FRANKFURT, 14 August 12026: It’s the beginning of a new era for Lufthansa Group as its first aircraft will take off on 19 August equipped with the fastest in-flight internet connection for passengers currently available.
A Lufthansa Airbus A320neo will be the first to offer passengers internet bandwidth above the clouds that, in many cases, will be faster than their home or office internet connection.
Photo credit: Lufthansa Group.
Starlink is collaborating with the Lufthansa Group to equip 850 aircraft across all of its airlines by 2029. The system is supported by low Earth satellite technology and enables viewing of video content, cloud-based work, and other high-speed applications during the flight. This makes Lufthansa Group the largest airline group in Europe to equip its fleet with this modern high-speed internet product.
The project is part of the Lufthansa Group’s extensive investments in new aircraft as well as product and service innovations across the entire travel chain.
Other group airlines — SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Edelweiss, Discover Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Lufthansa City Airlines, and Eurowings — are currently preparing to roll out the new technology.
The new Wi-Fi will allow passengers to browse the web once they agree to etiquette terms and guidelines gleaned from recent surveys of Lufthansa Group customers. In short, passengers are required always to wear headphones when playing audio and video content, refrain from making voice and video calls, and refrain from broadcasting live streams aboard the aircraft.
The Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi portal is sponsored by Mastercard, which has already been a partner of the previous FlyNet.
The new internet service will be free of charge for all Miles & More customers and Travel ID users – across all travel classes.
SINGAPORE, 14 August 2026: Flyadeal, Saudia Group’s low-fare carrier, confirms Mumbai as its second gateway in India, with direct flights between Riyadh and Mumbai beginning 3 October 2026.
It follows flyadeal’s recent entry into the Indian market on 3 July 2026 when it inaugurated service to Hyderabad.
Photo credit: flyadeal.
On the route to Mumbai, flyadeal will operate five weekly flights using A320neo aircraft and boosting capacity by more than 7,400 seats each month between the two cities. The A320neo aircraft will feature 186 seats in an all-Economy Class configuration.
The Riyadh-Mumbai flights are timed to offer connections through Riyadh to and from Jeddah, Madinah, Dammam, and other Saudi cities, for business, tourism or religious travel.
Flight schedule: Riyadh – Mumbai
Tickets for Riyadh-Mumbai flights are now on sale and can be booked via flyadeal’s mobile app (Android and iOS), its website, and travel agents.
About flyadeal Established on the National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 23 September 2017, flyadeal began operations with its a maiden flight from Jeddah to Riyadh and has rapidly developed into one of the Middle East’s fastest growing airlines, operating a young fleet of 47 Airbus A320 family aircraft from bases in Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah and Dammam to more than 40 seasonal and year-round destinations across Saudi Arabia, and in the Middle East, Europe, North Africa and South Asia. By 2030, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, flyadeal expects to more than double its network and fleet to over 100 destinations and aircraft respectively. Aircraft additions include single-aisle Airbus A321neos and widebody A330-900neos joining the fleet from 2027.
DELHI, 14 August 2026: Air India is increasing flights between Delhi, India’s capital and Melbourne, Australia, from the current four flights weekly to 11 flights effective 27 October for its winter 2026/2027 timetable.
Air India has deployed its B777-300ER with upgraded cabin interiors on its four-weekly flights to Melbourne since 1 July. However, on 1 September 2026, the airline will increase frequencies to daily, an expansion that reflects Air India’s commitment to strengthening connectivity between India and Australia,
Photo credit: Air India. First class B777-300ER.
Air India’s upgraded Boeing 777-300ER features eight first class suites, 40 fully flat business class beds, and 280 economy class seats, representing a substantial increase in premium capacity compared to the existing B787-8 on this route, which features 18 business class and 241 economy class seats.
A second round of flight increases will take place on 27 October 2026, when the airline increases frequencies from daily to 11 weekly, with the four additional flights operated by a Boeing 787-8.
Australia remains a key international market for Air India, with strong and growing demand for both business and leisure travel.
The airline’s Delhi-Melbourne service also provides travellers with convenient, same-terminal connections via Delhi to destinations across Europe, including London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, Milan, and Zurich.
Flight schedule: 11 weekly
AI308 departs Delhi (DEL) at 0315 and arrives in Melbourne (MEL) at 2100. (B777-300ER. Daily) AI309 departs Melbourne (MEL) at 0130 and arrives in Delhi (DEL) at 0850 (B777-300ER. Daily).
