SINGAPORE, 8 August 2025: Air Arabia will increase flights from Sharjah, UAE, to Bangkok, Thailand, with the addition of a third daily frequency starting 26 October 2025.
The increase to three daily flights between Sharjah International Airport and Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok underscores Air Arabia’s commitment to offering enhanced connectivity, greater convenience and more flexible travel options between the UAE and Thailand.
Schedule to Bangkok, effective 26 October 2025 (all times local):
Air Arabia Group Chief Executive Officer, Adel Al Ali, said: “We are glad to expand our service to Bangkok and remain dedicated to enhancing the travel experience of our customers while also contributing to the growth of trade and tourism ties between the UAE and Thailand”.
Air Arabia operates a fleet of 83 Airbus A320 and A321 neo-LR aircraft. The cabin configuration across the fleet provides added comfort with one of the most generous seat pitches of any economy cabin.
In addition to ‘SkyTime’, its complementary in-flight streaming service, and ‘SkyCafe’, its onboard menu. Passengers benefit from ‘Air Rewards’, the airline’s loyalty programme in the region.
Customers can now book direct flights from Sharjah to Bangkok by visiting Air Arabia’s website, calling the call centre, or through a travel agency.
SINGAPORE: 8 August 2025: Smartvel (www.smartvel.com), a global leader in travel content solutions, is expanding its collaboration with Ponant Expeditions.
Ponant has now adopted the new EntryDocs for Cruises, Smartvel’s comprehensive, cruise-specific travel documentation solution, to help deliver a smoother, more stress-free travel experience for its cruise guests.
Photo credit: Ponant.
EntryDocs for Cruises is a fully embedded solution that provides real-time entry and documentation requirements, not only for every destination along the cruise itinerary, but also for air travel to the embarkation point and the guest’s return journey home.
“We are using Smartvel’s solution to verify the travel documentation required for our guests — not only for boarding our cruises, but also for their full journey, including international flights to the point of embarkation and any additional countries visited en route,” said
Ponant Expeditions Superviseur Priscila Martin. “The solution is intuitive, reliable, and reflects our commitment to delivering a seamless and stress-free travel experience — from departure to return.”
Integrated across Ponant Expeditions’ digital touchpoints, the EntryDocs widget can be embedded on individual cruise landing pages, preloaded with the itinerary and customised to match the Ponant Expeditions brand.
Guests can instantly access official government links and all relevant entry requirements in just one click, enhancing clarity and confidence as they prepare for their journey.
EntryDocs for Cruises features
Tailored documentation requirements for every country in the cruise itinerary.
Personalised results based on passenger nationality and residence.
A widget and API for flexible integration options.
Pre-filled traveller details for pre-departure communications.
Embedded links to insurance or visa providers.
On-demand updates and support for new routes and itineraries.
“We are excited to support Ponant Expeditions in their commitment to providing a world-class guest experience,” said Smartvel CEO Iñigo Valenzuela. “With EntryDocs for Cruises, our goal is to remove complexity and create clarity — helping both travellers and cruise operators navigate today’s dynamic travel landscape.”
About Smartvel Smartvel is a B2B travel technology company delivering innovative content solutions across the travel industry. Its EntryDocs platform provides up-to-date health and travel documentation requirements for airlines, cruise lines, OTAs, hotels, and government entities.
About Ponant Ponant has been committed to more responsible tourism and purposeful voyages of exploration for over 35 years, featuring a fleet of 14 French-flagged small ships, fitted with the latest environmental technologies.
BANGKOK, 8 August 2025: Vietjet Thailand is accelerating its international expansion with the launch of several new direct routes connecting to major cities across Asia.
By enhancing air connectivity with key geo-markets such as Japan, South Korea, and India, the expansion will stimulate tourism, supporting broader efforts to revitalise and grow the tourism economy.
Photo credit: Vietjet Thailand.
“Our expanding international network underscores Vietjet Thailand’s strong momentum in regional growth and market presence,” said Mr. Woranate Laprabang, Chief Executive Officer of Vietjet Thailand. “Each new route allows us to serve more travellers, strengthen our competitive position, and contribute to tourism and economic exchange.”
