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Emirates launches premium economy

DUBAI, UAE 11 May 2022: Flyers can look forward to another Emirates travel experience as the airline unveils its full premium economy offering with sales opening on 1 June 2022.

The new cabin class, which offers luxurious seats, more legroom, and service to rival many airlines’ business offerings, will be available to Emirates customers travelling on popular A380 routes to London, Paris, and Sydney from 1 August. Christchurch follows in December.

Emirates is the only airline in the region to offer a premium economy cabin.

Emirates president Sir Tim Clark said: “As with everything we do, Emirates premium economy will be exceptional in its class, with minute attention given to every aspect of the customer experience. Customers trading up from the economy will be getting excellent value.

“Since we first introduced our premium economy seats in January 2021, the positive response and demand have been tremendous. We currently have six A380s equipped with this cabin class, which limits our initial deployment, but we intend to offer this experience to many more markets across our network. This November, we will begin our retrofit programme to install premium economy on 67 A380s and 53 Boeing 777s. At the end of the programme, Emirates will have 126 aircraft fitted out with premium economy cabins and our latest interiors across other cabins. It is a major investment to ensure our customers continue to have the best experience in the sky.”

Emirates’ premium economy is in a class of its own, offering a signature experience unmatched in the industry.

Dedicated airport experience: Customers can look forward to a dedicated check-in area for Premium Economy at Dubai International airport or utilise one of the many convenient self-service check-in kiosks in the hall to avoid queues.

Luxurious seats: Once onboard, customers will immediately notice the quiet luxury in Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin. A wood panel finishing similar to Business Class sets the cabin’s mood, and each seat is designed to provide optimal comfort and support with 6-way adjustable headrests.

The cream-coloured leather seats (19.5 inches wide and reclines 8 inches) have a generous pitch of up to 40 inches, offering a comfortable cradle position with ample room to stretch out. It also offers calf rests and footrests for additional comfort and many other thoughtful touches such as easily accessible in-seat charging points and a side cocktail table.

Comfort: Customers can get comfortable under soft, sustainable blankets made from recycled plastic bottles and snuggle into the generously sized pillow designed uniquely for Premium Economy. They can also refresh themselves with the complimentary amenity kits, which come in reusable, sustainable bags and contain items made with some element of recycled or sustainable materials.

Dining experience: Incorporating elements inspired by Business Class, customers will be welcomed on board with a welcome drink in fine glassware. A selection of generous meals made with seasonal ingredients and regional influences will be served on chinaware, accompanied by stainless steel cutlery wrapped in a linen napkin during meal service. The drinks menu will include a selection of beverages, including premium wines and sparkling Chandon wine. There are also liqueurs available after meals, with chocolates.

Unmatched entertainment at 40,000 feet: Each seat has a 13.3″ screen, one of the largest in its class, to enjoy the choice of up to 5,000 channels of music, movies, TV, news and other content on Emirates’ award-winning ice.

On a four-class Emirates A380, the Premium Economy cabin is located at the front of the main deck with 56 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration. On the Emirates Boeing 777, up to 24 Premium Economy seats will be installed in a dedicated cabin section between business and economy.

For more information visit: www.emirates.com

Tripadvisor reveals the world’s best hotels

SINGAPORE, 10 May 2022 – Tripadvisor announced Tuesday the winners of its annual Travellers’ Choice Awards for Hotels for 2022.

Following the early 2022 releases of the Best of the Best Destinations and Beaches, this latest community-powered ranking reveals the top hotels worldwide just ahead of the busy summer travel season.

Six Senses Laamu, Olhuveli Island, Maldives.

Now in its 20th year, the 2022 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards are based on traveller reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor over the 12-month period from 1 January 2021 through to 31 December 31, 2021.

The 2022 awards include 11 subcategories of accommodations, including three brand new ones: Out of the Ordinary Hotels, Hotels on the Water, and Mountain Resorts & Lodges. These subcategories are based on a variety of different factors – from hotel type to location and even the age of the property.

“We know there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to travel planning. Some travellers are looking for unique stays – ranging from cave hotels to overwater bungalows – while others are looking for a quaint B&B,” said Tripadvisor chief commercial officer Kanika Soni. “No matter what type of trip you are looking for, this year’s Travellers’ Choice Awards – with winners spanning six continents and 90 countries – showcase the top recommendations from other travellers.”

