Etihad boosts summer flights to Europe

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February 23, 2023

ABU DHABI UAE, 23 February 2023: Etihad Airways is expanding its European network this summer by introducing a new direct service between Abu Dhabi and Lisbon, starting 2 July 2023.

The airline will connect Abu Dhabi to Portugal’s capital city right in time for the summer holidays offering three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays.

New flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Lisbon are set to launch on 2 July 2023.

“We’re excited to introduce flights to Portugal for the first time and provide our guests with convenient travel options to one of the most popular summer destinations for 2023,” said Etihad Airways chief executive 0fficer Antonoaldo Neves.

“Our new direct connection will enhance the trade and tourism ties between the UAE and Portugal, and we are grateful for the support of the Portuguese authorities in establishing our new air link.”

As well as introducing flights to Lisbon, Etihad Airways will resume flights to Málaga on the Spanish Costa del Sol and the popular Greek island of Mykonos this summer.

Etihad Airways will fly to Málaga twice weekly, on Wednesday and Sunday, starting 18 June 2023. The airline will resume flights to Mykonos, on Monday and Friday, effective 16 June.

With new routes to Lisbon, Malaga and Mykonos, Etihad Airways will offer travellers close to 160 weekly flights to 21 destinations in Europe this summer, with 20% more seats available than in 2022.

HK Express cuts back flights

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TTR WEEKLY

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February 23, 2023

HONG KONG, 23 February 2023: Hong Kong Express confirmed this week that it is cancelling more flights to Japan, impacting passengers who plan to travel on Hong Kong – Japan routes from 3 to 3o March.

The airline said in a travel advisory that it constantly communicates with the relevant authorities in Japan “to maintain our schedule as much as possible, minimise the impact to our customers.”

However, the Japanese government continues to order a limit on the maximum number of flights each carrier can operate from Hong Kong SAR to Japan.

HK Express can only operate 74 flights per week to Japan during March, representing 20 to 22 flights per week, fewer than initially planned. HK Express must cancel some flights between Hong Kong and Japan from 3 to 30 March 2023,

Cancelled flights: Hong Kong to Japan:

Destination: Fukuoka
UO638 5 – 30 March 2023

Destination: Okinawa
UO820 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29 March 2023

Destination: Osaka-Kansai
UO688 3, 10, 17, 24 March 2023
UO850 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 29 March 2023
UO862 26 March 2023

Destination: Tokyo-Haneda
UO622 3-30 March 2023

Destination: Tokyo-Narita
UO650 8, 15, 22 March 2023
UO870 7, 14, 21, 28 March 2023

Cancelled flights: Japan to Hong Kong:

Origin: Fukuoka
UO639 5-30 March 2023

Origin: Okinawa
UO821 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29 March 2023

Origin: Osaka-Kansai
UO689 3, 10, 17, 24 March 2023
UO851 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 29 March 2023
UO863 26 March 2023

Origin: Tokyo-Haneda
UO623 3 – 25, 27 – 31 March 2023

Origin: Tokyo-Narita
UO651 8, 15, 22 March 2023
UO871 7, 14, 21, 28 March 2023

Passengers can shift their booking to alternative flight dates or apply for a refund

Last chance to redeem eVouchers

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TTR WEEKLY

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February 23, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, 23 February 2023: Malaysia Airlines is extending its final MH eVouchers validity and flight rebooking to eligible customers until 31 March 2023.

Customers should rebook their tickets before the deadline to enjoy greater savings for immediate travel until 30 June 2023.

Customers who have existing tickets issued for travel between 1 January 2020 and 29 October 2022 and have been unable to travel due to flight changes, or disruptions will have the option to rebook their travel by 31 March 2023> They are eligible for a one-time free date change, with service fee and fare difference waived.

Malaysia Aviation Group chief executive officer Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi said: “Since March 2020, Malaysia Airlines has accommodated customers whose travel plans have been disrupted by border restrictions by allowing them to convert their existing flight bookings to E-vouchers with the flexibility to rebook their travels over an extended travel period validity.

“With the prolonged movement and border restrictions, we have offered six validity extension rounds with more than 600,000 coupons, including open tickets and MH eVouchers.

