SINGAPORE, 25 August 2023: Smiling Albino has hired veteran travel specialist Tim Russell as its new head of marketing communications based out of the regional company’s Bangkok office.
His immediate assignment is to tell Smiling Albino’s stories digitally and in person and shape the company’s marketing tech into a smooth-running machine.
Photo credit: Smiling Albino. Tim Russell
Originally from the UK, he has been in the tourism industry since the pre-email days of the early 90s and first came to Southeast Asia in 2003 residing in Vietnam, where he founded ‘Come and Go Vietnam’ in 2009. After a decade in Ho Chi Minh City, he moved to Bangkok in 2012 as marketing director of Remote Lands from 2012 to 2015.
Most recently, until June 2023, he worked at Khiri Travel as its group marketing manager and before that for Go Real Asia as its COO.
“My first encounter with Smiling Albino was during the Mekong Tourism Forum in Siem Reap in 2010,” says Russell, who added it “became immediately clear that this wasn’t your typical travel business.”
Now, he is convinced it is more different than he initially thought. “I look forward to helping shape the company’s future and introducing a different side to Southeast Asia to our guests and agents.”
Smiling Albino founder Daniel Fraser added: “We are delighted to have Tim on board. He gets what Smiling Albino is all about and has the kind of passion for the region – and experiencing it differently – that will help us to tell our story in a compelling, exciting and head-turning way.”
BANGKOK, 25 August 2023: Thai Vietjet reports a 103.63% growth in revenue and 10.12% growth in passenger traffic during the first half of 2023.
In a press statement released Wednesday, the airline said its business and operation performances for the first half of 2023 reinforced its operational stability and helped to drive network expansion.
Thai Vietjet maintained positive on-time performance (OTP), one of the most crucial indicators for an airline’s successful flight operation. In Q2/2023, the airline’s OTP reached 82%, while the average OTP of Q4/2022 and Q1/2023 were 59% and 68% respectively. Its technical reliability rate stood at 99.68%.
The airline saw significant growth in passenger traffic, with 10.12% growth compared with H1/2022, recording 3.04 million passengers, of which 729,000 were international. By the end of June 2023, the airline had served 21.54 million passengers since its first commercial flight on 29 March 2015.
Thai Vietjet expanded its operational capacity in the first half of 2023, raising its fleet strength to 18 aircraft, a mix of A320 and A321 aircraft. It operated 547 domestic and 190 international flights weekly during the year’s first half. The average domestic load factor was 85% and 77% for international flights.
Since January 2023, Thai Vietjet and the parent Vietjet Group based in Vietnam operated over 4,200 flights between Thailand and Vietnam and transported over 683,000 passengers.
The two airlines operated flights from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Phu Quoc, and Hanoi. In addition, they served the Phuket – Hanoi and Chiang Mai – Ho Chi Minh City routes.
Thai Vietjet’s total revenue grew 103.63% YoY compared to H1/2022. The total revenue was sourced from air tickets (73.20%) and ancillary and in-flight services at 26.72%.
Thai Vietjet continued to expand its route network during the first half of 2023 following network expansion in 2022, resulting in new international services from Bangkok to Singapore, Fukuoka, Taipei, Phnom Penh, Phu Quoc and Danang. In addition, it started four weekly flights between Chiang Mai and Osaka.
Looking forward
The second half of 2023 will continue to see digital service and operational enhancement as the airline’s most important focus to draw more passengers. It will also focus on international expansion studying opportunities to launch new international routes across the Asia-Pacific region.
In terms of fleet expansion, Thai Vietjet will add two more aircraft to its fleet, giving it 20 A320 and A321 aircraft to support its expanding network.
By the end of 2023, Thai Vietjet targets 72% growth in revenue and 9% in passengers. It expects to close the year, having served 6.31 million passengers.
SINGAPORE, 25 August 2023: The Qantas Group has posted its first full-year statutory profit since FY19 and will share the benefits by rewarding employees, reinvesting for customers and returning capital to shareholders.
