SINGAPORE, 27 November 2025: Emirates and OpenAI have entered into a strategic collaboration to advance AI adoption and innovation across the airline.
The collaboration will entail enterprise-wide deployment of ChatGPT Enterprise, supported by tailored AI literacy programmes, technical exploration, and executive strategic alignment designed to embed AI capabilities across the organisation.
Emirates Executive Vice President IT Ali Serdar Yakut said: “We see enormous potential for AI technology to support our business requirements, helping us tackle complex commercial challenges, strengthening our operations, and enhancing the customer experience. Closely working with OpenAI will make our technology investments both strategic and scalable, enabling us to deliver enhanced value to our employees and customers, fundamentally changing how we innovate, deliver value, and maintain our competitive edge in the industry.”
OpenAI Regional Director, MENA & Central Asia, Rod Solaimani said: “Emirates Group has laid out a bold vision for how AI can transform the future of aviation. With this collaboration, we’re proud to help them bring that vision to life – embedding intelligence across their operations, empowering teams with powerful new tools, and reimagining the travel experience for millions of customers.”
As part of their work together, Emirates and OpenAI will explore opportunities to introduce practical use cases, develop an internal AI champion network, and establish an AI Centre of Excellence.
This collaboration will identify key areas for enhancing and expanding AI capabilities across the organisation, covering critical skills, processes and technology needed to power Emirates into the next era.
Emirates stands to gain early access to cutting-edge AI research and emerging breakthroughs, as well as collaboration on government-led innovation projects and accelerators.
Additionally, Emirates and OpenAI will jointly run dedicated leadership sessions to explore practical applications, build sponsorship and advocacy for AI initiatives, and provide leaders with visibility into OpenAI’s product roadmap for long-term planning.
For more information on flights or to make a booking, visit www.emirates.com.
SINGAPORE, 27 November 2025: Four Seasons Yachts is preparing for its second Mediterranean season in 2027, unveiling 33 voyages and more than 40 new ports of call, including the introduction of Egypt to the destination list.
From March to November 2027, the season marks an evolution of the Mediterranean offering for Four Seasons Yachts, with no repeated itineraries from the inaugural year. Guests will venture to more than 40 new ports of call, including Portugal’s storied city of Lisbon and the refined coastal enclaves of Rimini, Zakynthos, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, while also returning to highlights of the 2026 season, such as the Greek Islands and the historic city of Athens.
Four Seasons Yachts’ 2027 Mediterranean season features 33 new voyages and more than 40 new destinations.
Three new voyages will feature Egypt, offering rare access to many sought-after sites. This includes two distinct seven-night voyages through the Eastern Mediterranean, along with a 14-night Grand Mediterranean journey that combines both itineraries for guests seeking a deeper and more immersive exploration. Each itinerary features strategic overnights, allowing travellers to venture further into Egypt and experience the Valley of the Kings, the Pyramids of Giza and the region’s most storied shores.
Shorter voyages
For 2027, Four Seasons Yachts expands its offering of five-night voyages, allowing guests to explore the Mediterranean’s most captivating regions more deeply throughout the journey. These shorter voyages combine marina days in clear-water anchorages with intimate harbour calls accessible only to vessels of this scale. Highlights of these itineraries include the Greek Isles featuring Santorini and Hydra; the Adriatic featuring Croatia; the Rivieras featuring Sardinia and Monte Carlo; the Rivieras featuring Saint-Tropez and Portofino; and the Greek Isles featuring Antiparos and Mykonos, each presenting a distinct expression of the Mediterranean’s varied coastal landscapes.
Expanded overnight stays and yacht-only harbours
Within the new collection of journeys, 27 ports will include overnight stays, offering unhurried access to destinations that reveal their character after dusk. Several of these overnight stays will be in new ports for Four Seasons Yachts, including Egypt, Casablanca, Morocco; Cadiz, Spain; Bodrum and Marmaris, Turkey; and Porto Cervo, Sardinia.
SINGAPORE, 27 November 2025: Tourism New Zealand invites travellers to experience a renewed sense of energy, purpose and connection through the country’s extraordinary landscapes and world-class active adventures.