AI310 departs Delhi (DEL) at 1345 and arrives in Melbourne (MEL) at 0730, plus a day. (B787-8. Four departures except Mon, Wed and Fri). AI311 departs Melbourne (MEL) at 0915 and arrives in Delhi (DEL) at 1635. (B787-8. Four departures except Tue, Thu and Sat).
BENGALURU, 14 August 2026: Star Air, the aviation arm of India’s Sanjay Ghodawat Group, will launch direct flights between Ahmedabad and Mundra (Kutch), commencing 17 August 2026.
This new service links two of India’s most influential economic centres: Ahmedabad, a city renowned for its role as a commercial, educational, and innovation hub; and Mundra, India’s largest private port.
Photo credit: Star Air.
Ahmedabad is not only the commercial capital of Gujarat but also a powerhouse in India’s broader economic story. The city’s mix of industry, finance, education, and culture has made it a magnet for businesses, students, and professionals from across the country. With a rapidly growing startup ecosystem and world-class infrastructure, Ahmedabad continues to set benchmarks for urban growth and economic dynamism.
Mundra, located on the Kutch coast, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Once a quiet coastal town, it is now home to India’s biggest private port, handling a significant share of the nation’s international cargo. Mundra’s port-driven growth has stimulated industrial development, attracted global investment, and created opportunities for thousands of workers and entrepreneurs in the region and beyond. The port’s strategic importance extends across India, linking producers and exporters in multiple states to global markets.
Star Air Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer Shilpa Bhatia said: “Until now, travelling between these centres required long road journeys or inconvenient, indirect flights. Star Air’s new direct service changes this paradigm, offering a fast, seamless, and comfortable travel option tailored to India’s modern business and travel needs.”
Star Air will operate three times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with early morning departures from Ahmedabad and evening return flights from Mundra.
Tickets for the new Ahmedabad–Mundra flights are now available on the Star Air website and all online and authorised travel agency platforms.
SINGAPORE, 14 August 2026: Digital travel platform Agoda has introduced the Room Grid Bot, an AI-powered chat assistant designed to help travellers decide which room to book. Available in the Agoda mobile app, the new tool recommends rooms suited to their needs.
Agoda offers travellers diverse room options when booking a hotel, with room types and offers varying by occupancy, cancellation terms, meal inclusions, and price.
The Room Grid Bot addresses this by using travellers’ current search details and the preferences they share in the conversation to recommend the most relevant options. These recommendations appear directly within the chat, helping travellers narrow down their choices without needing to compare every listing.
Travellers can access the Bot from the room-selection page after tapping “Select room” on a hotel’s property page in the Agoda app. They can start a conversation by tapping the “Need help choosing a room? Let AI help you” banner without leaving the room-selection page.
Travellers can ask the Bot to find options with specific inclusions, such as free breakfast, or to answer relevant property questions, such as check-in times. The Bot also highlights a “Best pick,” helping travellers more easily identify a suitable room based on their preferences.
Idan Zalzberg, Chief Technology Officer at Agoda, said, “Choosing a hotel is only part of the booking decision. Travellers also need to find the right room for their trip, which can be challenging when many options are available. The Room Grid Bot helps narrow down those choices based on what travellers want and need, making it easier to identify and book the room that best suits their trip.”
The launch builds on Agoda’s growing suite of AI-powered tools across the hotel booking journey. The Property AMA (Ask Me Anything) Bot answers accommodation-specific questions as travellers explore a property, while the Booking Form Bot addresses common questions during checkout. Together, the tools provide relevant support as travellers explore hotels, select rooms, and complete their bookings.
Held under the theme “The Next Era: Impactful Partnerships, Purposeful Growth,” the PTM Knowledge Forum will bring together senior tourism leaders, destination experts, industry executives and innovators from across Asia Pacific and beyond to explore the forces shaping the next era of tourism.
Photo credit: PATA.
The Forum is designed to complement the commercial objectives of PATA Travel Mart 2026 by providing a platform for knowledge exchange, strategic dialogue and practical insights into tourism growth, partnerships, innovation, sustainability and destination development.
Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, the Sarawak Tourism Board, and Business Events Sarawak, the Forum will also highlight Sarawak’s approach to tourism development, including its focus on economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability through innovation and partnerships.
