BANGKOK, 16 August 2023: Thai Airways International deployed its new Airbus A320 aircraft to resume twice-daily flights from Bangkok to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.
The twice-daily flights started on 15 August and take over from the low-cost THAI Smile Airways, which is relinquishing all of its regional routes to its parent airline. Ultimately Thai Smile will merge with the parent airline as a cost-saving measure, possibly in 2024, but it may still serve some domestic flights.
Thai Airways International will serve the Bangkok – Phnom Penh route, scheduling 14 weekly flights (twice daily).
Bangkok – Phnom Penh TG586 departs from Bangkok at 0735 and arrives in Phnom Penh at 0850 (local time). TG584 departs from Bangkok at 1835 and arrives in Phnom Penh at 19:55 (local time).
Phnom Penh – Bangkok TG587 departs from Phnom Penh at 0940 (local time) and arrives in Bangkok at 1100. TG585 departs from Phnom Penh at 2115 (local time) and arrives in Bangkok at 2230.
KUALA LUMPUR, 16 August 2023: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) is working with Kuala Lumpur Traffic Police to improve traffic management during the 1 to 2 September edition of the MATTA Travel Fair hosted at MITEC.
The move follows social media complaints that traffic jams were a major drawback during the MATTA Fair hosted in March at MITEC earlier this year. The national travel show is held every March and September and is recognised as the country’s largest consumer travel fair.
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for visitors and exhibitors, MATTA will implement various measures to improve traffic flow during the MATTA Fair from 1 to 3 September hosted at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur’s premier exhibition venue.
The organisers said the MATTA Fair experienced an overwhelming response during the March show, and its popularity caused massive traffic congestion around the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) venue.
“The upcoming MATTA Fair September 2023 holds immense promise, and our strategic partnership with the traffic police underscores our commitment to deliver an exceptional experience to all visitors. Combined with the free and frequent shuttle services from key pick-up points in the city, we are confident that visitors and exhibitors will find it easier to make their way to the fair,” said MATTA president Nigel Wong.
MITEC CEO Mala Dorasamy said: “MITEC takes great pleasure in welcoming back the 2nd edition of MATTA Fair in September 2023. Positioned within KL Metropolis, it strategically demonstrates a development blueprint of urban growth with commercial dynamism. Given the event’s track record of past achievements, it is vital to optimise business growth and environmental responsibility”.
She also mentioned promoting eco-friendly practices, such as encouraging visitors to opt for Rapid KL, carpooling, and using the event’s free shuttle services. These efforts reduce carbon footprint while enhancing affordability, accessibility, and sustainability in transportation options.
MATTA has joined forces with the authorities to introduce a series of traffic management strategies for the upcoming MATTA Fair.
New Traffic Flow Direction Traffic flow direction will be implemented around the MITEC area to alleviate traffic congestion and improve the visitor experience by streamlining vehicle entry and exit.
Comprehensive Traffic Monitoring Traffic Police officers will be strategically stationed at each traffic light within the MITEC vicinity and at key intersections to closely monitor traffic movement. This heightened vigilance will enable rapid response and intervention in any traffic build-up, contributing to uninterrupted traffic flow.
Priority for Free Shuttle Bus MATTA acknowledges the significance of group transportation, particularly for buyers attending the fair. Traffic Police officers will prioritise free shuttle transportation, facilitating expedited access for groups and helping to ease traffic pressure.
Free Shuttle Visitors are strongly advised to use the free shuttle service to transfer to MITEC available at Sunway Putra Mall and KL Sentral from 0800 to 2200 to minimise traffic congestion at the fair.
The fair is open from 1000 to 2100 on all three days, and admission is free.
BANGKOK, 16 August 2023: Asia Aviation PLC (AAV), the sole shareholder of Thai AirAsia Co Ltd, reports Q2 2023 revenue reached THB10,398.5 million, up 275% year-on-year and 6% on the previous quarter.
Gross profit for the quarter was THB998.2 million, up 143% YoY. However, a net loss of THB1,012.5 million was recorded due to unrealised foreign exchange loss stemming from the baht depreciation.
The significantly improved performance is attributed to a robust recovery of the tourism industry, bolstered by the reopening of the China market in the first quarter.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) increased to THB1,817.2 million. Still, due to the depreciating baht at the end of Q2, the company saw an unrealised foreign exchange loss and reported a net loss of (THB1,012.5 million) for the quarter under review.