With global demand for nature-led, wellness-driven travel at an all-time high, New Zealand stands out as the ultimate destination for Active Escapes – where every journey sparks discovery, and every trail leads to your best self.
Photo credit: Tourism New Zealand.
Across Aotearoa New Zealand, visitors can explore more than 1,555 walking and hiking tracks, 11 iconic Great Walks, and 23 Great Rides, weaving through wild coastlines, ancient forests, volcanic valleys, and alpine peaks. Whether joining a world-class running event, cycling through vineyards or taking a quiet morning walk, travellers can move at their own pace through landscapes rich with cultural heritage and natural wonder.
Global Trends, Local Magic
Travellers today increasingly seek destinations that offer meaningful, active and wellness-led experiences that blend challenge with restoration:
● 94% now weave wellness and activity into their journeys (Virtuoso Luxe Report 2024).
● 77% prioritise the right experience over cost, seeking “transformative, once-in-a-lifetime adventures” (Amex 2024).
● 60% plan trips around entertainment or sports – including running, cycling and walking (Amex 2025).
● 70% of Millennials & Gen Z view the journey itself – hiking, cycling, walking – as important as the destination (Travel Weekly 2025).
With its diverse trails, deep cultural stories and breathtaking scenery, New Zealand delivers the perfect combination of movement, nature and meaning.
Year-round world-class running events
New Zealand’s trails are designed for every traveller, from beginners and families to seasoned adventurers. Gentle coastal walks, lakeside loops and beginner-friendly cycling tracks offer accessible options for all ages. Moderate adventurers can enjoy half-day hikes, vineyard trails and forest paths. At the same time, experienced runners and hikers will find multi-day treks and technical trail races that offer unforgettable achievements in dramatic landscapes.
All tracks are well signposted and maintained, suitable for solo travellers, groups of friends or multi-generational families. Travellers can choose guided experiences to gain cultural and ecological insight, or embark on independent journeys at their own pace. In New Zealand, Active Escapes truly offer something for everyone – from families on a stroll to first-timers tackling their first 10km, or elite athletes chasing their next personal best.
New Zealand’s running calendar draws elite athletes, passionate beginners, and curious first-timers from around the world. The highlights include:
● Hawke’s Bay Marathon | 16 May 2026: Set in New Zealand’s renowned food and wine region, the ASICS Hawke’s Bay Marathon leads runners through vineyards, orchards, coastal paths and quiet country roads on a mostly flat, scenic course. With distances ranging from the full marathon to a kids’ dash, it offers options for all ages and abilities. The race culminates at the iconic Elephant Hill Estate & Winery, where the Finish Line Festival brings together live entertainment, local food and award-winning wines for a celebratory end to the day. Secure your spot at the Hawke’s Bay Marathon here and run through the heart of New Zealand’s food and wine country.
● Race Tekapo | 19 September 2026: Set in the heart of Lake Tekapo, this destination race offers stunning lake and mountain views, unique alpine courses and access to the famed International Dark Sky Reserve. With seven race distances, there’s something for every trail lover. Enjoy the vibrant race-day atmosphere, then unwind in local hot pools or explore the region’s snowy peaks for the perfect active escape. Discover the full Race Tekapo experience and register here today.
● First Light Marathon – Tairāwhiti Gisborne | January 2027: Be the first in the world to greet the sun at this truly one-of-a-kind coastal marathon. Held in Gisborne – the first city in the world to welcome the sunrise – the course traces Māori land, historic sites, rolling hills, celebrated chardonnay country and the stunning Pacific coastline. Deep Māori heritage and kōrero are woven throughout the experience, and runners are welcomed with warm Tairāwhiti hospitality. Stay tuned for updates on the First Light Marathon here to be part of this unforgettable sunrise experience.
These races are part of a thriving year-round calendar of active experiences, complemented by Great Walks, Great Rides, and hundreds of day hikes suitable for all fitness levels. Options range from guided tours that enrich journeys with cultural storytelling to independent adventures for travellers who prefer flexibility and self-paced exploration.
MANILA, 27 November 2025: Cebu Pacific has launched its A330neo flights to Bohol-Panglao International Airport, further enhancing connectivity to the island province.
The 459-seat aircraft operates daily between Manila and Bohol, allowing more Filipinos and international travellers to experience the island province’s natural attractions and wildlife.
