Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Home Blog Page 450

Emirates speeds up airport transfers

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

DUBAI, UAE, 16 November 2022: In collaboration with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA), Emirates airline is now offering international travellers the opportunity to speed up their airport experience by consenting to the use of biometric data.

The agreement was signed by His Excellency Lieutenant General Mohamed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA in Dubai, and Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer, in the presence of several senior officials from both sides.

The first agreement of its kind globally, the strategic partnership between GDRFA and Emirates is a cooperative effort to improve further the innovative and digitally focused travel experience of Dubai visitors. The agreement improves passenger traffic procedures inside Dubai International Airport Terminal 3. It ensures a faster and more efficient airport experience for travellers transferring to connecting flights and those who arrive in Dubai as their final destination.

Commenting on how the agreement will develop best-in-class services for travellers, His Excellency Lieutenant-General Mohammed Al-Marri said: “Dubai is one of the world’s most aspirational destinations, and 2022 has already seen more than 8 million tourists arrive in the city. We continue to support our key partners with best-in-class services as we strive for excellence and innovation in positioning Dubai as the world’s leading business hub and tourism destination.”

Highlighting the importance and value of this agreement, Adel Al Redha said: “Emirates continually invests in improving customer experience, and we thank the GDFRA for extending the bridges of cooperation, communication and coordination to add value to Emirates’ services and allow our international passengers to Fly Better.”

By using biometric recognition technologies and the GDRFA pre-populated biometric database to identify travellers at multiple points in the airport, travellers will be able to breeze through Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 check-in, lounges, boarding and immigration at high speed as the AI systems recognise their unique facial features and will link to their passport for instant identity verification. A privilege previously only enjoyed by UAE residents and GCC nationals, international passengers will be able to use the service in 2023 by providing official consent in a couple of clicks through the Emirates app, at Emirates self-check-in kiosks, or in person at Emirates check-in desks.

In 2023, Emirates passengers can click to consent to biometric data use on the Emirates app, at Emirates self-check-in kiosks, or in person at Emirates check-in desks. This will allow them to take advantage of a touchless and swift experience at multiple points in Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 every time – Check-In, Lounges, Boarding, and Immigration are all equipped to use time-saving biometric innovations.

There are many more ways in which Emirates customers can enjoy a swift and smooth travel experience:

Use the Emirates App – Globally

Passengers are encouraged to download the Emirates app on their mobile phones to get all the flight details at their fingertips. Users can now track their baggage, book and change flights, download a digital boarding pass for most destinations, check what meals will be served onboard, book their chauffeur drive service and even pre-select and plan movies to watch via the ice inflight entertainment.

Check-in online – Globally

All passengers can check in online 48 hours ahead of their flight using the online check-in option on www.emirates.com. In a few clicks, they can select a seat and preferred meal and take advantage of any last-minute upgrade options. At the airport, it’s easy to drop bags at the dedicated baggage drop desks and download a digital boarding pass.

Drop luggage the night before travel – Dubai

If departing from Dubai, passengers can check in early and drop off bags at the airport 24 hours before departure or 12 hours before departure if flying to the US or Tel Aviv, and then arrive at the airport and proceed directly to immigration.

Home check-in service – Dubai

Emirates home check-in is an Emirates service available in Dubai and Sharjah, fulfilled by DUBZ. DUBZ agents complete the check-in process in customers’ homes, hotels or offices and take bags to the flight while passengers enjoy the rest of the day and pass quickly through the airport later. Book and pay for the service at least 24 hours before a flight and proceed to the airport check-in up to six hours before the flight departs.

Self Check-in kiosks – Dubai

A quick and easy option at Dubai International Airport is the Emirates self-check-in kiosk. Travellers can follow the steps on the touchscreen kiosk and complete the check-in process or operate the kiosk without a touch using a mobile phone. It’s possible to view the itinerary, choose a seat and add Emirates Skywards numbers at the same time and if already checked in online, there is also an option to use the baggage drop area to check in bags.

(Your Stories: Emirates)

Star shines bright in annual awards

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 16 November 2022: Star Alliance has been named the World’s Leading Airline Alliance at the World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year.

At the North America 2022 edition of the awards last August, the Star Alliance Los Angeles airport lounge also retained the award for North America’s Leading Airport Lounge for the third year running.

In receiving these awards, Star Alliance CEO Jeffrey Goh said: “We are delighted to be receiving the World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year. This is particularly fitting as we celebrate our 25th anniversary this year.”

Now in its 29th edition, the World Travel Awards was established to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. The annual awards are awarded based on a worldwide poll of qualified executives working within travel and tourism and the consumer travel buyer.

In addition to these two awards won at the alliance level, several Star Alliance member carriers also came away as individual winners this year. Nine of them won awards in 21 categories, ranging from World’s Leading Airline – First Class, to Leading Airlines in Europe, Oceania, Asia and Mexico & Central America.

