SINGAPORE, 26 October 2026: Air Astana welcomed a new Airbus A321neo to its fleet last week — the narrow-body, medium-haul aircraft features a two-class cabin configuration, with 28 seats in business class and 156 in economy.
It’s the 64th aircraft in the Air Astana Group fleet and will support further capacity growth and expansion of the airline’s route network.
Photo credit: Air Astana.
Air Astana’s fleet consists predominantly of Airbus aircraft, supporting fleet unification, operational efficiency and reliability. The Airbus A321neo is part of Airbus’s modern aircraft family, offering improved fuel efficiency, passenger comfort and a reduced environmental impact.
The new aircraft will operate on both domestic and international routes. Its first commercial flight is scheduled for early November on the Almaty–Astana–Almaty route.
HONG KONG, 26 October 2026: The Cathay Group released its traffic figures for September 2026 last Friday, confirming the group’s two airlines, Cathay Pacific and HK Express, carried approximately 3 million passengers in September, marking a 9% increase compared with the same period last year.
Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau commented: “September is traditionally a quieter month for travel following the summer peak. Nevertheless, we continued to see year-on-year growth in passengers and cargo carried as a Group, although jet fuel prices remain elevated.”
Meanwhile, driven by resilient cargo demand, Cathay Cargo carried over 150,000 tonnes of cargo, up 14% year on year.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific carried 12% more passengers in September 2026 than in September 2025, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) rose 9%. In the first nine months of 2026, passenger volume rose 14% compared with the same period in 2025.
Lau noted: “September saw strong outbound student traffic from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland to long-haul markets ahead of the new school year, with our flights to the UK achieving particularly high load factors. This was followed by robust leisure travel demand from the Chinese Mainland to Hong Kong as well as various short-haul destinations towards the end of the month during the Mid-Autumn Festival and in the lead-up to the National Day ‘Golden Week’ holiday period. Meanwhile, demand for our premium cabins extended into September, reflecting sustained momentum in both business and premium leisure travel. Looking ahead, we expect demand to remain healthy in the fourth quarter.”
Cathay Cargo
Cathay Cargo carried 14% more cargo in September 2026 than in September 2025, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 5%. In the first nine months of 2026, total tonnage rose 9% compared with the same period in 2025.
HK Express
HK Express carried more than 520,000 passengers in September 2026, down 1% year on year, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) rose 10%. In the first nine months of 2026, passenger volume rose 8% compared with the same period in 2025.
Lavinia said: “Demand for HK Express softened in September following the summer travel peak. That said, our Philippines routes performed well, with high load factors, while our Chinese Mainland routes continued to record year-on-year passenger growth, with an encouraging outlook. We will be launching a new four-times-weekly service to Hefei from 3 December, further expanding our Chinese Mainland network.”
SINGAPORE, 26 October 2026: ITB Asia 2026 concluded last Friday after three days of business, networking, and knowledge exchange at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
Asia’s largest travel trade show brought together more than 18,000 participants, over 1,000 exhibiting brands and more than 1,500 qualified buyers, connecting businesses and industry professionals from across the international travel sector.
Photo credit: ITB Asia. Waiting for the doors to open at ITB Asia.
Co-located with MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia, the event covered leisure travel, MICE, corporate travel and travel technology.
Under the theme “Experiences in Motion: Human-Centred Design in Travel & Tourism”, the exhibition and conference programme examined how changing traveller expectations, technological advances and experience-led innovation were shaping the future of travel.
A major milestone was the official launch of ITB Asia Select, a new regional initiative designed to extend the ITB Asia brand into selected markets across Asia. Indonesia was announced as the first destination, with ITB Asia Select Indonesia scheduled for 23–24 June 2027 in Jakarta.
International participation connects markets worldwide
More than 80% of exhibiting brands represented international markets across Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East. This international presence underlined ITB Asia’s role in bringing destinations, tourism suppliers, buyers and industry decision-makers together in one place.
MICE Show Asia recorded impressive growth of 184% this year, underscoring its growing importance in the region’s business events industry and strengthening ITB Asia’s position as a platform for the international MICE community.