Global winner

The No. 1 Top Hotel worldwide for 2022 is Tulemar Bungalows & Villas in Costa Rica. This jungle resort is perched on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Consistently ranking in the Best of the Best Awards, Tulemar is frequently called an “amazing stay in paradise” by its guests. 

1 Top Hotel worldwide for 2022 is Tulemar Bungalows & Villas in Costa Rica. This jungle resort is perched on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Consistently ranking in the Best of the Best Awards, Tulemar is frequently called an “amazing stay in paradise” by its guests. 

Asia’s top choice

Topping Asia’s best list is Six Senses Laamu, Maldives, ranking No 1 for 2022. Located in the Laamu Atoll, the stunning property offers 97 villas, both overwater and on the beach, and an abundance of dining options, water sports and spa.

Indonesia hit the jackpot this year, with 12 World’s Best wins across all categories. Amongst Asia’s Best lists, Indonesia pulled through with 25 winners. The most notable wins include Adiwana Suweta, which is ranked No 1 Hottest New Hotel in the World as well Padma Resort Ubud, ranked No 3 on the World’s Best Mountain Resorts & Lodges list and No 5 Best Luxury Hotel in the World.

Top 10 Hotels in the World for 2022

  • Tulemar Bungalows & Villas – Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
  • Hotel Colline de France – Gramado, Brazil
  • Ikos Aria – Kefalos, Greece
  • Romance Istanbul Hotel – Istanbul, Turkey
  • THE OMNIA – Zermatt, Switzerland
  • Kayakapi Premium Caves – Cappadocia – Urgup, Turkey
  • Six Senses Laamu – Olhuveli Island, Maldives
  • Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort – Hopkins, Belize
  • Padma Resort Ubud – Bali, Indonesia
  • BLESS Hotel Madrid – Madrid, Spain

Top 10 Hotels in Asia for 2022

  • Six Senses Laamu – Olhuveli Island, Maldives
  • Padma Resort Ubud – Bali, Indonesia
  • Pimalai Resort and Spa – Ko Lanta, Thailand
  • Lotte Hotel Hanoi – Hanoi, Vietnam
  • COMO Cocoa Island – Cocoa Island, Maldives
  • Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok – Marriott Executive Apartments – Bangkok, Thailand
  • The Royal Purnama – Bali, Indonesia
  • Jaya House River Park – Siem Reap, Cambodia
  • Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower – Seoul, South Korea
  • Viceroy Bali – Bali, Indonesia

To see all the 2022 winners in 11 subcategories, visit tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Hotels.

NCL completes Great Cruise Comeback

SINGAPORE, 11 May 2022: Norwegian Cruise Line celebrated on Monday the completion of its ‘Great Cruise Comeback’ with the sailing of Norwegian Spirit, the 17th and final ship in its fleet to return to service.

NCL’s return to service after a 500-day pause began with Norwegian Jade’s 25 July 2021 sailing from Athens (Piraeus), Greece. Since then, NCL has systematically relaunched its ships worldwide, welcoming guests and crew members aboard its award-winning vessels.

“This is an incredibly important day in our history and a defining moment for our future,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We are moving full speed ahead, having already welcomed more than half a million guests for an exceptional vacation at sea.”

Norwegian Spirit, which is sporting an extensive bow-to-stern, over USD100 million up-grade, will be sailing through the South Pacific, visiting eight ports in 12 days, with departures from the beautiful Island of Tahiti.

Itinerary highlights include a journey to Bora Bora, where guests can enjoy snorkelling and discover why the elegantly calm waters are world-famous. They also can venture to Raiatea, which is considered the most sacred island in the South Pacific, where visitors can spend the afternoon exploring lush rainforests and the extinct volcano, Mount Temehani. The itinerary also features other destinations for guests to experience, such as Nāwiliwili, Kaua’i, where nature is truly the star. Nicknamed “The Garden Island,” guests can admire scenic views of the Kokee Mountains and stop at the geological wonder, Fern Grotto, a lava-rock cave covered with tropical flora.

This cruise that started from Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Saturday, 7 May, ends on Thursday, 19 May 2022, in Honolulu, Oahu.

Norwegian Spirit will also debut in Australian waters for the very first time on 22 December 2022 for her inaugural local sailing season. This will mark NCL’s return Downunder after an almost three-year interval.

