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Emirates to go all A380 to Sydney

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, UAE 14 September 2023: Emirates confirms upgrading its services to Sydney to an all-A380 operation starting this November.

With all three of Emirates’ slots already in use at Sydney airport, the airline can commit nearly 2,000 extra weekly seats with the upgrade to its double-decker aircraft on its third daily flight, starting 4 November 2023.

The Emirates A380 service, set in a three-class configuration offering 489 seats, will replace the Boeing 777-300ER currently deployed on flights EK 416 and 417. Each return flight adds more than 260 extra daily seats to and from Dubai. The flight connects in Dubai with services to popular destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The third A380 service will complement the two other Sydney A380 four-class services, offering Emirates’ latest Premium Economy cabin. 

Emirates currently operates 63 weekly services to Australia, offering nearly 56,000 seats to and from its four major gateways. Melbourne and Sydney operate three times daily, Brisbane is served with double daily flights, and the airline also operates its flagship A380 daily to Perth. Emirates has also reintroduced services from Melbourne to Singapore, connecting Sydney with Christchurch, offering travellers the only A380 experience across the Trans-Tasman.

Return to Adelaide

Introducing the Emirates Airbus A350 in the summer of 2024 will further expand the airline’s global network by allowing its fleet to grow and freeing up more of Emirates’ long-range aircraft to serve points like Adelaide. The airline is in close discussions with Adelaide Airport to recommence nonstop services as part of its commitment to reconnect travellers from every corner of Australia to its network.

The third Sydney A380 flight will depart from Dubai at 2130hrs, arriving in Sydney at 1820hrs local time. The returning flight departs Sydney at 2110hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0430hrs local time.

Emirates continues to expand the deployment of its flagship A380 to meet ever-increasing travel demand globally. Today, the airline flies its flagship A380 to over 50 destinations, with more cities set to welcome the aircraft in the coming months.

Emirates bookings can be made on emirates.com, the Emirates App, or online and offline travel agents.

FCM recognised as the top TMC in Asia

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 14 September 2023: FCM Travel has been named Asia’s Leading Travel Management Company for nine consecutive years at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2023.

For four consecutive years, FCM Travel was also awarded the Leading Travel Management Company in Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea in Asia.

Photo credit: FCM. https://www.fcmtravel.com/en-sg 

“It is truly an honour, and we could not have achieved this without the unwavering support of our customers and our amazing team. FCM Asia has had a roaring performance in corporate travel and has gained market share through key customer wins, with a retention rate of more than 98% amongst existing customers, said FCM Asia managing director Bertrand Saillet.

“Our investments in technology allow us to offer solutions on par with market expectations whilst offering the best customer experience. FCM’s proprietary new platform directly targets customers’ pain points with current and legacy corporate travel technology.”

The World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across the tourism industry.

About FCM.

FCM is one of the world’s largest travel management companies (TMCs) operating in over 100 countries. It’s the flagship corporate travel arm of the ASX-listed Flight Centre Travel Group.

THAI Increases flight operations

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 14 September 2023: Thai Airways International (THAI) chief executive officer backs Prime Minister Chai Eamsiri Srettha Thavisin’s pledge to give Indian and Chinese tourists a visa-free entry pass to rescue tourist arrivals from the doldrums.

Within days of taking office, the PM surprised the tourism industry by saying he would introduce visa-free entry from the country’s two major markets for the peak season from November 2023 to the end of April 2023.

 It will be a temporary measure to reinvigorate the country’s tourism growth pace. 

Jumping on the PM’s policy bandwagon, THAI’s CEO says seat capacity on the Bangkok to Phuket route will increase. At least one daily service will have an aircraft upgrade from the 180-seat A320 to the Boeing 777 – 200 ER with a total of 292 passengers – 30 seats in Royal Silk Class and 262 seats in Economy Class starting 1 October 2023 with details as follows:

• Bangkok – Phuket: TG201 departs from Bangkok at 0800 and arrives in Phuket at 0925. 

• Phuket – Bangkok: TG202 departs from Phuket at 1020 and arrives in Bangkok at 1150. 

When combined with THAI Smile Airways’ 49 A320 weekly flights on the Bangkok – Phuket route, THAI will offer 56 weekly flights.  

THAI also plans to increase flight frequencies to destinations in China from 49 to 56 flights per week starting 1 December 2023 in response to the planned easing of visa for Chinese tourists.  

• Bangkok – Beijing  operations will be six flights per week during 29 October – 30 November 2023 and will increase to daily flights on 1 December 2023. 