New services to Northeast Asia
Connecting Thailand to more major hubs across Northeast Asia, the following routes are scheduled.
Direct flights from Bangkok to Seoul (Incheon) will start on 1 October. Bangkok to Osaka (Kansai) flights start on 1 December. Bangkok to Tokyo (Narita) flights start on 15 December.
These destinations are not only key inbound markets but are also extremely popular among Thai travellers, reflecting strong two-way demand.
Three destinations in India
A new route between Phuket and Mumbai will start on 14 August. Flights from Bangkok to Kolkata begin on 16 November. Ahmedabad joins the route network on 4 December, flying from Vietjet Thailand’s home base at Suwarnabhumi Airport (BKK). These additions mark a continued expansion of Vietjet Thailand’s footprint in India — one of the region’s fastest-growing travel markets — and further strengthen connectivity between Thailand and key Indian cities.
HONG KONG, 7 August 2025: The Cathay Group announced its 2025 Interim Results on Wednesday, together with an exercise of purchase rights for an additional 14 Boeing 777-9s, bringing Cathay’s total commitment to 35 aircraft.
Cathay Group Chair Patrick Healy commented: “Over the past few years, we have embarked on an all-encompassing fleet renewal and expansion plan, which includes orders for over 100 new narrowbody, regional widebody, long-haul widebody and large freighter aircraft.
Photo credit: Boeing.
“This new order brings our total investment to well over HKD100 billion, which also includes new cabin products, lounges and digital innovation, further strengthening the Hong Kong international aviation hub and elevating the customer experience to new heights.
“As a Group, our passenger airlines, Cathay Pacific and HK Express, have launched or announced 19 new destinations so far in 2025, with more still to come. We now fly to more than 100 passenger destinations globally, as we continue to enhance Hong Kong’s connectivity with the world.
“We are also delighted to have been recognised in multiple renowned industry rankings and awards. Cathay Pacific was named one of the world’s top three airlines, as well as being recognised for having the world’s best Economy class and the world’s best in-flight entertainment according to Skytrax. Meanwhile, Cathay Cargo was again named Cargo Operator of the Year by Air Transport World, and HK Express was named one of the top five low-cost airlines in the world by Airline Ratings. These achievements would not have been possible without the steadfast support of our customers and the dedication of our people, for which we are extremely grateful.”
First-half results
As a group, Cathay reported an attributable profit of HKD3.7 billion in the first half of 2025, a similar level to the first half of 2024.
The group’s first-half result was attributable to increased passenger capacity and volumes, albeit at lower yields, a resilient cargo business and lower fuel costs.
Meanwhile, the results from associates, the majority of which are recognised three months in arrears, reflected an attributable loss of HKD181 million, compared with a loss of HKD342 million in the first half of 2024.
The group’s first-half result has allowed it to announce a first interim dividend payment to ordinary shareholders of HK20 cents per ordinary share, totalling HKD1.3 billion. This is the same amount per ordinary share as the first interim dividend paid in 2024.
Customer experience
Cathay Pacific’s new Aria Suite Business class cabins and in-flight entertainment system have received various recognitions in prestigious design industry awards. Building on these achievements, the airline will be introducing brand new cabins and a flat-bed Business class product on its existing Airbus A330s in 2026, followed by a world-leading First class experience onboard its Boeing 777-9s when the first aircraft is expected to arrive in 2027.
Additionally, Cathay Pacific has been rolling out refinements to the design of its current regional Business class on selected A330-300 and 777-300 aircraft with an updated look and features, which are expected to be completed this year. Furthermore, starting this month, Cathay Pacific is one of the very few airlines in the world to offer both 100% seatback inflight entertainment and 100% inflight connectivity across its entire fleet.
On the ground, Cathay Pacific has commenced an extensive redevelopment plan for its lounges. Earlier this year, The Bridge was opened at Hong Kong International Airport following a complete redesign. The redesigned Beijing flagship lounge is scheduled to open this month, while a brand-new flagship lounge will be launched in New York next year.
