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Emirates invests in Airbus Skywise 

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SINGAPORE, 17 February 2025: Emirates has signed an agreement with Airbus to implement its Skywise Fleet Performance+ (S.FP+) advanced predictive maintenance and fleet health monitoring solution and Core X3 analytics platform. 

Emirates Head of Engineering  Ahmed Safa and Airbus Africa and the Middle East Vice President of Customer Services  Laurent Negre signed the agreement.

Adopting Airbus’s cutting-edge S.FP+ solution will further improve aircraft dispatch reliability while enabling strategic data-driven decision-making for Emirates’ commercial Airbus A380 and A350 aircraft fleet. Using the platform’s advanced capabilities, Emirates Engineering teams will be able to monitor real-time aircraft performance and health data, identify potential issues in flight, and determine maintenance actions during turnarounds.

Emirates Head of Engineering Ahmed Safa said: “Emirates is always looking at ways to leverage leading-edge technologies that improve operational reliability and punctuality, minimise unscheduled downtime and ensure our fleet operates at the highest standards, ultimately elevating the customer experience. Adopting Airbus’s Skywise Fleet Performance+ is a step forward to support our Airbus fleet, harnessing the latest advancements and transforming traditional maintenance activities into streamlined, precision-led processes that optimise our time in the skies.” 

Airbus Vice President of Customer Services Africa and Middle East Laurent Negre said: “We are proud to strengthen our collaboration with Emirates by implementing Skywise Fleet Performance+ and Core X3. These solutions will enhance fleet performance and reliability, reduce downtime, and support operational efficiency, which passengers will also benefit from.”

Skywise Fleet Performance Plus, powered by advanced analytics, features automated pre-departure monitoring of cabin temperatures, operations, and key systems.

The platform also integrates Aircraft Condition Monitoring System (ACMS) data for critical aircraft monitoring, delivers predictive diagnostics with real-time alerts and solutions, and provides comprehensive status insights for Emirates’ Airbus A380 and A350 fleets. 

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

Travel associations back TMA

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 17 February 2025: Travel Meet Asia 2025 welcomes various associations representing the travel trade communities across ASEAN that generate outbound travel. 

Scheduled for 25 to 26 June at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE), Jakarta, Indonesia, the show is endorsed and supported by the

Association of The Indonesian Tours & Travel Agencies (ASITA), Indonesian Travel Agents Association (ASTINDO), Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA), National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) and Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA).

Organised by Messe Berlin Asia Pacific, TMA brings together over 1,300 attendees, over 140 exhibitors and more than 400 invited buyers. It’s two full days of B2B meetings with key buyers and outstanding conferences that gather leading brands in the industry!

The partnerships with national travel agency associations in ASEAN bring potential outbound buyers from Indonesia and Southeast Asia, offering unparalleled networking opportunities for exhibiting companies. 

Travel Meet Asia 2025 will convene from 25 to 26 June 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Travel Meet Asia gathers international exhibitors with business segments covering the key verticals of travel. Participating exhibitors can pre-schedule meeting appointments with buyers from Southeast Asia and internationally.
Register Here

WA: The top spot for Singaporeans

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 17 February 2025: Western Australia records an impressive 19% growth in Singaporean visits for the year ending  June 2024, making Singapore the largest APAC travel market for the Australian state. 

WA’s financial year ends 30, with the latest data for 2023/2024 recording 99,000 Singaporean visitors. 

Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia.

In the year ending June 2024, Western Australia attracted 29% of all Singaporean travellers to Australia, with family groups accounting for 35% of total visits — marking a 106% increase year-on-year. 

Western Australia also captured 48% of the market share for Singaporean family travellers, up from 31% in the year ending June 2023, highlighting its growing appeal for multi-generational travel.

Market Insights 2024 

Family travel boom: 35,000 Singaporean family visitors in the year ending June 2024, a 106% increase over the year ending June 2023.

Solo travel growth: 35% of Western Australia visitors from Singapore travelled solo in year-ending June 2024, an increase of 4% points year-on-year.

