BANGKOK, 16 March 2023: Thai Vietjet’s ‘Spring Special’ promotion gets underway, offering fares for travel on the airline’s entire domestic network, starting from THB499 (inclusive of taxes and fees).
The booking window opened on 15 March and remains open for three more days until midnight on 18 March. The THB499 fare is valid for travel from 15 May to 31 October.
However, during the peak school holiday break from 1 April to 14 May, the best fare offer is THB799 (inclusive of taxes and fees). And it is not available during public holidays such as the Songkran holiday.
The special promotional fare, whether THB499 or 799, applies to the airline’s entire domestic network from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Ubon Ratchathani and cross-country routes connecting Phuket to Chiang Mai.
You can buy the fare on all distribution channels, including the airline’s website, mobile app, Facebook, travel agencies and booking offices.
BANGKOK, 16 March 2023: Chapman Freeborn, a global aircraft charter specialist and part of Avia Solutions Group, is partnering with Thailand-based tour operator Tourladfah.
Tourladfah, headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, was established in 2018. It organises outbound tours to Georgia, Japan, South Korea, India and Turkey. Last month, Tourladfah commissioned Thai Vietjet to supply charter flights on the Bangkok-Okinawa Japan route. The first flight will depart on 16 March to Okinawa, chartered by Tourladfah, which sells inclusive travel packages bundled with a roundtrip fare through its online channels, such as Facebook.
Andy Hudson, President – APAC at Chapman Freeborn and Arthit Thepchai, Managing Director at Tourladfah.
The new partnership will see Chapman Freeborn providing charter solutions for the Thai tour operator, sourcing aircraft to support the surge in travel demand that Tourladfah is witnessing post-Covid.
Chapman Freeborn, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, says it is “optimising growth in the Asia Pacific region, developing and implementing products and services in this comparatively untapped geography.”
Chapman Freeborn, vice president of passenger solutions – Asia Pacific Paul Tsang said: “Our passenger charter department is relatively new to the APAC region, and this partnership is a major boost. We are delighted to assist Tourladfah and show our prospective clients, not just in Thailand but across the whole region, that we can find them the ideal (charter) solution.”
Chapman Freeborn president of APAC, Andy Hudson, added: “Chapman Freeborn values long-term relationships, and partnering with Tourladfah highlights our commitment and dedication to the Asia Pacific region.
“As we expand further into APAC, we will build strong relationships and deliver excellent capacity solutions for our clients, further emphasising the importance of our role in this part of the world.”
About Chapman Freeborn
The Chapman Freeborn group was established in the UK in 1973. It has offices in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. In the cargo market, Chapman Freeborn Airchartering specialises in the charter and lease of aircraft for freight forwarders, multinational corporations, governments and humanitarian agencies.
In addition to freight services, Chapman Freeborn offers specialist passenger services, including private jet charters for executive travel, large aircraft for crew rotations and international group travel, and onboard courier services.
SINGAPORE, 16 March 2023: The Russia-Myanmar Friendship Association and business owners in Myanmar have signed deals to promote travel to a Ngapali beach resort in Rakhine State, Irrawaddy online news reported recently.
The association president Anatoly Bulochnikov met junta boss Min Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Daw to discuss tourism and trade, particularly the expansion of tourism facilities. Ngapali has the potential to become a popular beach resort destination if facilities and airline connectivity improve.
Construction of a luxury seafront apartment project in Ngapali is one of the projects expected to start soon following the agreement between a Ngapali beach resort in Rakhine State and the Russia-Myanmar Friendship Association, Irrawaddy reported.
The online news channel identified Aung Myo Min Din, a hotelier with close ties to Min Aung Hlaing’s family, who owns a resort hotel in Ngapali. He appears to be a key player in long-term projects to expand hotel and tourism facilities in the southern beach resort.
Aung Myo Min Din founded Amazing Hotels & Resorts and expanded the company’s hotel portfolio to 12 properties since 2011 when Min Aung Hlaing became the military chief. He bought the Ngapali Resort from its owner Zaw Zaw in 2015 when it was still under construction and named it the Amazing Ngapali Resort. Zaw Zaw is the chairman of Max Myanmar Group of Companies, a major conglomerate and the president of the Myanmar Football Federation since 2015.
Aung Myo Min Din also heads Adventure Myanmar Tours & Incentives, a company involved in inbound and outbound travel in Myanmar since 1996 and owns two golf courses and two restaurants.
KOTA KINABALU,15 March 2023: Malaysia Airlines London and Sabah Tourism Board hosted 14 UK travel agents to Sabah on a familiarisation tour focusing on wildlife and cultural adventure.
Welcoming the group, which arrived in Sandakan last week, State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew said the UK was one of our key target markets to promote Sabah’s nature and wildlife tours.
“Sandakan is a nature-based destination known for its wildlife attractions and historical heritage, making it one of the destinations we promote in the UK market. In addition, Malaysia Airlines has direct flights to Sandakan from Kuala Lumpur,” she said.
