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Thomas Cook India spots a shift to senior holidays

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Newsdesk
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MUMBAI, 29 October 2025: While a lot has been said about India’s young demographic, the country’s senior population is also witnessing unprecedented growth, with those aged 60 and above projected to reach 347 million by 2050, accounting for 21% of the total population.* 

Recognising this significant demographic shift and the rising aspirations of the 55+ community, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, is strengthening its focus on this high-potential segment.

India’s senior travellers today have the time and financial resources to travel. The overall economic growth has increased spending power, and the rise in nuclear families has given seniors more free time and accumulated income. This has led to a surge in travel demand among the 55+ segment, which is now increasingly aspirational, adventurous, and experience-seeking.

In line with this growing demand, Thomas Cook India has partnered with Gen S Life, a leading lifestyle and community platform for the 55+ demographic. 

As part of this collaboration, the two brands hosted an educational webinar, “Making Pilgrimage Travel Easy & Enjoyable for 55+” on Zoom on Wednesday, 29 October. The free webinar aimed to empower senior travellers by addressing their travel needs through expert guidance. 

The session featured renowned choreographer and traveller Sandip Soparrkar, along with Thomas Cook’s expert tour managers, offering practical travel tips, destination insights, and health advice tailored for senior travellers.

Drawing from Thomas Cook’s extensive spiritual circuits across India and its subcontinent, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Mathura, Vrindavan, Bodh Gaya, Pokhara in Nepal and South India’s Madurai, Tirupati, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari — the experts highlighted how convenience and premium comfort are built into every journey: from guided tours and VIP darshans to AC vehicle transfers; aerial Char Dham helicopter journeys that allow seniors to complete the pilgrimage in just 4 days, significantly reducing travel fatigue compared to the traditional 10-day road trip.

The company’s Pilgrimage Plus portfolio transforms spiritual travel into a holistic holiday experience, blending darshans with immersive local exploration such as sunset views from the ghats, boating on the Ganges, visits to weavers’ villages in Varanasi, and curated cuisine and cultural trails led by local experts.

To cater to the senior segment, Thomas Cook India will also launch specialised group tours with itineraries that accommodate special dietary needs, handpicked elder-friendly hotels with porterage, and high-quality, easy-access vehicles to popular international destinations across Europe.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Rajeev Kale said: “In India, the silver economy is expanding rapidly in response to rising longevity, digital inclusion, and higher discretionary income. Seniors are no longer passive travellers; they are curious, confident, eager to explore and have both the means and the time to travel without compromise.

“Our holidays are designed to meet their evolving needs, offering comfort, safety, and enriching experiences. Whether it’s a spiritual journey or a leisure escape, we aim to make travel seamless and enjoyable for the 55+ community. Our partnership with Gen S Life is a natural extension of this vision, combining our travel expertise with their deep understanding of senior lifestyles to create truly inclusive and empowering travel experiences.”

Gen S Life is an app that offers a comprehensive ecosystem of curated services for the 55+ across health, wellness, finance, travel, safety, support, events, community and more. With over 40K downloads and 15000+ registered users, the platform is committed to empowering seniors to lead healthier, safer, more connected, and fulfilling lives. An early believer in the Gen S Life vision, Thomas Cook continues to bring our members exceptional travel experiences at exclusive rates.

*(PwC-ASLI Senior Care Report 2024 and UNFPA 2023). 

(Source: Thomas Cook India)

Hahnair signs Southwest Airlines

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 29 October 2025. Hahnair, a global provider of airline distribution solutions, announced Tuesday an interline agreement with Southwest Airlines (WN). 

Operating the largest Boeing fleet in the world, comprising 802 aircraft, and covering 117 destinations across 11 countries, Southwest Airlines is recognised as the US’s largest domestic airline.

Photo credit: Hahnair.

This partnership significantly enhances Southwest Airlines’ global footprint, enabling the airline to generate incremental revenue by extending its distribution reach beyond the US market. Travel consultants can book Southwest Airlines flights under the WN code in the Amadeus GDS and issue tickets on Hahnair’s HR-169 ticket stock. Access across all Travelport GDSs will be available soon.

“Welcoming Southwest Airlines to our leading network of over 350 partner carriers marks a significant milestone for our worldwide connectivity,” said Alexander Proschka, Chief Commercial Officer of Hahnair. “Through this partnership, Hahnair is offering 100,000 travel agencies outside of the US access to Southwest Airlines’ extensive flight offerings, while at the same time delivering an efficient and comprehensive distribution solution to Southwest Airlines.”

