SINGAPORE, 14 February 2025: Ethiopian Airlines will launch a new thrice-weekly passenger service to Hyderabad, India, starting from 16 June 2025.
The new route expands its global network and enhances connectivity between Africa and Asia.
The new flight will commence with three mid-day departures from the airline’s home base, Addis Ababa, to Hyderabad and morning arrivals on the return leg using a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Flights depart Addis Ababa on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Flight schedule
ET682 will depart Addis Ababa (ADD) at 1610 and arrive in Hyderabad (HYD) at 0040 plus a day. ET683 will depart Hyderabad (HYD) at 0155 and arrive in Addis Ababa (ADD) at 0555. (Tue, Thu and Sat).
Ethiopian Airlines offers over 50 weekly dedicated passenger and cargo flights to five Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Chennai. With the opening of this new passenger route to Hyderabad, Ethiopian will solidify its presence in India and enhance flight alternatives for passengers travelling between and outside the region.
Meanwhile, the airline has confirmed it will increase flights on the Addis Ababa – Singapore – Kuala Lumpur route from four to five services weekly, effective 4 July, using a Boeing 787-8.
JEDDAH, 14 February 2025: Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, will expand its global flight network, adding 11 new destinations during 2025, the airline reported earlier this week.
This strategic growth, fueled by a 16% increase in passenger traffic during 2024, reflects the airline’s commitment to connecting the world and meeting increasing global travel demand. Bali, Indonesia, is the single new destination in Asia, part of a broader expansion that will add destinations in Europe and the Middle East.
Photo credit: Saudia. The airline updated its Facebook cover photo. And it’s thumbs up to 11 new destinations this year.
The additions to Saudia’s network are Vienna (Austria), Venice (Italy), Larnaca (Cyprus), Athens and Heraklion (Greece), Nice (France), Malaga (Spain), Bali (Indonesia), Antalya (Turkey), El Alamein (Egypt), and Salalah (Oman). These destinations join Saudia’s network of over 100 destinations across four continents.
Saudia operates a fleet of 147 Boeing and Airbus aircraft and will deliver 118 new aircraft in the coming years, further enhancing its operational capacity.
With daily operations exceeding 530 flights, Saudia’s ongoing international development plan aims to increase its global market share and strengthen connectivity between the Kingdom and the world.
Saudia will add 11 new destinations in 2025
Antalya
Where history meets the Mediterranean, Antalya, the jewel of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, is a city with ancient ruins and stunning beaches.
El Alamein
El Alamein, located along Egypt’s northern coast, is a destination where pristine beaches meet echoes of the past.
Larnaca
The heart of Cyprus, where past and present unite, Larnaca is one of Cyprus’s most enchanting coastal cities, blends a rich history with a laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle.
Malaga
Malaga is a historic city in Spain located in the Costa del Sol region. It is famed for its cultural landmarks and prominent archaeological museums.
Nice
It is located on the French Riviera, the southeastern coast of France, on the Mediterranean Sea, at the foot of the French Alps.
Vienna
Vienna, Austria’s capital, is a timeless masterpiece where history and innovation intertwine.
Athens
Athens, the capital of Greece, is renowned for its historical and cultural landmarks.
Bali
Bali, Indonesia’s most beloved island, is a paradise of lush jungles, terraced rice fields, and pristine beaches.
Heraklion
Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is a gateway to ancient legends and breathtaking landscapes.
Salalah
Salalah, Oman’s lush southern gem, is a city where desert dunes give way to waterfalls, green valleys, and misty mountains.
Venice
Venice, the floating city of Italy, is a masterpiece of art, architecture, and history.
SINGAPORE 13 February 2025: Cruise operator Resorts World Cruises confirms its ship ‘Resorts World One’ will homeport in Singapore for a limited season, offering four roundtrip five-day / four-night cruises to two destinations — Krabi in Thailand and Penang in Malaysia.
The cruises will depart from the Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) on 7,11, 15 and 19 March 2025, coinciding with the Singapore school holidays.
Due to scheduling changes, the Resorts World One’s planned India deployment this year will be deferred to the 2026 season.
The roundtrip five-day / four-night cruises from Singapore visit two destinations in a single voyage — Krabi and Penang.
Krabi, known for its pristine beaches and dramatic limestone cliffs, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Guests can explore attractions such as the Tiger Cave Temple, Elephant Sanctuary and Railay Beach. Alternatively, they can hop on a quick ferry ride from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi Don or Koh Phi Phi Le in the Koh Phi Phi archipelago,
Penang, one of Malaysia’s top destinations famed for its evergreen charm, features a rich cultural tapestry with a mix of history, cuisine and natural beauty. From the charming UNESCO World Heritage sites to the delectable street food, Penang offers cultural landmarks, shopping and a thriving arts scene.
