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BA revives the kangaroo route

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 30 March 2022: British Airways’ first passenger flight between Singapore and Sydney since April 2020 landed in Sydney early Tuesday morning.

The daily stopover service connects fully vaccinated customers to travel between London and Sydney via Singapore, allowing people in the UK and Australia to connect easily between the two countries. The airline is operating a Boeing Dreamliner 787-900 on the route.

British Airways’ head of sales, Asia Pacific, Noella Ferns, said: “Today we are thrilled to fly the kangaroo route once again and play our part in reuniting families and friends with their loved ones after such a long time apart.

“The safety of our customers and colleagues has always been at the heart of everything we do. We know some customers won’t have flown for a long time, and we can assure them we have a range of Covid-19 measures in place to provide stress and hassle-free travel.”

Changi Airport Group’s managing director of air hub development Lim Ching Kiat said: “We are delighted to welcome British Airways’ London-Singapore-Sydney flight once again. Pre-Covid-19, the United Kingdom-Australia route was among Changi’s top transfer lanes and remains so today.

“With Australia’s recent re-opening and Singapore easing travel restrictions, we can expect more leisure and business flows between London and Australia via Singapore. Changi Airport is well placed to serve passengers travelling along this route, and British Airways’ new offering will provide travellers with more flight options through Changi Airport.”

Flight BA15 departed from London on 27 March and arrived in Singapore in the late afternoon of  28 March. It flew to Sydney, arriving at 0610 on 29 March. The returning flight BA16 departed from Sydney at 1550 and arrived in Singapore at 2105 before departing at 2235 for London Heathrow.

FLIGHT NUMBER

FROM

TO

DEPARTURE TIMEARRIVAL TIME

BA16 (Daily)

Sydney

Singapore

15:50

21:05

BA16 (Daily)

Singapore

London Heathrow

22:35

0510*

BA15 (Daily)

London Heathrow

Singapore

21:25

17:45*

BA15 (Daily)

Singapore

Sydney

19:25

0610*

Asia Pacific airlines struggle to recover

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 30 March 2022: Preliminary February 2022 traffic figures released Tuesday by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) show ongoing weakness in international air passenger markets as the surge in Covid-19 cases.

The Omicron variant continues to hold back any meaningful recovery in demand in the Asia Pacific region, as seen in February’s data that closed with 2.5 million international passengers travelling on the region’s carriers, just 8.4% of the 30.3 million in the corresponding month of 2019.

Reflecting the relative strength of longer-haul markets, international passenger demand in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) averaged 9.9% of 2019 volumes. The international passenger load factor averaged 41.7% for the month, with available seat capacity at 19.2% of 2019 levels.

On the other hand, international air cargo markets held steady, underpinned by strong consumer and business demand. Ongoing supply chain challenges faced by maritime shipping also supported demand for shipments by air.

Overall, international air cargo demand in freight tonne-kilometres (FTK) edged 0.2% higher than February’s year-on-year, with volumes close to 9% above the corresponding month in the pre-pandemic year of 2019. Offered freight capacity expanded by 4.7% year-on-year, resulting in a 3.1 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 69.4% for the month.

Commenting on the results, AAPA director-general Subhas Menon said: “Taken together, the first two months of the year saw a 150% year-on-year increase in international passenger traffic, although demand remained suppressed when compared to 2019 levels. Meanwhile, further expansion in the global manufacturing sector has supported air cargo markets.”

Menon added, “Nevertheless, with the outbreak of war in Ukraine at the end of February, Asian airlines face mounting challenges. Elevated fuel prices, airspace closures, and an overall increase in inflationary pressures will weigh heavily on both passenger and cargo business segments.”

“On the other hand, there has been increasing momentum towards the re-opening of borders and easing of travel restrictions in the Asia Pacific region. This is positive news for the region’s airlines, which since the onset of the pandemic, have seen demand held back as a result of the repeated imposition of strict border control measures.”

He concluded, “The relaxation of travel restrictions comes about as governments move towards an endemic approach to Covid-19. As such, AAPA continues to urge more governments to collaborate across borders in paving the way for the safe and sustainable restoration of international air travel and global mobility.”

Discovery Princess embarks on its maiden voyage

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 30 March 2022: Princess Cruises has revealed the first glimpse of its newest MedallionClass ship – Discovery Princess – celebrating her maiden voyage to the Mexican Riviera.