For FY23, the group achieved an Underlying Profit Before Tax of AUD2.47 billion and a Statutory After Tax Profit of AUD1.74 billion. This compares with AUD7 billion in accumulated statutory losses over three prior years.
Photo credit: Qantas. Soaring back to profitable horizons.
Underpinning the profit, the group’s completed AUD1 billion recovery programme (launched in the first year of those losses) delivered a 132% increase in flying compared with FY22 and strong travel demand, driving significantly higher revenue.
Operational performance improved considerably during the year after a challenging ramp-up. Qantas achieved the best on-time performance of the major domestic airlines for 11 months out of 12, and Jetstar returned to pre-Covid levels.
CEO reports robust travel demand
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said: “These results show a substantial turnaround in our finances and service over the past year.
“Flight delays and cancellations have largely returned to pre-Covid levels, and we’ve shifted from heavy losses to a strong profit and pipeline of investment worth billions of dollars.
“We safely flew almost 70 billion more seat kilometres and doubled the number of people we carried to 46 million compared to the year before. Travel demand is incredibly robust, and we’ve taken delivery of more aircraft and opened up new routes to help meet it.
“The data shows customer satisfaction has improved significantly, and we’re constantly working to deliver great travel experiences.
“It’s because we’re in a strong financial position that we’re able to invest in new aircraft, new destinations and new training facilities – all things that will make us better.
“Our people have done a superb job under very difficult circumstances. Today’s result means more than 21,000 non-executive staff will receive up to AUD6,000 worth of Qantas shares as a thank-you for our recovery, plus another AUD500 staff travel credit. This is in addition to an AUD5,000 cash payment to eligible employees as new enterprise agreements are finalised.”
International performance
The return to service of seven refurbished Airbus A380s during the year, plus delivery of two new Boeing 787s and eight new A321LRs, helped group international (Qantas and Jetstar) increase flying from 54% of pre-Covid levels to 81% over the period.
This activity and strong demand, particularly in premium cabins, helped drive an underlying EBIT of AUD1.1 billion. Passenger loads averaged above 85% for both Qantas and Jetstar.
Shareholder returns
As of 30 June 2023, the group had liquidity sources of around AUD10 billion, including AUD4.4 billion in cash and undrawn facilities and AUD5.6 billion in unencumbered assets.
Net debt fell to AUD2.89 billion – well below the AUD3.7 billion to AUD4.6 billion target range and the FY19 level of AUD4.7 billion. This exceptional balance sheet strength and cashflows from a structurally enhanced business are expected to underpin future aircraft deliveries and shareholder returns.
The board approved a return to shareholders of up to AUD500 million via an on-market share buy-back, which will commence in September 2023. This follows a return of AUD1 billion during FY23 via share buy-backs at an average price of AUD6.19.
Fleet expansion
The group announced a firm order for 24 widebody aircraft, consisting of 12 Boeing 787s and 12 Airbus A350s. With deliveries starting in FY27 and continuing into the next decade, these aircraft will replace the bulk of the current A330 fleet, with purchase right options stretching out until at least FY37 to provide flexibility for future growth and, ultimately, replacement of the A380 fleet.
This order secures delivery slots for sought-after widebody aircraft with pricing that represents an excellent opportunity for the group. It is in addition to the order for 12 specially modified A350s to operate Project Sunrise flights, arriving in FY26.
The group’s fleet plan has significant flexibility, allowing for adjustments depending on market conditions and its financial framework.
Fares
Fares peaked in the second quarter of FY23 after increasing due to strong demand and industry-wide supply chain constraints.
Additional capacity, moderating fuel costs and a stronger Australian dollar applied downward pressure in the second half, with fares falling by around 12%. In inflation-adjusted terms, domestic fares are now 4% higher than pre-Covid levels, and international fares are 10% higher.
Employee bonuses
Around AUD340 million has been set aside in bonuses for more than 21,000 people, including pilots, cabin crew, engineers and head office staff. This was originally flagged in September 2021 in response to the challenges and hardships employees faced in dealing with the Covid crisis and to incentivise the turnaround.