For the first half of 2023, AAV achieved revenue of THB19,641.1 million, up 324% from the same period last year. Ancillary services accounted for 19% of revenue from sales and services.
While the company reported a net loss of THB653.1 million due to unrealised foreign exchange losses, the net loss improved from THB7,278.5 million during the same period last year. Seat Capacity has returned to 77% from the pre-pandemic levels, with the airline carrying 9.22 million passengers. The airline maintains its target of 20 million passengers carried for the year.
During the latter half of the year, the company intends to close the gap with the pre-pandemic capacity of 38 weekly flights to China. New services will be added to Sihanoukville (Cambodia), Kathmandu (Nepal), and Ahmedabad (India).
KUALA LUMPUR, 15 August 2023: Amari Kuala Lumpur has won the Luxury Lifestyle Award for Best Luxury City Hotel in Malaysia for 2023. Onyx Hospitality Group manages the 252-room hotel.
Located in the heart of KL Eco City, in the Malaysian capital Amari Kuala Lumpur is just a short walk from the Gardens Mall and the Mid Valley Megamall and just 45 minutes from KLIA. It is also directly connected to LRT and KTM commuter stations. It is surrounded by international corporate offices, including Mercu 2 and 3, Aspire Tower, The Gardens North Tower and South Tower, Centrepoint and Menara IGB.
LAHAD DATU, Sabah, 15 August 2023: In an exciting first-time journey, 70-year-old Steve Kane from Las Vegas, Nevada, set foot in Sabah four weeks ago through the Sail Malaysia rally.
Kane’s visit marked not only his first experience in North Borneo, the Land Below The Wind but also his inaugural exploration of Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Joniston speaking to Steve Kane, 70, and Sail Malaysia managing director Sazli Kamal Basha.
Delighted by his time spent here, Kane’s impressions highlight the safety and charm of Sabah, leaving an indelible mark on his perception. “It’s a picturesque state very different from my home country. I love every minute of my time here,” he remarked, emphasising the sheer delight he found in discovering Sabah’s unique blend of culture, architecture, and natural splendour.
What struck Kane as particularly exceptional was the state’s commitment to safety, praising the efforts of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) and recognising its critical role in providing a safe maritime environment. “I was impressed with the safety and the Esscom. I have no fear of pirates,” Kane confidently declared, adding to Sabah’s reputation as a safe destination for tourists seeking peace of mind while indulging in adventure.
Joniston mingles with Sail Malaysia Rally’s participants at W Bay Payang, a private owned recreational beach in Lahad Datu.
Kane’s journey to Sabah was sparked by an invitation from a friend to join Sail Malaysia, where they set sail from the Philippines to Kota Kinabalu as the first starting point in Sabah. Before his visit, Kane admitted to being unaware of Sabah’s existence, even mistaking Borneo for an independent country.
“I’ve never been to Malaysia; this is my first time travelling to Southeast Asia. Now, I have learnt that Borneo is a vast island shared by three nations. I had a great time here, and we have gone to a few ports. I am very much impressed by what I have seen and experienced,” he said, expressing his enthusiasm to recommend Sabah to boating and tourism industry friends.
During the weekend (11 to 12 August), W Bay Payang hosted a cultural dinner for the rally’s participants, attended by Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister cum Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Present were Lahad Datu district officer Firuz Idzualdeen Mohd Dzul, Sail Malaysia Managing Director Sazli Kamal Basha, Lahad Datu Tourism Association chairman Joe Wong, Rural Tourism Association Sabah (Fertas) president Walter Kandayon, and the local community.
This year’s Sail Malaysia has garnered the participation of 20 boats from the United States, Australia, South Africa, the UK, New Zealand, Canada, France, and the Philippines. Among this fleet, 12 vessels sailed into Lahad Datu’s waters while the rest berthed in Kota Kinabalu’s harbour.
During the dinner, Joniston mingled with the audience and listened to their experience and encounters throughout their sailing journey. He emphasised the profound significance of the Sail Malaysia Rally for Sabah, particularly its rural districts. He called on the participants to spread the word about the state’s numerous attractions and that it is a safe destination.
