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TDF CEO joins WTTC ex-com

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TTR WEEKLY
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LONDON, 13 November 2024: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has appointed Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) in Saudi Arabia, to its Executive Committee.

Al-Fakhri has more than two decades of experience in corporate and investment banking and a strong track record in tourism development.

He has held several high-profile roles throughout his career, including serving as an Investment Advisor to His Excellency the Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia, Co-Founder of Tiraz AlArabia, and CEO of Al Ajial Holding.

In addition, he is a board committee member for several government entities related to tourism in Saudi Arabia. He has also held independent board positions with prominent financial institutions such as AlRajhi Takaful and Samba Financial Group. His expertise spans investment banking, institutional coverage, and tourism strategy, making him a valuable addition to WTTC’s Executive Committee.

WTTC President & CEO, Julia Simpson said: “We are delighted to welcome Qusai Al-Fakhri to our Executive Committee. His extensive expertise in both investment and Travel & Tourism, particularly in Saudi Arabia, one of the most dynamic markets in the world, will be instrumental in shaping our strategic vision at WTTC.”

Al-Fakhri commented: ” I am honoured to join the WTTC Executive Committee at such a transformative time for the global Travel & Tourism industry. This platform offers an incredible opportunity to collaborate with world-class leaders in shaping the future of tourism.

“As Saudi Arabia continues to emerge as a global destination for tourism, we are committed to sharing our experience and championing innovative, sustainable solutions that drive long-term growth for the sector. I look forward to working closely with WTTC and contributing to a bold, prosperous future for the global tourism landscape.”

Centara wins three Smart Travel Asia honours

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 12 November 2024: Centara Hotels & Resorts confirms three of its properties have been recognised in the Smart Travel Asia 2024 Best in Travel Poll. 

The flagship Centara Reserve Samui has been named the #1 Luxury Hotel in Asia, a prestigious recognition highlighting the property’s unparalleled dedication to redefining luxury and personalised travel. Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin achieved an esteemed third-place ranking in the ‘Top 10 Wedding Hotels in Asia’ category, while Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket secured fifth position in the ‘Top 10 Family Hotels in Asia’ category. 

These accolades reaffirm Centara’s commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality and memorable experiences across its diverse portfolio for all guests.

Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com   

ABOUT CENTARA 

Centara Hotels & Resorts is a leading hotel operator with 92 properties spanning all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, Centara Boutique Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. 

Centara also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for, including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.

Emirates crowned Best Airline in the World

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI UAE, 12 November 2024: Emirates has once again won ‘Best Airline in the World’ at the prestigious ULTRAs 2024 Awards.  

The airline was recognised by thousands of global travellers for its exceptional products, innovative services and superb value-for-money experiences on offer. Emirates’ ‘fly better’ travel experiences have also been recognised by more than 20 awards this year, including ‘World Best Airline’ by Telegraph Travel, ranking first amongst 90 global carriers; and ‘Best Airline’ by The Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards.

The award was accepted by Jabr Al-Azeeby, Emirates Divisional Vice President in the UK (left) and Thierry Aucoc, Emirates Senior Vice President Commercial Operations in Europe and the Americas (right).

The ULTRAs are amongst the most respected awards in the industry, which recognise travel leaders in multiple categories with winners determined from the votes of a global network of active and affluent travellers. Ultratravel is an independent magazine with a global circulation of 1.2 million active travellers.

The award was accepted by Thierry Aucoc, Emirates Senior Vice President Commercial Operations in Europe and the Americas, and Jabr Al-Azeeby, Emirates Divisional Vice President in the UK, at a ceremony held last week at Kensington Palace in London. The event was attended by leading members of the travel industry and other notable guests.

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said: “We’re delighted to be recognised as ‘Best Airline in the World’ by the prestigious ULTRAs. Our investments in products and services, in our people, training and technology, all aim to elevate the travel experience at every step of the journey so our customers truly ‘fly better’, and we’ll always work hard to raise the bar for them. Our multi-billion dollar nose-to-tail refurbishment programme will see over 200 aircraft receive fully refreshed interiors that will take the Emirates experience to even greater heights. Thank you to our loyal customers, and we’ll keep moving forward at pace to offer the very best in international air travel.”

Enhanced travel experiences

Emirates continues to invest in innovative products, implement advanced technologies, and expand its network to make the travel experience even more seamless for customers.