BANGKOK, 13 February 2025: Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, and Grand Land Inc., a subsidiary of the Gaisano Grand Group of Companies and a trusted name in Philippine real estate, have officially broken ground on ASAI Cebu Oslob, marking ASAI Hotels’ brand entry into the Philippines and the brand’s first beach resort.
Located in Barangay Lagunde, Oslob, a premier coastal destination known for its pristine beaches, whale shark encounters, and wealthy land and sea biodiversity, ASAI Cebu Oslob is planned to open in late 2026. The resort will bring ASAI Hotels’ thoughtfully curated, experience-driven hospitality to a stunning beachfront setting, catering to modern, millennial-minded travellers who seek meaningful local connections and adventure.
Thoughtfully designed with 98 compact yet functional rooms, most featuring private balconies with stunning ocean or pool views, the resort will also include a signature communal space integrating ASAI Hotels’ Eat/Work/Play concept—an open, flexible area designed for dining, socialising, and remote work. Guests will find a stylish beach bar serving craft cocktails and local beers, an inviting pool overlooking the beach, and a locally inspired dining experience showcasing Cebuano cuisine.
Beyond the famed whale shark encounters, guests can immerse themselves in the region’s lush landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant island-hopping experiences, including tours to Sumilon Island, Cebu’s first marine sanctuary. To enhance the guest experience—and fully embrace ASAI Hotels’ “Live Local” philosophy—the resort’s community ambassadors will also be on hand to curate personalised itineraries that uncover hidden gems, from secret snorkelling spots to cultural heritage sites.
“Building on the success of our city-based ASAI Hotels in Thailand and Japan, ASAI Cebu Oslob is all about creating an immersive, social, and seamless resort experience in one of the Philippines’ most beautiful coastal destinations,” said Siradej Donavanik, Vice President – Development Global and Head of Culture at ASAI Hotels, Dusit International. “With its breathtaking biodiversity, natural wonders, and deep cultural heritage, Oslob is the perfect setting for our first ASAI beach resort. This distinctive property will be a vibrant hub where like-minded travellers can connect, relax, and explore what Oslob offers — all while enjoying a contemporary, sustainability-focused, design-forward environment.”
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on 3 February 2025, was attended by key executives from Dusit International and Grand Land Inc., alongside local government officials, who highlighted the project’s positive impact on Oslob’s tourism industry and regional economy.
Grand Land Inc. President Ryan Bernard Go said: “Our collaboration with Dusit International reflects our vision to create world-class hospitality experiences beyond traditional hotel offerings. ASAI Cebu Oslob will offer international service standards while celebrating the heart of the community, providing guests with truly local and meaningful experiences. With sustainability at its core, this project will elevate Oslob’s appeal as a premier beach destination and support its long-term growth by fostering deep connections between travellers and the local way of life.”
The launch of ASAI Cebu Oslob marks another key milestone in Dusit’s ongoing expansion in the Philippines. The company already operates five properties in the country: Dusit Thani Manila, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort, Dusit Thani Residence Davao, dusitD2 Davao, and Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort. Additionally, this project strengthens Dusit’s partnership with Grand Land Inc., which is also developing a Dusit Princess-branded property in Cebu’s North Reclamation Area.
ASAI Hotels operates ASAI Bangkok Chinatown, ASAI Bangkok Sathorn, and ASAI Kyoto Shijo. To expand its presence further, the brand will debut in Malaysia with ASAI Gamuda Cove, slated to open in 2026. Dusit also recently signed an agreement to manage ASAI Hat Yai, which is set to open in Songkhla, Thailand, in 2028.
PATTAYA, 13 February 2025: The Royal Cliff Hotels Group in Pattaya, Thailand, has been awarded Expedia Group’s Traveler’s Choice – B2B Excellence award for its outstanding performance in optimising B2B distribution.
As an early adopter of Expedia Group’s B2B Distribution Network, Royal Cliff has successfully expanded its reach through enhanced distribution strategies and providing greater visibility in global markets while driving incremental revenue.
Vitanart Vathanakul, CEO of Royal Cliff Hotels Group (left), receives the Expedia B2B Excellence Award for the first time from Shujaat Alikhan, Director of ASEAN Market Management at Expedia (right).
Expedia Group’s B2B Distribution Network, previously available only to global chains, was expanded to eligible independent hotels in 2024. Connecting over 60,000 travel businesses and 140,000 independent agents across 230 countries helps hotels maximise exposure, attract diverse travellers from various geographic regions, and access new revenue opportunities.