(Source: Hahnair)

THAI announces winter flight schedule

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 29 October 2025: Thai Airways has released details of its winter schedule, running from 26 October 2025 to 28 March 2026, and highlighting flight adjustments to Mumbai, India, as well as to Chiang Mai and Phuket, Thailand, starting 1 December.

The airline serves 63 destinations (round-trip flights) from its home base, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), during the winter timetable. Mumbai is the only international destination to gain additional weekly flights. 

Daily flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap (Cambodia) started on 1 October, before the winter schedule kicked in. Siem Reap is the closest city to the UNESCO World Heritage site Angkor Historical Park.

Destinations served by round-trip flights

Intercontinental routes

  1. Bangkok – Munich: daily flights.
  2. Bangkok–Frankfurt: twice-daily flights.
  3. Bangkok–London: twice-daily flights.
  4. Bangkok – Istanbul: daily flights.
  5. Bangkok – Stockholm: daily flights.
  6. Bangkok – Copenhagen: daily flights.
  7. Bangkok – Oslo: daily flights.
  8. Bangkok – Zurich: daily flights.
  9. Bangkok – Milan: daily flights.
  10. Bangkok – Brussels: daily flights.
  11. Bangkok – Paris: daily flights.
  12. Bangkok – Perth: daily flights.
  13. Bangkok–Melbourne: twice-daily flights.
  14. Bangkok–Sydney: twice-daily flights.

Regional routes 

  1. Bangkok–Manila: twice-daily flights.
  2. Bangkok – Fukuoka: daily flights.
  3. Bangkok–Osaka: twice-daily flights.
  4. Bangkok – Nagoya: daily flights.
  5. Bangkok – Tokyo (Haneda): twice daily flights.
  6. Bangkok – Tokyo (Narita): triple daily flights.
  7. Bangkok – Sapporo: daily flights.
  8. Bangkok – Hong Kong: four daily flights.
  9. Bangkok – Kaohsiung: daily flights.
  10. Bangkok–Taipei: triple-daily flights.
  11. Bangkok–Seoul: triple-daily flights.
  12. Bangkok – Kunming: daily flights.
  13. Bangkok – Guangzhou: daily flights.
  14. Bangkok – Chengdu: daily flights.
  15. Bangkok–Shanghai: twice-daily flights.
  16. Bangkok – Beijing: daily flights.
  17. Bangkok – Siem Reap: daily flights.
  18. Bangkok – Phnom Penh: twice-daily flights.
  19. Bangkok – Vientiane: twice-daily flights.
  20. Bangkok – Ho Chi Minh: twice-daily flights.
  21. Bangkok–Hanoi: twice-daily flights.
  22. Bangkok – Singapore: five daily flights.
  23. Bangkok–Jakarta: twice-daily flights.
  24. Bangkok – Denpasar: twice daily flights.
  25. Bangkok – Penang: daily flights.
  26. Bangkok–Kuala Lumpur: twice-daily flights.
  27. Bangkok – Kolkata: daily flights.
  28. Bangkok – Gaya: daily flights.
  29. Bangkok – Chennai: daily flights.
  30. Bangkok – Hyderabad: daily flights.
  31. Bangkok – Bengaluru: daily flights.
  32. Bangkok – Delhi: 22 flights per week.
  33. Bangkok – Mumbai: 11 flights per week from 26 October 2025 to 30 November 2025 and 14 flights weekly from 1 December 2025 to 31 March 2026.
  34. Bangkok – Ahmedabad: daily flights.
  35. Bangkok–Yangon: twice-daily flights.
  36. Bangkok–Dhaka: twice-daily flights.
  37. Bangkok–Kathmandu: twice-daily flights.
  38. Bangkok – Colombo: daily flights.
  39. Bangkok – Lahore: six flights per week.
  40. Bangkok – Islamabad: four flights per week.
  41. Bangkok – Karachi: five flights per week.

Domestic routes

  1. Bangkok – Chiang Mai: five daily flights from 26 October 2025 to 30 November 2025 and increasing to six daily flights from 1 December 2025 to 31 March 2026. (Chiang Mai had five daily flights during the summer timetable).
  2. Bangkok – Chiang Rai: triple daily flights.
  3. Bangkok – Khon Kaen: four daily flights.
  4. Bangkok – Udon Thani: triple daily flights.
  5. Bangkok–Ubon Ratchathani: twice-daily flights.
  6. Bangkok–Krabi: twice-daily flights.
  7. Bangkok – Phuket: eight daily flights — down from nine daily during the summer timetable 2025.
  8. Bangkok – Hat Yai: triple daily flights.