The programme will feature a diverse group of speakers from tourism authorities, destination organisations, airlines, hospitality companies, technology firms, media and storytelling, and community-based tourism organisations.
Confirmed speakers include:
The Honourable Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts, Sarawak
Dato Dennis Ngau, Chairman, Sarawak Tourism Board
Henry Oh, Chairman, PATA
Eugene Tang, Chief Development Officer, South China Morning Post
Gary Bowerman, Managing Director, Check-in Asia
Dr Temesgen Assefa, Chief Consultant, JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co.
Yang Li, Head of Public Affairs, APAC, Booking.com
Morshidi Fredrick, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Performing Arts, Sarawak
Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, Director-General, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA)
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director, Macao Government Tourism Office
Sarah Mathews, CEO, e-Tourism Frontiers
Dr Sharzede Salleh Askor, CEO, Sarawak Tourism Board
Adela Issachar Aru, Chief Executive Officer, Vanuatu Tourism Office
Eric Fong, Marketing Director, Macau International Airport Company Ltd.
Bharat Nagpal, Senior Director, Sojern
Bracken Hollings, Head of Content & Storytelling, Content With Purpose
Lizam Dorji, CEO, MICE Bhutan
Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin, CEO, AirBorneo
Dileep Mudadeniya, Senior Vice President Global Alliances & Partnerships, Leisure and Head of Corporate Affairs, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts
Dmitry Smolnikov, Deputy CEO, Centre for Strategic Research (CSR), Discover Russia
Lujaina Al Maskari, Head of Conferences Division, Oman Convention Bureau
Andrew Jones, Guardian, Sanctuary Resorts
Jessica Yew, Director, Sticky Rice Travel
Somsak Boonkam, Founder and CEO, Local Alike Co. Ltd.
The Forum will open with a fireside chat titled “Tourism, Partnerships & Purposeful Growth,” featuring The Honourable Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Eugene Tang, Chief Development Officer, South China Morning Post. The conversation will explore Sarawak’s tourism vision, opportunities for regional collaboration, cultural identity, sustainability ambitions, and the future of tourism growth across Asia Pacific.
The programme will then turn to global market dynamics with Gary Bowerman’s keynote, “The Next Era of Travel: Global Business Trends Shaping Tourism’s Future,” followed by a snapshot of Japan’s outbound tourism from Dr Temesgen Assefa, providing insights into the outlook, behaviour and recovery trajectory of Japanese outbound travel.
Sustainability will take centre stage in “From Vision to Reality: Sustainable Tourism in Action,” featuring practical case studies from Sarawak, Thailand and Macao. Moderated by Yang Li of Booking.com, the session will explore how destinations and tourism stakeholders are translating sustainability ambitions into initiatives that balance economic growth, inclusivity, visitor experience and long-term destination stewardship.
The Forum will also feature a senior industry discussion on “Purposeful Growth in an Age of Change,” moderated by Sarah Mathews of e-Tourism Frontiers, examining how destinations and businesses can remain competitive while responding to changing traveller expectations, sustainability requirements, geopolitical uncertainty and the need for inclusive economic development.
Technology and innovation will be another key focus, with “AI, Digital Commerce, Sales & the Future Traveller” bringing together Bharat Nagpal of Sojern and Yang Li of Booking.com for a conversation on how artificial intelligence, data, digital platforms and smart destination strategies are reshaping travel marketing, distribution, visitor engagement and tourism business models.
The Forum will also mark the official launch of the new PATA & Content With Purpose (CWP) digital series, “Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose,” featuring a prerecorded presentation by Bracken Hollings, Head of Content & Storytelling at Content With Purpose.
In the afternoon, “Building Impactful Partnerships Across Borders” will explore how tourism boards, airlines, convention bureaux, hospitality groups and travel businesses can work together to unlock new visitor markets, strengthen regional connectivity and create commercial opportunities. The session will be moderated by Lizam Dorji, CEO of MICE Bhutan, with panellists representing aviation, hospitality, destination development and international tourism.
The Forum will conclude with “Communities, Culture & Meaningful Tourism Experiences,” moderated by Andrew Jones of The Guardian and Sanctuary Resorts. The session will examine community-based tourism, cultural preservation, Indigenous storytelling, tourism dispersal and community-led tourism models.
“PATA Travel Mart is fundamentally about connecting buyers and sellers and creating commercial opportunities, but business exchange is strengthened when the industry also has space to step back, examine the forces shaping tourism and share practical knowledge,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.
“The PTM Knowledge Forum brings together an impressive cross-section of leaders and practitioners to explore how partnerships, innovation and purposeful growth can help shape a stronger and more resilient tourism economy across Asia Pacific.”
The PTM Knowledge Forum will be held on 18 August 2026 at the Sheraton Kuching Hotel, immediately before the main PATA Travel Mart 2026 business programme. PATA Travel Mart 2026 will take place at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from August 18-20, 2026, bringing together tourism buyers and sellers from across Asia Pacific and international source markets for business appointments, networking and industry engagement.
The Forum will also feature two Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremonies, including an MOU between PATA and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), as well as an MOU between TOP25 and the Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF).
SINGAPORE, 14 August 2026: Vietjet confirms a new direct service between Ho Chi Minh City and Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) will launch in January 2026.
The announcement follows the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding between Vietjet and WSI at the Vietnam – Australia Tech Connect Forum in Sydney.
Photo credit: Vietjet. Vietjet announces a new direct service to Western Sydney International Airport (WSI).
Connecting Vietnam with Australia’s newest international airport, Vietjet confirms a direct Ho Chi Minh City–Western Sydney service is scheduled to start on 9 January 2027, making it one of the first airlines to provide international connectivity to Australia’s newest airport.
Operating two return services per week, the route will connect Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s leading economic hub, with Western Sydney, one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. The service is expected to support greater movement of travellers and goods while contributing to the expansion of tourism, trade and investment links between Vietnam and Australia.
To mark the launch, Vietjet offers a 20% discount on base fares for Deluxe, SkyBoss, and Business classes across all direct Vietnam–Australia routes, available with promo code VJAUS20 for bookings from now until the end of 16 August. Travel period is from 7 September 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Excluding peak travel periods and public holidays. Blackout dates may apply.
Vietjet CEO Nguyen Thanh Son said: “Vietjet is proud to be the first airline to connect Vietnam with Western Sydney – Australia’s newest international aviation gateway and an emerging centre of economic growth. Every new route brings our two countries closer while opening new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, knowledge exchange and wider cooperation. With our expanding network, modern fleet and quality services, Vietjet looks forward to supporting stronger, more productive and sustainable ties between Vietnam and Australia.”
Welcoming Vietjet to Sydney’s new international gateway, Western Sydney International Airport CEO Simon Hickey said: “We’re thrilled that tickets are on sale today for the initial services set to commence in January 2027. Western Sydney is one of the nation’s most diverse and rapidly growing regions that is proudly home to more than half of Greater Sydney’s Vietnamese population – over 70,000 people – who regularly visit friends and relatives.”
WSI is Australia’s first major international greenfield airport development in more than 50 years and a new 24-hour global gateway for Sydney. The airport is a major catalyst for growth and investment in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, an emerging hub for advanced manufacturing, logistics, technology and industry. WSI is planned to eventually accommodate around 80 million passengers annually.
Australia is one of Vietjet’s strategic international markets. With its network connecting Vietnam to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and now Western Sydney, Vietjet continues to expand its presence in Australia, providing travellers, communities, and businesses with greater choice, convenient connectivity, and affordable fares.
Beyond connecting cities, Vietjet’s expanding international network brings people and economies closer together, strengthening Vietnam’s connections with the world and opening new opportunities for travel, trade and growth.
BANGKOK, 14 August 2026: Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited has announced its operating results for the second quarter and first half of 2026, reporting a net profit of THB2,431.8 million for the first six months of the year, representing a 16.3% increase.
Bangkok Airways PCL President Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth said: “In the second quarter of 2026, the company recorded total revenue of THB6,052.5 million, an increase of 5.5%, while total expenses amounted to THB5,533.1 million, up 11.7%. As a result, the company reported a net profit of THB 332.6 million for the quarter.
Photo credit: Bangkok Airways.
“For the first half of 2026, the company recorded total revenue of THB13,934.7 million, an increase of 3%, while total expenses stood at THB10,622.5 million, up 2.3%. This resulted in a net profit of THB 2,431.8 million, an increase of 16.3% compared with the same period last year. The results reflect the company’s ability to generate revenue and effectively manage costs amid economic volatility and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,” Puttipong concluded.
