BANGKOK, 5 February 2025: AirAsia has launched two new domestic services from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Udon Thani (twice daily) and Khon Kaen (daily).
These new services join the carrier’s existing routes from its Suvarnabhumi hub (daily flights to Chiang Mai, four daily to Phuket, two daily to Krabi, and twice daily to Hat Yai).
The additional routes from Suvarnabhumi Airport will improve connectivity for travellers heading for the two major cities in Northeast Thailand after arriving on international flights at the BKK hub. Previously they had to transfer to Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK), a 50 km commute from Suvarnabhumi airport.
Thai AirAsia CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya highlighted the robust growth of the domestic market.
“The domestic market has continued to grow rapidly, following the strong momentum from last year. In response, AirAsia has planned additional routes from both Don Mueang Airport (DMK) and Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), with a particular focus on Suvarnabhumi’s strategic advantage in offering convenient connections to more international flights”.
AirAsia will station four A320s at BKK this February, increasing to six aircraft by year-end.
AirAsia is selling promotional fares starting at THB890* per trip for flights to Udon Thani and Khon Kaen. Bookings are open until 28 February 2025 via AirAsia MOVE or the official website.
*Fares on sale include applicable taxes and charges.
DUBAI, UAE 4 February 2025: Emirates is celebrating the opening of its new lounge at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, Satellite 1 Terminal (SAT-1).
The newly relocated and refurbished lounge in the airport’s latest terminal sets a new standard for premium travel. It offers Emirates customers an enhanced ground experience that matches the sophistication of their journey.
With the USD5 million refurbishment, the lounge now spans 1,454 sqm. With a capacity of 250 guests, it can comfortably accommodate all premium passengers travelling on two simultaneous A380 departures. The expanded lounge in Bangkok now stands as the largest international lounge facility beyond the airline’s home market.
Emirates’ First and Business Class passengers, as well as Skywards members*, can look forward to pre-flight rest and relaxation with upscale furnishings in the signature Emirates style, elegant dining options and serene ambience. The lounge also offers a range of amenities, including shower spas, complimentary Wi-Fi as well a rich food and beverage selection that incorporates local and international dishes, as well as classic Thai desserts.
Emirates was one of the first airlines to move to the SAT-1 Terminal, which offers modern and convenient facilities for customers flying on any of the airline’s six daily flights from Bangkok. The Emirates lounge is conveniently located on the fourth floor of SAT-1 and is just a five-minute walk from the boarding gates.
Emirates operates 41 airport lounges worldwide, including seven at Dubai International Airport and 34 across its global network. The airline also offers eligible customers access to partner lounges in select destinations.
Strengthening operations in Thailand
This year, Emirates will be celebrating 35 years of service to Thailand, and over the years, the airline has doubled down on its commitment to growing tourism and business to the key Southeast Asia travel hub. The airline operates five daily flights between Dubai and Bangkok, using a mix of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, double daily flights to Phuket and a daily non-stop service between Bangkok and Hong Kong.
Operating the largest premium cabin capacity among international carriers to/from Bangkok, Emirates provides 870 first and business-class daily seats on its routes to and from the city. The extensive premium seat capacity reinforces Emirates’ position as the leading foreign airline for luxury travel to and from Bangkok, which has driven the expansion of its airport lounge facilities to accommodate the growing number of premium customers.
Bangkok is also Emirates’ second largest destination with First and Business Class seat capacity, highlighting the route’s popularity and strong demand for premium travel.
Travel with Emirates extends beyond the flight experience. First and Business Class passengers enjoy door-to-door luxury with complimentary Chauffeur-drive service covering a 60-km radius from Suvarnabhumi Airport**, along with exclusive check-in counters. On Emirates’ A380 aircraft, the premium experience includes the airline’s signature Onboard Lounge, private First Class suites and luxurious Shower Spa. Travellers flying on the Emirates A380 and Boeing 777 will also enjoy the airline’s award-winning entertainment system, ice, featuring over 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment.
* Paid access to the lounge is available on www.emirates.com ** Chauffeur-drive service includes excess mileage charges of THB 35 per km for destinations outside the 60-km radius.