Travel Tech Asia also introduced its Hosted Buyer Programme, connecting technology providers with qualified buyers from the hospitality, attractions, travel agency and travel technology sectors.
The exhibition covered leisure travel, MICE, corporate travel, and travel technology, giving participants opportunities to explore new markets, establish partnerships, and develop business relationships. More than 60,000 pre-scheduled appointments provided a structured setting for exhibitors and qualified buyers to connect, discuss commercial opportunities and build relationships across borders.
ITB Asia Select launches with Indonesia
ITB Asia 2026 marked the official launch of ITB Asia Select, opening a new chapter in the brand’s regional development. The announcement was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Messe Berlin Asia Pacific and the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA).
The agreement supports the development of ITB Asia Select Indonesia, which will take place in Jakarta on 23 to 24 June 2027, following the rebranding of Travel Meet Asia Jakarta.
The initiative builds on the ITB brand’s international recognition and network, creating additional opportunities to connect Indonesia’s travel industry with international destinations, tourism suppliers, and business partners. It also extends the ITB Asia platform into selected markets, strengthening business engagement opportunities across Asia.
Indonesia is the first market under the ITB Asia Select initiative, with further destinations set to follow.
“ITB Asia continues to demonstrate the importance of bringing the global travel industry together in Asia. This year’s strong international participation, the significant growth of MICE Show Asia and the launch of ITB Asia Select mark important milestones for our business. As the industry evolves, our focus remains on creating meaningful connections and new opportunities for our partners, both in Singapore and across the wider region,” said Messe Berlin Asia Pacific Executive Director, Darren Seah.
ITB Asia introduced new initiatives
ITB Asia continued to evolve beyond the traditional trade show format, introducing new ideas that make the event more seamless, engaging and valuable for participants. These included a pilot off-airport check-in initiative with Changi Airport Group and curated exhibition discovery tours with Woopa Group, where professional tour guides helped attendees navigate the show floor and uncover key highlights.
ITB Asia returns in October 2027
The three co-located trade shows will return to the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, from 20–22 October 2027. Exhibitors planning to participate in the next edition can take advantage of early-bird rates available until 31 March 2027.
The brand-new property will cater to a diverse range of guests, from urban explorers seeking short breaks to medical travellers on extended stays.
Now open and conveniently located on Arun Amarin Road, this new-build hotel offers visitors a taste of the Thai capital’s rich history and abundant attractions. Siriraj Hospital, one of Thailand’s most prestigious medical facilities, is less than 1 km away.
Guests who cross the Chao Phraya River will find themselves in the heart of Rattanakosin, Bangkok’s “old city,” home to iconic cultural and heritage sites including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).
Nearby, the vibrant districts of Khao San Road, the famous backpacker haven, and Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, offer many traditional restaurants, street food stalls, and night markets. For those who want to explore further afield, Thon Buri Railway Station offers services to Kanchanaburi province, home to the idyllic Erawan National Park and the infamous “Bridge on the River Kwai.”
A modern hotel, SureStay by Best Western Siriraj Bangkok features 148 stylish rooms, all equipped with everything today’s travellers need, including comfy beds, working areas and state-of-the-art technology.
SureStay Hotels’ enhanced brand standards underpin every aspect of the hotel experience, combining quality, service, and great value. Members of Best Western Rewards, the award-winning loyalty program that’s free to join, can enjoy exclusive benefits and points that never expire. Members can redeem these points for exciting rewards like free room nights, airline miles, and gift cards.
“At BWH Hotels, we intuitively understand the evolving needs of travellers in the Thai capital. Bangkok is the world’s most-visited city, but more guests are seeking international-standard accommodations away from the commercial centre, or close to major urban attractions or transport hubs. With its strategic location near Siriraj Hospital, just moments from the historic heart of the city and with rooms for short and extended stays, SureStay by Best Western Siriraj Bangkok is set to appeal to a new wave of visitors,” said BWH Hotels Vice President – APAC Olivier Berrivin.
