Discover four Centara resorts in the Maldives

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August 18, 2025

BANGKOK, Thailand 18 August 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is redefining the way travellers experience the Maldives with four distinct private island resorts, each tailored to a different style of travel. Whether seeking family-friendly fun, peaceful seclusion, adults-only romance, or authentic discovery, Centara’s diverse portfolio blends warm Thai-inspired hospitality with elevated experiences and the stunning beauty of the Indian Ocean for every guest, every generation, and every moment.

The recent completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a groundbreaking multi-island destination, has doubled Centara’s presence in the Maldives, welcoming guests to discover a quartet of retreats thoughtfully designed to match their unique needs.

Aquatic adventures take centre stage at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives. The first of two properties in The Atollia by Centara is an enchanting underwater world-themed family resort that invites guests of all ages to connect and explore together. At the heart of the resort is an expansive water complex with lagoon pools, thrilling water slides, and the Maldives’ longest lazy river. Spacious beachfront and overwater villas feature bunk beds in every family room. Then for young guests there’s the Kids’ Club, water playground, and Games Room to ensure fun for children and teens alike. From the kid-focused Candy Spa and rejuvenating SPA Cenvaree for adults, every moment is curated to deliver boundless fun for the whole family.

Now open as the crowning jewel of The Atollia, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is a sophisticated private retreat, where gracious Thai hospitality meets Maldivian allure. Connected to Centara Mirage by a stunning bridge, the resort offers 142 elegant beachfront and overwater villas and residences ranging from 78 – 290 square metres of stylish indoor-outdoor living. With private pools, Jacuzzis, or both, each accommodation has been crafted to complement the island’s natural charm, providing guests as much connection or seclusion as they desire with endless personal space and unrivalled private stretches of sand and sea.

Savour bold flavours at The Gallery, where live tandoor and teppan grills set the tone for lively all-day dining. Soak up the Mediterranean beach club vibes at Bluefin with fresh seafood and live music, unwind with a glass of champagne at Sunset Social, or enjoy an elevated evening at The Club, an intimate venue offering expertly paired tapas and wines. Spa Cenvaree Retreat delivers transformative wellness journeys, while dedicated clubs for little ones and teens, and lagoon-style pools with a swim-up bar let all ages relax in serene indulgence.

Tucked away in the tranquil North Malé Atoll, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives is an adults-only haven where a collection of beachfront and overwater villas – some featuring outdoor bathtubs or steps straight into the sea – invite moments of connection and relaxation. With seven sensational restaurants and bars, thrilling water sports, scuba diving, ocean excursions and soothing therapies at SPA Cenvaree, this ultimate tropical hideaway offers endless ways to unwind, explore, and celebrate, including bespoke weddings and underwater ceremonies!

Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, the first international member of The Centara Collection, welcomes guests to experience an immersive journey in the South Ari Atoll. This one-of-a-kind resort grants couples, friends, and families access to an award-winning house reef teeming with marine life, PADI diving, guided shipwreck exploration, and unforgettable wildlife encounters with whale sharks and more. At the same time, beachfront and overwater pool villas offer space to rest, recharge, and revel in unparalleled sea views for a truly authentic island adventure.

“The Maldives has long been synonymous with high-end luxury and exclusivity, often seen as a destination reserved for a select few,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts Vice President – Brand, Marketing & Digital, Tom Thrussell. “By expanding our footprint and offering four distinct experiences, Centara is making the magic of the Maldives more inclusive and accessible – while staying true to our warm, Thai-inspired hospitality and world-class service. We look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to experience the Maldives in a way that’s meaningful, memorable, and uniquely their own.”

All four Centara resorts are conveniently located just a short speedboat or seaplane ride from Malé’s Velana International Airport – making it easier than ever to experience an unforgettable stay in paradise.

To learn more about Centara in the Maldives, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com.

BWH GB makes gains in 1H2025

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TTR WEEKLY

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August 18, 2025

LONDON, 18 August 2025: BWH Hotels GB has reported a 7% jump in revenue in the first half of 2025, with leisure groups and MICE bookings two of the key drivers.