BANGKOK, 4 February 2025: Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai headlines its playful collaboration with the Build-A-Bear Workshop.
This exciting new collaboration ensures an unforgettable experience filled with fun for all the family, including five themed rooms, exclusively branded bears and a workshop at Zing Deli & Café.
Located on a prime stretch of the Dubai Island waterfront, Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai offers an array of amenities such as a stunning outdoor pool, a lazy river, a kids’ fun water play area, waterslides, and cliff jumping points along with numerous recreational activities designed to delight both children and adults.
An exciting collaboration between Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai and Build-A-Bear Workshop allows for the perfect blend of fun and imagination. As part of this new partnership, guests can expect brightly coloured themed suites with exclusive branded stuffed animals to remember your wonderful family vacation. Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai and Build-A-Bear share the same ethos of crafting cherished memories to last a lifetime.
Mirage Build-A-Bear Suite Collection
Prepare for the ultimate sleepover in the all-new Mirage Build-A-Bear Suite Collection, where bright blue walls and playful details bring everyone’s favourite teddy friends to life. Each of the five themed suites features cosy bunk beds, a king-sized bed, and charming Build-A-Bear décor, perfect for fun-loving families. Topped off by magnificent views of the sparkling Arabian Gulf, this 50-square-metre haven invites little imaginations to run wild while parents relax.
Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai Corporate Director of Operations for the Middle East & Maldives and General Manager Sebastien Scheeg
said: “Our partnership with Build-A-Bear Workshop adds that extra spark of magic, perfectly complementing our family-focused vision. We’re not just offering a place to stay; we’re delivering lifetime moments that guests of all ages will cherish for years to come.”
The Magic Behind Build-A-Bear
Build-A-Bear Workshop is a global brand known for its adorable, customisable stuffed animals and signature heart ceremony where children can seal their new furry friend with a wish. Founded in 1997, Build-A-Bear Workshop inspires children of all ages to express themselves through their beloved cuddly toys, accessories, and experiences that celebrate fun, friendship, and imagination. With workshops worldwide, Build-A-Bear provides a unique and memorable experience for children and families alike.
BANGKOK, 4 February 2025: Autograph Collection Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, has opened the Veranda Resort Phuket, Autograph Collection, the first Autograph Collection Hotel in Phuket and the third in Thailand.
Located on the Cape Panwa peninsula, the 159-room Veranda Resort Phuket, Autograph Collection is 12 km from Phuket Town, 24 km from the tourist haven of Patong Beach, and 45 km from Phuket International Airport.
The resort has hired Rome Panitkuljukkrawal as the General Manager.
Veranda Resort Phuket, Autograph Collection will participate in Marriott Bonvoy – the award-winning travel programme from Marriott International.
MUMBAI, 4 February 2025: India’s SOTC Travel expands its franchise outlets in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj and East Delhi districts, bringing its network to 10 retail travel shops in the National Capital Region.
The National Capital Region encompasses the National Capital Territory of Delhi and several districts surrounding it, from the states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
SOTC adds retail travel shops in the NCR region (Delhi).
It’s an important source market for the company’s holiday business generated in Delhi and its surrounding catchments. SOTC Travel’s new franchise outlets are strategically situated at prime locations serving leisure and business segments.
The Vasant Kunj and East Delhi outlets offer end-to-end travel solutions and services, including international and domestic holidays (group tours, personalised holidays and cruises, etc), plus value-added services like travel insurance.
SOTC Travel Limited Senior Vice President & Head – Holidays, Rakesh Bawa said: “Vasant Kunj and East Delhi districts are emerging as key source markets with strong demand. We’re excited to open two new outlets, expanding our network to 10 locations. Centrally located, these stores will help us target key segments like families, millennials, business owners and Gen Z.”
About SOTC Travel SOTC Travel Limited is a step-down subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings held through its Indian-listed subsidiary, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL). SOTC Travel is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments, including leisure, incentives, and business travel. Established in 1949, SOTC is an Indian-grown brand with a legacy of nearly 75 years.