(Source: THAI winter timetable)

Collinson spreads Sompo partnership beyond Thailand

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 28 October 2025: Collinson International, a global provider of airport customer engagement solutions and the owner/operator of Smart Delay, announced Monday the regional expansion of its partnership with leading insurance provider, Sompo, to launch Sompo Smart Delay in three new markets in APAC: Singapore, mainland China and Malaysia. 

Building on their collaboration in Thailand, the partnership provides single- and annual-trip policyholders of selected Sompo travel insurance plans instant access to more than 1,800 airport lounges and travel experiences during flight delays.

Photo credit: Collinson International. Airport loyalty and customer engagement solutions, under the Collinson Priority Pass brand.

Eligible policyholders register their flights at least two hours (for customers in Singapore) or three hours (for customers in Malaysia and mainland China) before the scheduled departure time to enjoy the benefit. 

In the event of a flight delay, policyholders will immediately receive a digital access voucher that allows them to redeem their real-time travel benefit. Sompo Smart Delay provides instant access to an airport lounge or an alternative travel experience, such as a spa session, sleep pod visit, or restaurant discount, without the need to complete a claim form.

This expanded collaboration comes at a time when flight disruptions are increasingly prevalent as travel continues to grow robustly. Recent flight delay statistics revealed that 54 million travellers in APAC were affected by delays of more than one hour during the first half of 2025. According to Collinson International’s latest report, ‘Tomorrow’s Journey: Smarter, Faster, Connected’, access to airport lounges and other premium services is central to today’s airport experience, with 80% of travellers in APAC having visited a lounge at least once. 

“Building on our successful partnership in Thailand, we’re pleased to extend our collaboration with Sompo to Singapore, mainland China and Malaysia – markets in which travel is one of the highest spend categories among consumers,” said Collinson International Chief Commercial Officer and APAC Executive Chair Todd Handcock.

“We’re excited to launch the Sompo Smart Delay benefit to three more markets as we accelerate our focus on delivering innovative travel products across the region through this partnership with Collinson International,” said Sompo President of Consumer Lines, APAC, Bill Zhang.

(Source: Collinson)

Second Waldorf Astoria opens in Shanghai

By
Newsdesk
-

SHANGHAI, 28 October 2025: Hilton announced on Monday the opening of the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan, a landmark addition to the brand’s luxury portfolio in China.

The property’s debut marks a significant chapter for Waldorf Astoria in Shanghai, as the third city worldwide to have two Waldorf Astoria properties. 

Photo credit: Hilton. Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan.

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan sits on the southern stretch of Shanghai’s new Bund, in the Qiantan District of Pudong and on the opposite side of the Huangpu River from Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund. Together, the properties underscore the brand’s long-term vision and growing presence in China.

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan enjoys a rare balance of prime riverfront views, direct access to Qiantan Park and the waterfront promenade of Qiantan Youcheng Park. Just a step removed from the city’s busiest districts, the hotel is a serene urban retreat that feels worlds apart in pace against the city’s cosmopolitan energy. It remains minutes away from everything that matters, as a place to switch off without disconnecting.

The hotel features 204 rooms and suites, starting at 52 sqm, with panoramic river views and spacious balconies. 

Waldorf Astoria made its Asia Pacific debut in China in 2010 with the opening of Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s global expansion. Over the past 15 years, Waldorf Astoria has built a portfolio of five hotels across the country — Shanghai on the Bund, Beijing, Chengdu, Xiamen, and now Shanghai Qiantan. 

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan is located at No. 18 Linyao Road, Pudong District, Shanghai,200126, China.

(Source: Hilton)

Timor-Leste: 11th member of ASEAN

By
Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 28 October 2025: The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste officially acceded to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Sunday, 26 October, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s journey of independence and regional and global integration.

Following years of preparation and cooperation with ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste’s admission confirms the nation’s commitment to peace, prosperity and unity in Southeast Asia.

Photo credit: Antonio Sampaio. Tears of joy. Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão wiped tears of joy after signing the Declaration of Timor-Leste in ASEAN during the opening ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Sunday.

The country becomes the 11th member of ASEAN. The other member countries are: Cambodia, Indonesia,  Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.  

Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão stated: “Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN represents the realisation of the nation’s long-standing vision to stand shoulder to shoulder with our regional neighbours as equal partners in building a stronger, more inclusive and resilient Southeast Asia. This moment reflects the collective dedication and hard work of our government, our people and our ASEAN partners.”

Prime Minister Gusmão added: “As ASEAN’s newest Member State, Timor-Leste looks forward to contributing to the shared goals and aspirations of the ASEAN Community — fostering economic growth, social progress, and cultural advancement across the region.”