Increased market share: Western Australia’s share of Singaporean visitors to Australia rose from 27% (YE June 2023) to 29% (YE June 2024).

Significant spending: Singaporeans spent AUD233 million in Western Australia in the year ending June 2024, accounting for 21% of their total expenditure in Australia.

“Western Australia offers a unique combination of world-class natural beauty, immersive cultural experiences, and opportunities for rejuvenation, which resonate deeply with travellers from Singapore,” said Tourism Western Australia (Singapore & Malaysia) Head  Ava Ang

 “From family adventures to solo escapes, we look forward to welcoming even more visitors next year as we unveil new experiences tailored to their preferences.”

What to expect from WA in 2025

Three key travel trends are shaping the Singaporean outbound market to WA.

Wellness and mental health remain significant motivators, with travellers seeking rejuvenating experiences such as retreats in Western Australia’s tranquil natural landscapes.

Multi-generational travel is also on the rise, as families increasingly choose Western Australia for its diverse offerings. From up-close encounters with wild marine animals to fruit-picking experiences, activities in Western Australia cater to family members of all ages, providing opportunities for quality time and creating new memories as they journey through Western Australia.

Off-the-beaten-path adventures are gaining traction among travellers seeking serene, crowd-free destinations that blend relaxation with exploring Western Australia’s untouched wilderness.

Western Australia’s top attractions continue to captivate visitors, offering unforgettable experiences for travellers. Of these, Broome is rapidly emerging as a favourite destination for Singaporeans seeking a unique escape from the familiar, offering adventures and experiences unlike any other. 

Following the success of its inaugural launch in June 2024, Jetstar Asia will begin the second season of direct flights (4.5 hours flight time) from 1 April to 25 October 2025 to meet the high demand for travel between Singapore and Broome, Western Australia, during this period. 

Singaporeans can join activities such as Broome Whale Watching to witness the Southern Hemisphere’s largest whale migration, multi-award-winning Willie Creek pearl farm tours to discover the lustrous beauty of Broome pearls or explore aboriginal culture with Mabu Buru Tour to learn traditional foraging techniques from an Aboriginal guide.

Thomas Cook India partners with Georgia

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TTR WEEKLY
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MUMBAI, 17 February 2025: In a strategic initiative to boost travel to Georgia from India, Thomas Cook (India) has signed an MOU with the Georgia National Tourism Administration (GNTA). 

The collaboration focuses on building awareness and inspiring demand to drive increased visitations to Georgia.

Photo credit: Thomas Cook (India).

Thomas Cook India’s internal data reveals strong travel demand from Indian consumers for fresh, new destinations and easy visa regimes. 

This partnership aims to showcase Georgia along three key axes: attractiveness, accessibility and affordability. To inspire Indian travellers and catalyse demand, Thomas Cook India’s partnership with GNTA will focus on key objectives, such as:

  • Creating strong awareness for Georgia in the Indian market.
  • Building inspirational content for the destination.
  • Promoting MICE to Georgia.
  • Joint marketing collaboration to promote Georgia in the Indian market.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, President & Country Head Holidays, MICE, Visa — Rajeev Kale said:  “From the charming streets of Tbilisi, rich in history and culture, the majestic landscapes of the Caucasus mountains, the ancient cave cities of Uplistsikhe, and globally renowned wine culture with its neolithic grape wine cultivation dating back to almost 8000 years, Georgia offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences, and at great value for the discerning Indian traveller. We are delighted to collaborate with the Georgia National Tourism Administration to jointly promote Georgia as a go-to destination across our customer segments. To inspire demand, our strategic intent will focus on education and training, familiarisation trips and joint marketing collaborations to target India’s high-potential segments, including millennials/young working professionals, families, couples, solo travellers, B-Leisure and corporate MICE groups. We will focus on key markets across India’s metros, mini-metros, and tier two and three cities.”

Georgian National Tourism Administration Head, Maia Omiadze said: “We are thrilled to partner with Thomas Cook India and to sign an MOU. Thomas Cook India is one of India’s most influential travel companies. This collaboration is designed to boost Georgia’s visibility in India, drive targeted marketing campaigns, and attract more Indian tourists to our country.