In the last year, the airline rolled out 8 fully refurbished aircraft with refreshed interiors (3 A380s, 5 Boeing 777s) as part of its US$ 4 billion retrofit programme; invested US$ 11 million to open new lounges for premium customers in London Stansted and Jeddah as well as refurbished the existing facility at Paris Charles De Gaulle; and opened experiential travel stores in Hong Kong, London, and Paris.

Emirates also expanded its global network by restarting services in Phnom Penh in Cambodia via Singapore and announcing new routes to Bogotá via Miami and Madagascar via the Seychelles. The airline recently announced its best-ever half-year financial results,  carrying 26.9 million passengers across its extensive network of more than 148 destinations (between 1 April and 30 September 2024).

Award-winning airline

Emirates also recently won the 2025 APEX World Class Airline for delivering outstanding customer service, and for showcasing the highest global standards of safety and well-being, sustainability, and service-guest experience.

Last month, the airline also took home five awards the at  Forbes Travel Guide’s Air Travel Awards including ‘Best International Airline,’ ‘Best Culinary Programme,’ ‘Best First Class,’ ‘Best In-Flight Cocktail Lounge’ (Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge) and ‘Best International Airline Lounge (First Class Lounge at Dubai International).’

Emirates operates the World’s largest fleet of wide-body Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft, offering spacious cabins and iconic inflight features such as its A380 Shower Spa and Onboard Lounge.  

Customers will also enjoy the warm hospitality of the airline’s multinational crew, regionally gourmet cuisine, and award-winning inflight entertainment system – ice – offering up to 6,500 channels of the best movies, TV shows, podcasts and more. Emirates’ inflight entertainment system was recognised last week as ‘Best Inflight Entertainment’ at the Business Traveller Awards 2024. The airline recently launched a new collaboration with Spotify – the World’s most popular audio-streaming subscription service – to offer customers a wide array of podcasts and playlists in the sky.

For more information or to book tickets, visit emirates.com. Tickets can also be booked on Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents.

SIA invests in A350-900 cabin retrofit

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 12 November 2024: Singapore Airlines (SIA) is investing SGD1.1 billion in a multi-year retrofit to install new long-haul cabin products across 41 Airbus A350-900 and ultra-long-range aircraft.

Redefining the premium travel experience on its network, the airline will introduce a luxurious first-class cabin in seven A350-900ULR aircraft, setting new industry benchmarks for travel on the world’s longest routes. 

Photo credit: Singapore Airlines. Retrofit plan for A350-900s.

Business Class customers can also expect an elevated travel experience with a new seat, offering greater privacy and comfort on all 41 A350-900 aircraft.

These A350-900 first and business-class products are designed from the ground up, and they are the same seat designs that will be featured on SIA’s upcoming Boeing 777-9 aircraft.

Complementing the new cabin products, the next version of SIA’s KrisWorld in-flight entertainment (IFE) system will offer greater personalisation and an extensive range of lifestyle options across all cabin classes. First-class and business-class seats will also feature new IFE screens.

Singapore Airlines Chief Executive Officer Goh Choon Phong said: “The new first class and business class seat designs will incorporate thoughtful elements that push the boundaries of comfort, luxury, and modernity, allowing our customers to relax or work effortlessly on board. Premium and economy class customers can also look forward to refreshed cabin interiors that enhance their travel experience.”

SIA Engineering Company in Singapore will deliver the first retrofitted A350-900 long-haul aircraft in the second quarter of 2026, while the first A350-900ULR (ultra-long-haul range) variant will follow in the first quarter of 2027. The entire programme is targeted for completion by the end of 2030.

Post-retrofit, the 34 A350-900 long-haul aircraft will have 42 business class seats, 24 premium economy class seats, and 192 economy class seats. The seven A350-900ULR variants will feature four first-class seats, 70 business-class seats, and 58 premium economy-class seats.

THAI reports Q3 financial performance

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 12 November 2024: Thai Airways International reported Q3/2024 revenue of THB45,828 million, an increase of THB8,820 million, or 23.8%, compared to the same period last year (THB37,008 million). 

Passengers carried reached 3.94 million, and the airline scored an average cabin factor of 76.1%, down from 77.3% during the same period last year.

THAI reported expenses of THB38,636 million, higher than the Q3/2023 (THB29,289 million). Most of this increase was due to variable costs associated with higher production and transportation volumes, with fuel expenses amounting to THB13,550 million (35.1%). 

THAI reported an operating profit, before financial costs of THB7,192 million lower than THB7,719 million baht in Q3/2023. 

