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Autograph Collection debuts in Phuket

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BANGKOK, 4 February 2025: Autograph Collection Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, has opened the Veranda Resort Phuket, Autograph Collection, the first Autograph Collection Hotel in Phuket and the third in Thailand.

Located on the Cape Panwa peninsula, the 159-room Veranda Resort Phuket, Autograph Collection is 12 km from Phuket Town, 24 km from the tourist haven of Patong Beach, and 45 km from Phuket International Airport.

The resort has hired Rome Panitkuljukkrawal as the General Manager.

Veranda Resort Phuket, Autograph Collection will participate in Marriott Bonvoy – the award-winning travel programme from Marriott International.

SOTC expands its retail travel shops

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MUMBAI, 4 February 2025: India’s SOTC Travel expands its franchise outlets in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj and East Delhi districts, bringing its network to 10 retail travel shops in the National Capital Region.

The National Capital Region encompasses the National Capital Territory of Delhi and several districts surrounding it, from the states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

SOTC adds retail travel shops in the NCR region (Delhi).

It’s an important source market for the company’s holiday business generated in Delhi and its surrounding catchments. SOTC Travel’s new franchise outlets are strategically situated at prime locations serving leisure and business segments.

The Vasant Kunj and East Delhi outlets offer end-to-end travel solutions and services, including international and domestic holidays (group tours, personalised holidays and cruises, etc), plus value-added services like travel insurance.

SOTC Travel Limited Senior Vice President & Head – Holidays, Rakesh Bawa said: “Vasant Kunj and East Delhi districts are emerging as key source markets with strong demand. We’re excited to open two new outlets, expanding our network to 10 locations. Centrally located, these stores will help us target key segments like families, millennials, business owners and Gen Z.”

About SOTC Travel
SOTC Travel Limited is a step-down subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings held through its Indian-listed subsidiary, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL). SOTC Travel is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments, including leisure, incentives, and business travel. Established in 1949, SOTC is an Indian-grown brand with a legacy of nearly 75 years.

Batik Air releases its all-new Batik Air Club

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KUALA LUMPUR, 4 February 2025: Batik Air Malaysia has released details of its all-new frequent flyer programme, the Batik Air Club, which replaces Malindo Miles.

Batik Air Club has been completely reimagined, revealing a refreshed reward system perfectly aligned with Batik Air’s dynamic new identity.

Batik Air’s Facebook promotion recruits FFP members.

Here are the standouts of the new Batik Air Club rewards system.

Broader coverage for earning & redeeming points: Accumulate points and redeem them for free flights with Batik Air Malaysia and all airlines within the Lion Air Group. Points are rewarded based on the fare class booked (starting from Value Fare), and bookings must be made directly through the Batik Air Malaysia website.

Convert points from shopping: Turn shopping into points with every purchase using partner banks’ credit cards and redeem them for free flights.

Exclusive privileges: Up to 25% extra points, priority access, exclusive promotions and benefits for members.

Batik Air has streamlined the rewards system by integrating existing Malindo Miles points into Batik Air Club points.

Conversion Ratio: 1,000 Malindo Miles = 10 Batik Air Club points.
Redemption Value: 1 Batik Air Club point = MYR 1.

AAPA: 2024 delivers robust growth

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 4 February 2025: The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) released preliminary traffic figures for 2024 on Monday. They revealed strong growth in international air passenger and cargo markets. 

The increase in flights and network expansions supported solid growth in travel demand. Robust e-commerce activity and disruptions to maritime shipping drove air cargo volumes higher.

In 2024, Asia Pacific airlines carried a combined 365 million international passengers, representing a 30.5% increase compared to the previous year. As measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), demand increased by 28%, reflecting relative strength on regional routes. After accounting for a 26.6% expansion in available seat capacity, the average international passenger load factor rose 0.9 percentage points to 81.6% for the year. 

International air cargo markets recorded healthy growth in 2024 after two years of decline. Demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), rebounded with a solid 14.9% increase for the year, slightly outpacing a 14.6% growth in offered freight capacity. As a result, the average international freight load factor rose by a marginal 0.2 percentage points to 61% in 2024.

Commenting on the results, AAPA Director General, Subhas Menon said: “2024 was a strong year for Asia Pacific airlines. The post-pandemic recovery on North East Asia routes, helped by the relaxation of visa policies and overall healthy demand across the region, drove growth in both leisure and business travel markets. This resulted in a 30.5% increase in the number of international passengers carried for the year, reaching  365 million. Consequently, the region’s carriers achieved a record-high international passenger load factor of 81.6% in 2024, amidst capacity constraints stemming from ongoing supply chain shortages and delays in aircraft deliveries.”

