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Emirates Skywards teams up with Accor ALL 

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 11 February 2025: Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, and ALL — Accor’s loyalty programme — have taken their partnership to new heights, offering members additional benefits and opportunities to maximise rewards through seamless conversions. 

Through this enhanced collaboration, Emirates Skywards members who are also members of ALL can now convert their Skywards Miles into ALL Reward Points, unlocking extraordinary experiences across Accor’s extensive network of over 5,600 hotels across more than 45 Accor brands and 5,000 Limitless Experiences. 

For every 4,000 Skywards Miles, members will receive 1,000 ALL Reward Points, which can be redeemed for stays, exceptional dining experiences, or exclusive Limitless Experiences available on ALL.com.

In an exciting development, the partnership introduces seamless two-way conversions between the two loyalty programmes. This feature empowers members to maximise rewards and enjoy unparalleled lifestyle and travel experiences with both brands. 

ALL Members can also convert their ALL Reward Points into Skywards Miles, with 4,000 ALL Reward Points equating to 2,000 Skywards Miles. Skywards Miles can be redeemed for an extensive range of rewards, including flight tickets on Emirates and partner airlines, flight upgrades, gift cards, hotel stays, and hospitality at sporting and cultural events and tours.

Emirates Skywards Divisional Senior Vice President Dr Nejib Ben Khedher said: “At Emirates Skywards, we’re constantly exploring new ways to help our members maximise the value of every Skywards Mile earned and redeemed. And our enhanced partnership with ALL – Accor’s loyalty programme will offer exactly that. Emirates Skywards members can now convert Skywards Miles to ALL Reward Points and access exceptional hotel stays at more than 45 Accor brands worldwide.

ALL loyalty members can also convert ALL Reward Points to Skywards Miles and enjoy fantastic benefits Emirates Skywards is renowned for – including flight rewards to more than 140 destinations across Emirates’ extensive network. We’re delighted to expand our partnership and work together to offer our members the most rewarding travel experiences in the air and on the ground.” 

From iconic destinations like Dubai, Paris, and the Maldives to hotspots like Riyadh and Bali, members can seamlessly combine exceptional hotel stays with world-class air travel, ensuring unforgettable journeys at every step. 

For flight information and to make bookings, visit www.emirates.com. 

Firefly’s 737s fly direct to Kuching

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, Malaysia, 11 February 2025: BESarawak reports that the low-cost airline FireFly will start direct flights between Subang Airport in Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, the state capital of Sarawak, effective 24 March 2025.

The airline, part of the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), will also launch direct flights between Subang and Changi Airport Singapore on the same day. Direct flights from Subang to Kuching will encourage business event organisers to plan meetings in Sarawak and add a new dimension to BESarawak’s pitch to Malaysian corporations offering flights from both KLIA and Subang airports.

FireFly’s new direct flights between Subang and Kuching will make it more convenient for Malaysian residents to attend business events in Sarawak.

Firefly, a subsidiary of the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), will expand its jet operations from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang (SZB), with two new direct flights to Kuching (KCH) and Changi International Airport (SIN) beginning 24 March with six weekly flights to both destinations increasing to daily flights on 30 March.

Passengers can enjoy all-in, one-way promotional fares from MYR219 to Kuching and MYR189 to Singapore to celebrate the launch. 

Firefly’s retrofitted Boeing 737-800 aircraft will be deployed on four routes, offering 28 weekly flights to Kuching, Singapore, Penang and Kota Kinabalu.

Flight Schedule:

BESarawak attends AIME

BESarawak’s sales team is attending the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) from 10 to 12 February at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Australia. Adrian Goh Sze Liang and Farah Mardziah head the BESarawak sales delegation at AIME.

AIME presents business networking opportunities for the BESarawak team to headline Sarawak’s varied business events venues as the state encourages more airlines to offer direct flights to Kuching to support the hosting of international events.

For more information on business events in Sarawak, visit

Business Events Sarawak.

(Source: BESarawak plus FireFly)

A&K opens Mexico DMC

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 11 February 2025: Abercrombie & Kent (A&K), a global luxury travel firm, has opened its newest Destination Management Company (DMC) in Mexico, with offices in Mexico City and Merida. 

“Mexico is a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and warm hospitality,” says A&K veteran Graeme Bull, who was named GM for the new office in Mexico. “Our team is eager to leverage our expertise and passion for crafting authentic travel experiences, showcasing the best of Mexico to our guests.”

With the addition of the Mexico DMC, A&K now operates over 55 offices in more than 30 countries worldwide, representing the largest network of luxury DMCs worldwide. The Mexico DMC marks A&K’s 36th DMC, further solidifying its position as a global leader in luxury travel.

“The opening of our Mexico DMC marks a significant milestone in A&K’s ongoing commitment to providing unparalleled travel experiences in the Americas,” says A&K Chief Destination Officer Rebecca Osman.

“With Graeme’s leadership and the upcoming property in the Yucatan, we are poised to curate even more extraordinary journeys that delve into the heart of Mexico.”