• Bangkok – Shanghai operations will be daily from 29 October 2023 to 30 March 2024. 

• Bangkok – Guangzhou operations will be daily from 29 October 2023 to 30 March 2024. 

• Bangkok – Kunming operations will be three flights per week from 20 October to 30 November 2023 and will increase to daily on 1 December 2023. 

• Bangkok – Chengdu operations will be two flights weekly from 20 October to 30 November 2023 and will increase to daily flights on 1 December 2023.

Meanwhile, THAI will take over all Thai Smile routes by early 2024 as the low-cost subsidiary is merged with the parent airline Thai Airways International to stem losses.

The transfer of operations from Thai Smile to THAI starts with nine routes from Bangkok to Krabi, Khon Kaen, Phuket, Narathiwat, Chiang Mai, Chaing Rai, Haad Yai, Udon Thani, and Ubon Ratchathani.

Bangkok – Phuket: Eight flights daily starting 1 October using the A320 aircraft plus one flight daily using a Boeing 777-200.

Bangkok – Chiang Mai: Five flights daily starting 29 October.

Bangkok – Udon Thani: Three flights daily starting 1 December.

Bangkok – Krabi: Two flights daily starting 1 January 2024.

Bangkok – Khon Kaen: Four flights daily starting 1 January  2024.

Bangkok – Narathiwat: One flight daily starting 1 January 1 2024.

Bangkok – Chiang Rai: Two flights daily starting 1 January 2024.

Bangkok – Hat Yai: Three flights daily starting 1 January 2024.

Bangkok – Udon Ratchathani: Two flights daily starting 1 January, 2024

Penang showcases its events business

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TTR WEEKLY
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GEORGE TOWN, 14 September 2023: The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) hosted the Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA) during their recent visit to strengthen business relations between Penang and India.

India delivers significant business for Penang’s tourism and events sector, according to Gajesh Girdhar, National Coordinator of NIMA, and Rakesh Arora, Convention Chairman of NIMA who led the delegation.

Photo credit PCEB. Travel agents check out the town on trisaws.

Penang partners and NIMA agents established valuable connections. At the same time, travel business leaders in Penang set their objectives to enhance the island’s reputation as a premier events destination, focusing on drawing more business to the Setia SPICE Convention Centre.

NIMA agents were given an on-site tour of the convention centre’s versatile facilities comprising expansive convention spaces, meeting rooms, and a multipurpose arena.

The event ended on a cultural note, as NIMA agents embarked on a trishaw tour around George Town to experience Penang’s rich cultural heritage revealed in the city’s captivating history seen through its architecture, mesmerising street art, and vibrant local life.

The collaboration between NIMA and PCEB underlines a shared commitment to elevate Penang’s appeal to the Indian market. 

Vietjet restores Boeing Max order

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TTR WEEKLY
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HANOI, 14 September 2023: Vietjet and Boeing’s high-ranking delegates reactivated an agreement for the low-cost airline to take delivery of 200 737 Max during US President Joe Biden’s official visit to Vietnam.

Vietjet’s contract to purchase 200 Boeing narrow-body aircraft was interrupted due to the 737 Max’s issues, followed by the consequential impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on Boeing’s global supply chain. 

Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and Boeing Global President Brendan Nelson have agreed to deliver 12 737 Max in 2024 and have included additional terms in the 200 737 Max orders contract. 

The contract, worth more than USD25 billion with a delivery schedule spanning five years from 2024, has been lauded as one of the largest commercial deals and has contributed significantly to the trade balance between Vietnam and the United States.

The first batch of 737 Max will be delivered to Thai Vietjet, the affiliate company of Vietjet Group. 

Vietjet’s order has been expected to bring 200,000 jobs to the US labour market, creating a value worth around USD35 billion, including aircraft orders and engine engineering services. 

In addition, Boeing and Vietjet will join hands to make Vietnam an international centre for aviation services, including training, education, and maintenance. The two parties will also cooperate for new technology adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), aviation technology, green fuels, and reducing emissions.

Both sides will additionally work on supporting the development of aviation infrastructure, airport operational capability enhancement, and flight management in Vietnam. Boeing will also look to promote Vietnam’s participation in its global supply chain for aircraft production and aviation equipment.

SQ to fly to Brussels in 2024

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 14 September 2023: Singapore Airlines will launch direct flights between Singapore and Brussels, the capital of Belgium, from 5 April 2024. 

It marks the return of SQ flights to the city after more than 20 years.

Photo credit Singapore Airlines. A350-900.

