Monday, September 22, 2025
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AirAsia boost flights to Indonesia

By
TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 15 September 2025: AirAsia (AK) launched two direct routes to Pontianak, Indonesia, last Friday, connecting the province of West Kalimantan with Malaysian cities of Kuala Lumpur and Kuching.

It ensures the airline has the widest network between Malaysia and Indonesia, reinforcing its commitment to improving regional connectivity and promoting shared economic growth.

Photo credit: AirAsia.

On its return leg, flight AK1782 from Pontianak arrived at Kuching International Airport to a warm welcome with a celebratory reception featuring cultural performances to mark the milestone. Arriving guests from Pontianak were greeted by Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak YB Datuk Snowdan Lawan; Senior Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia, Jamilah Binti Abdul Halim; AirAsia Malaysia CEO Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra and Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Mdm Sharzede Salleh Askor, together with representatives from Malaysia Airports, government departments and key private hospitals in Kuching.

AirAsia Malaysia CEO Dato Captain Fareh Mazputra said: “Following the success of our recent route launches in Palembang and beyond, Indonesia remains one of our most important markets. We are proud to reconnect Pontianak with both Kuching and Kuala Lumpur. 

These routes not only provide greater convenience for our guests but also open more opportunities for tourism and business between Malaysia and Indonesia. With our extensive network and affordable fares, AirAsia is committed to strengthening ties between neighbouring countries and driving regional growth.”

Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Salleh Askor said: “We are excited to see the reinstatement of direct air connectivity between Kuching and Pontianak, which has always been an important market for Sarawak. This route will not only make it more convenient for our neighbours in West Kalimantan to travel for leisure, medical, education and business purposes, but also further strengthen our role as the gateway to Borneo. With international arrivals to Sarawak continuing to grow steadily this year, this timely connectivity will help us attract more visitors from Pontianak and beyond, while showcasing our rich culture, pristine nature, and unique adventure offerings.

AirAsia Malaysia (AK) continues to strengthen its connectivity to Indonesia with flights to 18 destinations. From Kuala Lumpur, the airline currently serves Jakarta, Bali (Denpasar), Medan, Yogyakarta, Banda Aceh, Makassar, Padang, Pekanbaru, Balikpapan, Labuan Bajo, Lombok, Palembang, Semarang and Pontianak, with Banjarmasin set to commence on 20 October 2025. AirAsia connects Kuching to Pontianak, as well as Penang to Jakarta and Medan, further enhancing travel accessibility between Malaysia and Indonesia.

Flight Schedule between Kuching (KCH) and Pontianak (PNK):

Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Pontianak (PNK):

SOTC wins PATA Gold Award

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TTR WEEKLY
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MUMBAI, 15 September 2025: SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company headquartered in Mumbai, India, has won the best Integrated Marketing Campaign award at the PATA Gold Awards 2025. 

Celebrating excellence and innovation in travel marketing, the PATA Gold Awards recognise outstanding campaigns that shape traveller engagement and industry growth. This accolade marks a significant achievement for the Company, highlighting its leadership in the Indian market and its exceptional tourism promotions through creative storytelling and impactful brand experiences.

SOTC’s award-winning campaign, Saare Jahan Se Achha India Humara, was launched last year, as a tribute to the country’s diversity, heritage and soulful charm. Designed to inspire Indians to rediscover the country’s spectacular locales and experiences, the campaign inspired national pride and connection through evocative narratives and a distinctive postage stamp visual theme. It has successfully positioned SOTC Travel as the go-to brand for premium domestic travel while engaging with younger, experience-driven travellers.

The campaign featured curated travel categories celebrating India’s multifaceted identity—ranging from the verdant forests and rich traditions to iconic monuments and coastal escapades, fostering deeper emotional engagement among SOTC’s customers.

SOTC Travel President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours SD Nandakumar said: “We are honoured to receive the Best Integrated Marketing Campaign award at the PATA Gold Awards 2025. ‘Saare Jahan Se Achha India Humara’ reflects our passion for India – and we’ve done well in showcasing India’s unparalleled diversity and stories through travel. As a homegrown, made-in-India brand with a legacy of over 75 years, we truly believe that no one understands the Indian traveller better than SOTC. PATA’s recognition is a tribute to our dedicated team and a reaffirmation of our commitment to inspire Indians to explore and cherish their own country.”