From January to June 2025, BWH GB — the UK’s largest group of independent hotels, including Best Western and World Hotels — delivered UKP73.3 million in room revenue, a 7% increase on 2024 and ahead of an ambitious budget.

This growth comes despite cautious spending across leisure and corporate sectors, as many larger groups revise forecasts amid ongoing economic headwinds.

Meetings, events and group bookings are up 19% year-on-year, despite an overall decline in industry enquiries. This is credited to the group’s dedicated Venues Team and the launch of Planners Advantage, an extension of BWH’s global BW Rewards programme to M&E organisers.

The Rewards programme also continues to grow, with members spending UKP30.6 million in BWH hotels in the first half of 2025. This is a 17% increase over 2024 and 11% ahead of budget.

Elsewhere, the group welcomed nine new hotels in the first half of the year, including The Clarence Gardens Hotel in Scarborough, Velvet Hotel in Manchester and The Crooklands in Kendal, with more additions to the BW Signature Collection anticipated soon.
For more information on BWH Hotels, visit: www.joinbwhhotels.co.uk

Star Princess completes sea trials

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TTR WEEKLY

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August 18, 2025

SINGAPORE, 18 August 2025: Princess Cruises’ second Sphere-Class ship, the Star Princess, currently under build at the Fincantieri shipyard, has reached a significant milestone with the successful completion of its sea trials.

The ship is on track to welcome its first guests on 4 October 2025, sailing the scenic Mediterranean from Barcelona.

*Photo credit: Princess Cruises. Star Princess.*

During these final sea trials from 9 to 12 August, Star Princess departed the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, for the Adriatic Sea, where the vessel completed a comprehensive series of tests, including steering, navigation systems, and propulsion. As the second ship in the Princess fleet powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), Star Princess represents a significant step forward in reducing emissions.

To optimise both power efficiency and manoeuvrability, the vessel is fitted with two Azipod propulsion units, providing 360-degree thrust for both forward and reverse movement, along with four large controllable pitch bow thrusters, enabling precise lateral manoeuvring.

Currently under final construction at Fincantieri, the 177,800-ton, 4,300-guest Star Princess – sister to Sun Princess will feature 30 dining and bar venues, elevated entertainment and activity offerings, and accommodations, including Sanctuary Collection suites, mini-suites and balcony rooms, each offering a private getaway with exclusive amenities, spaces and rooms.

With over 1,500 balcony staterooms, guests will enjoy panoramic views from the privacy of their rooms.

Standout venues include The Dome, a next-generation relaxation and entertainment space; The Arena, Princess’ most technologically advanced theater yet; The Piazza, the architectural centerpiece of the ship with its dramatic curves, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sweeping ocean vistas; and Spellbound by Magic Castle, the captivating speakeasy experience born from a collaboration with the famed Hollywood icon, The Magic Castle.

Star Princess will debut with an inaugural season featuring sailings to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Alaska.

Voyages are available for booking now at Star Princess Cruise Ship — Ship Information.

Thai tourism taps medical and wellness pick-me-up

By

Andrew Wood

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August 18, 2025

BANGKOK, 18 August 2025: Together, medical and wellness tourism could contribute USD17 billion annually to Thailand’s economy, making it one of the most profitable tourism segments in the Kingdom.

That was the key takeaway of Skål International Bangkok’s lunch and panel discussion on ‘The Business of Wellness’ held last week.

*Skål Bangkok held its panel discussion last week on medical and wellness tourism. Moderator: David Barrett (purple jacket).*

Panellists flagged medical and wellness tourism as one of the fastest-growing and most lucrative pillars of the global travel industry. It underscored my earlier observations in a blueprint for Thailand’s tourism strategy that identified health and wellness as key drivers for Thailand’s long-term sustainable growth.

It’s a massive industry, a global phenomenon. Today, that vision is more relevant than ever — and Thailand is perfectly positioned to lead in a regional context.

A Natural fit for health and healing

Thailand’s reputation for warm hospitality, exceptional service standards, and affordability is already world-renowned. Add to this a network of outstanding world-class hospitals, many accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), and you have a formula that is hard to beat.