Asian Trails Laos priorities ChildSafe training

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 11 February 2025: Asian Trails emphasises the importance of child safety, placing it at the forefront of all its travel services as the firm’s staff in Laos recently completed ‘ChildSafe’ Awareness training.

ChildSafe is an organisation committed to protecting children from abuse and exploitation, particularly in tourism-related settings. The training equips travel firms with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond effectively to potential risks, helping safeguard vulnerable children.

Asian Trails Laos team leaders receive letters of recognition for participating in the ChildSafe Awareness Training.

“This instruction not only strengthens our team’s dedication to ethical and responsible travel practices, it also reinforces our commitment to delivering meaningful and rewarding experiences for our guests. By prioritising child safety, we continue to create a positive and secure environment for children and travellers”, Asian Trails stated in a press statement.

A damp lease will speed up IndiGo’s expansion

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TTR WEEKLY
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DELHI, India, 11 February 2025: IndiGo, India’s low-cost airline flying short to medium-haul international flights, has signed an agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways for a so-called damp lease for a Boeing 787-9 aircraft to introduce long-haul flights to Europe during the summer timetable 

In a recent press statement, the airline confirmed the aircraft should arrive in India over the “next few weeks to start operations in March 2025.” 

Photo credit: Flynorse.com.

The lease agreement was termed “damp” because Indigo will supply the cabin attendants instead of a wet lease that includes the fee for the aircraft, cockpit crew, and cabin attendants.

The official announcement said the lease agreement “underscores IndiGo’s strategic efforts to expand its geographic reach and provide its customers with more options for international travel.”  The aircraft will be deployed on long-haul routes.

The agreement’s initial term is six months, but it can be extended to 18 months, subject to regulatory approvals. Both parties remain committed to exploring opportunities to extend the lease period further and extend the contract to cover additional aircraft to accelerate its long-haul expansion. 

IndiGo has placed a firm order for 30 Airbus 350-900 wide-body aircraft with an option for an additional 70 aircraft, with deliveries expected to commence in 2027.

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers commented: “As part of our broader strategy to significantly expand our international network, we are pleased to confirm this damp lease of one Boeing 787-9 aircraft from Norse Atlantic Airways. Our vision is to transform into a global player by 2030 while having strong roots and continuous expansion in India, and we are strategically moving ahead in that direction.”

Move fast to grab AirAsia domestic fares

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 11 February 2025: AirAsia MOVE presents an exclusive deal offering the lowest fares for domestic travel in Malaysia from 17 February to 30 November 2025.

The trick is to move fast to grab the fares that opened for bookings on 10 February and remain on the sales counter for bargain hunters until midnight on 16 February.

AirAsia MOVE Head of Flights Chan Kok Ding commented, “AirAsia MOVE is AirAsia’s exclusive platform offering the lowest fares for its domestic flights in Malaysia. From 10 to 16 February, enjoy special promotional fares for various popular routes, such as Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Sandakan, Penang and Langkawi, for the travel period from 17 February to 30 November 2025.  

In addition, AirAsia MOVE offers deals on hotels, airport rides, and travel insurance while earning loyalty points through AirAsia Rewards for redemption across the entire AirAsia MOVE ecosystem.

Air New Zealand joins AAPA

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 11 February 2025: The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) announced Monday that Air New Zealand has joined AAPA with immediate effect.

“We are delighted that Air New Zealand is joining AAPA. Air New Zealand’s important role in connecting New Zealand to the world and its strong international outlook will reinforce the collective advocacy of airlines in the Asia Pacific region in areas such as sustainability, supply chain recovery and smooth cross-border travel,” said AAPA  Director General Subhas Menon.

Photo credit: Air New Zealand. Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran noted: “Aviation is a complex and evolving industry, with airlines worldwide navigating similar challenges and opportunities in the coming decades. Joining the AAPA will ensure we can share what we learn with our regional counterparts and ensure a thriving Asia Pacific aviation industry in the future.”

Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA)
AAPA is the trade association for scheduled international airlines based in the Asia Pacific region. The AAPA permanent secretariat is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with global representation in Brussels and Washington, DC. 

GBA hit by aircraft delivery delays

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 11 February 2025: Hong Kong-based Greater Bay Airlines is cancelling 128 flights in February and March 2025 as it faces delays in new aircraft delivery and aircraft already in the fleet requiring routine inspections.

The airline should receive new Boeing 737-9 aircraft between 2025 and 2027.

In a recent press statement, the airline says the impacted flight schedule involves approximately 5,500 passengers over two months. Flight service during the Lunar New Year holiday, which ended on 4 February, was unaffected.

“We understand that flight rescheduling will cause inconvenience to passengers who have already purchased their tickets. Therefore, we have proactively contacted our passengers to assist them with flight protection, ticket rebooking/refunding (all associated fees will be waived) or compensation for the loss incurred by the cancellations individually to minimise the possible impact on their travel plans.” 

Passengers can email [email protected].

GBA says it has embarked on an internal review that initially confirmed “negligence in the flight scheduling process.”

In related news, the airline confirmed that the business performance of its Seoul route was unsatisfactory, prompting it to request aviation authorities in Hong Kong and South Korea to suspend the service.