21n78e Creative Labs CEO & Founder, Sudhir Nair, added: “We are elated to see ‘Saare Jahan Se Achha India Humara’ earn this prestigious recognition. India is in the spotlight on a global stage, and our strategy was to celebrate India’s vibrant diversity through a contemporary lens. Reimagining the classic postage stamp as a nostalgic yet modern tribute to India’s myriad landscapes, cultures and traditions. By weaving compelling stories with this evocative visual theme, we sought to spark pride and wanderlust, inviting today’s Indian travellers to rediscover the beauty of their homeland.”

China Eastern expands routes to KUL

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 September 2025: Tourism Malaysia welcomed China Eastern Airlines on its successful launch of flights last week, connecting Taiyuan, China, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, with a transit stop in Wuhan.

As one of China’s major cities rich in cultural heritage and economic potential, Taiyuan’s connection to Kuala Lumpur is expected to encourage greater visitor flows and boost Malaysia’s visibility as a preferred destination in Asia.

Samuel Lee, Deputy Director General (Promotion Il) of Tourism Malaysia, alongside Xiang, General Manager of China Eastern Airlines (Malaysia Branch), joined representatives from MAHB, Tourism Malaysia, and the China Eastern Airlines cabin crew at KLIA to celebrate the arrival of the inaugural flight from Taiyuan.

A new chapter in regional connectivity unfolded last Thursday as Flight MU859 touched down at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 at approximately 0430 (Malaysia time), marking the inaugural arrival from Taiyuan, famously known as the “Dragon City” (Lóngchéng. 

This historic flight symbolises a pivotal milestone in enhancing air links between Malaysia and northern China, laying the foundation for deeper bilateral cooperation in tourism alongside trade exchange.

“The introduction of this new air connectivity marks a significant step forward in strengthening the dynamic alongside growing tourism ties between Malaysia and China. Beyond enhancing travel convenience, it also underscores our continued commitment to positioning Malaysia as a premier travel destination within the region. We look forward to welcoming a greater number of Chinese visitors to explore Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and the diverse, memorable experiences our country proudly offers,” said Tourism Malaysia  Deputy Director General (Promotion II) Lee Thai Hung.

China Eastern Airlines is set to operate the new route four times weekly, with a scheduled transit stop at Wuhan Tianhe International Airport. The service utilises Boeing 737-800 aircraft, configured with 175 seats, to enhance air connectivity between Malaysia and the northern provinces of China.

From January to June 2025, Malaysia welcomed an impressive 2.2 million visitor arrivals from China, marking a notable 35.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This remarkable growth comes at a time of renewed global travel confidence and reflects the strengthening appeal of Malaysia as a preferred destination among Chinese travellers. Thus, Malaysia continues to warmly welcome Chinese visitors, offering seamless travel experiences and a rich tapestry of attractions from vibrant cities and culinary adventures to serene islands and heritage-rich towns.

Tourism Malaysia remains committed to working closely with international carriers, airport authorities, and industry stakeholders to strengthen Malaysia’s connectivity and global tourism presence. This initiative is also timely in supporting Malaysia’s ramp-up efforts for the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

Skywards Miles reach Premium Economy

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

DUBAI, UAE, 12 September 2025: Emirates Skywards has officially unlocked flight rewards for Premium Economy travel — a move welcomed by its more than 35 million members worldwide. 

The award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai is now offering members a chance to redeem Skywards Miles on Classic Rewards and Upgrade Rewards on all Emirates’ Premium Economy cabins. The highly anticipated offering underscores Skywards’ commitment to redefine the loyalty experience and always offer members more rewards, benefits, and greater travel options.

Emirates Skywards Divisional Senior Vice President Dr Nejib Ben Khedher said: “We’re thrilled to announce the introduction of flight rewards on Emirates’ highly coveted Premium Economy cabin. This has been in development for some time and comes following the huge success, positive feedback, and strong demand by members to utilise Miles on Premium Economy – especially on popular long-haul destinations such as London, Sydney, Melbourne, and New York. The offer will initially be available exclusively to our Skywards members, with plans to extend to other airline partners in the future.

“We are confident this enhancement will further enrich the travel experience, staying true to our brand promise of always flying customers better. We look forward to more of our members now having the opportunity to experience Emirates’ newest, luxurious cabin with a service that rivals many airlines’ Business Class.”

Starting from 7,000 Skywards Miles

Members can now redeem Skywards Miles to purchase a full flight ticket on the Emirates Premium Economy cabin, starting from 15,000 Miles (one-way).