On 27 March, Princess President John Padgett, along with Discovery Princess officers, welcomed the first guests, Michael and Sally Smith, onboard with a special ceremony. From Sacramento, California, the Smiths have been frequent guests sailing with Princess for the last 10 years.

Discovery Princess expands the cruise line’s fleet to 15 vessels, offering elegantly appointed accommodations, world-class entertainment, gourmet dining and cocktails, extensive alfresco dining areas and expansive views from the cruise line’s largest balconies at sea in the Sky Suites. A traditional naming ceremony celebration will take place at the Port of Los Angeles on 29 April 2022, with more details to follow.

The 3,660-guest Discovery Princess was built at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and is the sixth and final Royal-Class newbuild sharing all of the spectacular style and luxury of her sister ships – Enchanted Princess, Sky Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess and Royal Princess.

“Today, we celebrate our newest ship, Discovery Princess, as she sets sail on her maiden voyage to the Mexican Riviera from the Port of Los Angeles – the same port our very first cruise departed from in 1965,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president on 27 March. “Cruising is back and the elegant Discovery Princess showcases the many reasons why travellers should take a cruise now. We also recognize and applaud the ship’s company, which will work tirelessly to deliver memorable cruise vacations to all who sail on this magnificent cruise ship.”

As part of the leading cruise line on the west coast, Discovery Princess is now sailing on a series of Mexican Riviera and California Coast voyages from 27 March to 24 April 2022. The ship will then head up the Pacific coast to begin a season of seven-day Alaska cruises from Seattle, making her the newest ship sailing in the Alaska region.

With an array of innovative new experiences, guests will enjoy 270-degree sweeping views from the Princess’ largest balconies at sea in the Sky Suites, unwind in ultimate comfort at The Sanctuary and indulge the senses with world-class dining options. Plus, Princess live entertainment presents mesmerizing Broadway-style production shows that can only be seen in the state-of-the-art Princess Theater, including the newest show, Spotlight Bar. Discovery Princess uses the latest technologies to reduce fuel consumption, treat wastewater, and support the cruise line’s environmental compliance efforts.

First introduced on Sky Princess (2019), the new luxury Sky Suites offer exclusive amenities, attentive service and a dedicated Suite Experience Manager, luxurious accommodations for up to five guests and a 1,000 square-foot balcony featuring 270-degree views from the cruise line’s largest balcony at sea.

With some of the most al fresco dining options of any Princess ship, Discovery Princess features 25 bars and restaurants, including Bistro Sur La Mer by Three Michelin Star Chef Emmanuel Renaut, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria with its own Pasta Room, Crown Grill Steakhouse and Bar, Crooners, Chef’s Table Lumiere, Gigi’s Pizzeria, The Salty Dog Gastropub, Gelato, three beautifully appointed Main Dining Rooms and more.

In addition to multiple hot tubs, Discovery Princess boasts two deep-tank pools adjacent to the top-deck bar. At the ship’s aft end, the infinity-style Wakeview pool and bar offer spectacular views of the horizon, while the Retreat Pool offers a quiet oasis.

Discovery Princess delivers Princess MedallionClass Vacations which begins with the Medallion wearable, a quarter-sized device that enables everything from expedited contactless boarding to locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever guests need to be delivered directly to them, wherever they are on the ship. In addition, guests can share their favourite cruise moments using MedallionNet, the best Wi-Fi at sea, as well as stay connected with friends and family back home, work remotely anywhere on the ship, quickly post content and stream favourite movies and shows.

For more information visit: www.princess.com

(Your Stories: Princess Cruises)

AirAsia Super App delivers ASEAN bargains

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 29 March 2022: The AirAsia Super App is introducing a Super+ subscription plan on sale in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines until 2 April 2022.

Subscriber benefits

  • Fly anywhere with unlimited flight redemption for the subscriber across all AirAsia airlines (flight code AK, FD, QZ, Z2) across the region for both domestic and international destinations.
  • Unlimited free delivery for AirAsia food orders across all countries and locations where the service is available.
  • Covid-19 Pre-Departure Insurance Coverage

Super+ subscribers started to redeem flights on 28 March 2022, and the window remains open until 27 March 2023. Travel validity runs from 11 April 2022 to 10 April 2023.

Subscribers can look forward to more benefits from the whole AirAsia system that will be subsequently added as part of this subscription including discounts on AirAsia ride, AirAsia xpress, SNAP, and hotels.

The SUPER+ subscription plan is priced at RM639* in Malaysia, THB4,999 in Thailand, IDR2.300.000 in Indonesia and PHP6,599 in the Philippines and can be purchased on the AirAsia Super App by clicking on the ‘SUPER+’ icon.