The Timorese government expresses its deep appreciation to the Governments of ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat and other partners for their continued guidance and support throughout the accession process.

It highlighted its profound gratitude to Malaysia, as the 2025 ASEAN Chair, for its leadership, guidance and unwavering commitment in facilitating Timor-Leste’s smooth transition to full membership.

In the official press statement, the government reaffirms its commitment to upholding the principles of the ASEAN Charter and to actively participating in all three ASEAN Community pillars: Political and Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural Communities.

This milestone marks a new chapter in Timor-Leste’s engagement with the region, reflecting a shared commitment to cooperation, stability and sustainable growth across Southeast Asia.

(Source: Timor-Leste government news)

Batik Air set a December milestone

By
Newsdesk
-

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 October 2025: Batik Air will boost direct air links to Langkawi Island this December from Subang Airport in Malaysia and Tashkent in Uzbekistan.

Starting 8 December 2025, Batik Air will introduce direct domestic flights from Skypark Terminal, Subang, to Langkawi, Johor Bahru, Singapore, and Jakarta, Indonesia, with one-way fares as low as MYR169 all-in.

Photo credit: Batik Air.

A Skyscanner search indicates that Batik Air will start a direct weekly service on 14 December, every Sunday, between Langkawi, Malaysia, and Tashkent, Uzbekistan, flying a 737-8 with 187 seats.

Flight schedule

OD755 departs Langkawi (LGK) at 1705 and arrives in Tashkent (TAS) at 2150 (Sunday).
OD756 departs Tashkent (TAS) at 2310 and arrives in Langkawi at 0955, plus a day (Monday).

Skyscanner quotes a round-trip fare of MYR2,714 for the seven-hour, 45-minute flight.

Batik Air to add nine new routes.

The airline’s statement posted on Facebook confirmed it will launch nine new routes in December, calling it a “bold step in regional aviation expansion.” 

Scheduled to commence on 8 December 2025, the milestone development marks one of the most significant single-day network launches in the airline’s history, reflecting Batik Air’s vision to strengthen its regional footprint and enhance connectivity across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

At the centre of the expansion is Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang (SZB) — Kuala Lumpur’s city airport — which is rapidly transforming into a modern gateway offering unmatched convenience, speed, and accessibility. 

Strategically located to serve Klang Valley residents and travellers seeking seamless domestic and regional connections, Subang will play a pivotal role in Batik Air’s growth strategy, with new routes to Singapore, Jakarta, Langkawi, and Johor Bahru enhancing travel flexibility and choice. 

Penang is set to assume a more strategic role within Batik Air’s network as the airline strengthens its presence in northern Malaysia. With new services to Singapore, Medan, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu, Penang International Airport (PEN) will serve as a key connector linking the north with East Malaysia and neighbouring countries. The city’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant tourism scene, and growing economic significance make it an ideal hub for domestic and regional travel.

The expansion also introduces Ipoh as an exciting new destination in Batik Air’s network, served through Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (IPH) — a convenient gateway that is particularly significant for travellers from Singapore, where the historic city’s colonial charm, vibrant food scene, and proximity to natural attractions have made it an increasingly popular getaway. 

With the launch of direct Ipoh–Singapore flights, travel between the two cities will become more seamless than ever, creating new opportunities for weekend escapes, family visits, business travel, and cultural discovery.

Singapore itself remains one of the most sought-after destinations for Malaysians, celebrated for its dynamic business landscape, cultural diversity, and world-class lifestyle and leisure offerings. Starting in November 2025, all Lion Group airlines, including Batik Air, will operate from Changi Airport Terminal 4, providing passengers with enhanced facilities and a more seamless travel experience.

Regional flights launch 8 December 2025

Subang – Singapore

Subang – Jakarta

Subang – Langkawi

Subang – Johor Bahru

Penang – Singapore

Penang – Medan

Penang – Kuching

Penang – Kota Kinabalu

Ipoh – Singapore

Meanwhile, more airlines are planning to fly to Langkawi during the winter timetable 2025 to 2026.

LOT Polish Airlines: The airline will operate new direct charter flights from Warsaw (WAW) to Langkawi every week, starting in November 2025 and running until March 2026. This is a significant direct connection from Europe for leisure travellers and tour groups heading for Langkawi.

Firefly: In addition to its regular domestic and regional flights, Firefly has scheduled limited-time service between Langkawi and Chengdu Tianfu (TFU), China, for the peak season January/February 2026. Firefly is also planning to increase flights on its Penang (PEN)-Langkawi (LGK) route starting January 2026.