We now encourage passengers to seize this final validity extension opportunity to use their vouchers to book their upcoming travels before the offer expires on 31 March 2023.”

To rebook travel to any destination within Malaysia Airlines’ network, visit the Malaysia Airlines’ website or call the global contact centre at 1 300 88 3000 ( Malaysia) or +603 7843 3000 (international). If booked through a third party, such as a travel agency, passengers should contact the agency issuing the ticket.

Vistara increases flights to Goa

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TTR WEEKLY

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February 23, 2023

Delhi, 23 February 2023: Vistara, a Tata group and Singapore Airlines joint venture, commenced services to New Goa Manohar International Airport earlier this week.

The airline now flies daily from Bengaluru to New Goa Manohar International Airport (also known as Mopa International Airport) in addition to six weekly services from Mumbai.

Vistara continues to fly to Dabolim Airport (Goa International Airport) from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Goa Manohar International Airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 11 December 2022.

Vistara chief executive officer Vinod Kannan said: “The commencement of operations at the Manohar International Airport will enhance our footprint in Goa. We are certain that customers looking for direct connectivity to North Goa will appreciate the new service.”

Bookings for the flights are open on all channels, including Vistara’s website, mobile app, OTAs (online travel agencies) and other travel agents.

Vistara is a 51:49 joint venture between Tata Sons Private Limited and Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA). The airline has a fleet of 53 aircraft, including 42 Airbus A320neo, six Airbus A321, two Boeing 737-800NG and three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

SCHEDULE OF FLIGHTS TO AND FROM NEW GOA AIRPORT STARTING 14 FEBRUARY 2023

Sector	Flight No.	Days of Operation	Departure	Arrival
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) – Manohar International Airport (GOX)	UK 511	Daily	1105 hrs	1230 hrs
Manohar International Airport (GOX) – Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)	UK 512	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday	1700 hrs	1820 hrs
Manohar International Airport (GOX) – Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)	UK 512	Wednesday	1305 hrs	1425 hrs
CSMI Airport (BOM) – Manohar International Airport (GOX)	UK 513	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday	1510 hrs	1625 hrs
Manohar International Airport (GOX) – CSMI Airport (BOM)	UK 514	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday	1305 hrs	1425 hrs

Lucky Air steps up regional flights

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TTR WEEKLY

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February 23, 2023

KUNMING China, 23 February 2023: Lucky Air, a low-cost airline based in Kunming, Yunnan province China, will resume flights to Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Laos in mid-March 2023 using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The airline will also introduce daily flights to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand starting 24 March.

Flights to Laos will be scheduled to Vientiane on Monday and Friday and to Luang Prabang on Wednesday and Sunday.

First reported by kucinta-air.blogspot.com the airline confirms it will start flying to Vientiane, the Lao capital, on 13 March, followed by flights to Luang Prabang, a World Heritage town in northern Laos, on 19 March.

There is not even a hint of the flight schedules on the airline’s website concerning the two routes to Laos or Chiang Mai in Thailand, but that is typical of low-cost airlines that rarely update Facebook or website pages in a timely fashion.

However, Laotian Times and AeroLaos, a specialised aviation website, quote a Lucky Air schedule that says flight 8L861 will depart at 0800 on 13 March from Kunming, arriving in Vientiane at 0840. The return flight (8L862) will depart Vientiane at 0940 and arrive in Kunming at 1211.

Lucky Air flight 8L863 will depart Kunming for Luang Prabang at 0800 on 19 March and arrives in Luang Prabang at 0830. Flight 8L684 will depart Luang Prabang for Kunming at 0930 and arrive in Kunming at 1155.

Lucky Air also flies to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport offering daily flights. Flight 8L801 to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport takes off at 1535 and arrives in Suvarnabhumi at 1705. It departs for Kunming at 1800 and lands in Kunming at 2115.

The airline intends to launch a daily service to Chiang Mai on 24 March. Flight (8L809) to Chiang Mai will depart Kunming at 1225 and arrive in Chiang Mai at 1310. The return flight 8L810 will depart at 1410 and arrive in Kunming at 1645.

