Category: General

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest General Retail news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • Usher in the Auspicious Year of the Golden Rooster with an Exclusive Promotion for Tourists

    Usher in the Auspicious Year of the Golden Rooster with an Exclusive Promotion for Tourists

    Chinese New Year is one of the best chances for traveling as this festival provides the week-long national holidays and a unique vibe of traditional and colorful festivities. As Chinese community in Thailand is one of the largest in the world, the capital city of Bangkok is lit up in colorful festive ambiance and known as one of the most attractive places to visit during this Chinese holiday. Come experience the Thai version of Chinese New Year celebration at “Siam Magnificent Chinese New Year 2017” to be arranged at Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery and bring home a hassle-free, enjoyable memory of a lifetime while enjoying exceptional offers available only at this a must-visit “One Siam” destination.

    BRING IN A GLIMPSE OF CHINATOWN

    Marking the grandest event for Chinese people and expressing the appreciation of Chinese art and culture, we bring in a glimpse of Bangkok’s Chinatown to the all-in-one-place shopping destination as follows:

    • Siam Paragon is set to host “The Marvelous Music Harmonizing Two Realms” between 26 – 29 January in order to demonstrate the good relationship between Thailand – China using music as the links between the two countries’ art & culture. On the opening ceremony, there will be for the very first time music performance by Guzheng & Erhu, traditional Chinese music instrumentals played by Master Li Yang; the Guzheng teacher of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak and Master Li Hui, together with traditional Thai music instrumentals played by Korphai Ensemble and the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (BSO) from 5.00 – 6.30 pm at Parc Paragon. Moreover, other interesting activities include the Chunlian and Duilian calligraphy (a form of auspicious greeting couplets expressing a prosperous year ahead), Chinese paper-cutting, traditional Chinese knotting, and Chinese auspicious painting are the highlights not to be missed at Hall of Fame, M Floor, Siam Paragon
    • Siam Center schedules to host “12 Lucky Shades 2017” exhibition updating 12 auspicious colors suitable for 12 zodiac signs by famous fortuneteller. By boosting more confidence in choosing the right clothing and accessories, the 4 renowned stylists will also give you helpful tips and tricks on how to mix and match your auspicious color with your style in the year of an energetic rooster. The exhibition will take place at 1st Floor, Siam Center from 26 January – 12 March 2017 with an opening ceremony and a Zodiac Sign Mini Fashion Show to be held on 26 January 2017 at 4.00 – 5.30 pm. Siam Center customers can also present their receipts to redeem for a Lucky Pouch with auspicious zodiac signs designed by Mr. Somnuek Klangnok (Kru Parn), a renowned Thai artist.
    • Siam Discovery introduces a “DIY Ceramic Bowl Screen Printing in Siam Discovery Style” workshop aiming to please customers with DIY favors. Those interested can choose their preferred bowl in 2 different sizes then have them screened with a lucky rooster pattern or an auspicious Chinese calligraphy text of their choice, making this DIY Ceramic bowl a limited, one-of-a-kind item in the world. The workshop will run from 26-31 January 2017 at Siam Discovery.

    CHINESE NEW YEAR SPECIAL FOR TOURISTS

    A trip can’t be completed without shopping, especially in Bangkok where shopping is a must activity. Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery offer unrivaled shopping experience suitable for travelers who love varieties and uniqueness. Dropping by this shopping landmark trio during the Chinese New Year 2017, holiday makers and souvenir hunters can rest assured that your splurge will worth every penny.

    Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery offer Tourist Privilege Card for tourists to shop across these three shopping centers with a discount from 5-20%. Tourists also enjoy a welcome package and a birthday privilege upon registration. The welcome package includes Thann Facial Sunscreen and Angbao vouchers valued more than 10,000 Baht from participating brands.

    Enjoy a lot of exclusive tourist offers from 23 January – 9 February 2017 including limited special gifts and promotions as follows:

    • NaRaYa Chinese New Year Collection when spending from 5,000 Baht
    • Thann Body Care Set and Siam Discovery Discount voucher when spending from 10,000 Baht

    Redemption points are available at Tourist Lounge, G floor of Siam Paragon and VIZ Counter, G floor of Siam Center and Siam Discovery.

    Additionally, keep your eyes peeled for a Golden Dragon Parade as they may approach you while shopping during 27-29 January 2017 with ranges of Angbaos, discounted vouchers and many more privilege cards to be enjoyed at more than 100 participating brands throughout Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery!