Photo credits: Photo Bin and Panglao – Bohol Plane Spotter
To celebrate this milestone, the maiden A330neo flight was greeted with a water cannon salute upon landing at Bohol-Panglao International Airport, symbolising the beginning of a new chapter for CEB’s operations in the province.
Bohol Governor Erico “Aris” Aumentado welcomed the arrival of the A330neo in a ceremony held at the airport.
“The first A330neo flight marks a new chapter for Bohol Panglao International Airport,” said Aumentado. “This achievement strengthens our tourism, boosts our economy, and showcases what collaboration can accomplish.”
Currently, CEB operates A330neo flights to Cebu, Davao, General Santos, and Puerto Princesa, as well as several international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.
PENANG, 27 November 2025: TransNusa marked another significant milestone in its regional expansion strategy with the launch of its Jakarta–Penang service on Tuesday, further strengthening the airline’s presence in Southeast Asia.
The new service underscores TransNusa’s commitment to enhancing international connectivity while supporting rising travel demand between Indonesia and Malaysia.
Flights operate on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday using an A320.
Beginning 1 December, the airline will transition to daily flights, with plans to increase frequency in 2026 as part of its broader network growth roadmap.
TransNusa Group CEO Dato’ Bernard Francis said the launch of the Jakarta–Penang service is a strategic step aligned with the airline’s vision of expanding access to major regional hubs.
“Penang International Airport (PIA) is Malaysia’s second-busiest airport and provides access to more than 20 international and domestic destinations,” he said.
“It has become the strongest alternative to KLIA, offering robust long-term incentive structures that many secondary airports in the region do not yet provide. This made the Jakarta–Penang route not only viable but highly strategic for our network expansion.”
Penang becomes TransNusa’s third active route connecting Indonesia and Malaysia, following Jakarta–Kuala Lumpur. The airline’s growing presence in Malaysia reinforces its ambition to become a key player in the region’s travel segment.
With Visit Malaysia 2026 approaching, TransNusa continues to work with Tourism Malaysia to boost bilateral travel, including promotional activities, trade engagements, and connectivity support for industry stakeholders.
Flight details
TransNusa’s scheduled flight 8B633 departs Soekarno–Hatta International Airport at 0530 and arrives at Penang International Airport at 0900. The return service, 8B632, departs Penang at 0930 and lands in Jakarta at 1055.
Fares for TransNusa’s scheduled Penang–Jakarta route start from IDR1.199.000, MYR299, CNY520, USD75, AUD109, and SGD100.
ABU DHABI, 27 November 2025: Etihad Airways carried 2 million passengers in October 2025, a 28% increase compared with the same month last year.
Year-to-date, the airline has now carried 18.1 million passengers, representing 19% growth over the first 10 months of 2024. The airline maintained an 88% passenger load factor in October and year-to-date, demonstrating effective capacity management alongside rapid expansion.
Photo credit: Etihad.
Etihad’s operating fleet reached 120 aircraft by month-end, with a network comprising over 100 destinations, of which 96 were operated in the month.
Etihad Airways, Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said: “October’s exceptional 28% passenger growth accelerates the momentum we built through the first nine months of the year. With our fleet reaching 120 aircraft and a network of more than 100 destinations, we’re seeing the full impact of our strategic expansion. As we enter the final stretch of 2025, our operational performance and sustained high load factors give us confidence in delivering a landmark year for Etihad.”
HONG KONG, 27 November 2025: Cathay Group released its traffic figures for October 2025 on Wednesday, describing the performance as a solid growth month for passengers and cargo
Cathay Pacific and HK Express together carried more than 3.2 million passengers, 21% more than the previous month. Cathay Cargo carried over 150,000 tonnes of cargo in October, a 12% month-on-month increase.
Photo credit: Cathay Group.
Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau commented: “We are continuing to add more new destinations to our global network. In November, Cathay Pacific launched daily direct flights to Changsha and resumed Adelaide service with a thrice-weekly seasonal service, while HK Express will launch daily flights to Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) later in the month. As a Group, we will be operating around 330 return flights per week to the Chinese Mainland, close to 100 return flights per week to Oceania, and over 430 return flights per week to Southeast Asia during the winter peak season.”
