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31st edition of ATM sets out its stall

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 25 October 2023: Travel executives worldwide will explore opportunities spanning leisure, business, luxury and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) – at the 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in the UAE from Monday 6 to Thursday 9 May 2024.

Revenue in the global travel and tourism market is projected to reach USD854.7 billion this year, according to research conducted by Statista. The sector is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.42% from 2023 to 2027, passing the trillion-dollar mark within the next four years.

Arabian Travel Market exhibition director Danielle Curtis said: “Holidaymakers represent a crucial focus for the Middle East’s travel community, but leisure is only one component of a much bigger picture. Business, luxury and MICE travel are also making significant contributions to economic growth and sustainable development, with Statista predicting a global market volume of more than USD1 trillion by 2027.

“It is, therefore, no surprise that the travel and tourism sector is creating unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors, thousands of whom will showcase their innovations, exchange ideas and forge new partnerships at ATM 2024,” she added.

The travel and tourism sector is on course to contribute USD49.18 billion to the UAE economy alone in 2023, according to figures released by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). This figure is predicted to reach USD64.12 billion by 2033, accounting for an impressive 10.2 per cent of the nation’s GDP.

As the Middle East’s travel and tourism industry continues to mature, it is expected to create new jobs and income for millions of people from across the globe. The UAE Government, for instance, estimates that the country’s travel and tourism market will support 770,000 jobs by 2027. At the same time, the sector is expected to generate ever-increasing revenues for regional economies – Gulf travellers spending approximately 6.5 times more than tourists from other parts of the world, according to the UN World Tourism Organization (WTO).

Sustainable development will represent another key focus at ATM 2024 as the show builds on the net-zero commitments outlined during its milestone 30th edition. 

Cathay ups its A320 family aircraft order

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 25 October 2023: Hong Kong’s Cathay Group has announced the purchase of an additional 32 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft as it continues to invest in expanding and modernising its fleet. 

The agreement doubles the Cathay Group’s total orders for the A320neo Family to 64, of which 13 have already been delivered.

The 32 additional aircraft will comprise both the A321neo and A320neo, which will join the fleets of Cathay Pacific and HK Express. They will principally serve destinations in the Chinese Mainland and elsewhere in Asia.

Airbus chief commercial officer and head of international, Christian Scherer said: “Cathay is one of the world’s leading airline Groups, and we are proud to be part of its recovery and growth plan.

“Operating out of the Cathay Group’s base at the heart of Asia, the A320neo family will enable it to expand its services across the region with a most efficient single-aisle fleet and a positive passenger comfort differentiation. With a significant reduction in fuel consumption, the aircraft will also immediately contribute to the Cathay Group’s sustainability goals.”

The A320neo Family incorporates the latest technologies, including new generation engines, Sharklets and aerodynamics, which together deliver at least 20% lower fuel burn and CO2 emission savings. With more than 9,700 orders from over 130 customers, the A320neo Family is considered the world’s most popular single-aisle aircraft.

China is back in the top five Changi markets

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 25 October 2023: Singapore Changi Airport handled 4.87 million passenger movements in September 2023, representing 89% of the passenger movements in September 2019.

Regarding aircraft movements, 27,800 landings and take-offs were recorded, about 89% of the September 2019 level, which indicates full recovery is possible as early as April 2024. Airfreight throughput stood at 154,000 tonnes for the month, on par with what was carried in the same month last year. 

On a quarterly basis, Changi Airport saw 15.3 million passenger movements from July to September 2023, 89% of what was registered for the third quarter of 2019. Aircraft movements reached 85,600, similarly representing 89% of the same period in 2019. 

Changi Airport’s top five markets for the quarter were Australia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. China has moved up to be among Changi’s top five markets this quarter, attributed to increased travel during China’s two-month summer holiday in July and August and the resumption of the 15-day visa-free policy for Singapore citizens entering China since July.  

From July to September 2023, airfreight throughput totalled 451,000 tonnes, a decline of 4% compared to the same period last year. The softening in air cargo demand has gradually eased during the quarter, led by improvements in transhipment volumes. Changi’s top five air cargo markets1 comprised Australia, China, Hong Kong, India and the United States of America for the period. Notably, air cargo traffic with India registered a strong growth of 21% compared to the corresponding period last year.  