Patients here enjoy trimmed-down or no waiting lists, transparent pricing, and access to a plethora of medical expertise, from cardiology and orthopaedics to the latest cancer treatments and advanced dentistry.

The country’s major hospitals, such as Bumrungrad International, Bangkok Hospital, and Samitivej, rival the best in Europe, North America, and the Middle East, while often charging a fraction of the price quoted in Europe’s private hospitals.

On the wellness side, Thailand’s luxury spa resorts, holistic retreats, and wellness-focused hotels are globally acclaimed. From Chiang Mai’s mountain sanctuaries to Samui Island’s beachside detox centres and Hua Hin’s early adopters, Chiva Som, the breadth and quality of wellness offerings are unmatched in Asia.

Photo credit: Andrew Wood

Hua Hin is also home to the Hyatt Regency’s BARAI Spa — an award-winning sanctuary famous for its dramatic architecture, tranquil courtyards, and holistic treatments blending traditional Thai healing with contemporary spa science. In Bangkok, newcomer Sukhothai Spa is creating ripples at The Sukhothai Bangkok, the acclaimed five-star hotel on Sathorn Road, which offers a refined urban escape with Thai-inspired therapies, luxurious treatment suites, and a focus on wellness rituals that restore both body and mind.

Medical and wellness numbers

According to industry projections, medical tourism is globally valued at over USD100 billion, with Thailand’s share estimated at around USD4 billion annually, attracting approximately 3.5 million medical tourists per year pre-pandemic. The recovery trajectory suggests the country could exceed 4 million visitors annually by 2027, generating over USD5 billion in direct revenues.

Wellness Tourism

Speaking at Skål International Bangkok’s lunch and panel discussion on The Business of Wellness last week, Teiah Hospitality Consultant and Founder Victoria Sardain said, wellness tourism was worth over USD900 billion worldwide, and Thailand captured around USD12 billion in combined wellness revenues, including wellness-focused accommodation, spa treatments, and retreats.

Visitor numbers could realistically reach 8 million wellness travellers annually within five years if supported by targeted marketing.

Panellists QUO Chief Growth Officer Catherine Edwards and BASE and Co-host of Fitness Business Asia founder Jack Thomas agreed with the assessment. They discussed effective project management and the significance of sports tourism and sports in promoting overall wellness and mental health.

Bumrungrad International Hospital, Phuket & Market CEO David Boucher noted that obesity in Thailand was becoming a health issue and that the overuse of refined sugars would increase Thailand’s linked illnesses, including diabetes.

Why Thailand tops the leaderboard

Quality and expertise – Thailand’s healthcare professionals are trained to global standards, with many holding qualifications from leading international medical institutions.

Affordability – Treatment costs are often 50–80% lower than in Western countries, and usually no waiting lists, explained David Boucher at the Skål lunch.

Accessibility – Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai are well-connected hubs with direct flights from across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Hospitality DNA – The seamless integration of clinical excellence with five-star service creates a uniquely Thai patient experience.

Post-treatment recovery – Patients can recuperate in world-class resorts, blending medical care with leisure and relaxation.

Top five medical and wellness tourism activities

Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery – From facelifts to gender-affirming procedures, Thailand is a global leader.

Dental tourism – High-quality, low-cost dental care, including implants, crowns, and whitening treatments.

Orthopaedic surgery and joint replacement – State-of-the-art procedures with rapid recovery programmes.

Detox, spa and holistic retreats – Signature experiences such as The BARAI Spa in Hua Hin, The Sukhothai Spa in Bangkok, and retreats in Koh Samui and Chiang Mai.

Fertility and reproductive health services – Advanced IVF clinics attracting couples from around the world.

Aligning with the Tourism Blueprint

In my earlier strategic roadmap for Thailand’s tourism, health and wellness were identified as one of the five strategic pillars alongside cultural tourism, luxury travel, nature-based tourism, and MICE. Its potential lies not only in high-value, high-spend visitors but also in the long-term reputational uplift for Thailand as a safe, healthy, and sophisticated destination.

