environment.”

The remaining six Boeing 787s will continue to operate on Norse’s international network, which is actively optimised to focus on routes with the strongest consumer demand.

Norse Atlantic’s winter timetable focuses on selected transatlantic routes that deliver high-demand services between Europe and Thailand and Europe and South Africa, as well as seasonal cruise-related charter flights from the UK to the Caribbean. 

The airline flies to Bangkok from Oslo in Norway and Stockholm, Sweden, offering four flights weekly on each route until 12 April, when flights will pause until 27 October.

It also operates four weekly flights from London Gatwick to Bangkok and once weekly from Manchester, UK. Flights also stop on 12 April and resume during the winter timetable starting 27 October 2026. 

For the upcoming summer timetable, effective April, Norse will operate a network connecting key US and European cities.

The commercial terms of the ACMI agreement with IndiGo ensure Norse will receive payment for 350 guaranteed block hours per aircraft per month, with additional compensation if utilisation exceeds this level.

Norse Atlantic Airways will continue offering affordable fares on direct, long-haul flights to popular destinations, alongside specialised charter and ACMI services and extensive cargo operations. 

It operates a fleet of 12 fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliners, offering premium and economy class, and serves destinations across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

The company’s first flight departed from Oslo for New York on 14 June 2022. To date, Norse has carried 5 million passengers annually and reported revenue of USD680 million for the year ending 30 September 2025.

*ACMI: Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance charter agreement. IndiGo provides its own cabin crew under a ‘damp-lease’ clause in its agreement with Norse Atlantic.

(Source: Norse Atlantic)

Thailand tops international hotel check-ins

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BANGKOK, 13 February 2026: Hotels in Thailand recorded a further increase in the share of international arrivals in 2025, despite a year shaped by geopolitical and economic headwinds, according to new data from SiteMinder, a leading guest acquisition and revenue platform.

Despite the Tourism Authority of Thailand reporting an overall decline in foreign tourist arrivals last year, data from SiteMinder’s Hotel Booking Trends showed that international guests accounted for 77% of total hotel reservations nationwide, up 1.14 percentage points year-on-year and the highest proportion recorded globally. 

Photo credit: SiteMinder. Country Manager for Thailand, Supakrit Phansomboon.

By comparison, international bookings accounted for 49% of hotel reservations in Malaysia and 51% in Indonesia, while major European markets recorded shares of 59% in Spain, 67% in Italy, and 53% in France.

Longer visits accompanied the growing share of international check-ins. Thailand hosted the longest-staying hotel guests in the Asia-Pacific region, with bookings of two nights or more rising to 35%, up from 29% in 2024. This supported firmer room pricing across the hotel sector: despite mixed travel sentiment across key source markets, hotels recorded a 3% increase in the average daily rate (ADR), reaching THB4,984.

Performance, however, varied by month. December, traditionally the peak travel period, was the most lucrative month for Thai hotels, with room rates rising 4% year-on-year to THB 6,169, supported by strong regional travel linked to the 2025 SEA Games and the 10th anniversary of the Wonderfruit Festival. January recorded the sharpest increase, with rates climbing 21% to THB6,101, in line with a year-on-year rise in international arrivals in the same month, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. 

By contrast, September saw the steepest decline, as contraction in key source markets weighed on demand, pushing rates down 4.26% to an average of THB3,911.

“Despite national developments and softer inbound demand overall in 2025, our data shows that Thailand’s hotel sector remains resilient and international in character,” says SiteMinder’s Country Manager for Thailand, Supakrit Phansomboon. “The rise in average daily rates reflects how effectively hoteliers have adapted to changing conditions, working hard to sustain revenue amid market fluctuations. For a sector deeply attuned to international demand, what is now important is speed-to-market: using timely intelligence to identify demand-driving events and the source markets gaining momentum and translating these insights into sound revenue decisions. This will be critical as the country enters another year of intensified tourism efforts.”