Passengers can also request an upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy starting from 7,020 Miles (one-way). Upgrade requests can be booked prior to a flight and will also be offered at the Emirates’ check-in counter, subject to availability.

Click here to view the Miles Calculator.

The loyalty programme has also recently rolled out Classic Rewards on all flydubai flights starting at 5,000 Miles, in addition to revised Cash+Miles rates. Skywards Miles redemptions continue to be a popular loyalty offering with close to 500,000 flight tickets purchased with Classic Rewards, Cash Miles, and Upgrade Rewards over the summer period (June to August 2025) to popular destinations such as London, Paris, New York and Bangkok.

Fly better with Emirates’ Premium Economy

Emirates is the only airline in the region to offer Premium Economy, with a signature experience unmatched in the industry. The airline’s newest cabin has been recognised by multiple global recognitions, including ‘Best Premium Economy’ by AirlineRatings.com and Airline Excellence Awards 2024.

Emirates Skywards members travelling in Premium Economy can look forward to dedicated check-in desks at the airport; luxurious cream-coloured leather seats with a generous pitch of up to 40 inches, calf rests, and footrests for additional comfort; generous meals and a premium wine selection; and the airline’s latest upgraded inflight entertainment system, ice, with a 13.3 inch screen – one of the largest in its class – to watch more than 6,500 channels of music, movies, TV, news and more.

Click here to tour the Emirates Premium Economy cabin, which is currently available on flights to more than 66 cities worldwide.

Emirates’ USD5 billion retrofit programme

As part of its multi-billion-dollar investment to fully refurbish 219 of its aircraft, Emirates has so far rolled out 67 fully refurbished aircraft (32 A380s and 35 Boeing 777s) with new cabin interiors, including the Premium Economy cabin. The airline also welcomed 9 A350 aircraft featuring Premium Economy, with 56 more units to join its fleet.

By March 2026, the airline will serve 68 cities with aircraft fitted with its Premium Economy product, offering close to 2 million Premium Economy seats in its network each year, and a doubling of that capacity to 4 million seats per year by the end of 2026. 

  • Emirates Airbus A380: 56 Premium Economy seats are located at the front of the main deck, and seats are laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration.
  • Emirates Boeing 777: Up to 24 Premium Economy seats are laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration.
  • Emirates Airbus A350: Up to 28 Premium Economy seats are located at the front of the aircraft, and seats are laid out in a 2-3-2 configuration.

Customers can book tickets on emirates.com, or visit the Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents.

Tripla product launch in Thailand

By
Andrew Wood
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Bangkok, 12 September 2025: Tripla Inc, a leading hospitality technology company from Japan, will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a product launch and industry gathering on 10 October 2025 at Hotel Nikko Bangkok.

Under the theme Hospitality Reimagined: 10 Years of Innovation, A New Era of Hospitality, the event will bring together 100 senior hoteliers and industry leaders.

New Product Launches

Tripla will introduce three new solutions.
TriplaBook – a booking engine to increase direct hotel reservations.
TriplaBot – an AI chatbot that makes instant bookings via LINE, WhatsApp, Messenger, and web.
TriplaConnect – a customer relationship platform to build loyalty and personalise service.

Programme Highlights

Opening by Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, President, Thai Hotels Association.
Keynote by Kazuhisa Takahashi, CEO of Tripla Inc.
Panel discussion: Next-Gen Hotels – Innovation through AI and Travel Tech with executives from Cross Hotels & Resorts, Fusion, and Kokotel.
Partner sessions by Comanche Gogoji, Worldpay, and Capillary Technologies.
The event closes with networking, interactive showcases, and partner exhibitions.

“This 10-year milestone is more than a celebration. It is an opportunity to explore how AI will shape the future of hospitality,” said Tripla Inc CEO Kazuhisa Takahashi.

Event Details
Date: Friday, 10 October 2025.
Time: 1300 – 1700.
Venue: Hotel Nikko Bangkok.
Entry: Free, invitation-only (100 seats).

Register: Eventbrite Link https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/hospitality-reimagined-10-years-of-innovation-a-new-era-o-f-hospitality-tickets-1671056989439.

About Tripla
Founded in 2015, Tripla provides AI-powered hospitality SaaS services to more than 8,600 properties in nine countries. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market in 2022.

About the author
A former President of Skål International Asia, Skål International Thailand and Skål International Bangkok, Andrew J Wood is a past hotel general manager and regular contributor to the region’s travel and tourism media.