    DELIGHTFUL GASTRONOMIC JOURNEY

    After taking in these authentic cultural festivities, it is probably the perfect hour for a sumptuous meal. If you are thinking that Chinese New Year is all about a hearty meal with your loved ones, this shopping trio is the right destination to drop by especially during this Chinese New Year. Visa Card offers an exclusive privilege for its cardholders. Dine at participated restaurant using Visa Card and receive special discount and dishes.

    • Siam Paragon reinvents the whole new dining pleasure, with more than 30 globally-renowned restaurants and dessert outlets at The Gourmet Garden, G Floor.
    • Siam Discovery serves the need of Jamie Oliver’s fan anticipating a chance to try out his recipe by introducing the first restaurant of globally-renowned Jamie’s Italian in Thailand at Siam Discovery, G Floor. What’s more, experience the new dining excitement at My Kitchen on the 4th floor where 5 premium restaurants and a dessert outlet are ready to serve their signature dishes.
    • Siam Center offers limitless local and international dining selections at the Food Factory located on the 4th floor for people who love being among a bustling, vibrant surrounding while enjoying a wide variety of delicious food.

    As a must-visit “One Siam” destination, Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery welcome all travelers in the heart of Bangkok during this long holiday and all year round. If one visit is not enough to breathe in all these fulfilling excitements, the shopping landmark trio wholeheartedly welcome you back with a lot more adventures waiting out there.

  • AirAsia India to connect Srinagar, Bagdogra, Pune with Delhi

    AirAsia India to connect Srinagar, Bagdogra, Pune with Delhi

    No-frills carrier AirAsia India today announced the launch of its services to Srinagar and Bagdogra from the national capital, commencing next month.

    The Bengaluru-based airline would also start a direct flight on Delhi-Pune route.

    The launch of two new destinations and one new route is aimed at improving regional connectivity and increasing the airline’s footprint in the country, AirAsia India said in a release.

    The new services will be rolled out from February 19, it said.

    “AirAsia India is consistently growing and is on a rapid business expansion mode. We ended 2016 on a highly positive note and are delighted to continue the same momentum in 2017 with the launch of two new sectors and an additional route,” AirAsia India chief executive officer Amar Abrol said.

    With the launch of these services, AirAsia India would now fly to 13 destinations through its hubs –Bengaluru and New Delhi — covering Chandigarh, Jaipur, Guwahati, Imphal, Goa, Pune, Vizag, Kochi, Hyderabad, Srinagar and Bagdogra.

    The airline also announced special fares from as low as Rs 1,999 for the New Delhi-Srinagar flights and Rs 2,499 and Rs 2999 for Bagdogra and Pune flights from New Delhi.

    AirAsia as a group strongly believes in enhancing connectivity and making air travel affordable for all, Abrol said, adding Bagdogra and Srinagar are key sectors for the airline’s further growth in the domestic market.

  • UCWeb to invest R200 cr in India, Indonesia over 2 yrs

    UCWeb to invest R200 cr in India, Indonesia over 2 yrs

    UCWeb, part of Alibaba Mobile Business Group, plans to invest R200 crore over the next two years in India and Indonesia. The funds will primarily be used to make use of user-generated content in India via its news distribution and content platform, UC News.

    Jack Huang, president of overseas business, Alibaba Mobile Business Group said, “India is the most critical overseas market for UCWeb and this investment will help bring in the global mobile internet to an era of ‘GUF’ (Google, UCWeb, and Facebook).” UC News, a product of UCWeb Inc is a content distributor of trending and curated news content covering all kinds categories including news, cricket, technology, entertainment, movies, lifestyle, health, humor, etc.

    UCWeb plans to add more than 30,000 self-publishers, bloggers and key opinion leaders to its platform in 2017.

  • Cambodia’s new airline prepares to launch

    Cambodia’s new airline prepares to launch

    JC International Airlines expects to take delivery of its first aircraft in the coming weeks, ahead of the start of commercial operations from Phnom Penh in February 2017. The carrier has acquired two Airbus A320s from airberlin.

    Part-owned by China’s Yunnan Jingcheng Group, which also operates Kunming-based Ruili Airlines, JC International Airlines is planning to serve domestic and international routes to countries including Malaysia, Singapore and China.