Changi Airport Group’s executive vice president for air hub and cargo development Lim Ching Kiat said: “Passenger traffic at Changi Airport continues to recover steadily across our key markets. In particular, traffic to and from China saw a surge in August, with half a million travellers handled that month, more than seven times the traffic in January 2023 when China’s borders first reopened. As we move towards 2024, we will continue to work with airlines to reinstate more city links and strengthen capacity on existing routes to strengthen further Changi Airport’s connectivity to the rest of the world.” 

In the third quarter of 2023, China Eastern Airlines started inaugural services between Singapore Changi Airport and Beijing Daxing Airport on 20 July 2023, marking Changi’s first link to Beijing Daxing Airport. Singapore Airlines has also announced it will start passenger flights between Singapore and Brussels in April 2024, bringing 16 Changi’s passenger city links to Europe. 

As of 1 October, 94 airlines operate over 6,400 weekly scheduled flights at Changi Airport, connecting Singapore to 151 cities in 49 countries and territories worldwide.

Bamboo halts long-haul flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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HO CHI Minh City, 25 October 2023: Bamboo Airways long-haul flights to Frankfurt, London, Sydney, and Melbourne are off the grid as far as booking flights on the Vietnamese airline’s website and independent booking sites since earlier this week.

Flights using Boeing Dreamliners 787s ended this week, and based on the airline’s announcement, the priority is restructuring the route network to concentrate on domestic and regional flights in Asia.

Bamboo Airways’ new general director Luong Hoai Nam (middle), was officially named CEO to lead the restructuring effort earlier this week. He receives flowers and an appointment contract from Bamboo Airways chairman Le Thai Sam (right) and Standing Vice Chairman Phan Dinh Tue (left).

Flights will continue operating to domestic and regional destinations from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Danang.

In a statement issued on Monday, the airline’s top management noted: “The carrier’s fleet structure is expected to incorporate narrowbody aircraft and jets, which will be deployed on key domestic routes, strongly emphasising trunk routes such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang. The airline will also offer services on domestic tourist routes with high demand and international routes to Southeast Asia.”

The airline explained the restructuring plan and appointed a new CEO earlier this week, noting it was restructuring and suspending long-haul international flights due to low passenger demand.

While saying very little about pulling the plug on long-haul flights to Europe and Australia, the airline did issue a press statement confirming it had appointed Luong Hoai Nam as General Director, effective 23 October 2023. 

Luong Hoai Nam has a doctorate in Aviation with over 30 years of experience in the aviation-tourism industry. He has held numerous senior management and executive roles, including Director of the Market Planning Department and Editor-in-Chief of Heritage Magazine at Vietnam Airlines, CEO of Jetstar Pacific Airlines, Deputy General Director of Nam Long Group, CEO of Hai Au Aviation Joint Stock Company, Vice Chairman of Vietnam Tourism Association, and Deputy General Director of Vietstar Multirole Airlines.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, General Director Luong Hoai Nam expressed confidence that Bamboo Airways’ restructuring process would succeed through the cooperation of all the investors, directors, and employees.

“The process of restructuring Bamboo Airways has been taking place with a clear and focused direction. This is the most extensive, strategic, and far-reaching restructuring project ever undertaken in Vietnamese aviation history. As the General Director, I am determined to give my best effort to complete the assigned tasks and contribute towards the prompt restructuring process. Our ultimate goal is stabilising the operations and creating opportunities for future growth. Among our first targets is to bring back the fleet size to 30 aircraft and then aim to increase to 50 and beyond,” said Luong Hoai Nam.

He concluded that Bamboo Airways would chart a new, suitable course for its operations in late 2023 and early 2024. 

“The carrier’s fleet structure is expected to incorporate narrowbody aircraft and jets, which will be deployed on key domestic routes, strongly emphasising trunk routes such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang. We will also offer services on high-demand domestic tourist and international routes to Southeast Asia.”

Bamboo has a fleet of 29 aircraft, including two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners operating long-haul routes and A320s and Embraer E190s for domestic and regional routes in Southeast Asia.