Airlines that already serve Langkawi (LGK) include AirAsia, Batik Air, Malaysia Airlines and Scoot. They connect Langkawi to major hubs such as Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Penang (PEN), and Singapore (SIN).

India’s low-cost airline, IndiGo, also serves Langkawi with flights to Bengaluru (BLR) in India.

https://naturallylangkawi.my/2025

(Source: Batik Air and Skyscanner)

Air Astana switches to winter schedule

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 28 October 2025: Air Astana switched to a winter schedule on 26 October 2025, which will remain effective until 28 March 2026.

The updated flight schedule reflects seasonal travel demand by offering passengers enhanced connectivity across Kazakhstan and to international destinations.

Photo credit: Air Astana.

During the winter season, passenger demand traditionally shifts towards leisure destinations across Asia and the Middle East, with Air Astana’s revised schedule following these travel patterns. 

The airline is increasing flight frequencies to popular international leisure routes, including those to the Maldives, Phu Quoc, Dubai, Bangkok, and Phuket.

Air Astana will continue to adjust its schedule in line with market dynamics, maintaining its commitment to the highest standards of safety, reliability, and passenger comfort. 

Passengers are advised to check the latest flight schedules and status updates via the official Air Astana website and mobile app.

Star Voyager returns to Hong Kong

By
Newsdesk
-

HONG KONG, 28 October 2025: StarCruises welcomes travellers aboard Star Voyager as it returns to Hong Kong for another homeport deployment in 2026, operating for nine months from 13 February to 13 November. 

Guests can join the cruise ship at its Ocean Terminal berth in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, offering seamless access for local travellers, regional rail passengers and international fly-cruise guests.

Photo credit: StarCruises. Star Voyager.

Blending short weekend escapes with more extended coastal explorations, Star Voyager will feature two-night cruises to Xiamen over the weekend, ideal for quick getaways, as well as five-night cruises offering a combination of two to three destinations per voyage.

These longer five-night sailings provide an opportunity to visit up to three destinations in a single itinerary, including Naha, Ishigaki, and Miyakojima in Okinawa, the scenic city of Xiamen, and the charming coastal ports of Keelung and Penghu.

“We are delighted to be back in Hong Kong and to continue supporting the city’s cruise momentum,” said StarDream Cruises President Michael Goh. “Star Voyager’s return reflects our commitment to providing more vacation options for both local travellers and those from Greater China, including the international fly-cruise segment, while supporting Hong Kong and Mainland China’s growing status as a premier cruise destination hub in the region.”

Online bookings for departures from 13 February 2026 will open on 10 November 2025.

(Source: StarCruises)

Airbnb app just got smarter

By
Newsdesk
-

BANGKOK, 27 October 2025: Airbnb is introducing new social features to help travellers connect with other guests before, during and after their experience.

With searches for winter season travel on the rise, Airbnb is releasing improved features, including smarter search, enhanced maps, and a new way to pay with ‘Reserve Now, Pay Later’. Changes also include expanded AI-powered customer support across more countries and languages, as well as more tools to help hosts manage their calendars and pricing.

Photo credit: Airbnb.

In a recent survey, more than seven in 10 respondents said they would like to know more about other guests before booking an experience, including where they’re from.

Direct messaging: Now, in the connections section of your Airbnb Profile tab, you can see the people you’ve met, making it easy to reconnect with them.

Flexible carousels: When searching for a stay, the Airbnb app shows more home options beyond the immediate search criteria. It will show homes with similar prices, different amenities or stays in nearby cities.

Improved maps: Maps filter to show nearby landmarks, attractions, and restaurants. By just tapping on any point of interest, it shows a summary and how far it is from the home searched or booked.

Reserve Now, Pay Later: With this option, guests can reserve an eligible stay and pay zero dollars upfront. Launched in the US earlier this year, it will be available worldwide starting next year for both domestic and international trips.

AI support assistant

More languages, more countries: The AI assistant will be available in English, Spanish and French, for users in the US, Mexico and Canada and worldwide in 2026.

Smarter answers: The assistant can recognise your reservation or your listing and provide quicker, more tailored responses.

Built-in actions: The assistant will offer to take actions right in the chat, with interactive responses for everyday tasks like cancelling a reservation or changing dates.

Upgrades for hosts

Airbnb is rolling out highly-requested features to give hosts more flexibility and insight.

Dynamic cancellation policies: It sets different cancellation policies for specific dates — like holidays or off-peak seasons.

Improved price tips: It shows price tips for dates up to a year in advance and applies all tips with a single tap.

Updated earnings dashboard: Starting next year, hosts can view earnings trends year-over-year and compare seasonal performance in a new tab.

(Source: Airbnb)

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