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Hoteliers join D-Talks Bali event

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 8 November 2024. D-Edge hosted an “Inspiring Afternoon at D-Talks Bali” at Artotel Sanur Bali together with 51 prominent hoteliers from across the Bali region and featured leading tourism experts from Trip Affiliates Network (TA Network), D-Edge, STR, and Gustodian.

The event provided actionable insights for the hospitality industry in the context of Bali’s hotel industry. The agenda fostered collaboration, shared industry insights, and provided actionable strategies for optimising operations in the hospitality sector. 

Featuring expert speakers from leading companies, the event sought to educate attendees on the importance of technology integration, data-driven decision-making, and maximising revenue through innovative tools and systems.

Notable opinion leaders 

Wilson Napitupulu, Regional Director – Ecosystem & Partnerships – Southeast Asia at TA Network, shared insights on expanding their revenue by directing bookings through B2B channels.

Dian Ayu Sastrokusumo, D-EDGE’s account manager, delivered an enlightening presentation on the importance of having strong website content and an effective digital marketing strategy. She also emphasised the role of a channel manager in optimising hotel bookings and visibility.

Veranica Maidangkay, business development manager at STR, a global leader in hotel data benchmarking, highlighted data’s crucial role in hotel decision-making. She explained how accurate data can help hotels craft strategies to drive growth and performance in the competitive hospitality market. Some insights highlighted included understanding how different customer segments perform concerning each other, hotels analysing revenue trends to refine their pricing strategies to maximise profitability, identifying opportunities in underperforming areas to adjust their offerings and capture more business, and the use of forward-looking data on future bookings for hoteliers to forecast demand and adjust their strategies proactively.

Ayu Rista, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Gustodian, a pioneering property management system (PMS) provider, talked about the importance of an integrated PMS. She explained how it can help profile guests, enhance operational management, and ultimately deliver a superior guest experience, ensuring that hotels remain competitive in an increasingly personalised market.

Thomas Wong, TA Network’s Regional HQ Director – Growth & Partnerships, praised the event’s success in drawing the attention of Balinese hoteliers to the vital role of staying current with the latest digital technologies and solutions. 

He highlighted that “with digital transformation advancing rapidly, hotels are facing both unprecedented opportunities and challenges. Events like D-Talks Bali are essential for equipping local hoteliers with the tools and insights needed to optimise their business processes, maximise revenue, and enhance guest experiences in a competitive market.”

About D-Edge
D-EDGE is a leading distribution technology provider in hospitality. The organisation was created as a merger of two of the largest independent hotel marketing technology companies, Availpro and Fastbooking, under the supervision of one of the most innovative hotel chains in the world. 

As a B2B company, D-Edge believes that the first promise is to provide reliable products. D-Edge operates support teams in over 150 countries across Europe and Asia.

About Trip Affiliates Network
Headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, Trip Affiliates Network provides FIT/group inbound and outbound turnkey solutions and add-on direct supplier connectivity services for travel agents, wholesalers and hotels. High-end platforms include integrated booking systems for flights, hotels, activities and transfers plus dynamic packages and digital payment solutions. www.tripaffiliates.com

About STR
STR is the global leader in hospitality data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights. Founded in 1985, STR maintains a robust global presence with regional offices strategically located in Nashville, London, and Singapore. In October 2019, STR was acquired by CoStar Group, Inc. 

About Gustodian
Gustodian is a forward-thinking service provider that believes in using technology in a useful and user-friendly way, to improve guest engagement and experience through service innovation. With its suite of products collectively called GUSTO – Guest Services Tools Online – the company aims to be a change agent and lead the industry to higher and better levels of guest service and operational effectiveness.

Air India smooths Vistara merger process

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TTR WEEKLY
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NEW DELHI, 8 November 2024: Air India is embarking on multiple steps to ensure a smooth on-ground customer experience as Vistara merges with Air India on 12 November 2024.

In the first month after the merger, nearly 115,000 customers who had purchased Vistara tickets before the merger are expected to fly on unified Air India.

Vistara’s customers will continue to have the same experience post-merger. Vistara aircraft will be operated by Air India and identified by a special four-digit Air India code beginning with the digit ‘2.’

For instance, UK 955 will become AI 2955, helping customers identify them while booking on www.airindia.com after 12 November. 

Vistara’s routes and schedule will continue to be the same, as will the Vistara in-flight experience, which includes the product and services. The same crew will also service the aircraft.

