CHENNAI India, 31 August 2023: Tourism Malaysia’s Chennai office is hosting the Malaysia Food and Cultural Festival at the Crowne Plaza, Chennai, this week.
Showcasing cultural performances by Malaysian artists and culinary demonstrations by celebrated chefs, the event opened on 26 August and continues until 4 September.
Celebrity chefs from Malaysia flew to Chennai on Batik Air’s inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur. The airline has scheduled daily operations on the route since 24 August 2023.
This cultural and culinary event was opened by the Consul General of Malaysia, Saravana Kumar and supported by representatives from Crowne Plaza, Batik Air, Sama-Sama Hotel, KL International Airport, Borneo Brothers Tours & Travel and VG Maju Tour & Travels.
Tourism Malaysia director-general Dato Dr Ammar Abd Ghapar said: “With the huge demand for more flights from South India to Malaysia, we are happy to announce that Batik Air has launched daily flights from Chennai into Kuala Lumpur.”
This year, Malaysia targets 16.1 million international tourist arrivals with MYR49.3 billion in tourism receipts. India remains among the top countries contributing to tourist arrivals to Malaysia. In 2022, Malaysia welcomed 324,548 Indian tourists, while from January to May 2023, Malaysia received as many as 230,865 Indian tourists compared to 37,198 in the same period last year.
Currently, 158 flights with 30,032 seats are scheduled weekly between India and Malaysia through Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, AirAsia and IndiGo. Indian tourists can now apply for Malaysia’s eVISA Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) through malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/evisa.
HONG KONG, 31 August 2023: Following the hosting of the 3rd JCtrans Global Freight Forwarders Expo and International Air Transport Association (IATA) Aviation Day, AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) will welcome the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) in November this year.
AWE’s calendar is already busy in 2024 with aviation events starting with the IATA World Cargo Symposium 2024, Aero-Engines Asia-Pacific 2024 and Super Terminal Expo 2024 staged in Hong Kong for the first time.
Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) general manager, MICE & Cruise Kenneth Wong explained: “We are thrilled that Hong Kong has become the destination of choice for multiple aviation and logistic events. The city’s status as an aviation hub with a globally connected transportation network, a future-proof Airport City development, top-notch convention venues and a gateway to the GBA makes it a strategic choice in the region to host major industry events. “
Hong Kong, an aviation hub
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is frequently ranked among the world’s busiest international passenger airports as it hosts some 120 airlines; it is also the busiest cargo airport in the world, with cargo throughput of 4.2 million tonnes in 2022, making it one of very few airports that’s a leader in both fields. To enhance the connectivity with the GBA and the world, HKIA is transforming itself from a city airport to an Airport City.
A robust expansion strategy is in place, including the three-runway system that will increase capacity by 50% to serve 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo annually. Plans are in hand to strengthen the multimodal network with Greater Bay Area cities through state-of-the-art cross-boundary infrastructure, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge to ensure seamless travel via Hong Kong, which helps to facilitate more multi-destination exchange and excursions within the region. As part of the Airport City development, AWE – which is located right next to the international airport, is expanding to house the city’s largest indoor arena with over 20,000 seats, thus attracting more large-scale events to stage in town. These enhancements position the city as a super-connector to capture more business opportunities in both the lucrative GBA market and the world, providing growth impetus to Hong Kong’s MICE industry.
Airport Authority Hong Kong chief operating officer and Hong Kong Convention Ambassador Vivian Cheung said: “I am thrilled to bring significant industry events to our city, which reflects the role of Hong Kong as a leading aviation, transportation and logistics hub. As a Hong Kong Convention Ambassador programme member, I look forward to welcoming even more business events and delegates worldwide.”
IATA World Cargo Symposium
The IATA World Cargo Symposium in March 2024 travels to Hong Kong for the first time, and HKIA has been designated host airport for the 2024 edition. The conference should attract over 1,000 attendees worldwide to tackle subjects related to technology and innovation, security and customs, cargo operations, and sustainability.
Super Terminal Expo 2024
The inaugural Super Terminal Expo 2024 event debuts at Hong Kong’s AWE in November 2024. It’s the first of its kind, featuring dynamic networking opportunities and educational sessions and highlights important insights into trends and technologies shaping the future of cargo and passenger terminals, as well as ports, railways and building construction industries.