    Cambodia was without an airline for several years until the launch of Cambodia Angkor Air in 2009. Since then a further four airlines have started operating in the country, including Apsara International Air, Bassaka Air, Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Sky Angkor Airlines.

    As such, JC International Airlines will become Cambodia’s sixth commercial airline.

  • Vietjet to list on HoSE

    Vietjet to list on HoSE

    HoSE has announced that it received full registration documents from Vietjet Air on January 16. The airline would conduct an initial public offering (IPO) worth $200 million at the end of 2016 with 44.7 million shares on offer at an IPO.

    The 44.7 million shares are equivalent to 14.9 per cent of its existing charter capital of $132 million and will earn it $200 million at a share price of VND84,400 ($3.8) for organizations and VND86,500 ($4) for individuals.

    The total capital raised from the IPO, Reuters noted, will be VND3.8 trillion ($170 million), which would consequently put its value at $1.2 billion.

    The airline’s CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao told local media recently that pre-tax profit reached $101.9 million in 2016, up 91.6 per cent. The airline expects net revenue to increase 30 per cent this year.

    In 2016 it placed orders for 100 Boeing 737 and 20 Airbus A321 aircraft. It posted year-on-year growth of 205 per cent in 2015, with revenue of VND10.9 trillion ($490.7 million), fulfilling its annual target.

    The budget carrier targeted transporting 15 million passengers in 2016 with an on time performance (OTP) rate of 85 per cent and growth of 60 per cent year-on-year. Its revenue was expected to double compared to the VND11 trillion ($484 million) recorded in 2015.

    The airline will continue to expand its domestic network and strengthen its international operations while improving service quality, especially its SkyBoss and in-flight services. It also aims to achieve a passenger satisfaction rate of 99 per cent and a return-customer rate of 95 per cent.

    Vietjet Air currently boasts a fleet of 40 aircraft, including A320s and A321s, and operates 350 flights each day. It has opened 53 routes in Vietnam and across the region to international destinations such as Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, China and Myanmar and has carried nearly 30 million passengers to date.

    Looking ahead, Vietjet plans to expand its network across the Asia-Pacific region and has signed agreements to purchase more brand-new modern aircraft.

  • Gazpromneft-Aero starts refuelling Thai Airways in Moscow under long-term contract

    Gazpromneft-Aero starts refuelling Thai Airways in Moscow under long-term contract

    Gazpromneft-Aero, the operator of Gazprom Neft’s aviation refuelling business, has entered into a new contract for refuelling scheduled flights of the Thai national carrier, Thai Airways, at Moscow Domodedovo Airport. Gazpromneft-Aero will supply aviation fuel for four weekly Thai Airways flights from Moscow to Bangkok. Total refuelling volumes will exceed 18,000 tonnes per year.

    Refuelling of the Thai Airways fleet will be carried out under an existing long-term agreement between Gazpromneft-Aero and Thai oil company PTT Public Company Limited. The agreement on collaboration, signed in 2012, envisages the reciprocal use of those airports at which both companies operate. The agreement provides for the refuelling of Gazpromneft-Aero’s Russian clients at Thai airports as well as the servicing of PTT clients at airports at which Gazpromneft-Aero has a presence, throughout Russia and CIS.

    Gazpromneft-Aero Director General Vladimir Egorov commented: “Gazpromneft-Aero is keen to develop partnerships with national aviation fuel suppliers throughout countries with high volumes of tourist traffic. Together with PTT we have put in place the most convenient and reliable refuelling processes possible for Russian and foreign airlines throughout those airports at which both companies operate. This new contract with Thai Airways demonstrates our partners’ confidence and the strengthening of our company’s position in the global aviation fuel supply market. The Thai national carrier’s flights from Moscow will provide our tourists with additional opportunities for connecting flights via Bangkok to resorts in Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines and Australia. We plan to further expand cooperation with Thai Airways, in the future.”

    Mr Songpon Thepnumsommanus, Vice President PTT, Aviation and Marine Marketing Department, added: “In working with Gazpromneft-Aero we have expanded our western market in aviation fuels. PTT is completely satisfied with Gazprom Neft’s international service standards in supplying aviation fuel for Thai Airways aircraft at Domodedovo. This agreement establishes a firm basis for further joint projects and initiatives.”

    Gazpromneft-Aero is a subsidiary of Gazprom Neft. The company has been providing aircraft refuelling services and selling aviation fuel at airports since January 1, 2008. Since December 2008, Gazpromneft-Aero has been a strategic partner of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in the field of aviation fuel supply. Gazpromneft-Aero is the leading aviation fuel supplier on the Russian market in terms of its retail sales. The company’s operational activities are fully compliant with the highest safety standards in fuelling operations — “Green”.

  • Capacity and demand grows on Asia routes from Spain

    Capacity and demand grows on Asia routes from Spain

    International outbound flights from Spain were up by 2.7% last year with the biggest increase seen from countries in Asia Pacific; a trend that looks like it will continue in 2017, says travel analyst ForwardKeys.

    Passengers to Asia Pacific destinations were up by 15.7% on the previous year with many countries seeing double-digit growth, including China (up 13%), Japan (+16%), India (+17%) and Vietnam (+32%). This is clearly good news for the dominant travel retailer at Spanish airports, Dufry (World Duty Free). 

    Much of the increase can be attributed to certain airlines dramatically increasing their capacity to the region (up 38%) in 2016.

    “The growth in capacity is partly due to the Chinese seeing Spain as a safe and attractive destination and as a result creating capacity on return flights, creating the opportunity for Spanish consumers to travel on new direct routes to Asia,” says the travel analyst.

    Growth started in the second half of last year helped by Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong – Madrid), Iberia (connecting Madrid with Shanghai and Tokyo) and China Eastern (Madrid –Shanghai). However, it is important to note that Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways dropped routes.

  • Hyundai Department Store plans CoEx duty-free outlet

    Hyundai Department Store plans CoEx duty-free outlet

    Hyundai Department Store Group plans to open a 14,005 sqm duty-free store in the CoEx Convention and Exhibition Center in Samseong-Dong, Seoul, late this year.

    Hyundai joined rivals Lotte Duty Free and Shinsegae in securing five-year licences last month to run downtown duty-free stores in Seoul. The SME licence went to TopCity, with Alpensia and Busan Duty Free winning licences for stores in Gangwon Province and Busan.

    Hyundai Duty Free merchandising manager Hyunjin Lee says CoEx attracts independent travellers who are willing to experience Korean culture (K-wave).

    “This place will grow into a worldwide landmark in a few years when there is a Hyundai Global Business Center, underground transit complex and the Jamsil Sports Complex extension,” says Lee.

    “We will provide a differentiated duty-free store with luxury boutiques and customer lounges.”

    A wide selection of luxury items and Korean cosmetic products will be offered, says Lee. “We also plan to develop Kangnam tourist attractions, co-operating with entertainment companies and local government.”

    A key element in Hyundai Duty Free’s licence proposal was agreeing to a memorandum of understanding with the government to invest in tourism infrastructure development plus a commitment to contribute US$50 million in social welfare funds.

  • AirAsia X enhances entertainment for Aussies

    AirAsia X enhances entertainment for Aussies

    Malaysian carrier AirAsia X has upgraded its in-flight entertainment option for Australian passengers.

    The new Xcite Inflight Entertainment tablet is a Huawei Mediapad 2, equipped with a 10.1″ HD widescreen display, Harman Kardon audio technology and headset.

    Guests travelling aboard AirAsia X (flight code D7) services to and from Australia can pre-book these devices for about $AU15 (RM49) or rent them on-board for about $18 (RM60).

    The new tablets support five languages (English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese) and the service is complimentary for all Premium Flatbed customers.

    AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail says device content will be regularly updated with the latest Hollywood blockbusters, as well as other international and local movies.

    Currently Xcite is showing X-Men: Apocalypse, The Maze Runner, 21 Days Under the Sky, Storks, The Drop and more. However, no television shows or series are available on the devices at this point.

    There’s also plenty of music, games and magazines to read, plus passengers can shop while they fly, as the AirAsia BIG Duty Free catalogue is also included.

    Previously, the airline offered Samsung Galaxy Tab devices for rental on all its Australian flights.

    AirAsia X flies out of Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, Darwin and Perth.

    Xcite Inflight Entertainment will not be available on flights to/from Auckland, Jeddah and Kathmandu.

  • Tax office to summon Google to clarify data on revenue

    Tax office to summon Google to clarify data on revenue

    Director General of Tax Ken Dwijugiasteadi gave an assurance on Wednesday that he would summon Google representatives to confirm data that it submitted regarding the companys revenue in Indonesia.

    “I have the data, so I will ask for their confirmation on whether the figures that they submitted are accurate,” said Dwijugiasteadi.

    He did not mention when the summons would be made, but the agenda for the meeting has been decided due to Googles history of tax avoidance. The authorities have requested for a copy of electronic data relating to revenues from advertisements.

    He also hoped that Google will respond to the summons so the process of paying income tax on their revenues, which had already been significantly delayed, can be completed quickly.

    Dwijugiasteadi said that every company that operate and collect revenues in Indonesia are obliged to meet their tax obligations and contribute appropriately by paying the correct taxes to the state.

    “Regulations must be met and my job is to enforce them accordingly. I do not threaten or use force,” he added.

    The head of the Jakarta regional office of the Directorate General of Tax, Muhammad Haniv, said that Google has yet to submit additional financial reports that they requested regarding revenue collected in Indonesia.

    “We cannot fully trust their statements as we are still waiting for further supporting documents. Their income from sources such as pay per click and other applications are yet to be accounted for,” he added.

    He further questioned Googles reluctance to be listed as a permanent company in Indonesia as the company is already operating many of its servers in the country.

    “They already have servers in Indonesia. That is the physical evidence. Being permanently established requires a physical presence,” said Haniv.

    According to the Directorate General of Tax, Google was registered as a legal entity in Indonesia at Tanah Abang Tax Office III in Central Jakarta as a foreign investment company in September 15, 2011 as subsidiary of Google Asia Pacific in Singapore.

    Based on Indonesian income tax law, Google must be declared as a permanent company and all its revenue or income within Indonesia must be taxed.

    However, Google has rejected further tax inspections from the authorities and it will not take the status of a permanent company, despite its revenue being in the trillions with the majority coming from advertisements.

  • Celebrate Chinese New Year with Festive Promotions at  Hong Kong International Airport

    Celebrate Chinese New Year with Festive Promotions at Hong Kong International Airport

    To welcome the Year of the Rooster, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is launching a series of Chinese New Year promotional activities and offers, including an instant rebate of HKIA cash coupon worth up to HK$15,600.

    Instant Rebate Promotion: From 20 January to 5 February 2017, travellers spending a specific amount by electronic payment at HKIA can redeem cash coupons worth up to HK$15,600. UnionPay cardholders, who make purchases with their cards, can enjoy additional rebates.

    Please refer to the following table for details:

    Spending by Electronic Payments of  

    HKIA Cash Coupons Redemption

    By UnionPay card

    HK$5,000

    HK$200

    Additional HK$50 HKIA Cash Coupon

    HK$20,000

    HK$1,200

    Additional HK$100 HKIA Cash Coupon

    HK$50,000

    HK$5,000

    Additional HK$200 HKIA Cash Coupon

    HK$150,000

    HK$15,000

    Additional HK$600 HKIA Cash Coupon

    Chinese New Year Promotions

    During Chinese New Year, shoppers can enjoy complimentary gift wrapping services at the Departures East Hall redemption counters in the restricted area (near Tiffany & Co.) and take red packets at redemption counters. To heighten the festive spirit, HKIA’s mascot will tour around the seasonally decorated airport in full Chinese New Year attire to meet and greet travellers and take snapshots with them. In addition, a lion dance extravaganza will be held on 1 February, featuring impressive lion dances and showcasing traditional Chinese culture and tradition.

  • Korea Grand Sale promises deals for travelers

    Korea Grand Sale promises deals for travelers

    Starting Friday, the Visit Korea Committee is holding another round of the “Korea Grand Sale,” one of the major sale events in Korea. The event is set to encourage those with foreign passports in Korea to get more discounts so that they can have a chance to buy more within their budget. The sale will last until Feb. 28, so those who haven’t planned a trip to Korea can hurry and book a ticket.

    Asiana Airlines will give an up to 60 percent discount on flights flying from and to cities in China and Europe, and Jeju Air will provide an up to 91 percent discount on flights to Korea from cities overseas.

    Lodging will be more affordable as hotels also offer discounts. Shilla Stay is giving out an up to 50 percent discount on its rooms and some of the first ones to make a reservation will get a free upgrade.

    Many retail companies, especially cosmetic brands, give out discounts on items that have been popular among foreigners. Lotte Mart, where foreigners often buy Korean snacks, will have a buy one get one free promotion.

    To entertain visitors even after all the shops are closed, many ski resorts in Korea will provide discounts on tickets for lifts and rental fees for necessary gear. For more detailed information about the discounts across Korea, go to www.koreagrandsale.co.kr/en/. Information on the website is available in English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean.

    Korean nationals looking to get some benefits during this foreigner-targeted sales event can recommend their favorite shopping items online and win a variety of gifts including a hotel voucher. Locals can go to www.vkc.or.kr and post items with the reasons why those are their favorites and must-buy items for visiting travelers until Friday. Non-Koreans can also participate by posting items on the website as well. The website will announce winners on Jan. 24.

  • Vietnam airport operator misses out on retail business opportunities

    Vietnam airport operator misses out on retail business opportunities

    Despite robust growth in passenger numbers, the state-owned Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), which operates the country’s civilian airports, generated only $81 million from non-aeronautical businesses such as airport retail in 2016, or 15 percent of the annual target.

    Industry experts said the airport operator’s revenue mainly comes from the aeronautical sector such as landing fees and passenger service charges. Meanwhile it hasn’t focused enough on non-aeronautical business, especially the airport retail business.

    The operator estimated its revenue from retail at $1 per passenger last year, far below the average of other airport operators in Asia that reached up to $12.

    Thailand’s AOT and Malaysia’s BHD raked in $4-5 per passenger last year.

    The ACV, which operates 22 civilian airports in Vietnam, recorded significant growth in passenger traffic in 2016 to an estimated 81 million, with Vietnam’s airline market developing at the third-fastest pace in the Asia-Pacific region.

    According to market research group Nielsen, Vietnam’s airline market will be fueled by the middle and affluent class which is forecast to rise from 12 million people in 2014 to 33 million by 2020.

    However, ACV revenue lags behind it’s Thai counterpart even after factoring differences in passenger traffic. As of the end of the third quarter of 2016, the ACV’s annual revenue was only equal to 40 percent of Thailand’s airport operator AOT while passenger traffic made up as much as 68 percent.

    The proportion of international arrivals at Vietnam’s airports is about 30 percent of total passenger traffic, compared to 58 percent in Thailand and 48 percent in Malaysia, while service charges on international travelers are higher than those for domestic passengers. That partly explains why the ACV is so far behind many of its competitors in the region in terms of revenue.

    Airports Corporation of Vietnam, which is currently valued at $1.2 billion, is one of Vietnam’s biggest state-owned enterprises.

    Last year, the ACV raised $51.6 million by selling a 3.47 percent stake in an initial public offering where foreigners snapped up 82 percent of the shares on offer.

    France’s Aeroports de Paris SA has emerged as the front-runner to buy a 20 percent stake in the Ho Chi Minh City-based company, according to the Transport Ministry. The deal is scheduled to take place in March.

  • Cebu Pacific suspends Manila-Laoag flights temporarily

    Cebu Pacific suspends Manila-Laoag flights temporarily

    Cebu Pacific, the country’s largest carrier, has temporarily suspended flights between the capital and the northern city of Laoag, a government spokesman said Monday.

    The company did not give a reason for its decision, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines spokesman Eric Apolonio told.

    Cebu Pacific did not immediately reply to requests for comment. Separate searches on the carrier’s website and mobile app showed no available flights between Manila and Laoag this week.

    “They (Cebu Pacific) advised CAAP that they are temporarily suspending flights. That’s their exact word. We don’t know the reason yet because it’s internal,” Apolonio said.

    Passenger traffic in the Manila-Laoag route reached 204,550 in 2015 and was poised to have risen slightly last year after traffic hit 109,550 in the first six months of 2016, before the peak holiday travel period, Apolonio said citing CAAP data.

    With Cebu Pacific suspending flights, the route will be left to Philippine Airlines and its low-cost unit PAL Express.

  • AirAsia launches Early Bird Sale with tickets starting at Rs 99

    AirAsia launches Early Bird Sale with tickets starting at Rs 99

    AirAsia has launched an Early Bird sale with the base fare of tickets to select domestic routes starting at Rs 99. International flights to select destinations start at a base fare of Rs 999.

    The sale, now underway, will go on till January 22, 2017, and you can book tickets for travel time between May 1 2017 and February 6, 2018.

    The sale will be applicable on direct flights from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, Goa and Kochi.

    While on international routes, the sale will be applicable on flights from Kochi, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Tiruchirappalli to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.

    AirAsia said airport taxes and other charges will be extra.