As part of the most extensive renovation in the company’s history, Norwegian Spirit now showcases 14 new venues, additional and updated staterooms, enhanced public areas and new hull art. Enhancements included a doubled-in-size Mandara Spa that features a new thermal suite and relaxation areas, an expanded Pulse Fitness Center and the second Onda by Scarpetta restaurant at sea. New complimentary dining venues include an additional main dining room, Taste; the 24-hour eatery, The Local Bar and Grill; the all-day dining outlet, Garden Café; the Great Outdoors Bar; and Waves Pool Bar. Making their debuts are The Social Comedy & Night Club and Spinnaker Lounge, which features the Humidor Cigar Lounge and the adults-only retreat Spice H2O, a daytime lounge featuring two new hot tubs and a dedicated bar, which transforms into an after-hours entertainment venue.

For more information about the company’s award-winning 17-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call NCL Hong Kong at +852 800 901 951 or visit www.ncl.com.

(Your Stories: NCL)

Borneo Jazz sets community goals

KUCHING, 11 May 2022: The highly anticipated Borneo Jazz festival will empower the community through its social empowerment platform such as Borneo Jazz Talent Search, Borneo Jazz FAB LAB, ECO DRUM JAM Project and Eco Art Project.

Pre-Festival Activities

One of main Borneo Jazz’s objectives is building on the music tourism ecosystem in Miri to elevate the resort city as a cultural and music centre. In line with Sarawak Tourism Board’s goals to promote sustainable and responsible tourism, Borneo Jazz will be providing fun and educating workshops and eco-friendly projects prior to the festival.

Borneo Jazz Talent Search (closes 31 May 2022)

The Borneo Jazz Talent Search is a platform to provide musicians between the ages of 15 years and above from all over Malaysia who wants to make their talent known on the world stage with categories for Jazz, DJ and Open categories.

BJTS prizes

Jazz Category
First prize: MYR5000
2nd prize: MYR3000
3rd prize: MYR2000
Open Category
Prize: MYR3500

Winners of Borneo Jazz Talent Search 2022 will not only win cash prizes but also attend a MasterClass by an international band on 24 June in Miri, Sarawak, and perform during Borneo Jazz Festival on 25 June.

Borneo Jazz FAB LAB (closes 18 June 2022)

Bringing musicians of diverse cultural backgrounds together to celebrate jazz music and empower the local community, a new artist residency programme called FAB LAB is hosting a six-week interactive workshop in Miri for 30 musicians through to 18 June 2022.

FAB LAB aims to empower and enliven musicians prior to the Borneo Jazz festival through four workshops — Music Appreciation – Listen and Make It Your Own; Methodology – How to FEEL Free Playing Music; Sound Engineering- Make It Sound Good!; and Performance Module- Let’s Play.

FAB LAB will be led by two international musicians, Chris Stalk, a saxophonist, composer and arranger from France and Jules Vulzor, a bassist, producer and DJ from Switzerland.

ECO DRUM JAM project (1430 to 1830) 5 June 2022

ECO DRUM JAM is an eco-friendly initiative and community music outreach programme with Lewis Pragasam and FAB LAB artists at Coco Cabana to create unique drums and percussion instruments from recycled waste and produce feel-good beats from community drumming sessions as a lead up to Borneo Jazz Festival 2022.

Festival workshops

Borneo Jazz FAB LAB / Talent Search Masterclass with the Pros: (1400 to 1545, 24 June).

Borneo Jazz FAB LAB / Talent Search Showcase Performance: (1600 to 1730, 25 June).

Eco Drum Workshop & Jam with Lewis Pragasam & Steve Thornton:            (1530 to 1730, 26 June).    

Borneo Jazz Fringe Activities: (0800 to 1730, 24 to 26 June)

Eco Art Project

An Eco-Art Installation project in collaboration with Miri City Council and MYY Living Arts as a continuation of the Borneo Jazz Beat Plastic Campaign initiated in 2019 as part of the Borneo Jazz festival ‘Responsible Tourism’ programme to transform Miri into a sustainable and eco-friendly city. Themed ‘Trashing the Jungle’, this is a reminder that the plastics that make our lives convenient also choke and pollute our natural environment through our own actions. The objective of this eco-project is to re-purpose recyclable plastic waste and make art from it. 

Borneo Boat Lute Exhibition

The exhibition will consist of four different boat lutes from Borneo island to be showcased with informative talks by two boat lute practitioners.

Miri Sape Movement – ‘Evolution of the Sape’

For the first time at the coming Borneo Jazz Festival 2022, the story & the evolution of the Sape’ will be dramatised through live Sape’ instrumentals performed by professional Sape’ artistes from the Sape’ Movement (Miri) community.