The group visited main attractions such as the Agnes Keith House, St. Michael and All Angel’s Church, Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and the Rainforest Discovery Centre, and wildlife adventure in Kinabatangan.
The six-day familiarisation trip also included hotel inspections in Kota Kinabalu, a cycling tour in Tuaran, a cultural experience at the Bajau Sama Cultural Centre, a traditional food cooking class at Bijan Cafe and Guesthouse and a fun yacht ride at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Nexus Resort Karambunai and Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu co-sponsored the group.
SINGAPORE, 15 March 2023: As the travel industry regains its footing, Emirates ramps up a recruiting mission to hire experienced commercial pilots in Singapore.
The airline will hold a pilot recruitment roadshow in Singapore for the first time in eight years to provide a glimpse into the opportunities and benefits of joining Emirates and living in the vibrant city of Dubai.
Pilot Information Sessions will be held at The Westin Singapore on Sunday, 2 April, at 1000 and 1300, and Monday, 3 April, at 1000. Experienced pilots keen to join Emirates as first officers, A380 direct entry captains, or via the accelerated command programme are welcomed.
Prior registration is not required, and pilots are only required to attend one of the sessions. At the session, prospective Emirates pilots can learn more about the airline’s recruitment process, available opportunities, training programmes, expected career trajectory, and benefits and speak to pilots currently flying with Emirates.
Emirates’ country manager for Singapore & Brunei, Rashid Al Ardha said: “Emirates pilots fly one of the world’s youngest and most modern all-wide-body fleets to diverse destinations across an extensive network of 140 cities on six continents. They undergo a robust, evidence- and competency-based in-house training programme at Emirates’ cutting-edge training facility. Pilots will be based in Dubai, one of the world’s safest, most vibrant, and tech-savvy cities and a lifestyle destination with global annual sporting events, spectacular attractions, and adventure sports for kids and families. We look forward to having more talented pilots from Singapore come onboard our airline as we expand our operations in response to strong customer demand.”
Flying with Emirates
With a network spanning over 140 destinations, Emirates pilots will have the opportunity to fly to diverse destinations. The airline’s constant investment in renewing its fleet also means its pilots will fly the world’s youngest and most modern fleet of all wide-body aircraft; the Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s.
Emirates offers a range of company benefits for pilots and their families, including a competitive tax-free salary, 42 days of annual leave, a generous allowance for accommodation and education, full medical benefits, and discounted travel benefits for the wider family and friends.
The selection process is held in two stages. The first assessment stage will be conducted remotely, while the second stage will be held in Dubai over two days. Emirates will provide a pair of return economy class tickets (upgradeable to Business Class, subject to availability) for applicants and their legal spouses when they travel to Dubai for the second assessment stage.
KUALA LUMPUR, 15 March 2023: Malaysia Aviation Group joins the upcoming MATTA Fair as the official Airline, according to the latest announcement from the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA).
Official Airline status goes to all three airlines within the group; Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and MASwings.
(from left to right): Rocky Kho, MATTA Fair Organising Chairman; Nigel Wong, MATTA Fair Organising Committee; Ahmad Luqman B. Mohd Azmi, Chief Executive Officer, Airlines Business, Malaysia Aviation Group;Roslan B. Ismail, Head Airlines Global Sales, Malaysia Aviation Group.
Southeast Asia’s largest travel show will be held from 17 to 19 March at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur.
Located at foyer Level 1, Malaysia Airlines has snapped up 28 booths for this year’s fair to promote destinations and fare deals on domestic and international routes.
With Malaysia Airlines onboard during the MATTA Fair, visitors can plan their next holidays and source bargains from various domestic and international packages.
The Airline offers up to 45% off selected domestic and international routes, and there is an opportunity to win one of the 37 return tickets in the “Buyers Contest”.
Firefly will offer fares starting from MYR69 all-in one-way to domestic destinations and MYR99 all-in one-way to international destinations onboard its ATR 72-500 and Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
MASwings will offer all-in one-way fares starting from MYR131, valid from 16 to 24 March 2023, via the physical MATTA Fair event and the airlines’ online platforms, for travel from now to 30 November 2023. Enrich members will also earn 50% Bonus Enrich Points during this period.
MAG’s chief executive officer of airlines business, Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi said: “We are delighted to be part of Malaysia’s biggest travel fair as the official airlines for MATTA Fair 2023 through sister companies Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and MASwings. This reinforces our commitment to providing more value, convenience and options through great deals and travel experiences for our customers while also playing our unique role in supporting the recovery of Malaysia’s aviation and tourism sector.
On top of the great discounts offered on airfares, customers will also get to enjoy other deals beyond air travel, including on MHholidays, Journify, and travel add-ons.
“It’s all part of MAG’s wider aspirations of becoming Asia’s leading travel and aviation services group focused on delivering customised, end-to-end travel solutions in line with our Long-Term Business Plan 2.0. As the appetite for travel regains momentum, we invite everyone to take advantage of the great offers available during MATTA Fair and on the airlines’ website to enjoy the best deals for their upcoming travels,” the CEO explained.