KUALA LUMPUR, 4 February 2025: Batik Air Malaysia has released details of its all-new frequent flyer programme, the Batik Air Club, which replaces Malindo Miles.
Batik Air Club has been completely reimagined, revealing a refreshed reward system perfectly aligned with Batik Air’s dynamic new identity.
Batik Air’s Facebook promotion recruits FFP members.
Here are the standouts of the new Batik Air Club rewards system.
Broader coverage for earning & redeeming points: Accumulate points and redeem them for free flights with Batik Air Malaysia and all airlines within the Lion Air Group. Points are rewarded based on the fare class booked (starting from Value Fare), and bookings must be made directly through the Batik Air Malaysia website.
Convert points from shopping: Turn shopping into points with every purchase using partner banks’ credit cards and redeem them for free flights.
Exclusive privileges: Up to 25% extra points, priority access, exclusive promotions and benefits for members.
Batik Air has streamlined the rewards system by integrating existing Malindo Miles points into Batik Air Club points.
Conversion Ratio: 1,000 Malindo Miles = 10 Batik Air Club points. Redemption Value: 1 Batik Air Club point = MYR 1.
KUALA LUMPUR, 4 February 2025: The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) released preliminary traffic figures for 2024 on Monday. They revealed strong growth in international air passenger and cargo markets.
The increase in flights and network expansions supported solid growth in travel demand. Robust e-commerce activity and disruptions to maritime shipping drove air cargo volumes higher.
In 2024, Asia Pacific airlines carried a combined 365 million international passengers, representing a 30.5% increase compared to the previous year. As measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), demand increased by 28%, reflecting relative strength on regional routes. After accounting for a 26.6% expansion in available seat capacity, the average international passenger load factor rose 0.9 percentage points to 81.6% for the year.
International air cargo markets recorded healthy growth in 2024 after two years of decline. Demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), rebounded with a solid 14.9% increase for the year, slightly outpacing a 14.6% growth in offered freight capacity. As a result, the average international freight load factor rose by a marginal 0.2 percentage points to 61% in 2024.
Commenting on the results, AAPA Director General, Subhas Menon said: “2024 was a strong year for Asia Pacific airlines. The post-pandemic recovery on North East Asia routes, helped by the relaxation of visa policies and overall healthy demand across the region, drove growth in both leisure and business travel markets. This resulted in a 30.5% increase in the number of international passengers carried for the year, reaching 365 million. Consequently, the region’s carriers achieved a record-high international passenger load factor of 81.6% in 2024, amidst capacity constraints stemming from ongoing supply chain shortages and delays in aircraft deliveries.”
Menon added: “Despite weakness in the global manufacturing sector, Asia Pacific carriers saw significant growth in their air cargo business, driven by a surge in e-commerce sales and the region’s role as a manufacturing hub, particularly in China. Persistent disruptions in maritime shipping also encouraged a modal shift in transport, contributing to the 15% growth in international air cargo demand for the year.”
Looking ahead, Menon concluded: “The outlook for air travel markets in 2025 remains broadly positive, although growth rates are expected to moderate further. However, airlines continue to face challenges, including rising labour, maintenance, and aircraft leasing costs and operational pressures due to ongoing delays in aircraft deliveries. To navigate these challenges, airlines are focusing on active cost management and seeking the commitment of equipment suppliers to address supply chain problems while continuing to invest in growth opportunities.”
BANGKOK, 4 February 2024: Lufthansa extends its A380 flights from Munich to Bangkok until 25 April 2025 to accommodate strong passenger bookings during Thailand’s Songkran Festival 13 to 15 April and the Easter holidays (20 April) in Europe.
Airlines of the Lufthansa Group currently operate up to 31 weekly flights between Thailand and Europe.
In a press statement on Monday, Lufthansa said it “was pleased to announce the extension of its Airbus A380 service from Bangkok to Munich for the peak Songkran holiday season.”
In response to growing demand during this key travel period, Lufthansa will operate its flagship aircraft on this route, offering passengers a luxurious and comfortable flying experience between the two major cities.