This 30-minute Sape’ instrumental dramatisation is aimed to bring audiences to “travel through a legendary journey” in getting a glimpse of the beginning & evolution of Borneo’s prized & once known to be a “spiritually soul healing” instrument. Estimating between 12 to 15 young & senior Sape’ Masters from various native ethnicity will collectively perform various Sape’ genres & songs.

The Sape Movement performance will be arranged by Mr Anderson Kalang & Mr Garry Sudom Raymond. They were among the co-founders of KL Sape’ Collective (the first network of Sape’ artists established in Kuala Lumpur in mid-2016).

Wellness Programme (25-26 June)

Sun Meditation & Yin Yoga Flow with Sape Accompaniment (0800- 0930).

Social Experiments on Human Connection: Eye Contact in Silence, Mirror Work   Join us for a 15-mins experience to engage in meaningful human connection and a shared sense of humanity (0930 – 1130).

Recharge Station: A quiet space where people can meditate while listening to sounds of nature and or/sounds of Sape to recharge.

Artisanal Craft Bazaar by Artsy Fartsy (1000, 25 to 26 June)

The bazaar will feature Sarawak’s basketry and beads. Visitors will also have the chance to witness the Batik Painting demonstration by Miri-based artist Noel Belulok. There will also be a Tattoo Gallery featuring Miri tattoo artists.

Performers’ line-up and tickets

Themed “Jazz in The Jungle”, the 17th edition, will be held in a hybrid format for the first time to reach out to the greater jazz-loving community worldwide, supported by performers from Singapore, Japan, France, Switzerland, the USA, Hungary and India. 

Performers at the Borneo Jazz festival include Afro Asia Feat’s Steve Thornton, ASIABEAT (Malaysia/Hungary), Gecko & Tokage Parade (Japan), Alemay Fernandez & Richard Jackson (Singapore/USA), MASIA ONE (Singapore), QSOUND, DJ Estephe Feat. Chris Stalk and Jules Vulzor with more to be announced in the run-up to the festival.

Jazz music lovers can start purchasing tickets for BJ from the website jazzborneo.com. The one-day pass costs MYR128, the two-day pass MYR228 and the three-day pass MYR338.

For those who want to enjoy the festival virtually, tickets cost MYR25 per one-hour block. For more information on the Borneo Jazz festival 2022, log on to BJ’s official website at www.jazzborneo.com.

Bundled deals with Malaysia Airlines

As the official airline partner for the Borneo Jazz festival, Malaysia Airlines and sister company Firefly will offer attractive deals of up to 15% discount on flights from Peninsular Malaysia, London, Australia and some ASEAN destinations to cities in Sarawak. Firefly will fly passengers from Penang to Kuching.

The offer is open until midnight on 15 May 2022 for travel between 1 and 30 June 2022. These deals are available exclusively for those who purchase the normal pass to the Borneo Jazz festival through the airline’s websites.

For more information visit: www.sarawaktourism.com

(Your Stories: STB)

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort Sets Sail

HONOLULU, 10 May 2022: Outrigger Hospitality Group celebrated a significant milestone last week with the official grand opening of the company’s flagship property, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, following an extensive USD80 million transformation.

Approximately 500 VIP guests, including elected officials, key executives, partners, musicians and community members, gathered at the resort for a traditional Hawaiian blessing by Kumu Blaine Kia and a dedication ceremony for the contemporary beachfront retreat, which is rooted in Hawaiian culture. The event symbolised another exciting stride towards completion of the resort and further emphasised Outrigger’s pride of place in its hometown of Waikīkī.

L-R: Jeff Wagoner, President and CEO; Luana Maitland, Director of Cultural Experience; Markus Krebs, General Manager; Blaine Kia, Kumu; Mike Shaff, VP Operations; Monica Salter, VP Global Communications; Sean Dee, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer.

Outrigger’s President and CEO Jeff Wagoner shared words of aloha with the audience, reiterating the company’s drive for authentic hospitality and its renewed commitment to Hawaii. He said that Outrigger was spending upwards of US$300 million across its Hawaii assets to uplift the destination while preserving the vibrant heritage of the Islands.

“It is with great pride that we welcome friends old and new to celebrate our reimagined Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort,” said Wagoner. “Through this extensive transformation, our goal was to ensure that this was a place for locals and visitors alike to come and enjoy Waikīkī as it should be – where Hawaiian music lifts our spirits, where local foods nourish our bodies and local culture enriches our minds.”