Informa Markets executive vice president of commercial development Michael Duck added: “The Asia-Pacific region is the largest global logistics and passenger transport market, and Hong Kong sits right at its heart. We are delighted to host the inaugural Super Terminal Expo in this thriving market. Right before the flagship exhibition, we will also host Aero-Engines Asia-Pacific 2024 as part of Aviation Week Network’s Aero-Engines series in the city in April 2024. These events present a raft of opportunities that will allow businesses to tap into the growing demand for logistics and passenger transportation services.”
BANGKOK, 31 August 2023: Thai Vietjet has extended a partnership with Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), offering a special discount code valued at THB500 for passengers travelling on Thai Vietjet’s flight between Thailand and Japan.
The deal is valid until 31 October 31, 2023, for passengers booking Thai Vietjet flights on the Bangkok – Fukuoka and Chiang Mai – Osaka routes, with travel open until 31 December 2023 (not including public holidays). To secure the discount valued at THB500, the travellers must use the discount code JPN500 when booking on Thai Vietjet’s website.
Thai Vietjet director of commercial Pinyot Pibulsonggram said: “The partnership between Thai Vietjet and JNTO will stimulate tourism between Thailand and Japan. Japan has been among Thai tourists’ dream destinations and vice versa.”
Japan National Tourism Organization Bangkok Office executive director Kei Doi added: “Thai Vietjet is a very important partner facilitating travel between Thailand and Japan. JNTO Bangkok Office will continue to introduce the diversity of Japan’s attractions to the people of Thailand.”
Thai Vietjet schedules a daily flight between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Fukuoka. The flight from Bangkok departs Suvarnabhumi Airport at 0030 and lands at Fukuoka Airport at 0755, while the return flight departs Fukuoka at 0855 and arrives in Bangkok at 1235 (local time).
In addition, the airline flies four times weekly between Chiang Mai and Osaka every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. The flight depart Chiang Mai at 2300 and arrives in Osaka at 0620. The return flight departs Osaka on the following day at 0905 and lands in Chiang Mai at 1305 (local time). Flights between Thailand and Japan use an A321 aircraft.
KUALA LUMPUR, 31 August 2023: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) will host the much-anticipated MATTA Fair, now in its 53rd edition, from 1 to 3 September 2023 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
MATTA Fair September 2023 will occupy a staggering 37,000 square metres of space across eight halls, featuring an impressive lineup of 1,367 exhibition booths. With 307 participating organisations, including 199 travel and tour agencies, 12 National Tourism Organizations, seven State Tourism Offices, 44 hotels and resorts, eight theme parks, three airlines, and 34 other travel-related service exhibitors, visitors can expect a comprehensive and diverse showcase of travel and tourism offerings.
From left to right: Shazlin Ahmad, Country Manager, South East Asia;Sien Vee Loc, Head, Consumer Finance, Group Community Banking;Datuk Tan Kok Liang, MATTA Fair Organising Chairman;Nigel Wong, President of MATTA;Syazwan Ahmad Sabri, Head of Airlines Global Sales;Luqman Haqem, Assistant Manager Promotion, Tourism Selangor;Massine Yap, Marketing Manager, AmLeisure Media.
“This year, MATTA Fair introduces a new horizon of segmentation in the domestic hall. With categories like state, hoteliers, and free zone, the fair aims to showcase how this strategy will stimulate the growth of local domestic tourism stakeholders. This segmentation highlights the diversity of domestic offerings and underscores our commitment to nurture and further promote local tourism,” said MATTA president Nigel Wong.
Key partners and sponsors include: – Malaysia Aviation Group (Official Airline Partner) – RHB Bank (Exclusive Platinum Sponsor) – Selangor (Malaysia’s Featured Destination) – Saudi (International Destination) – AmLeisure (Media (Media Partner)
As a new addition to this year’s event, MATTA Fair will host the MATTA Tourism Career & Education Fair at Hall 9, Level 3, on 2 September 2023. This event will bring together industry professionals, educators, and aspiring students in tourism. It will serve as a platform to exchange knowledge, insights, and opportunities within the tourism sector, providing students with valuable information to effectively shape their educational paths and careers.
In partnership with MITEC, MATTA Fair is committed to ensuring visitor convenience. Ample parking facilities are available at the North and South Entrance Basement parking in MITEC, MITI Basement parking, and MATRADE Open car park. Visitors are encouraged to use the free shuttle services from KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall to alleviate traffic congestion.