Menon added: “Despite weakness in the global manufacturing sector, Asia Pacific carriers saw significant growth in their air cargo business, driven by a surge in e-commerce sales and the region’s role as a manufacturing hub, particularly in China. Persistent disruptions in maritime shipping also encouraged a modal shift in transport, contributing to the 15% growth in international air cargo demand for the year.”

Looking ahead, Menon concluded: “The outlook for air travel markets in 2025 remains broadly positive, although growth rates are expected to moderate further. However, airlines continue to face challenges, including rising labour, maintenance, and aircraft leasing costs and operational pressures due to ongoing delays in aircraft deliveries. To navigate these challenges, airlines are focusing on active cost management and seeking the commitment of equipment suppliers to address supply chain problems while continuing to invest in growth opportunities.”

Lufthansa extends A380 service to Bangkok

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BANGKOK, 4 February 2024: Lufthansa extends its A380 flights from Munich to Bangkok until 25 April 2025 to accommodate strong passenger bookings during Thailand’s Songkran Festival 13 to 15 April and the Easter holidays (20 April) in Europe.

Airlines of the Lufthansa Group currently operate up to 31 weekly flights between Thailand and Europe.

In a press statement on Monday, Lufthansa said it “was pleased to announce the extension of its Airbus A380 service from Bangkok to Munich for the peak Songkran holiday season.” 

In response to growing demand during this key travel period, Lufthansa will operate its flagship aircraft on this route, offering passengers a luxurious and comfortable flying experience between the two major cities.

The A380, known for its spacious cabins, will be deployed for additional flights starting in early April 2025, coinciding with the annual Songkran Festival in Thailand. As one of the most significant cultural events in Thailand, the Songkran holiday attracts millions of travellers both domestically and internationally. Lufthansa’s decision to extend its A380 service aims to provide travellers with enhanced capacity and superior comfort during this busy travel period.

“We are excited to extend our A380 service on the Munich-Bangkok route during the Songkran holiday season,” said Lufthansa Vice President Asia Pacific & Joint Ventures East Felipe Bonifatti.

“The A380 offers unparalleled comfort and capacity, and we are confident that our passengers will appreciate the extra space and top-tier service as they travel during the busy Thai New Year period.”

Batik Air expands China network

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KUALA LUMPUR, 4 February 2024: Low-cost airline Batik Air, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is expanding flights to China with the addition of Beijing, Changsha and Xiamen starting in mid-March and early April.

First reported by SAYS, an online news channel in Malaysia, the airline has yet to announce the additional Chinese destinations on its website. However, online advance schedules and timetables have been updated to show the new flights. 

Three new routes will give the airline flights to nine Chinese destinations. Batik Air already serves six Chinese cities: Chengdu, Guangzhou, Haikou, Kunming, Zhangjiajie, and Zhengzhou. Boeing 737 MAX 800s are deployed on routes to China.

Three weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) will operate on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday starting 21 March.

Four flights weekly from Kuala Lumpur to Changsha Huanghua International Airport (CSX) will operate on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday starting on 22 March.

Four flights weekly from Kuala Lumpur to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday starting 11 April.

Flight schedules

Kuala Lumpur – Beijing 

OD636 will depart Kuala Lumpur ( KUL) at 1955 and arrive in Beijing (PKX) at 0200 (plus a day). 
OD637 will depart Beijing ( PKX) at 0300  and arrive in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at  0905. 

Kuala Lumpur – Changsha

OD642 will depart Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1840  and arrive in Changsha (CSX) at 2330. 
OD643 will depart Changsha (CSX) at 0030 and arrive in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at  0520.

Kuala Lumpur – Xiamen

OD678 will depart Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2000 and arrive in Xiamen (XMN) at 0030.
OD679 will depart Xiamen (XMN)  at 0130 and arrive in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0600.

Air India and Kenya Airways activate codeshare

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TTR WEEKLY
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GURUGRAM, India, 3 February 2025: Air India and Kenya Airways have entered a codeshare partnership to boost travel between India and Africa. The partnership complements an existing interline agreement between the two carriers. 

The codeshare and interline partnerships allow passengers of both airlines to enjoy convenient access to a broader range of destinations across regions, leveraging a single ticket and a unified baggage policy.

Photo credit: Air India.