Air India has deployed additional resources across touch points in India and is working closely with partner airports to undertake the following steps: 

• Help desk kiosks at the curbside, before terminal entry at hubs and metro city airports

• Deploy customer support staff wearing “How may I assist you?” Air India x Vistara branded t-shirts for support

• Work with airport security to guide customers with old Vistara tickets to the nearest help desk or to Air India customer support staff

• Vistara airport ticketing offices will become Air India offices

• Vistara check-in terminals will become Air India

• Deploy customer advisory on Self-Service Kiosks: “For Vistara flights under code AI2, select Air India for check-in starting 12 November 2024.”

Customers calling the Vistara contact centre will be automatically directed to Air India representatives, ensuring a seamless experience during this transition.

Over the last few months, 270,000 customers who had booked Vistara flights have been migrated to Air India and notified about the change. Data for over 4.5 million Vistara loyalty programme members is being migrated to Air India’s loyalty programme. 

Air India will serve 90 domestic and international destinations and over 800 more through codeshare and interline partners. The airline’s narrow-body fleet continues to be upgraded with new aircraft being delivered, legacy aircraft being refitted with entirely new interiors and Vistara’s catering has also been extended to Air India. 

Air India’s widebody fleet has also been augmented with the entry of six A350 aircraft that have started to fly between Delhi and London and Delhi and New York. Air India has started its retrofit program with the first A320neo narrow-body aircraft being sent for retrofit. 27 narrow-body legacy aircraft will be totally refurbished and retrofitted, and this retrofit is likely to be completed by the middle of 2025.

The retrofitted A320neo aircraft will feature eight luxurious business seats, 24 extra-legroom seats in premium economy, and 132 seats in economy. 

AirAsia expands regional flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 8 November 2024: Tourism Malaysia welcomes the resumption of AirAsia’s direct flights connecting Dalat, Vietnam (DLI) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL).

Dalat flights resumed earlier this week, plus a brand new route was introduced on 2 November from Kuala Lumpur to Chiang Rai (CEI), in North Thailand. It’s the only international flight to Chiang Rai to be established since pre-Covid 2019, when various Chinese airlines flying from major cities in mainland China served the Thai destination that shares river borders with neighbours Myanmar and Laos.

A welcome for flights arriving in KUL from Dalat and Chiang Rai.

These new services demonstrate AirAsia’s dedication to enhancing regional connectivity, making it easier for travellers to explore Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director General (Promotion II) Lee Thai Hung hosted a special welcome reception at Terminal 2, KLIA, where guests and passengers enjoyed a celebratory event upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur. The welcoming gesture reflected  Malaysian hospitality and the ongoing collaboration between AirAsia and Tourism Malaysia in promoting Malaysia as a prime travel destination in the ASEAN region.

The resumed AK 572 Dalat to Kuala Lumpur service operates four times weekly, departing Dalat at 1240 and arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 1555, using an A320 aircraft with 180 seats.

Flight Schedule KUL-DLI

Flight AK571 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1100 and arrives in Dalat (DLI) at 1210 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Flight AK572 departs Dalat at 1240 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 1555.

The new AK872 Chiang Rai to Kuala Lumpur route flies three times weekly, departing Chiang Rai at 1345  and arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 1755. The route provides a convenient link for travellers between northern Thailand and Malaysia and is served by an A320 aircraft.

Flight schedule KUL-CEI

Flight AK871 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) 1125 and arrives in Chiang Rai (CEI) at 1315 on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Flight AK872 departs Chiang Rai at 1345 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 1755.

As of September 2024, Malaysia logged 1,216,809 and 265,068 tourist arrivals from Thailand and Vietnam, respectively.

Lufthansa celebrates 65 years in Thailand

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 8 November 2024: Lufthansa marks a significant milestone in its history: the 65th anniversary of its inaugural flight from Hamburg to Bangkok. 

The milestone highlights the airline’s long-standing commitment to the Thai market and the Mekong region, connecting cultures, facilitating travel, and fostering business relationships between Germany and Thailand.

Lufthansa’s first flight to Thailand took off from Hamburg, Germany, 1 November 1959 opening a new chapter in international air travel.  

LH640, then known as the Super Constellation, took off for the Far East from Hamburg via Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Rome, Cairo, Karachi and Calcutta to Thailand on a spectacular journey lasted nearly two days.  

Today, Lufthansa operates multiple weekly flights between Europe and Thailand via its hubs in Munich and Frankfurt. In addition to the mainline carrier, the Lufthansa Group’s airlines connect Thailand with Europe via additional hubs in Zurich (Switzerland) and Vienna (Austria), with up to 31 weekly flights between Thailand and Europe.  

Lufthansa Allegris First Class Suite Plus.