THAI recorded financial costs of THB4,829 million and one-time items of THB10,119 million baht, mainly due to gain on foreign exchange rates. 

THAI and its subsidiaries reported a net profit of THB12,483 million baht, compared to THB1,546 million in the same period last year. 

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) after cash payments for aircraft lease agreement including Power by the Hour expenses for actual aircraft use, was THB6,655 million.

Nine months performance

In the first nine months of 2024, THAI and its subsidiaries reported total revenue, excluding one-time items, of THB135,810 million, representing a 17.2% increase compared to the same period last year, which declared revenue of THB115,897 million. 

The total expenses, excluding one-time items, were THB111,617 million, representing a 28.9% increase compared to the same period last year when total expenses were THB86,567 million. THAI and its subsidiaries reported an operating profit, before financial costs and excluding one-time items, of THB24,193 million, a decrease of 17.5% from the same period last year, when it was THB29,330 million. 

THAI and its subsidiaries recorded financial costs amounting to THB14,233 million and one-time items of THB5,273 million, mainly due to adjustments for expired passenger tickets, gain from debt restructuring, and gain on foreign exchange rates. However, impairment loss of assets mainly occurred in A380-800 aircraft. 

Consequently, THAI and its subsidiaries reported a net profit of THB15,221 million, compared to THB16,342 million in the same period last year. 

Passenger production, or Available Seat Kilometre (ASK), increased by 19.2%, while passenger traffic, or Revenue Passenger Kilometre (RPK), increased by 15.3%. This affected an average cabin factor of 77.4%, lower than the previous year’s 80.0%. Passengers carried was 11.62 million, an increase of 14.7% during the same period last year.

During the first nine months of 2024, THAI had paid THB3,531 million in debt repayment under its Rehabilitation Plan.

PG introduces a one-way flight CNX to KBV

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 12 November 2024: Bangkok Airways has resumed domestic flights between Chiang Mai and Krabi during the winter timetable that runs through 31 March 2025.

The airline last flew the route in 2020. It links the northern city of Chiang Mai with Krabi, a coastal resort on the southern mainland coast facing the Andaman Sea 100 km from Phuket island.  

Photo credit: Bangkok Airways.

Demonstrating a cautious policy, the airline offers three weekly services: Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday using an A320, and it’s only one way. Travellers must join a flight to Bangkok on the return leg and connect with flights from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Chiang Mai. Reflecting its conservative policy, the airline has yet to resume flights between Bangkok and another northern city, Chiang Rai, which stopped in March 2020.

PG’s new one-way service Chiang Mai – Krabi competes with Thai AirAsia, which serves the route with roundtrip flights (both ways) and schedules 18 weekly flights. Flights depart Chiang Mai for Krabi twice daily, in the morning and evening, while midday flights depart on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. 

PG introduced the one-way flight to serve its codeshare partners — international airlines that have passengers planning to visit Chiang Mai for its culture and heritage, transfer to Krabi for a beach holiday and then return to Bangkok to connect with international flights to Europe.

Flight Schedule
Flight PG246 departs Chiang Mai (CNX) at 1435 and arrives in Krabi (KBV) at 1630.

The airline has increased Bangkok – Krabi (roundtrip) flights by adding PG261, which departs Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) at 0750 and arrives at Krabi International Airport (KBV) at 0920.

It has added an evening flight, PG 263, departing Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) at 1900 and arriving at Krabi International Airport (KBV) at 2030.

These two flights are in addition to three daily roundtrip flights on the Bangkok – Krabi route, which depart the Thai capital mid-morning, lunchtime, and evening.

KAL names Southeast Asia managers

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1호기, a321, a321neo, airbus, GMP, gmpkk, hl8505, 김포공항, 에어버스, 윙렛, winglet, sharklet, 샤크렛, 꼬리날개, 태극, 로고

SINGAPORE, 12 November 2024: Korean Air has appointed In Sung Hwang as its new Country Manager for Thailand, bringing over two decades of extensive aviation experience to one of the airline’s key Southeast Asian markets.

Hwang began his career with Korean Air in 2001 at the Busan Passenger Office before moving to the Passenger Planning Division in 2003, where he spent six years developing strategic initiatives for the airline’s passenger operations.

His international experience includes an assignment at the Ho Chi Minh City Sales Office in 2009, followed by five years in the Corporate Strategy Division, where he played a crucial role in shaping the airline’s business direction. 