As part of the codeshare agreement, Air India will place its ‘AI’ designator code on twice-daily flights between Nairobi and Mumbai operated by Kenya Airways. This will seamlessly connect passengers via Mumbai on Air India-operated flights to or from Bangkok (Thailand), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Malé (Maldives), Melbourne (Australia), and Singapore. 

In addition to existing connections, passengers from Nairobi can fly to Delhi with Air India to several other destinations in and outside of India. 

The new agreement also enables Kenya Airways to place its ‘KQ’ designator code on Air India-operated flights between Delhi and Nairobi, thus enabling Kenya Airways passengers from across Africa to travel to Delhi via Nairobi. 

“Deepening our partnership with Kenya Airways aligns perfectly with Air India’s strategic vision to expand our global footprint and strengthen our position in key markets”, said Air India Chief Commercial Officer Nipun Aggarwal.

“Our codeshare partnership will significantly benefit guests of both airlines and contribute to the overall growth of air travel between India and Africa.”

The interline agreement between Air India and Kenya Airways enables passengers to seamlessly travel on a single itinerary between any of 28 points in Africa (Accra, Addis Ababa, Dar Es Salaam, Harare, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Seychelles, Kilimanjaro, Mombasa, and Zanzibar to name a few), and any of 15 points in India (Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad to name a few).

“We are delighted to expand our partnership with Air India, opening up significant opportunities for our passengers. This codeshare agreement allows us to offer seamless connections to a wider range of destinations across both airlines’ networks, making travel easier and more convenient,” said Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Julius Thairu.

The codeshare flights are available for booking through Air India’s and Kenya Airways’ respective booking channels and travel agents. 

Viking cruise line names new President

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SINGAPORE, 3 February 2025: Viking Holdings, a river, ocean and expedition cruise line, announced last week the appointment of Leah Talactac as company President, effective immediately.

Talactac will continue to serve as Viking’s Chief Financial Officer while assuming her new responsibilities as President. She will continue to report directly to Torstein Hagen, who remains Chairman and CEO, and to the Board of Directors.

Photo credit: Viking. Leah Talactac named President.

Talactac joined Viking in 2006. She moved up the management ranks to serve as a member of the executive team that steered Viking’s successful IPO in 2024, which was the largest of the year on the NYSE. 

She will lead the company’s executive committee, a team of executives with complementary skills who have worked together for over 15 years, driving Viking’s outstanding performance before and after the IPO.

“On behalf of the entire Viking family, I would like to congratulate Leah on her appointment as President,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “Since joining Viking in 2006, Leah has been instrumental in our success. With her long tenure and impressive financial acumen, she is well-positioned to help lead Viking in our next chapter.”

Viking also announced that it has ordered eight river ships for delivery in 2027 and 2028. This is in addition to the 16 river ships already committed to be delivered by 2026 and the nine additional ocean ships for delivery by 2030. With these orders, Viking will have 107 river ships in 2028 and 21 ocean and expedition ships in 2030.

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans, and lakes worldwide. 

2024 pax traffic back on track

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SINGAPORE, 3 February 2025: Total full-year passenger traffic in 2024 (measured in revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) rose 10.4% compared to 2023, IATA reports in its latest data for the full-year 2024 and December.

IATA said RPKs during 2024 improved 3.8% above pre-pandemic (2019) levels. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 8.7% in 2024. The overall load factor reached 83.5%, a record for full-year traffic.

International full-year traffic in 2024 increased 13.6% compared to 2023, and capacity rose 12.8%. Domestic full-year traffic for 2024 rose 5.7% compared to the prior year, while capacity expanded by 2.5%.

December 2024 performance

December 2024 delivered a strong finish to the year, with overall demand rising 8.6% year-on-year, and capacity grew by 5.6%. International demand rose by 10.6% and domestic demand by 5.5%. The December load factor reached 84%, a record for the month.

“2024 made it clear that people want to travel. With 10.4% demand growth, travel reached record numbers domestically and internationally. 

“Airlines met that strong demand with record efficiency. On average, 83.5% of all available seats were filled—a new record high, partially attributable to the supply chain constraints that limited capacity growth. Aviation growth reverberates across societies and economies through jobs, market development, trade, innovation, exploration, and much more,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.

“Looking to 2025, there is every indication that travel demand will continue to grow, albeit at a moderated pace of 8.0%, which is more aligned with historical averages. The desire to partake in the freedom that flying makes possible brings some challenges into sharp focus. First, the tragic accident in Washington (last week) reminds us that safety needs our continuous efforts. Our thoughts are with all those affected. We will never cease our work to make aviation even safer.

