SINGAPORE, 21 June 2023: SalamAir, based in Muscat, Oman, has announced a firm commitment to lease three Airbus A330neo aircraft from Avolon, the international aircraft leasing company.
A letter of intent was signed at the Paris Air Show on 19 June 2023, and the first aircraft delivery is due in October 2023.
Introducing three new Airbus A330neo wide-body aircraft will bring significant advantages to SalamAir and support the airline’s fleet and network expansion plans.
The aircraft features a dual-class configuration with 365 economy seats and 12 premium flatbed seats and offers a substantial increase in flight range compared to SalamAir’s existing fleet.
SalamAir CEO Captain Mohamed Ahmed said: “The decision to introduce the Airbus A330neo complements the existing fleet of Airbus aircraft, which includes the A320neo, A321neo, and an A321 freighter. By adding the A330neo to the fleet, SalamAir aims to enhance its capacity, meet the growing demands of the market, and attract more inbound tourists, aligning with the objectives of Oman’s Vision 2040.”
The arrival of the A330neo will allow SalamAir to serve medium-range destinations, particularly in Asia and Europe, more efficiently.
About SalamAir
SalamAir commenced its commercial operations in 2017. In six years, SalamAir has achieved growth in its operations and expanded its region’s reach operating the youngest fleet in Asia for 2021 and 2022 by Ch-Aviation. It operates six A320neo, six A321neo, and one Airbus A321 freighter.
PARIS, 21 June 2023: IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, has placed a firm order for 500 A320 Family aircraft, setting the record for the biggest single purchase agreement in the history of commercial aviation.
The latest agreement takes IndiGo’s Airbus aircraft order to 1,330, establishing its position as the world’s biggest A320 Family customer.
The historic purchase agreement was signed by IndiGo promoter & managing director Rahul Bhatia and Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury at the Paris Air Show 2023.
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said: “It is difficult to overstate the significance of IndiGo’s new historic order for 500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft. An order book now of almost 1000 aircraft well into the next decade enables IndiGo to fulfil its mission to continue to boost economic growth, social cohesion and mobility in India. At IndiGo, we take pride in being India’s preferred airline for connectivity in and with India; by doing so, being one of the leading airlines in the world. This order strongly reaffirms IndiGo’s belief in the growth of India, in the A320 Family and our strategic partnership with Airbus.”
New Delhi-headquartered IndiGo is among the fastest-growing carriers in the world. Since its first A320neo aircraft was delivered in March 2016, its fleet of A320neo Family has grown into one of the world’s largest, with 264 aircraft in operation (162 A320neo, 79 A321neo, 21 A320ceo and 2 A321 freighters.
IndiGo placed its first order with Airbus in 2005 (100 A320 Family) and again in 2011 (180 A320 Family including the NEO), in 2014 (250neo Family), and in 2019 (300 A320neo Family), taking its previous total order book to 830 A320 Family aircraft.
SINGAPORE, 20 June 2023: Gem Rendezvous, proudly presented by The Gem Capital Pte Ltd and a part of Wellness Festival Singapore 2023, is showcasing minerals and gemstones at various locations around Little India.
Visitors can join the event up to the evening of 9 July. Highlights include a tapestry of over 30 gem-inspired experiences across Tekka Place, Ibis Styles Albert, Mercure Tyrwhitt, POLI@clive Street, POLI@Hindoo and The Gem Museum.
Supported by Singapore Tourism Board, Gem Rendezvous is an event featuring an array of gem-inspired encounters from workshops, tours, and activities set amidst the vibrant Little India Precinct. Visitors can go on a gem-inspired wellness journey, weaving together three distinct pillars: Emotional and Mental, Lifestyle, and Fitness.
The Gem Rendezvous also features the Gem Collectors’ Fair, an experience designed for collectors and gemstone enthusiasts. Set to take place on 23 and 24 June at Tekka Place, the fair offers a platform for exhibitors to showcase their finest gems, minerals, and jewellery. Buyers will have the opportunity to acquire unique pieces while enthusiasts can indulge in their passion for the beauty and allure of these natural treasures.