There will be daily talk shows and various multicultural performances from STOs and NTOs at Level 1 & Level 3. Visitors can engage with representatives from various countries and regions, learn about their unique offerings, and gain valuable insights into your next travel adventure. These include a performance by The Sky Band from Menara KL, Ayda Jebat sharing a session about Taiwan, a mesmerising Sape’ Performance from Sarawak Tourism Board, and many other exciting performances.
“Renowned for its value-for-money travel packages, MATTA Fair September 2023 will live up to its reputation. All tour and travel exhibitors participating in the fair are licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, ensuring consumers can confidently purchase. Visitors will be spoiled for choice with an array of new destinations and tour products on display,” said Wong.
Visitors to the fair can take part in the MATTA Fair Buyers’ Contest. Visitors can join the Buyers’ Contest with every minimum purchase of RM 100 on any travel package. Look out for the buyers’ contest booths at the foyer of each level to submit online entries and stand a chance to win the grand prize of return business flight ticket from Kuala Lumpur to London courtesy of Malaysia Airlines, besides other ticket prizes to a wide variety of destinations and attractions.
“Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to explore the world of travel and tourism. MATTA Fair September 2023 promises to deliver unforgettable experiences, unbeatable deals, and a chance to discover Malaysia and the world in a whole new light,” Wong concluded.
To encourage the use of the shuttle service, there will be daily lucky draws for those who use our shuttle service, and lucky winners stand a chance to win MYR100 Travel Vouchers for redemption with our Domestic Exhibitor companies. The voucher is valid until 31 March 2024.
It is free admission to the fair open from 1000 to 2100 for three days, Friday to Sunday. For more information, visit the MATTA Fair’s website and social media platforms on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or subscribe to MATTA’s new Telegram channels @MATTA_Fair. Visit the MATTA Fair website: https://www.mattafair.org.my/index.php/en/
KUALA LUMPUR, 30 August 2023: AirAsia X reported its financial results for the Second Quarter of 2023 ended 30 June 2023, earlier this week saying it posted a net profit of MYR5.5 million for the quarter.
It represents a return to net profit and turnaround when compared with the net loss of MYR652.5 million during the same quarter last year.
In 2Q23, the company registered revenue of MYR512.9 million, over four times higher year-on-year, driven by a recovery of scheduled flight operations as more aircraft were redeployed as of 30 June 2023.
The airline had 11 aircraft activated, compared to five aircraft during the same period last year. Overall, this quarter’s turnover marks a recovery rate of over 50% compared to the performance in 2019.
Compared to the same period last year, the earnings increase was primarily attributable to the surge in seat capacity, which grew by over 26 times YoY to 818,422 seats flown as more aircraft were operational, and the airline’s network was optimised. During the quarter under review, the company carried 621,984 passengers, delivering a surge of 70 times YoY, consequently posting a healthy passenger load factor (“PLF”) of 76%, which is 47 percentage points higher than the 29% PLF reported for the corresponding quarter ended 30 June 2022.
As seat capacity grew along with the recovery of the company’s network, Available Seat Kilometres (“ASK”) was recorded 25 times higher YoY, standing at 3,509 million, with a recovery rate of 42% against the corresponding period in 2019.
In 2Q23, AirAsia X continued to advance its network recovery strategy, launching flights to Bangkok, Beijing and the Gold Coast, on top of establishing increased frequencies of up to seven times weekly to Sydney, between Sydney and Auckland, to Melbourne as well as to Osaka to meet the significant demand for these sectors. Compared to the same period last year, the number of sectors flown has increased by over 27 times from 81 sectors to 2,234 sectors as of 30 June 2023.
As passenger traffic on China routes continues its gradual recovery, the company is ramping up operations on routes to China.
In terms of costs, the company’s cost per available seat kilometres (“CASK”) has normalised compared to the preceding year, standing at 11.75 ‘sen’ in 2Q23. Compared to the preceding quarter, CASK has increased, driven by higher maintenance costs due to increased utilisation-driven maintenance cost components. Revenue per Available Seat Kilometres (“RASK”) recorded 14.61 ‘sen’ as the average base fare rationalised to MYR533 this quarter on the back of an increase in ASK capacity, in addition to second quarters in calendar years typically delivering softer earnings due to seasonality, requiring a targeted sales and dedicated pricing strategy.