This recognition highlights Royal Cliff’s commitment to innovation and excellence, reinforcing its reputation as a top accommodation choice in Pattaya.
About Royal Cliff Perched atop a 64-acre private estate with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand, the Royal Cliff Hotels Group boasts four luxury hotels. Guests have access to many facilities, including seven swimming pools, one of which is the longest infinity-edge pool in Thailand, a luxury sports club with Tennis and Squash Courts, an award-winning health spa, multi-cuisine restaurants, a kids’ club, and more.
SYDNEY, 13 February 2025: Abercrombie & Kent (A&K), a luxury adventure travel platform, announced Tuesday a first look at its 2026 Private Jet Journeys, featuring four around-the-world itineraries.
Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet (4 – 28 February 2026)
Portland, OR | Japan | The Philippines | Malaysia | India | Madagascar | Rwanda | Kenya | Boston. 25 days | USD262,740 per person, double occupancy.
Tropics to the Arctic: Around the World by Private Jet (1 to 26 May 2026)
Boston | Colombia | Easter Island | French Polynesia | Solomon Islands | South Korea |Mongolia | Kazakhstan | Armenia | Iceland | Boston. 26 days | USD262,740 per person, double occupancy.
Iconic Wonders: Around the World by Private Jet (28 –19 September 2026)
Fort Lauderdale, FL | Peru | Easter Island | Fiji | Australia | Cambodia| India |Kenya | Greece | Boston. 23 days | Price TBA.
Around the World with Geoffrey Kent: An Inspiring Expedition by Private Jet (2 – 25 October 2026)
Los Angeles | Cook Islands | Australia | Indonesia | India | Mozambique |Cote d’Ivoire | Portugal | Boston.
Join Geoffrey Kent, founder and pioneering spirit of Abercrombie & Kent, on an expedition that spans the globe, beginning in the idyllic Cook Islands. 24 days | Price TBA.
BANGKOK, 13 February 2025: IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) introduces its first property in Hat Yai, the largest city in Songkhla province, Thailand,
Developed by Park Avenue Property Company Limited, a residential real estate company based in Hat Yai, the property is scheduled to open in 2027.
Vivek Bhalla, Managing Director, South East Asia & Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts (centre right). Prawit Phongprapat, Managing Director, Park Avenue Property Company Limited (centre left).
The 160-key Holiday Inn Express Hat Yai will be the first internationally branded hotel in Hat Yai.
IHG Hotels & Resorts Managing Director, South East Asia & Korea Vivek Bhalla said: “In Thailand, more than half of IHG’s existing estate and close to half of our pipeline are Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn Express hotels.”
A 25-minute drive from Hat Yai International Airport and a 10-minute drive from the city centre, Holiday Inn Express Hat Yai offers facilities such as a 24/7 Express Café & Bar, a fitness centre, and meeting facilities.
Hat Yai, a major city in Southern Thailand, is popular with locals and international travellers from the neighbouring region. With a vibrant food scene and rich culture, it is particularly popular with travellers from Malaysia and is just a three-hour drive from Penang Island.
There are 25 open Holiday Inn Express properties in Southeast Asia and Korea following the brand’s latest regional openings — Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Central Pier and Holiday Inn Express Bali Sunset Road. Another 13 properties are in a growing regional pipeline, including Thailand and the Philippines.
SINGAPORE, 13 February 2025: Jazeera Airways reports a KD10.2 million net profit for 2024, representing a 66.2% increase compared to 2023.
The airline’s operating revenue rose 5.3% to KD208.6 million, while EBIT surged by 46.8% to KD 17.3 million.
Passenger traffic continued its upward trend, demonstrating the most active year on record — exceeding 4.9 million — an increase of 5.1% from 2023, supported by a strong summer travel demand.
The airline also achieved a load factor of 78.4%, reflecting high seat occupancy. In Q4 2024, group operating revenue climbed 15% to KD 45.1 million, with quarterly losses reduced by 41.1% to KD4.2 million, compared to KD7.14 million in Q4 2023.
Financial highlights
Jazeera Airways Chairman Marwan Boodai said: “Jazeera Airways’ strong performance in 2024 reflects our strategic agility, operational excellence, and commitment to our passengers. A significant growth in profit amid industry challenges underscores our resilience and ambition.
“As we drive forward with digital transformation in 2025, we remain focused on enhancing connectivity and customer experience…We are excited for the journey ahead, building on this momentum to deliver greater value and innovation in the coming years.”