These bonuses include up to 1,000 Qantas shares (valued at around AUD6,000) that will now vest and an AUD5,000 ‘recovery boost’ that eligible employees receive as enterprise agreements are finalised – around AUD11,000 each. All non-executive employees have today been awarded another AUD500 staff travel credit in addition to AUD500 given earlier this calendar year, valued at AUD20 million.
DUBAI, UAE 24 August 2023: Emirates marks one of its busiest summers ever, carrying over 14 million passengers with average seat load factors exceeding 80% across its global network between June and August.
Looking at the coming months, Emirates’ booking trends show unabated demand for international travel across its network. Destination Dubai remained popular amongst travellers, even during the summer, with two million customers travelling to the airline’s hub to enjoy its year-round attractions and events. During this period, top inbound markets to Dubai (flying Emirates) included the UK, India, Germany, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, China, Egypt and Kuwait. Over 35% of visitors to Dubai travelling on Emirates were families, staying an average of over two weeks to experience the city’s incredible sites and attractions.
This winter season, the airline anticipates another spike in demand for travel to Dubai as the city runs a packed calendar of global conferences, world-class sporting events and more. The city has already welcomed more than 8.5 million international visitors in the first six months of 2023, registering more than a million more visitors during the same time last year.
Emirates’ chief commercial officer Adnan Kazim said: “Travel demand across our network has been strong and resilient despite rising cost-of-living pressures in many markets. It shows the value people place on travel – whether for work, play, study, or visiting loved ones; and how essential international air connectivity is to communities.”
He added: “As an early mover in restoring our flying schedules, Emirates worked closely with our industry partners to ensure our readiness to serve customer demand as well as attract visitors through building on the appeal of our home and hub, Dubai. We’re happy to see strong customer preference for our product in all cabin classes, especially in our premium cabins. Emirates will continue to ensure we are delivering the best value for money to our customers by investing in our products and services and in operating an efficient global network.”
From June to August, Emirates operated nearly 50,000 flights to and from 140 cities, carrying over 14 million passengers.
Due to links with 157 airline and rail partners, Emirates offers travellers access beyond its own global network to over 800 cities in 100 countries.
Emirates’ summer highlights
Launched daily flights to a new destination in its network – Montreal, Canada.
Layered on additional flights to serve summer demand to 12 cities: Athens, Brisbane, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Amsterdam, Budapest, Bologna, Medina, Jeddah, Entebbe, Venice and Shanghai.
Brought back daily A380 services to Birmingham, Nice, Taipei and Shanghai.
Introduced a new A380 service to Bali, becoming the first operation of its kind in Indonesia.
Introduced its latest four-class A380 aircraft offering Premium Economy seats to Singapore, Los Angeles and Houston.
Announced new interline and expanded codeshare arrangements with Kenya Airways, Air Canada and Philippine Airlines.
SYDNEY, 24 August 2023: Corporate Travel Management, a global business travel management group, has announced FY23 results indicating strong trading momentum after reporting AUD2.95 billion of annualised new client wins in the second half of FY23.
Revenue for the three months to June 2023 equated to more than 90% of the total for FY19 – the last financial year before Covid-19 CTM reported to the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) on Tuesday.
Its FY23 results showed revenue increasing 70% to AUD660.1 million (FY22: AUD388.7 million), exceeding the company’s earlier guidance of AUD648.0 million, and underlying EBITDA of AUD167.1 million, representing growth of 179% (FY22: AUD59.8 million).
Asia
AUD millions unless stated otherwise
Revenue from Asia rose 198% to AUD51.6 million, and underlying EBITDA increased to AUD13.9 million (FY22 AUD(3.0) million), reflecting an impressive turnaround since the China market re-opened early in the second half of the financial year.
CTM’s Asia market share has doubled compared to FY19 levels, and the business has delivered record profits since March 2023 on a 70% recovery in revenue. As a result, CTM forecasts the region will surpass its FY19 EBITDA record of AUD25 million in FY24 through market recovery and continued client wins.