Lufthansa Group Vice President Asia Pacific & Joint Ventures East, Felipe Bonifatti commented: “This anniversary is a testament to our dedication to serving our customers and connecting them with the world. Bangkok has been – and remains – a vital destination for us, and we look forward to continuing to enhance our services as we celebrate the rich Lufthansa history in Thailand. With a legacy that stretches more than six decades, we operate more flights to Thailand than any other European airline group and are delighted to have resumed A380 services to Bangkok just last month.”

Turbo-charged first-class suites on India flights

Meanwhile, Lufthansa’s Allegris First Class experience will launch in November on flights to Bangalore and Mumbai in India. The new cabin on long-haul routes will launch on the route to Bangalore on 9 November and Mumbai on 15 November. Two individual suites and the Suite Plus experience are featured on the A350-900. 

WTM: Sarawak unveils Gateway to Borneo

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TTR WEEKLY
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LONDON, 7 November 2024: Sarawak Tourism Board introduced its transformative “Gateway to Borneo” campaign to travel buyers and influencers attending the WTM in London this week, inviting global travellers to explore the cultures, pristine landscapes, and boundless adventures that Sarawak has to offer. 

The campaign marks Sarawak’s refreshed brand as a rising star in sustainable tourism and the Gateway to Borneo’s natural wonders and diverse heritage.

During WTM that concludes today, 7 November, the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah shared Sarawak’s story with industry stakeholders and partners.

“Sarawak’s ‘Gateway to Borneo’ is more than an entry point — it’s a journey into a land where rich traditions, majestic landscapes, and responsible tourism set a new benchmark for world travellers. As we step boldly into the future, our mission is to preserve and share this unique heritage while pioneering eco-friendly tourism experiences that honour both our environment and our communities,” said the Minister.

The UK remains a pivotal market for Sarawak, making up over 34% of the long-haul visitors. The numbers are rising encouragingly, supported by strong partnerships and a growing demand for Sarawak’s sustainable travel experiences. From January to September 2024, Sarawak welcomed a 7.73% increase in visitors from the UK, underscoring its global appeal and contributing to the 4 million arrivals target for the year.

STB’s presence at WTM London underscored Sarawak’s commitment to showcasing its distinct offerings and building strategic partnerships. 

Four innovative initiatives, which capture Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable tourism and diverse travel experiences, were highlighted at this year’s WTM.

1. Audra’s Eat, Roam, and Relish – This culinary series celebrates Sarawak’s recognition as Malaysia’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, offering an immersive journey through the region’s authentic flavours and unique ingredients.

Hosted by renowned chef Audra Morrice, this six-episode series showcases Sarawak’s rich culinary landscape with her Sarawakian roots. Audra explores the flavours and traditions of her mother’s homeland, highlighting Sarawak as a premier food tourism destination where food connects people through shared stories and heritage.

2. Borneo Green Bike Tour – This eco-friendly tour allows visitors to explore Kuching’s iconic sites on electric bikes, promoting low-carbon travel while supporting Sarawak’s Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

3. XTERRA Sarawak Borneo Trail Run – This off-road trail run in rural Pueh Village, organised with Sarawak Adventure Challenge, brings adrenaline and adventure to the forefront, positioning Sarawak as a prime sports tourism destination in the region.

4. Clicktripz – In partnership with Clicktripz, Sarawak is also leading digital innovation with Asia Pacific’s first AI-powered marketing approach to amplify its global reach, directly engaging travellers in a meaningful way that highlights Sarawak’s rich heritage, adventure,and responsible tourism.

For more information on Sarawak visit:https://www.sarawaktourism.com/web/home/index/

Centara presents a WTM update

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 7 November 2024: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, returned to WTM London from 5 to 7 November to meet with the world’s travel trade and reveal its latest news, insights and expansion plans.

2024 has been a highly productive year for Centara, with the opening of exceptional new hotels, the launch of revitalised brands, entry into exciting new markets, and several prestigious awards. The group will use WTM London to provide a timely update on its latest developments – including one of the most significant projects in Centara’s 41-year history: The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts.

Since its founding in 1983, Centara has built a proud reputation for providing warm, family-centric, Thai-style hospitality. A sustainable growth strategy has increased its portfolio to 92 hotels and resorts either operating or in the pipeline, covering 11 countries and six diverse brands: Centara Reserve, Centara Boutique Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life, and COSI. Earlier this year, Centara Life (formerly known as Centra by Centara) was relaunched under a new lifestyle concept that will “Elevate the Essentials” for visitors in key cities and resorts in Thailand and beyond, with guest-friendly innovations such as 24-hour check-ins and stays, flexible breakfasts until 4PM, and complimentary “daily delights”.