By combining medical excellence with wellness experiences — for instance, a hip replacement followed by a week at a Hua Hin beachfront spa, or dental surgery paired with a detox retreat in Koh Samui — Thailand offers travellers something rare: the ability to heal and holiday in the same trip.

The Way Forward

For Thailand to fully capitalise on this sector, a coordinated national strategy is essential, targeting international marketing, continued investment in hospital infrastructure, partnerships with global insurance providers, and training initiatives to maintain the highest standards of care.

In doing so, the Kingdom can strengthen its brand as the medical and wellness capital of Asia — and ensure that health tourism remains a cornerstone of its future growth.

About the author
Andrew J Wood is a veteran travel writer, hotelier, and tourism lecturer with over 40 years of experience in Southeast Asia’s hospitality industry. A former general manager of leading Thai hotels, he is known for his insights on emerging travel trends and advocacy for Thailand as a world-class destination. A past president of Skål International Asia and Thailand, and twice president of Skål International Bangkok, Andrew contributes regularly to various regional and global travel publications.

Ambassador Cruise mega status confirmed

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TTR WEEKLY

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August 18, 2025

HALONG BAY, Vietnam, 18 August 2025: Ambassador Cruise has clinched two national records courtesy of its 600-passenger ‘Ambassador Cruise II’ vessel’s mega guest capacity and its onboard dramatic entertainment offering.

The Vietnam Record Association recognised Ambassador Cruise II in the Vietnam Book of Records as the country’s “highest capacity” cruise ship.

*Halong Bay’s mega cruise experiences: Ambassador Cruise II.*

It also gains recognition for its spectacular onboard entertainment during day and evening versions of a 90-minute cruise of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed bay, famed for its limestone karsts.

Since its debut in February 2023, Ambassador Cruise II also offers an eight-hour day cruise followed by an exquisite four-hour dinner cruise.

Ambassador Cruise II features spacious sundecks across two floors that total 324sqm and 250sqm, affording 360-degree vistas of Halong Bay and its myriad limestone karsts. Two restaurants, two bars, an entertainment area for live music, and the large open-air jacuzzi are among the vessel’s top-notch facilities. The five-metre glass bridge jutting from the vessel’s bow inspires compelling photographs.

The 500-ton five-floor steel craft with a basement measures 90 metres long, 16 metres wide and 19 metres high, making it the largest and most luxurious ship to ply Halong Bay’s waters with a total of 10,000 sqm of lettable space.

IATA’s sustainability event arrives in Asia

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TTR WEEKLY

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August 18, 2025

SINGAPORE, 14 August 2025: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will hold the third World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) in Hong Kong SAR, China, from 21 to 22 October 2025, hosted by Cathay Pacific.

The event will bring together leaders from aviation, energy, finance, and policy to advance the industry’s commitment to achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

“As the IATA World Sustainability Symposium lands in Asia for the first time, we are honoured that Hong Kong has been selected as the location and Cathay Pacific as the host airline. Collaboration across multiple sectors and regulators is essential for aviation to achieve its decarbonisation goals, and gatherings like this provide a valuable platform for leading voices to come together to drive meaningful change. Such cooperation is crucial as the industry works to develop the ecosystem of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with Hong Kong having the potential to become one of Asia’s major centres for SAF in the future,” said Cathay Group’s CEO Ronald Lam.

“We are at a crucial point. Airlines are fully committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. But we have not seen sufficient, timely action by policymakers, aerospace manufacturers, oil companies, or fuel producers to support this commitment. This event is an essential rallying call for all those who have a stake in air transport’s future to overcome any challenges in the way of accelerating the pace of this crucial energy transition,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.

The symposium follows the 42nd ICAO Assembly, at which the industry will advocate for stronger government policies to support aviation’s energy transition to SAF and the integrity of CORSIA. And it precedes COP30, which is focusing on turning pledges into actions. The symposium will bridge these two global milestones with in-depth explorations of pragmatic measures to accelerate aviation’s decarbonisation by:
Removing hurdles standing in the way of expanding SAF production;
Attracting financing for the USD4.7 trillion cost of decarbonisation;
Integrating emerging technology developments by existing players and start-ups.