Racing tyre legend Pirelli opens Macao exhibition

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

MACAO, 12 September 2025: The Macao Grand Prix Museum partners with Pirelli, the Italian tyre manufacturer, to create the “Macao Grand Prix Museum X The Pirelli Legend” — Racing Tyres Theme Exhibition that opened to the public on 10 September and closes on 2 March 2026.

The theme exhibition was officially inaugurated at the basement of the Museum by MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes.

MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes visited the exhibition on 10 September for the official opening ceremony.

She highlighted in her speech that the Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli has been dedicated to tire manufacturing for over a century, noting that museum visitors can gain new insights into the sophisticated techniques behind motor races from a fresh angle offered by the theme exhibition. 

“It represents MGTO and Pirelli’s concerted effort to spread and carry on the motorsport culture as MGTO brands Macao as a destination that offers a fascinating blend of trip experiences in sports events”

The opening of the exhibition was attended by Pirelli APAC CEO Andrea Maganzani, who described it as a showcase of Pirelli’s motorsport journey; a “celebration of the passion and innovation that defines the future of racing.”

The theme exhibition displays nine types of tyres, including the special-edition tyre imprinted with the dragon pattern – donated by Pirelli to the Macao Grand Prix Organising Committee last year, one Formula One tyre and seven motorsport tyre models used in the Macau Grand Prix. This theme exhibition offers motorsport enthusiasts a close encounter with Pirelli’s exquisite art of tyre design, a window onto the core technique behind the unparalleled speed of racing cars. Exhibition visitors can also embark on a video journey from the intricate moulding and assembly of top-notch tyres in Pirelli’s factory in Milan, to the top gear moments on Macao’s Guia Circuit.

Founded in 1872, Pirelli is one of the world’s largest tyre manufacturers with a strong presence in over 350 two/four-wheel motor and motorcycle races worldwide annually, including being the global tyre partner of the Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 World Championships organised by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Formula Regional European Championship and GT World Challenge.

The Museum is open from 1000 to 1800 daily except on Tuesdays. For more information and ticketing for the Macao Grand Prix Museum, visit the official website: mgpm.macaotourism.gov.mo/en.

Ponant invests in third catamaran

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 12 September 2025: Ponant Explorations Group launches its new commercial brand, Ponant Yachting, which showcases the group’s ultra-intimate experiences, combining sailing and bespoke service. 

The group is also adding to its fleet, ordering a new catamaran, the Spirit of Ponant II. Built by Lagoon, the world leader in sailing catamarans, the vessel will join the fleet in late 2026. She will be based in French Polynesia. Spirit of Ponant II will be the 22nd ship in the Ponant fleet.

Photo credit: Ponant.

In 2024, the group introduced a new range of sea voyages aboard luxury catamarans with a crew of four (captain, first mate, chef, hostess) 

By late 2026, Ponant Yachting will operate a fleet of three catamarans, the Spirit of Ponant, La Désirade and the Spirit of Ponant II, each with a capacity of nine to 12 guests, offering destinations in the Mediterranean, the Seychelles, the Caribbean and Polynesia.

Built in France, the Spirit of Ponant II is a catamaran in the brand-new Lagoon EIGHTY 2 series, a top-of-the-range yacht measuring 24.97m long and 11m wide. 

Accommodating up to 10 guests, the yacht will feature five double staterooms and 427 m² of living space. She will be available exclusively for full private charter, from EUR64,000 (excludes flights and variable costs — mainly fuel, dining and drinks). 

The maiden voyage will take place in late 2026, sailing to Polynesia.

RateHawk: Agents tap AI to reduce workload

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 12 September 2025: RateHawk, a B2B booking platform, reveals that one in five travel professionals considers technology, including AI and automation, as an ultimate solution to overcome daily challenges. 

The report, based on a survey of 1300+ worldwide respondents, highlights the specific tech needs of the global travel professionals community, mapping out new opportunities for travel tech players. 

RateHawk Managing Director Astid Kastberg.

Report takeaways

What’s Next in B2B Travel Tech? RateHawk Survey maps out the industry’s most wanted solutions.

Asian travel professionals cite managing high competition as their primary challenge, while searching for the best deals is their main time-consuming task.

To work more efficiently, 31% would like to integrate more technology solutions into their daily routine.

Among various innovation options, 50% of respondents opt for advanced analytics tools, while 47% are interested in automation.

There is also high demand for work on the go, with 44% of respondents wishing to have greater access to mobile tools.

The biggest hurdles are intense competition, rising client expectations, and the time-consuming process of manually searching for the best deals. 