India-based Goibibo and MakeMyTrip climbed one place to seventh, reflecting continued growth in arrivals from India, Thailand’s third-largest source market, which increased by 16% year-on-year. A late-year uptick in demand from China also helped DidaTravel, the country’s largest B2B bed bank, regain its position among Thailand’s top 12 booking sources. Agoda retained its strong position, supported by sustained demand from regional travellers, who continued to regard Thailand as a competitive and accessible destination.

About SiteMinder’s Hotel Booking Trends
The annual SiteMinder Hotel Booking Trends is the most authoritative analysis of hotel bookings across 20 of the world’s most established destinations. It is powered by SiteMinder’s platform, which serves more than 50,000 hotels, generating over 250 million room nights and over USD55 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year. The report is available here.

(Source: SiteMinder)

AirAsia X plants flag in Bahrain

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MANAMA, Bahrain, 13 February 2026: AirAsia X marked a significant milestone in its international growth journey as it advances its medium-haul expansion beyond Asia, positioning Bahrain as a key strategic hub to strengthen connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Australia.

This follows the Letter of Intent signed on 3 November 2025 between Capital A  and Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications to develop Bahrain as AAX’s Middle East hub. 

Photo credit: AirAsia X. Manama, Bahrain. AAX’s new hub strategy.

This development reflects AAX’s broader ambition to build a more globally connected long-haul network, anchored by strategic hubs beyond Southeast Asia. 

Bahrain’s strategic location and robust aviation make it central to AAX’s plans to facilitate greater flows of travellers, trade and tourism across regions.

AirAsia X Group CEO Bo Lingam said: “This milestone reflects the broader transformation of AAX into a truly globally connected airline. We navigated one of the most challenging periods in aviation history and emerged from the pandemic stronger and more focused. Now, we are rebuilding with discipline – growing our order book, strengthening our balance sheet and laying the foundations for sustainable long-term growth. Bahrain fits squarely into our long-term network blueprint to link Asia to the world. Our focus remains on disciplined fleet expansion, strengthening core hubs, driving ancillary and digital growth, and ensuring every new market strengthens the overall network. That is how we create sustainable value for the group of airlines while continuing to democratise long-haul travel.”

Capital A CEO and Advisor to AAX, Tony Fernandes, said: “This is a defining step in the next phase of AAX’s growth. Bahrain, as our strategic hub, enables us to connect Asia, the Middle East, and Europe more effectively and to create a scalable platform for future growth. 

Beyond the airline, this partnership strengthens the broader aviation ecosystem, enabling Capital A businesses such as cargo and MRO services to scale alongside AAX. Looking ahead, we will deepen partnerships with airports, tourism authorities and industry stakeholders to unlock new demand corridors. We are building a growth engine that balances connectivity, commercial performance and operational resilience, while staying true to our value proposition of affordable long-haul travel.”

Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy, HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, noted: “This agreement with AirAsia X is a strategic decision that reflects Bahrain’s strength as an economic partner, and its role as a centre for regional and global connectivity. The investment will reinforce Bahrain’s position as a key gateway linking Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, while delivering tangible economic benefits. It will create direct employment across aviation operations and generate wider opportunities across tourism, logistics, hospitality, and related services. Just as importantly, it will support skills development and long-term career pathways for Bahrainis in a global industry that continues to evolve and grow. We are proud to welcome AirAsia X as a member of TeamBahrain.”

(Source: AirAsia X)

AirAsia X daily to Gatwick via Bahrain

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Newsdesk
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MANAMA, Bahrain, 13 February 2026: AirAsia X (AAX) celebrated a massive milestone in the airline’s global expansion strategy with the announcement of two long-awaited international routes, connecting Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain and onwards to London Gatwick (KUL-BAH-LGW), at a press conference in Bahrain earlier this week. 

The Bahrain-London sector will be AAX’s second fifth-freedom route, marking the airline’s expansion beyond its home base, Southeast Asia, which launched a new fifth-freedom service between Taiwan and Japan.

(L-R) Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia X; Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of Capital A and Co-founder of AirAsia; His Excellency Dr Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Kingdom of Bahrain; Her Excellency Noor Alkhualif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board and Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Executive Chairman of Capital A and Co-Founder of AirAsia.