Air Astana expands fleet

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 25 October 2023: The 11th eco-friendly Airbus A321LR for Air Astana Group arrived in Almaty this week following delivery at the manufacturer’s assembly plant in Hamburg, Germany.

The Airbus A321LR is configured with 150 economy class seats and 16 business class seats, four offering increased space in a one-seat row.

Aircraft in the Air Astana Group fleet total 48, of which 40 are Airbus A320/A321 family types. In addition, the airline operates three Boeing 767 and five Embraer E2.

The continued expansion of the Airbus A321LR fleet demonstrates the airline’s commitment to operate environmentally efficient aircraft, which also offer increased passenger comfort.

About Air Astana Group

Air Astana commenced operations in May 2002 as a joint venture between Kazakhstan’s national wealth fund, Samruk Kazyna, and BAE Systems, with respective shares of 51% and 49%. 

The airline is a full-service international and domestic carrier, with its low-cost division, FlyArystan, rapidly growing in regional and domestic markets since launching in 2019. 

Xiamen Airlines flies to Doha

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TTR WEEKLY
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BEIJING, 24 October 2023: Xiamen Airlines inaugurated direct daily flights from Beijing Daxing International Airport to Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, on 20 October.

Xiamen Airlines is the first Chinese carrier to offer direct flights from China to Qatar. It also marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Qatar and the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. 

Photo credit Xiamen Airlines.

The opening of this air route will build a broader Air Silk Road to promote economic and trade cooperation and strengthen cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Using a Boeing Dreamliner 787-9 Xiamen Airlines flies the Beijing Daxing- Doha route daily. Flight MF845 departs from Daxing, Beijing, at 1805 and arrives in Doha at 2245 local time. MF846 leaves Doha at 0200 local time on the return sector and arrives in Daxing, Beijing at 1520. 

In addition, the airline will inaugurate a Xiamen to Doha flight twice weekly on Tuesday and Friday starting 31 October 31, linking China’s Xiamen and Fujian province with the Doha aviation gateway. Flight MF831 will depart Xiamen at 0005 and arrive in Doha at 0500. The return flight MF832 will depart Doha at 1930 and arrive in Xiamen at 0755. 

(Source: Xiamen Airlines)

HKIA’s flight movements double

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 24 October 2023: Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) handled 3.3 million passengers and 24,190 flight movements during September, according to Airport Authority Hong Kong’s latest traffic figures 

AAHK reported overall, passenger traffic maintained a steady recovery. Passenger volume saw a five-fold year-on-year increase, while flight movements doubled from the low base during the same month in 2022.

Photo credit: AAHK.

All passenger segments experienced significant year-on-year growth, with traffic to and from Southeast Asia, Mainland China and Japan recording the largest increases. 

HKIA further expanded its network in September, welcoming Qingdao Airlines, which will operate a new route to and from Qingdao via Huangshan.

Cargo throughput grew in September, increasing by 10% year-on-year to 375,000 tonnes. Exports saw a 23.6% increase compared to the same month last year. Traffic to and from key trading regions in the Middle East, Europe and North America increased significantly during the month.

Over the first nine months of the year, HKIA handled 27.7 million passengers and 192,090 flight movements, representing increases of more than 11 times and nearly double, respectively, from the low bases recorded during the same period in 2022. Cargo volume declined slightly by 1.3% year-on-year to 3.1 million tonnes.

On a 12-month rolling basis, passenger volume at HKIA saw a 10-fold year-on-year increase to 31 million, while flight movements rose by 67.1% to 234,110 movements. Cargo throughput decreased 8.8% to 4.2 million tonnes.

(Source: AAHK)

Equator initially focuses on hospitality

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 24 October 2023: Singapore-based online travel company, Travel Trade Marketplace launches Equator marketplace, a sales platform which integrates the B2B and D2C* business models.

Described as a marketplace for the tourism sector, companies can buy and sell on a single platform, with the sellers maintaining complete control over segment pricing and customer engagement based on a low transaction fee.

Founder & CEO Fred Seow

Its initial release lets accommodation operators promote rooms and F&B to pre-qualified customers from different industries and business segments. 