Three key challenges

  • A quarter of travel professionals worldwide cited intense competition as their top challenge, with increasing pressure in fast-growing markets like the GCC (49%) and Asia (30%). 
  • Rising client expectations challenge 24% of travel professionals who admit they struggle to keep up. In open responses, many specialists shared frustrations about travellers expecting pre-pandemic prices, making budgets unrealistic. 
  • Maintaining the desired level of income is the third most challenging aspect for travel professionals, with 15% of respondents worldwide identifying it as a key concern. Additionally, 33% say that achieving higher commission levels is the most desired change.

“The travel industry is known for its low margins, and, with constantly rising travel costs, every opportunity to earn additional commission is crucial. Technology platforms can give this flexibility to support partners’ sustainable development. For instance, our users can set up their own commission levels, as well as loyalty points and other rewards,” says RateHawk Managing Director Astid Kastberg.

Nearly half of respondents identified searching for competitive travel offers as their most time-consuming task — a figure that is exceptionally high in the GCC region (52%) and Asia (49%), but also significant in Europe (40%), Latin America (44%), and North America (39%). Other top global time-sinks include managing booking changes (17%) and repetitive administrative work (16%). 

About RateHawk
RateHawk is a subsidiary of Emerging Travel Group, which is a global travel company. Emerging Travel Group is headquartered in Dubai, UAE. RateHawk has offices in several cities worldwide, including London, Berlin, Milan, Lisbon, Warsaw, Dubai, Limassol (Cyprus), and Singapore (Asian headquarters).

(Source: Emerging Travel Group).

Singapore lights up Chinatown festival

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 12 September 2025: As Singapore marks its 60th year of independence, the Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival 2025 returns with a vibrant celebration of light, heritage and community spirit.

Until 20 October, Singapore’s Chinatown district will transform into a festive precinct filled with handcrafted displays, community activities and cultural programmes that showcase our rich multiculturalism and Chinese traditions. 

The Official Street Light-Up and Opening Ceremony will take place on 18 September 2025 at 1800 at Kreta Ayer Square. 

Organised by the Chinatown Festival Committee and supported by the Kreta Ayer–Kim Seng Citizens’ Consultative Committee, this year’s edition reflects Singapore’s progress over the decades, while inviting people of all races and backgrounds to share in the joy of tradition, storytelling and togetherness.

This year’s celebration’s theme, aptly named ’60 Glorious Years: Celebrating Mid-Autumn in Singapore’, brings together cherished traditions from across Singapore’s diverse communities in a festival that honours our multicultural heritage while looking towards the future. Against the backdrop of descriptive lanterns and moonlight, the celebration serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, unity, and kinship that have carried the nation forward.

Official street light-up and opening ceremony on 18 September

Digital Development and Information, Minister-in-Charge of Cybersecurity and Smart Nation Group and Adviser to Jalan Besar GRC GROs (Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng), Josephine Teo, will officiate the ceremony.

The minister commented: “This year’s Mid-Autumn Festival takes on special significance as we celebrate both tradition and our nation’s 60th birthday. It is heartening to see Chinatown’s streets lit with joy and meaning and to witness how our rich multiculturalism continues to connect people of all races in Singapore. I hope this celebration brings families, friends, neighbours and visitors together in appreciation of where we’ve come from and where we are headed.”

Singapore Tourism Board Director, Leisure Events Guo Teyi added: “The Mid-Autumn Festival offers both locals and visitors an immersive experience of Singapore’s rich traditions and customs, made even more meaningful as we celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday. We warmly invite everyone to participate in the various activities across Chinatown and soak up the festive spirit.”

Centrepiece of the celebration

At the heart of the festival is a striking 8-metre-tall centrepiece showcasing the number 60, flanked by rabbits, mooncakes, orchids and lanterns against the Singapore skyline. More than decoration, the installation is a tribute to resilience and progress. Chinatown Point’s façade complements the display with an “SG” installation, completing the SG60 tribute and reinforcing community ties.

Overhangs and light displays

New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street will feature a canopy of lotus flowers, fans with rabbits, jade pendants and a golden full moon, each symbol representing harmony, beauty and reunion. At Upper Cross Street, glowing moon palaces, mooncakes, orchids and golden lanterns echo the familial joy of Mid-Autumn. South Bridge Road offers a scene with Chang’e (嫦娥) rising above rooftops, surrounded by peonies, mountains, and fans.