In 2015, he provided operational support at the Manila Sales Office before joining the Southeast Asia Regional Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur in 2016. Hwang served as General Manager of Cabin Planning from 2017 to 2022, leading comprehensive cabin service strategies. Most recently, he headed the Passenger Planning Team from 2023 to early 2024, overseeing network development and capacity planning.

Thailand represents a vital market for Korean Air, which operates regular flights from three key Thai destinations — Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai — to Seoul Incheon. 

This robust network offers Thai travellers convenient connections to the airline’s extensive global network, which includes 13 gateways across North America, such as Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, as well as major cities throughout Japan and China.

“Thailand’s thriving tourism industry and robust bilateral business relations with South Korea make this an exciting time to lead Korean Air’s operations here,” said Hwang. “We see momentum in both leisure and business travel, driven by Thailand’s enduring appeal as a premier destination and the growing economic partnership between our nations.”

Country Manager for Vietnam

Meanwhile,  Korean Air has appointed Kyoung Hee Kang as its new Regional Manager for Vietnam. She brings over 25 years of aviation industry experience to this key market.

Kang joined Korean Air in 1997 and has gained extensive experience across multiple strategic roles. She assumes this position following her role as the head of the sales management group at Korean Air’s Regional Headquarters in Korea.

Throughout her career at Korean Air, Ms. Kang has held several senior positions, including roles in passenger sales, human resources development, and regional operations. Her previous appointment at the Regional Headquarters of Southeast Asia, where she oversaw operations in Singapore and Malaysia, has provided her with comprehensive knowledge of the regional market.

“Vietnam represents one of Korean Air’s most dynamic markets in Southeast Asia, with our extensive network serving Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc,” said  Kang. “The country’s robust economic growth and increasing demand for both business and leisure travel present significant opportunities. We are committed to strengthening our presence across these five key Vietnamese destinations and enhancing connectivity between Vietnam and our global network through our Seoul Incheon hub.”

From January to September this year, South Koreans were the top visitors to Vietnam, with over 3.3 million visitors in the first nine months of 2024.

KAL adds flight to Manila

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 12 November 2024: Korean Air will add a fourth daily scheduled service between Seoul Incheon and Manila on 24 November 24, enhancing connectivity between the region and North America through its Seoul Incheon hub.

Flight KE619 will depart Seoul Incheon at 2140 and arrive in Manila at 0105 the following day.  

Photo credit: Korean Air.

Flight KE620, will depart Manila at 0220 and arrive in Seoul Incheon at 0725.

Korean Air will deploy an 182-seat A321neo aircraft to the additional service, configured with eight lie-flat business class seats and 174 economy class seats.

KAL currently flies 21 services weekly on the Seoul—Manila route, with daily departures from Seoul at 0745, 1835 and 2005. The additional daily flight will depart Seoul at 2140. The airline deploys a Boeing 777-300 with 338 seats for the 0745 departure, an Airbus A340-300 with 277 seats for the 1835 departure and an A321 with 182 seats for the 2005 departure.

As Korean Air’s primary transit corridor between Southeast Asia and North America, the Manila route is pivotal in the airline’s global network. The new late-night service aligns with morning departures to North America, enhancing connectivity options for passengers. 

“As air travel demand continues to grow, we are strengthening our commitment to the Philippines market through continued investment and service expansion,” said Korean Air Philippines Country Manager, Byung Kwon Lee.

South Korea was the largest source of international arrivals into the Philippines in 2024, reflecting the robust ties between the two nations. These strong bilateral relations ensured Korea’s position as the Philippines’ fifth largest trading partner in 2023, with bilateral trade valued at USD12.02 billion. As part of its ongoing network expansion strategy, the airline will continue to develop its services between the two countries and beyond, leveraging its extensive global network spanning 120 destinations across 43 countries.

CX shores up India flights in 2025

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 12 November 2024: Cathay Pacific confirms this week that it will resume a direct passenger service to Hyderabad, the capital city of India’s Telangana state, starting on 30 March 2025. 

Cathay Pacific’s upcoming Hong Kong-Hyderabad service is now open for bookings. It marks the airline’s latest step in strengthening its network presence in India and enhancing connectivity at its home hub, Hong Kong.

Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “We are delighted to be resuming our direct flights between Hong Kong and Hyderabad. These flights will give customers access to one of India’s most vibrant cities, known for its rich heritage and booming technology sector.