The group’s expansion strategy has gathered momentum this year. The debut of the 95-key COSI Vientiane Nam Phu, Laos, in March 2024 marked the first location outside Thailand for COSI, Centara’s affordable lifestyle brand. Then in August 2024, the 61-key Centara Life Lamai Resort Samui opened its doors just three minutes’ walk from idyllic Lamai Beach, marking the arrival of the newly-reimagined Centara Life brand in Koh Samui.

Attendees at WTM London were offered an exclusive first glimpse at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, the stunning underwater world-themed, family-focused resort in the North Malé Atoll, which will welcome its first guests in November 2024. With spacious beach and overwater villa accommodations and fantastic facilities for all ages, all centred around a vibrant water park; this resort marks the start of a new era of dedicated family travel in the Maldives. Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is the first phase of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a brand-new multi-island destination, and will soon be complemented by Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, its sophisticated neighbouring resort opening in February, creating options for every occasion just a short speedboat journey away from Malé airport.

In further exciting developments, two flagship properties will emerge from extensive renovations this year. Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, the renowned family resort themed around the concept of a Lost World that thrills all ages with its fantastic facilities, water park and 230 metres of pristine sandy beach, has been completely upgraded. All-new rooms,  restaurants and beach club, enhanced waterpark and entertainment facilities, and a new theme park attraction will further consolidate the resort’s position as Thailand’s pre-eminent family destination. Similarly, Centara Karon Resort Phuket, a flagship of the Centara brand, has been contemporarily refurbished and reimagined as an exceptional resort for every occasion, including fun-filled family escapes and romantic retreats.

Underlining Centara’s success, the company has received a series of major awards. Centara Hotels & Resorts Chief Executive Officer Thirayuth Chirathivat was honoured with a “Thailand Top CEO of the Year 2024” award from Business+ magazine in collaboration with the Journal of Business Administration Faculty at Bangkok’s Thammasat University. This followed Centara Hotels & Resorts being named as “Thailand’s Strongest Brand” in Brand Finance’s Thailand 50 report for 2024.

Centara’s Chief Operating Officer, Michael Henssler, said: “2024 is a transformative year for Centara, as we celebrate the launch of several exciting new brand concepts and key projects, including The Atollia by Centara & Resorts, our most ambitious and innovative development to date. WTM London is one of the world’s most important travel trade shows, so the team was delighted to return to provide our latest news and exclusive updates to our esteemed industry colleagues and media partners.”To learn more about Centara Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com. 

Fraser opens property in North Vietnam

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 7 November 2024: Frasers Hospitality, a business unit of Frasers Property, announced Tuesday the opening of Modena by Fraser Vinh Yen, its first hotel residence in the Vinh Phuc province of Northern Vietnam. 

Centrally located in the heart of the city’s old quarters, it’s the preferred address for exploring the city. Modena by Fraser Vinh Yen features 88 fully furnished serviced apartments comprising studios and one – to three-bedroom units. These units have a kitchenette and separate large living and dining areas. The property offers 24/7 reception, security, a concierge team, housekeeping services, and an all-day dining restaurant. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, two sauna rooms and a 24-hour gym.

Vinh Yen is in the northern part of the country and a 50-minute drive from Hanoi. A vibrant city known for its rich history and stunning landscapes, guests can look forward to the picturesque scenery of the breathtaking Tam Dao Mountain range and tranquil Dai Lai Lake. This provincial capital is also home to numerous cultural and historical sites, such as the Vinh Son Pagoda and the Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel. 

Foodies will enjoy exploring the famed Kim Ngoc Food Street, which offers a range of delicious street foods and snacks. Avid golfers will appreciate the short 30-minute drive to three of the largest golf courses in Vinh Phuc: Thanh Lang Valley Golf & Resort, Dai Lai Golf Club, and Tam Dao Golf & Resort. Other amenities are easily accessible, such as supermarkets, Vinh Yen train station, and the Noi Bai International Airport, which is a mere 46-minute drive away.

Modena by Fraser Vinh Yen sells a stay at USD35++ per room per night until 28 February 2025.  

Macau signals strong airline traffic

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 7 November 2024: Macau International Airport (MFM) reports robust growth in passenger traffic for the first 10 months of 2024, reaching 6.34 million passengers, a 56.92% year-on-year increase.

Aircraft movements reached over 49,000, a 49.37% increase compared to the previous year. Passenger volume and aircraft movements have recovered to approximately 80% and 78%, respectively, compared with 2019 pre-Covid levels. 