Stories of Singapore and festivities

Three illuminated dividers will tell Singapore’s story.
Enduring Legacy: Pioneer resilience and nation-building.
From Memories to Tomorrow: Childhood icons like the dragon playground, alongside themes of education and community.
A Vibrant Lion City: Today’s dynamic metropolis rooted in shared aspirations.

Festivities extend beyond the light-up

Chinatown Festive Fair (7 September – 6 October): Handcrafted lanterns, delicacies and artisanal treasures at People’s Park Square.

Lantern Design Competition (14 September): Youth and artists reimagine Mid-Autumn traditions, with works displayed at Kreta Ayer Square.

Commemorative Layered Stamps (18 September launch): Visitors collect stamps at five locations to create postcards inspired by the SG60 installation.

Tea Appreciation Gathering (20 September): A reflective moment centred on harmony and hospitality.

Mass Lantern Walk & Performances (27 September): A glowing procession from Chinatown Point to Kreta Ayer Square, ending with live performances.

Lantern Riddle & Performances (4 October): An evening rooted in Mid-Autumn traditions.

Lantern Adoption Programme (13–20 Oct): The Public may adopt lanterns after the displays, promoting sustainability.

Festival Dates

The Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations 2025 end on the evening of 20 October. 
To view the complete festival programme, visit chinatownfestivals.sg.

Cathay wins Sustainability Award

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

HONG KONG, 12 September 2025: Cathay has been recognised in the 2025 Sustainability Awards by Airline Ratings, being named a winner in the “Full Service Carriers” category for its broad range of sustainability initiatives across its inflight and cargo operations.

Reflecting its purpose to move people forward in life, Cathay is working towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions in its operations by 2050 and transitioning towards more circular use of resources and circular solutions. 

Photo credit: Cathay Group.

Cathay General Manager of Sustainability Grace Cheung said, “Sustainability is essential to the future of aviation. The issues are complex and can only be addressed by moving forward thoughtfully through collaboration with customers, business partners, suppliers, regulators, communities and our people. ​ ​ 

“Only with our collective efforts can we go further together. We are honoured to be recognised for our endeavours as we continue to chart a path forward with sustainability leadership at the forefront.”

Cathay’s sustainability strategy focuses on addressing the impact of climate change through fleet modernisation, increased fuel efficiency, and the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as well as the adoption of new technologies. Additionally, it aims to reduce cabin waste by promoting a more circular use of resources and implementing recycling initiatives. 

Circular economy and waste management

Cathay continues to make progress in adopting more circular solutions for resource use. In particular, Cathay Pacific has committed to reducing its reliance on single-use plastics (SUP), with a pledge to cut the use of passenger-facing SUP items from 7.7 pieces per passenger in 2019 to 1.5 pieces by the end of 2025. As of the end of 2024, Cathay Pacific’s SUP usage had been reduced to 2.6 pieces per passenger.

In-flight, Cathay has introduced enhanced approaches to boost the recycling of water bottles, with over 1.4 million plastic bottles by weight recycled since these enhanced measures were introduced in 2024. Meanwhile, all water bottles on outbound flights from Hong Kong are made with 100% recycled plastics (rPET) to improve the circularity of plastic use in Cathay’s operations. To further reduce plastic waste, the airline has been exploring alternative materials, such as recycled paper for wrapping headphones and blankets instead of plastic. Trials are also being conducted to examine the implementation of more reusable serviceware in the economy class cabin to minimise single-use items in-flight.

Climate action and alternative fuels

The industry widely considers SAF as the most critical lever for decarbonising aviation. Cathay launched its Corporate SAF Programme in 2022 to help accelerate the transition to SAF, enabling corporate partners to address their indirect emissions associated with air travel and airfreight services. In recent years, Cathay has successfully conducted uplifts of SAF onto its flights at both Hong Kong and other airports worldwide. 

This year, Cathay has announced three new offtake or partnership agreements. This includes partnering with Sinopec to refuel some of Cathay Pacific’s flights departing from Hong Kong International Airport with blended SAF, with SK Energy for some flights departing South Korea, and with DHL Express to uplift blended SAF onto some flights operated by its express all-cargo carrier Air Hong Kong at Seoul Incheon, Tokyo Narita and Singapore Changi airports. ​ 

In addition, Cathay has joined hands with partners from across the value chain to promote the development of a supportive SAF policy at its Hong Kong hub. ​ 

For more information on Cathay’s sustainability initiatives, visit: www.cathaypacific.com.

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