There are only 200,000 SUPER+ subscriptions for purchase across the four countries until 2 April 2022, when the offer closes. All subscribers will also enjoy Covid Pre-Departure Insurance Cover, which will allow them to claim insurance benefits if they contract Covid within seven days before their scheduled departure.

AirAsia Super App CEO Amanda Woo said: “Customers will get to experience the AirAsia Super App. It allows the subscriber to fly anywhere, enjoy bigger savings and more rewards for their travel and everyday needs.”

Flights redeemed via Super+ are subject to government taxes and fees, add-ons and other applicable charges. Flight bookings must be made at least 14 days before departure and are subject to embargo period and other terms and conditions.

Emirates’ India flights back on track

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, UAE, 29 March 2022: Emirates will resume pre-pandemic flight frequencies to destinations in India starting 1 April 2022.

The airline will offer 170 weekly flights to nine cities in the country. The move comes on the back of the decision by the Indian government to restore international flights to and from the country in line with established bilateral agreements from the end of March 2022.

Emirates flights to India

  • Mumbai- 35 weekly flights
  • New Delhi- 28 weekly flights
  • Bengaluru – 24 weekly flights
  • Chennai- 21 weekly flights
  • Hyderabad- 21 weekly flights
  • Kochi- 14 weekly flights
  • Kolkata – 11 weekly flights
  • Ahmedabad- 9 weekly flights
  • Thiruvananthapuram- 7 weekly flights

Emirates has also brought back its customer-favourite Airbus A380 on a daily basis between Dubai and Mumbai in March 2022. Emirates flight EK 500/ 501 is operated by the iconic double-decker aircraft.

Customers travelling on Emirates across all classes of travel can enjoy an unparalleled flying experience with spacious cabins and signature service. During their flight, Emirates customers can savour regionally inspired meals and more than 4,500 channels of content on its award-winning in-flight entertainment system, ice.

Customers travelling in First and Business Class with Emirates from Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi can avail of complimentary chauffeur drive service to the airport and on arrival at select locations within the airline’s global network. Customers travelling in premium cabins and Emirates Skywards members in select membership tiers will also have access to Emirates’ exclusive lounge experience in Dubai and select airports worldwide.

Emirates continues to lead the industry with innovative products and services and recently took its customer care initiatives further with even more generous and flexible booking policies, which have been extended to 31 May 2022. Keeping the health and well-being of its passengers as a top priority, Emirates has introduced a comprehensive set of safety measures at every step of the customer journey.

www.emirates.com

(Your Stories: Emirates)

THAI rebuilding post-Covid network

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 29 March 2022: Thai Airways International is reinstating flights to 34 destinations worldwide according to the airline’s Summer Flight Programme active from 27 March to 29 October 2022.

Flights are back on routes to four ASEAN cities with services to Manila, Jakarta, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, but notable exceptions exist. THAI will no longer serve Vientiane in Laos, Phnom Penh in Cambodia, Yangon in Myanmar, as well as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in Vietnam. Mekong region destinations will be served by THAI’s low-cost airline THAI Smile using A320s. In Bangkok, travellers arriving on TG flights will need to transfer to THAI Smile at Suvarnabhumi Airport. If they are Star Alliance passengers, the transfer will be reasonably seamless but could be more complicated when flying airlines that are not partners with THAI Smile.

As far as the summer timetable goes, THAI is not serving any of its Mekong region neighbours, including Kunming in China. The latter is due to the ongoing Covid lockdowns and the closure of China’s outbound travel market, TG is not scheduling any services to China in the summer timetable, except for Hong Kong.

Flights supporting Phuket Sandbox

1. Bangkok – Phuket – Frankfurt (vv): three flights per week every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

2. Bangkok – Phuket – London – Bangkok: three flights per week every Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

3. Bangkok – Phuket – Sydney – Bangkok: three flights per week every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

4. Bangkok – Phuket – Copenhagen – Bangkok: twice-weekly flights every Tuesday and Thursday, during 27 March – 30 April 2022.

5. Bangkok – Phuket – Stockholm – Bangkok: twice-weekly flights every Wednesday and Friday, during 27 March – 30 April 2022.

Intercontinental

1. Bangkok – London: 11 flights per week; daily flights by TG910; and four flights per week every Tuesday, Wednesday,Friday and Sunday by TG916 starting 29 May 2022.