CTM managing director Jamie Pherous said: “We are taking strong momentum into FY24 with EBITDA averaging AUD20 million per month and PBTa averaging AUD16.5 million per month since February 2023… We are successfully converting the revenue recovery into net profit”.
Trading update and outlook CTM entered FY24 with strong revenue and earnings growth momentum and continues to see encouraging signs for FY24. Whilst July and August is a seasonally quiet for corporate travel, activity is tracking significantly above July 2022, with transactions +42% and revenue +34%.
The Group’s annual Global Customer Survey, conducted in May 2023, indicates a growing appetite for corporate travel in the year ahead. The findings show that survey respondents expect to travel the same or more in the year ahead for client meetings (94%), internal meetings (91%), international travel (85%) and same-day business trips (84%) in the year ahead. This points to continued recovery in client travel.
CTM has forecast revenue of AUD770 million to AUD850 million, EBITDA of AUD240 million to AUD280 million and PBTa of AUD193 million to AUD233 million for FY24.
Definitions EBITDA – earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation. PBTa – profit before tax and client amortisation (non-cash amount). NPAT – net profit after tax. Underlying – Excludes one-off acquisition, integration costs, other non-recurring items, and client amortisation, a non-cash expense.
BANGKOK, 24 August 2023 Central Plaza Hotel Public Company Limited (CENTEL) received three prestigious accolades in the Travel & Hospitality category at the IAA Awards for Listed Companies 2022-2023 held by the Investment Analysts Association, further solidifying the group’s 40-year legacy and position as a leader in the industry.
This remarkable milestone included the following awards: ‘Outstanding CEO’ for Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts; ‘Outstanding CFO’ for Gun Srisompong, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President – Finance and Administration; and ‘Best Investor Relations’ for Central Plaza Hotel Public Company Limited (CENTEL)
“These illustrious achievements recognise CENTEL’s unwavering commitment to exceptional leadership, financial prowess, and transparent investor relations, as well as our group’s visionary approach to business,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts CEO Thirayuth Chirathivat. “We are also focused on expanding our footprint across Thailand, ASEAN, China, the Middle East and beyond to make Centara one of the world’s top 100 hotel operators by 2027.”
“We continue to stay at the forefront of hospitality with evolving experiences to meet the needs of our ever-growing traveller base, as well as following a detailed roadmap to achieving a sustainable future, which includes eliminating single-use plastic and earning Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification for all our properties by 2025; achieving a 20% reduction in energy, waste, water, and greenhouse gas emissions by 2029; and reaching net zero emissions by 2050 through innovative energy efficiency, increased renewable energy, and green supply chains.”
Despite recent political and economic issues that have arisen both domestically and abroad, Centara Hotels & Resorts remains optimistic for the future.
“It is truly an honour to be recognised at the IAA Awards this year as we celebrate Centara’s 40th anniversary”, said Centara Hotels & Resorts CFO and vice president – finance and administration Gun Srisompong.
“As we continue to see a rise in guests at our stunning properties around the world, we are beyond grateful to our stakeholders for their continued trust and support as we look ahead to a bright and successful future.”
SANDAKAN, Sabah, 24 August 2023: Nestled on Libaran Island, the Walai Penyu Conservation Park continues progressing in turtle protection and community empowerment.
Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai recently visited the island to witness firsthand the impactful synergy between the conservation park and the local community.
Joniston Bangkuai is listening to Alexander Yee as he briefs him on the involvement of Libaran islanders in conservation initiatives.
Presents were Walai Penyu Conservation Park founder and managing director Alexander Yee and Ministry and Sabah Tourism Board officers.
Joniston, who is also chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board, highlighted the crucial role of protecting endangered turtle species that frequent Libaran shores and preserving such delicate ecosystems for future generations. He also highlighted the immense potential of Libaran Island and its community as a distinctive tourism product.