The A380, known for its spacious cabins, will be deployed for additional flights starting in early April 2025, coinciding with the annual Songkran Festival in Thailand. As one of the most significant cultural events in Thailand, the Songkran holiday attracts millions of travellers both domestically and internationally. Lufthansa’s decision to extend its A380 service aims to provide travellers with enhanced capacity and superior comfort during this busy travel period.
“We are excited to extend our A380 service on the Munich-Bangkok route during the Songkran holiday season,” said Lufthansa Vice President Asia Pacific & Joint Ventures East Felipe Bonifatti.
“The A380 offers unparalleled comfort and capacity, and we are confident that our passengers will appreciate the extra space and top-tier service as they travel during the busy Thai New Year period.”
KUALA LUMPUR, 4 February 2024: Low-cost airline Batik Air, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is expanding flights to China with the addition of Beijing, Changsha and Xiamen starting in mid-March and early April.
First reported by SAYS, an online news channel in Malaysia, the airline has yet to announce the additional Chinese destinations on its website. However, online advance schedules and timetables have been updated to show the new flights.
Three new routes will give the airline flights to nine Chinese destinations. Batik Air already serves six Chinese cities: Chengdu, Guangzhou, Haikou, Kunming, Zhangjiajie, and Zhengzhou. Boeing 737 MAX 800s are deployed on routes to China.
Three weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) will operate on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday starting 21 March.
Four flights weekly from Kuala Lumpur to Changsha Huanghua International Airport (CSX) will operate on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday starting on 22 March.
Four flights weekly from Kuala Lumpur to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday starting 11 April.
Flight schedules
Kuala Lumpur – Beijing
OD636 will depart Kuala Lumpur ( KUL) at 1955 and arrive in Beijing (PKX) at 0200 (plus a day). OD637 will depart Beijing ( PKX) at 0300 and arrive in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0905.
Kuala Lumpur – Changsha
OD642 will depart Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1840 and arrive in Changsha (CSX) at 2330. OD643 will depart Changsha (CSX) at 0030 and arrive in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0520.
Kuala Lumpur – Xiamen
OD678 will depart Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2000 and arrive in Xiamen (XMN) at 0030. OD679 will depart Xiamen (XMN) at 0130 and arrive in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0600.
GURUGRAM, India, 3 February 2025: Air India and Kenya Airways have entered a codeshare partnership to boost travel between India and Africa. The partnership complements an existing interline agreement between the two carriers.
The codeshare and interline partnerships allow passengers of both airlines to enjoy convenient access to a broader range of destinations across regions, leveraging a single ticket and a unified baggage policy.
Photo credit: Air India.
As part of the codeshare agreement, Air India will place its ‘AI’ designator code on twice-daily flights between Nairobi and Mumbai operated by Kenya Airways. This will seamlessly connect passengers via Mumbai on Air India-operated flights to or from Bangkok (Thailand), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Malé (Maldives), Melbourne (Australia), and Singapore.
In addition to existing connections, passengers from Nairobi can fly to Delhi with Air India to several other destinations in and outside of India.
The new agreement also enables Kenya Airways to place its ‘KQ’ designator code on Air India-operated flights between Delhi and Nairobi, thus enabling Kenya Airways passengers from across Africa to travel to Delhi via Nairobi.
“Deepening our partnership with Kenya Airways aligns perfectly with Air India’s strategic vision to expand our global footprint and strengthen our position in key markets”, said Air India Chief Commercial Officer Nipun Aggarwal.
“Our codeshare partnership will significantly benefit guests of both airlines and contribute to the overall growth of air travel between India and Africa.”
The interline agreement between Air India and Kenya Airways enables passengers to seamlessly travel on a single itinerary between any of 28 points in Africa (Accra, Addis Ababa, Dar Es Salaam, Harare, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Seychelles, Kilimanjaro, Mombasa, and Zanzibar to name a few), and any of 15 points in India (Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad to name a few).
“We are delighted to expand our partnership with Air India, opening up significant opportunities for our passengers. This codeshare agreement allows us to offer seamless connections to a wider range of destinations across both airlines’ networks, making travel easier and more convenient,” said Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Julius Thairu.
The codeshare flights are available for booking through Air India’s and Kenya Airways’ respective booking channels and travel agents.