India’s growing importance in the global tourism landscape is evident, with 124,335 visits to Georgia in 2024 — an impressive 46.8% increase from the previous year. We were in Mumbai at OTM 2025, where we were joined by a strong delegation of 45 companies, reflecting unprecedented private sector engagement and creating valuable opportunities for partnerships with Indian counterparts.”

HK Express flies to Ishigaki Okinawa

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 17 February 2025: HK Express Airways resumes direct flights to Ishigaki, Japan, offering more diverse options to explore Okinawa. 

Starting from 3 April 2025, there will be daily flights from Hong Kong to Ishigaki Airport (ISG) in Japan. With the addition of the Ishigaki route to the existing Naha service, customers can now choose between Okinawa’s two major airports as entry and exit points, making it easier than ever to connect to other destinations in Japan. 

HK Express is launching a limited-time promotional offer to celebrate its return to the Ishigaki route. Flying to Ishigaki or Naha, the airline tags its one-way ‘Lite’ fares at HKD148* (includes one small personal item and one cabin baggage). 

● Naha: 24 February to 25 October 2025
● Ishigaki: 3 April to 25 October 2025

Located southwest of Okinawa’s main island, Ishigaki is part of Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture, renowned for its natural beauty. From scenic viewpoints to iconic lighthouses, Ishigaki offers marine adventure with snorkelling, scuba diving, or glass-bottom boat tours to explore the largest blue coral reef in the northern hemisphere that teems with tropical marine life. Ishigaki is steeped in rich cultural heritage and offers an enchanting mix of traditions.

* Limited seats available. Terms and conditions apply. Fares do not include taxes and surcharges. Please refer to the system display for the final settlement amount, which may be subjected to exchange rate fluctuations

** All flight schedules are subject to regulatory approval. The final flight details will be available on the official ticketing page of HK Express.

AirAsia ‘free’ seats up for grabs

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 17 February 2025: The AirAsia FREE* Seats returns, offering up to 15 million promotional seats across 130 destinations within its extensive network. 

The promotion is available for travel during the summer season and year-end holidays until 2026.

For travellers from and to the Greater Bay Area airports, FREE* Seats will be available on the Hong Kong — Kota Kinabalu / Bangkok (Don Mueung) and Shenzhen — Bangkok (Don Mueung) routes.

Travellers can choose flights to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Jakarta, Bali (Denpasar), and Manila at fares starting from just HKD410 /MOP490 all in one way*.

Fly further for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience to Maldives, Perth, Tawau, Kuching, Boracay and more on its Big Sales. Gather your belongings and embark on an adventure, flying from our hubs in Kuala Lumpur/Manila/Bali (Denpasar)  with fares as low as HKD817/MOP1,130 all in one way*.

AirAsia Aviation Group Chief Commercial Officer Amanda Woo said: “We are thrilled to kick off the year on a strong note by offering 15 million guaranteed promotional seats, preparing our guests to plan their travels and vacations for the second half of the year up until 2026.”

The AirAsia FREE* Seats sale started at noon on 15 February 2025 and is open for bookings until 23 February 2025 via airasia.com or the AirAsia MOVE app for travel between 1 July 2025 and 15 June 2026. 

AirAsia offers a 20% discount on the Value Pack (20kg of checked baggage, in-flight meals and standard seat selection) during the initial flight booking process. 

*The Free Seat fare applies only to the base fare, excluding airport taxes and surcharges, and is subject to availability. All-in fares include taxes and other applicable fees. T&C apply.

Air India expands summer flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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GURUGRAM, India, 17 February 2025: Air India will increase frequencies on key routes as part of its northern summer schedule effective 30 March 2025.

Photo credit: Air India.