“I am genuinely impressed by the community’s raw craftsmanship in producing handicrafts using ‘mengkuang’ (screw pine leaves) and recycled materials, as well as boat making. The island community stands as educators, imparting the significance of turtle preservation and marine conservation due to their profound connection with the land and sea,” he added.
Joniston’s visit reflects the Sabah Tourism Board’s ongoing commitment to promoting and supporting activities that benefit the environment and local communities. He emphasised that by investing in community-driven conservation efforts, Sabah can set an inspiring example for responsible tourism and ecological preservation.
Meanwhile, Walai Penyu Conservation Park founder and managing director Alexander Yee shared his visionary plans to integrate the local community into the conservation landscape.
He intends to gradually entrust the reins of the Walai Penyu Conservation programme to the community, empowering them to champion and sustain turtle conservation initiatives independently.
“We believe in empowering the community to become the stewards of their environment. It is a step towards ensuring the long-term success of both marine turtle conservation and the well-being of the local people,” he said.
Since its establishment in 2010, the Walai Penyu Conservation Park has played a pivotal role in safeguarding endangered turtle species’ nesting and hatching sites.
Moreover, their unwavering commitment has fostered a cleaner island environment and instilled a sense of responsibility among the islanders, prompting them to ensure surroundings are free from debris.
SINGAPORE, 24 August 2023: Saudi Arabian Airlines is investing in an environmentally friendly initiative “Green Points” programme to reduce emissions and electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
Saudia claims to be the first airline in the world to implement a points programme that rewards passengers for helping to protect the environment.
Green Points
Passengers can reduce food wastage and landfill contributions by pre-selecting their meals during online check-in – which will also reduce the weight of stock on board and save fuel.
The Green Points programme also encourages guests to travel with less luggage by offering a generous allotment of points. This approach makes a significant contribution towards fuel efficiency. But there is more, starting with electric vertical take-off and landing jets.
eVTOL Jets
Saudia has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Lilium, a German-based aerospace company, to buy 100 electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. With zero operating emissions, the Lilium Jets will enable sustainable and time-saving travel allowing the national flag carrier to play its part in the country’s sustainable air mobility development strategy. With this purchase, the airline intends to launch a state-of-the-art service with new electric point-to-point connections and seamless feeder connections to the Saudia hubs for business-class guests.
Skyteam’s Sustainable Flight Challenge
Through Skyteam’s Sustainable Flight Challenge 2023 (TSFC) Participation, Saudia commits to sharing its sustainable innovations and insights, which help reduce its environmental impact while alternative fuel sources are being researched. The airline won the ‘best customer engagement’ and ‘best employee engagement’ awards in last year’s edition. It was also a finalist in three other categories: ‘greatest CO2 reduction medium-haul, ‘lowest CO2 emissions ground-handling and ‘best sustainable innovation (in-flight)’.
A321neo aircraft
Saudia is expanding its fleet with the new A321neo aircraft, with 20 new aircraft joining the fleet by 2026. The main reason behind the purchase of the aircraft is its ability to run on much less fuel. The A320 family of aircraft have saved 20 million tons of Co2 since the A320neo came into service globally in 2016.
Saudia CEO, Captain Ibrahim Koshy commented: “We are continually striving to reduce our environmental impact by buying fuel-efficient aircraft such as Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Electrical Vertical Take-off and Landing jets with Lilium, as well as the order of CFM International LEAP-1A engines to power our new fleet of Airbus A321neo.”
KUALA LUMPUR, 24 August 2023: The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) inks a significant partnership with RHB Banking Group as the exclusive Platinum Sponsor for the highly anticipated MATTA Fair, which will 1 to 3 September 2023, at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
During the MATTA Fair, RHB Bank will offer attractive card promotions, travel-related deals and discounts and sign-up offers at Level 3 (Main booth) and Level 1 to those who apply for an RHB Multi-Currency Visa Debit Card/-i or RHB Visa Credit Card/-i during Malaysia’s largest travel fair.
from left to right: Marcus Ng Ching Yee, Head, GCB Strategy CoE, Sien Vee Loc, Head, Consumer Finance, Group Community Banking, Jeffrey Ng Eow Oo, Managing Director of Group Community Banking, RHB Banking Group.Sheikh Awadh Abdullah, Deputy President of MATTASuzaizi Mohd Morshid, Head, Group Sales, Islamic Treasury, Group Treasury & Global Markets.
