Here’s our weekly roundup of new air routes and codeshare partnerships
Vietjet plans direct US services as first Boeing 737-8 joins fleet
Vietjet is preparing to launch direct flights to the US, marking its first entry into the longhaul transpacific market.
The plan was announced during chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao’s visit to the New York Stock Exchange, where she also confirmed the airline’s intention to expand its international route network.
The announcement followed the delivery of Vietjet’s first Boeing 737-8 in Seattle under a 200-aircraft order with Boeing, valued at US$32 billion, the largest aviation contract between Vietnam and the US. The new aircraft are expected to support Vietjet’s fleet growth and enable services to North America.
Firefly to launch direct Kuala Lumpur-Krabi flights from November
Firefly will launch a new direct service from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 to Krabi from November 17, 2025, operating seven flights weekly.
The route complements its existing Penang-Phuket service, expanding connectivity for Malaysian travellers to Thailand’s popular leisure destinations.
Passengers can connect seamlessly from Malaysia Airlines flights at KLIA Terminal 1, with checked baggage through to their final destination.
Philippine Airlines introduces Cebu-Guam service
Philippine Airlines (PAL) will begin thrice-weekly nonstop flights between Cebu and Guam from December 16, 2025, operating every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Cebu, with return services on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
The route complements PAL’s existing Manila-Guam service and is operated with Airbus A321ceo aircraft. The new link strengthens Cebu’s role as an international gateway and provides direct access for travellers from Guam to the Visayas and Mindanao, while supporting regional tourism and economic exchange.
Cathay Pacific adds Hong Kong-Changsha flights
Cathay Pacific will launch non-stop flights between Hong Kong and Changsha from November 4, 2025, expanding the Cathay Group’s Chinese network to 24 destinations.
The flights will operate four times weekly from Hong Kong to Changsha on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, and three times weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, with return services from Changsha following the same pattern.
Services will be operated using Airbus A321neo aircraft with Business and Economy cabins.