With the opening of SureStay by Best Western Siriraj Bangkok, BWH Hotels now operates 18 properties in Greater Bangkok and 30 properties across Thailand. In line with the company’s global five-year development strategy, BWH Hotels plans to open around 200 hotels over the next five years.
PATTAYA, Thailand, 22 October 2026: Get ready to serve, compete and make unforgettable memories as the 6th Royal Cliff Junior Tennis Thailand Championship 2026 returns to the renowned Fitz Club at Royal Cliff Hotels Group, Pattaya, from 31 October to 1 November 2026.
Open to young players aged 4 to 16, the championship offers more than a chance to compete. It also lets them test their skills, earn valuable national ranking points, build confidence, and experience the excitement of competing in a professionally organised tournament.
Adding to the championship’s distinction, Fitz Club has earned the prestigious Gold Standard Tennis 10s & Junior Tennis Championship Venue Award, presented by the Director of School Tennis-10 and the Tournament Supervisor, in recognition of the exceptional experience delivered both on and off the court.
With support from Carabao, Ramayana Water Park, Supersports, Tecnifibre, and Vitala, the championship combines competitive tennis with a fun-filled family experience. Young players and their families can enjoy live food stations and refreshing treats prepared by Royal Cliff’s award-winning chefs, along with activities and dedicated play areas. Parents and players can also unwind with sports recovery services and treatments from Vitala and Cliff Spa. All players will receive a surprise welcome pack, while winners will receive special gifts from our sponsors.
Adding even more excitement to the weekend, the Family Halloween Party at Royal Cliff Beach Hotel on the evening of 31 October 2026 will feature the popular Haunted Castle, games and entertainment for the whole family.
Set against Pattaya’s beautiful seaside setting, the championship is designed to give young athletes an experience they will remember long after the final match. Whether stepping onto the court for the first time or working towards higher-level competition, every player has the opportunity to compete, connect and grow through tennis.
Fitz Club – Racquets, Health & Fitness, the elite sports centre under the Royal Cliff banner, continues to reinforce its status as a premier sports and wellness destination for professional and recreational athletes.
Over the years, the centre has welcomed world-class talent, including former ATP stars such as Nikolay Davydenko, Mikhail Youzhny, Dmitry Tursunov, Paradorn Srichaphan, Danai Udomchoke and Denis Istomin, all of whom have trained on Fitz Club’s courts, engineered to mirror Grand Slam playing conditions.
With a long legacy in competitive sports, Fitz Club has hosted numerous high-profile events, from prestigious Junior and Senior Tennis tournaments to Squash and Table Tennis competitions.
This rich history underscores its reputation as one of Thailand’s most established sporting venues. Continuing its commitment to excellence, Fitz Club has expanded its offerings with upgraded facilities for pickleball, futsal, and basketball, along with a certified HYROX coach, making it a comprehensive hub for multi-sport athletes and families alike. Ultimately, Fitz Club is helping elevate Pattaya’s profile as a leading destination for sports, families, and wellness.
Carabao Group Public Company Limited is a holding company engaging in manufacturing, marketing, selling and distributing energy drinks and other beverages in a vertically integrated manner, starting from upstream production of key packaging materials, i.e. glass bottles and aluminium cans, down the chain to bottling and canning of finished products, as well as distribution channel management both domestically and internationally under the world-class product, world-class brand vision.
For more information about Carabao Group, visit www.carabaogroup.com
RAMAYANA WATER PARK
Ramayana Water Park is Thailand’s biggest and best water park, according to customer satisfaction!
Immerse yourself in a world of exciting water adventures in an award-winning tropical paradise inspired by enchanting Thai mythology. Discover 26 exciting water slides, large kids’ areas, foam parties, and many more fun activities for the whole family. Whether you’re seeking extreme thrills or a cosy and relaxing day, you’ll find something for everyone.
For more information about Ramayana Water Park, please visit https://www.ramayanawaterpark.com
SUPERSPORTS
Supersports is Thailand’s No. 1 retailer and distributor of sportswear and equipment, dedicated to elevating the lives of all Thais through sports, as stated in the brand mission statement: ‘Move You, Move Sports’.