“It showcases not only the natural beauty of Sabah’s coastal areas but also provides a unique opportunity for the rural communities to engage with a global audience, fostering cultural exchange and economic growth. By consistently attracting the sailing community to Sabah’s shores, we can become a prominent hub for maritime tourism activities,” he said.
Throughout their journey through Sabah’s waters, participants will stop at numerous locations to discover the state’s beauty, including Kudat, Kunak, Kinabatangan, Sandakan, and Semporna. Joniston was in Lahad Datu for an official working visit to engage with the district’s tourism industry players and stakeholders. He also met with the Dusun Segamo community and launched their newly built floating jetty base, funded by the state Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment.
The Sail Malaysia rallies and the rallies and events from partners in Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei and Singapore are designed to help sailing enthusiasts plan their visits to Southeast Asia and join the rallies to enhance their sailing experience in ASEAN.
Sail Malaysia is a private Malaysian initiative by SM Yachting Sdn Bhd that is sanctioned by the Cruise Marine Tourism Association of Malaysia. Its objective is to promote Malaysia as part of the ASEAN Cruising Community.
SINGAPORE, 15 August 2023: Pandaw has squeezed in additional last-minute dates for the popular Laos Mekong river adventure in response to high booking demand.
In addition to releasing new dates, Asia’s river cruise specialist offers both no single supplement as well as complimentary drinks packages for all new bookings on these select dates. The Laos Mekong cruises start from the Lao capital, Vientiane or Chiang Mai in Thailand. Both upstream and downstream cruises are on offer.
Pandaw is recognised as a leading river expedition cruise operator across Asia have sailed the Upper Mekong through Laos and Thailand since 2015. Its famed river boats, specifically designed to navigate the major rivers of Southeast Asia and India, present a remarkable cruise experience up close to Asia’s hidden gem destinations. Pandaw’s boutique little vessels provide understated comfort and luxury, reflecting Asia’s diverse culture and hospitality.
Photo credit: Pandaw
“Our unique itinerary brings you to the very heart of life along the Upper Mekong, exploring the charming villages of the various hill tribes that inhabit the region, a sustainable elephant experience at the Mekong Elephant Park, as well as a three-night stay in the UNESCO Heritage city of Luang Prabang,” the cruise operator explains in its latest update to travel agents and travellers planning to explore Asia’s waterways.
Additional sailings on the Laos Mekong River cruises
Downstream – Chiang Mai to Vientiane 23 October 2023 – 02 November 2023 28 October 2023 – 07 November 2023 19 Nov 2023 – 29 Nov 2023
Upstream – Vientiane to Chiang Mai 02 Jan 2024 – 12 Jan 2024 04 Feb 2024 – 14 Feb 2024 14 March 2024 – 24 March 2024 19 March 2024 – 29 March 2024
The Laos Mekong
CHiang Mai to Vientiane 10 nights FROM US$ 4,360.00 NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON SELECTED DATES
BANGKOK, THAILAND: The public-listed S Hotels and Resorts PCL reports total revenue from services of THB4,821 million, accelerating +28% year-on-year during the first half of the year,
Affiliated to the parent corporation Singha Estate PCL also listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand S Hotels and Resorts PCL said accelerating total revenue jumped the adjusted EBITDA of THB 1,112 million (+74% YoY) for the first half of 2023.
The performance was derived from the 69% occupancy rate of the overall portfolio in the first six months of 2023, compared with the 54% occupancy rate recorded during the same period in the previous year and an increase of 11% in average daily rate (ADR) from the first half of 2022.
The company said its properties in Thailand reflected a concrete recovery close to the pre-pandemic level after the country fully opened its border.
The performance has illustrated the improved occupancy rate from January to June 2023, registering an average of 76%, compared to 48% recorded in the first half of 2022. This was mainly due to increased domestic travelling and international holidaymakers opting for Thailand beach holidays.
The ADR in the first half of 2023 was THB8,431, significant growth of 72% compared to last year.
In its statement on the half-year performance, the group identified economic challenges in Europe that are driving residents to travel more in their own countries or within the EU region. This enabled SHR’s UK properties to maintain positive momentum as most of the guests, or approximately 90%, were domestic tourists.