2024 operational review
2024 was operationally a record year for Jazeera Airways. With 18,374 aircraft movements, Jazeera was the most active airline at the Kuwait International Airport for the third consecutive year.
Despite geopolitical challenges, regional airspace disruptions, and a global IT outage in peak summer, the airline improved its On-Time Performance (OTP) from 74% in 2023 to 86% in 2024, ensuring reliability for its passengers.
By adding two new routes, Krakow in Poland and Batumi in Georgia, and relaunching flights to Bhairahawa in Nepal, Jazeera expanded its network alongside resuming key seasonal destinations.
The airline strengthened its fleet, adding a new aircraft and acquiring six Airbus A320 CEOs, aiming to reduce costs and mitigate supply chain challenges.
Jazeera Airways is accelerating digital transformation. Fleet optimisation includes shifting to a 180-seat configuration by Q3 2025, with 26 new aircraft arriving from 2027 onwards. Jazeera Terminal 5 upgrades are also planned to support growing passenger demand.
Backed by a solid financial foundation, fleet expansion, and digital innovation, Jazeera Airways is well-positioned for continued growth in 2025, our 20th year of flying and beyond.
SINGAPORE, 13 February 2025: Among markets outside of the US, Shanghai, London and Dubai are projected to open the most hotel rooms in 2025, according to CoStar pipeline data.
CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics for property markets.
Europe
In construction: 171,294 rooms (0.0%) Final Planning: 86,438 rooms (-22.3%) Planning: 163,184 rooms (-8.6%)
Europe shows 106,729 projected room openings in 2025, including those already opened this year. Three major markets in the region are projected to open more than 3,000 rooms for the year: London (5,632), Istanbul (3,920) and Dublin (3,197).
Asia Pacific
In construction: 511,666 rooms (+4.9%) Final Planning: 47,241 rooms (-57.6%) Planning: 396,598 rooms (+36.4%)
The region has 228,468 projected room openings for this year, with Shanghai (7,953), Chengdu (4,821), Shenzhen (3,946), Kuala Lumpur (3,841), Suzhou (3,403), and Bangkok (3,199) among the market leaders.
Middle East & Africa
In construction: 104,572 rooms (-6.7%) Final Planning: 28,875 rooms (-21.8%) Planning: 94,056 rooms (+17.1%)
Mostly focused in the Middle East, the region is at 50,683 projected room openings for 2025, with notable counts in Dubai (5,344), Makkah (4,749), Qatar (3,936), Riyadh (3,485) and Jeddah (3,156).
Americas
In construction: 204,217 rooms (+1.8%) Final Planning: 301,645 rooms (+4.3%) Planning: 407,254 rooms (+10.1%)
The region is projected for 138,909 room openings in 2025. Excluding the US, which is led in projected openings by New York City and Nashville, leaders include the Dominican Republic (3,543) and Toronto (1,460).
For more information about the company and its products and services, visit costargroup.com.
SYDNEY, 13 February 2025: Delta is strengthening its presence in Australia and the South Pacific by launching a three-weekly nonstop service from Los Angeles (LAX) to Melbourne (MEL), beginning on 3 December 2025.
The new route will offer easy connectivity to Australia from the West Coast USA, flying the 275-seat Airbus A350-900 with a four-class configuration. Flights will depart Los Angeles on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Photo credit: Delta: Skyline of Melbourne, Australia.
“Delta’s new service to Melbourne reflects our commitment to connecting customers with the world’s most exciting destinations,” said Delta’s Senior Vice President of Network Planning Paul Baldoni. “As the largest carrier at LAX, we’re proud to provide a premium experience, whether customers are exploring Melbourne or connecting through our Los Angeles hub to destinations worldwide.”
This new route makes Melbourne Delta’s third nonstop destination in Australia, joining Sydney and Brisbane, and expands Delta’s reach in the South Pacific to five cities, including Auckland and Papeete.
Flight schedule
DL011 will depart Los Angeles (LAX) at 2125 and arrive in Melbourne (MEL) at 0815 plus two days. DL012 will depart Melbourne (MEL) at 1025 and arrive in Los Angeles (LAX) at 0610 (Wed, Fri, Sun).
Discover Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital, full of creativity, flavour, and adventure. Explore its dynamic arts and music scene, from world-renowned galleries to street art. Savour the city’s food culture, where award-winning restaurants meet hidden laneway cafes, or catch the excitement of iconic sporting events like the city’s Grand Slam tournament. For nature lovers, Melbourne is the gateway to Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes, including the dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches of the Great Ocean Road, the Yarra Valley vineyards, and the Phillip Island penguins.