(Source: Kucinta-air blogspot and Laotian Times)

Links: https://kucinta-air.blogspot.com/…/lucky-air-resumes…

#AeroLaos #luckyair #Vientiane #Luangprabang #flighttolaos #b787

Add Las Fallas to your must-visit list

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TTR WEEKLY

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February 22, 2023

SINGAPORE, 22 February 2023: In the heart of the Mediterranean, the east coast of Spain is brimming with festivals and traditions. The exciting experiences of the Valencian region will stay with you long after you return home. Throughout the year, dozens of very different festivities are celebrated enthusiastically. These are just a few:

Las Fallas bonfire festival

Las Fallas is perhaps the best-known festival that Valencians celebrate in style, with fire and gunpowder as the main protagonists. It is celebrated in honour of Saint Joseph and was named Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Every March, the city of Valencia fills up with giant dolls made of cardboard known as ninots. The themes are varied but always have a satirical undertone. The festival ends with the Cremà, during which all these characters are burnt. There are lots of fireworks, fun and colour.

La Magdalena

Castellón de la Plana, north of the Valencia Region, hosts the Magdalena festivities at the beginning of spring. They date back to the 15th century and celebrate the city’s origins. Saint Mary Magdalen is honoured with a pilgrimage procession. For a week, you can enjoy the parade of gaiatas (decorated and illuminated floats), local cuisine, fireworks, and music in the street.

Moros y Cristianos

The Moors and Christians festival is a deep-rooted tradition, especially in the provinces of Valencia and Alicante. The most internationally famous one is in Alcoy. This is a historical celebration that represents the battle of the Reconquista – a period when Christians fought the Muslims to reconquer the Iberian Peninsula. It takes on a different air in each place, but the things they all have in common are a lot of music, gunpowder and colourful costumes. The show is guaranteed to be a spectacle.

Grape harvest festival

Coinciding with the end of summer, the grape harvest arrives, and towns like Requena pay great tribute to this process. It’s a food and wine fair where you can enjoy the local wine and even see the grapes being trodden live. It’s a good excuse for a toast.

Find out more about fiestas

(Your Stories: Turespaña)

Emirates builds new pilot training centre

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TTR WEEKLY

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February 22, 2023

DUBAI, UAE, 22 February 2023: Emirates will soon build an advanced training facility to accommodate six full flight simulator bays (FFS) for its future Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X aircraft.

The new 63,318 sq ft facility is slated to open in March 2024.

Emirates Airline and Group chairman and chief executive, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “This USD135 million investment to build a new pilot training centre will ensure Emirates’ readiness to commence its pilot training ahead of the delivery of its new aircraft fleet starting from 2024. The building will be equipped with the latest, technologically advanced simulators to provide the best training for pilots while using solar power to reduce energy consumption.”

The new building will be adjacent to the existing Emirates Training Facilities in Dubai

. Pilot trainees will benefit from being able to set up and configure the cockpit environment using bespoke devices as part of the pilot training module and upload the data to the Full Flight Simulator (FFS) before commencing their training session. This innovative, first-of-its-kind concept is designed to shorten the trainee’s preparatory time inside the simulator, help them maintain focus and take full advantage of the training duration.

With the addition of the new building to Emirates’ existing training colleges in Dubai, the airline will have the potential to expand its pilot training capacity by 54% per year. Across the airline’s training buildings, Emirates’ pilots will have increased flexibility and facilities to hone their flying skills with 17 full flight simulator bays offering a capacity of more than 130,000 training hours a year.

In line with the scheduled delivery of Emirates’ first Airbus A350 aircraft, the airline’s newest training college will commence training its first batch of A350 pilots by June 2024.

In addition to modern training facilities for its flight deck crew, the airline offers a range of world-class training and development programmes for its workforce and other aviation professionals. In Dubai, these include the Emirates Flight Training Academy for cadets, Emirates Aviation University, Emirates Cabin Crew Training Centre, and numerous programmes specially created for different segments of its employees.

For more information, visit www.emirates.com.

(Your Stories: Emirates)

Cebu Pacific restores flight network

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TTR WEEKLY

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February 22, 2023

MANILA, 22 February 2023: Cebu Pacific is set to restore 100% of its pre-Covid network and capacity by March 2023. It now flies to 34 domestic destinations and is set to bring back all its 25 international destinations before the end of the first quarter.