BANGKOK, 7 August 2025: BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels, continues to strengthen its presence in the Philippines with the relaunch of the renovated Best Western Plus Hotel Subic, an elevated hotel that overlooks the sea and sunset on the west coast of Luzon Island.
Part of the BWH Hotels portfolio since its opening in 2018, Best Western Plus Hotel Subic has reopened following an extensive revitalisation that will re-establish it as one of the leading destinations in Subic – a dynamic freeport zone and popular tourist resort just 2.5 hours’ drive from Manila.
The redesigned Best Western Plus Hotel Subic now features bright and stylish interiors, international amenities and exceptional event spaces. Travellers can relax in contemporary king or twin rooms, stay connected with fast and free Wi-Fi, chill out at the sea-facing rooftop pool and deck, and work out at the well-equipped fitness centre. Two inviting restaurants offer fresh local and international cuisine throughout the day, and the hotel’s dedicated events hall sets the stage for business and social gatherings, including weddings.
“We are thrilled to welcome guests back to Best Western Plus Hotel Subic following the property’s major refurbishment. With its prime location in the heart of this emerging destination, including a spectacular pool deck and sea views, this is set to become the hotel-of-choice for local and overseas visitors to Subic Bay, including our global network of Best Western Rewards® members,” said BWH Hotels Vice President – APAC Olivier Berrivin.
Best Western Plus Hotel Subic joins the existing portfolio of BWH Hotels in the Philippines, which comprises six hotels and resorts spread across a wide range of vibrant cities and resort destinations, including guest-favoured Best Western Plus properties in Clark, Panglao, and Puerto Princesa.
BANGKOK, 7 August 2025: Mother’s Day, which falls on 12 August in Thailand, is being celebrated with gift packages from now until 15 August 2025 at the Spa Cenvaree at Centara Grand at CentralWorld.
The invite to celebrate Mum with the ‘Mother’s Day 2025’ spa package offers a 90-minute full-body Aroma Massage using premium essential oils designed to calm the body and mind.
Perfectly timed for a heartfelt gesture, this exclusive gift treatment is offered daily between 0900 and 1900within the tranquil surroundings of Lifestyles on 26, Centara Grand’s renowned wellness sanctuary high above the heart of Bangkok.
Guests who book the Mother’s Day 2025 package will also receive a complimentary gift set from Spa Cenvaree, specially curated to extend the sense of calm and self-care beyond the treatment room — a reminder of your appreciation that she can take home.
This offer is priced at THB 2,990 net per 90 minutes per person, not combinable with any other spa promotions or discounts.
For reservations or more information, contact: 02-100-1234 ext. 6511 or email [email protected]
BANGKOK, 7 August 2025: Thailand will host the Bangkok 2025 Global Biohealth AI Innovation and Traditional Medicine Fusion Cooperation Summit, projected to attract over 10,000 international delegates.
Taking place from 9 to 11 November 2025 at the QSNCC and the Conrad Bangkok, the summit adopts the theme “We Are the World: Mission and Resources”.
Bangkok 2025 Global Biohealth AI Innovation and Traditional Medicine Fusion Cooperation Summit.
The event brings together global leaders in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and integrated healthcare, from over 30 countries, representing one of Thailand’s most prominent international medical summits ever staged.
Event essentials
Biotech–AI Innovative & Integrated East – West Medicine Global Summit QSNCC & Conrad Bangkok Hotel, Thailand 9 to 11 November 2025 (Charity Gala Dinner on 11 November at Conrad Bangkok)
Who Should Attend: Healthcare professionals, biotech investors, AI scientists, hospital executives, university researchers, integrative medicine practitioners, tourism boards and press media.
A Game Changer for Thailand’s Tourism Sector
The event directly supports the country’s MICE strategy and medical tourism ambitions, placing Thailand on the map as a convergence hub for global health solutions.
Global Cross-Sector Networking
Thought leaders and experts in AI, biotechnology, and Chinese-Western medicine, including elite institutions, reputable doctors and scientists from Hong Kong, China, the US, and ASEAN, will attend the event.
Breakthrough medical insights
Introduces the latest cutting-edge therapies for chronic and “incurable” conditions, including cancer, autism, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, lupus, and diabetes.