AirAsia X Thailand reported overall revenue of MYR351.9 million, five times higher than the same period last year and demonstrated a strong recovery of over 90% from 2019. In 2Q23, TAAX had posted a net operating profit of MYR33.5 million as the airline recovered. However, driven by unrealised foreign exchange losses, TAAX reported a net loss of MYR73.6 million. That being said, its operational metrics were robust; in 2Q23, TAAX carried 311,337 passengers, up by 28 times YoY, while ASK capacity grew by 44 times YoY to 1,805 million on the back of a ramp-up of TAAX’s scheduled flight operations. During the quarter under review, TAAX launched flights to Shanghai and increased Tokyo flights to 14 times weekly.
AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail said, “We continue to focus on our consolidated growth strategy to build yield and enhance the recovery of our network capacity gradually in line with demand in our core markets as our first priority. Our revised business plan continues to highlight improvements across all key metrics. In the last 12 months, we have been prudent by reinstating services from initially two destinations and three times weekly flights. Comparatively, we now have 18 destinations with 96 weekly flights, and this exponential growth is expected to grow further as more aircraft are brought to service and connectivity with FlyThru will be further amplified.”
PHUKET, 30 August 2023: The farm-to-fork campaigners will take centre stage at PHIST 2023 as leading chefs demonstrate how to raise the bar to deliver sustainability and social responsibility in Thailand.
PHIST 2023 (Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism), a leading sustainability event in Southeast Asia, returns to Phuket on 4 September at the SAii Laguna Phuket.
Caption (From left): Xavier Charest-Rehel, Executive Chef at Banyan Tree Phuket; Tipaporn Phianthong, Head Chef of Banyan Tree Phuket’s Saffron Restaurant; and Rick Dingen, Executive Chef at Jampa Restaurant.
The event will deliver a full-day agenda packed with debates and exhibitions, headlined by some of the industry’s biggest names, such as Banyan Tree founder KP Ho and design icon Bill Bensley.
The latest update from the organisers confirms delegates will also be treated to a showcase of world-class farm-to-fork gastronomy by three of the region’s most highly acclaimed celebrity chefs: Rick Dingen, executive chef at Jampa Restaurant, who has earned a Michelin Green accolade for his commitment to zero-waste cuisine; Xavier Charest-Rehel, Executive Chef at Banyan Tree Phuket, who manages the Veya Pharm organic garden which focuses on clean farming methods; and Tipaporn Phianthong, Head Chef of Banyan Tree Phuket’s Saffron Restaurant.
At PHIST 2023, these celebrated chefs will stage cooking demonstrations. Guests will learn why sustainable, farm-to-fork and zero-waste dining while sampling the chefs’ culinary creations.
PHIST 2023 co-organiser and managing director of C9 Hotelworks Bill Barnett said: “We are excited to feature these three farm-to-fork chefs at PHIST. Travel to resort islands in Asia has moved beyond the beach; for many guests, trying amazing artisan food gives them a true sense of place. Adopting sustainable practices isn’t just great for the planet; it can help restaurants create authentic dining experiences, support local suppliers, and attract travelling foodies.”
Organic cuisine is at the heart of Banyan Tree Group’s culinary ethos. Xavier Charest-Rehel, Executive Chef at Banyan Tree Phuket, has established the Veya Pharm, which focuses on highly nutritious ingredients such as mushrooms, passionfruit, tomatoes, mulberries, chillies and a wide variety of herbs and spices, all of which are used in the resort’s restaurants and staff canteen.
Chef Xavier commented: “At Banyan Tree Group, we have been committed to using seasonal, regional produce in our kitchens for years, and we are dedicated to finding sustainable alternatives that positively impact the environment and local communities. I am looking forward to showcasing our farm-to-table strategy at PHIST 2023.”
Phuket Hotels Association, the co-organiser of PHIST 2023, actively promotes farm-to-fork dining and zero waste. Under its “Green Planet School” project, the association also helps Phuket’s schools manage small organic gardens, allowing children to learn about growing their own food and protecting the environment. This initiative has already been rolled out to four schools, each assigned to one of the association’s member hotels.
SINGAPORE, 30 August 2023: Pandaw, a leading river cruise specialist in Asia, is promoting its Indian signature cruise on the Lower Ganges or Hooghly River as it is known.
Considered a sacred river, it flows through India’s West Bengal, branching off from the mother river, The Ganga.
In its latest promotion, Pandaw underscores the message that cruising the Hooghly is the best way to experience the diverse cultures and scenery of West Bengal.
“You discover places difficult to reach by road from the comfort of your own home from home on the river,” Pandaw explains in its latest newsletter.