To support the return of domestic flights, the low-cost airline is bundling fares to offer passengers a discount of up to 28% on their baggage, seat, and CEB Flexi fees when booking direct through the airline booking website.

CEB offers three fare bundle options; Go Basic, Go Easy, and Go Flexi.

On the Go Basic option, you pay for your fare and get one hand-carry baggage weighing up to 7 kg for free. With Go Easy, you can choose your standard seat and check in one piece of baggage weighing up to 20 kg.

Score the biggest discount on your seat and baggage fees and automatically get a CEB Flexi add-on with Go Flexi. This allows you to cancel your flight, store its amount in your Travel Fund, and get all the benefits of the Go Easy bundle.

Each fare bundle must be purchased at the initial booking for the discount to apply. CEB Fare Bundles cannot be refunded, transferred to another passenger, or stored in a Travel Fund without a purchased CEB Flexi add-on.

SIA group reports robust recovery

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TTR WEEKLY

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February 22, 2023

SINGAPORE, 22 February 2023: Singapore Airlines Group reported strong passenger traffic and load factors across all route regions, including East Asia, according to its latest operating results for January 2023.

The year-end peak return traffic and the Lunar New Year holiday season boosted the robust demand for air travel.

Group passenger capacity in January 2023 remained at 80% of the pre-Covid-19 levels, similar to previous months in the last quarter of 2022.

Together, SIA and Scoot carried 2.6 million passengers (-2.7% month-on-month or a four-fold increase year-on-year).

The two airlines reported a passenger load factor (PLF) in January 2023 of 86.9% (-2.8 percentage points month-on-month or +46.9 percentage points year-on-year).

SIA and Scoot posted monthly PLFs of 85.9% and 90.4%, respectively.

SIA’s passenger load factor on East Asia routes clocked 87.5% in January 2023, up from 15.8% in the same month in 2022. The PLF reached 85.5% on West Asia routes, up from 38.4%; Americas 83.1%, up from 54.3%; Europe 86%, up from 51%; Southwest Pacific 94.8%, up from 38.7% in January 2022.

During January, SIA and Scoot resumed services to Guangzhou and Balikpapan, respectively, and by the close of January 2023, the group’s passenger network covered 112 destinations in 36 countries and territories. SIA served 77 destinations, while Scoot served 58 destinations.

5th Samui Volleyball set for March

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TTR WEEKLY

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February 22, 2023

SAMUI, Thailand 2023: The 5^th annual Samui Open Beach Volleyball Tournament will convene on Samui island, 10 to 12 March 2023, at the Royal Muang Samui Villas on Choeng Mon Beach.

The tournament was originated by organiser Biggs Island Productions (BIP) in 2016 to recognise the growing global interest in Beach Volleyball.

The fully registered tournament will see 120 athletes, 80 teams and 28 countries represented, with 80% of athletes from overseas and 20% from Thailand, a mix of Thai and foreign resident teams.

This year the event is partnering with HUB Beach Volleyball Camp from Australia, with a three-day training camp offered before the event.

The international event will be the biggest event of its type, organised by BIP, hosted by Royal Muang Samui Villas and supported by the Tourism Association of Koh Samui (TAKS) and Koh Samui Municipality.

Over the three days, 80 teams will compete in four divisions (Men’s 2X2, Women’s 2X2, Mix 2X2 and Quads 4X4) to win the THB80,000

prize money plus trophies, medals, sponsor vouchers, volleyball gear and apparel. Teams will represent 28 countries from Europe, North America, South America, Australia and Asia.

Spectators will enjoy free entry over the three-day tournament, with matches scheduled from 0900 to 1800 daily from 10 to 12 March.

Etihad boosts summer flights to Europe

HK Express cuts back flights

Last chance to redeem eVouchers

Vistara increases flights to Goa

Lucky Air steps up regional flights

Add Las Fallas to your must-visit list

Las Fallas bonfire festival

La Magdalena

Moros y Cristianos

Grape harvest festival

Emirates builds new pilot training centre

Cebu Pacific restores flight network

SIA group reports robust recovery

5th Samui Volleyball set for March

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Grape harvest festival

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