Asia’s advantage
Presents Asia’s natural resources and shows how the region is positioned to support integrative therapies and cost-efficient treatment models.
Strategic business opportunities
Attendees will gain access to co-investment projects, clinical trials, and Asia’s growing medical innovation ecosystem, including preferred entry to the “Doctor Hero Alliance”.
About the author Andrew J Wood is a veteran tourism and hospitality professional with over 40 years of global experience. Based in Bangkok since 1991, he is a renowned travel business writer and a past President of Skål International Bangkok and Asia.
SINGAPORE, 7 August 2025: Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company (HOSE: VJC) has exceeded expectations with robust results for Q2 2025, marking a strong first half of the year for the new-age carrier.
Highlights of the quarter include major aircraft orders, the expansion of ground self-service operations, and a successful bid for a strategic development project at Long Thanh International Airport, which is poised to become Vietnam’s new aviation hub.
Photo credit: Vietjet. Vietjet ends 2Q2025 with revenue exceeding targets and new orders for the latest aircraft.
For global travellers and industry observers, Vietjet’s continued growth and increasing international footprint come at a time when demand for affordable, well-connected air travel is surging across the Asia-Pacific region. The airline was once again named the “World’s Best Ultra Low-Cost Carrier” by AirlineRatings and ranked among the safest airlines globally.
Q2 Highlights
According to its Q2 2025 results, Vietjet recorded aviation revenue of VND17.681 trillion (SGD870.05 million), a pre-tax profit of VND775 billion (SGD38.10 million ), representing a 52.3% Year-on-Year (YoY) increase.
Total consolidated revenue reached VND17.885 trillion (SGD879.74 million), with pre-tax profit climbing to VND815 billion (SGD40.09 million), representing a remarkable YoY growth of 151.5%.
With four direct routes connecting Singapore and Vietnam, Vietjet is well-positioned for continued growth and sustainable development in the second half of 2025.
Half-Year Revenue Highlights
Vietjet posted strong performance in the first half of 2025, achieving 78% and 75% of its full-year separate and consolidated pre-tax profit targets, respectively.
Aviation revenue of VND35.6 trillion (SGD1.75 billion) and a pre-tax profit of nearly VND1.6 trillion (SGD78.71 million), up 37%.
Consolidated revenue reached VND35.8 trillion (approx. SGD1.76 billion), with consolidated pre-tax profit exceeding VND1.6 trillion (SGD78.71 million ), a 65% YoY growth.
Total assets exceeded VND112.33 trillion (SGD5.53 billion). The airline maintained a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.76 and a liquidity ratio of 1.44, signalling strong financial health.
Cash reserves, bank deposits, cash equivalents, and short-term investments surpassed VND9.001 trillion (SGD442.43 million), supported by working capital credit lines that ensured adequate liquidity.
1H2025 Operation Highlights
By the end of Q2, Vietjet Airlines operated a total of 189 routes (154 routes operated by Vietjet and 35 by Vietjet Thailand).
Vietjet, including Vietjet Thailand, transported 17.7 million passengers on 99,202 flights.
The airline maintained a technical reliability rate of 99.53%.
The total cargo volume transported reached nearly 65,200 tons.
Strategic Expansion
In Q2 2025, Vietjet launched its fourth Singapore-Vietnam service, linking Singapore to Phu Quoc with four weekly flights. Vietjet marked a new milestone in its international growth strategy, launching direct flights from Nha Trang to three key Russian cities. The airline also expanded its footprint in China, India, and Japan, while increasing domestic flight frequencies at select airports.
Modern Fleet Investment
Building on its strong performance, Vietjet continued to modernise its fleet with significant aircraft investments. During French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Vietnam, the airline ordered 20 additional A330neo widebodies from Airbus, raising its total to 40, the most significant A330neo order globally.
At the 2025 Paris Air Show, Vietjet signed the show’s largest deal: an order for 100 A321neo aircraft and 50 purchase options, ranking it among the world’s top 10 airlines by order volume.