Second is the airlines’ commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. While airlines invested record amounts in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) purchases in 2024, less than 0.5% of fuel needs were met with SAF. SAF is in short supply, and costs must be reduced. Governments could fortify their national energy security and unblock this problem by prioritising renewable fuel production from which SAF is derived. In addition to securing energy supplies and increasing the SAF supply, diverting a fraction of the subsidies given for fossil fuel extraction to support renewable energy capacity would also boost prosperity through economic expansion and job creation,” said Walsh.

International Passenger Markets

In 2024, full-year international traffic surpassed the previous high of 0.5% in 2019, with growth in all regions. Capacity was 0.9% lower than in 2019. The load factor improved by 0.5 percentage points, finishing at 83.2%, a record high.

In December, international demand grew by 10.6%, capacity increased by 7.7%, and the load factor improved by 2.2 percentage points to 83.9% (compared to December 2023).

Asia-Pacific airlines posted a 26.0% rise in full-year international traffic in 2024 compared to 2023, maintaining the strongest year-over-year rate among the regions. Capacity rose 24.7%, and the load factor climbed by 0.8 percentage points to 83.8%. Despite this strong growth, opportunities for further growth remain high, as international RPKs remain 8.7% below 2019 levels. In December 2024, traffic rose 17.1% compared to December 2023.

European carriers’ full-year traffic climbed 9.7% versus 2023. Capacity increased 9.2%, and load factor rose 0.4 percentage points to 84.1%. Demand climbed 8.6% for December compared to the same month in 2023.

Middle Eastern airlines saw a 9.4% traffic rise in 2024 compared to 2023. Capacity increased by 8.4%, and load factor climbed from 0.7 percentage points to 80.8%. December demand climbed 7.7% compared to the same month in 2023.

North American carriers reported a 6.8% annual traffic rise in 2024 compared to 2023. Capacity increased 7.4%, and load factor fell -0.5 percentage points to 84.2%. December 2024, traffic rose 5.1% compared to the year-ago period.

Latin American airlines posted a 14.4% traffic rise in 2024 over 2023. Annual capacity climbed 14.3%, and load factor increased 0.1 percentage points to 84.8%, the region’s highest. December demand climbed 11.3% compared to December 2023.

African airlines’ annual traffic rose 13.2% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Full-year 2024 capacity was up 9.5%, and load factor climbed 2.5 percentage points to 74.5%, the lowest among regions but a record high for Africa. In December 2024, traffic for African airlines rose 12.4% over December 2023.

Thomas Cook signs MoU with Moscow Tourism

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MUMBAI, India, 3 February 2025: Thomas Cook (India) Limited has confirmed a two-year partnership with the Moscow Project Office for Tourism & Hospitality Development. 

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Thomas Cook (India) Limited, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa — Rajeev Kale and the First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and Government of Moscow, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, Evgeny Kozlov.

Photo credit: Thomas Cook India.

The MoU will prioritise knowledge exchange, best practices and curating innovative products designed specifically for Indian travellers embarking on a Moscow tour while fostering long-term growth in tourism and business MICE segments between India and the Russian capital.

This strategic partnership will capitalise on Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel’s expertise in curating outbound travel itineraries for Indian travellers and showcase Moscow’s diverse appeal as a vibrant destination for India’s leisure, business travel MICE and b-leisure sectors. 

Kale commented on the agreement: “Moscow represents a delightful diversity of architecture, art, culture, gastronomy, and vibrant nightlife…hidden gems waiting to be explored. And so, on behalf of the Thomas Cook India Group, I am delighted to announce our strategic, long-term, and multi-pronged partnership with the Moscow Project Office for Tourism & Hospitality Development, which extends across our range of travel segments.

“With a vibrant heritage of over 143 years in India, this groundbreaking MOU reiterates our leadership position in the Indian market while showcasing our spirit of innovation and enterprise.” 

Kozlov added: “Thomas Cook India is a trendsetter in the Indian tourism industry. I am delighted to be partnering with them in this promising collaboration.

“Following the signing of the MoU at a recent trade show, we have already agreed to organise a special presentation of Moscow as a tourist destination for Thomas Cook India and its clients, focusing on the MICE segment. 

“Thomas Cook India Group has expressed interest in bringing its clients to Moscow this spring as part of a familiarisation trip.”    

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