PATTAYA, 12 August 2026: Royal Cliff Hotels Group has been honoured with the Ultimate Thailand Green Tourism Showcase 2026 Award in the Creative & Innovation category by Thailand’s Department of Tourism.
Recognised as Chonburi Province’s Outstanding Green Hotel, Royal Cliff was selected as one of the winners out of thousands of hotels in the Eastern Seaboard region to receive this prestigious accolade for its outstanding commitment to sustainable tourism, environmental innovation and responsible hospitality.
Royal Cliff Hotels Group encourages its management team, staff, guests and business partners to support its sustainability initiatives. Companies hosting events at Royal Cliff are also invited to plant a flame tree in a designated area, contributing to a greener future.
For more than five decades, Royal Cliff Hotels Group has been committed to balancing exceptional hospitality with environmental responsibility. Under the visionary leadership of Khun Panga Vathanakul, Managing Director, sustainability has been embedded into the organisation’s philosophy since the hotel’s inception. Guided by the belief that business success should go hand in hand with environmental stewardship, community development and the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry, Royal Cliff has consistently pioneered initiatives that create lasting positive impact.
This vision has evolved into Green Multiples @ Royal Cliff, the group’s comprehensive sustainability programme that integrates innovative environmental practices across every aspect of its operations. The initiative encompasses advanced wastewater treatment systems, biogas production from food waste, organic composting, and a pioneering Green Meeting concept that enables conference organisers and delegates to reduce the environmental footprint of their events.
Beyond operational excellence, Royal Cliff is equally committed to cultivating a culture of sustainability by actively inspiring its management team, employees, guests, and business partners to participate in its environmental initiatives. Sustainability is not simply a corporate policy at Royal Cliff; it is an integral part of the organisation’s DNA and continues to shape every aspect of its business.
Royal Cliff Hotels Group is recognised as a pioneer in wastewater treatment in Chonburi, demonstrating its long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible tourism.
As travellers and international event organisers increasingly seek destinations and venues that demonstrate genuine environmental responsibility, sustainability has become a defining factor in creating exceptional guest experiences and long-term business success. Royal Cliff continues to invest in innovative green solutions that not only enhance the guest journey but also contribute positively to local communities, preserve natural resources and strengthen Thailand’s position as a leading sustainable tourism destination.
Organised by Thailand’s Department of Tourism, the Ultimate Thailand Green Tourism Showcase 2026 recognises tourism operators that demonstrate excellence in sustainable business practices. Winners are selected based on their achievements in environmental management, innovation, community engagement and the advancement of Thailand’s tourism standards, contributing to the country’s vision of a more sustainable tourism industry.
This latest accolade further reinforces Royal Cliff Hotels Group’s position as one of Thailand’s leading sustainable hospitality brands. It reflects its unwavering commitment to creating meaningful experiences while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
Perched atop a 64-acre private estate with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand, the Royal Cliff Hotels Group boasts four award-winning hotels that charm travellers from all corners of the world. The resort offers a world of exceptional experiences through thoughtfully curated promotions and packages. Guests are encouraged to book directly with Royal Cliff to enjoy the best available rates and exclusive value-added privileges.
To secure the premium experience you deserve, visit www.royalcliff.com, call our reservations team at (+66) 38 250 421 ext. 2732, or email [email protected].
SINGAPORE, 12 August 2026: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) welcomes Piñero, an international tourism and real estate group headquartered in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, as a global member.
With over 50 years of experience, Piñero has an integrated business model covering development, management, and services across the travel value chain.
Its hospitality division operates 25 owned hotels across Spain, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, under a range of management models.
Real Estate & Golf focuses on developing premium residential communities and operating PGA of America-accredited golf courses in the Caribbean.
Soltour, an independent tour operator in Spain and Portugal, leads its travel sector. At the same time, the mobility segment delivers land and maritime transport solutions that complement the broader tourism offering.
WTTC President & CEO, Gloria Guevara, said: “As an international tourism group with over 50 years of experience, Piñero brings valuable expertise across hospitality, real estate, travel, and mobility. Their strong commitment to a regenerative approach to tourism and creating positive impact in destinations aligns closely with WTTC’s priorities. It will further strengthen our collective efforts to drive a more sustainable and resilient Travel & Tourism sector worldwide.”