MUMBAI, 7 August 2025: SOTC Travel, a leading multi-channel travel company, announced on Tuesday the opening of a new sales branch in Tollygunge, Kolkata.
The latest addition expands SOTC’s network to seven outlets, reiterating the company’s strategic focus to expand its footprint in the city.
Photo credit: SOTC. SOTC opens its seventh in-person sales outlet in Kolkata, India.
Kolkata is a key source market for SOTC Travel’s growing customer segments in West Bengal and East India. The new outlet has been strategically chosen based on its viable location and connectivity to serve both leisure and business segments, while extending its reach to key surrounding markets such as Garia and Behala.
SOTC Travel’s outlets offer end-to-end travel solutions with an array of services, including international and domestic holidays (Group tours, Personalised Holidays, Cruises, etc.), as well as Value-Added Services like travel insurance.
Kolkata Travel Trends
Top destinations
Domestic & Indian Subcontinent: Andaman, Kerala, Sri Lanka & Bhutan; darshans to Manasarovar and Char Dham. International: Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Bali, Philippines, Egypt, South Africa and South America.
Preferences
There is a high interest in experiential holidays, including Northern Lights in Scandinavia and Murmansk, Iceland, Antarctica, river cruising, and self-drive holidays.
Top customer segments
Multi-generational families, working professionals & GenS
Average holiday duration
3-5 days for domestic/short haul, 12-13 days for mid/long haul
Strong travel interest during the Durga Pujo* holidays
International — Europe, Australia, Africa, Singapore, Malaysia; Domestic and South Asia — Kerala, Andaman, Sri Lanka.
* Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava or Shaaradotsava, is an annual festival originating in the Indian subcontinent which pays homage to the Hindu goddess Durga. It is the biggest festival of Bengali Hindus in the Indian state of West Bengal. Festival dates: Sunday, 28 September to 2 October, 2025. (Source: Wikipedia).
HONG KONG, 7 August 2025: Cathay Pacific returned to the Belgian capital on 3 August with the launch of its four-times-weekly flights between Hong Kong and Brussels.
The new service, first announced in December 2024, resumed earlier this week, reestablishing a direct airline link between the airline’s home city and the Heart of Europe, offering customers even greater choice, connectivity and convenience.
Photo credit Cathay Group. Brussels is back in CX’s Europe network.
With its return to Brussels and increased flight frequencies on other routes, Cathay Pacific is operating close to 100 return flights per week between Hong Kong and Europe during the summer peak season.
This includes five daily flights to London, daily flights to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Manchester, Milan, Paris and Zurich, four weekly flights to Barcelona, Brussels, Madrid and Munich, and three weekly flights to Rome.
Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “We are very pleased to be back in Brussels, directly connecting our home hub with one of Europe’s major political centres and a tourism destination that’s steeped in history and culture. Our new service offers excellent flight timings in both directions, enabling customers to wake up refreshed with a full day ahead, whether they are arriving in Brussels or Hong Kong.
“Cathay has a long history in Europe stretching back more than four decades. This year alone, we have launched services to three new destinations in Europe, with new flights to Rome and Munich having already taken off in June. With increased frequencies to other popular European cities this summer as well, we’re making it even easier for customers to travel between Asia and Europe.”
Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong-Brussels flights are operated with the airline’s Airbus A350-900, one of the most advanced aircraft in its fleet. The A350-900 offers fully flat beds in Business, spacious seats in Premium Economy and extended comfort in the airline’s award-winning Economy.
Customers in all cabins can experience the world’s best inflight entertainment1 and connect to high-speed inflight Wi-Fi. Customers travelling in Business class, as well as Cathay Diamond members, enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access when flying with Cathay Pacific.
The flight schedule is as follows (all times local):
Customers travelling from Europe to Hong Kong can also benefit from seamless connections through the Cathay Group’s home hub, Hong Kong International Airport. Together, Cathay Pacific and its low-cost carrier, HK Express, operate passenger flights to over 100 destinations worldwide, with 23 destinations in the Chinese Mainland alone. Customers can also enjoy seamless connections to other major cities within the Greater Bay Area through direct air-to-sea and air-to-land intermodal services via the SkyPier Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport.