“We are thrilled to welcome RHB Banking Group as our Exclusive Platinum Sponsor. This collaboration is a testament to the shared commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction and industry growth. Together, we aim to elevate the travel and tourism experience for industry players and travellers,” said MATTA president Nigel Wong.
“The MATTA Fair is a well-loved, highly-anticipated travel and tour exhibition that never fails to draw Malaysians from all ages and walks of life to explore its halls for holiday deals. RHB aims to support the recovery of the local hospitality and tourism industry to pre-Covid-19 levels by linking with travel partners and merchants participating in the MATTA Fair to help improve sales and maximise revenue. As part of our Exclusive Platinum partnership, we have lined up a host of exciting promotions for MATTA Fair’s visitors.
Our enticing offerings reflect our commitment to ensuring that every journey is complemented by unparalleled value and convenience,” said RHB Banking Group managing director of group community banking Jeffrey Ng Eow Oo.
“RHB Multi-Currency Visa Debit/-i cardholders and RHB Visa Credit/-i cardholders can enjoy great discounts of up to 60% on flight tickets and hotel stay when they purchase travel packages with our travel merchant partner at the MATTA Fair.”
The participation from RHB Bank as the exclusive Platinum Sponsor further aligns with MATTA’s position as a driving force in Malaysia’s tourism industry landscape. The support and expertise of RHB Bank will undoubtedly contribute to the success of upcoming initiatives and events, reinforcing MATTA’s role as a catalyst for positive change and progress within the industry.
It is free admission to the fair open from 1000 to 2100 Friday to Sunday, 1 to 3 September. MATTA provides a complimentary shuttle service to MITEC from KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall. Visitors are encouraged to make full use of this service.
ABOUT MATTA MATTA is the leading and largest national travel association in Malaysia, with close to 3000 members, comprising local tour and travel agents and overseas affiliations. With a full-time secretariat in Kuala Lumpur, its headquarters, MATTA has state chapters in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Johor, Penang, Perak, Kedah/Perlis, Sabah and Sarawak.
DELHI, India, 24 August 2023: Global travel marketplace Skyscanner launched a new Hindi language experience across its products and services Wednesday as part of the company’s commitment to India’s travel market.
Hindi is the third most widely spoken language globally, and the number of internet users accessing content in Hindi is also rising. With the Indian travel market projected to reach USD125 billion by FY27 and Indians increasingly preferring to book travel online, introducing a new localised experience will benefit travellers and partners alike in metro cities as well as second and third-tier cities across the country.
India’s domestic and international air travel continues to showcase a strong recovery, surpassing pre-covid levels. This reflects travel demand on Skyscanner, with the company observing the highest spike in search volume in 2023 since the pre-pandemic of 2019 for both domestic and international destinations.
Trending routes in August
Srinagar to Jammu Hyderabad to Bengaluru Mumbai to Dubai New Delhi to Seoul Srinagar to New Delhi
Commenting on the launch, Skyscanner vice president of strategic relations Hugh Aitken said: “The Indian travel market is one of the fastest growing in the world, and we see immense potential to help connect millions of travellers with some of the most ambitious travel providers in the industry.
“When accessing flight options on Skyscanner, travellers will automatically be redirected to the Hindi locale on the airline or OTA site. As well as native language support, we are investing across our entire product portfolio for consumers and our partners in distribution, advertising, and data areas.”
Skyscanner currently works with market-leading Indian partners such as MakeMyTrip, Indigo, Goibibo, SpiceJet, Yatra, EaseMyTrip, and Cleartrip and is constantly looking to expand its network.