Increasing collaboration across the value chain

The symposium will open with a welcome speech from Ronald Lam, CEO of the Cathay Group and a keynote address from Mable Chan, Secretary of Transport & Logistics for the Hong Kong SAR Government. These will be followed by a leadership conversation between Patrick Healy, Chair of the Cathay Group, and Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, to candidly review progress on decarbonisation.

The speaker lineup of global experts for the remainder of the symposium includes:

Dr Jun Ma, Chairman & President, Hong Kong Green Finance Association;

Dr Fabiano Piccino, Air Logistics Global Head of Sustainability, Kuehne+Nagel;

Jouk Boeye, Managing Director Corporate Sourcing, Supply Chain Sustainability & Net Zero Operations, HSBC;

Christopher Au, Director Asia Pacific Climate Risk Centre, WTW;

Ayesha Choudhury, Chief Commercial Officer, Infinium;

About WSS
The World Sustainability Symposium is IATA’s flagship event on aviation sustainability. It convenes over 500 participants from across the globe, including airlines, fuel producers, investors, policymakers, and innovators. Cathay Pacific hosts this year’s edition.

For more information, view the program and the event page

TransNusa upgrades China flights

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TTR WEEKLY

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August 18, 2025

JAKARTA, 18 August 2025: Indonesia’s newest airline, TransNusa, converts two charter flight routes between Manado and Shanghai as well as Manado and Shenzhen to scheduled commercial routes, starting 8 September and 2 October, respectively.

TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Bernard Francis, said while the Manado-Shenzhen scheduled commercial flight is direct, the Manado-Shanghai service makes a stopover of 35 minutes at Clark International Airport.

*TransNusa Group CEO Datuk Bernard Francis.*

“With the launch of these new commercial routes, we hope to provide tourists from Manado and China additional options to travel,” Datuk Francis said, adding that TransNusa will also provide its passengers with options to visit other major tourist destinations from Manado, such as Bali.

Details of the new routes

From 2 October, TransNusa will operate three flights weekly from Manado’s Sam Ratulangi International Airport to Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Manado-Shenzhen flight ticket prices start as low as IDR3.499.000, CNY1.525 and USD226.

8B175 will depart Manado at 2110 and arrive at the Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport at 0100.
8B176 will depart Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport at 0200 and arrive in Manado at 0550.

The airline will schedule three weekly flights on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday on the Manado-Shanghai route.

Manado to Shanghai ticket prices start as low as IDR3.988.000, CNY1.688 and USD257 available for purchase at the airline’s website, online travel booking sites and travel agency platforms worldwide.

8B101 will depart from Manado at 1400 and arrive at the Clark International Airport at 1640.
8B101 will depart Clark International Airport at 1715 and arrive at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 2055.

8B102 will depart Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 2305 and arrive at Clark International Airport at 0230.
8B102 will depart Clark International Airport at 0300 and arrive at Manado’s Sam Ratulangi International Airport at 0530.

For both scheduled commercial services, TransNusa will deploy its C909 jet airliner with 95 seats. The Comac C909, known initially as the ARJ21 Xiangfeng, is a 78 to 95-seat regional jet manufactured by the Chinese state-owned aerospace company Comac.

About TransNusa
TransNusa opened its doors for business in October 2022 and, in April 2023, launched its first international flight from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Since April 2023, it has introduced a new domestic route connecting Bali and the diving haven of Manado.

No easy path: Inside Vietjet’s push to go global

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TTR WEEKLY

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August 15, 2025

SINGAPORE, 15 August 2025: In an aviation industry often defined by market share, low fares, and fleet expansion, Vietjet is charting a different path, one where purpose and profit climb in tandem.

In a mid-year address under the theme “A Whole New World, A Whole New Way,” delivered to more than 9,000 employees of Vietjet from over 60 countries, Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao outlined an ambitious trajectory chartering a course that will expand its international network. New long-haul services are planned to Kazakhstan, the Middle East, Oceania, and Europe and a strengthened presence across Asia-Pacific.