2. Bangkok – Paris: daily flights.

3. Bangkok – Zurich: daily flights; and five flights per week every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday during 26 March – 4 July 2022.

4. Bangkok – Brussels: twice-weekly flights every Wednesday and Friday; and three flights per week every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday starting 2 July – 30 August 2022.

5. Bangkok – Frankfurt: daily flights; and four flights per week every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday by TG922 starting 25 June 2022.

6. Bangkok – Munich: daily flights.

7. Bangkok – Copenhagen: five flights per week every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday; and daily flights starting 5 July 2022.

8. Bangkok – Stockholm: five flights per week every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

9. Bangkok – Sydney: four flights per week every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

10. Bangkok – Melbourne: four flights per week every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Regional

1. Bangkok – Tokyo (Narita): daily flights.

2. Bangkok – Tokyo (Haneda): daily flights, starting 1 July 2022.

3. Bangkok – Nagoya: five flights per week every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

4. Bangkok – Osaka: daily flights.

5. Bangkok – Manila: daily flights.

6. Bangkok – Seoul: daily flights.

7. Bangkok – Taipei: four flights per week every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; and daily flights starting 1 July 2022.

8. Bangkok – Hong Kong: daily flights.

9. Bangkok – Singapore: daily flights; and four flights per week every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday by TG409 starting 1 July 2022.

10. Bangkok – Jakarta: three flights per week every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday; and daily flights starting 1 July 2022.

11. Bangkok – Kuala Lumpur: four flights per week every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday; and daily flights starting 1 July 2022.

12. Bangkok – Dhaka: daily flights.

13. Bangkok – Chennai: five flights per week every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday; and daily flights starting 2 July 2022.

14. Bangkok – Bengaluru (India): five flights per week every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday; and daily flights starting 2 July 2022.

15. Bangkok – Delhi: daily flights.

16. Bangkok – Mumbai: daily flights.

17. Bangkok – Lahore: twice-weekly flights every Tuesday and Friday.

18. Bangkok – Islamabad: twice-weekly flights every Monday and Friday; and every Monday and Wednesday starting 1 May 2022.

19. Bangkok – Karachi: twice-weekly flights every Tuesday and Friday; and daily flights starting 1 May 2022.

Sabah Tourism trains rural communities

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUDAT, Sabah, 29 March 2022: Rural communities are being encouraged to upgrade their skills and acquire digital marketing expertise to promote their tourism products or attractions.

State Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said digital marketing is the way forward to promote businesses in this technology-driven era.

“For the tourism business, internet marketing is more important than ever before, as clients can instantly find out about the latest deals, greatest pricing, and must-visit places.

“To be competitive in today’s tourism market, digital marketing is becoming a need, and rural tourism players must embrace the need to equip themselves with information technology (IT) knowledge,” he said at the digital marketing training for Kampung Tajau Laut community here, on Saturday.

Joniston also hoped that the government would expedite the installation of telecommunications towers in strategic areas, particularly in places with a strong potential for tourism development.

Twenty villagers participated in the digital training workshop conducted by Hello Sabah under the Sri Pelancongan Sabah, a subsidiary of the Sabah Tourism.

Joniston said Sabah Tourism had made a determined effort to raise knowledge of digital marketing and provide basic training to educate Tajau Laut community about the importance of social media and how to live and work in this digital world.

“There is a lot of tourism potential in Kampung Tajau Laut that could be turned into community-based tourism. We need more of this rural tourism destination in our state to provide visitors with a unique experience.

“With the reopening of our international border soon, rural communities must prepare to accommodate visitors. Hence, social media plays a critical role in introducing a new place or product to prospective visitors,” he added.

From how to open a business email account to how to set up a professional Instagram account, the digital marketing workshop teaches the rural community about everything they need to know about how to use social media to promote their products and reach a wider audience.

The product does not necessarily have to be tied to tourism; it could also be related to food or crafts. Participants are also taught how to use e-booking services on www.hellosabah.com – a dedicated platform for marketing Sabah’s rural tourism products.

For more information on Sabah visit http://www.sabahtourism.com/

(Your Stories: Sabah Tourism Board

Philippine readies for 1 April reopening

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 29 March 2022: The Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) announced at the weekend that it’s all systems go for the country’s much-awaited reopening to fully-vaccinated tourists from all countries starting 1 April 2022.

Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat says the department is optimistic that the recent simplifying of entry requirements will see more foreign nationals visiting the Philippines starting 1 April.