The group’s UK portfolio recorded an occupancy rate of 70% from January to June 2023, compared to 54% during the first six months of the previous year. Demand remains favourable in UK properties. Additionally, the ADR in the first half of 2023 was up by 10%, at approximately UKP83, amid consumers’ discretionary spending strained by higher living costs.
The change in European travelling behaviour also impacted the performance at Crossroads Maldives. The brand recorded an occupancy rate above 87% but registered a slowdown in 2Q23 due to the seasonality impact with fewer tourists from Europe and a slower-than-expected recovery in China’s outbound travel market. It resulted in overall performance in the first half of 2023 that was comparable with that of 2022.
“Looking conservatively ahead towards the end of this year, SHR foresees a relatively similar performance compared to last year in occupancy. However, this rate is in a sensitive market as tourists are expected to explore other destinations, corresponding with fully opened borders worldwide. Additionally, the Europeans prefer to travel domestically while the return of Chinese tourists is slower than expected,” the group’s statement explained.
The group’s property in Mauritius has been temporarily closed for a complete overhaul and upgrade of the water management system. It will reopen in the fourth quarter of this year, making only a minimal impact on SHR’s annual performance as the Mauritius property accounts for just 3% of total revenue.
SINGAPORE, 15 August 2023: Air India, a Tata Group-owned airline, unveiled a new brand identity and new aircraft livery at the weekend, replacing the current logo and colours introduced in 2014.
The airline’s famous Maharaja mascot has been around since 1946, while during its long history (founded in 1932), Air India has adopted eight different logos and branding adaptations.
The new branding reimagines the iconic Indian window shape, historically used by Air India, into a gold window frame that becomes central to the new brand design system – symbolising a ‘Window of Possibilities’.
Air India’s new logo symbol – ‘The Vista’ – is inspired by the peak of the gold window frame, signifying limitless possibilities, progressiveness, and the airline’s bold, confident outlook for the future.
Air India’s brand-new aircraft livery and design features a palette of deep red, aubergine, and gold highlights and a chakra-inspired pattern.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said: “Our transformative new brand reflects an ambition to make Air India a world-class airline serving guests from around the globe, and that represents a new India proudly on the global stage. “The new Air India is bold, confident, and vibrant, but also warm and deeply rooted to its rich history and traditions that make Indian hospitality a global benchmark for standards in service.”
Travellers will begin to see the new logo throughout their journey starting December 2023, when Air India’s first Airbus A350 enters the fleet in the new livery.
Air India has also launched a new website, mobile app, and loyalty programme offering significantly improved benefits, while the web experience will feature new digital tools.
Air India has confirmed historic purchase agreements to acquire 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing valued at USD70 billion, with new aircraft deliveries starting in November this year.
Air India’s fleet transformation has already begun with the airline leasing and buying 20 widebody aircraft this year. A USD400 million programme to completely refurbish the interiors of its legacy fleet of 43 widebody aircraft commences mid-2024, which will lead to the installation of brand-new seats in every cabin, new inflight entertainment systems, and inflight Wi-Fi internet connectivity. By March 2024, 33% of the airline’s widebody fleet will be upgraded, and over the next two-and-a-half years, its entire long-haul fleet will be reborn.
SINGAPORE, 15 August 2023: Qantas welcomes China’s latest move to lift restrictions on outbound group tours by extending the list of countries to include Australia, Japan, South Korea, India and the US.
Commenting on the news that China has lifted restrictions on group tours to Australia, Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said: “The easing of travel restrictions for Chinese group tours visiting Australia is great news for Australian tourism, and we welcome the announcement as we gear up to recommence Qantas flights between Shanghai and Sydney in October.
“Pre-COVID, Australia was a top destination for Chinese visitors, and we look forward to helping bring more travellers from China to Australia on our flights again soon.”
QF relaunches Shanghai flights
On 29 October 2023, Qantas will relaunch flights between Shanghai and Sydney for the first time in over three and a half years. Flights will operate daily with Qantas’ Airbus A330 aircraft, offering more than 4,000 weekly seats on the route.
First reported by Reuters on 10 August, China confirmed it lifted pandemic-era restrictions on group tours for more countries, including key markets such as the US, Japan, South Korea and Australia. The decision was announced by China’s Culture and Tourism Ministry last Thursday with immediate effect.
Before the pandemic, mainland Chinese tourists spent more than any other country’s tourists abroad, clocking up a combined USD255 billion in 2019, with group tours estimated to account for roughly 60% of that, according to the Reuters report.