According to online timetable updates, the airline has suspended flights on the Hong Kong-Seoul Incheon route from 6 to 29 March. The route involves daily flights using a Boeing 737-800.

Suspended flights: Hong Kong-Seoul

HB760 departs Hong Kong (HKG) at 0830  and arrives in Seoul Incheon (ICN) at 1305.
HBB761 departs Seoul Incheon (ICN) at 1405  and arrives in Hong Kong (HKG) at 1655

February flight reductions from Hong Kong

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi from 72 flights to 63 
Seoul Incheon from 28 to 20 
Taipei Taoyuan from 60 to 57
Tokushima from 12 to 10
Tokyo Narita from 64 to 60
Yonago from 12 to 10 

March 2025 flight reductions from Hong Kong 

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi from 74 to 70
Osaka Kansai from 49 to 45
Sendai from 17 to 13 
Tokyo Narita from 87 to 83
Tokushima from 13 to 8
Yonago from 12 to 7 

(Source: Flight reduction estimates Aeroroutes)

Aman plants roots in Nai Lert Park

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TTR WEEKLY
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Aman Nai Lert Bangkok - Exterior

BANGKOK, 10 February 2025: Aman Nai Lert Bangkok will open in the Thai capital on 2 April 2025, a new urban sanctuary following in the footsteps of Aman Tokyo and Aman New York. 

Located in the privately owned Nai Lert Park, the 52-suite hotel will be home to an Aman Club with dedicated spaces, a 1,500-sqm Aman Spa & Wellness Centre, and multiple dining and socialising venues alongside branded residences. 

Reservations are open for stays starting on 2 April. Aman Nai Lert Bangkok brings the brand full circle from its 1988 launch of flagship property Amanpuri in Phuket and will provide a gateway to Aman’s 24 hotels and resorts in Asia.

It’s the 36th property in the Aman collection and the brand’s third global urban property after Tokyo and New York. Aman Nai Lert Bangkok shares the private parkland with the historic Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, owned by the Nai Lert family and Aman’s partner in the project. Over decades, the trees and gardens have grown, creating the lush oasis that is the park today, just a short walk from the shopping and business district of Ploenchit in downtown Bangkok.

Aman Group Chairman and CEO Vlad Doronin said: ”Thailand has played a significant role in the history of our brand, and the latest evolution, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, will offer a unique connection to the city’s rich heritage. This is enhanced by our close collaboration with the Nai Lert family, particularly Naphaporn “Lek” Bodiratnangkura, whose involvement and support have ensured the property reflects the legacy of its incredible location. Further, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok represents another milestone in our long-term vision to introduce the exceptional Aman experience to urban destinations and provide a strategic link to our properties across Asia.’

On the 19th floor, exclusive to Aman Club Founders, is an open-air terrace with skyline views, two restaurants, an atmospheric Aman Lounge, and a cigar bar. In addition, Founders will also have access to the hotel’s state-of-the-art wellness facilities.

The 1,500 sqm Aman Spa & Wellness, spanning two floors, will house both a medical clinic operated by renowned experts Hertitude Clinic and an Aman Spa. The Medical Wellness by Hertitude Clinic will include eight private clinic rooms, one examination room, an IV Lounge and a cryotherapy chamber.

The Aman Spa will offer an extensive range of hydrotherapy facilities and movement spaces on a separate floor, featuring six spa therapy rooms, a dedicated Thai massage treatment room, and the private Banya Spa House.

Situated on floors 11 through 18, the hotel’s 52 suites, starting at 94 sqm, will be among the largest in the city. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the park and city views. Encompassing an entire floor, the Aman Suite is one of the largest presidential suites in Bangkok, offering up to 713 sqm and three bedrooms with a balcony and terrace, dining room with bar counter and separate kitchen, spacious living room, private spa, entertainment room, and dedicated study.

CTM hires head of sales and customer services

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TTR WEEKLY
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SYDNEY, 10 February 2025: Corporate Travel Management has announced the appointment of Darren Toohey as Chief Sales & Customer Officer, effective immediately. 

In this newly established role, Toohey will be instrumental in advancing CTM’s five-year growth strategy, focusing on driving new customer acquisition and delivering enhanced customer value through CTM’s market-leading technology, outstanding service and strengthened partnerships.

With two decades of experience in senior sales and leadership roles, including leading CWT’s global sales and customer retention team, Toohey brings a proven ability to drive customer-centric outcomes and build high-performing teams that consistently deliver results.

“I am excited to be joining CTM at a pivotal time for the company and the travel industry,” Toohey said. “As customer expectations continue to evolve and innovation reshapes business travel programmes, my focus will be on empowering our sales and account management teams to provide

CTM’s Global Chief Commercial Officer, Ana Pedersen, commented: “Darren’s appointment is a key step in executing our global sales and account management strategy. His leadership will be pivotal to advancing CTM’s competitiveness and ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional value to our new and existing customers.”

About CTM
Corporate Travel Management (CTM) is an award-winning global Headquartered in Australia and with operations spanning four continents, CTM provides local service solutions for corporate events, leisure, loyalty, and wholesale travel.

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