Capital A CEO and Advisor to AAX, Tony Fernandes, said: “This is a defining step in the next phase of AAX’s growth. Bahrain, as our strategic aviation hub, allows us to connect Asia with the Middle East and Europe more effectively while creating a scalable platform for future growth.”

Commencing on 26 June 2026, the new KUL-BAH-LGW route establishes Bahrain as AAX’s first global hub, strengthening its role as a key gateway between Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe. 

Leveraging Bahrain’s strategic location and aviation infrastructure, the KUL-BAH-LGW service is the first daily service to fly from Kuala Lumpur to London Gatwick. Malaysia Airlines operates a double-daily direct service to London Heathrow, and British Airways serves the direct route daily.

There is also competition on the Bahrain-London routes. Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national airline, offers double daily flights to London Heathrow and a three-weekly service to London Gatwick using 282-seat Dreamliner 787-9 aircraft. British Airways flies six weekly services between Bahrain and London Heathrow, deploying a B777 with 266 seats — round-trip fares on the BAH-LNR sector average USD890 and on the BAH-LGW route USD810.

AirAsia X will deploy an A330S, configured with 377 seats (12 Premium Flatbeds), on the new KUL-BAH-LGW route.

To celebrate the milestone, AAX is offering introductory first-come, first-served promotional fares from MYR99* and MYR199* all-in-one way respectively, from Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain and London, with subsequent fares starting from MYR299* and MYR399* on both sectors. Guests can also travel on the airline’s award-winning Premium Flatbed from MYR2,999* all-in one way on both sectors for an elevated in-flight experience. Flights are available for booking on the airline’s website and in the AirAsia MOVE app until 22 February 2026 for travel between 26 June and 30 November 2026.

Flight Schedule: Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Bahrain (BAH)

Flight Schedule: Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and London (LGW) via Bahrain

(Source: AirAsia X)

SQ schedules Riyadh service this June

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SINGAPORE, 13 February 2026: Singapore Airlines (SIA) will launch four-times weekly non-stop flights between Singapore and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in June 2026. 

The airline will operate the medium-haul variant of its Airbus A350-900, configured with 303 seats across two cabin classes: 40 in business class and 263 in economy class.

Photo credit: SIA.

Subject to regulatory approvals, flight SQ498 will depart Singapore for Riyadh on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1820 (local time). The return flight, SQ499, will depart Riyadh for Singapore on the same days at 2300 (local time). 

Singapore Airlines, Chief Commercial Officer, Lee Lik Hsin, said: “Our return to Riyadh comes amid its thriving business environment and ambitious development, which make it one of the Middle East’s most dynamic cities. Beyond a new destination, this service will potentially allow us to work with our partners to offer our customers additional travel options across the region.”

Riyadh will be the SIA Group’s second destination in Saudi Arabia, complementing Scoot’s four-times weekly service to Jeddah.

Riyadh is Saudi Arabia’s capital and the Kingdom’s administrative and financial centre. Visitors can explore historic sites such as Diriyah and the Masmak Fortress, and enjoy attractions including world-class museums, luxury hotels, and a wide range of shopping and dining options. 

Tickets for SIA’s Riyadh services will go on sale progressively via the airline’s distribution channels.

SQ: Riyadh flight schedule

(Source: SIA)

Skywards members convert Miles to cashback

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Your Stories
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DUBAI, UAE, 12 February 2026: Emirates Skywards has announced more ways to spend Miles with Skywards Everyday, offering members the option to convert their Skywards Miles directly into cashback for purchases across the Skywards Everyday partner network in the UAE.

To launch this new feature on the app and celebrate greater flexibility for members, Emirates Skywards members in the UAE will also benefit from a special launch offer, giving 50% off Miles converted into cashback until 28 February 2026.

Skywards members using the Skywards Everyday app can earn and convert Miles at more than 500 partner brands across a wide range of categories, including dining, shopping, beauty and wellness, groceries and services with a host of well-known brands from Costa Coffee, Salt, Al Jaber Optical, Swarovski, NARS, Cole Haan, Tory Burch, Borders, Barry’s, BinSina Pharmacy, Lacoste and many more.