Equator’s major shareholder, Chan Brothers International’s Anthony Chan, also Group MD of Chan Brothers Travel, commented: “We are delighted to be part of this revolutionary model, not just as a stakeholder but as a user of Equator’s distribution system. It provides ready-to-market products at unmarked B2B prices from operators. We can ensure the best pricing for our customers and expand our relationship with travel operators.”

Founder & CEO Fred Seow added: “We will also launch our first industry-wide initiative, the Tourism ID staff programme. All personnel in tourism, especially the many behind the scenes, can enjoy industry rates for personal travel at zero markups and zero commission, direct deals from operators; it’s a win-win for all parties

*D2C e-commerce is a digital business model where the manufacturer and/or producer sells products directly to consumers from their web store.

About Equator

Travel Trade Marketplace is headquartered in Singapore with a travel licence issued by the Singapore Tourism Board and is a member of various travel trade associations in the region. 

The Equator brand serves the tourism sector, while Equinox serves other industries. It provides a safe and secure platform for intra and inter-industry trading, collaboration and marketing. Hotels can connect via over 60 channel managers, and airlines can distribute via its NDC-enabled system. 

Vistara is ready to fly to Bali

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TTR WEEKLY
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GURUGRAM, India, 24 October 2023: Vistara, a joint venture of Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, confirms it will launch daily nonstop flights between Delhi and Bali starting 1 December 2023. 

It makes Vistara the only airline offering direct flights between the two destinations. Vistara will deploy its Airbus 321 LR aircraft with a three-class configuration –  business, premium economy, and economy. Bookings for the flights are being progressively opened on all channels, including Vistara’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents.

All-inclusive return fares start at INR39,999 for economy, INR54,999 for premium economy, and INR129,999 for business class.

Bali has become an increasingly sought-after holiday destination for Indian holidaymakers due to its hassle-free visa-on-arrival facility at the airport in Denpasar, Bali.

Commenting on the introduction of the new destination, Vistara chief executive officer Vinod Kannan said: “India is the second-largest source of foreign tourists to Bali, and with hassle-free visa-on-arrival, Bali remains one of the preferred holiday destinations for Indians, besides being popular for MICE traffic. 

“Additionally, as India’s second-largest trading destination in the ASEAN region, Indonesia exhibits great potential for business travel. We are delighted to be the only airline offering direct connectivity between Delhi and Bali.”

Borneo Bird Festival hosts photo contest

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TTR WEEKLY
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KOTA KINABALU, 24 October 2023: The 13th Borneo Bird Festival (BBF) attracted a record turnout of nature enthusiasts at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia. 

The two-day festival was jointly organised by the Sandakan Borneo Bird Club Sabah and the Sabah Forestry Department, supported by the Sabah Tourism Board and Birdwatching Asia.

The Borneo Bird Festival is one of the largest nature festivals in Malaysia, providing a platform for the annual gathering of local and regional nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers and wildlife photographers communities. 

The festival celebrates the birds and wildlife of Borneo. It aims to create public awareness of conservation to underscore the importance of nature in our ecosystem while promoting birdwatching and nature tourism activities. 

The Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sandakan Sabah has been the festival ground almost annually, and visitors to this year’s event enjoyed the extended part of the Rainforest Skywalk, now measuring 620m in length to provide an extended canopy walk experience. It is also home to endemic species, such as the Bornean Bristlehead, Sabah Partridge, Bornean Falconet and Black and Crimson Pitta, Blue-headed Pitta, Bornean Brown Barbet. Then there’s the resident Orangutan, flying squirrel, slow loris and tarsier that make Sandakan their home.

Nikon and Futuromic Photo Av Sdn Bhd sponsored the main prizes for the 1st Wildlife Photo Contest at the Borneo Bird Festival 2023. Other supporting sponsors included Sony, Fujifilm, Srishti, Swarovski Optik, P186 Sandakan MP YB Vivian Wong, Cede Prudente Photography, Bornean Sunbear Conservation Centre, Sepilok Tropical Wildlife Adventure and Sandakan Foto.

Please visit the website: www.borneobirdfestival.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BorneoBirdFestival/
Email: [email protected]

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