Travellers will no longer need to complete the Entry Exemption Document (EED) – provided they comply with applicable visa and immigration laws, rules, and regulations. 

Imposed during the pandemic, the EED has been the first requirement for foreigners from visa-required countries to enter the Philippines. Foreigners could then acquire a short-term 9(a) visa to enter the country. But beginning 1 April, there is no longer any need for an EED before foreigners apply for visas.

Puyat believes it will encourage more foreign nationals to visit the country and, in turn, help bring back revenues to tourism businesses and boost the economy.

“We thank our colleagues in the IATF-EID and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), as well as our public and private sector partners who have been working with the DOT since the onset of the pandemic to ensure that the country’s reopening is carefully planned and carried out with health and safety in mind,” Puyat said.

The DOT chief pointed out that the new IATF-EID guidelines will restore in particular the country’s English as a Second Language (ESL) sector, as it will enable foreign nationals to travel to the country visa-free or use their 9A visas and apply for their special study permit upon entering the country.

“Visitors who come for our education tourism – ESL in particular – stand to benefit from this development. It will grant foreign nationals who wish to study in the country an interim process to remotely secure their visas,” added Puyat.

According to Puyat, local ESL schools, mainly in the country’s leading destinations for ESL such as Baguio and Cebu, have already expressed their readiness to accept foreign students and commitment to follow IATF-EID guidelines, as well as introduce additional measures that will ensure the safety of educators and students. During the pandemic, the DOT has continually promoted the country as a hub for ESL and piloted initiatives such as the Master Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language (TESOL) to upskill and certify teachers from all over the country.

Data from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) showed that Special Study Permits (SSP) applications have continuously increased prior to the pandemic. From 22,561 in 2013, SSP applications in 2018 have reached 59,428. SSP is issued by the BI for foreigners who wish to engage in short-term study in the Philippines.

DOT clarified that under the latest resolution, foreign travellers will still be required to be fully vaccinated and to undergo pre-departure RT-PCR or antigen testing.

Puyat noted that with these developments, the Department is optimistic that better tourism numbers could be seen in the coming months.

“As we move towards a more relaxed entry regulation for foreign tourists, the DOT sees a brighter perspective for the country’s tourism industry in the near future. We will ensure that this transition will be done in careful accordance with the prescribed health and safety measures,” Puyat said.

Airlines reinstate flights to India

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

DELHI, 29 March 2022: India’s commercial airlines resumed international services on 27 March after being grounded for more than two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

A few flights operated during the two years, mainly repatriation flights and those established under strict travel bubble arrangements. For all intents and purposes, international commercial flights remained grounded as India went into two years of lockdown and restrictions.

The Dubai-based Emirates was fast off the mark inaugurating flights to nine Indian cities right from day one. Indian airlines such as Air India and IndiGo have already revised their summer timetables. At least three Indian airlines will fly holidaymakers to Thailand’s Phuket island starting next week.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, IndiGo will add 505 weekly flights to its summer timetable. Air India is flying 360 weekly flights, followed by low-cost arm AI Express with 340 flights. SpiceJet has announced 130 flights, Go First 74, and Vistara 56. Indian airlines will be flying to 43 cities globally with 1,466 scheduled services.

Of all foreign airlines serving India, Emirates remains the firm leader with 170 flights, followed by Oman Air with 115, Qatar Airways at 99 and Etihad at 80.

From Europe, British Airways will fly 49, Lufthansa 32, and KLM 18. Singapore Airlines is back with 65 weekly flights (103 including Scoot).

Thai Airways International will relaunch services to Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi.

IATA returns to Qatar for AGM

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TTR WEEKLY
-

GENEVA, 29 March 2022: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has confirmed the 78th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit will take place from 19 to 21 June 2022 in Doha, Qatar, hosted by Qatar Airways.

This will be the second time that the global gathering of aviation’s top leaders will be held in Qatar, the first being in 2014.

Originally, the 78th IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit were planned for the same dates in Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China, hosted by China Eastern Airlines. The decision to change the venue reflects continuing Covid-19 related restrictions on travel to China.

“It is deeply disappointing that we cannot meet in Shanghai as planned. In the meantime, we are pleased to be returning to the dynamic aviation hub of Doha and the warm hospitality for which Qatar Airways, our host airline, has become famous. This year’s AGM will be an important opportunity for aviation leaders to reflect on the shifting political, economic, and technological realities facing air travel as the industry’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic gathers pace,” said IATA’s director-general Willie Walsh.

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