For more information about Supersports, please visit https://www.supersports.co.th/
TECNIFIBRE
Tecnifibre is the fastest-growing tennis brand worldwide today. Founded in 1979, the French company is run by tennis players and provides equipment (rackets / strings / balls / accessories / bags) for tennis players. Team members include Iga Swiatek (World No.1 and six-time Grand Slam Winner) and Daniil Medvedev (2020 ATP Tour Finals & 2021 US Open Champion).
For more information about Technifibre, please visit https://www.tecnifibre.com/
VITALA (Rehab & Physiological Clinic)
Design Your Health at VITALA. We are an interdisciplinary clinic providing physical therapy services in collaboration with physicians and sports scientists, managed by a specialised interdisciplinary team. We are dedicated to caring for you to the best of our abilities.
For more information about Vitala, please visit https://www.facebook.com/vitalarehabclinic
SINGAPORE, 22 October 2026: Global Hotel Alliance, a worldwide group of independent hotel brands, welcomed Far East Hospitality (FEH) this week to its growing global portfolio.
The partnership brings 26 hotels and serviced residences, comprising 6,212 rooms across Singapore, Malaysia and Japan, to the GHA ecosystem.
Chris Hartley (left), CEO of Global Hotel Alliance, and Mark Rohner, Managing Director of Far East Hospitality, at the signing ceremony marking Far East Hospitality’s addition to Global Hotel Alliance.
The addition further strengthens GHA’s footprint in Asia Pacific, one of the world’s most dynamic and important travel markets. It also brings the group into GHA’s award-winning loyalty programme, GHA Discovery, connecting its guests to a global community of more than 38 million members, who can benefit from the programme’s shared recognition and rewards ecosystem, including Discovery Dollars (D$), which can be earned and redeemed across all GHA brands, as well as member rates, room upgrades, local offers and experiences.
“Singapore continues to play an important role as a gateway to Asia, while the group’s presence across Malaysia and Japan further strengthens our ability to offer GHA Discovery members more choice in some of the region’s most popular destinations,” said Global Hotel Alliance CEO Chris Hartley,
Far East Hospitality will integrate 26 hotels and serviced residences across Singapore, Malaysia and Japan into GHA Discovery in early 2027.
Spanning five distinct brands, Oasia, Quincy, Rendezvous, Village, and Far East Collection, the properties cater to both business and leisure travellers, offering flexible accommodation options for short- and long-term stays.
“Joining Global Hotel Alliance is an exciting milestone for our group as we continue to strengthen our presence across Asia Pacific. Our brands are rooted in Singapore-inspired hospitality, but each has its own distinctive character and approach to the guest experience. At a time when guest loyalty matters more than ever to both travellers and hoteliers, GHA Discovery allows us to retain that individuality while connecting our hotels and serviced residences with a truly global audience,” said Far East Hospitality Managing Director Mark Rohner.
BANGKOK, 22 October 2026: Airbus anticipates total demand for global aviation services will double from 2026, reaching more than USD420 billion by 2045.
These services, which sustain the aviation sector’s robustness, will grow at a 3.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), supporting an increasing world aircraft fleet of 45,550 by 2045. Over the same 20-year period, passenger numbers will double to 10 billion.
Photo credit: Airbus SAS 2025.
This will create a cumulative need for 730,000 maintenance technicians, 660,000 pilots, and 1,050,000 cabin crew, totalling more than 2.44 million additional skilled people.
Digital solutions and connectivity underpin all sectors of the services market, helping airlines improve operational efficiency, reduce disruptions such as delays and cancellations, increase maintenance agility, and provide real-time connectivity to meet passenger expectations for a seamless journey.
Airbus’ GSF outlines six key service segments
Off-Wing Maintenance (2045: US$217 billion, +3.7% CAGR) — Doubling in value driven by an increasing number of shop visits due to an ageing and growing global fleet. Material supply is significant, reflecting demand for parts support and repair.