In true Outrigger fashion, an exceptional lineup of award-winning local musicians performed throughout the evening. Artists included GRAMMY Award nominee Amy Hānaialiʻi with Jeff Peterson, three-time GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist Kalani Pe’a and beloved slack-key guitarist Sean Na’auao. Impromptu appearances by treasured Hawaiian music artists, including Kimié Miner, Josh Tatofi, Bobby Moderow and more, further enhanced the night’s merriment.  

A highlight of the night was the dedication of the stage at Kani Ka Pila Grille to Cyril Pahinui – a legendary slack-key guitarist who was a regular performer at Kani Ka Pila Grille and bestowed the venue its name – which means “let’s play music” in Hawaiian.

The music was complemented by ono (delicious) food provided by acclaimed chef and Outrigger partner Peter Merriman, who will spearhead the resort’s newest oceanfront eatery, Monkeypod Kitchen Merriman, which is scheduled to open in late 2022. Fresh Hawaii grown oysters from Kualoa Ranch were served and shucked by Hawaii’s one-and-only mobile oyster bar – Oysters Hawaii, alongside fresh fish stations from Superb Sushi. Guests sipped on custom cocktails, including the famous Monkeypod Mai Tai and beers from Kona Brewing Company throughout the evening.

Event partners for the Grand Opening included: Travel Weekly, Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman, Superb Sushi, Kualoa Ranch, Royal Hawaiian Helicopters, HARA, Hawaiian Agriculture Foundation, Hawaii Volcanic Water, Kona Brewing Co., Polynesian Voyaging Society, Orchid Lei Co. and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Hawaii.

Outrigger CARES – a newly established company foundation, was the event beneficiary, with USD5,000 going to support local Hawaiian and non-profit organisations.

For more information or to book a stay at the newly transformed Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, please visit www.Outrigger.com

Emirates showcases premium economy

DUBAI, UAE, 10 May 2022: Emirates unveiled its full premium economy cabin experience on Monday during the opening day of the Arabian Travel Market 2022.

The region’s leading travel and tourism exhibition scheduled from 9 to 12 May should welcome 20,000 visitors this year, with the theme of ‘The future of international travel and tourism’.

The Emirates stand offers members of the travel and tourism industry from over 112 countries a chance to experience the airline’s signature products in every cabin class.

Over ATM’s four days, Emirates’ executives and commercial teams will be at the airline’s stand with a busy agenda of face-to-face business meetings, taking the opportunity to network and reconnect with travel trade industry partners and establishing new partnerships in line with the airline’s work to help the industry collectively rebuild better for the future.

The highly popular Emirates premium economy seat, which will be on display at ATM, is a luxurious take on the traditional cabin, providing more comfort with legroom of up to 40 inches, wide seats that span 19.5 inches with a generous 8-inch recline, and other thoughtful touches for customers to comfortably sit back and relax.

In addition, Emirates will also feature its show-stopping Boeing 777-300ER game-changer first-class fully enclosed private suite, a Boeing 777 business class seat, the newest generation A380 onboard lounge, along with other iconic products such as the first-class shower spa and its generously pitched game-changer economy class seats.

The Emirates stand is located in Hall 3, stand number ME3210 at ATM.

For more information on the airline, visit: www.emirates.com 

SAUDIA joins Arabian Travel Market 2022

Dubai 10 May 2022: Saudia Arabian Airlines is showcasing its new in-flight entertainment system, Beyond, its new holiday division and the latest business and economy seats during the four-day Arabian Travel Mart that opened on Monday.

SAUDIA CEO Ibrahim Koshy said: “Our ATM stand will offer travel industry visitors a chance to experience the airline’s signature products, including an all-new IFE system Beyond and SAUDIA Business, a new B2B travel solution for corporate, agency & MICE clients.”

Photo: https://menafn.com

SAUDIA will continue its efforts to promote the rich culture and tradition of Saudi Arabia to achieve the aspirations of the Saudi tourism ecosystem, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

“We have a shared objective to contribute to the Kingdom’s broader tourism plans to attract a diverse range of visitors, strengthen awareness of the country’s iconic sites, and make them more accessible through enhanced connectivity”.

The SAUDIA stand at ATM is located in Hall 4, stand number ME4310.

Established in 1945, the company is one of the Middle East’s largest airlines and is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO). It is also one of the 19 member airlines of the SkyTeam alliance.

PATA brings back marketing forum

BANGKOK, 10 May 2022: The Pacific Asia Travel Association brings back its PATA Destination Marketing Forum hosted by Songkhla, a southern coastal town on the Gulf of Thailand.