Another highlight, the Mobile Museum Exhibit by The Gem Museum, will be displayed at partner hotels, including Ibis Styles Albert, Mercure, and Citadines Rochor Singapore.
“We are delighted to showcase a wide variety of gemstones and minerals at Gem Rendezvous. This event promises to celebrate gems and wellness, inviting visitors to embark on a transformative journey of exploration, engagement, and holistic well-being,” expressed Gem Museum gemologist Tay Kun Ming. “We warmly invite everyone to join us to gain insights into the wonderful and fascinating world of gems.”
For more information, visit www.gemrendezvous.com.
This long-awaited milestone marks Centara’s first-ever foray into the vibrant Japanese market. It comes after months of meticulous planning – from exquisite architecture and sophisticated design to crafting impeccable menus and preparing to welcome guests worldwide with its signature warm hospitality, impeccable service, and Thai family values at the heart of every stay.
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka is a stunning 33-storey masterpiece in the heart of Namba, downtown’s vibrant shopping and entertainment district, just a few minutes walk to the nearest subway station. Poised to become a sought-after destination for business and leisure travellers alike, this breathtaking urban oasis delivers an eclectic selection of world-class bars and restaurants, including rooftop venues with spectacular skyline views, as well as a fully-equipped fitness centre, co-working spaces and the award-winning SPA Cenvaree.
An elegant selection of 515 rooms and suites caters to the needs of every guest, each featuring stunning floor-to-ceiling windows and modern comforts to ensure a restful stay. Centara Grand Osaka also boasts many customisable event spaces, including meeting rooms, a Grand Ballroom and the exceptional rooftop Sky Event space, making it the ideal venue for hosting social, corporate and MICE events downtown.
In anticipation of the grand opening and its ongoing commitment to providing guests with an unparalleled customer experience, Centara offers two sensational new travel packages, the pampering Spa + Stay Experience and the culinary-led Sky-High Gourmet Escape.
Spa + Stay Experience
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in a world of tranquillity and relaxation at Japan’s first-ever SPA Cenvaree with the Spa + Stay Experience. Let your worries melt away with a rejuvenating Thai couple’s massage, complemented by an unforgettable stay in the hotel’s sophisticated guest rooms and daily breakfast for two. The Spa + Stay Experience is available to book until 31 December 2023 for stays from 1 July to 31 December 2023.
Sky-High Gourmet Escape
Culinary enthusiasts will never forget the dazzling panoramic views of downtown Osaka as they experience an unparalleled journey of exquisite flavours and innovative creations meticulously crafted by world-class chefs as part of the Sky-High Gourmet Escape. In addition to a two-course rooftop dinner with 90-minute free-flow drinks, guests can spend the night in luxury in a tastefully appointed guest room and wake up to delight in the hotel’s delectable breakfast. Bookings are open until 31 December 2023 for stays from 1 July to 31 December 2023.
KOTA KINABALU, 20 June 2023: In a move towards community empowerment and sustainable tourism, Kiulu Farmstay, a community-based tourism project in Sabah, has transitioned from private tour company management to the capable hands of the local communities.
After eight years of being guided by Borneo Eco Tours, this shift aims to give local communities greater control over their products and foster cultural preservation.
A significant milestone was reached on Thursday by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Sabah Tourism Board office.
The MOU, signed by Borneo Eco Tours managing director Albert Teo and villagers Sikong Moringo and Tuwin Gumporoh, marked the transfer of ownership to the villagers who are the rightful landowners of Kiulu Farmstay.
Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and chief executive officer Noredah Othman were present to witness this transformative occasion.
Joniston, who also serves as Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, praised Borneo Eco Tours for its visionary project, highlighting how it has served as a trailblazing model for community-based tourism in Kiulu.
“With the local communities now in charge, Kiulu Farmstay is well-positioned to offer enhanced tourism experiences. By taking ownership of their tourism initiatives, the communities can continue showcasing their unique products authentically and sustainably,” he said.
Joniston expressed confidence that this transition will bring significant economic benefits as the communities directly benefit from tourism revenue, which can be reinvested in community projects and create new employment opportunities.
In 2015, Borneo Eco Tours established the Kiulu Farmstay as a community-based ecotourism project aimed at unlocking and fostering the tourism potential of the Kiulu area. Joniston played a pivotal role in launching this remarkable venture.
The initial phase of the endeavour involved three villages: Kampung Mantob, Kampung Dumpiring, and Kampung Pinagon Baru. These villages’ communities became integral members of the Mukim Ulu Kiulu Ecotourism Solutions and Technologies (MUKEST) Society, a community-based organisation established by BEST Society, the NGO arm of Borneo Eco Tours.
For eight years, Teo said efforts were undertaken to support the communities in becoming product owners by equipping them with management, infrastructure development, and marketing skills.
“We want to make sure the communities can manage their products successfully, and we want them to have the freedom to obtain business from other (tour companies) rather than solely relying on Borneo Eco Tours so that others can support and collaborate with them.
“As the initiator, Borneo Eco Tours is happy to hand over Kiulu Farmstay assets worth more than RM270,000 to the community. We will continue to assist Kiulu Farmstay in promoting and marketing tourism products,” he stated.
Borneo Eco Tours has actively created new tourism products in Kiulu, such as the Kiulu Farmstay, Bamboo Hut Village, Borneo Quad Biking, Kiulu Homestays, guided tours, and Obstacle Course.
The company employed and trained local community leaders to do the daily operations, from homestay operations to basic bookkeeping and guiding.
Borneo Eco Tours also extended logistical support by providing transportation services for tourists to and from Kiulu while simultaneously assisting with marketing efforts through tour packaging and sales.
These comprehensive efforts aimed at capacity building, operational support, and resource provision have paved the way for the successful transition of Kiulu Farmstay into the hands of the local communities, ensuring their empowerment and long-term sustainability in the tourism industry.
KUALA LUMPUR, 20 June 2023: Traveloka, a leading travel platform in Southeast Asia, has launched a ‘Now, Not Never’ campaign to boost family bookings in Malaysia.
Open until 9 July, Traveloka travel users can score discounts of up to MYR445 – with an additional 37,000 points – for airline tickets, accommodation, and Xperience bookings on Traveloka, Bernama’s news service reported on Monday.
Points campaign in Indonesia.
Points are earned on flights, accommodation, travel experience bookings, and ground transport.
Meanwhile, Traveloka’s Super Pesta Points competition runs until 10 August 10, 2023. The campaign is open to all Traveloka consumers in Indonesia. It offers a Wuling Alvez EX electric car as the grand prize and a total prize pool of over IDR 500 million.
To benefit travel, consumers must register to immediately start participating in the competition to accumulate Priority Points or Extra Points during the Super Pesta Points period.
KUCHING, 20 June 2023: Sarawak’s capital city welcomed guests on AirAsia’s maiden flight from Jakarta, Indonesia, that arrived at Kuching International Airport last Thursday.
Minister for Transport Sarawak, YB Dato’ Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew and Ministry of Tourism Indonesia regional marketing director, Raden Wisnu Sindhutrisno, welcomed guests on the inaugural flight QZ530 from Jakarta.
Caption (L-R) YB Senator Tuan Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Suffian, Director Of International Relations, Malaysia – Indonesia Business Council, Bapak Captain Wuri Septiawan, Director Of Flight Operations, Indonesia Airasia, YBhg Datuk Wee Hong Seng, Mayor, Council (L-R) YB Senator Tuan Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Suffian, Director Of International Relations, Malaysia – Indonesia Business Council, Bapak Captain Wuri Septiawan, Director Of Flight Operations, Indonesia Airasia, YBhg Datuk Wee Hong Seng, Mayor, Council of the City of Kuching South (MBKS) YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister For Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak, YB Dato’ Sri Lee Kim Shin Minister For Transport Sarawak, Bapak Raden Sigit Witjaksono, Consul General, Consulate General Of The Republic Of Indonesia (Kuching), & Dato’ Thomas Tieng Mee Tung.
This new route, operated by Indonesia AirAsia, marks AirAsia’s fourth international route connecting Sarawak to ASEAN, following AirAsia Malaysia’s routes from Kuching, Miri and Sibu to Singapore launched last year. The ceremony was jointly organised by AirAsia, the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, Tourism Board and supported by Malaysia Airports.
Minister of Transport Sarawak YB Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said: “I would like to commend the excellent groundwork done by AirAsia in collaboration with the Sarawak Tourism Board, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Indonesia and Jakarta Tourism Authority to prepare this route and to ensure that it is not only sought after by Sarawakians but also encourages Indonesians to visit Kuching and Sarawak.
“It is pertinent that all industry stakeholders take it as our joint responsibility to promote Sarawak in strategic markets like Indonesia and ensure the route is sustainable. Connection to Jakarta is a precursor to wider connectivity from Sarawak to other parts of Indonesia, especially with establishing the country’s new administrative capital Nusantara, in East Kalimantan.”
STB chief executive officer Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor added: “We are thrilled to welcome AirAsia Indonesia’s direct flight from Jakarta to Kuching, one week ahead of Sarawak’s iconic Rainforest World Music Festival 2023. This direct flight service not only makes travelling more accessible for both Sarawakians and Indonesians, but it also marks a significant step in strengthening the connectivity between these two destinations.”
AirAsia now operates 23 weekly international flights to Sarawak from Singapore and Jakarta and will increase frequencies in tandem with demand.
Flight schedule from Jakarta (CGK) to Kuching (KCH):
SINGAPORE, 20 June 2023: With an uncertain economy providing some cross-market turbulence, mainland China’s reopening is expected to bolster growth globally with a concentrated impact in Asia Pacific, according to Mastercard Economics Institute estimates.
Released last week, the Mastercard Economics Institute’s Travel Industry Trends 2023 delivers key insights about the global state of travel, punctuated by shifting economic landscapes, persistent consumer demands, and a reopening of mainland China.
In the face of a changing economic landscape, post-pandemic preferences for experiences over things and a consistent demand for leisure travel shape the 2023 outlook.
With an uncertain economy providing some cross-market turbulence, mainland China’s reopening is expected to bolster growth globally with a concentrated impact in Asia Pacific, according to Mastercard Economics Institute estimates.
Key findings
Leisure and business travel are growing at the same pace. Driven by the long-awaited lifting of travel restrictions in Asia, global leisure travel remains robust, with flight bookings up roughly 31% in March 2023 compared to the same month in 2019.
In the second half of 2022 into early 2023, corporate flight bookings caught up to leisure flight bookings driven by regions with a strong return to office culture.
Global leisure and business travel are now growing at the same rate. Our insights show demand for in-person meetings, with the most significant growth in commercial travel and entertainment expenses being led by Asia Pacific and Europe, up 64% and 42%, respectively, between January-March 2023.
Mainland China’s reopening benefits global and Asia Pacific tourism. China’s reopening following tight Covid regulations comes at a time when it will likely have a positive impact on the experience economy as pent-up demand for travel is expected to drive strong tailwinds.
By March 2023, spending on experiences was notably 93% of where it was in 2019 despite minimal travel last year.6 Economies in the Asia Pacific region could be obvious beneficiaries of China’s opening, given their strong ties to international trade, tourism, and geographical proximity.
Based on Mastercard Economics Institute estimates, other countries expected to benefit include northern Europe – Germany and France – and Brazil, which could boost their exports to China as the economy recovers.
Travellers establish new corridors
As consumers enjoy higher incomes and return to some level of pre-pandemic comfort, they’re also starting to venture further from home to new locations. The US and Australia remain favourite destinations for travellers from the Asia Pacific region for spring and summer journeys.
Beginning in late 2022, visitors to Hong Kong SAR started to increase, with the destination edging into the top 10 list and soaring to #3 in February 2023. Luxury experiences like high-end accommodation and luxury travel in places like France and Italy will likely entice Chinese tourists from a zero-Covid environment to rejoin the experience economy.
Tourists continue to prioritise experiences
Potentially influenced by social media and entertainment, travellers land in lesser-known destinations searching for cultural experiences. As of March 2023, global spending on experiences was up 65%, while spending on things is up 12% compared to 2019.
Experience-oriented spending is surging in certain corridors where pandemic lockdowns have expired. Still, Chinese tourists who traditionally over-index on luxury retail compared to other tourists could boost goods spending across markets.
“In 2023, travel came roaring back in Asia as China reopened its borders and other markets eased the last of their pandemic-era travel restrictions,” said Mastercard Economics Institute chief economist for Asia David Mann.
“As people worldwide prioritise experiences over things, the strong travel demand is expected to last far beyond the initial ‘revenge travel’ bump. As we look ahead to the peak summer travel season, the big question is whether flight and accommodation supply can keep up with demand.”
You can view the full Travel Industry Trends 2023 report here. Other reports and insights from the Mastercard Economics Institute can be found here.
MEDAN, Indonesia, 20 June 2023: Batik Air (Code ID) and a member of the Lion Air Group announced this week the launch of direct daily flights from North Sumatra’s Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) to Chennai International Airport (MAA) in India.
The inaugural flight will take place on 11 August 2023 using a Boeing 737-800.
A press statement issued on Monday said the airline said the new international route was part of Batik Air’s efforts to provide better travel options between Medan, Indonesia and Chennai, India. The daily flight will appeal to both leisure and business travellers.
Chennai is a city rich in India’s cultural and historical heritage, and tourists from Indonesia can visit historical sites, including temples, museums and cultural attractions such as India’s classical dance and music.
Direct flight access with daily flights will boost trade as Chennai is one of India’s most prominent business hubs. Kualanamu is one of the largest airports in North Sumatra, with an extensive flight network of flights to other cities in Indonesia.
Batik Air’s launch of Kualanamu – Chennai direct flights also supports Indonesia’s government efforts to develop the tourism sector in Indonesia and increase the number of foreign tourists visiting the country, especially from India. Kualanamu is a convenient gateway to enter Indonesia to explore tourist destinations in North Sumatra and various other popular destinations in Indonesia.
HO CHI MINH CITY, 20 June 2023: Vietjet has celebrated its maiden flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Brisbane, making it the first-ever carrier to fly directly between Vietnam and Queensland.
The new service completes Vietjet’s network from Vietnam to the east coast of Australia, with eight weekly return flights now servicing Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Flights from Vietnam to Sydney and Melbourne will increase from September.
Vietjet Chief Operating Officer Michael Hickey noted: “Vietjet’s direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Brisbane will ease the travel between the two localities, countries and across the region. Our crew and leaders warmly welcome our passengers on a comfortable, joyful journey with Vietjet.”
Operating on A330s with two return flights per week every Monday and Friday, Vietjet’s new service departs Ho Chi Minh City at 1005 and lands in Brisbane at 2110. The return flight take off from Brisbane at 2310 and lands in Ho Chi Minh City the next day at 0450 (All in local times).
Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe welcomed the new service: “Vietjet’s inaugural Brisbane services coincide with Vietnam’s booming economy and surging demand among its citizens for world-class international holiday experiences. Queensland’s great holiday lifestyle, reunions with Queensland-based family and convenient direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City are set to make Brisbane a sought-after destination for Vietnamese travellers.”
To celebrate its launch, Vietjet cuts fares by 50% (*) for its SkyBoss and SkyBoss Business fares for bookings up to 30 June 2023. The travel period opens from 15 August to 20 December 2023.
To be eligible, passengers can use promo codes SKYBOSSALL50 (SkyBoss) or BUSINESS50 (SkyBoss Business) when purchasing tickets at www.vietjetair.com or the airline’s mobile app.
In addition to the 50% off deal on the route to Brisbane, Vietjet’s ongoing campaign, valid every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, offers fares starting from just USD0 (**), applied for all international routes, including services between Vietnam and Australia.
In addition, Thai passengers can travel from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Australia with connecting flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