Maintenance Operations Support (2045: US$104 billion, +4.3% CAGR) — This new cluster includes on-time inventory provision, quality, and engineering support to ensure continued airworthiness and aircraft reliability.
On-Wing Maintenance (2045: US$36 billion, +2.8% CAGR) — Covers light inspections through heavy checks and is growing in line with the expanding global fleet.
Digital & connectivity (2045: US$27 billion, +5.3% CAGR) — The fastest-growing market, this is expected to triple over the next two decades.
Modifications & Upgrades (2045: US$21 billion, +2.6% CAGR) — Upgrades of older aircraft through cabin retrofits and modern technology integration.
Training (2045: US$17 billion, +3.1% CAGR) — Addressing a massive new workforce requirement, the industry must intensify efforts to attract and train new talent.
Over the next 20 years, Europe & CIS, North America, and China will remain the largest services markets by total demand, while Asia (Asia-Pacific, China, and South Asia) is projected to be the fastest-growing. The Airbus GSF is aircraft agnostic, focusing on passenger jets with capacities exceeding 100 seats and freighters with payload capabilities above 10 tonnes.
SINGAPORE, 22 October 2026: The pop of a ball against a paddle has become a familiar sound in parks and resorts across Asia, drifting out from beachfront courts at sunrise and hotel lawns at dusk.
Easy to learn and highly social, Pickleball suits groups of friends and families, and travellers now plan whole trips around it.
Digital travel platform Agoda highlights six destinations where players can easily book courts, enjoy good weather, and still have plenty to explore after the last rally.
Higashi-Izu, Japan
Few places combine a serious pickleball facility with a hot-spring town quite like Inatori, on the Izu coast. Izu Resort Villa’s recently opened complex, described as Japan’s largest, gives players room to settle in for a long morning of doubles. In early spring, the town is hung with traditional silk hina-doll decorations, and early cherry blossoms open along the nearby Kawazu River. After a morning on court and an afternoon among the blossoms, the day ends the right way: soaking in an onsen.
George Town, Penang, Malaysia
At Pickle By The Sea on Gurney Drive, the courts sit right on the waterfront, so a match comes with sea air and a view. The venue is also on the professional circuit, having hosted the APP Asia Penang Open. Come around Lunar New Year, when George Town’s heritage streets fill with lanterns, and end your day with a walk through some of Malaysia’s most photogenic streets.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang pairs a long stretch of coastline with a growing pickleball scene. Courts near My Khe Beach have helped make the city one of Vietnam’s pickleball hubs, and the Pickleball World Cup has since put it on the international map. Play early, before the heat sets in, then spend the rest of the day on the sand. As evening falls, head to nearby Hoi An, where the old town glows beneath its lanterns.
Davao, Philippines
Davao has its own dedicated pickleball venue, Pickletown, where youth and adult players gather for the Kosmas Pickle Fest as the Philippine game grows quickly. The sport is still finding its feet here, and visitors can feel that energy on court. After the games, cool off in the highland air of Mount Apo’s foothills.
Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
For travellers who want to be close to the action as Pickleball grows in Selangor, Shah Alam is a calm, green base. Tourism Selangor is backing pickleball tournaments to broaden the state’s visitor appeal, giving visiting players more reason to come. During Ramadan, enthusiasts can play before sunset, then join evening bazaars filled with grilled satay and kuih.
Singapore
Singapore has been carving out space for Pickleball in the heart of the city. Dual-use courts at The Kallang are open to the public, making it easy to slot in a casual game between city sights. The sport has also reached the professional stage, with PPA Tour Asia bringing its Singapore Open to Singapore Expo. A morning of doubles pairs well with a relaxed meal at a hawker centre after.
Jun Dong, Vice President, Supply at Agoda, shared: “Pickleball is inherently social, and travellers are planning around friends and family, wanting a court in the morning, something to explore in the afternoon, and a comfortable place to stay. At Agoda, we’re making it easier to find stays near great courts, including in destinations travellers may not have considered yet, so the trip is as rewarding as the game.”