“The Lower Ganges or Hooghly is one of the prettiest river journeys imaginable. The river winds through the lush countryside of West Bengal, visiting culturally significant towns crammed with temples and palaces. A vibrant rural life abounds, and there is never a dull moment as the cruise explores the heritage-rich waterways.”
Pandaw’s seven-night Lower Ganges expedition takes travellers to the heart of West Bengal for in-depth river exploration, an entirely different experience from typical tour bus road trips. There are also several special offers on the table, such as no single supplement for solo travellers and a “10% discovery discount available on select dates.”
Combine cruises – Lower Ganges and Brahmaputra
To turn the trip into a broader exploration of India, Pandaw offers an option to extend the Lower Ganges expedition with a sailing along the Brahmaputra River.
“Adding the Brahmaputra river cruise in Northern India provides travellers with a distinctive and authentic expedition on a river that originates high in the Himalayas before flowing through the scenic Assam Valley, home to UNESCO-protected national parks and remote rural communities.”
Or, it is also possible to continue the trip by joining Pandaw’s Highlights of India Tour, that highlights Delhi and the famous Taj Mahal.
DUBAI, 30 August 2023: Emirates is serving world-class tennis action to sports fans as it returns as the Official Airline of the US Open Tennis Championships.
With the tournament underway since 28 August and due to end on 10 September, Emirates brings another exciting tennis season to its global audiences as a partner of the world’s biggest tennis event for the 12th consecutive year.
This year, Emirates fans and lovers of the game can look forward to various activations lined up to thrill tennis enthusiasts of all ages, whether courtside, off the court or in the air. At the tournament, the airline returns with its dynamic presence, showcasing its superior hospitality to tennis enthusiasts and providing a full line-up of engaging activities that promise to keep fans entertained. Major highlights of this year’s program include tennis clinics with the sport’s legendary players.
Emirates’ ongoing partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the high-profile annual sporting event goes back to 2012. The airline’s portfolio of tennis sponsorships also includes three of the four Grand Slam® tournaments in addition to 60 other tournaments throughout the year in partnership with the ATP, including the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, Miami Open and BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells in the US.
As the Official Airline partner of the US Open, Emirates ensures that tennis fans remain close to the game, anytime and anywhere. At the tennis event, Emirates will deliver a full array of activities to engage with tennis fans heading to the Arthur Ashe Stadium to experience the live action, while passengers onboard its flights, for the duration of the tournament, can tune in to Live TV to never miss a match.
Bespoke Emirates content, promos and exclusive interviews live from the event will be aired exclusively on ABC News to keep fans updated and part of the action of the US Open. In addition, in partnership with broadcaster PIX11 and the show “NY Living”, Emirates will be hosting a giveaway with 16 US Open tickets up for grabs, providing lucky tennis fans the opportunity to enjoy the courtside experience. Fans can take part in the competition from 30 August to 5 September via its website or its social pages and can enjoy a “virtual” visit to the elegant Emirates suite via a QR code.
To help ensure that jet-setting tennis fans do not miss any of the US Open action, Emirates will be screening the tournament’s matches live in the air on its dedicated in-flight sports channels, Sport24 and Sport24 Extra, available to customers across all cabins on the airline’s award-winning in-flight entertainment system, ice. Live TV is available on all Emirates’ Boeing 777 fleet aircraft and most of its flagship A380 aircraft.
For passengers travelling in premium cabins on select A380 aircraft, Emirates will be screening the matches live on the 55-inch screen at the iconic onboard lounge. At the popular lounge in the sky, travellers can enjoy live sports at 40,000 feet while socialising and enjoying delicious snacks and a unique selection of spirits or cocktails.
Fans can also stay connected to tournament news and highlights onboard with Wi-Fi packages available. Emirates Skywards members enjoy complimentary Wi‑Fi throughout the flight.
Emirates currently offers services to 12 US gateways, including Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Washington DC’s Dulles International Airport (IAD), Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Miami International Airport (MIA) and Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Emirates recently introduced its newly-retrofitted A380s featuring its latest Premium Economy cabins and provides its latest service to four US points, including New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston.
BANGKOK, 30 August 2023: Regal Hotels embarked on a regional sales mission that rolled out in Bangkok on 25 August to promote the launch of its new Regala branded property in Hong Kong.
The mission to promote the opening of Regala Skycity Hotel was led by Regal Hotels International senior group director of sales, Willy Luk, marking the first major promotion of the Regala Hotels brand outside of Hong Kong.