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific carried 29% more passengers in October 2025 compared with October 2024, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 26%. In the first 10 months of 2025, passenger numbers increased by 27% compared with the same period in 2024.
She explained: “We saw strong travel demand during October. Early-month traffic was buoyed by multiple regional holidays, with the National Day ‘Golden Week’ and Mid-Autumn Festival driving significant leisure demand from the Chinese Mainland to Hong Kong and onward to global destinations. Later in the month, demand for our premium cabins was stimulated by major exhibitions in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland — including the Canton Fair, Electronics Fair and China Toy Fair — which attracted inbound traffic from various long-haul markets. The robust leisure and business travel demand contributed to a load factor of 86% across our network, the highest for October in recent years.
“Looking ahead, bookings for the Christmas travel peak remain strong. We anticipate significant inbound traffic among those visiting friends and relatives from North America, the United Kingdom and other destinations in Europe.”
Cathay Cargo
Cathay Cargo carried 6% more cargo in October 2025 than in October 2024, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 8%. In the first 10 months of 2025, the total tonnage increased by 10% compared with the same period in 2024.
HK Express
HK Express carried more than 680,000 passengers in October 2025, an increase of 32% year on year, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) grew by 34%. In the first 10 months of 2025, passenger numbers increased by 31% compared with the same period in 2024.
Lavinia noted: “Boosted by strong demand during the National Day holiday, HK Express’s passenger volumes in October almost caught up with capacity growth, with overall load factor just slightly below that of October 2024. Looking ahead, while this trend is expected to continue as bookings remain encouraging, the airline will continue to closely monitor the travel demand to Japan and focus on stimulating demand across its network.”
BANGKOK, 26 November 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, and NUO International Hotel Management Co Ltd recently signed a strategic Letter of Agreement to collaborate on brand development and international expansion.
This landmark partnership represents a powerful alliance between two leading hospitality brands and a meaningful exchange between “Chinese Service” and “Thai Hospitality,” aimed at delivering exceptional experiences to global travellers.
The signing ceremony, held at NUO Hotel Beijing, was attended by senior executives from both organisations, including Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts, Michael Henssler, Chief Operating Officer, alongside Jack Xia, Managing Director – Centara China, Tyrone Tang Ming, General Manager of NUO International, Mr. Andy Xu Jia, Deputy General Manager, and Yuki Qu Jing, Vice President of Marketing.
The partnership introduces an innovative two-way brand licensing approach that leverages resource sharing and complementary strengths. NUO International will bring its heritage-rich brands, such as “Jianguo” and “Brilliant”, to Thailand and Southeast Asia. At the same time, Centara will introduce its acclaimed brands, including ‘Centara’ and ‘Centara Grand’, along with their signature Thai-style service, to mainland China.
This cross-regional brand exchange will infuse both portfolios with cultural diversity and vitality, creating a model for integration and growth in the Asian hospitality sector.
Comprehensive collaboration
To ensure seamless implementation and long-term success, both parties will collaborate across multiple dimensions, including brand licensing, joint marketing, operational management, and professional knowledge exchange. Key initiatives include:
Joint Marketing & Brand Building: Coordinated campaigns to enhance brand visibility and influence in target markets.
Operational Excellence & Talent Development: Establishing regular communication mechanisms and sharing best practices in hotel operations, service standards, quality management, and training.
Looking ahead, NUO International and Centara will continue to explore new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation, reinforcing their commitment to innovation and quality.
New chapter in global hospitality
This alliance underscores NUO International’s mission to promote cultural exchange and deliver diverse, high-quality accommodation options to travellers worldwide. By showcasing Chinese hospitality on the global stage and embracing Thai warmth and charm, the partnership contributes to the sustainable growth of the international hotel industry.
DUBAI, 26 November 2025: Emirates and Air Canada have signalled a commitment to extend their strategic partnership, building on the success of a three-year-old agreement between two of the world’s leading airlines.
Since launching their strategic partnership in 2022, the airlines have already served more than 550,000 customers, connecting travellers across 56 codeshare routes linking Canada, the US, Dubai and key destinations around the globe. The carriers have signed a memorandum of understanding to extend the reciprocal codeshare and loyalty partnership until 31 December 2032.