SIA will operate four weekly flights to Brussels with the long-haul variant of its Airbus A350- 900s, configured with 253 seats in three cabin classes: 42 in business class, 24 in premium economy class, and 187 in economy class.

Flight SQ304 will depart Singapore for Brussels on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 2355 (local time). The return flight, SQ303, will depart Brussels for Singapore on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 1210 (local time).

The addition of Brussels increases its European destinations to 13, reflecting its commitment to enhance its connectivity to this key region for the airline.

Singapore Airlines’ acting senior vice president of marketing planning Dai Hao Yu said: “Brussels is an important European economic and political centre, and the launch of this service adds another historical and charming city to SIA’s list of destinations. It also gives our customers who are travelling from Europe an additional point to connect to Singapore and the wider Asia-Pacific region via our hub at Changi Airport. SIA will continue to review its network and find opportunities to offer more options for our customers.”

Apart from being the capital of Belgium, Brussels is also home to the European Union (EU) headquarters and is dubbed  EU’s capital city. The secretariat of the Benelux and headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are also in the city. It is the most densely populated city in the country with the highest gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Brussels’ unique geographical location makes it an ideal hub for rail, road, and air traffic, earning the city the moniker The Crossroads of Europe.

Tickets for SIA’s Brussels flights are on sale through various distribution channels since 13 September 2023.

Oceania Allura to sail Summer 2025

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 13 September 2023: Oceania Cruises has released inaugural season sailing details for Allura, its newest ship to join the fleet in summer 2025. 

There are 26 inaugural season sailings featuring more than 92 destinations on seven to 34-day voyages. Sales open on 14 September 2023. As the line’s second 1,200-guest Allura Class ship, she follows her sister, Vista, launched last May. 

Photo credit Oceania Cruises.

The new vessel will sail her maiden voyage on a seven-day journey from Athens to Istanbul, departing on 8 June 2025. 

First cruises inaugural season 

Maiden Voyage – Athens to Istanbul, 8 June, 2025, seven days: Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Santorini, Greece; Heraklion (Crete), Greece; Rhodes, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Canakkale (Troy), Turkey; Istanbul, Turkey

Flourishing Rivieras – Rome to Athens, 29 July 2025, 17 days: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Florence/Pisa/Tuscany (Livorno), Italy; Portofino, Italy; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Barcelona, Spain; Saint-Tropez, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Cinque Terre (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Sorrento/Capri, Italy; Santorini, Greece; Rhodes, Greece; Antalya, Turkey; Bodrum, Turkey; Patmos, Greece; Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Emirates sponsors Rugby World Cup 2023

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 13 September 2023: Emirates, the Official Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2023 (RWC 2023), has kicked off the coveted tournament with a playful video featuring renowned South African referee Jaco Peyper.

The campaign comprises a fun video which sees Jaco Peyper usher the airline’s iconic A380 with bespoke RWC 2023 livery to the tarmac, ready for take-off. Jaco sprints past the aircraft and blows a whistle to signal pushback. The Emirates A380 is cleared for take-off, heading to Paris to kick-start Rugby World Cup 2023. 

The light-hearted video follows the success of the award-winning ‘Whistle Watch’, a World Rugby content series presented by former international referee Nigel Owens and sponsored by Emirates. Rugby fans can look forward to special episodes filmed across France throughout the tournament.

Emirates and Rugby World Cup

As a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2023, Emirates enjoys a significant branding presence throughout the tournament, including Television Match Official branding and hospitality and ticketing rights.

The airline will also roll out a fan activation zone this year in Paris, Lyon and Marseille with exciting “fly better” initiatives. Emirates Cabin Crew will capture special moments for rugby fans with an instant camera printed in a limited-edition RWC 2023 photo frame. At the airline’s world-class hospitality chalet, guests can look forward to exclusive tasting sessions of luxury champagne brand Dom Pérignon and cognac in partnership with LVMH.

The Rugby World Cup is one of the world’s biggest and most popular events, taking place once every four years. This year, the tournament is underway and concludes on 28 October. Matches are played across nine cities in France. Jaco Peyper kicked off the Rugby World Cup 2023 opening match on 8 September between host nation France and New Zealand at Stade de France (Saint-Denis).

Emirates’ partnership with World Rugby traces back to 2007 when the airline first sponsored Rugby World Cup 2007 in France as a Tournament Sponsor. The airline then became a Worldwide Partner for the Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand, the first Worldwide Partner to sign an agreement for both England 2015 and Japan 2019 in Japan and currently a worldwide Partner for Rugby World Cup France 2023 and Rugby World Cup Australia 2027.