“The resumption reaffirms our established presence in India and our commitment to enhancing our services in this important market. Our efforts to foster cultural connections and facilitate trade between our home city and India will continue as we further strengthen our network to grow and develop Hong Kong as a leading international aviation hub.”

The airline’s Airbus A330-300 aircraft, featuring business and economy cabins, will operate a direct service between Hong Kong and Hyderabad. Upon launch, the service will operate thrice weekly, increasing to five weekly from 1 September 2025.

Currently, Cathay Pacific operates 31 return passenger flights per week to four destinations in India: Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai. Frequencies will rise to 39 return flights per week by 30 March 2025 and 43 return flights per week by 1 September 2025. Aside from the five-times-weekly Hyderabad service, this will include double-daily flights to Delhi, 10 flights per week to Mumbai, and daily flights to Bengaluru and Chennai.

Cathay Pacific’s Hyderabad service will also connect more travellers from India to Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and beyond via the airline’s extensive global network at its home hub.

In addition to Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific also increases the convenience of reaching other cities within the vibrant Greater Bay Area through ferry and coach transfer services via the SkyPier Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport. These intermodal codeshare services ensure customers enjoy the most seamless and convenient connectivity from the moment they purchase their tickets through Cathay Pacific’s website, contact centres and travel agency partners, with baggage checked through to their final destination (1), and a hassle-free transfer experience through Hong Kong International Airport.

This service has already proven popular among our customers travelling from India, especially during the recent Canton Fair due to the Guangzhou Pazhou Ferry Terminal’s close proximity to the Canton Fair Complex. Cathay Pacific looks forward to building on that success with its direct flights between Hong Kong and Hyderabad.

From their Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong, customers can seamlessly connect to seven destinations within the Greater Bay Area via high-speed ferry and two destinations via coach transfers without the need to clear immigration in Hong Kong. Ferry destinations from the SkyPier include Dongguan Humen Ferry Terminal, Guangzhou Pazhou Ferry Terminal, Guangzhou Nansha Passenger Port, Macao Maritime Ferry Terminal, Shenzhen Shekou Cruise Home Port, Shenzhen Airport Ferry Terminal and Zhongshan Port. Coach destinations from the SkyPier via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) include HZMB Macao Port and HZMB Zhuhai Port.

Flight schedules for Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong-Hyderabad service are as follows (times local, subject to regulatory approval):

1 Only available for air-to-sea, sea-to-air and coach-to-air connections via Hong Kong International Airport. For air-to-coach connections, customers must collect their baggage at the SkyPier Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport.

Air India reshuffles top management

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TTR WEEKLY
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GURUGRAM, India, 11 November 2024: Air India Group has announced management changes due to the merger of Air India and Vistara, which is scheduled for 12 November 2024.

Vinod Kannan, Vistara’s Chief Executive Officer, who has also been the Chief Integration Officer for the full-service airlines’ merger, will continue in this role post-merger. He will be a member of the Management Committee and report directly to Air India CEO Campbell Wilson.

Deepak Rajawat, Vistara’s Chief Commercial Officer, will take up the Chief Financial Officer role at the newly enlarged Air India Express, reporting to CEO Aloke Singh. 

He will also support Group CFO Sanjay Sharma in strategic initiatives and projects. Consequently, Mr Vikas Agarwal, the current CFO of Air India Express, will move to a new role in Air India.

Captain Hamish Maxwell, SVP of Flight Operations of Vistara, has assumed an advisory role to Air India Express CEO Mr Aloke Singh. Captain Pushpinder Singh, Chief Operations Officer of Air India Express, returns to flying. A successor will be announced in due course.

Deepa Chadha and Vinod Bhatt, SVP of HR & Corporate Affairs and Chief Information Officer of Vistara, respectively, will take on senior roles at other Tata group companies.

Vistara CFO Niyant Maru, who worked beyond his superannuation date to complete the merger, will retire at the end of his current term.

All other Air India Group chief executive roles and reporting lines remain unchanged.

Announcing these transitions, Air India CEO & MD Campbell Wilson said: “Over the past two years, the four Tata airlines have worked hard to prepare for and execute one of the most complex mergers in aviation history, consolidating from four airlines to two in the context of dramatic growth and wholesale transformation. As we approach the end of that process, we are delighted to formalise a Group leadership comprising colleagues from all four antecedent airlines to drive the next phase of our journey. I would also like to acknowledge those who, whether retiring or taking up other roles within the Tata group, have contributed significantly to the consolidation process and, over many years, to the DNA of what is now the new Air India.”

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