Under the theme “Building Back Sustainably through Cultural Heritage and Community-based Tourism”, the in-person event will celebrate the start of a robust Asia Pacific tourism recovery with an experiential conference programme focused on sharing best practices in destination marketing and destination management in the post-pandemic recovery world.

Delegates attending the event from 2 to 4 August 2022 will have the opportunity to choose from three  destinations experiences:

Nod Na Lae Lifestyle @ Tha Hin Community: Encounter the local tribe’s traditional lifestyle and learn how they are promoting ecotourism.

Nature meets Culture @ Koh Yo Community: Explore the culture of Southern ethnic people and enjoy the authentic, unaltered village.

Heritage Singora @ Hua Khoa Community: Savour the view of Songkhla Lake Estuar and venture around the UNESCO-heritage-candidate sites.

The event will be hosted by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Songkhla Convention and Exhibition Bureau (SCEB) and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) with the support of Songkhla City.

Commenting on the event, PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera said: “At this year’s PATA Destination Marketing Forum, we are ready to celebrate the start of a robust Asia-Pacific tourism recovery. Our experiential conference programme highlights best practices in destination marketing and destination management in the post-pandemic recovery world. We’re here to support a sustainable recovery for the region”

Located in the southern part of Thailand, Songkhla has been proposed by the Thai government as a World Heritage Site and UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy. It is accessible by air from Bangkok, and by August direct airline access will be established from Singapore and Malaysia to the nearby gateway town of Hat Yai.

For more information, email [email protected] or visit https://www.pata.org/pata-destination-marketing-forum-2022 .

Royal Brunei flies to Borneo neighbours

SINGAPORE, 10 May 2022: Royal Brunei Airlines has resumed flights to neighbouring Sarawak and Sabah, two of Malaysia’s top heritage and nature destinations that share Borneo island with Brunei and Indonesia.

The airline relaunched the 40-minute flights to Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah, from its home base in Brunei Darussalam after Malaysia was added to its green list countries for non-essential travel last week. Services will initially operate twice weekly on Friday and Sunday.

The airline’s acting CEO Sabirin Abdul Hamid, said in a media statement: “RB is finally reopening flights to Kota Kinabalu. As one of our top pre-pandemic destinations.”

“This is part of our restart plans as governments from around our network gradually ease travel restrictions. Over time we will increase our flight frequencies and reintroduce more of our destinations back to guests.

Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah cum Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board Datuk Joniston Bangkuai; Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah Datuk Sr Haji Mohd Yusrie Abdullah and Sabah Tourism Board CEO Noredah Othman welcomed passengers arriving on the inaugural flight.

“We are pleased to welcome the return of this flight. The connectivity from Brunei will definitely help with transiting international passengers, especially from routes that were previously in service from Australia, the UK, the Middle East and Japan. We hope that eventually, the Brunei-Kota Kinabalu-Tawau flight may also be reinstated,” said Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

Meanwhile, a week earlier, Royal Brunei Airlines resumed flights from Bandar Seri Begawan to Kuching starting 1 May with two flights weekly scheduled on Thursday and Saturday.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the airline offered daily flights to Kuching the state capital of Sarawak.

“This initiative is the beginning of stronger relations between Negara Brunei Darussalam and Sarawak, thus boosting air connectivity for a great business (partnership), investment and tourism activities,” said Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin in a media statement at the time of the relaunch.

(Source: Sabah and Sarawak’s tourism boards)

Thai Vietjet wins Changi award

SINGAPORE, 10 May  2022): Thai Vietjet took home the New Airline Award at the Changi Airline Awards 2022 hosted by Changi Airport Group in Singapore last week.

Thai Vietjet’s commercial director  Pinyot Pibulsonggram received the award that recognised the airline’s commitment to commence flight services to Changi Airport despite COVID-19, highlighting the airline’s contributions toward supporting Singapore’s air hub during the pandemic.

Thai Vietjet’s commercial director Pinyot Pibulsonggram (right) accepts the award at a ceremony at Dusit Thani Laguna, Singapore.

Thai Vietjet commenced the flights to Singapore on 28 April  2022, when travel restrictions in both countries eased. Initially, the airline offered three flights weekly between Bangkok and Singapore every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

Services will increase to five flights per week every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, starting 2 June 2022, and daily services by 16 June.

Additionally, the airline will start a direct service between Phuket and Singapore by June 2022.

The Changi Airport Awards resumed this year after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic and took place at Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore.