Asia/Singapore Sunday, 5th April 2026
Page 24

Aviation roundup: Philippine Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines and more

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Philippine Airlines and Southwest Airlines

Philippine Airlines, Southwest to broaden transpacific travel options
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has partnered with Southwest Airlines to offer single-ticket journeys for transoceanic travellers. The new interline itineraries are now available through Philippine Airlines and third-party booking sites.

The collaboration provides access between Southwest’s US network and PAL’s routes across the Philippines, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, via shared gateway airports in Los Angeles, Seattle/Tacoma, San Francisco, and Honolulu, where Southwest operates frequent inter-island flights.

Hong Kong Airlines and Etihad expand codeshare partnership

Hong Kong Airlines, Etihad relaunch codeshare partnership
Hong Kong Airlines and Etihad Airways have relaunched their codeshare partnership and signed their first loyalty programme reciprocity agreement, expanding travel options between Asia, the Middle East and beyond.

The inaugural codeshare flight between Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong took off on November 3. Under the arrangement, Hong Kong Airlines flights to Japan, including Fukuoka, Sapporo, Okinawa and Osaka, are included in the codeshare, while Etihad operates flights between Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong as part of the partnership.

The reciprocal loyalty programme will allow members of both airlines to earn and redeem miles across each other’s networks, enhancing convenience and rewards for business and leisure travellers. The renewed partnership also strengthens commercial ties and supports growing travel demand between the Gulf region and major Asian cities.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific returns to Adelaide with seasonal flights
Cathay Pacific has resumed flights to Adelaide with the launch of a thrice-weekly seasonal service connecting Hong Kong and the South Australian capital. The first flight departed Hong Kong International Airport just before midnight on November 11 and arrived in Adelaide the next morning.

The service restores a direct link between the two cities, supporting travel, trade and cultural exchange between Asia and Australia. Travellers fly on Cathay Pacific’s Airbus A350-900, which offers fully flat beds in Business, spacious Premium Economy seats and Economy cabin comfort. In-flight entertainment is available throughout, with menus developed in collaboration with Michelin-starred Hong Kong restaurants.

Wi-Fi connectivity is offered across the fleet, currently complimentary for Business class passengers and Cathay Diamond members, with roll-out to Gold and Premium Economy passengers scheduled later in 2025.

Turkish Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines

Turkish Airlines expands codeshare with Hong Kong Airlines
Turkish Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines have expanded their codeshare partnership, strengthening both airlines’ international networks and offering passengers greater flexibility and convenience.

The enhanced collaboration now includes Hong Kong Airlines’ services to Australia, providing seamless access to Sydney and Melbourne via Hong Kong for a smoother one-stop travel experience. Passengers can also enjoy improved connectivity between Hong Kong and key destinations in Asia, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Bangkok, through the extended partnership.

IHG partners to boost hospitality careers in India

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IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has partnered with The Job Plus and the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) to provide skills training and career opportunities for young people from underserved communities in India.

The long-term initiative aims to strengthen youth employability in the hospitality sector.

Jain: we remain focused on creating shared value – for our people, our partners, and the communities we serve

Aligned with its Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan, IHG is addressing the industry’s growing skill gap, where many trained workers are leaving the sector, by supporting economic and social change through training and innovation. With IHG’s educational sponsorship, participants will have the chance to build careers that offer financial independence and choice rather than roles dictated by circumstance.

The Job Plus will oversee on-ground implementation by leveraging its expertise in skilling and employment across India’s hospitality sector, while THSC will assess and certify all participants under nationally recognised standards.

Sudeep Jain, managing director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “This partnership reflects our commitment to nurturing local talent, bridging the industry’s skill gap, and enabling young people from diverse backgrounds to build meaningful careers in hospitality. As we continue to grow in India, we remain focused on creating shared value – for our people, our partners, and the communities we serve, guided by our purpose of True Hospitality for Good.”

“Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen the industry’s talent pipeline, align skilling with global hospitality standards, and create long-term, dignified career pathways for young individuals across India,” stated Divya Krishan, chief growth officer, The Job Plus.

THSC CEO Rajan Bahadur added: “At THSC, we believe true progress comes from empowering individuals through skills. This initiative is a step towards creating equitable opportunities, enabling youth to become confident professionals who strengthen the hospitality ecosystem.”

New hotels: Anantara Hua Hin Resort, Thompson Shanghai Expo and more

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Anantara Hua Hin Resort

Anantara Hua Hin Resort, Thailand
Anantara Hua Hin Resort has completed extensive renovations ahead of its 25th anniversary, updating its 171 rooms and suites while retaining its traditional Thai village design. Room categories include Garden View Rooms, Pool Access Rooms, Deluxe Rooms with spacious balconies, and Two-Bedroom Family Suites and Pool Suites.

Facilities feature a refreshed main pool, adults-only lagoon pool, expanded Active Zone with CrossFit and sports options, a new kids’ club, and an interactive Mini Farm. Dining options include Sea. Fire. Salt., Rim Nam for Thai cuisine, and Issara Café.

The resort offers direct beach access and is set close to Hua Hin’s key attractions.

Thompson Shanghai Expo

Thompson Shanghai Expo, China
Thompson Shanghai Expo, the first Thompson Hotels property in Asia-Pacific, is located in Shanghai’s World Expo district, close to the Mercedes-Benz Arena, China Art Museum and Expo Culture Park.

The hotel offers 254 rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Huangpu River or city. Dining options include Fishermen’s Pavilion for regional Chinese cuisine, BAOBAO Lounge with steamed delicacies and light bites, and rooftop bar TOTS with Italian and Asian tapas. Facilities include eight event venues, rooftop views, and easy access to cultural, shopping and transport hubs.

SureStay Plus by Best Western T Pattaya

SureStay Plus by Best Western T Pattaya, Thailand
SureStay Plus by Best Western T Pattaya, the first SureStay Hotels property in the city, is located close to Pattaya’s downtown attractions. The 95-room hotel features a restaurant, rooftop infinity pool, fitness centre and rooftop bar with panoramic views.

The property is two hours from Bangkok and near Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya international airports. Guests are within walking distance of restaurants, bars, shopping and nightlife, with beaches, golf courses, water parks and gardens nearby.

KiN Hotel Hai Ba Trung

KiN Hotel Hai Ba Trung, Vietnam
KiN Hotel Hai Ba Trung, a 10-storey property in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, is located near Notre Dame Cathedral and Diamond Plaza. The hotel offers rooms and suites with blackout curtains, freestanding bathtubs in select suites, minibars, premium toiletries and quiet work areas.

Facilities include a business lounge with local snacks and coffee, and Kudochi Onsen, a Japanese-style bathing experience with private mineral-water rooms.

Malaysia Aviation Group welcomes new president and group CEO

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Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has appointed Nasaruddin A Bakar as president and group chief executive officer, effective February 1, 2026. He succeeds Izham Ismail, who will retire as group managing director after more than four decades with the company.

Nasaruddin brings over 30 years of experience in flight operations, management, and strategic leadership within MAG. He most recently served as chief operating officer of Malaysia Airlines, where he led key transformation initiatives including the turnaround of MASwings in 2022 and the roll-out of profit-driven structures under MAG’s Long-Term Business Plan 2.0.

In his new role, Nasaruddin will lead the execution of MAG’s strategic priorities, focusing on operational excellence, customer experience, and sustainable growth across its airline and non-airline businesses as the group advances its LTBP3.0.

His appointment ensures continuity in leadership and supports MAG’s commitment to building a future-ready aviation group, backed by a strong management team across its three profit centres: Airline Business, Loyalty and Travel Services, and Aviation Services.

Christoph Dueker leads as cluster GM for Anantara and Avani Kalutara

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Minor Hotels has appointed Christoph Dueker as cluster general manager for Anantara Kalutara Resort and Avani Kalutara Resort.

Dueker brings over 20 years of international hospitality experience, most recently serving in senior roles with Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. His career includes leadership positions at Four Seasons, Park Hyatt, and Shangri-La across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

In his new role, Dueker will oversee operations at both Kalutara resorts, focusing on enhancing their distinct identities and deepening their connection to the destination.

Abu Dhabi unveils advanced air mobility network

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Abu Dhabi has launched the first vertiport network to support advanced air mobility across the emirate, offering a new way for travellers to move between key urban, business and tourism hubs.

The initiative, led by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), and Abu Dhabi Airports, is part of the emirate’s push to integrate sustainable and low-emission transport solutions.

The initiative integrates next-generation air mobility into the city’s transport system, linking airports, islands, and business districts

The network will include more than 10 vertiports, with Zayed International Airport and Al Bateen Executive Airport confirmed as key locations, connecting destinations such as Yas Island, Saadiyat and Abu Dhabi Island. Each vertiport will link with existing ground transport systems, providing seamless connections for passengers.

The vertiport network positions Abu Dhabi as a global pioneer in advanced urban mobility, offering travellers faster, cleaner and more efficient access across the emirate’s key destinations.

“This strategic initiative places Abu Dhabi at the forefront of next-generation mobility, exemplifying the power of partnerships between government and the private sector,” shared Badr Al-Olama, director-general of ADIO. “The launch of Abu Dhabi’s vertiport network marks a strategic step forward in building a future-ready transport system that integrates advanced air mobility solutions.”

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director-general of the GCAA, added: “What we are witnessing today marks the beginning of a new era, reflecting a qualitative leap in aviation infrastructure and reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to leading the global shift towards smarter and more sustainable mobility.”

Elena Sorlini, managing director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “As the anchor delivery partner, Abu Dhabi Airports will be critical in shaping the infrastructure, operations and commercial readiness of advanced air mobility in the emirate… (cementing) Abu Dhabi’s position at the forefront of advanced air mobility.”

Oceania Cruises brings winter to the Mediterranean

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Oceania Cruises is offering its first full winter season of Mediterranean sailings aboard Oceania Allura in 2027-28, inviting travellers to explore Europe’s destinations at a slower pace.

The 17 itineraries, ranging from nine to 26 days, cover ports from Barcelona in the west to Istanbul in the east, combining cultural highlights with seasonal experiences such as Christmas markets, artisan bazaars, and local culinary offerings.

Oceania Allura explores the Mediterranean, including a scenic winter sail through Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor; photo by Oceania Cruises

Guests can explore historic cities, stroll cobbled streets, and enjoy the quieter side of the Mediterranean. In Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, limestone cliffs surround the medieval old town, while Cagliari in Sardinia offers coastal charm with cooler sunlit beaches. Onboard, travellers can join cooking classes, art workshops, or digital skills sessions in the LYNC Digital Center.

Highlights include a 10-day voyage from Trieste to Barcelona departing November 7, 2027, which visits Koper, Dubrovnik, Greek islands, Athens and Catania, and a 14-day sailing from Barcelona to Rome departing December 20, 2027, passing through Valencia, Casablanca and Tangier. A nine-day Istanbul to Rome voyage departing February 19, 2028, begins with an overnight in Istanbul and visits Greek ports before tracing the Italian coastline to Rome.

Other itineraries range from nine to 26 days, connecting Athens, Rome, Barcelona, Istanbul and beyond, with opportunities for extended stays in port, overnight calls and immersive local experiences.

For more information, visit Oceania Cruises.

Sri Lankan hotels launch own tourism campaign

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Sri Lankan hotels, frustrated by the prolonged delay in a national tourism branding campaign, have jointly launched their own digital marketing initiative targeting travellers from the Middle East and East Asia.

The campaign, which began end October, is aimed at attracting visitors from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Sri Lanka’s private sector drives new digital push to attract travellers from the Middle East and East Asia

According to Dmitri Cooray, managing director at Jetwing Hotels, the initiative targets high-spending travellers from shorthaul destinations and markets with year-round outbound travel, unlike Western markets where travel is largely seasonal.

The Truly Sri Lanka digital destination campaign is led by The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL). Launching the campaign, THASL President M Shanthikumar said the private sector initiative “goes a long way in promoting Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism prospects to the markets that come under this programme”.

Krishan Balendra, chairman of Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, shared: “This small value campaign is something better than nothing as the authorities are taking a long time to launch a campaign to attract tourists to a country that has won a lot of accolades in recent times from the global leisure industry.”

The three- to six-month campaign, initially supported by 60 of THASL’s 300 member hotels, is expected to attract more participants as it gains momentum. The current investment in the campaign totals 25 million rupees (US$82,000).

Hilton names new SVP for brand management Asia Pacific

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Hilton has appointed Tal Shefer as senior vice president of brand management, Asia Pacific, overseeing the company’s brand strategy across the region.

He will lead growth across Hilton’s portfolio, including its expansion in the luxury and lifestyle segment from over 160 to more than 250 trading properties in the coming years.

Shefer brings more than 20 years of experience in hotel management and brand operations, having held leadership roles across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Most recently, he was vice president of brand operations, EMEA, where he managed hotel openings and transitions, established a hotel openings structure, and oversaw the onboarding of over 500 Small Luxury Hotels of the World properties globally.

Aviation roundup: Xiamen Airlines, Emirates and more

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Xiamen Airlines touched down in Kuala Lumpur on its first flight from Quanzhou.

Xiamen Airlines debuts Quanzhou-Kuala Lumpur service
Tourism Malaysia has welcomed the launch of Xiamen Airlines’ inaugural direct flight connecting Quanzhou and Kuala Lumpur. The route operates four times a week with a Boeing 737, accommodating 169 passengers per flight, with eight in business class and 161 in economy.

The new service strengthens air connectivity between Malaysia and southern China, supporting tourism, trade and cultural exchange. The route offers Chinese travellers convenient access to Malaysia’s urban destinations, islands, culinary offerings and heritage towns, complementing the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

Emirates

Emirates increases Egypt connectivity
Emirates will add six weekly frequencies on its Dubai–Cairo route from December 1, 2025, to meet rising demand during the peak winter season. The schedule is designed to maximise connections with the airline’s global network.

From February 1, 2026, the service will operate daily, complementing the existing four daily flights. Operated by a Boeing 777, the route offers seamless connections to key destinations in Asia, including Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

Cairo remains a key market for Emirates and currently hosts the highest A380 deployment in the Middle East and North Africa outside Dubai. The fifth daily flight will make it the airline’s most served African city.

Hong Kong Airlines

Hong Kong Airlines resumes Hanoi flights
Hong Kong Airlines will restart its daily direct service between Hong Kong and Hanoi, Vietnam, on December 19, 2025.

The route reinforces the airline’s connectivity across South-east Asia and its commitment to the Belt and Road region by facilitating trade and cultural exchange. It will also enhance onward connections through Hong Kong to destinations including Vancouver, Sydney, and Melbourne, supporting the city’s position as a key international aviation hub.

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand launches Christchurch-Adelaide route
Air New Zealand has launched its first Christchurch-Adelaide service, marking a new milestone in its trans-Tasman network. The inaugural flight departed Christchurch on October 27, linking New Zealand’s South Island directly with South Australia for the first time.

The seasonal service operates twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays until March 27, 2026, offering around 15,000 seats across the season. Operated by an Airbus narrowbody aircraft, the route provides South Island travellers with greater convenience when flying to Australia while opening opportunities for more Australian visitors to explore the South Island’s key destinations.