MAG airlines will give away 37 tickets in the Buyers’ Contest, including Malaysia Airlines’ business class return tickets to London, Sydney and Haneda and economy class return tickets to Osaka, Melbourne, Perth, Seoul Denpasar, Singapore, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi.
Firefly and MASwings will offer five and 12 return tickets to the winners’ destinations of choice within the airline network.
MATTA Fair will open from 1000 to 2100 for three days, Friday to Sunday, 17 to 19 March. Admission is free.
SINGAPORE, 15 March 2023: Jetstar Asia will move to Changi Airport’s Terminal 4 on 22 March after completing orientation flights last week on the Bangkok – Singapore route.
Jetstar Asia’s head of flight operations, Geof Lui commented: “The focus of this second round of orientation flights was to evaluate the process and validate the efficiency with which passengers and luggage transferred between terminals to meet onward connections seamlessly.
“Following the initial orientation flights, we’ve worked with our airline partners to increase the frequency of shuttle services, both airside and landside, to ensure customers can quickly transfer between terminals from our new home at T4.
Jetstar Asia will initially operate more than 230 weekly services in and out of T4, to and from key destinations in Southeast Asia, including Bali (Denpasar), Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Phnom Penh.
Jetstar Airways will also operate six weekly flights from T4 to Melbourne, Australia using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
BANGKOK, 15 March 2023: The Thai AirAsia Mega Sale gets off to a good start offering zero fares* for AirAsia members and only THB40 per trip for non-members.
The sale zooms in on Thai AirAsia (FD) flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Chiang Rai, Phitsanulok, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Buriram, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Krabi, Phuket, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh, Mandalay, Phnom Penh and Yangon.
Heavy discounts apply on Thai AirAsia X (XJ) flights direct from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Melbourne, Sydney, Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo and Shanghai from only THB3,990 one-way.
The promotion also includes a 50% discount for Xtra Carry-On.
Bookings must be made by 19 March via the AirAsia Super App.
The travel period runs from 4 September 2023 to 13 August 2024. On Thai AirAsia X flights, the travel period runs from 4 September 2023 to 9 July 2024.
SINGAPORE, 15 March 2023: Effective Sunday, 26 March, Singapore Airlines will relocate its operations in Chengdu, China, from Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) to Tianfu International Airport Terminal 1.
Flights SQ842 (Singapore to Chengdu) and SQ843 (Chengdu to Singapore) will land at and depart from Tianfu International Airport Terminal 1 on Tuesday, 28 March 2023.
Located in the Chengdu Eastern Area, Chengdu’s Tianfu International Airport (TFU) is approximately 50 kilometres from the city’s downtown district.
In its travel alert, SQ says customers can take private or public transport (Chengdu Metro Line 18 Airport or Tianfu ) from Chengud’s downtown district to Tianfu International Airport.
Chengdu’s second airport, TFU opened in 2021 when most domestic airlines transferred their flights. According to Flightradar24, facilities and airline lounges are superior to CTU. There are two drawbacks; the one-hour commute to the airport and the lack of a railway station to allow passengers to continue their journeys to other cities in Sichuan province.
The airline advises passengers to factor in additional travelling time and arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure to allow sufficient time to complete check-in and pass through customs and immigration checkpoints.
Meanwhile, the SIA Group is resuming services to China as this key market opens up to international travel. Currently, SIA and Scoot serve 149 destinations in China compared to 25 points pre-pandemic.
During the northern summer timetable (26 March to 28 October 2023), Scoot will expand services to China by resuming flights to Haikou, Nanning, Ningbo, Shenyang, and Xi’an.
HO CHI MINH CITY, 15 March 2023: Vietjet revives routes to Hong Kong from Danang and Phu Quoc island in Vietnam with zero fares up for grabs until 16 March.
The zero-fare deal, which excludes taxes and fees, is valid for travel up to 20 May, and bookings must be made on the airline’s website or mobile app.
Vietjet is increasing flights on the trunk route between Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong and introducing flights to Hong Kong from Danang a coastal city in central Vietnam, and the popular holiday island of Phu Quoc during April.
On 27 April, the airline will introduce three weekly flights from Phu Quoc to Hong Kong every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
The flight from Phu Quoc take off at 1335 and lands in Hong Kong at 1720. The return flight from Hong Kong to Phu Quoc will depart at 1820 and arrive in Phu Quoc at 2005. Hong Kong passengers flying to Phu Quoc enjoy visa exemption for a stay limited to just the island.
The Danang to Hong Kong route starts on 28 April with four weekly flights departing Danang at 1435 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) and landing in Hong Kong at 1720. The return flights depart Hong Kong at 1820 and arrive in Danang at1910.
Effective 26 March, flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hong Kong will increase from four weekly to daily. Flights will depart at 1510 and land in Hong Kong at 1850. The return flights from Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City take off at 1950 and land in Ho Chi Minh City at 2130.