*Photo credit: Vietjet. Vietjet Chairperson Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao.*

Vietjet’s rapid rise is no accident. It stems from a deliberate, values-driven growth model that positions the airline not just as a transport provider, but also as a catalyst for economic growth, cultural exchange, and social mobility.

The operational achievements are significant — over 99,000 flights and nearly 18 million passengers in the first half of 2025. But Thao’s focus remains squarely on purpose over metrics. Vietjet’s founding mantra, “Save more, fly more”, has expanded into a broader mission to make air travel more accessible and contribute to community development.

“We have expanded our international flight network, increased our fleet, launched long-haul routes, and step by step realised our strategy of becoming a multinational airline,” says the airline’s founder chairperson.

Singapore: A Regional Gateway for Growth

Singapore has become a key hub in Vietjet’s network. On 30 May 2025, the airline launched its fourth route to Singapore, linking the Lion City with Phu Quoc — operating four round-trip flights weekly. This addition brings Vietjet’s total weekly flights between Singapore and Vietnam to 78, positioning the airline to serve over 500,000 passengers annually between the two countries.

This marks a significant leap from when Vietjet first touched down in Singapore in 2014 with the Ho Chi Minh City route. Since then, the airline has operated over 16,000 flights and carried more than 2.6 million passengers between Singapore and Vietnam.

The expansion aligns with Singapore’s record-breaking air travel recovery. Changi Airport handled 17.2 million passenger movements in the first quarter of 2025, 4.3% higher than the same period in 2024 and 4.8% above pre-pandemic levels. Budget flights now account for a third of the airport’s traffic, underscoring the growing role of low-cost carriers like Vietjet in shaping regional connectivity.

The next chapter is about building an integrated ecosystem that connects aviation with tourism and finance, what she calls “a smart, interconnected future.” This diversification aims to deepen customer engagement, create new revenue streams, and strengthen Vietjet’s competitive position in a crowded market.

No easy path: The cost of ambition

“We did not choose an easy path,” she told employees. “We chose a meaningful one that delivers value to our communities, our country, and every single passenger.”

As the airline looks ahead to the second half of 2025, its ambitions remain high, but deeply rooted in community and compassion, Thao outlines goals not just around new markets or revenue but around reinforcing the culture that has defined Vietjet’s rise.

“With Vietjet, anyone can enjoy flying. But flying together is our true happiness,” she concluded.

AAV declares 2Q2025 net profit

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TTR WEEKLY

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August 15, 2025

BANGKOK, 15 August 2025: Asia Aviation Public Company Limited (AAV), the sole shareholder of Thai AirAsia (TAA), announced on Thursday its operational and financial results for 2Q2025 amid dramatic external challenges.

The airline reported that during its 2Q2025, it faced continued pressure on tourism confidence among foreign tourists, the earthquake incident that caused a building to collapse in Bangkok and global economic headwinds all weighed on overall purchasing power and travel sentiments.

Revenue from sales and services dipped 14% year-on-year (YoY) to THB 9,820 million, whilst EBITDA stood at THB634 million, down 67% YoY. Net profit amounted to THB214 million. Excluding the impact from foreign exchange gain of THB1,324 million, AAV would have recorded a core loss of THB845 million, compared to a core profit of THB 265 million in the same period last year.

Cost per available seat kilometre (CASK) decreased 3% YoY to THB1.83 due to lower fuel costs during the quarter. CASK excluding fuel grew 3% at THB1.26, due to a higher number of aircraft and selling and admin expenses. Meanwhile, revenue per available seat kilometre (RASK) dropped 17% YoY to THB1.63, impacted by a broad-based decline in demand.

In 2Q2025, TAA operated a seat capacity of 5.9 million, up 8% YoY. The airline carried 4.8 million guests, marking a 3% YoY decline, whilst maintaining a healthy average load factor of 82%.

TAA also expanded its fleet by receiving one additional Airbus A321neo, raising the fleet to 62 aircraft. Some of the aircraft are based at Suvarnabhumi Airport, supporting domestic route expansion under TAA’s dual-airport strategy, reinforcing its leadership as Thailand’s airline with the most extensive network, operating out of both Don Mueang (DMK) and Suvarnabhumi (BKK).