Emirates also sponsors the Emirates Match Officials, with the world’s best referees taking to the field in their Emirates Fly Better kit when officiating in test rugby – a partnership that started in 2013.

Earlier this year, the airline played a pivotal role in transporting The Webb Ellis Cup from South Africa to Paris via Dubai onboard its iconic A380 with bespoke RWC 2023 livery, with South African rugby legend Tendai Mtawarira, who was part of the winning team at Rugby World Cup 2019.

A staunch supporter of rugby

Emirates continues to be a staunch supporter of rugby worldwide. The airline has been a Title Sponsor of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens for over 30 years; a proud sponsor of the Cape Town Sevens; partner of the South African Emirates Lions and their home venue, Emirates Airline Park; sponsor of the Dubai Hurricanes Rugby Football Club; and Official Airline of UAE Rugby Federation (UAERF) since 2011.

Serving France with 35 weekly flights

Emirates conveniently connects rugby fans to RWC 2023 through its 35 weekly flights to/from France, including three daily A380 flights to Paris, daily flights to Lyon, and daily A380 flights to Nice. The airline’s extensive network of 140 destinations offers French customers onward connections to Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, Africa and Australasia.

Passengers onboard will spot branded menus, drink coasters, cake toppers, and headrests featuring the RWC 2023 logo. Rugby fans won’t miss a moment of action onboard as matches will be aired live on Sport 24 and Sport 24Extra on selected flights – available on the airline’s award-winning ice entertainment system – and across dedicated Emirates airport lounges worldwide. 

Customers will also enjoy gourmet meals and premium beverage selection, including 37 varieties of French wines and champagnes and an enticing Spirits menu.

For more information, visit emirates.com

AirAsia Superapp bags first award

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 13 September 2023: Airasia Superapp clinched the ‘Asia’s Leading Online Travel Agency (OTA)’ title at the prestigious World Travel Awards (Asia) on its first nomination. 

The World Travel Awards, often dubbed as the ‘Oscars of the travel industry’, are renowned for recognising excellence in the global tourism and travel sector. AirAsia Superapp emerged victorious among a highly competitive field of nominees, including well-established names such as Agoda, Trip.com and MakeMyTrip. 

Photo Caption: (From left) Dabraj Sing, Chief Business Officer and Tan Mai Yin, Chief Operating Officer at the 30th Annual World Travel Awards.

AirAsia Superapp chief operating officer Tan Mai Yin said: “This is a clear testament to the hard work of the entire AirAsia Superapp team. On that note, we are delighted to announce amazing deals for AirAsia rides, flights (not inclusive of AirAsia flights) and hotels on the Superapp until 30 September.” 

AirAsia Superapp users can enjoy MYR50 OFF with promo code [BESTINASIAMY] when they book ANY airlines (not inclusive of AirAsia flights) and ANY hotels to their desired destinations, with a minimum spend of MYR350. Aside from the fly and stay deals, users can also enjoy an extra MYR2 off on their next five rides with the same promo code by clicking on the ‘Ride’ icon on the AirAsia Superapp.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards is hailed as one of the most prestigious, comprehensive and sought-after awards programmes commemorating excellence across key travel, tourism and hospitality sectors voted by industry experts and consumers worldwide.

Sales open for direct SIN – YVR flight

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 13 September 2023: Air Canada has confirmed and opened bookings for a direct service linking Vancouver and Singapore starting 3 April 2024.

Flying a Boeing Dreamliner, the four weekly flights will depart Vancouver (YVR) every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday to Singapore Changi (SIN).

Seats are on sale through the Air Canada App, Air Canada’s Contact Centres and authorised travel agents.

“We are committed to growing YVR as a premier trans-Pacific hub, and Singapore is a top global financial centre, a multicultural destination that offers an abundance of tourism and food experiences, as well as an important gateway to beyond destinations in Southeast Asia, Southern India and Western Australia,” said Air Canada executive vice president, revenue and network planning Mark Galardo.

Flights using the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft feature three service cabins for customers comprising Signature Class with lie-flat seats, Premium Economy and Economy Class.

Air Canada last flew the route over 30 years ago and withdrew due to poor revenue performance. However, point-to-point travel between the two countries has shown substantial growth and passenger traffic has surpassed 80% of pre-Covid-19 by the close of the first half of 2023.
From Changi Airport, travellers can easily connect via more than 1,800 weekly services to over 55 cities in the region, such as those in Southeast Asia, India and Australia.

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