Europe – UK

Delhi-London Heathrow:  The airline adds three weekly flights, increasing frequencies from 21 to 24 flights weekly operated by a mix of A350-900 and upgraded B787-9 aircraft. 
Amritsar-Birmingham: Flights increase from three to four weekly. 
Amritsar-London Gatwick: Flights increase from three to four weekly flights.
Ahmedabad-London Gatwick: Flights increase from three to five weekly flights. 

Europe

Delhi-Zurich: Flights increase from four to five weekly. 
Delhi-Vienna: Flights increase from three to four weekly.

Asia  

Delhi-Seoul (Incheon): Flights increase from four to five weekly.
Delhi-Hong Kong: Aircraft change from A321 to B787 Dreamliner for seven weekly flights.  

Africa

Delhi-Nairobi: Flights have increased from three to four weekly flights.

The modernisation of the airline’s narrowbody aircraft will be completed in mid-2025. At the same time, the first of the legacy widebodies, a Boeing 787, will commence retrofit of new seats and entertainment systems in April and re-enter service in October 2025. Thereafter, two to three B787s will be inducted monthly until all 27 legacy aircraft have been upgraded.   

Retrofit of the legacy Boeing 777 fleet with new seats and entertainment systems, originally due to commence in 2025, will begin in early 2026 due to production constraints at the selected seat supplier. However, Air India will refresh as many other elements of the B777 interiors as feasible during 2025, ahead of the completion date for the entire retrofit programme in 2026.

Due to the retrofit programme, which temporarily reduces the operational fleet, the airline will suspend its nonstop Mumbai-Melbourne service between 30 March and 13 September 2025 and the nonstop Kochi-London Gatwick route from 30 March 2025 until further notice. Air India will continue to operate 12 weekly flights to London Gatwick from Amritsar, Ahmedabad and Goa.

MATTA Fair introduces B2B Connect

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 17 February 2025: Malaysia’s most prominent international travel show, The National MATTA Fair, will convene from 18 to 20 April 2025 for its 56th edition at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur.

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) organises the travel fair biannually in April and September.

MATTA President Nigel Wong

The MATTA Fair will feature a massive line-up of exhibitors from National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), State Tourism Organisations (STOs), travel agents, hotels, attractions and many more tourism products. Visitors can look forward to exploring a wider variety of travel packages from domestic and international travel gateways, airlines, hotels and travel agencies that can satisfy their travel desires.

In addition to the many great travel bargains, visitors can also look forward to the MATTA Tourism Talent Expo at Hall 4, Level 1, during the three-day fair. This career-centric fair will provide those in the tour and travel industries with an excellent opportunity to network with industry professionals and hear from speakers, including Aunty HR, a local influencer whose content is focused on Human Resources and Corporate Businesses, Dr Nisha Abu Bakar, a tourism expert and Kingston Khoo, a sustainability expert from UiTM.

To top it all off, MATTA announces its Outbound Business to Business (B2B) event, MATTA Connect. This event allows sellers from various countries to connect with local buyers to explore new international destinations and establish new business partnerships. MATTA Connect will convene on 17 April 2025 at MITEC, the day before the MATTA Fair opens.

“The upcoming MATTA Fair in April 2025 is expected to draw over 210,000 visitors and generate more than MY270 million in sales. With new initiatives, this edition of the MATTA Fair promises to be the best travel fair,” said MATTA. President Nigel Wong.

Admission to the MATTA Fair is free. The show opens from 1000 to 2100 on Friday to Sunday. MATTA encourages visitors to use the complimentary shuttle services from KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall to MITEC. Parking facilities are available at the South Entrance Basement in MITEC, MITI Basement, and MATRADE Open parking.Website: http://www.matta.org.my | https://www.mattafair.org.my

Be in Sabah 2025 27 to 28 February

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TTR WEEKLY
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KOTA KINABALU, 14 February 2025: Sabah is set to shine across the region as the highly anticipated BE in SABAH 2025 takes place from 27 to 28 February 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). 