During the 2Q2025, TAA launched additional international routes, such as Phuket-Kochi (India) and Phuket-Medan (Indonesia). It also commenced new fifth freedom routes such as Don Mueang-Hong Kong-Okinawa, marking the airline’s first fifth freedom service via Hong Kong, and Chiang Mai-Taipei-Sapporo, the fourth fifth freedom route to Japan and the first operated out of Chiang Mai. These routes have seen positive market response and highlight the continued success of TAA’s fifth freedom strategy.

For the 1H2025, TAA carried 10.4 million passengers, compared to the same period last year, with an average load factor of 84% from 12.3 million seats offered. As a result, AAV recorded revenue from sales and services of Baht 23,045 million, down 9% YoY. EBITDA was THB3,988 million, a 20% decline YoY. However, the company achieved a net profit of THB1,601 million, compared to a net loss of THB325 million in the same period last year. Excluding foreign exchange impacts, AAV recorded a core profit of THB453 million, compared to a core profit of THB1,495 million in the same period the previous year.

AAV and TAA Chief Executive Officer Santisuk Klongchaiya stated: “Thai AirAsia approached the second quarter with cautious optimism, mindful of the seasonally softer travel period and safety concerns, compounded by global economic uncertainties that weighed on overall demand. It is heartening that amid these challenges, TAA sustained a strong 41% domestic market share, driven by increased frequencies and the strength of our dual-airport strategy at Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi.”

“While total arrivals to Thailand are expected to match last year, international recovery remains fragmented — particularly from China, Hong Kong, and Macau. To mitigate this, TAA is actively supporting government efforts to attract more travellers from this region, while also accelerating growth in the stronger-performing areas. Sustained demand from India and ASEAN, along with continued expansion of our Fifth Freedom routes, has helped offset the softness in East Asia.

“Furthermore, given the gradual inbound recovery, TAA is taking measured steps for growth — reducing capacity on underperforming routes while shifting focus to domestic travel and high-potential fifth freedom routes. In line with this, TAA has launched new domestic services from Suvarnabhumi to Buriram, Surat Thani, and Narathiwat (since 1 July). (WE) plan to launch flights (from BKK) to Chiang Rai and Nakhon Si Thammarat from 1 October.”

Sabah celebrates award win at MBEA 2025

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TTR WEEKLY

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August 15, 2025

KOTA KINABALU, 15 August 2025: Sabah gained a triple shoutout as the home of an outstanding business events venue, the Sabah International Convention Centre, honoured at the recent Malaysia Business Events Awards (MBEA) 2025 hosted at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

First reported by Borneo Post Online, Sabah’s convention centre’s three citations were part of the prestigious awards ceremony organised by the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS).

Photo credit SICC Sabah International Convention Centre – SICC.

SICC triple win

The Congress/Conference Excellence Award for BE in Sabah 2025 in the 1,001 delegates and above category.
The Consumer Exhibition Excellence Award for Big Sabah Sale 2024 in the 5,001-10,000 square metres category.
A Merit Award in the Purpose-Built Convention & Exhibition Centre Excellence category.

The Malaysia Business Events Awards (MBEA) returned on 7 August for its third edition, honouring outstanding achievements and excellence across the nation’s vibrant business events industry.

Organised by MACEOS, the Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers, in conjunction with EventXpo2025. MBEA is Malaysia’s premier platform for recognising exceptional contributions in exhibitions, meetings, events and support services.

With 19 award categories, MBEA2025 celebrates the outstanding achievement, innovation, impact, and professionalism that define Malaysia’s position as a regional leader in the global events landscape.

Discover four Centara resorts in the Maldives

BWH GB makes gains in 1H2025

Star Princess completes sea trials

Thai tourism taps medical and wellness pick-me-up

Ambassador Cruise mega status confirmed

IATA’s sustainability event arrives in Asia

TransNusa upgrades China flights

No easy path: Inside Vietjet’s push to go global

AAV declares 2Q2025 net profit

Sabah celebrates award win at MBEA 2025

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