Travellers can search for flights, accommodations, and activities around pickleball venues across Asia on Agoda.com or the Agoda app.
MELBOURNE, 22 October 2026: TransNusa, an Indonesian airline based in Bali, marked a major international expansion milestone by launching flights from Bali to Melbourne on 19 October.
Daily scheduled flights offer a highly competitive alternative on the heavily travelled corridor, linking Australian cities with the holiday island of Bali.
Photo credit: TransNusa. TransNusa Group CEO Datuk Bernard Francis.
The expansion to include Bali-Melbourne flights follows TransNusa’s growth in the Australian market, as it secured a 20% market share in Perth.
TransNusa Group CEO Datuk Bernard Francis noted that the “launch of the Melbourne-Bali route represents a monumental step forward in TransNusa’s international expansion strategy. It strengthens Bali’s position as a premier gateway between Australia and Asia, while giving travellers a compelling new choice that combines connectivity, value, and a distinctly premium travel experience.”
To celebrate this milestone, TransNusa continues to offer exclusive introductory fares, with standard basic seats starting from just AUD299. Unlike traditional low-cost competitors, TransNusa’s standard tickets include baggage allowances and baseline comfort amenities, including complimentary water and snacks.
Flight schedule
Flight 8B18 departs Bali (DPS) at 2045 from I Gusti Ngurah International Airport, arriving at Melbourne Airport (MEL) at 0540 the following morning. Flight 8B19 departs Melbourne Airport (MEL) at 0625, arriving in Bali (DPS) at 0940.
Initially, TransNusa will operate four flights weekly, scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The airline will increase frequency to daily flights effective 15 November.
Travellers can book tickets via the airline’s official website or through authorised travel booking platforms.
HONG KONG, 22 October 2026: Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) saw steady growth across all key traffic areas in September.
Passenger traffic grew 10.2% year on year to 4.86 million passengers, while flight movements rose 7% to 32,175, and cargo volume increased 6.3% to 433,000 tonnes.
Photo credit: HKIA.HKIA was voted “Asia’s Leading Airport” for the sixth time since 2020 and “China’s Leading Airport” for the fifth consecutive year at this year’s World Travel Awards.
Overall passenger growth remained driven primarily by transfer/transit passengers, which rose by double digits. Visitors followed, rising 5% year-on-year.
Regionally, most markets grew, with the strongest contribution from the Chinese Mainland, while the Middle East decline continued to ease.
On the cargo front, transshipments and imports led September growth, rising 26.9% and 9.2%, respectively. Southeast Asia and the Chinese Mainland drove most of the growth, offsetting the decline in volume in Europe after the EU removed its duty-free de minimis exemption in July.
In the first three quarters of the year, HKIA handled 49.1 million passengers, while flight movements reached 302,075, up 10.1% and 3.9% year-on-year, respectively. Cargo volume rose 3.1% year on year to 3.78 million tonnes.
On a 12-month rolling basis, passenger throughput increased 11.5% year on year to 65.4 million, while flight movements rose 4.9% to 405,945. Cargo throughput grew 3.3% year on year to 5.18 million tonnes.
Meanwhile, HKIA has recently garnered Best Airport honours at a series of prestigious international awards.
HKIA was voted “Asia’s Leading Airport” for the sixth time since 2020 and “China’s Leading Airport” for the fifth consecutive year at this year’s World Travel Awards. Regarded as a hallmark of industry excellence, the World Travel Awards are selected by travel industry specialists and travellers worldwide to recognise excellence across key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.
Airport Authority Hong Kong CEO Vivian Cheung said: “We are honoured that HKIA has once again stood out among airports across Asia, receiving multiple Best Airport accolades at prestigious international awards. These awards not only reaffirm HKIA’s achievements over the years, but also recognise the dedication and collective efforts of the entire airport community. Looking ahead, we will continue to work closely with business partners to enhance the passenger experience and deliver world-class airport services, further strengthening HKIA’s position as the Hub of Asia.”