China’s latest update adds most of the EU, including Germany, Spain, Italy, and the UK. India is also on the latest list of additions. Reuters said it was “China’s third list of countries to receive approvals. The first batch approved in January included 20 countries such as Thailand, Russia, Cuba and Argentina. The second batch in March included 40 countries, including Nepal, France, Portugal and Brazil.”
International flights in and out of China have recovered to only 53% of 2019 levels as of July.
“That is largely due to staffing issues for many global airlines that have limited the flying of more routes, slow visa issuance for Chinese travellers amid backlogs in many Western countries, and a sputtering domestic economy that is discouraging many holidaying Chinese from spending big,” Reuters reported.
Trip.com, China’s largest travel agency, noted that the news had led to a spike in searches for destinations including Australia and Japan. Those countries, along with several other Asian nations and the US, are among the most visited by Chinese travellers.
HONG KONG, 15 August 2023: The first half of 2023 delivered positive results for the Cathay Group, which reported an attributable profit of HKG4,268 million in the first half of 2023, compared with a first-half loss of HKD4,999 million during the same period in 2022.
Reporting on the results, the Cathay Group chair Peter Healy said rebuilding connectivity at the Hong Kong international aviation hub after the full reopening of the borders in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland was underway.
Photo credit: Cathay Group.
“As Hong Kong’s home carrier, our focus has been on adding more flights and destinations to cater to the growing demand for travel. We reached 50% of pre-pandemic passenger flight capacity levels covering 70 destinations in March and have continued to increase our passenger capacity since.
The declared profit included a one-off non-cash gain of HKD1.9 billion. The earnings per ordinary share in the first half of 2023 were HK61.5 cents (2022 first half: loss per ordinary share of HKD82.3 cents).
The airlines and subsidiaries, excluding exceptional items, reported an attributable profit of HKD4,763 million in the first half of 2023. It compared with a loss of HKD2,516 million during the first half of 2202.
The results from associates, the majority of which are recognised as three months in arrears, reflected an attributable loss of HKD2,632 million (2022 first half: loss of HKD2,483 million), according to the chair’s statement.
Business performance
In the first half of 2023, Cathay Pacific’s passenger revenue increased by 1,109.5% to HKD25,013 million compared with the same period in 2022. Passenger flight capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASKs), increased by 1,111.3%, while traffic, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), increased by 1,685.0%.
The airline carried 7.8 million passengers in the first half of 2023, an average of 43,184 per day, which was 2,233.1% more than in the first half of 2022. The load factor was 87.2% compared with 59.2% in the first half of 2022.
Costs increased from operating more flights. Non-fuel costs for the first half of 2023 increased by 53.5% to HKD24,639 million compared to 2022. Total fuel costs for Cathay Pacific (before the effect of fuel hedging) increased by HKD6,085 million (or 147.8%) compared with the first half of 2022.
Financial position
The group has been operating cash generative in 2023, and its available unrestricted liquidity balance stood at HKD28.9 billion as of 30 June 2023. On 6 June, the group announced that it would not need to use the HKD7.8 billion bridge loan facility extended by the Hong Kong SAR (HKSAR) Government before it expired on 8 June 2023. The group paid the deferred dividend of HKD1,524 million on the preference shares held by Hong Kong SAR (HKSAR) Government on 30 June 2023, bringing our dividend payments up to date.
Prospects
“While we are still only part way along our rebuilding journey, our results for the first six months of 2023 demonstrate that we are on the right track,” said Healy. “Building back connectivity at the Hong Kong international aviation hub remains our primary focus. We are on
track to achieve our target of 70% pre-pandemic passenger flight capacity levels covering 80 destinations by the end of 2023, and we are confident of reaching 100% by the end of 2024.”
“Our confidence in the long-term future of the Hong Kong international aviation hub with Cathay at its centre remains resolute. The Hong Kong hub has an important role to play in the country’s overall development under the National 14th Five-Year Plan. The Three-Runway System will be fully operational at Hong Kong International Airport by the end of 2024, and the huge potential of the Greater Bay Area as our extended home market gives us great optimism for the future. We will also continue to support promotional campaigns and mega events that put Hong Kong on the world stage and attract visitors to discover our home city.”