The swanky way to the World Cup

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

DUBAI, 16 November 2022: RoyalJet, an award-winning global leader in premium private aviation, and Jetex seals a partnership to operate on-demand private jet flights between Dubai and Doha for the FIFA World Cup weeks 20 November to 18 December.

Founded in 2003, RoyalJet is a leader in private aviation with a fleet of 11 Boeing Business Jets. This partnership offers passengers to the Word Cup venue from its base in Dubai using its spacious 30-seat aircraft for the short flight between the two cities.

Photo Credit: RoyalJet – Boeing Business Jet.

At the Jetex VIP Terminal in Dubai, passengers enjoy priority access, personalised service and luxurious hospitality. The Jetex team takes care of all pre-flight formalities, and passengers will be ready to depart within minutes of their arrival at the airport.

Offering a luxury Dubai to Doha transfer by private jet travel, the return itinerary is priced at AED29,000 per seat.

(Source: Bernama)

Air India joins AAPA

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 November 2022: The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) announced Tuesday that Air India, the national airline of India, has joined AAPA as a member with immediate effect.

“It is an honour for AAPA to welcome Air India into our ranks as the first Indian airline to join the association.  Air India operated its first flight in 1932 in India, representing one of the world’s largest civil aviation markets,” said AAPA director general Subhas Menon.

“The airline will add considerable weight to the international aviation discourse undertaken by AAPA on behalf of Asia Pacific airlines.”

IHG expands Vignette Collection

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 16 November 2022: IHG Hotels & Resorts will introduce the Vignette Collection brand at Patong beach on Phuket island in mid-2023.

Dinso Resort Phuket, Vignette Collection will add to IHG’s growing presence in Phuket, where IHG manages hotels across four brands – InterContinental, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express.

Located on a hillside overlooking the bay, Dinso Resort Phuket is a one-hour drive from Phuket International Airport.

The hotel will feature 148 rooms and suites and 26 tree-top pool villas with views of the Patong coast. Facilities will also include two restaurants and bars, a meeting room of 150 square metres, a swimming pool, a fitness centre and a spa.

IHG has 30 hotels across nine brands in Thailand and a pipeline of 36* properties which are set to open as it grows its Luxury and Lifestyle portfolio in the country by 50% by 2026 while doubling its estate across all brands.

Dinso Resort Phuket, Vignette Collection will support the brand’s global expansion since its launch in 2021. Three hotels are already open and six are in its global pipeline across markets including Austria, Portugal and Thailand.

Myanmar revives annual travel mart

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

YANGON, 16 November 2022: The Myanmar Tourism Marketing Association confirms it will host the return of Myanmar Tourism Mart in a virtual format from 28 to 30 November 2022.

The annual travel mart skipped the last two years due to the Covid-19 crisis that caused lockdowns in 2020 to early 2022 and a bloody military coup on 1 February 2021. Demonstrations and opposition to the military junta have resulted in the imprisonment without trial of thousands of citizens, many previously employed in hospitality and travel.

Most countries advise their citizens to stay away. Still, the Myanmar Tourism Marketing Association hopes the virtual mart will help travel enterprises keep in touch with overseas tour operators virtually until tourism can function normally once more.  

In its email invite to B2B tour wholesalers worldwide and the travel media, the MTMA recognises “recent years have been challenging for Myanmar’s tourism industry, but there is still great hope and positivity, and this mart is an expression of that.”

The event will feature exhibiting companies from every sector of the travel industry, including destinations, airlines, hotels, travel agencies and cruises in Myanmar.

Registration is free for buyers, trade visitors and media.

SpiceJet pioneers Pune-Bangkok route

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

DELHI, 15 November 2022: India’s Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated a direct flight between Pune and Bangkok on 12 November, the Press Bureau of India reported at the weekend.

SpiceJet will operate direct flights on the route every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday using a Boeing 737.

Commenting on the launch of the new service, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia said air connectivity between Pune and Bangkok would encourage bilateral exchange between India and Thailand, focusing on tourism, technology trade, education and investment.

He noted that Pune Airport is an important airport undergoing infrastructure improvements. A new terminal will be completed by September 2023, followed by an international cargo terminal in December 2024. Meanwhile, an integrated air cargo terminal for international and domestic use will be developed by March 2023.

SpiceJet’s Flight SG 81 will depart from Pune at 1845  and arrive in Bangkok at 0040. Flight SG 82 will depart from Bangkok at 1415 and arrive in Pune at 1710.

Flight NoSectorDepArr.FrequencyAircraft
SG 81PNQ-BKK18:4500:40Tue, Thu, Sat, SunB-737
SG 82BKK-PNQ14:1517:10Tue, Thu, Sat, SunB-737

(Source: PIB)

CX sets game plan to regain hub status

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

HONG KONG, 15 November 2022: Cathay Pacific and HK Express will restore pre-Covid passenger capacity and connectivity at the Hong Kong aviation hub by the end of 2024.