Regala Skycity Hotel is the first property to be badged under the group’s new brand ‘Regala Hotels’.
The Bangkok promotion saw Regal Hotels International collaborating with the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Thailand office. It introduced the territory’s newly launched ‘Hello Hong Kong’ travel campaign at a media presentation and session with travel agency members of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA).
Regala Skycity Hotel is situated in SKYCITY by Hong Kong International Airport and is directly connected to AsiaWorld-Expo & 11 SKIES.
The property is one of the largest in Hong Kong with1,208 rooms, including 90 suites. It has three restaurants and bars, a grand ballroom, and banquet rooms.
Regal Hotels International operates 12 hotels in Hong Kong, comprising five hotels under the Regal brand, six iclub properties and now Regala – the latest edition in Hong Kong. In addition, it has five Regal-branded properties in China.
Regal rep office in Thailand
During the Bangkok media event, Regal Hotels International’s vice president of sales, Dora Liu, officially announced the appointment of Much More Marketing Co Ltd as the hotel group’s sales and marketing agency for the travel business and its principal sales representative (RSO) in Thailand. The RSO agreement was effective on 1 August 2023.
Hong Kong update
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s representation office in Thailand, led by the manager of trade marketing, Pote Sakuntalak, updated travel agents and media on the latest travel activities in Hong Kong.
The presentation focused on the ‘Hello Hong Kong’ promotional campaign introduced to kick-start tourism recovery following the Covid pandemic. It continues to drive tourism growth, and initially, the campaign flagged a massive financial subsidy for airlines to offer free fares on travel to Hong Kong. An update on attractions followed on the West Kowloon Cultural District tourism activities, Hong Kong Disneyland – Castle of Magical Dreams, Water World Ocean Park, Peak Tram and Central Market.
Spotlight on West Kowloon
Stretching across 40 hectares of reclaimed land, the development of the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) is presented as one of the largest cultural projects worldwide, “blending art, education, green open space and a two-km long waterfront promenade.”
It’s already a popular venue for shoppers visiting from Southeast Asia but flagged Hong Kong’s new landmark, West Kowloon Cultural District also features traditional and modern attractions such as M+, Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) and Art Park, located by the scenic Victoria harbour. Xiqu Centre – a prestigious world-class theatre with its distinctive architectural design, promotes the rich heritage of ‘Xiqu’ or Chinese Opera as part of the mega cultural project.
KUALA LUMPUR, 30 August 2023: Expansion in international passenger markets in the Asia Pacific and China’s easing of travel restrictions spurred positive travel demand in July, closing in on pre-Covid levels.
According to traffic data for July released by AAPA this week, 27.2 million international passengers travelled on Asia Pacific airlines, a robust 146.6% increase compared to last year. Travel demand recovered in July, averaging 81.4% when compared to pre-Covid July 2019.
Measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), demand rose by 107.6% year-on-year, reflecting the relative strength of regional routes. After accounting for a 98.8% year-on-year expansion in available seat capacity, the average international passenger load factor rose by 3.6 percentage points to 83.7%, in line with levels seen in 2019.
On the other hand, international air cargo markets remained under pressure amid prevailing weakness in global trade activity. Demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), fell by 0.6% year-on-year in July, marking the seventeenth consecutive month of decline. The ongoing restoration of flights led to an increase in belly-hold cargo space, contributing to an 8.4% expansion in offered freight capacity. As a result, the average international freight load factor declined by 5.5 percentage points to 60.9% for the month.
Commenting on the results, AAPA director general Subhas Menon said: “The start of the second half of the year showed a continuation of the strong recovery trend for Asian airlines, with sustained growth in major Asian economies fuelling the appetite for international travel. Overall, during the first seven months of the year, the region’s airlines carried an aggregate total of 147 million international passengers, a strong 259% increase compared to the previous corresponding period.”
“The cargo market, on the other hand, slid further, reflecting the distinct shift in exports from goods to services. Amidst a weakness in demand for both consumer and intermediate goods, Asian airlines experienced an 8.4% drop in international air cargo demand during the first seven months of the year.”
Looking ahead, Menon commented: “In the passenger business segment, demand is expected to remain strong, underpinning further growth in passenger traffic. Nevertheless, uncertainties in the wider macroeconomic environment, in addition to increased living costs, may eventually lead to cutbacks in spending on travel. The outlook for Asian airlines remains positive, as carriers continue to grow networks to meet travel demand and return gradually to profitability whilst maintaining their dedication to safety and sustainability.”