The renewed agreement will deepen their cooperation, lead to enhanced services for customers and cargo shippers, and create the potential for new gateways within Canada in the codeshare network.
“Air Canada’s partnership with Emirates has been highly successful, and we are proud to renew it early, expanding its scope and extending its duration through 2032. This agreement strengthens our international strategy by supporting our year-round, daily service between Toronto and Dubai and providing customers and shippers with seamless connections to destinations across the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
“Renewing this partnership is great news, not just for our customers – many of whom have family, cultural or business ties to these regions – but also for Canada, as it enhances our ability to connect the country to the world amid evolving trade and travel patterns,” said Air Canada Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer and President, Cargo Mark Galardo.
Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim noted: “Our strategic partnership with Air Canada has delivered exceptional results, and we are pleased to extend this collaboration through 2032. This agreement strengthens our passenger and cargo capabilities, enabling us to enhance customer experiences on codeshare flights while expanding network connectivity for travellers across both markets.
“Beyond passenger services, we recognise the vital role air connectivity plays in fostering economic growth. Since establishing our codeshare partnership in 2022, we have witnessed consistent trade expansion between the UAE and Canada. Through enhanced cargo cooperation, we remain committed to facilitating commerce and contributing to the continued prosperity of both economies. We believe this partnership will catalyse strengthening our footprint in Canada and unlocking new growth opportunities.”
The enhanced partnership between Emirates and Air Canada is poised to strengthen tourism and trade between the two countries significantly. The collaboration will increase passenger choice and enable expanded cargo cooperation, facilitating bi-directional cargo flow between the Americas, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. Both airlines are also exploring a potential joint venture focused on cargo operations to support the efficient movement of commodities globally.
The extended agreement will enhance the customer experience by improving priority benefits for eligible passengers and by coordinating operations between both airlines, including ensuring a seamless transition of operations to Dubai World Central – Maktoum International Airport (DWC) (expected after 2032). Since its inception, the partnership has grown consistently, with the codeshare network expanding to 56 routes connecting Emirates customers to 37 destinations across Canada and the US — Air Canada-operated services from Toronto to Minneapolis, Montréal to Calgary, and Vancouver to Los Angeles. Air Canada also places its code on 19 routes operated by Emirates to the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. In addition to flights under the codeshare agreement, Emirates and Air Canada’s interline partnership also provides customers with access to over 225 destinations worldwide.
Since the initial agreement in November 2022, Air Canada relocated its Dubai operation to Dubai International’s flagship Terminal 3. The co-location of operations in one of the world’s premier terminals has significantly enhanced the connection experience. It provides eligible Air Canada customers access to Emirates’ signature Business Class Lounges and other hub facilities in Dubai before their flight. The two airlines also offer joint loyalty program benefits to frequent flyer members. Aeroplan Members can benefit from earning and redeeming points on all flights operated by Emirates — with access to more than 140 destinations across six continents — via the airline’s home and hub, Dubai. Emirates Skywards members can earn and redeem miles on all flights operated by Air Canada, accessing a network of more than 220 destinations worldwide.
For more information on flights or to make a booking, visit: www.emirates.com.
SINGAPORE, 26 November 2025: Lufthansa will celebrate a significant anniversary in 2026: 100 years since the founding of the first Lufthansa in 1926.
To mark this special occasion, the crane airline is taking off with an “anniversary fleet” that combines tradition and innovation in an impressive new design.
The most important sub-fleets of Lufthansa will receive their own special livery in the iconic 100-year look: the blue fuselage will be adorned with a white crane whose flight feathers merge into the aircraft’s wings. In addition to the crane, a “100” is integrated on the left side of the fuselage and the lettering “1926 / 2026” on the right side. A “100” will also be visible on the underside of the aircraft.
The anniversary fleet will be led by the brand-new Boeing 787-9 “Berlin,” registration D-ABPU, which is expected in Frankfurt in December. An Airbus A380, an Airbus A350-1000, an Airbus A350-900, an Airbus A320, and a Boeing 747-8 will also be painted in the anniversary livery.
The aircraft will gradually be given the new design, and the anniversary fleet is expected to be complete by Autumn 2026.