This transformative forum promises to redefine the Business Events (BE) landscape while positioning Sabah as a premier destination for global business gatherings. Notably, BE refers to Business Events, a term internationally synonymous with Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 200 industry partners, along with key media representatives, gathered on 9 February  at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) for the official press conference of 𝐁𝐄 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐇 2025

Bringing together visionaries, industry leaders, and innovators from across the globe, BE in SABAH 2025 is designed to foster collaborative growth and drive sustainable development. With the theme 

“Empowering Asia Pacific Through Business Events,” the forum will tackle pressing challenges, unveil emerging opportunities, and cultivate strategic partnerships to propel the industry forward. BE in SABAH 2025 is set to be a game-changer, empowering the Asia Pacific region through innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. It offers delegates a unique opportunity to participate in a transformative journey that blends business excellence with the natural beauty and cultural richness of Sabah.

Sabah is emerging as a pivotal destination for global business events, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant cultural heritage that complements Europe’s well-established business event landscapes. This forum will highlight how the Asia Pacific region can reshape the future of business gatherings, creating a dynamic space for collaboration and innovation. Sabah stands at the intersection of nature, culture, and commerce, serving as a powerful platform to foster partnerships, unlock new opportunities, and redefine the business events industry by integrating Asia Pacific’s distinctive strengths with global perspectives.

With over 800 delegates expected, including 40% international participants from the Asia Pacific and beyond, BE in SABAH 2025 stands as a milestone in Sabah’s growing prominence in the global BE industry. Targeting key international markets such as Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other global business hubs, the event provides an exceptional platform for professionals to expand their reach, forge partnerships, and discover new business opportunities.

For more information, visit https://beinsabah.com.my/

Emirates and Air Peace sign interline pact

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, UAE, 14 February 2025: Emirates has signed an interline agreement with West Africa’s largest airline, Air Peace, enhancing connectivity for passengers travelling to and from Nigeria. 

The partnership expands Emirates’ footprint to 13 new cities in Nigeria with frictionless single-ticket travel and simplified baggage throughput.

Travellers booked on flights from Dubai to Lagos can access more of Nigeria, with onward connections to Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna and Owerri. The interline agreement will also benefit corporate travellers, connecting to additional cities in Africa’s major economic hubs, including its capital city Abuja, Kano, Uyo, Port Harcourt and Warri, further supporting the strong bilateral trade relationship between Nigeria and the UAE.

Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said: “Emirates is a steadfast partner of Nigeria’s tourism, trade and aviation sectors. This partnership with Air Peace is the next step on this journey, bolstering our connectivity and introducing more travel options for travellers — corporate, leisure and those visiting friends and family to and from Nigeria.”

Air Peace Chief Operating Officer Oluwatoyin Olajide said: “We are excited about this strategic interline partnership between Air Peace and Emirates, which is a significant step towards enhancing global connectivity for Nigerian travellers. It aligns with our mission to provide seamless, world-class travel experiences while expanding our route network and international reach. This collaboration expands Air Peace’s international reach and offers Nigerians arriving from Dubai seamless access to key domestic destinations, including Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna, and Owerri. By improving ease of travel, we are boosting business, tourism, and trade opportunities, further strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and the UAE.”

Emirates’ Dubai-Lagos route is operated with a Boeing 777-300ER, offering the best experience in the sky. Passengers can dine on regionally inspired multi-course menus and a wide selection of premium beverages while enjoying over 6,500 channels of global entertainment, including 23 Nigerian movies, series and other content on ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system. As one of only two airlines operating First Class into Lagos, the partnership enables more travellers from Nigeria to experience Emirates’ unrivalled experience with luxurious touches defined by comfort and privacy.

Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline, provides seamless connections domestically and internationally using an aircraft fleet comprised of Airbus 320s, Boeing 737s, Boeing 777s, Dornier 328-300 Jets, Embraer 145s, and Embraer 195-E2s.

Emirates offers near-unrivalled global connectivity, further amplified by its extensive partnership network. In Africa, the airline’s footprint expands to over 223 regional points through 5 codeshare and 19 interline partners, providing better connection opportunities to both holiday destinations and emerging economic centres on the continent.

Customers can book travel on emirates.com, Emirates Retail Stores, the Emirates app, and preferred travel agencies.

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