Cathay Pacific Group in its latest update released Monday anticipates it will be operating around 70% of its pre-pandemic passenger flight capacity by the end of 2023 and intends to return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024, ahead of the Asia-Pacific traffic forecast issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Following the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s recent adjustments to anti-pandemic measures for travellers and aircrew entering Hong Kong, the group has already announced the addition of about 3,000 passenger flight sectors from October until the end of December this year.

Chief Executive Officer Augustus Tang said: “The group is on track to achieve its target of operating up to one-third of its pre-pandemic passenger flight capacity levels by the end of 2022. This represents a doubling of the capacity we offered in August and is approximately eight times the average capacity the airline operated in the first half of 2022.

“As the COVID-19 situation eases, airlines worldwide have been rebuilding their capacity. This requires the global aviation ecosystem, including airports, suppliers and our own airlines, to undertake a substantial amount of preparation concerning crew and ground employees, aircraft reactivation and recruitment. This is a challenge faced by airlines, industry suppliers and airports worldwide, which takes time and robust planning to overcome.

“We are taking a measured and responsible approach to manage our road to recovery, with a need to address challenges unique to Hong Kong. The city’s borders were closed for much longer than other markets, and importantly, aircrew in Hong Kong was uniquely under quarantine constraints that weren’t lifted until September.

“Importantly, we have sufficient pilots, cabin crew and operational employees to support our current flight schedules. We are confident that our ongoing recruitment plans will ensure this remains the case throughout the recovery. The short-term bottlenecks lie in the recertification of pilots who have not been flying regularly for a long time and aircraft reactivation. We have been bolstering our capabilities to expedite this process.”

The group remains confident about the long-term prospects for the aviation sector in Hong Kong, as it looks forward to the complete removal of all travel constraints by the HKSAR Government to facilitate the full resumption of travel activities both to and from Hong Kong that can enhance the city’s hub connectivity.

Tang added: “Under the 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong has an important role to play in the overall development of the territory. Notably, the Plan reinforces the importance of strengthening Hong Kong as an international aviation hub. As we continue to increase our passenger flight capacity, we also look forward to completing the Three Runway System at Hong Kong International Airport in 2024, which remains pivotal to the long-term future of the hub.

SWISS returns to Sri Lanka

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 15 November 2022: Edelweiss/Swiss International Air Lines, a member of the Lufthansa Group, resumed direct nonstop flights from Switzerland to Sri Lanka with a weekly service to Colombo that started last Thursday.

The inaugural flight from Zurich to Colombo, LX 8068, arrived at 0020 on Thursday with 125 passengers. Passengers were welcomed by a traditional Kandyan dance performance and presented with tea gift packs sponsored by the Sri Lanka Tea Board.

The weekly service is handled by United Ventures Group, a general sales agent that looks after Lufthansa Group airlines in Sri Lanka.

Colombo Gazette quoted Dominik Furgler, the Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, saying: “The commencement of Edelweiss/Swiss International Air Lines will help boost tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka and strengthen economic cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, finance, education, and culture between Switzerland and Sri Lanka.”

Sarawak opens photo competition

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KUCHING, 15 November 2022: Sarawak Tourism Board launched its second photography and videography competition last week to celebrate the power of art and creativity in showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of Sarawak.

Using the social media platform TikTok as an added element this time around, the competition adopts the theme “Hidden Gems of Sarawak.”

The competition is open to all Malaysians until 15 December 2022 and is supported by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and the Sarawak Photo-Art Society (SPAS).

The photography contest is divided into four categories for two groups, namely students with a valid student ID and those under 18 years old, and the open group. The categories are Nature’s Wonders, Going Green, Sarawak at Night and My Hometown or My City. A Grand winner will be selected for the photography competition, in addition to the respective winners for each category. An individual is only eligible to win once. Those in the open group are also welcome to join the professional category that offers more lucrative prizes.

This year’s competition introduces three video categories – a documentary on responsible tourism for students, an open theme for professional videographers and a TikTok category.

Participants in the open categories pay a registration fee of MYR15, excluding students and those under 18 years old.

Upon registration, participants can submit five photos maximum in each category and one video.

Winners will be announced on Sarawak Tourist Board and Sarawak Photo Art Society’s Facebook and website https://stb.foto.org.my/. 

STB’s inaugural Photography and Videography competition held last year received 1,652 photos and 45 video entries, respectively.

For more information on the contest, visit https://stb.foto.org.my/.

(Your Stories: Sarawak Tourism  Board)

1...449450451...599Page 450 of 599

Stay ahead with the
latest travel news
on Southeast Asia.

Subscribe now


Contact Us
TTR Weekly (TTRW) is published in Bangkok, Thailand, registered since 1978.
/ month
placeholder text
/ month
placeholder text
Press releases, announcements, events for calendar should be sent to: [email protected]
/ month
placeholder text

Copyright © 2023 TTR Weekly, all rights reserved.