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Jetstar renews pilot training partnership

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 18 September 2023: Jetstar Asia prepares to welcome additional aircraft and has signed a new seven-year training partnership with Aviation Safety & Training (AST) for more than 200 new pilots and cabin crew.

The airline is ramping up services and should return to pre-Covid levels in its A320 operations in early 2024.

As a Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) approved training organisation, AST provides Airbus A320 simulator training to pilots and access to the cabin emergency evacuation trainer (CEET) at the state-of-the-art aviation training centre at Changi Business Park.

Jetstar Asia CEO Bara Pasupathi, said the agreement ensured the Singapore low-cost airline would have a strong training partner to support their growth plans as they look to increase their fleet, recruit more crew and expand their network.

“Since its inception in 2018, our training partnership with AST has been a strong collaboration, especially as we worked together to address the challenges over the last three years,”  Barathan said.

“This is why we’re so pleased to extend this strong partnership as we look forward to collaborating once again during a period of exciting growth.”

Jetstar Asia recently confirmed two A320 aircraft will join the fleet by the year’s end, with more than 200 new pilots and cabin crew being recruited to join the airline in the coming months.

AirAsia makes the move to SAI

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TTR WEEKLY
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SEPANG, 18 September 2023: AirAsia flights to Siem Reap Cambodia will relocate its operations to the Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI) effective 16 October 2023.

Once operational, AirAsia will use 16 check-in counters at the terminal at Row C01-C16, making the check-in process faster and smoother.

The first AirAsia flights to land at the new airport will be AirAsia Malaysia AK542 and AK540 from Kuala Lumpur, followed by Thai AirAsia flights FD610, FD614 and FD618.

The SAI airport is located in Tayek commune, Soutr Nikom district, around 55 km via a two-lane highway from the capital of Siem Reap province. The new airport will have convenient facilities to handle passenger and cargo traffic and provide an initial capacity of processing up to 7 million passengers annually, with planned expansions increasing that capacity to 20 million passengers annually by 2050.

Transportation options such as tour buses, car rentals, and taxis will be available at SAI Airport’s ground floor level for passenger transfers to Siem Reap town. The one-hour taxi transfer to the city from the new airport will cost around USD30.

All AirAsia guests departing from the new airport are advised to check-in online via the AirAsia Superapp, available 14 days and up to one hour before scheduled departure time and reprint their boarding pass at the counter. Guests with baggage to check-in are also advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled departure time to allow smooth check-in procedures.

Other airlines due to switch from REP to SAI on 16 October include Bangkok Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air and China Eastern.

SQ ramps up flights to Thailand

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 18 September 2023: Singapore Airlines will ramp up its flight services between Singapore and Thailand for the Northern Winter 2023/2024 season starting 29 October 2023.

Flight between Bangkok and Singapore will increase from five to six times daily, while flight services between Phuket and Singapore will increase from four to six times daily.

The sixth daily service between Bangkok and Singapore will use the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft. The additional flights between Phuket and Singapore will use a Boeing 737-8 aircraft.

To elevate the customer experience, SIA has also rolled out complimentary unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi for all Suites, First Class, and Business Class customers, its PPS Club members and PPS Club supplementary card holders.

KrisFlyer members can now enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi plans when travelling in Premium Economy Class and Economy Class by adding the KrisFlyer membership number to the booking before departure.

Additional Flight Frequencies for Northern Winter 2023/2024 

SQ launches global fare deals

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 14 September 2023: Singapore Airlines posts discounted fares to destinations worldwide with promotions open until 10 October and teaser fares that start as low as SGD168 return (Kuala Lumpur).

The fare deals to 50 destinations are open for bookings until 10 October, but you can book travel up to 31 July 2024.

Fares quoted to destinations in Southeast Asia may vary from those mentioned in the table. For example, the cheapest return to Bangkok was around SGD305, not SGD298, as stated in the promotion. Fares vary according to the departure times. Flights during peak travel hours are around SGD20 to 30 higher than presented. 

Sale period: From now until 10 October 2023.

Travel period: Between now and 31 July 2024.

*Selected periods only. Blackout periods apply.

Centara lines up perks and points

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 14 September 2023: The 1, Thailand’s No.1 Digital Lifestyle and Loyalty Platform under Central Group, is partnering with Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, to unlock the potential of “Central Group Synergy”.

This collaboration offers comprehensive benefits exclusively for The 1 members.

Accumulate points with every expenditure and redeem them for accommodation, dining, and spa experiences on The 1 APP from today onward to elevate members’ travel lifestyle to the next level. Anticipate further exclusive privileges at Centara’s international hotels, including the illustrious Centara Grand Osaka in Japan.

Rawee Puaphornphong, Head of Corporate Affairs and Relationship – The 1 commented: “The 1’s commitment is to enrich our members’ experiences with exclusive privileges under the concept “The 1 – Your Special Privileges for Your Special Moments”. Our partnership with Centara, a cornerstone of our Central Group Synergy strategy, enables us to enhance coverage across travel lifestyles.

Our members can easily access exclusive travel privileges by earning points for purchases, redeeming points for discounts, and promotions for benefits across a wide range of products and services within Centara Hotels & Resorts. We also extend these privileges to Centara properties overseas, such as Centara Grand Osaka in Japan.”

Tom Thrussell, Vice President of Brand, Marketing & Digital for Centara Hotels and Resorts noted: “At Centara, we are committed to delivering world-class experiences to The 1 members. We are excited to provide exclusive benefits and make it easier than ever for The 1 members to use their points for hotel stays and dining, spa and other experiences across our hotels and resorts in Thailand. Through this partnership, we hope to welcome even more The 1 members to our wonderful hotels, inspire extraordinary guest experiences and demonstrate why Centara continues to be The Place to Be. This is just the beginning, and members can expect many more privileges in the future.”

From today onward, The 1 members can claim exclusive privileges at Centara Hotels and Resorts as follows:
Earning points from spending: Every 25 THB spent earns 1 The 1 Point at hotels (This applies to purchases and bookings made directly with Centara and excludes those made via third parties such as online travel agents), restaurants and spas.

Redeeming points for discounts daily regardless of active promotions – 1,000 The 1 Points can be redeemed on The 1 APP for 100THB on the price of rooms, meals, spa sessions and other hotel services.

Exclusive Member-Only Special Deals! Enjoy free drinks, buy 1 get 1 free promotions, or other perks like late check-out at participating hotels and restaurants.

Exclusive privileges encompassing Centara Hotels and Resorts comprise 35 properties around the country, including in Bangkok, Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Center Centralworld, in Chiang Mai, Centara Riverside Hotel Chiang Mai, in Hua Hin, Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin, in Phuket, Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket and Centara Villas Phuket, and in Koh Samui, Centara Reserve Samui.

For more information on participating Centara hotels, restaurants and spas, visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com

Emirates to go all A380 to Sydney

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

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

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

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

Return to Adelaide

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

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

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

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

FCM recognised as the top TMC in Asia

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

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

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

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

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

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

About FCM.

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

THAI Increases flight operations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Penang showcases its events business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vietjet restores Boeing Max order

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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