Emirates Skywards, Divisional Senior Vice President Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, said: “We’re pleased to announce even more flexibility for our members across the UAE, as the Skywards Everyday app now gives them the option to convert Miles into cashback. Our members can earn and spend across 500 of the UAE’s favourite brands and then get rewarded with Miles or cashback on their card. It’s another added value on everyday activities that our members appreciate.”

How to start earning and converting Miles on the go

  • Download the Skywards Everyday app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store and log in using your Emirates Skywards membership details.
  • 1. Save up to five Visa or Mastercard debit or credit cards.
  • 2. If you choose to earn Miles, the process stays the same, and Miles are added to your account automatically.
  • 3. If you choose to convert Miles, you will receive an in-app prompt to either earn Miles or convert them to cash back.

Skywards members earn 1 Mile for every AED 3 spent on high street shopping, leisure and entertainment, luxury shopping, beauty and wellness, services, and dining and 1 Mile for every AED 5 spent on groceries and pharmacy purchases. Members can earn even more Miles when using an Emirates Skywards Credit Card. Members living outside the UAE can also download the Skywards Everyday app and earn Miles when visiting the country.

A world-class loyalty programme

Crowned ‘Best Global Airline Loyalty Program’ at the International Loyalty Awards 2025 — Emirates Skywards continues to offer its members unmatched rewards and benefits. With more than 37 million members worldwide, Emirates Skywards offers four tiers of membership: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, with each tier earning exclusive privileges.

Members can earn Miles with partners ranging from airlines, hotels and car rentals to financial, leisure and lifestyle brands. Skywards Miles can be spent on an extensive range of rewards, including flight tickets with Emirates and partner airlines, flight upgrades, hotel stays, retail shopping and money-can’t-buy experiences.

For more information, visit emirates.com/skywards. 

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates)

Video story soars over Mount Faber

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 12 February 2026: Following the addition of 13 new SkyOrb Cabins on the Singapore Cable Car’s Mount Faber Line, Mount Faber Leisure Group has launched a new brand video series spotlighting the SkyOrb Cabins.

Through an audience-first brand storytelling approach, the four videos introduce the SkyOrb Cabin, the world’s first chrome-finished, spherical cable car cabin, through four distinct audience segments: couples, families, explorers and young adults.

Photo credit: Mount Faber Leisure Group.

Each short video uses a distinct emotional lens tied to specific audience behaviours and life stages, demonstrating how the SkyOrb Cabin experience can resonate differently across audiences.

For couples, the narrative traces relationship milestones celebrated at the attraction, positioning it as a constant throughout their journey. It is a place they return to time and again to relive memories and mark new chapters, reinforcing that “every view feels new, when it’s me and you.”

The family video centres on multigenerational bonding, following a grandfather and grandchild to highlight the SkyOrb Cabin as an accessible experience that brings families together.

The explorer’s video focuses on rediscovery and innovation, capturing how a familiar Singapore icon continues to evolve into a world-first experience, one worth returning to and sharing, framed as “experiences to treasure, with sights beyond measure.”

The young-adult-focused video resonates with social media–savvy “check point” travellers, drawn in by photo-worthy views and eager to capture the moment in fun, upbeat, and creative ways, leaving with albums full of photos. 

Visually, the series offers a new and fuller perspective from the SkyOrb Cabins, enabling viewers to appreciate better the cabin’s sweeping panoramic views and glass floor. While past visuals often featured Mount Faber Peak or Sentosa as backdrops, this production features aerial drone shots of the Singapore city skyline, with the CBD forming a striking new backdrop.

The brand videos rolled out last week across MFLG’s owned social channels and on-site digital touchpoints, engaging both local and international audiences.

The brand series is available here (couples, families, explorers and young adults).

About SkyOrb Cabins
First unveiled in Mar 2024 to mark the Singapore Cable Car’s 50th anniversary, the fifth-generation SkyOrb Cabin features a futuristic chrome finish, panoramic views through glass floors, and enhanced ventilation and guest comfort via double front and triple rear louvred windows. With the expanded fleet, the SkyOrb Cabin experience is now offered as a full round-trip journey.

(Source: Mount Faber Leisure Group)

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