Photo credit: Macau International Airport.

During the first three quarters, international passport holders accounted for 15% of all arriving passengers, a 1.1-fold increase from last year. This indicates that MIA is steadily recovering and advancing toward new growth milestones.

Winter flight schedule

Air Macau will launch a new route between Macau and Taichung in November and increase services from 14 to 21 weekly flights to Bangkok on 1 December. 

In Mainland China, Air Macau will increase its flights to Chongqing and Guiyang by five times per week and the Nanning routes by four times per week. 

Westair plans to launch a new route from Lhasa City via Chongqing to Macau, while JEJU Air plans to resume the route between Jeju Island and Macau. 

MIA is collaborating closely with transportation providers to develop air-land and land-air intermodal options, offering connected ground transportation from various Greater Bay Area cities such as Guangzhou, Jiangmen, Huangpu, Foshan, Gaoming, Dongguan, Zhangmutou, and Zhaoqing. Passengers can purchase bus tickets from those locations to the Gongbei or Hengqin border and seamlessly connect to MIA, providing a convenient travel option for Greater Bay Area passengers.

Mr Biker Saigon pedals new tour catalogue

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TTR WEEKLY
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HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, 7 November 2024: Mr Biker Saigon announced this week the release of its 2025 cycling tour catalogue, now available for download. 

This comprehensive guide offers a wide selection of curated itineraries for tour operators, travel agents, and destination management companies (DMCs) looking to provide their clients with unforgettable cycling experiences across Vietnam and Cambodia.

Catalogue Highlights 

  • Expanded E-Bike Options: Mr Biker Saigon is proud to offer the largest e-bike fleet in Vietnam, providing cyclists of all levels with the opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes of Vietnam and Cambodia at their own pace. From the serene Mekong Delta to the challenging hills of Central Vietnam, their state-of-the-art e-bikes cater to both seasoned cyclists and those looking for a more relaxed ride.
  • Authentic Local Experiences: Each itinerary is designed to immerse cyclists in Vietnam’s local culture and natural beauty. Mr Biker’s expert in-house guides share their deep knowledge of the regions, offering guests unique insights into local life and hidden gems while ensuring a smooth and enriching tour experience.
  • Flexible Itineraries for All Cycling Levels: The 2025 catalogue includes various tour options, ranging from leisurely day trips to challenging multi-day adventures, ensuring that there is something for every type of cyclist. These flexible itineraries are easily adaptable to meet clients’ diverse needs, whether they are beginners or experienced riders.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with tour operators, travel agents, and DMCs to bring our 2025 cycling tours to more clients worldwide,” said Mr Biker Saigon founder and CEO Minh Thai. “We’re committed to providing high-quality, customisable tours and are excited to offer new opportunities for partners to work with us to create unforgettable experiences for cyclists of all abilities.”

Tour operators and agents are invited to download the catalogue and contact the Mr Biker team for more information about custom tours, white-label opportunities, and logistics support, including bike and e-bike rentals and support vehicles, to enhance their own offerings.

About Mr. Biker Saigon
Founded by passionate cycling enthusiasts in 2016, Mr Biker Saigon is a premier cycling tour operator based in Ho Chi Minh City. It offers exceptional cycling experiences across Vietnam and Cambodia. With a focus on quality, safety, and local cultural immersion, Mr Biker Saigon provides tailored cycling tours for both leisure and adventure cyclists. It is known for its extensive fleet of traditional and e-bikes and expert in-house guides.

For more information, please visit https://www.mrbikersaigon.com/ or contact Quy Nguyen at [email protected]. 

EVA Air boosts flights to Bangkok

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 7 November 2024: Taipei-Bangkok is one of the busiest airline routes in Asia, and it will get busier when EVA Air adds four more weekly flights from January to March 2025.

According to websites monitoring advance airline timetables, the airline has scheduled 28 flights weekly between Taipei Taoyuan and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport using the 333-seat Boeing 777-300. That increases to 32 flights weekly with the addition of four flights weekly from 15 January to 29 March 2025 using an Airbus A330-300 with 309 seats.

EVA Air competes on the Bangkok route with China Airlines, which offers 28 weekly flights; THAI, 21 flights; Thai Vietjet, 21 flights; and Starlux, w14 flights. The additional four weekly Eva Air flights to Bangkok are identified in an advance timetable.

Flight schedule

Flight BR211 departs Taipei (TPE) at 0825 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 1135.
Flight BR212 departs Bangkok at 1250 and arrives in Taipei at 1720.

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